Restricted Pigs Research Articles

PSIV-13 Evaluation of Floor Space Restriction and Hyper-Dosing of Phytase on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Chemistry of Late Finishing Pigs

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of strategically applied hyper-dosing of phytase on growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum chemistry profile of late finishing pigs housed under space-restricted conditions. A total of 375 finishing pigs (94.63 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly assigned to 48 pens, with 7 to 8 pigs per pen equally balanced for gilts and barrows. Two phytase supplementation doses (control of 2,500 FTU/kg or hyper-dose of 5,000 FTU/kg) and two space allocation dimensions (adequate with 0.85 m2/pig or restricted with 0.66 m2/pig) were combined to create 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Pigs were fed a finishing diet formulated to contain 0.68% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine, 0.55% Ca, and 0.24% available P and phytase was given equal matrix values for Ca, P, SID amino acids, and net energy for both supplementation levels. Analyzed dietary phytase concentrations were 2,970 and 6,560 FTU/kg for the 2,500 and 5,000 FTU/kg treatments, respectively. The 3 heaviest pigs per pen (2 barrows and 1 gilt) were marketed on d 28 and the remaining pigs were marketed on d 42. No interactions; P > 0.10) were observed between floor space allowance and phytase supplementation. Pig body weight was determined weekly and was reduced (P < 0.008) by restriction of space on week 3 (116.7 vs. 118.4 kg), and 4 (time of first marketing; 123.6 vs. 125.4 kg) and tended to be reduced (P < 0.08) on week 5 (125.5 vs. 127.8 kg), and 6 (second marketing; 133.0 vs. 135.3 kg). Body weight considering all pigs marketed (d 28 and d 42) was reduced (P = 0.009; 133.9 vs. 135.4) by space restriction. Space restriction reduced ADG during week 1, 3, the first marketing period, and for all pigs marketed (P < 0.05). Similarly, ADFI was reduced in space restricted pigs for all periods (P ≤ 0.001), but gain:feed was not impacted (P > 0.08). Back fat depth and loin eye area measured using ultrasound was not impacted by space restriction. Hyper-dosing with phytase did not impact (P > 0.06) growth performance or carcass characteristics, regardless of space allowance. Space restriction and phytase supplementation did not impact serum chemistry except for increased serum total protein and decreased urea N (P < 0.05) due to space restriction and decreased aspartate transaminase with hyper-dosing phytase. Results indicate that restricted floor space allowance reduced growth rate, feed intake and body weight of late finishing pigs and that hyper-dosing phytase was not an effective strategy in improving growth performance regardless of space allowance.

Compensatory gain based on lysine level in finishing pigs after being fed lysine deficient 97% corn diets for 3 or 6 wk.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate increasing the concentration of lysine on the compensatory gain of finishing pigs during their recovery period after being fed a 97% corn holding diet for 3 or 6 wk. One thousand six hundred and eighty pigs with a starting body weight of 73.5 ± 2.2 kg were blocked by starting body weight and assigned to a nested arrangement. Twenty replicates of seven treatments were comprised of two restriction lengths [3 weeks (3 wk) vs. 6 weeks (6 wk)], and three lysine concentrations during recovery (Lys:ME same as control:100; control + 10%: 110; control + 20%: 120) plus one control (CONT) that remained nutrient unrestricted. Pen weight and feed intake were recorded on days 0, 21, 41, and at marketing. Whole pens were marketed when the pen average met 130 kg and carcass measurements were collected. Data were analyzed by pen with the fixed effects of restriction length and lysine within restriction length. Nutrient restriction lowered (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) compared to control, with 1.2, 0.4, and 0.5 kg for control, 3 wk, and 6 wk treatments, respectively. Restricted pigs showed decreased feed intake while restricted. After the respective restriction period, pigs were allowed a recovery diet until market. Previously restricted pigs had 16.7% and 27.3% greater (P < 0.01) ADG over control pigs for 3 and 6 wk treatments, respectively, in the first 3-wk of recovery. The lysine concentration in the recovery diet impacted (P < 0.01) the ADG with pigs allowed the highest lysine concentration having a 10% greater ADG than pigs fed the lower Lys:ME concentrations, for both restriction treatments. The increase in ADG was not paralleled by an increase in feed intake over control, thus, there was an improvement (P < 0.01) in gain to feed ratio in the recovery period. Control pigs reached market weight (131.5 kg) on experiment day 49 while pigs fed corn diets for 3 wk or 6 wk were slower to market (57 and 69 days, respectively; P < 0.01). Restricted pigs had greater backfat (CONT: 1.47, 3 wk: 1.55, 6 wk: 1.65 cm; P < 0.01), and decreased loin depth (CONT: 7.32, 3 wk: 7.03, 6 wk: 6.61 cm, P < 0.02) which was also impacted (P < 0.01) by lysine concentration. In conclusion, the use of restrictive diets reduced ADG and increased days to market. The use of recovery diets in which the Lys:ME ratio was greater than control pigs, resulted in increased compensatory growth.

