Post-weaning Pigs Research Articles

Influenza A virus shedding and reinfection during the post-weaning period in swine: longitudinal study of two nurseries

IntroductionInfluenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) is common in the United States commercial swine population and has the potential for zoonotic transmission.ObjectiveTo elucidate influenza shedding the domestic pig population, we evaluated two commercial swine farms in Illinois, United States, for 7 weeks. Farm 1 had a recent IAV-S outbreak. Farm 2 has had IAV-S circulating for several years.MethodsForty post-weaning pigs on Farm 1 and 51 pigs from Farm 2 were individually monitored and sampled by nasal swabs for 7 weeks.ResultsRT-PCR results over time showed most piglets shed in the first 2 weeks post weaning, with 91.2% shedding in week one, and 36.3% in week two. No difference in the number of pigs shedding was found between the two nurseries. Reinfection events did differ between the farms, with 30% of piglets on Farm 1 becoming reinfected, compared to 7.8% on Farm 2. In addition, whole genome sequencing of nasal swab samples from each farm showed identical viruses circulating between the initial infection and the reinfection periods. Sequencing also allowed for nucleic and amino acid mutation analysis in the circulating viruses, as well the identification of a potential reverse zoonosis event. We saw antigenic site mutations arising in some pigs and MxA resistance genes in almost all samples.ConclusionThis study provided information on IAV-S circulation in nurseries to aid producers and veterinarians to screen appropriately for IAV-S, determine the duration of IAV-S shedding, and predict the occurrence of reinfection in the nursery period.

Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 and Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 as antibiotic alternatives for gut health in post-weaning pigs.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a novel probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus RC007 used alone and convined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009, as in-feed additives to substitute the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics, and evaluate the different structural characteristics of intestinal bacterial populations between groups, correlated with pig production performance. The in vivo study was conducted on post-weaning pigs, from 21 to 56 days-old. Three dietary treatments were included: T1- basal diet (BD - Control group); T2- BD with P. pentosaceus RC007; and T3- BD with a mix of P. pentosaceus RC007 and S. boulardii RC009. The weight gain increase of pigs consuming non-therapeutic antibiotics was similar to those that did not consume antibiotics during the study (p=0.0234), but had better health indicators. The use of a probiotic combination increased carcass weight and significantly reduced the lumbar fat thickness. In terms of taxonomic composition, there was a tendency to modify the abundance of Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae in pigs that consumed the additives. The genus Butyricicoccus, Collinsella and Ruminococcus tended to be more abundant in the microbiota of pigs at T3. For the first time, the results of the present study indicate that P. pentosaceus RC007 and S. boulardii RC009, a probiotic combination, could be a good substitute for antibiotics in improving pig production performance, while also contributing to a healthier gut microbiota, especially with the reduced abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria.

Isolation and evaluation of the pathogenicity of a hybrid shiga toxin-producing and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in pigs.

Porcine pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), the globally recognized important pathogen, causes significant economic loss in the field. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) causes porcine neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), frequently carrying F4 adhesin, F18 adhesin, Heat-Stable toxin (ST), and Heat-Labile toxin (LT). Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) produces F18 adhesin and Shiga toxin type 2e (stx2e), majorly leading to systemic endothelial cell damage and edema disease. In this study, hemolytic pathogenic hybrid STEC/ETEC strains carrying ST and LT genes of ETEC and the Stx2e gene of STEC isolated from pigs with PWD in Taiwan were identified. The pathogenicity of a Taiwan hybrid STEC/ETEC strain was evaluated by oral inoculation in post-weaning pigs. Next generation sequencing and multilocus sequence typing of two hybrid Taiwan porcine STEC/ETEC isolates indicated that these two isolates were closely related to the ST88 porcine hybrid STEC/ETEC isolated from pigs with watery diarrhea. Furthermore, the two hybrid Taiwan porcine STEC/ETEC isolates also displayed combinations of multiple resistance genes encoding mechanisms for target modification and antibiotic inactivation. Animal experiments confirmed that the Taiwan hybrid STEC/ETEC could cause watery diarrhea in post-weaning pigs with no signs of edema disease and minimal histopathological lesions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first study demonstrating intestinal pathogenicity of the hybrid STEC/ETEC in pigs. The result suggests that the hybrid STEC/ETEC should be considered as a new emerging pathogen and a new target for vaccine development.

