Pregnant Sows Research Articles

118 Awardee Talk: An Empirical Model of Essential Amino Acid Requirements in the Pregnant Sow

Abstract Amino acid (AA) requirements are generally considered to be the minimum needed for maximum growth or protein synthesis; however, multiple studies have shown that AA intakes above these requirements improve various body functions such as immune response, gut health, and reproduction. The objective of the current modeling approach was to estimate AA intake in gestation that considered protein synthesis as well as sow reproductive performance and offspring development, potentially increasing piglet growth and survivability. A literature review was conducted to identify studies evaluating the effects of sow AA intake during gestation on protein synthesis, sow body weight, litter size, average piglet birth weight and suckling piglet growth rate. Data from 26 empirical studies from 1989 to 2021 were selected for model development and estimation of arginine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine requirements. To check model accuracy and performance, a validation analysis was conducted by contrasting the model predicted lysine requirements with data from 17 published studies not used in the development of the model. The estimated lysine requirement was approximately 40% greater than the minimum lysine intake required for maximum protein synthesis. Similarly, the ratios of arginine, leucine, methionine, and valine to lysine were on average 1.60, 2.47, 0.41, and 0.79, respectively, which are 6 to 300% greater than, and the ratio of threonine to lysine was similar to, current recommendations. The validation analysis showed that the estimated lysine requirement resulted in the greatest litter size and birth weight. In addition, when compared with lysine intakes that met current recommendations, lysine intake at the estimated requirement improved colostrum and milk quality, stillborn rate, proportion of low birth weight, suckling piglet growth rate, and sow blood urea, among other metabolic variables. In conclusion, at the estimated requirements sow reproductive performance as well as piglet survivability and growth rate are improved.

Pathogenicity and Immunogenicity of a Serially Passaged Attenuated Genotype 2c Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Cultured in Suspended Vero Cells.

In this study, one G2c-subtype strain of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) (SHXX1902 strain) was isolated from clinical samples in suspended Vero cells, which was different from the genotype of the commercial AJ1102 vaccine. As a result, we determined the pathogenicity of different passages’ isolates (SHXX1902 strain) and compared the immunogenicity of G2c-subtype strain (SHXX1902 strain) with the commercial AJ1102 vaccine. The viral titer reached 107 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/ml, which met the requirement for seed virus replication during vaccine development. Five-day-old piglets were orally infected with viruses from passages P5 and P35 to determine the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of different passages. Pregnant sows were immunized with inactivated SHXX1902-P5 or the commercial AJ1102 vaccine (first immunized with an attenuated vaccine and then boosted with an inactivated vaccine) to study the influence of the culture method on the immunogenicity of the strain. The median pig diarrhea dose (PDD50) and the median lethal dose (LD50) of the P5 virus were 102.00 and 102.84 TCID50/ml, respectively. All five piglets infected with the SHXX1902-P5 virus shed the virus 24 h after vaccination, whereas only two of the five piglets treated with the SHXX1902-P35 virus shed the virus 48 h after vaccination. The SHXX1902-P35 virus was partially attenuated in the 5-day-old piglets. Inactivated SHXX1902-P5 induced PEDV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody responses equivalent to those induced by AJ1102 after infection in sow serum. However, the IgA titer induced by AJ1102 was much higher than that induced by inactivated SHXX1902-P5 since the boost immunization. On days 5 and 7 after farrowing, the IgA titers were similar among the immunized groups. Our study highlights that serial passage can lead to the attenuation of G2c-subtype strain. The immunogenicity of the inactivated strain was similar to the commercial vaccine. Our observation helped conceptualize appropriate study designs for the PEDV vaccine.

