Sow Colostrum Research Articles

Soybean bioactive peptides supplementation during late gestation and lactation affect the reproductive performance, free amino acid composition in plasma and milk of sows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of soybean bioactive peptides (SBP) supplementation to sows during late gestation and lactation on plasma and milk free amino acid composition and reproductive performance. A total of 86 gestating sows (Landrace × × Yorkshire; mean parity of 2.40 [SD 1.18]) from two successive batches of with a 9-day interval were randomly assigned to either a basal diet group (control diet [Con]) or the Con supplemented with 2% soybean bioactive peptides (SBP) product group from d 90 of gestation to weaning at day 21 of lactation. The duration of farrowing and the interval between piglet births (P < < 0.05) were decreased and the litter weight gain during lactation (P = 0.097) tended to increase of sows fed SBP than Con diet. Serum concentrations of lysine, phenylalanine, valine, arginine (+36–354%, P < < 0.05) and leucine (+30%, P = 0.056), glutamate (+36%, P = 0.057), ornithine (+104%, P = 0.079) at farrowing were increased or tended to increase of sows fed SBP. Serum concentrations of methionine (+29%, P < 0.05), lysine (+72%, P = 0.068), isoleucine (+35%, P = 0.074), arginine (+45%, P = 0.098) and ornithine (+99%, P = 0.085) on postpartum day 21 were increased or tended to increase of sows fed SBP. The concentrations of cystathionine, lysine, arginine, glutamine (+92~351%, P < 0.05), alanine (+191%, P = 0.061) in colostrum and arginine (+41%, P < 0.05) in milk were increased or tended to increase of sows fed SBP. The contents of IgG and fat in colostrum (P < 0.05) of sows fed SBP were increased compared with that in Con sows. Serum malondialdehyde concentrations of sows at parturition and at d 14 of lactation were both markedly (P < 0.05) decreased and the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum of sows at parturition (P < 0.05) was significantly increased with SBP supplementation. In conclusion, the present research indicated that dietary supplementation with soybean bioactive peptides during late gestation and lactation could shorten the duration of farrowing and enhance the growth performance of suckling piglets by improving functional amino acids concentration and antioxidant properties.

A flagellin-adjuvanted inactivated porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) vaccine provides enhanced immune protection against PEDV challenge in piglets.

Since late 2010, outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) have been reported in the swine industry in China. A variant PEDV strain that differs from strain CV777 causes prevalent PEDV infections which commercial vaccines based on CV777 cannot provide complete protection. In this study, we designed a new vaccine based on the epidemic PEDV strain AH2012/12, adjuvanted with flagellin, a mucosal adjuvant that induces mucosal and systemic production of IgA. Three groups of pregnant sows were immunized twice, with a 14-day interval, with PEDV adjuvanted with flagellin, PEDV alone, or PBS before farrowing, and newborn piglets from each group were selected and challenged with PEDV. Immunization with this vaccine elicited high levels of IgG, IgA, and neutralizing antibodies in the serum and colostrum of sows, and newborn piglets were protected against PEDV while suckling. This study should guide the prevention and control strategies for PEDV infection, thereby reducing the losses associated with this virus.

Live yeast supplementation during late gestation and lactation affects reproductive performance, colostrum and milk composition, blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary live yeast (LY) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum and milk composition, blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows. A total of 40 multiparous sows were randomly fed either the control (CON) diet or the CON diet supplemented with LY at 1 g/kg from d 90 of gestation to weaning. Results showed that the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets were significantly decreased in the LY-supplemented sows compared with sows in the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of protein, lactose and solids-not-fat were increased in the colostrum of LY-supplemented sows (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) at d 1 of lactation and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at weaning day were decreased by feeding LY diet (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, sows fed LY diet had higher plasma concentration of immunoglobulin G compared with sows fed CON diet at d 1 of lactation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LY supplementation in maternal diets decreased the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets, improved colostrum quality and health status of sows.