Silver and Copper Nanoparticles Hosted by Carboxymethyl Cellulose Reduce the Infective Effects of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli:F4 on Porcine Intestinal Enterocyte IPEC-J2.

Zero-valent copper and silver metals (Ms) nanoparticles (NPs) supported on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were synthesized for treating Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli fimbriae 4 (ETEC:F4), a major cause of diarrhea in post-weaned pigs. The antibacterial properties of Cu0/CMC and Ag0/CMC were assessed on infected porcine intestinal enterocyte IPEC-J2, an in vitro model mimicking the small intestine. The lower average particle size (218 nm) and polydispersity index [PDI]: 0.25) for Ag0/CMC, when compared with those of Cu0/CMC (367 nm and PDI 0.96), were explained by stronger Ag0/CMC interactions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ag0/CMC were lower in both bacteria and IPEC-J2 cells than those of Cu0/CMC, confirming that silver nanoparticles are more bactericidal than copper counterparts. IPEC-J2, less sensitive in MNP/CMC treatment, was used to further investigate the infective process by ETEC:F4. The IC50 of MNP/CMC increased significantly when infected IPEC-J2 cells and ETEC were co-treated, showing an inhibition of the cytotoxicity effect of ETEC:F4 infection and protection of treated IPEC-J2. Thus, it appears that metal insertion in CMC induces an inhibiting effect on ETEC:F4 growth and that MNP/CMC dispersion governs the enhancement of this effect. These results open promising prospects for metal-loaded biopolymers for preventing and treating swine diarrhea.

PSVII-26 Metaproteomic assessment of pre- and post-weaned pigs reveals the microbial protein dynamics involved in amino acid biosynthesis

PSVII-26 Metaproteomic assessment of pre- and post-weaned pigs reveals the microbial protein dynamics involved in amino acid biosynthesis

Dynamic distribution of gut microbiota-metabolites during post-weaning longissimus dorsi muscle development in Ningxiang pigs.

Ningxiang pigs (NXPs) have a strong ability to deposit fat and intramuscular fat (IMF). However, microbiota-metabolite development and the role in IMF deposition have been rarely reported. Here, we compared the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles and IMF content at 30, 70, 150, 200, and 250 days of age of NXPs. The results revealed that the IMF content in NXPs increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the pigs' age extended. Additionally, the C14:0 content in the longissimus dorsi muscle at 30 and 70 days of age was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that at 150 and 200 days of age. The Shannon index and ACE index showed a pattern of initially increasing and then decreasing. LEfSe analysis revealed that 41 differential bacteria at the genus level were specific to different growth stages, indicating the dominant bacteria's dynamic changes in the NXPs during different stages of age. Furthermore, we found that there were significant differences in cecal metabolism, the classification of differential metabolites revealed that 15.61% of compounds were fatty acyls, 13.98% were prenol lipids, and 10.57% were steroids and steroid derivatives. Next, the network analysis showed that Lachnospiraceae-XPB1014-group was positively related to 4-2-Aminophenyl-2-4-dioxobutanoic-acid, (Z)-3-Octene, 5-Methyl-furaldehyde, Propyl-2-4-decadienoate, which were also positively correlated with the IMF content. Our findings illustrated the dynamic distribution of cecal microbiota and metabolite composition at different growth stages in NXPs and their correlation with IMF deposition. These results provide a valuable insight into optimizing meat quality and overall health in post-weaning NXPs, providing a foundation for enhancement in pork product.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding the dynamic interplay between gut microbiota, metabolites, and intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in pigs at various growth stages holds significant importance for the pork industry. This research sheds light on how the composition of gut microbiota and metabolites changes throughout the developmental stages of pigs, impacting IMF content in meat. By identifying specific bacterial genera and metabolites associated with IMF deposition, this study offers valuable insights for optimizing meat quality and health in post-weaning pigs. Such knowledge could lead to targeted interventions or management strategies aimed at enhancing pork product quality and overall profitability for producers. Ultimately, this research contributes to advancing our understanding of the complex relationship between gut microbiota, metabolites, and meat quality, offering practical implications for the swine industry.