175 Evaluation of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy to Determine Swine Herd Reproductive Status Using the Accuracy of Ultrasound and Hormonal Assays as Diagnostic Tools

Abstract Management of fertility determines production efficiency. Important fertility measures include detection of estrus (DE), early pregnancy confirmation (EPC), and day of farrowing (DF) with few tools available to diagnose or predict. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) uses an array of frequencies to determine tissue resistance in relation to change. Our objective was to determine if EIS can predict reproductive events. The study was conducted for DE using weaned sows (n = 135) scanned on D 1-7; EPC used inseminated sows (n = 135) scanned on D 18-20; DF used pregnant sows on D 113 to farrowing. The EIS device used a four-electrode transducer with an internal processor and was connected to a mobile device for operation, reading, and data storage. The device obtained impedance (Ω) and phase data for analysis from 42 frequencies between 1,000 and 29,000 Hz. The device was disinfected and inserted into the vagina with scans requiring ~20 s. Data were uploaded to a server and stored on a website for labeling and analysis. Accuracy was based on DE, EPC on D 30, and DF. Data were analyzed in RStudio using GLM with logistic regression to generate log-likelihood estimates for r2 and associated P values. Predictive models for DE, EPC, and DF included EIS, day of measure, and parity. For DE, prediction was greatest 1 d before and on estrus (r2 = 0.98), moderate 3 to 4 d before estrus (r2 = 0.59), and not predictive ≥4 d before estrus. For EPC, the measures for EIS were not predictive due to limited numbers of non-pregnant sows (3%). For DF, prediction for 1 d before was (r2 = 0.98), for 2 d (r2 = 0.89), and for 3 d (r2 = 0.51). Our preliminary results suggest impedance of the sow vagina can be used to predict events, but more data for failures and days will be needed to improve prediction.

PSVII-6 Effects of Carbohydrase Mixture Supplementation and Fiber Level on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients in Diets Fed to Gestating Sows

Abstract Supplementation of multi-carbohydrase enzyme cocktails increase nutrient digestibility of fibrous diets in grower pigs, in particular, dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP); while NSP degrading enzymes are extensively used in sow diets there is little data characterizing NSP enzyme effect in sow diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbohydrase mixture (CM) supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients in diets with low or high fiber content fed to pregnant sows. A total of 45 gestating sows (parity 0 to 5; BW 187 ± 28 kg) were blocked by parity in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement to either a high (HF; 17.5% NDF) or low fiber (LF; 13% NDF) diet and 1 of 3 levels of CM supplementation (0, 0.08, and 0.10%). Sows were fed once daily at 2.2 kg/d. Fecal and urine samples were collected for 4 d following a 10-day adaption period. Dietary CM supplementation to gestating sow diets increased ATTD of dry matter, energy, crude fat, and fiber (NDF and ADF; P < 0.05) with tendencies (P < 0.10) for crude fiber. Digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, NSPs along with ME and DE contents of the diets were not affected (P > 0.05). Dietary CM supplementation to the LF diet, but not the HF diet, increased the ATTD of NDF (P = 0.02). Inclusion at 0.08% did not differ from the 0.1% inclusion for effects on ATTD (Table 1). Irrespective of CM supplementation, sows fed the HF diet had improved digestibility of total NSP, xylose, glucose, and uronic acids (P < 0.05) with a tendency for galactose (P = 0.08) as well as increased DE and ME content (P < 0.01). Inclusion of CM in high fibrous gestating sow diets can be utilized to increase ATTD of nutrients and energy.

154 Impact of Post-Breeding Feeding Level on the Reproductive Performance of Sows

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the impact of feeding sows different feed levels during the first 7 d of gestation on the reproductive performance of sows. A total of 483 sows (Camborough, PIC) were used, equally balanced by parity (3-10) and body condition score (BCS) and placed on 1 of 2 treatments after breeding. Treatments consisted of: 1) feed a common level of 1.81 kg/d regardless of BCS from breeding to d 7, then feed levels were adjusted according to BCS thereafter; and 2) adjustment of feed level at breeding according to BCS. Sows were fed either 3.63, 2.72, 2.04, or 1.59 kg/d according to their BCS (1-5), respectively. Body condition, measured by the sow caliper, was reassessed, and feed levels were adjusted as needed on d 45 and 90 of gestation. Diets consisted of a standard milo and wheat midds based gestation diet which met or exceeded NRC (2012) recommendations for nutrient levels. Feeding thin (BCS 1, 2) pregnant sows elevated feed levels from breeding to d 7 of gestation tended to reduce the return rate (% sows that returned to estrus: bred) (P = 0.098; 8.85 vs. 3.68%, respectively); but not the farrow rate (% sows that farrowed: bred; P = 0.265, 87.61 vs. 91.91%, respectively). There was no difference in litter size at farrowing (P > 0.10). In conclusion, feeding weaned sows according to body condition compared with feeding 1.81 kg/d during the first 7 d of gestation decreased the number of thin sows returning to estrus.