Effects of dietary hemp seed oil to sows on fatty acid profiles, nutritional and immune status of piglets

BackgroundThe oil from industrial hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) is an ideal source of stearidonic acid, which is a precursor fatty acid for the long-chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for neonatal development, health and immunity. Hemp seed oil has been investigated for the influence on human health, but research on the impact in pig nutrition is scarce. The aim of our research was to study the effect of dietary hemp seed oil relative to soybean oil to lactating sows on the transfer of fatty acids to the off-spring and the effect on piglets’ immune and nutritional status.ResultsThe fatty acid composition of the hemp seed and the soybean oil influenced the fatty acid composition of sow plasma, colostrum and mature milk. The highest proportion of C18:3n-3, C18:4n-3 and C20:4n-6 was obtained in mature milk fat of sows fed 5% hemp seed oil diet when compared to the other dietary fat sources (5% soybean oil or a 50:50 mix of hemp and soybean oil at 5%). The effect of dietary oil supplementation to sows was reflected in the plasma fatty acids profile of piglets. Notably the proportion of C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3 was the highest in plasma of piglets suckling sows fed hemp seed oil-containing diets, whereas no C18:4n-3 could be detected hence indicating conversion of α-linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) to the longer chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dietary fat source also influenced number of born piglets, their weight gain during first week, plasma concentration of glucose and IgG, and haematological profile.ConclusionsThe hemp seed oil resulted in direct maternal supply with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially ALA and SDA, and piglets were able to convert these fatty acids obtained via the sow milk intake to C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3. Furthermore, some interesting effects of the 5% hemp seed oil was obtained with regard to piglet initial body weight gain and glucose, which could be of interest for further research, i.e., the capability of hemp seed oil to benefit piglets during early life.

The effect of colostrum lactose content on growth performance of piglets from Polish Large White and Polish Landrace sows

Lactose is one of the factors that influence the yield of sow's colostrum, which is essential for normal piglet development. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of lactose content in colostrum of sows of maternal breeds on rearing performance of their piglets. The study involved a total of 255 l of Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL) sows in their first to third lactation. In each lactation, colostrum was collected 1 h postpartum, and milk was sampled 2 h after morning feeding on day 7 of lactation. Colostrum and milk were analyzed for solids, protein, fat, and lactose. Data on piglet growth were collected for every litter born. Analysis of data for lactations 1–3 showed that the lower the colostrum lactose content, the higher was the fat, protein and solids content. In the case of milk on day 7, it was observed that sows with the lowest colostrum lactose content (LLAC), compared to the sows with the higher lactose content (HLAC), produced milk with a higher fat (P ≤ 0.05), protein and solids content (P ≤ 0.01). These sows (LLAC) reared 100 g heavier piglets on day 7 (P ≤ 0.05) and 130 g heavier piglets on day 21 of age (P ≤ 0.05) compared to HLAC.

Impact of dietary protein to energy ratio and two different energy levels fed during late gestation on plasma metabolites and colostrum production in sows

Factorial calculations indicate that energy requirement of sows in late gestation is relatively constant, while there is a marked increase in protein requirement. Thus, the objective was to investigate plasma nutrient metabolites and determine the yield and composition of colostrum in sows fed different energy levels and proportions of standardized ileal digestible protein relative to metabolizable energy for two weeks prior to parturition. A total of 28 sows were either fed a high energy level and a fixed protein supply (HE-FP); a high energy level with a daily increase in the proportion of protein (HE-IP); a low energy level and a fixed protein supply (LE-FP) or a low energy level with a daily increase in the proportion of protein (LE-IP) from day 101 in gestation to day 2 in lactation. Sows were fed combinations of: (1) a basic diet, formulated to match recommendations for gestating sows, and (2) a supplement diet, high in protein, to fulfill requirements for colostrum, mammary growth, fetuses, placenta and uterus. Blood was collected on day 105 and 112 of gestation by jugular vein venipuncture four hours after feeding. Colostrum was collected at 0, 12, and 24 h relative to birth of the first piglet. Colostrum yield was estimated based on piglets’ birth weight, weight gain, and the duration the individual piglet had access to the udder. A daily increase in the protein to energy ratio, increased plasma urea and glucose concentrations on day 112 of gestation in sows fed a low energy level (P < 0.05). A positive relationship between glucose and urea in plasma and the dietary protein to energy ratio was observed (P < 0.05). Colostrum fat concentration at 0 h tended to be greater in sows fed LE-IP than in sows fed LE-FP with HE-IP and HE-FP being intermediate (P = 0.06). Moreover, a positive relationship between plasma glucose on day 112 of gestation and colostrum fat at 0 h was observed (P = 0.01), suggesting that an increase in plasma glucose was used by the mammary gland for fat synthesis of the colostrum synthesized pre-partum. No evidence of impact of dietary energy or protein to energy ratio was found for sow colostrum yield (P > 0.10). In conclusion, except for sow BW gain, no direct effects of energy or protein supply on farrowing length, birth interval and litter gain were observed, whereas dietary protein to energy ratio influenced energy and protein metabolism and tended to increase colostrum fat synthesized pre-partum.

The Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product During Late Pregnancy and Lactation on Sow Productivity, Colostrum and Milk Composition, and Antioxidant Status of Sows in a Subtropical Climate.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) during late pregnancy and lactation on sow productivity, colostrum and milk composition, and antioxidant status of sows in a subtropical climate. The study was a 2 × 2 factorial treatment design where the first factor was environmental THI level [Low THI (08:00–19:00: 70.76 ± 0.45, 19:00–08:00: 67.91 ± 0.18, L-THI) or High THI (08:00–19:00: 75.14 ± 0.98, 19:00–08:00: 68.35 ± 0.18, H-THI], and the second factor was dietary treatment (supplemented with or without 3 kg/t SCFP). A total of 120 sows were randomly allotted to the four treatments (n = 30). The feeding trial was conducted from 85-days post-breeding until 21-days post-partum. Compared with L-THI group, sows from H-THI group had lesser individual piglet birth weight, individual piglet weight at weaning, preweaning average daily gain of piglets, average daily feed intake of sows during lactation, and protein percentage in 14-days milk. Additionally, sows from H-THI group had lesser antioxidant status, indicated by lesser serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at parturition; lesser serum T-AOC and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity at 14-days post-partum, as well as lesser SOD activity in colostrum. Compared with sows fed the control diet, sows fed the SCFP diet had greater number of piglets weaned, litter weight at weaning, and preweaning average daily gain of piglets. Moreover, sows fed the SCFP diet had improved antioxidant status as indicated by higher serum T-AOC at parturition, and lesser malondialdehyde (MDA) content in colostrum and 21-days milk. In conclusion, H-THI negatively affected the productivity, milk composition, antioxidant status, and lactation feed intake of sows. Dietary supplementation of SCFP partially alleviated the adverse effects of H-THI, by improving lactation performance and antioxidant status of sows without influencing reproductive performance and colostrum and milk composition in a subtropical climate.

Branched chain amino acids alter fatty acid profile in colostrum of sows fed a high fat diet

BackgroundBranched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are important substrates for milk protein synthesis in the mammary gland, and are tightly related to lipid metabolism. No study has been performed examining the role of BCAAs with high fat diets on milk fat synthesis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary BCAAs on growth performance of piglets, progeny body weight, and milk fat composition in sows fed a high fat diet. Four diets (CON = control diet; HF = high fat diet with 8% soybean oil; HF-MB=HF plus 0.39% BCAAs; HF-HB=HF plus 0.78% BCAAs) were fed to sows from late gestation to weaning.ResultsCompared to HF, BCAAs (HF-MB and HF-HB) increased the litter weight (P < 0.05) and overall litter weight gain (P < 0.05) at weaning and increased colostrum fat content by 27.3–35.8% (P < 0.01). Fatty acid profiles between the two doses of BCAAs were similar. Compared with HF, HF-MB tended to decrease the percentage of C18:3n3 (P = 0.063) and increased the percentage of C18:1n9c (P = 0.03). In addition, BCAAs in HF-MB increased the concentration of total fatty acid by 22.1% in colostrum (P = 0.03) but decreased that in serum at parturition by 53.2% (P = 0.027). The fatty acids in colostrum that increased with BCAAs were C15:0, C17:0, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3 (P = 0.00~0.04). Colostrum fatty acids of C20:0, C21:0, C22:0, C16:1, C20:1, C18:1n9c also tended to be increased (0.05 < P < 0.1) with BCAAs. The change in sow serum fatty acid profile due to BCAAs was different from that in colostrum.ConclusionsBCAAs in high fat diet of sows altered the fatty acid composition in colostrum and enhanced litter growth. Our study indicated that BCAAs supplementation can enhance mammary fatty acid uptake and mammary fat synthesis and that supplemental BCAAs and fat in late gestation and lactation diets for sows can improve reproductive performance.