Organic acid preservation of cereal grains improves grain quality, growth performance, and intestinal health of post-weaned pigs

This study investigated the effect of preserving wheat and barley grains with an organic acid liquid surfactant mould inhibitor compared to conventional artificial drying and assessed its effects on the health and performance of pigs post-weaning (PW). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to investigate the interaction between grain preservation method (dried vs. preserved) and zinc oxide (ZnO) inclusion (yes vs. no) on growth performance, diarrhoea scores and incidence, and total tract nutrient digestibility. One hundred and ninety-two pigs (3 pigs/pen; 16 replicates/treatment) were assigned to one of four experimental diets for 35 days: (1) dried grain diet, (2) preserved grain diet, (3) dried grain diet with ZnO and (4) preserved grain diet with ZnO. Diets were formulated to contain similar levels of net energy and standardised ileal digestible lysine. On day 35 PW, 24 pigs (12 replicates/treatment) from the non-ZnO supplemented groups were euthanised and digesta was collected for coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID), gut microbial population and volatile fatty acid analysis. Stomach tissue was also collected for gene expression analysis, as well as small intestine samples for gut morphology. Notable improvements in grain quality were observed in the preserved grain, including a reduction in grain pH, mould presence, and contamination by mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol in wheat and barley, and ochratoxin A and HT-2 toxin in barley. The preserved grain diet improved average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.01) and body weight (BW; P < 0.01) compared to the dried grain diet. The incorporation of ZnO increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.01) and BW (P < 0.05) in the dried grain diet, however, ZnO did not affect ADFI (P > 0.05), and reduced ADG and BW in the preserved grain diet (P < 0.05). Pigs offered the preserved grain diet had reduced faecal scores and diarrhoea incidence compared to those offered the dried grain diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation of ZnO reduced faecal scores and diarrhoea incidence compared to non-supplemented pigs (P < 0.001). On day 35 PW, the preserved grain diet had improved CAID of nitrogen and gross energy (P < 0.05), lower levels of colonic branched-chain volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), and beneficial shifts in gut microbial populations. Specifically, there was a reduction in ileal Streptococcus (P < 0.001) and an increased abundance of colonic Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05). In conclusion, organic acid preservation improved grain quality, benefiting post-weaned pigs through improved nutrient digestibility and gut health, thus enhancing overall growth performance PW.

12. Validation of a non-invasive tool for collecting the contents of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs

12. Validation of a non-invasive tool for collecting the contents of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs

Prebiotic galactooligosaccharide improves piglet growth performance and intestinal health associated with alterations of the hindgut microbiota during the peri-weaning period

BackgroundWeaning stress reduces growth performance and health of young pigs due in part to an abrupt change in diets from highly digestible milk to fibrous plant-based feedstuffs. This study investigated whether dietary galactooligosaccharide (GOS), supplemented both pre- and post-weaning, could improve growth performance and intestinal health via alterations in the hindgut microbial community.MethodsUsing a 3 × 2 factorial design, during farrowing 288 piglets from 24 litters received either no creep feed (FC), creep without GOS (FG–) or creep with 5% GOS (FG+) followed by a phase 1 nursery diet without (NG–) or with 3.8% GOS (NG+). Pigs were sampled pre- (D22) and post-weaning (D31) to assess intestinal measures.ResultsCreep fed pigs grew 19% faster than controls (P < 0.01) prior to weaning, and by the end of the nursery phase (D58), pigs fed GOS pre-farrowing (FG+) were 1.85 kg heavier than controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, pigs fed GOS in phase 1 of the nursery grew 34% faster (P < 0.04), with greater feed intake and efficiency. Cecal microbial communities clustered distinctly in pre- vs. post-weaned pigs, based on principal coordinate analysis (P < 0.01). No effects of GOS were detected pre-weaning, but gruel creep feeding increased Chao1 α-diversity and altered several genera in the cecal microbiota (P < 0.05). Post-weaning, GOS supplementation increased some genera such as Fusicatenibacter and Collinsella, whereas others decreased such as Campylobacter and Frisingicoccus (P < 0.05). Changes were accompanied by higher molar proportions of butyrate in the cecum of GOS-fed pigs (P < 0.05).ConclusionsGruel creep feeding effectively improves suckling pig growth regardless of GOS treatment. When supplemented post-weaning, prebiotic GOS improves piglet growth performance associated with changes in hindgut microbial composition.