Vaginal Microbiota Diversity in Response to Lipopolysaccharide in Gilts Housed Under Three Housing Systems.

The United Kingdom and European Union have banned crates for pregnant sows. However, animals are kept in a restrictive environment for up to four weeks after mating, leading to stress and different responses of the animals’ immune system. Here, we used vaginal flushing of gilts to investigate whether housing systems or an experimental inflammatory challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can modify the gilt vaginal microbiome. Alpha-diversity indices showed differences in the microbiota of gilts housed under different systems (q = 0.04). Shannon alpha-diversity richness was higher in gilts group-housed in pens than in gilts housed in crates (q = 0.035), but not higher than in other groups. The relative abundance of the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) (q < 0.05) revealed specific differences in housing systems before a LPS or saline (SAL control) challenge. We found different abundances in taxa of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in gilts housed in the different systems before challenge. After the LPS challenge, significant differences were detected in the relative abundance of OTUs (q < 0.05) for the LPS-challenged group compared with SAL animals for each housing system. The phylum Staphylococcus showed higher abundance among the LPS-challenged gilts than in SAL-challenged animals. Furthermore, Enterobacter was more abundant in the LPS-challenged gilts housed in crates than in SAL-challenged gilts housed in crates. Streptococcus suis, Conchiformibius, Globicatella and Actinobacillus were more abundant in LPS-challenged gilts in indoor group housing than in SAL gilts in the same housing system. Gilts kept outdoors did not show changes in vaginal microbiota after an LPS challenge. Gilts housed in crates showed clinical signs of urogenital infection, whereas gilts housed outdoors and in indoor group housing did not. The relationship between environment, immune response, and microbiota suggested that animals in a poor environments experience difficulties responding to a challenge and their vaginal microbiota is altered as a consequence, with decreased richness of normal vaginal microbiota, and increased opportunistic bacteria. Welfare indicators measured by gilts’ responses to housing systems however, do not fully explain mechanisms associated with the unique signature in vaginal microbiota encountered in the different housing systems.

Zearalenone toxicosis on reproduction as estrogen receptor selective modulator and alleviation of zearalenone biodegradative agent in pregnant sows

BackgroundZearalenone (ZEA) is a resorcylic acid lactone derivative derived from various Fusarium species that are widely found in food and feeds. The molecular structure of ZEA resembles that of the mammalian hormone 17β-oestradiol, thus zearalenone and its metabolites are known to compete with endogenous hormones for estrogen receptors binding sites and to activate transcription of oestrogen-responsive genes. However, the effect of long-term low-dose ZEA exposure on the reproductive response to Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture for first-parity gilts has not yet been investigated. This study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of ZEA as an estrogen receptor selective modulator and the alleviating effects of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G cultures as ZEA biodegraders in pregnant sows during their first parity.ResultsA total of 80 first-parity gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments during gestation: CO (positive control); MO (negative control, 246 μg ZEA/kg diet); COA (CO + B. subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2 × 109 CFU/kg diet); MOA (MO + B. subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2 × 109 CFU/kg diet). There were 20 replications per treatment with one gilt per replicate. Feeding low-dose ZEA naturally contaminated diets disordered most of reproductive hormones secretion and affected estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β concentrations in serum and specific organs and led to moderate histopathological changes of gilts, but did not cause significant detrimental effects on reproductive performance. The addition of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture to the diet can effectively relieve the competence of ZEA to estrogen receptor and the disturbance of reproductive hormones secretion, and then ameliorate toxicosis of ZEA in gilts.ConclusionsCollectively, our study investigated the effects of feeding low-dose ZEA on reproduction in pregnant sows during their first parity. Feeding low-dose ZEA could modulate estrogen receptor-α and -β concentrations in specific organs, cause disturbance of reproductive hormones and vulva swelling, and damage organ histopathology and up-regulate apoptosis in sow models. Diet with Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G alleviated negative effects of the ZEA on gilts to some extent.