Clostridium perfringens type C necrotic enteritis in pigs: diagnosis, pathogenesis, and prevention.

Clostridium perfringens type C causes severe and lethal necrotic enteritis (NE) in newborn piglets. NE is diagnosed through a combination of pathology and bacteriologic investigations. The hallmark lesion of NE is deep, segmental mucosal necrosis with marked hemorrhage of the small intestine. C. perfringens can be isolated from intestinal samples in acute cases but it is more challenging to identify pathogenic strains in subacute-to-chronic cases. Toxinotyping or genotyping is required to differentiate C. perfringens type C from commensal type A strains. Recent research has extended our knowledge about the pathogenesis of the disease, although important aspects remain to be determined. The pathogenesis involves rapid overgrowth of C. perfringens type C in the small intestine, inhibition of beta-toxin (CPB) degradation by trypsin inhibitors in the colostrum of sows, and most likely initial damage to the small intestinal epithelial barrier. CPB itself acts primarily on vascular endothelial cells in the mucosa and can also inhibit platelet function. Prevention of the disease is achieved by immunization of pregnant sows with C. perfringens type C toxoid vaccines, combined with proper sanitation on farms. For the implementation of prevention strategies, it is important to differentiate between disease-free and pathogen-free status of a herd. The latter is more challenging to maintain, given that C. perfringens type C can persist for a long time in the environment and in the intestinal tract of adult animals and thus can be distributed via clinically and bacteriologically inapparent carrier animals.

Investigation of the Defatted Colostrum 1H-NMR Metabolomics Profile of Gilts and Multiparous Sows and Its Relationship with Litter Performance

Simple SummarySwine colostrum quality and quantity can influence the growth and survival of piglets and contribute to the differences in productive traits of gilts and multiparous sows. The aim of the study was to characterize the soluble metabolomics profile of defatted colostrum of sows at different parity number (PA) and to correlate the metabolomics profile with the colostrum Brix percentage as an estimate measure of immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and sow productive traits. The metabolomics profile of colostrum reveals a slight influence of parity, which can influence the quantity of specific metabolites including glycine and lactose. Specific metabolites including lactose creatine, myo-inositol, and O-phosphocholine partially explain the colostrum IgG Brix percentage. Sows’ productive traits performance, including the litter weight at birth and piglets’ mortality, can be influenced by the metabolites related to a sow’s metabolic condition. Increasing knowledge on the interplay between colostrum composition and litter performance can pave the way to define management strategies to provide piglets with good-quality colostrum, improving welfare and economic sustainability of pig rearing by reducing piglet mortality.The aim of the study was to characterize the soluble metabolomics profile of defatted colostrum of sows at different parity number (PA) and to correlate the metabolomics profile with the Brix percentage estimate of colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and sow productive traits. A total of 96 Meidam (crossbreed Large White × Meishan) sows of PA from 1–4 (PA1: 28; PA2:26; PA3:12; PA4:26) were included, and their productive traits were recorded at 10 days post-farrowing. Colostrum IgG was quantified using a Brix refractometer, and metabolomics profile was assessed using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Sows’ PA slightly influenced the metabolomics profile of colostrum. lactose and glycine were higher in PA1 compared with PA4 (p 0.05) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) tended to be higher in PA2 than PA3 and PA4 (p < 0.10). The Brix percentage of IgG was negatively associated with lactose and positively with creatine, myo-inositol, and O-phosphocholine (p < 0.05). Taurine was positively related to litter weight at birth. GlcNAc and myo-inositol were linked to piglet mortality at day 10 with a negative and positive trend, respectively. In conclusion, colostrum of gilts and multiparous sows had a similar metabolomics profile. Specific metabolites contributed to explanation of the variability in colostrum Brix percentage estimate of IgG concentration and the sows’ productive performance.

Effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation in maternal diets on reproductive performance and the expression of genes that regulate lactation in sows.