Nutritional restriction during the peri-conceptional period alters the myometrial transcriptome during the peri-implantation period

This study hypothesized that female peri-conceptional undernutrition evokes transcriptomic alterations in the pig myometrium during the peri-implantation period. Myometrium was collected on days 15–16 of pregnancy from pigs fed a normal- (n = 4) or restricted-diet (n = 4) from conception until day 9th of pregnancy, and the transcriptomic profiles of the tissue were compared using Porcine (V2) Expression Microarrays 4 × 44 K. In restricted diet-fed pigs, 1021 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with fold change ≥ 1.5, P ≤ 0.05 were revealed, and 708 of them were up-regulated. Based on the count score, the top within GOs was GO cellular components “extracellular exosome”, and the top KEGG pathway was the metabolic pathway. Ten selected DEGs, i.e. hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 8, cyclooxygenase 2, prostaglandin F receptor, progesterone receptor membrane component 1, progesterone receptor membrane component 2, annexin A2, homeobox A10, S-phase cyclin A-associated protein in the ER, SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were conducted through qPCR to validate microarray data. In conclusion, dietary restriction during the peri-conceptional period causes alterations in the expression of genes encoding proteins involved i.a. in the endocrine activity of the myometrium, embryo-maternal interactions, and mechanisms regulating cell cycle and proliferation.

511 Late-Breaking: Dietary Glycine Supplementation During Growing and Finishing Phases Increases Body Weight and Improves Meat Quality of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Pigs

Abstract Glycine is required for maximum growth and development for growing pigs. Traditional swine diets are deficient in glycine. This is concerning for intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs (20–25% of all pigs born) as they are born with low bodyweights and underdeveloped skeletomuscular systems. Therefore, IUGR piglets are culled at birth, as they are unlikely to survive and unable to reach market weight at the same rate as normal birthweight (NBW) littermates. Additionally, IUGR pigs are not fed to market weight due to undesirable carcass attributes at slaughter such as increased subcutaneous fat deposition and decreased overall desirable protein yield. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that providing dietary glycine supplementation in traditional corn- and-soybean meal-based diets would improve the growth rate of IUGR pigs between weaning (age 21d) and market weight (age 188d). Fourteen IUGR pigs (birthweight = 0.98±0.03 kg, mean ± SEM) and 20 NBW pigs (birthweight = 1.44±0.02 kg, mean ± SEM) were obtained at weaning and used for this study. Pigs from each birthweight group were randomly assigned to 1% glycine + 0.19% corn starch treatment group or 1.19% alanine group (isonitrogenous control). Data were analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA and Duncan multiple comparison test. At 188 d of age, glycine supplemented IUGR pigs were 4.4 kg heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than control IUGR pigs, and had similar (P &amp;gt;0.05) body weights to those NBW counterparts. Feed intake did not differ among the treatment groups (P &amp;gt;0.05). Additionally, glycine supplementation improved markers of meat quality in IUGR pig carcasses compared to control IUGR carcasses, including decreased backfat thickness, increased loineye area, and increased overall muscle score (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, results of this study show that dietary glycine supplementation to IUGR pigs post-weaning has positive effects on lean tissue gain and meat quality. (Supported by USDA-NIFA)

510 Late-Breaking: Dietary Glycine Supplementation During Growing and Finishing Phases Increases Tissue Concentrations of Total Creatine and Gene Expression of Creatine-synthetic Enzymes in Low-birthweight Pigs

Abstract Dietary glycine is required for maximum growth and development in animals by stimulating muscle protein synthesis and as a component of creatine. Creatine is synthesized from glycine, arginine, and S-adenosylmethionine by arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT). Sufficient creatine synthesis for growth requires adequate substrate supply. However, swine diets are deficient in glycine. Additionally, intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs have reduced glycine synthesis. This results in decreased creatine synthesis and lower total creatine content in tissues, leading to reduced cellular energy metabolism and diminished muscle protein accretion. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that dietary glycine supplementation in corn-and-soybean-meal-based diets would improve overall growth and skeletal muscle accretion in post-weaning IUGR pigs by increasing the expression of creatine-synthetic enzymes and tissue concentrations of total creatine. Fourteen IUGR pigs (birthweight = 0.98±0.03 kg, mean±SEM) and 20 normal birthweight pigs (birthweight = 1.44±0.02 kg, mean±SEM) were obtained at weaning for this study. Pigs from each birthweight group were randomly assigned to 1% glycine + 0.19% corn starch treatment group or 1.19% alanine group (isonitrogenous control) for the study (21 d to 188 d of age); tissues were collected at d 188. Data were analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA and the Duncan multiple comparison test. Glycine-supplemented IUGR pigs had greater tissue concentrations of creatine, creatinine, and creatine phosphate than control IUGR in all tissues measured (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Control IUGR pigs showed diminished activity and mRNA expression of creatine-synthetic enzymes (P &amp;lt; 0.05); this was mitigated by glycine supplementation as glycine supplemented IUGR pigs showed normal levels of enzyme activity and mRNA expression. Overall, results of this study indicate dietary glycine supplementation to IUGR pigs between weaning and market weight effectively restores creatine-synthetic enzyme activities and increase tissue concentrations of total creatine, leading to increased lean tissue growth. (Supported by USDA-NIFA)