Physiological, blood-biochemical and behavioural changes of Ghoongroo pigs in seasonal heat stress of a hot-humid tropical environment.

The present study investigated the effect of seasonal heat stress on the physiological, behavioural and blood bio-chemical profile of adult Ghoongroo pigs (1.5-2years of age) of different physiological groups. Thirty Ghoongroo pigs (10 boars, 10 non-pregnant sows and 10 pregnant sows) were allotted to individual pens. The study continued for 1year covering three main seasons, i.e. summer (March-June), rainy (July-October) and winter (November-February) season. Temperature humidity index was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in summer (83.2 ± 0.47) followed by rainy (68.5 ± 1.13) and winter (66.8 ± 0.67) seasons, which indicated that pigs were exposed to heat stress during summer. Rectal temperature and pulse rate were not affected by group × season interaction but were affected by group (P = 0.002) and season (P < 0.001), which were usually greater during summer than during winter and in boars than in pregnant sows. Respiration rate was affected by group × season interaction (P = 0.002), which was greater in boars than in non-pregnant and pregnant sows during summer and rainy season but was similar in winter among the groups. Total erythrocytes, leucocytes counts, and cortisol levels were influenced by group (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001) and group × season interaction (P < 0.001), which increased in summer compared with winter. Sodium and potassium concentrations in serum were not affected by group and group × season interaction but were affected by season (P < 0.001), which were lower in summer than in winter. All behaviour activities (standing, resting and roaming time, urination, fighting and drinking frequency) were affected by group (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001) and group ×season interaction (P < 0.001), except eating time that was only influenced by season. The present study suggested that Ghoongroo pigs experienced heat stress during summer, which was reflected in physiological, blood-biochemical and behavioural alterations.

Prenatal programming of the small intestine in piglets: the effect of supplementation with 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (HMB) in pregnant sows on the structure of jejunum of their offspring

Abstract When discussing the scale of the occurrence of diseases of the digestive system in farm animals, particularly pigs in the weaning period, it may be beneficial to study physiological and nutritional factors that could potentially affect the growth, development, and modelling of the structure and function of the digestive tract. Taking into account the reports on the beneficial effects of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) administration in the prenatal period on the development of various systems it was assumed that the HMB supplementation to pregnant sows can influence intestinal development in the offspring during weaning. Thus, the present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of HMB treatment of pregnant sows on jejunum development in offspring at weaning. From 70th day until the 90th day of gestation, sows received either a basal diet (n = 12) or the same diet supplemented with HMB (n = 12) at the dose of 0.2 g/kg of body weight/day. HMB given during prenatal time reduced the thickness of the longitudinal muscle; the apoptotic cell index in epithelium also significantly decreased after the HMB supplementation. Vasoactive intestinal (poly)peptide (VIP) expression in submucosal ganglia significantly increases in prenatally HMB treated piglets. The same strong reaction was observed with the expression of occludin, claudin-3, E-cadherin, and leptin in the jejunal epithelium. The obtained results indicate that the administration of HMB to pregnant sows significantly influenced the expression of VIP, leptin and some proteins of the intestinal barrier of their offspring less influencing the basal morphology.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus induces tight junction barrier dysfunction and cell death in porcine glandular endometrial epithelial cells