One hundred Yorkshire×Landrace sows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (diet ND: 6,000IU vitamin D3 /d feed; diet 25-D: 200μg/day 25OHD3 feed). The experiment began on d 90 of gestation and continued until weaning on day 21 of lactation. In sows that received 25OHD3 , the growth rate of the piglets before weaning was significantly accelerated (0.266kg/day, p<.05). Sow serum was collected after weaning, and those in the 25OHD3 group were found to have significantly higher serum calcium (CA) and phosphorus (PI) levels (p<.05). Interestingly, the oestrus cycle of sows fed 25OHD3 was significantly shortened (p<.05), the oestrus time was concentrated on the fifth day after weaning, and the piglets were born with a higher degree of uniformity (p<.05). Colostrum was collected on the day of delivery, and the colostrum of sows fed 25OHD3 contained higher milk fat content than the control group (p<.05). 25OHD3 supplementation increased the mRNA and protein expression of INSIG1 and SREBP1, which regulate milk fat synthesis, in the mammary gland of lactating sows (p<.05). In conclusion, 25OHD3 supplementation in maternal diets improved reproductive performance, milk fat content and the mRNA and protein levels of genes regulating milk fat synthesis in lactating sows.

The influence of dietary corn distillers dried grains with solubles during gestation of sows on fatty acid composition of colostrum and offspring

Thirty-six sows were randomly assigned to three treatments and fed 0, 125, or 250 g kg−1corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), which aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding DDGS to sows during gestation on the fatty acid composition of colostrum and offspring. In colostrum, feeding 0–250 g kg−1DDGS resulted in linear increase (P &lt; 0.001) in linoleic acid (18:2n-6) level (from 14.7% to 19.8%) and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) level (from 16.9% to 22.8%), and linear decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in levels of palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1 cis-9), and total saturated fatty acid (SFA). In addition, the percentage of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) in colostrum was increased from 0.56% to 1.23% (linear effect, P &lt; 0.001, and quadratic effect, P = 0.010) with increasing level of DDGS. Feeding DDGS to sows resulted in linear increase (P &lt; 0.05) in levels of 18:2n-6 (from 13.9% to 20.4%), 20:4n-6 (from 0.53% to 0.73%), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, from 0.28% to 0.37%), and total PUFA (from 15.9% to 22.6%), and linear decrease (P &lt; 0.001) in levels of 16:0 and SFA of carcass of newborn piglets. The results demonstrated that feeding 125 or 250 g kg−1corn DDGS to sows increased the proportions of 18:2n-6, 20:4n-6, and total PUFA and decreased the proportions of 16:0 and total SFA in sow colostrum and the carcasses of newborn piglets, implying that inclusion of corn DDGS in diets for sows can alter fatty composition of colostrum and piglets.

The effects of applying ME values for high or low-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles originating from prediction equations on the reproductive performance, colostrum and blood composition as well as diet digestibility for sows in late gestation

This experiment was conducted to apply metabolizable energy (ME) values for high or low-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) originating from prediction equations on the reproductive performance, colostrum and blood composition as well as diet digestibility of sows in late gestation. On d 85 of gestation, 84 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire with an average parity of 3.91) were allotted to 1 of 7 treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial with a positive control with 12 sows per treatment. Sows were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with either a high-oil or de-oiled corn DDGS at 1 of 3 inclusion rates (15, 30, or 45%). The control diet was corn-soybean meal-based. The experimental diets were formulated using ME values obtained from prediction equations for corn DDGS and NRC (2012) for other ingredients. There were no differences in the reproductive performance of sows fed these diets. The concentrations of protein in colostrum and serum of sows fed the diets containing de-oiled corn DDGS were lower compared with sows fed high-oil corn DDGS (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) decreased as the inclusion rates of corn DDGS in the diet increased (P < 0.05), while the DE in these diets did not differ. Both the ATTD of crude protein (CP) and digestible CP for sows fed the diets containing de-oiled corn DDGS were lower compared with sows fed high-oil corn DDGS (P < 0.05). The ATTD of ether extracts for sows fed the diets containing de-oiled corn DDGS was higher compared with sows fed diets containing high-oil corn DDGS (P < 0.05) and the ATTD of oil increased linearly as the inclusion rates of corn DDGS increased (P < 0.001). In conclusion, prediction equations for ME for high-oil and de-oiled corn DDGS can be used to formulate diets for sows in late gestation without any negative effects on reproductive performance.