Performance and Meat Quality of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Pigs.

Simple SummaryPigs with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are neonates born at term but having low birth weight and a characteristic head shape. IUGR is observed in 6-10% of pig neonates. IUGR causes problems in livestock farms due to high mortality of the piglets in the first days of life and slower postnatal growth. Tracing the surviving IUGR piglets is difficult, so the data on their post-weaning growth, performance, and carcass quality is scanty. This study shows that the post-weaning performance of IUGR pigs is poorer than that of their normal littermates. However, the growers’/fatteners’ morbidity and meat quality is not different, and the consumer preference tests clearly show that the meat of the IUGR pigs is more readily accepted than that of the normal pigs. Consumers indicated better taste, smell, and consistency of this meat. The basis of consumers preference is in a slightly different chemical composition and structure of the muscle tissue. This study shows that efforts toward reducing high mortality among IUGR neonates may be beneficial.Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs are characterized by high perinatal mortality and dysfunction of internal organs, adipose, and muscle tissues. However, little is known about the post-weaning performance and meat quality of the IUGR pigs. The aim of this study was to compare normal pigs and pigs with IUGR from birth until slaughter, also with respect to their meat quality. Pigs with the IUGR achieved lower slaughter weight but did not differ significantly from normal pigs in terms of their meat content. The IUGR did not negatively affect the culinary quality of the obtained meat, including its content of basic chemical components and energy value, as well as hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, elasticity, and penetration force. The meat of the IUGR pigs, when compared to the meat of normal pigs, was characterized by higher pH, lower EC (Electrical Conductivity) and drip loss; it was also tenderer and obtained higher scores in sensory evaluation of taste, smell, and general desirability. Therefore, such raw material can be appreciated by the consumers and can be used for the production of culinary portions similarly to the raw material obtained from normal pigs.

76 Compensatory growth following lysine restriction in grow-finish pigs: literature review and analysis

Abstract A literature review on compensatory growth induced by lysine restriction in grow-finish pigs was conducted. First, a database was developed to standardize comparisons across the peer-reviewed literature and characterize the occurrence of compensatory growth. Publications had to include: pigs with minimum initial weight of 15 kg; a group of “non-restricted pigs” not subjected to a restriction period; a group of “restricted pigs” subjected to a restriction period induced by decreasing lysine alone, lysine and other amino acids, or crude protein in diets; a recovery period following the restriction period in which the same diet was fed to restricted and non-restricted pigs; and ad libitum feed consumption. The database included 14 publications and 57 comparisons expressed as relative differences between restricted pigs and non-restricted pigs. The database analysis categorized compensatory growth into complete, incomplete, and no compensatory growth, and characterized the patterns of restriction and recovery in each category (Table 1). The data analysis supports that compensatory growth induced by lysine restriction in grow-finish pigs occurs. The degree of lysine restriction as well as restriction and recovery duration seem critical in explaining differences between complete and incomplete compensatory growth. Also, inadequate lysine level in the recovery period seems to be associated with incomplete or no compensatory growth. Compensatory growth is more likely if: degree of lysine restriction is between 10 to 30%; lysine restriction is induced before pigs reach their maximum protein deposition; duration of lysine restriction is short and duration of recovery period is long; and lysine level in the recovery period is close to or above the estimated requirements.