Reproductive failure caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is characterized by embryonic death and weak-born piglets and is associated with placental cell apoptosis and impairment of endometrial integrity. Here, we aimed to determine whether endometrial epithelial barrier function and viability were altered following PRRSV type 1 or type 2 infection. PRRSV inoculation was examined at the apical or basolateral side of porcine glandular endometrial epithelial cell cultures isolated from 4- to 6-month-old PRRSV-free herd gilts (n = 7 pigs). On the apical side, four days postinfection (4 dpi) with type 2 PRRSV, transepithelial electrical resistance decreased by 31% ± 5%, and paracellular permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (4 kDa) increased by 10-fold as compared with the mock and type 1 infection. Real-time polymerase chain reaction results revealed that both PRRSV types upregulated the mRNA expression of the barrier builder tight junction protein (TJ) Cldn5, but downregulated pore-forming TJ Cldn7. Additionally, the expression of other TJ genes, i.e., Cldn3 and Cldn8, was differentially increased by PRRSV type 1 and that of zonula occludens-1 was increased by PRRSV type 2. MTT assays indicated an increase in porcine glandular endometrial epithelial cell culture at 2–6 dpi following type 2 infection. Analysis of apoptosis using Annexin/propidium iodide staining combined with flow cytometry showed that the percentage of viable cells decreased, accompanied by a significantly higher dead cell population following PRRSV type 2 infection at 2–4 dpi. PRRSV type 1 infection also induced dead cells (>4%) at 2 dpi; however, the cell population recovered at 4 dpi. In conclusion, PRRSV type 2 infection caused more severe TJ barrier dysfunction and reduced cell viability compared with PRRSV type 1 infection in the porcine endometrium. Impairment in the membrane integrity of the maternal glandular endometrium may be the underlying mechanism of PRRSV-induced reproductive failure in pregnant sows.

Dietary Supplementation With Fine-Grinding Wheat Bran Improves Lipid Metabolism and Inflammatory Response via Modulating the Gut Microbiota Structure in Pregnant Sow.

This study investigated the effects of fine-grinding wheat bran on pregnant sow body condition, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. In this study, wheat bran was crushed into three particle sizes. A total of 60 Landrace × Yorkshire second parity sows were allotted to two groups: CWB (a diet containing coarse wheat bran with particle size of 605 μm) and FWB (a diet containing fine wheat bran with particle size of 438 μm). Fine-grinding wheat bran had higher soluble dietary fiber concentration, swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, and fermentability than coarse wheat bran. Pregnant sows fed FWB throughout pregnancy had lower body weight and fat deposition than sows fed CWB. And the piglet body weight at birth of the FWB group was remarkably increased. Serum concentrations of lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid), interleukin 6, leptin, and resistin were decreased on day 90 of pregnancy by fine wheat bran supplementation. Feeding FWB significantly decreased abundance of Firmicutes and dramatically increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes at phylum level. At genus level, the abundance of Terrisporobacter was decreased in FWB feeding sows, but the abundance of Parabacteroides was increased. Fecal total short-chain fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate contents were markedly increased in the FWB group. The results suggested that the physicochemical properties of finely ground wheat bran had been improved. Dietary supplementation with fine wheat bran changed the gut microbiota structure and enhanced the short-chain fatty acids level, which improved the maternal body condition, metabolic and inflammatory status, and reproductive performance in sows.

Effect of Maternal Catalase Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Antioxidant Activity and Mineral Transport in Sows and Piglets.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal catalase (CAT) supplementation on reproductive performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, mineral transport, and mRNA expression of related genes in sows and offspring. A total of 40 pregnant sows at 95 days of gestation with similar parity (3-5 parities) and back-fat thickness were assigned randomly and equally into the control (CON) group (fed a basal diet) and CAT group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 660 mg/kg CAT; CAT activity, 280 U/g). The reproductive performance was recorded, and the placenta and blood samples of sows and neonatal piglets, as well as the jejunum and ileum samples from neonatal boars (eight replicates per group), were collected. Results showed that dietary supplementation with CAT significantly decreased the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) rate and increased the activity of serum CAT in neonatal piglets and umbilical cords (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, CAT supplementation tended to improve total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the maternal serum (p = 0.089) and umbilical cords of piglets (p = 0.051). The serum calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) of farrowing sows and Mn concentration in the umbilical cord, and serum Ca, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and Mn of neonatal piglets were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) in the CAT group. CAT supplementation downregulated mRNA expression of TRPV6 and CTR1 (p &lt; 0.05), Cu/Zn SOD (p = 0.086) in the placenta and tended to increase the mRNA expression of the glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) (p = 0.084), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (p = 0.063), and CAT (p = 0.052) genes in the ileum of piglets. These results showed that the maternal CAT supplementation improved fetal growth by decreasing the IUGR rate, and modulated antioxidant activity, as well as mineral elements in the pregnant sows and their piglets.