The effectiveness of the use of drugs Globigen Pig Dozer and Globigen Jump Start when growing pigs

Currently, humanity owes great thanks to nature before the protection that nature has created is to protect the newborn. A person is born not sterile, but with protective appropriate antibodies transmitted from the mother. Antibodies, in the human body, have the ability to penetrate the placenta, and with blood flow, to be transmitted with maternal colostrum and milk. Unfortunately, not all living things have this advantage. Pigs are born sterile unless they are infected with viruses and toxins that have the ability to penetrate the placenta. In this case, they are sterile and defenseless, the whole environment is dangerous for them, and in this case there is no immunity and inevitable death. Therefore, after birth, the pigs themselves, or with the help of a sow that pushes them to the nipples with a snout, or an operator who receives farrowing, as soon as they try to drink precious colostrum, which loses its protective capacity every hour. The sow's colostrum contains not only nutritional, energy components, but also a more important component – Immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins contained in colostrum provide piglets with passive immunity, but not all. Why? This is because the farrow is usually stretched or pathological. Pigs are born unevenly, so they eat colostrum differently. The last piglets, at birth, get the least amount of colostrum, or not enough at all. In addition, the quality of colostrum and the amount of immunoglobulins depend on the sow's age, the number of farrowing, whether the sows are vaccinated before farrowing, and the presence of viral pathogens and their vaccination. A good practice for pigs in the world, as well as in Ukraine, is the use of the Globigen Pig Dozer, which is given to the pigs orally to increase passive immunity and provide protection against viruses and bacteria.

Hot environment on reproductive performance, immunoglobulins, vitamin E, and vitamin A status in sows and their progeny under commercial husbandry.

Hot environments can affect feed intake and lactation, and the subsequent unavailability of important micronutrients to the newborn piglet can impair piglet growth, reduce the viability of newborn piglets and limit their subsequent performance. This work addresses the effects of hot environments (summer season) upon the reproductive performance of sows during gestation and lactation as well as on the serum levels of vitamins and the concentration of immunoglobulins in their litters in comparison with the winter season. Fourteen sows were evaluated over 100 ± 2 days of gestation in each season. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was used as an indirect measure of heat stress during gestation. The reproductive performance, milk yield, and body condition of the sows were recorded. The concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin A in piglets and in sow serum, colostrum, milk and feed were determined by HPLC; immunoglobulins were assessed by an ELISA. The THI index indicated that animals were subject to heat stress only in during the summer. Although the effect was not significant, there were a lower number of piglets at birth and at weaning and the milk yield in summer compared with winter. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the body condition of sows between seasons. Season had an effect (p < 0.05) on the vitamin A concentration of postpartum sow serum (0.29 μg/mL in winter vs 0.21 μg/mL in summer) and on the vitamin E concentration before birth (2.00 μg/mL in winter vs 0.90 μg/mL in summer). Vitamin E in milk was higher (p < 0.05) in winter than in summer (2.23 vs 1.81 μg/mL). Serum levels of vitamins A and E in piglets at birth were lower (p < 0.05) in winter than in summer. The concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in colostrum and milk were similar between seasons (p > 0.05), but the IgA in piglet serum was higher in winter than in summer (p < 0.05). High temperatures produced heat stress in sows, which affected certain aspects of production that can be translated into economic losses for this sector.

Pathogenicity of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) strain NH and immunization of pregnant sows with an inactivated PDCoV vaccine protects 5‐day‐old neonatal piglets from virulent challenge

In this study, the pathogenicity of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) strain NH (passage 10, P10) was evaluated. We found that PDCoV strain NH is enteropathogenic in 5‐day‐old pigs. Pathogenicity experiments provided a challenge model for studying the protection efficiency of passive immunity. In order to investigate the protective efficacy of passive immunity in newborn piglets, pregnant sows were vaccinated with either a PDCoV‐inactivated vaccine at the Houhai acupoint (n = 5) or DMEM as a negative control (n = 2) using a prime/boost strategy 20 and 40 days before delivery. PDCoV spike (S)‐specific IgG and neutralizing antibody (NA) responses were detected in immunized sows and piglets born to immunized sows. PDCoV spike (S)‐specific sIgA was also detected in the colostrum and milk of immunized sows. Five days post‐farrowing, piglets were orally challenged with PDCoV strain NH (105 TCID50/piglet). Severe diarrhoea, high levels of viral RNA copies and substantial intestinal villus atrophy were detected in piglets born to unimmunized sows. Only 4 of 31 piglets (12.9%) born to immunized sows in the challenge group displayed mild to moderate diarrhoea, lower viral RNA copies and minor intestinal villi damage compared to piglets born to unimmunized sows post‐challenge. Mock piglets exhibited no typical clinical symptoms. The challenge experiment results indicated that the inactivated PDCoV vaccine exhibited 87.1% protective efficacy in the piglets. These findings suggest that the inactivated PDCoV vaccine has the potential to be an effective vaccine, providing protection against virulent PDCoV.