182 Evaluation of the effects of F18 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli intestinal attachment in nursery pigs

Abstract Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections are a leading cause of post-weaning diarrhea and poor performance in nursery pigs. ETEC fimbriae regulate binding to epithelial cells and subsequent intestine colonization, commonly F18 in post-weaned pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate F18 ETEC ileal attachment in relation to growth performance and intestinal integrity and function around peak infection. Following 10 d of acclimation to a common diet, 24 individually housed, mixed sex weaned pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 5.7 ± 0.44 kg] were randomly allotted across 4 treatment groups (n=6/treatment). On day post inoculation (dpi) 0, pigs were non-inoculated (CON) or orally inoculated with 5 mL of F18 ETEC (LT, STb, Stx2, STx2e positive) at either 107 colony-forming units [CFU)/mL (LOW), 108 CFU/mL (MED] or 109 CFU/mL (HIGH). Over a 5-dpi period, fecal scores [scale: 0 (dry) – 3 (watery)] and feed intakes were measured daily. Body weights were recorded on dpi 0 and 5 to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain to feed ratio (G:F). On dpi 5, all pigs were euthanized, ileal contents and feces was assessed for F18 gene abundance via PCR, and fixed ileal sections were evaluated for morphology changes, stem cell proliferation (Ki67), and F18 ETEC attachment via in situ hybridization. Further, ex vivo ileal tissue integrity and function was assessed via Ussing chambers by measuring transepithelial resistance (TER), 4.4 kDa FITC-Dextran (FD4) flux and active glucose and glutamine transport. Pig was considered the experimental unit, and data were analyzed for the fixed effects of treatment. Over this 5 dpi challenge period, ADG, ADFI, and G:F did not differ between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Compared with the CON, mean fecal scores were greatest in MED followed by the LOW and HIGH treatments (P = 0.028). Ileal pH tended to be greater in the HIGH compared with the MED, LOW and CON (7.8, 7.6, 7.5 and 7.3, respectively, P = 0.08). Compared with the CON, decreased Ct values were reported for the LOW, MED, and HIGH groups for fecal (32, 19, 18, 20, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and ileal (28, 19, 19, 18, respectively; P = 0.019) F18 gene abundances, respectively. Ileal F18 attachment was greatest in the HIGH group compared with CON, with LOW and MED being intermediate (P = 0.011). The immunohistochemistry stem cell marker Ki67 was lleast in HIGH compared with CON, LOW and MED treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Ileal histology, active glucose and glutamine, TER and FD4 did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05). F18 attachment was negatively correlated with ileal (R = -0.706, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and fecal (R = -0.713, P &amp;lt; 0.001) F18 CT values, and positively correlated with ileal pH (R = 0.536, P &amp;lt; 0.01). In conclusion, F18 ileal attachment increased as challenge dose increased. However, at 5-dpi no effect on growth performance or ileal function and integrity was observed.

PSVI-20 The effect of a probiotic feed additive on average daily gain and feed intake

Abstract Probiotic feed additive use in the swine industry has become increasingly popular as a substitute for antibiotic feed additives. This is due to the overuse of antibiotics in swine diets that has led to antibiotic residues in animal products and bacterial resistance. For this reason, we decided to feed a probiotic to prevent illnesses associated with the transition from the nursery to finisher phase. The objective of this study was to determine the effect that Fastrack probiotic had on the health and performance of post-weaning feeder pigs. The trial was conducted using feeder pigs weighing 39 kg ± 2.2 kg. To evaluate the effect of the probiotic on health, average daily gain, and feed intake, a contemporary group of pigs was split evenly into two pens. The pigs were housed in an outdoor pen with ad libitum access to water and feed coming from a Smidley automatic feeder. The feeders were filled once a week, and the pens were sanitized using the farms SOP for pen sanitation. The pigs were on trial for a total of 45 d with general health observations taken daily and body weights measured on d 0, 23, and 45. The results showed that the pigs in the probiotic pen were healthier throughout the duration of the trial with fewer individual treatments recorded. Also, there was a numerical difference in the average daily gain of the probiotic group compared with the control, with the probiotic group weighing approximately 0.45kg more than the control. There was no difference in the feed conversion rate of the pens.