Urinary metabolomics reveals the biological characteristics of early pregnancy in pigs

BackgroundEmbryo implantation in sows is an important event during pregnancy. During this process, blastocysts undergo dramatic morphologic changes, and the endometrium becomes receptive. Studies have shown that developmental changes associated with the crosstalk between peri-implantation embryos and embryo-uterine are driven by various biomolecules secreted by the endometrium and embryos. In sows, changes in the uterus are also reflected in circulating body fluids and urine. Metabolomics reveals the metabolic state of cells, tissues, and organisms. In this study, we collected urine samples from large white sows during the peri-implantation period. The levels of urinary metabolites at different periods were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) analysis techniques.ResultsA total of 32 samples were collected from 8 sows during the estrus period and at each phase of early pregnancy (9, 12, and 15 days of gestation). A total of 530 metabolites were identified with high confidence in all samples. Compared with samples collected during the estrus phase, 269 differential metabolites were found in samples obtained during early pregnancy.ConclusionsThe identified metabolites included lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and their derivatives, organic oxygen compounds, organoheterocyclic compounds, benzenoids, among others. Metabolites, such as choline and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide, play important roles in pregnancy in sows and other animals. These results reveal the metabolic changes in urine of sows during early pregnancy phase. The differential urinary metabolites can be used for assessing peri-implantation status in sows. Understanding these metabolic changes may promote the management of pregnant sows through various interventions such as provision of proper nutrition.

The influence of sorbents in feeding of pregnant sows on their reproduction traits and the quality of piglets

At present very important and promising is the development of methods to increase the productivity of sows and piglets on the preweaning period when using sorbents in the diet. The purpose of the research was to determine the influence of sorbents when feeding pregnant sows on their reproductive traits and the quality of piglets. The work, based on the data of comprehensive studies, provides information on the effectiveness of the use of feed additives Nabicate and Glauconite, and their effect on the reproductive function of sows. In order to set up the experiment, 3 groups of pregnant sows of Large White breed were formed, selected according to the principle of balanced groups. The sows of the 1st control group have been received the main feeding diet adopted by the farm. Animals of the 2nd experimental group in addition to the main diet have been received the additive Nabicate 0,20 %, the 3rd experimental Glauconite 0,25 % of the dry matter of the diet. It has been found that the prolificacy of sows of the 1st control group was at the level of 11,58 heads, which was lower than that of the herdmates of the 2nd experimental group by 1,89 piglets or 16,3 % (P ≤ 0,001) and the 3rd experimental group by 0,47 piglets or 4,0 %. The number of additional weaned piglets received in comparison with the 1st control group was 3,0 heads in the 2nd experimental group and in the 3rd experimental group by 0,6 heads. This allowed us to get an additional profit per sow in the amount of 9,0 thousand rubles in the 2nd group and 1,8 thousand rubles in the 3rd experimental group. It has been established as a result of the conducted studies the positive effect of the sorbents Nabicate and Glauconite on their reproductive traits during feeding of sows, which was confirmed by calculations of the economic efficiency of the conducted studies. It has been proved that the feed additive Nabicate had the best effect in feeding of sows.

JAKOS´ C ENERGETYCZNA, IMMUNOLOGICZNA I AMINOKWASOWA SIARY MACIORY – PRZEGL ˛AD

Along the increasing number of live born piglets in a litter, which reduce the newborn live weight, plays the colostrum nutritional quality an essential role to the survival of newborn piglets. Concentration of colostrum nutrients is affected with several factors from which the time from the start of parturition has the greatest impact. On the second place is nutrition of pregnant sows. A lot of scientific articles were published with the goal to describe sow's colostrum nutrients. In this review we would bring closer look on the sow's colostrum, where the concentration of energy, immunoglobulins and amino acids are the main determinants for successful survive of piglets first days of life.