A review of compensatory growth following lysine restriction in grow-finish pigs1

Compensatory growth induced by lysine (Lys) restriction in grow-finish pigs is a complex physiological process affected by many factors and interactions, principally genotype, stage of growth at restriction, nature of nutritional restriction, and patterns of restriction and recovery. The scarcity of standard comparisons across the literature has hindered the characterization of important determinants of compensatory growth. Therefore, the present publication aims to review the current state of knowledge on compensatory growth induced by Lys restriction in grow-finish pigs, develop a database from peer-reviewed literature to standardize comparisons to characterize the occurrence of compensatory growth, and provide practical considerations for compensatory growth under field conditions. The literature search focused on publications directly or indirectly evaluating compensatory growth by having a period of Lys restriction followed by a recovery period of Lys sufficiency for grow-finish pigs. The database included 14 publications and 57 comparisons expressed as relative differences of restricted pigs compared to nonrestricted pigs. The database analysis described compensatory growth into complete, incomplete, and no compensatory growth categories and characterized the patterns of restriction and recovery in each category. The review of literature and database analysis supports the occurrence of compensatory growth induced by Lys restriction in grow-finish pigs. The degree of Lys restriction and duration of restriction and recovery periods seem to be critical in explaining differences between complete and incomplete compensatory growth, whereas Lys level in the recovery period seems to be critical between incomplete or no compensatory growth. Compensatory growth seems to be more likely if: 1) the degree of Lys restriction is between 10% and 30%; 2) Lys restriction is induced before pigs reach their maximum protein deposition; 3) duration of Lys restriction is short (maximum 40–45% overall duration) and duration of recovery period is long (minimum 55–60% overall duration); and 4) Lys level in recovery is close to or above the estimated requirements. In addition, compensatory growth can occur under commercial conditions and there seems to be an opportunity to exploit compensatory growth in grow-finish pigs to reduce feed cost and improve feed efficiency under certain market conditions.

Body composition and organ development of intra-uterine growth restricted pigs at weaning

Sow litter sizes have increased, subjecting more small piglets to intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). Research on the development and growth of IUGR pigs is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the body composition and organ development of IUGR pigs at weaning, and to estimate their growth performance from birth to 30 kg. A total of 142 IUGR and 142 normal piglets were classified at birth based on their head morphology. At weaning, 20 IUGR and 20 normal piglets were collected, a whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorption scan was performed, and the piglets were euthanized for organ measurements. Body weight (BW) was measured weekly from birth to 30 kg, rectal temperature and whole-blood glucose levels were measured weekly from birth to weaning, and blood samples were collected at days 7, 14 and 21 for IGF-1 analysis. Results showed that IUGR pigs have a similar percentage of adipose tissue (P > 0.05) compared to normal pigs at 24 days of age. Organs were smaller (P < 0.001) in IUGR pigs than in normal pigs, whereas brain, liver, lungs and adrenal glands were relatively larger (P < 0.05) in relation to the BW of IUGR pigs. Average birth weight (BiW) of normal pigs was greater (P < 0.001) compared with IUGR pigs (1.38 v. 0.75 kg), and the average daily gain (ADG) of IUGR pigs was reduced from day 0 to 14, day 0 to 28 (weaning) and from weaning to 30 kg compared to normal pigs. From birth to weaning at day 28, IUGR piglets had a 72.9 g/day greater fractional ADG (FADG) in relation to their BiW (P < 0.05), but FADG did not differ (P > 0.05) from weaning to 30 kg. Rectal temperature of IUGR piglets was greater (P < 0.05) on day 7 compared with normal piglets, and, even though blood glucose levels were decreased (P < 0.001) in IUGR piglets at day 0, neither glucose nor IGF-1 concentrations differed (P > 0.05) between IUGR and normal piglets. In conclusion, IUGR piglets exhibited some relatively larger organs at weaning compared to normal pigs, but body composition was similar between IUGR and normal pigs. In addition, IUGR pigs had a reduced ADG from birth to 30 kg, and, although they exhibited a greater FADG during nursing, IUGR pigs still require six additional days to reach a BW of 30 kg in comparison to normal pigs.

Branched-chain amino acids, especially of leucine and valine, mediate the protein restricted response in a piglet model.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are reduced in various protein restricted models, while the detailed role of BCAAs in protein restricted response is still obscure. Thus, the current study mainly investigated the amino acid metabolism in protein restricted piglets and the effects of BCAA balance in a low-protein diet on growth performance, amino acid metabolism, intestinal structure, and gut microbiota with focus on which BCAAs contributed to the protein restricted response. The results showed that protein restriction increased serum Ser, Thr, Ala, Lys, and Trp but reduced His, Cys, Val, and Ile levels. Intestinal amino acid transporters mainly mediated the mechanism of amino acid uptake. The BCAA balance refreshed the serum BCAA pool, which further improved growth performance in protein restricted piglets. Leu, Val, and Ile balances increased serum BCAA concentrations, respectively, and Leu and Val but not Ile enhanced the feed intake and weight gain in protein restricted piglets. In addition, protein restriction impaired the villus structure and increased the number of goblet cells in the ileum. Also, gut microbiota (Spirochaetales, Gammaproteobacteria, Lactobacillales at the order level) were altered in protein restricted pigs, while the BCAA balance markedly improved Gammaproteobacteria, Lactobacillales, and Aeromonadales proliferation, which might mediate growth promotion and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, protein restriction markedly affected the host amino acid metabolism (i.e., Ser, Thr, Lys, His, BCAAs). The BCAA balance (especially for supplementation with Leu and Val) improved the amino acid metabolism, growth performance, and gut microbiota communities.