85 The influence of supplementing isolated or intact structural fiber on the physicochemical properties of digesta and fecal consistency of nursery pigs

Abstract In human nutrition, functional fiber refers to isolated non-digestible carbohydrates with physiological roles, while structural fiber pertains to those that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Increasing dietary fiber in post-weaning pig diets has been shown to improve gastrointestinal health and alter fecal consistency. However, minimal research has been conducted on the role of supplementing isolated functional or structural fiber that are chemically insoluble in nursery diets. The experimental objective was to evaluate the effect of functional or structural insoluble fiber supplementation on the physicochemical properties of digesta and feces during the nursery period. A total of 256 newly weaned pigs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments across two replications with 4 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment for a 35-d study. The average initial pig body weight (BW) was 5.13 ± 0.65 kg and same sex pens were used and balanced across treatments. Dietary treatments consisted of a control nursery diet (PC), PC with 3% soy hulls (NC), PC with 2% isolated lignocellulose (ISO), and PC with 2% structural lignocellulose (STR). Treatments were fed across phase 1 (d 0-7) and phase 2 (d 7-21) diets, and a common diet was fed in phase 3 (d 21-35). On d 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, fresh fecal samples were collected to determine water binding capacity (WBC), water swelling capacity (WSC), and fecal dry matter (DM). Fecal scores were also evaluated using a predefined scale (1 = solid; 4 = liquid). On d 21, one pig per pen closest to the mean BW was necropsied, and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta were collected. Continuous data were analyzed as a linear mixed model (PROC MIXED) with treatment, sex, and period as fixed effects, replicate as a random effect, and initial BW as a covariate where appropriate. Fecal scores were analyzed using a multinomial model in PROC GENMOD and FREQ. Pigs fed ISO and STR tended to have greater fecal DM (24.1%, 24.6%, 25.4%, and 26.29% for PC, NC, ISO, and STR, respectively; P = 0.071). There was a greater proportion of solid and semi-solid feces in pigs fed ISO (P = 0.039). Fecal WBC was greatest in pigs fed PC, with NC and ISO performing intermediately, and STR having the least (2.66, 2.55, 2.50, and 2.39 mL/g of DM for PC, NC, ISO, and STR, respectively; P = 0.071). Fecal WSC increased with time (P &amp;lt; 0.001), but there was no impact of treatment (P = 0.983). Ileal digesta pH was decreased in NC and STR, relative to PC and ISO, (P = 0.007). There tended to be a similar response for cecal pH (P = 0.092). Pigs fed PC tended to have the greatest colonic WBC (P = 0.058). Collectively, supplementing isolated or structural lignocellulose can alter the physicochemical properties of nursery pig feces.