Stereotypic behaviors are associated with physiology and immunity differences in long-term confined sows

Pregnant sows in the confined environment have poor welfare and frequently perform stereotypic behaviors. In order to clarify whether highly stereotypic behavior is a sign of increased stress and successfully contributes to coping with or adaptation to adverse environment, fifty pregnant sows (Large White × Landrace) housed in stalls were selected to observe behaviors and analyze physiological parameters [cortisol, major acute phase protein (Pig-MAP) and C-reactive protein (CRP)], and immunological parameters [immunoglobin A (IgA), immunoglobin G (IgG), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ)] in early, middle and late gestation (27th, 62nd and 91st day). A repeated-measures analysis and Friedman test was performed to analyze the differences of behaviors and physiological and immunological parameters. The results showed that lateral lying behavior increased significantly with the progress of sows’ gestation, while standing and ventral lying behaviors significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Sham-chewing, bar-biting, trough-biting and rooting behaviors significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in physiological and immune levels in different gestational periods (p > 0.05). The results also indicated that sham-chewing behavior was positively correlated with serum cortisol, IL-6, IL-10, and negatively correlated with serum IFN-γ in each gestational period (p < 0.05). Trough-biting behavior was positively correlated with serum TNF-α in middle and late gestation (p < 0.05). Rooting behavior was positively correlated with serum IgG in each gestational period, and positively correlated with serum Pig-MAP, IL-6, and IL-10 in middle and late gestation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sows with a high incidence of stereotypic behaviors tried to improve stress and humoral immunity to cope with the confined environment, and long-term confined sows might be in a chronic stress state.

Improving maternal welfare during gestation has positive outcomes on neonatal survival and modulates offspring immune response in pigs

Improving the housing of pregnant sows by giving them more space and access to deep straw had positive effects on their welfare, influenced their maternal behavior and improved the survival of their offspring. The present study aimed at determining whether these effects were actually due to environmental enrichment and whether the provision of straw pellets and wood can partly mimic the effects of straw bedding during gestation. Three graded levels of enrichment were used, that were, collective conventional pens on slatted floor (C, n = 26), the same pens with manipulable wood materials and distribution of straw pellets after the meals (CE, n = 30), and larger pens on deep straw litter (E, n = 27). Sows were then housed in identical farrowing crates from 105 days of gestation until weaning. Decreased stereotypies, blood neutrophils, and salivary cortisol, and increased behavioral investigation indicated that health and welfare of sows during gestation were improved in the E environment compared with the C environment. The CE sows responded as C or E sows depending on the trait. Piglet mortality rate in the first 12 h after birth was lower in E and CE litters than in C litters, but enrichment level during gestation had only small effects on lactating sow behavior and milk composition postpartum. On days 2 and 3 of lactation, E sows interrupted less often their nursing sequences than C and CE sows. On day 2, milk from both E and CE sows contained more minerals than that from C sows. In one-day-old piglets, the expression levels of genes encoding toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) and cytokines (interleukin-1, -6 and -10) in whole blood after 20-h culture, were greater in E piglets than in CE or C piglets. In conclusion, housing sows in an enriched environment during gestation improved early neonatal survival, probably via moderate and cumulative positive effects on sow behavior, milk composition, and offspring innate immune response. The gradation in the effects observed in C, CE and E housing environment reinforced the hypothesis of a causal relationship between maternal environmental enrichment, sow welfare and postnatal piglet traits.

Maternal Supplementation With Different Probiotic Mixture From Late Pregnancy to Day 21 Postpartum: Consequences for Litter Size, Plasma and Colostrum Parameters, and Fecal Microbiota and Metabolites in Sows.