Interactive effects of feed allowance and ractopamine supplementation on growth performance and carcass traits of physically and immunologically castrated heavy weight pigs

One experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of feed allowance and ractopamine supplementation on growth, carcass and meat quality traits in barrows and immunocastrated male pigs. Eighty finishing male pigs (95.79 ± 1.71 kg) were allocated in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial treatment design with two castration methods (CM) (physically (BA) x immunologically (IM) castrated pigs), two ractopamine supplementation programs (RAC) (0 vs 10 ppm in the feed) and two feeding allowance schemes (FA) (restricted (RT) vs ad libitum (AL)) from 131 to 160 days of age. RAC-fed pigs were heavier (P < 0.01) and RT pigs were lighter (P < 0.001) at the end of the evaluation period. Average daily weight gain was higher in IM (P < 0.05) and pigs fed diets without RAC and RT showed lower daily weight gain (P < 0.05). RAC improved feed efficiency regardless of CM and FA (P < 0.001). BA were fatter at 131 days of age (P < 0.001). RAC deaccelerated backfat deposition (P < 0.001) and improved lean muscle deposition (P < 0.01) after the 29-day duration of the trial. RAC increased slaughter weight (P < 0.01), hot carcass weight (P < 0.05) and lean muscle weight (P < 0.05). RT pigs showed decreased slaughter weight (P < 0.001) and backfat thickness was increased in BA fed diets without RAC (P < 0.01). BA pigs fed diets with 0 ppm RAC showed the highest backfat thickness and IM pigs fed diets with 0 ppm showed the lowest backfat depth (P < 0.01). IM AL pigs fed diets with 0 ppm showed the highest percentage of muscle and BA RT and BA AL pigs fed diets with 0 ppm showed the lowest lean muscle percentages (P < 0.01). Loin muscle area was reduced in RT pigs (P < 0.001) and increased by RAC (P < 0.05). Feeding RAC increased meat shear force (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our results confirm that rearing immunologically castrated males is a profitable alternative for pork producers and that feed restriction after the second vaccination negatively influences growth and carcass parameters, which can be partially compensated by ractopamine supplementation.

Metabolic and Proteomic Responses to Long-Term Protein Restriction in a Pig Model.

Protein restriction is associated with extended lifespan and reduced incidence and progression of multiple age-related diseases. The underlying mechanism of metabolic and proteomic responses to the long-term dietary protein restriction, however, has not been fully uncovered. The present study aimed to identify the metabolic and proteomic profiles in a low-protein diet-fed pig model. Intestinal and liver metabolomics showed that amino acid metabolism was highly associated with dietary protein restriction. Interestingly, blood was characterized by markedly higher abundances of Ser, Gly, Glu, Thr, Ala, Lys, and Met levels, and lower abundances of His, Val, and Ile levels regardless of the age of pigs from piglets to adult pigs. Amino acid transporters might contribute to the changed amino acid pools and serve as a feedback regulatory mechanism in response to protein restriction. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics approach identified more than 10 differently expressed proteins in protein restricted pigs and KEGG pathway analysis showed that significant enrichment of proteins involved in metabolic pathways, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, lysosome, spliceosome, oxidative phosphorylation, phagosome, and DNA replication. Western blot analysis further confirmed that protein restriction markedly inactivated Akt and mTOR signals in pigs. This study indicates that dietary protein restriction leads to a shift in the host metabolism in a pig model, especially for amino acid metabolism. Along with proteomics, our findings unveil potential mechanisms for integrating how protein restriction modulates host metabolism.

Reactive oxygen species mediated placental oxidative stress, mitochondrial content, and cell cycle progression through mitogen-activated protein kinases in intrauterine growth restricted pigs

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remains a significant obstacle in pig production; however, information regarding the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced placental dysfunction and IUGR is still unknown. This study aimed to explore the placental redox status, mitochondrial content, cellular progression, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in IUGR. Placental tissues were collected from normal intrauterine gestation (NIUG) and IUGR fetuses at delivery. Compared with the NIUG, placental ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage were increased in IUGR. Placental mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and mtDNA-encoded gene expression decreased in IUGR. Moreover, p21 phosphorylation increased, cyclin E expression decreased in IUGR cases, which showed senescence characteristics. Analysis of signaling pathways showed that the ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased whereas the p38 and JNK phosphorylation decreased in IUGR. In cultured porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cells, exogenous H2O2 increased intracellular ROS production, decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle distribution was found to arrest in S and G2/M phases. Our findings suggested that IUGR was associated with greater placental ROS and oxidative injury, which might be a factor that resulted in lower mitochondrial content, microvilli loss and senescence, and activation of MAPK pathways.