PSV-19 Impact of precision feeding and bump feeding strategy during gestation on the performance of post-weaning pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the post-weaning growth performance of piglets from sows of parities 1 to 3 fed with 4 different feeding programs during gestation; Flat feeding (FF, constant concentration and feed intake), Bump feeding (BF, constant concentration and variable feed intake), precision feeding by parity (PFP, variable concentration and variable feed intake using the average weight per parity), individual precision feeding (PFI, variable concentration and variable feed intake using the weight of each sow at breeding). At weaning of each parity, five litters from each of the dietary treatments were selected and five average piglets from each of these litters were transferred to a nursery building with 20 pens. All pens received the same feeding program in 3 phases of 14 d each. Piglets were weighed at the beginning and end of each feeding phase. The quantity of feed was noted for each phase. At the end of phases 1 and 3, one piglet per pen was scanned on the DXA to assess its body lean, fat, and bone mineral composition. During phase 1, average daily gain (ADG) was greater for piglets from parity 1 sows than those from parity 2 and 3 while average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion (FC) were greater for piglets from parity 3 sows (P &amp;lt; 0.05; Table). Dietary treatments during gestation did not affect performances in phase 1. In phase 2, ADG and ADFI were greater while FC was decreased for piglets from sows of parity 2 and 3 (P&amp;lt; 0.001). Piglets from FF treatment had a greater ADG and a lesser FC (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than piglets from BF, piglets from PFP and PFI being intermediate. In phase 3, piglets from parity 2 sows and those from FF treatment had greater ADG and ADFI than piglets from PFI treatment, piglets from PFP and BF treatments being intermediate (P &amp;lt; 0.005). For all post-weaning period, piglets from parity 2 sows had greater ADG, ADFI and body weight at 42 d (P &amp;lt; 0.001) while piglets from the FF treatment had better ADG and weight at 42 d (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those from BF and PFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05), PFP being intermediate. The lean ADG was greater for piglets from FF treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.021) than piglets from PFI, piglets from BF and PFP being intermediate. Piglets from sows of parity 2 and 3 had also greater lean ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Fat ADG was also higher for piglets from parity 2 sows (P &amp;lt; 0.010) than piglets from parity 1 sows, piglets from parity 3 sows being intermediate. Piglets from parity 2 sows clearly had better post-weaning performances. The FF treatment during gestation led to better post-weaning performance, suggesting that energy or nutrient intake in early gestation affects offspring growth and development in post-weaning period.

PSV-15 Effect of functional amino acids and fiber on growth performance of post-weaning pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of functional amino acids (FAA), including Met, Thr, and Trp with 1.4% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys on performance and the effect of high levels of fiber when high levels of FAA combined. A total of 216 pigs [21 d old; 6.46 ± 0.63 kg body weight (BW)] were allotted to one of 6 treatments with 3 pigs of single sex per pen, and 12 replicates/treatment. Treatments were: 1) Control basal diet (BD), 2) BD + 23% more Met+Cys (HMet), 3) BD + 22% more Thr (HThr), 4) BD + 20% more Trp (HTrp), 5) BD + 20% more Met, Thr, and Trp (HFAA, with 9% NDF and 4%ADF), 6) HFAA+ high fiber (27% NDF and 18% ADF in diet by adding soy hulls at expense of corn, HFAA+HF). The experiment lasted for 42 d and pigs were fed experimental diets for 21 d followed by a common diet for the last 21 d. Pigs fed HFAA+HF diet were initially fed HFAA diet for the first 8 d and followed by HFAA+HF diet for the next 13 d, and fed the common diet during the last 21 d. On d 0, 9, 21, and 42, BW and feed intake were recorded, and fecal scores (1 as normal to 4 as watery diarrhea) were assessed during the trial. Data were analyzed using the lme4 package of R 4.1.2, and the statistical models included the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of sex and BW block. Growth performance data were analyzed as single factor ANOVA, whereas stool quality was analyzed using ordinal model. Contrasts were used to test the effects of FAA (by comparing treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 to BD) and fiber (by comparing HFAA+HF to HFAA). Pigs fed HFAA had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) from d 21 to 42 and tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have reduced overall ADG compared with BD (Table 1). Increasing individual amino acids did not affect performance, with the exception that pigs fed HTrp tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have increased gain to feed ratio (G:F) from d 21 to 42 compared with BD. Greater fiber content did not affect ADG or ADFI; however, it reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F during the whole trial compared with HFAA. Treatment did not influence stool quality. In conclusion, combination of increased amounts of Met, Thr, and Trp with SID 1.4% Lys under non-disease challenged conditions resulted in a reduction of performance, but this was not the case with increased individual amino acids, and increased fiber content with increased FAA which reduced feed efficiency of pigs.

A non-invasive tool to collect small intestine content in post weaning pigs: validation study.