The present study determined the effects of different probiotic mixture supplementation to sows from late pregnancy to day 21 postpartum on reproductive performance, colostrum composition, plasma biochemical parameters, and fecal microbiota and metabolites. A total of 80 pregnant sows were randomly assigned to one of four groups (20 sows per group). The sows in the control group (CON group) were fed a basal diet, and those in the BS-A+B, BS-A+BL, and BS-B+BL groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 250 g/t of different probiotic mixture containing either 125 g/t of Bacillus subtilis A (BS-A), Bacillus subtilis B (BS-B), and/or Bacillus licheniformis (BL), respectively. The trial period was from day 85 of pregnancy to day 21 postpartum. The results showed that different dietary probiotic mixture supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the average weaning weight and average daily gain of piglets, while dietary BS-A+BL supplementation increased the number of weaned piglets (P < 0.05), litter weight (P = 0.06), litter weight gain (P = 0.06), and litter daily gain (P = 0.06) at weaning compared with the CON group. Different dietary probiotic mixture supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the colostrum quality by increasing the fat and dry matter concentrations, as well as the protein and urea nitrogen concentrations in the BS-A+BL group. Dietary probiotic mixture BS-B+BL increased the plasma total protein on days 1 and 21 postpartum while decreased the plasma albumin on day 1 postpartum (P < 0.05). In addition, the plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased in the BS-A+B and BS-B+BL groups on day 21 postpartum, while plasma ammonia was decreased in the BS-A+B and BS-A+BL groups on day 1 and in the three probiotic mixtures groups on day 21 postpartum (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with different probiotic mixture also modified the fecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity in sows during pregnancy and postpartum stages. Collectively, these findings suggest that maternal supplementation with Bacillus subtilis in combination with Bacillus licheniformis are promising strategies for improving the reproductive performance and the overall health indicators in sows, as well as the growth of their offspring.

Immunomodulatory therapy for bacterial infections in pregnant sows

The paper presents data reflecting the titers of agglutinins to specific antigens in the blood of pregnant sows and the dynamics of T and B lymphocytes, with specific immunocorrection of general intestinal diseases with the OKZ vaccine containing the antigens of colibacillosis, salmonellosis, Klebsiellosis and Proteus infection, and PPS containing Sal.cholerae suis , Sal.typhimurium, Pasteurella multocida (serovars A, B, D) and streptococci (serogroups C and R) in combination with the immunomodulator metallosuccinate. It is known that the most common pathogens are opportunistic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family: Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Morganella morgani, which are widely represented in the environment, and are also resident representatives of the normal microflora of animals. In this regard, the specific prevention of bacterial infections with the simultaneous stimulation of nonspecific immunity in pregnant sows is of scientific and practical importance. Specific prophylaxis of sows, in combination with metallosuccinate, increases agglutinin titers, respectively, to pasteurellosis antigen within 19.8% - 24.7%, salmonella antigens (S. cholerae suis 2.2 times, S. typhimurium 2.9 times) and by 77.9% after the second injection, to the Escherichiosis antigen by 9.2% -67.3% and to the streptococcal antigen by 2.8 times compared with the animals of the control group. An increase in agglutinin titers was found without the use of specific drugs, which characterizes metallosuccinate as a drug with antigenicity. The use of metallosuccinate in sows using specific biological products made it possible to activate the synthesis of B-lymphocytes within 47.7% after the first injection, by 50.7% 10 days after the second injection and by 42.6% 20 days after the second injection. Thus, in the studies carried out, a strategy and basic principles of simultaneous immune and metabolic correction of the body of pregnant sows have been proposed.

Effects of melatonin on the production of GnRH and LH in luteal cells of pregnant sows.

Effects of melatonin on the release and synthesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) at the hypothalamus and pituitary levels have been explored in some species, but a similar study in the corpora lutea (CL) has not yet been conducted. In this study, the immunostaining for GnRH and LH was observed in luteal cells of porcine CL during pregnancy, and a significant effect of pregnant stage on the level of GnRH and LH was found; higher values for GnRH and LH immunostaining and mRNA were detected in the early and mid-stages CL than in the later-stage CL (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the patterns of melatonin membrane receptors (MT1 and MT2) expression were consistent with those of GnRH and LH expression in the CL of pregnant sows; the relative levels of MT1 and MT2 in the early and mid-stages were significantly higher than those in the later-stage (P < 0.01). In luteal cells, melatonin dose-dependently increased in GnRH and LH secretion and mRNA expression. Melatonin also increased the GnRH-induced accumulation of LH and the LH-induced secretion of P4 in luteal cells. Additionally, the effects of melatonin on luteal GnRH and LH production were blocked by luzindole, a non-selective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist. Our results demonstrate the stimulatory effects of melatonin on GnRH and LH production in luteal cells of pregnant sows, suggesting a potential role for melatonin in luteal function through regulating the release and synthesis of GnRH and LH in luteal cells.