Long-term Effects of Lysine Restriction on Liver Global Proteins, Meat Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Pigs.

Our previous study suggested that short-term lysine restriction improved feed intake and gut microbiota in piglets. Thus, in this study, we further used proteomics technology to investigate the potential mechanism associated with long-term lysine restriction in pigs. In addition, blood biochemical parameters, meat quality, and muscle nutrient transporters were also evaluated in lysine restricted pigs. The results showed that 131 proteins in the liver were markedly altered in response to dietary lysine restriction, with 54 being downregulated and 77 being upregulated, which mainly involved in neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolic pathways. In addition, lysine restriction markedly reduced serum BUN, CHOL, and HDL abundances. Dietary lysine restriction enhanced meat color lightness and upregulated SLC7A2 expression. Lysine restriction affected meat quality, blood biochemical parameters, and liver global protein expressions. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the liver protein profile of lysine restricted pigs, and the current results may provide valuable information with respect to better understanding the host response to lysine restriction in pigs.

Antioxidant properties of formula derived Maillard reaction products in colons of intrauterine growth restricted pigs.

the present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of the consumption of high MRP formula on changes in the microbiota and the oxidative status, during development, in the colons of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) juvenile pigs. over a 3-week period, fifteen-day old piglets received formula with two different heat treatments. A formula heated at high temperature (HHF, n = 8) and another one heated at a low temperature (LHF, n = 8). After weaning, animals were fed, ad libitum, a solid diet until postnatal day 54 (PND54). The diversity and composition of the major microbiota were analyzed by CE SSCP and qPCR at postnatal day 36 (PND36) and PND54. Protein oxidation levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, catalase (CAT), manganese dependent superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD), NFκB and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression were measured in the colon at the juvenile stage (PND54). HHF resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial diversity in the colon at PND36. An increase in the total count of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes and Enterobacteria, without major changes in total microbiota was evidenced by qPCR, suggesting qualitative changes in the bacterial population of the HHF group. The imbalance of microbiota observed at PND36 was significantly modified at PND54, when animals received a solid diet. Colon GPX activity (p < 0.05) and gene expression of CAT and iNOS were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in the HHF group. No differences in the total protein oxidation and carbonyl score were found in the HHF group. Colon redox enzyme gene expression and pro-inflammatory factor NFκB negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the bacterial population, suggesting the involvement of certain phyla in controlling the oxidative status of the IUGR piglets, fed on the high AGE formula. during development, consuming a high load MRP formula was associated with a major modification in the diversity and composition of the microbiota. The onset of an IUGR adaptive oxidant defense mechanism was found to counteract the oxidative stress induced by the presence of MRPs in formula.

Body composition and plasma lipid and stress hormone levels during 3 weeks of feed restriction and refeeding in low birth weight female pigs.

Compensatory growth in response to feed restriction (FR) affects deposition rates of lean and adipose tissues. It is, however, unclear whether pigs with low birth weight differ from their counterparts with normal birth weight with regard to compensatory growth. Female littermate pigs with low (UW; 1.1 kg) and normal (NW; 1.5 kg) birth weight were fed to appetite (control, CON) or feed restricted (RES) at 60% of DMI of the CON group between 78 and 98 d of age and subsequently refed at the level of the CON group until 131 d of age. Subgroups of pigs were slaughtered at 75, 98, 104, and 131 d of age to compare BW and body composition. Blood samples were taken at 98 and 119 d of age to analyze plasma metabolites and hormones. At birth UW pigs were shorter and had lower BW until 131 d of age than NW pigs ( < 0.05). Feed intake per kilogram of BW was greater in UW than in NW pigs ( < 0.01). The UW and NW pigs differed in carcass composition as indicated by greater relative subcutaneous fat at 75 d ( < 0.1), greater shoulder back fat ( < 0.05) at 98 d, and lower carcass weight at 131 d with greater abdominal and subcutaneous neck back fat in UW compared with NW pigs ( < 0.05). During FR, BW gain of RES pigs was lower than in NW pigs. The RES pigs showed greater feed intake after termination of FR until 131 d than CON pigs ( < 0.01). At 98 d RES pigs were leaner than CON pigs ( < 0.05). After 6 d of refeeding (104 d) relative fat depot weights were still smaller ( < 0.03) in RES pigs than in CON pigs. After 5 wk of refeeding, RES pigs had lower abdominal fat weights and greater plasma cortisol levels than CON pigs ( < 0.05). Regarding the plasma metabolite and hormone response, at 98-d fasting levels of plasma NEFA and glycerol were greater in RES than in CON pigs ( < 0.05), and after the drop in their levels after morning feeding ( < 0.001), plasma NEFA and glycerol and also triacylglycerol increased until the next meal in RES vs. CON pigs ( < 0.01). Plasma cortisol was greater in RES pigs after 3-wk FR ( < 0.05), whereas only a trend for increased plasma adrenalin concentrations in RES pigs at the end of the FR period and after 5 wk of refeeding was found ( < 0.1). In conclusion, UW pigs at 75 d of age (20 to 23 kg BW) had greater subcutaneous fat, whereas at 131 d (61 to 68 kg BW) they showed greater abdominal fat than NW pigs, suggesting that subcutaneous fat is deposited earlier than abdominal fat. The FR caused similar changes in body composition, plasma lipids, and stress hormones in UW and NW pigs.