The Capsule for Sampling (CapSa) is an ingestible capsule that collects small intestine content while transiting through the natural digestive pathway. In this study, 14 Swiss Large White pigs weighing less than 12kg (Category < 12kg) and 12 weighing between 12 and 20kg (Category [12-20kg]) were given two CapSas and monitored for three days. The animals were euthanized for post-mortem sampling, allowing us to directly obtain gut microbiota samples from the gastrointestinal tract. This post-mortem approach enabled a direct comparison between the microbial content from the gut and the samples collected via the CapSas, and it also facilitated precise identification of the CapSas' sampling sites within the gastrointestinal tract. For the category under 12kg, only 2.3% of the administered CapSas were recovered from the feces. In contrast, in the 12-20kg category, 62.5% of the CapSas were successfully retrieved from the feces within 48h. Of these recovered CapSas, 73.3%-equating to 11 capsules from eight pigs-had a pH > 5.5 and were therefore selected for microbiome analysis. Bacterial composition of the CapSas was compared with that of the three segments of the small intestine, the large intestine and feces of the corresponding pig. The results were tested using a PERMANOVA model (Adonis) including sample type as a factor, and then pairwise comparisons were made. The bacterial composition found in the CapSas differed from that of the large intestine and feces (P < 0.01), while it did not differ from the first segment of the small intestine (P > 0.10). This study provides evidence that the CapSa effectively samples the intestinal microbiota from the upper section of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs. Furthermore, it was found that the collection of CapSas could only be successfully achieved in pigs classified within the heavier weight category.

Effects of Aronia melanocarpa juice-powder on hindgut function and performance in post-weaned pigs

Twenty-four gilts and barrows (n = 8/trt) were divided into three treatment groups: control (CON), 0.5 % Aronia melanocarpa juice powder (AM; LoBerry), and 1.0 % AM juice powder (HiBerry). Pigs were fed for 14 d and tissues were collected. No differences in performance were observed. Ileum IL-18 tended to be lower in LoBerry pigs, while colonic IFN-γ was increased in pigs fed either AM diet. There were several changes in ileal gene expression in pigs fed the LoBerry diet compared to pigs fed the CON diet, including BMI1, CLDN2, JAM2, and MYLK, which are largely related to barrier and stem cell function. In the colon, CLDN2, REG3G, SI, and SLC6A19 were increased in pigs fed the LoBerry diet. There were no differences found in the colonic microbiome due to diets. In conclusion, feeding AM juice powder may have a positive impact in young pigs, but may require longer feeding time to observe performance differences.

Effects of removing in-feed antibiotics and zinc oxide on the taxonomy and functionality of the microbiota in post weaning pigs

BackgroundPost weaning diarrhoea (PWD) causes piglet morbidity and mortality at weaning and is a major driver for antimicrobial use worldwide. New regulations in the EU limit the use of in-feed antibiotics (Ab) and therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) to prevent PWD. New approaches to control PWD are needed, and understanding the role of the microbiota in this context is key. In this study, shotgun metagenome sequencing was used to describe the taxonomic and functional evolution of the faecal microbiota of the piglet during the first two weeks post weaning within three experimental groups, Ab, ZnO and no medication, on commercial farms using antimicrobials regularly in the post weaning period.ResultsDiversity was affected by day post weaning (dpw), treatment used and diarrhoea but not by the farm. Microbiota composition evolved towards the dominance of groups of species such as Prevotella spp. at day 14dpw. ZnO inhibited E. coli overgrowth, promoted higher abundance of the family Bacteroidaceae and decreased Megasphaera spp. Animals treated with Ab exhibited inconsistent taxonomic changes across time points, with an overall increase of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Megasphaera elsdenii. Samples from non-medicated pigs showed virulence-related functions at 7dpw, and specific ETEC-related virulence factors were detected in all samples presenting diarrhoea. Differential microbiota functions of pigs treated with ZnO were related to sulphur and DNA metabolism, as well as mechanisms of antimicrobial and heavy metal resistance, whereas Ab treated animals exhibited functions related to antimicrobial resistance and virulence.ConclusionAb and particularly ZnO maintained a stable microbiota composition and functionality during the two weeks post weaning, by limiting E. coli overgrowth, and ultimately preventing microbiota dysbiosis. Future approaches to support piglet health should be able to reproduce this stable gut microbiota transition during the post weaning period, in order to maintain optimal gut physiological and productive conditions.