Dietary supplementation with garcinol during late gestation and lactation facilitates acid-base balance and improves the performance of sows and newborn piglets1.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary garcinol supplementation during late gestation (from the 90th day of pregnancy; day 90) and lactation on the acid-base balance of the umbilical cord blood and performance of sows and piglets. Sixty sows (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace; second- or third-parity; n = 20) were randomly divided into 3 gestation (day 90 of pregnancy) or lactation treatments, control diet (CON; basal diet), basal diet with 200 mg garcinol, and basal diet with 600 mg garcinol per kg of feed. The body weight (BW); backfat thickness and litter size of the sows; and birth weight, weaning weight, and mortality of piglets were recorded. Sows' blood and piglets' umbilical cord blood were collected for the measurements of hematological parameters and antioxidative and immune indexes, and acid-base balance parameters, respectively. The colostrum and milk and fecal samples of the sows were also collected for analysis of milk composition and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility. Garcinol had no effect on the BW and backfat thickness of the sows but significantly increased the birth weight and weaning weight of piglets (P < 0.05) and decreased the mortality (P < 0.05). Moreover, the white blood cell counts and neutrophil count, mean cell hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity in the plasma of the sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The garcinol treatment significantly increased the pH, HCO3- and base excess values (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased the pCO2 and lactate content (P < 0.05) in the umbilical blood. Dry matter (DM), ash, and ether extract in the colostrum were similar between groups (P > 0.05), whereas the garcinol significantly increased the crude protein (CP) in the milk. In addition, the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the plasma of piglets and in colostrum and milk of sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group. The apparent total tract nutrient digestibility was similar between treatments. Collectively, this study indicates that sows fed with garcinol in late gestation and lactation showed improved maternal health and antioxidative status, milk protein content, acid-base balance in the umbilical cord blood, and growth performance in piglets, showing promise in natural plant extract nutrition for sows.

179 Supplementation of mint oil and yeast cell in lactation diets on the antioxidant status of the dam and performance of offspring during the suckling phase

Abstract Environmental or metabolic heat can increase oxidative stress in sows and may impact suckling pig growth; yeast cell- and oil-based products are used to alleviate oxidative stress. A study was conducted to assess yeast cell and mint oil supplementation in sow lactation diets on sow anti-oxidant status and offspring performance to weaning. A total of 45 sows and gilts (240.7 ± 38.5 kg BW) were assigned to one of 4 diets: Control diet (CON), control + yeast cell at 0.2% (YC), control + mint oil at 10 ppm (MO), and control + yeast cell and mint oil (YCMO). Diets were provided from d 110 of gestation through weaning (21 ± 4 d). Variables evaluated were: sow and piglet growth, litter characteristics at birth, colostrum and milk oxidative status, sow feed intake. Data analyzed as randomized complete block with sow as experimental unit and Tukey’s adjustment as means separation test. There was no effect of maternal diet on sow BW (204.52 ± 43.5 kg) at weaning, piglet birth weight (1.44 ± 0.96 kg), litter size (13.09 ± 6 pig/sow) or sow feed intake (6.32 ± 3.05 kg). Piglets from CON females had lesser gain (P &lt; 0.05) compared with the other groups during the suckling phase (0.23, 0.24, 0.24, and 0.24 ± 0.005 kg in CON, YC, MO, and YCMO group, respectively). Superoxide dismutase activity in sow serum (d110 and weaning), colostrum, and milk was not different among diets and was 39, 59, 45, and 10% lower at weaning than d 110 in CON, YC, MO, and YCMO sows, respectively. Milk glutathione content tended to be lower (P &lt; 0.10) in MO than YCMO sows with CON and YC intermediate (15.2, 32.0, 20.6, and 21.1 U/ml), respectively. Overall, inclusion of yeast cell or mint oil enhanced piglet growth, which may be related to lower sow antioxidant status.