The effect of lysine restriction during grower period on productive performance, serum metabolites and fatness of heavy barrows and gilts

A total of 200 Duroc cross (Landrace×Large White) pigs, 50% barrows and 50% gilts, of 26.3±0.55kg body weight (BW) were used to study the effect of Lysine (Lys) restriction in the grower period on subsequent performance, serum metabolites and fatness. Four diets with Lys contents of 11.0, 9.1, 7.8 and 5.2g/kg were offered to animals during the grower phase (45d) in a two (sex)×four (diet) randomized block factorial design with five pens (replicates) per treatment and five pigs each. At the end of the restricted period, one pig per pen (five pigs per treatment) was slaughtered and the rest were fed a common finishing diet with 9.1g/kg Lys until slaughter at 123kg±2.35kg BW. During the grower phase, Lys restriction reduced average daily gain (ADG) (P<0.001), average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P=0.008) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P=0.003). The responses were quadratic and similar for both sexes. At the end of this period, restricted pigs showed lower backfat thickness (P<0.001) because they were lighter (47 vs. 64±0.7kg BW) but had higher serum concentrations of triglycerides (linear; P=0.001) and cholesterol (quadratic; P=0.039). Also, serum albumin decreased quadratically (P=0.004) with Lys restriction while urea increased with the highest level of restriction. During the finisher phase, ADG increased linearly (P<0.001) in response to previous Lys restriction which was related with a trend to higher ADFI (P=0.0.97), resulting in a linear increase of FCR (P=0.002). However, the compensatory growth was incomplete and, during the overall period, there was a reduction of ADG (quadratic; P=0.041) and of FCR (linear; P=0.001) as dietary Lys content decreased, whereas fat depth at the gluteus medius (GM) muscle increased linearly (P=0.004). This entailed a delay to reach the slaughter BW of 1.8±0.43d per g Lys restriction/kg of diet which was related to worse FCR by 0.034±0.0095 and to an increase of fat thickness at GM muscle of 0.51±0.168mm. At the end of the trial, barrows grew faster, ate more feed and were fatter than gilts (P<0.001). These results confirm that the Lys restriction during the grower period promoted an incomplete compensatory growth and might be a useful strategy to increase the fatness albeit with a cost in terms of FCR in production systems of heavy barrows and gilts intended for dry-cured products.

Feed restriction applied after weaning has different effects on pig performance and health depending on the sanitary conditions1

Feed restriction may be a strategy used by farmers to limit digestive disorders after weaning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed restriction applied 1 wk after weaning on growth performance and health of pigs reared in 2 different sanitary conditions (Good vs. Poor; managed in opposite ways with respect to cleaning, animal density, and preventive antibiotic use) and confronted with stressful common farming practices (i.e., diet transition and building transfer). At weaning at 4 wk of age, 48 pigs were assigned to 1 of the 4 experimental treatments consisting of 2 sanitary conditions and 2 feeding levels (ad libitum vs. restricted). At 2 d after weaning, restricted pigs received 20% of the feed quantity consumed by ad libitum pigs. The feeding level of the restricted pigs was gradually increased to attain ad libitum feeding on d 8. Imposed stressful conditions occurred at d 12 (the weaner diet replaced the starter diet), d 33 (transfer of pigs from the weaner unit to the grower unit), and d 47 (the grower diet replaced the weaner diet). This allowed 4 distinguishing phases: I, from 0 to 11 d; II, from 12 to 32 d; III, from 33 to 46 d; and IV, from 47 to 60 d after weaning. Poor sanitary conditions resulted in decreased growth performance during phase I (P < 0.001) and III (P < 0.01), and the final BW of pigs kept in Poor sanitary conditions was 4 kg less (P = 0.02) than those kept in Good sanitary conditions. Plasma haptoglobin concentration was increased on d 12 after weaning (P = 0.001) as was the occurrence of soft feces during phases II and III (P ≤ 0.05) in Poor sanitary conditions. In both sanitary conditions, the restricted feeding level resulted in decreased ADG (P < 0.001), increased plasma haptoglobin and salivary cortisol concentrations, and feeding-associated behaviors (P < 0.05) during phase I. In Poor sanitary conditions, feed restriction was very detrimental and differences in ADFI and ADG between restricted and ad libitum pigs increased with time (P = 0.05). Conversely, in Good sanitary conditions, restricted pigs attained the BW of ad libitum pigs before the end of the experiment. In conclusion, imposing feed restriction on pigs during the first days after weaning does not seem to be an effective strategy to decrease the negative effects of Poor sanitary conditions; rather, it reinforces these effects.