Cryptosporidium and associated risk factors in local breeds of pigs kept in Donga Local Government Area Taraba State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidium, an enteric protozoan parasite, poses economic losses in animal production and has zoonotic potential. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cryptosporidium and associated risk factors in local pig breeds within Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a total of 384 faecal samples were collected from pigs in eight sampling sites. The samples were examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique.The results showed an overall prevalence of 27.9% (107/384) for cryptosporidium oocysts. The prevalence was significantly higher in pre-weaned piglets (64%) compared to post-weaned (26.9%) and adult pigs (24.14%). Female pigs had a significantly higher prevalence (49.21%) than males (17.4%), and diarrhoeic pigs had a significantly higher prevalence (55.2%) than non-diarrhoeic (22.9%). The prevalence was higher in the rainy season (42.4%) than in the dry season (10.3%).The detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in the faeces of pigs suggests that these animals may serve as potential reservoirs and shedders of this protozoan parasite, contaminating the environment and serving as a source of infection to other animals and humans. Adequate personal and environmental hygiene, along with prompt veterinary care, should be intensified.

Ovomucin Hydrolysates Reduce Bacterial Adhesion and Inflammation in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-Challenged Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 is the most common cause of diarrhea in neonatal and postweaning pigs. After adhering to small intestinal epithelial cells via glycoprotein receptor recognition, the pathogen can produce enterotoxins, impair intestinal integrity, trigger watery diarrhea, and induce inflammation via nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MAPK) pathways. Inhibiting ETEC K88 adhesion to cell surfaces by interfering with the receptor-fimbriae recognition provides a promising strategy to prevent the initiation and progression of infection. Ovomucin is a highly glycosylated protein in chicken egg white with diverse bioactivities. Ovomucin hydrolysates prepared by the enzymes Protex 26L (OP) and pepsin/pancreatin (OPP) were previously revealed to prevent adhesion of ETEC K88 to IPEC-J2 cells. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of ovomucin hydrolysates on ETEC K88-induced barrier integrity damage and inflammation in IPEC-J2 and Caco-2 cells. Both hydrolysates inhibited ETEC K88 adhesion to cells and protected epithelial cell integrity by restoring transepithelial electronic resistance (TEER) values. Removing sialic acids in the hydrolysates reduced their antiadhesive capacities. Ovomucin hydrolysates suppressed ETEC-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in both cell lines. The ability of ETEC K88 in activating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 (CaMK II), elevating intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and inducing oxidative stress was attenuated by both hydrolysates. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of ovomucin hydrolysates to prevent ETEC K88 adhesion and alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells.

Adjuvant screening of the Senecavirus A inactivated vaccine in mice and evaluation of its immunogenicity in pigs

BackgroundSenecavirus A (SVA) causes an emerging vesicular disease (VD) with clinical symptoms indistinguishable from other vesicular diseases, including vesicular stomatitis (VS), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and swine vesicular disease (SVD). Currently, SVA outbreaks have been reported in Canada, the U.S.A, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Colombia, and China. Based on the experience of prevention and control of FMDV, vaccines are the best means to prevent SVA transmission.ResultsAfter preparing an SVA inactivated vaccine (CH-GX-01-2019), we evaluated the immunogenicity of the SVA inactivated vaccine mixed with Imject® Alum (SVA + AL) or Montanide ISA 201 (SVA + 201) adjuvant in mice, as well as the immunogenicity of the SVA inactivated vaccine combined with Montanide ISA 201 adjuvant in post-weaned pigs. The results of the mouse experiment showed that the immune effects in the SVA + 201 group were superior to that in the SVA + AL group. Results from pigs immunized with SVA inactivated vaccine combined with Montanide ISA 201 showed that the immune effects were largely consistent between the SVA-H group (200 µg) and SVA-L group (50 µg); the viral load in tissues and blood was significantly reduced and no clinical symptoms occurred in the vaccinated pigs.ConclusionsMontanide ISA 201 is a better adjuvant choice than the Imject® Alum adjuvant in the SVA inactivated vaccine preparation, and the CH-GX-01-2019 SVA inactivated vaccine can provide effective protection for pigs.