Factors affecting sow colostrum yield and composition, and their impact on piglet growth and health

The present study investigated sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and factors affecting them, and their relation to piglet survivability, growth and mortality. The study included 230 sows with 3,210 live-born piglets from five Finnish and one Dutch sow herd. Sow farrowing was supervised, and piglets were individually weighed at birth (BWB) and 24 h after birth of first piglet in order to calculate piglet CI and sow CY. Colostrum nutritional composition, immunoglobulin (Ig), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) contents were assessed. Sow plasma SAA, Hp and progesterone around farrowing were also assessed. Selected ear-tagged piglets were weighed at 3–4 weeks of age to calculate individual average daily gain. Sow CY was positively correlated with plasma Hp (P = 0.029) and number of live-born piglets (P < 0.01). An additional minute of farrowing duration lowered the CY by 2.2 g (P = 0.01). Piglet CI was positively associated with piglet weight at birth (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with the number of live-born piglets in the litter and percentage of protein in the colostrum (P < 0.001). Both piglet CI and birth weight were positively associated with piglet average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001). Piglet survival from birth to weaning depends on CI. We established that the risk of piglet death or of a piglet being treated with antibiotic before weaning increases with a decrease in sow back fat thickness at farrowing (P = 0.04). Similarly, we found that piglets from litters with low BWB and low CI had a higher risk of death before weaning (P < 0.001). Piglets born from sows with lower levels of colostrum IgA and SAA and high plasma progesterone at the end of farrowing had a higher risk of neonatal diarrhea (P = 0.04; P = 0.05; P = 0.04). Piglets born from sows having higher back fat thickness at weaning had a higher risk of developing weaning diarrhea (P = 0.02). In conclusion, longer farrowing duration can be detrimental and can negatively influence sow CY. Sow body condition and physiological status around farrowing can also affect CY, and thereby increase piglet mortality and use of antibiotics in neonatal piglets. Neonatal piglets can benefit from higher colostrum immunoglobulins, SAA, and decreased level of plasma progesterone in sows at the end of farrowing.

Effects of dietary energy and protein levels on reproductive performance in gestating sows and growth of their progeny.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary energy and crude protein (CP) levels on reproductive performance, litter performance, milk quality, and blood profiles in gestating sows. A total of 59 multiparous sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) with similar body weights (BW), backfat thickness (BF), and parity were assigned to one of six treatments with 9 or 10 sows per treatment using a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement and completely randomized design. The first factor was two levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) density (13.40 or 13.82 MJ/kg) and the second factor was three dietary protein levels based from 35 day in gestating phases (10.5%, 12%, and 13.5%). Backfat thickness change in lactating sows decreased linearly as CP level increased (p = 0.03). Increased energy level in the gestating sow diet tended to increase the total number of piglets born (p = 0.07), but piglet weight decreased (p = 0.02). Dietary CP level had a negative effect on colostrum quality. Casein, protein, total solid, and solids-not-fat concentrations decreased linearly and lactose level increased linearly as CP level in the gestating sow diet increased (casein%: p = 0.03; protein%: p = 0.04; lactose%: p = 0.06; total solids: p = 0.03; solid-not-fat: p = 0.03, respectively). However, improving ME by 0.42 MJ/kg had no significant effect on the chemical composition of sow colostrum. There were no significant differences in blood glucose concentration in gestating sows when sows were fed different levels of energy during gestation, but blood glucose increased at 21 day of lactation when energy increased by 0.42 MJ/kg (p = 0.04). Blood urea nitrogen concentration increased linearly when dietary CP levels increased at 110 day in gestation, 24-hours postpartum, and 21 days of lactation (linear, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively), and it also increased when dietary energy increased at 110 days of gestation and 24-hours postpartum (p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). A gestating sow diet containing 13.82 MJ/kg ME and 10.5% CP can improve reproductive performance, litter performance, and colostrum quality.