Inaugural Meeting of the Cysticercosis Working Group in Europe

Inaugural Meeting of the Cysticercosis Working Group in Europe

The effect of dietary lysine restriction during the grower phase and subsequent dietary lysine concentration during the realimentation phase on the performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen balance of growing–finishing pigs

Two experiments (exp.) were conducted to determine the effect of dietary lysine restriction during the grower phase and subsequent dietary lysine concentration during realimentation on the performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen (N) balance of growing–finishing pigs. Seventy-two pairs of crossbred [meatline sires × (Large White × Landrace) dams] pigs (36 pairs entire male, 36 pairs female) were used in a 2 × 4 factorial performance study (exp. 1, 35 to 96 kg). The two factors were Diet1 (two lysine levels: LO or HI, day (d) 0 to 35) and Diet2 (four lysine levels: LO, M1, M2 and HI, d36 to slaughter). A further 30 boars were used in a 2 × 3 factorial N-balance study (exp. 2, 31 to 42 kg; Diet1: LO or HI; Diet2: LO, M3 and HI). The crude protein (CP) and lysine contents of the five isoenergetic (14.0 MJ DE/kg) diets were: LO (139 g/kg CP, 8.1 g lysine/kg), M1 (162 g/kg CP, 9.7 g lysine/kg), M2 (190 g/kg CP, 11.4 g lysine/kg), M3 (180 g/kg CP, 10.7 g lysine/kg) and HI (217 g/kg CP, 13.1 g lysine/kg). Diets were based on barley, wheat and soyabean meal with added vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Ratios of amino acids relative to lysine were similar for all diets. From d0 to 35 in exp. 1, pigs fed LO had lower daily gains (ADG: 785 vs. 939 g/day; P < 0.001), daily lysine intakes (DLYIN: 14.4 vs. 22.6 g/day; P < 0.001) and poorer feed conversion ratios (FCR: 2.28 vs. 1.84 kg/kg; P < 0.001) than pigs fed HI. From d36 to slaughter, pigs initially fed LO had higher ADG than those initially fed HI (948 vs. 879 g/day; P < 0.01). However, from d0 to slaughter, pigs initially fed LO had lower ADG (868 g/day; P < 0.01) and DLYIN (19.1 g/day; P < 0.001) than those fed HI (913 g/day and 23.3 g/day respectively). There was a Diet1 × Diet2 interaction for FCR from d36 to slaughter and d0 to slaughter ( P < 0.05). FCR of pigs previously fed LO improved with each increase in dietary lysine concentration up to 13.1 g/kg (HI), but improvement was only evident for lysine concentrations up to 11.4 g/kg (M2) for pigs previously fed HI. In exp. 2, Diet1 was fed for an initial 5-day collection period (after adjustment to crate; C1). Diet2 was then fed and immediately there were 2 successive 5-day collection periods (C2 and C3). A Diet1 × Time interaction ( P < 0.001) indicated that although N retention (NRET) during C1 was lower for pigs fed LO, there was no difference during C2 and C3 in NRET of pigs initially fed either LO or HI (14.5 vs. 25.0 g/day; 23.2 vs. 23.0 g/day; 26.0 vs. 26.6 g/day, for C1, C2 and C3, respectively). However, a similar interaction indicates that although N excretion (NEX) was 23% lower for LO compared with HI pigs during C1, there was no residual reduction in NEX of pigs initially fed LO ( P < 0.01: 8.9 vs. 11.6 g/day; 12.3 vs. 12.7 g/day; 13.8 vs. 14.0 g/day, for C1, C2 and C3, respectively). Exp. 1 indicated improved performance and an ability to respond positively to higher lysine concentrations during realimentation for previously restricted compared with unrestricted pigs, however, overall performance was reduced. However, exp. 2 indicated that although NRET of initially restricted pigs increased during realimentation, it did not surpass that of unrestricted pigs. This apparent discrepancy may have been due to the time period of the N balance study.