Reproductive Performance Of Sows Research Articles

494 Long-term effects of canola meal inclusion in gestation and lactation diets on sow and piglet performance over two reproductive cycles

Abstract The experiment was conducted to determine the long-term effects of dietary canola meal (CM) inclusion as the main protein source in gestation and lactation diets on sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 68) from two baches were randomly allotted 1 of 2 diets on d 80 of pregnancy. The two diets were a corn-barley and soybean meal control diet (CTRL) and a corn-barley and CM treatment diet (CCM). All diets were formulated to be similar in standardized ileal digestible amino acid and net energy contents. Sow body weight (BW) and backfat (BF) thickness were determined on d 1, 35, 80, and 111 of pregnancy, on d 1 and 21 post-farrowing. Piglets were weighed on d 0 and at weaning (d 21). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 for a randomized complete block design with repeated measures. Over the two reproductive cycles, dietary treatments did not influence sow BW and BF thickness on d 80 and 111 of pregnancy, as well as d 1 and 21 post-farrowing (P > 0.10). However, sows fed the CCM diet had less (P < 0.05) BW and BF thickness on d 1 and 35 of pregnancy in the second reproductive cycle than sows fed the CTRL diet. The CCM diet decreased gestation gain from d 80 to d 111 of pregnancy compared with the CTRL diet over the two reproductive cycles (P < 0.05). No dietary effect on litter size or litter performance was found during the experimental period (P > 0.10). However, reproductive cycle had significant effects (P < 0.05) on BW gain and BF thickness from d 80 to 111 of pregnancy as well as BW and BF thickness on d 1 of lactation. In addition, litter weight at birth and after cross-fostering were significantly improved during the second reproductive cycle compared with the first cycle (P < 0.05). An interaction between dietary treatment and reproductive cycle on BW gain and BW on d 1 of lactation was observed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding gestation and lactation diets containing CM as the main protein source to sows over two reproductive cycles supported similar sow reproductive and litter performance as the control.

51. Effects of a phytogenic feed ingredient on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of suckling piglets

51. Effects of a phytogenic feed ingredient on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of suckling piglets

Effects of second litter syndrome on reproductive performance in sows.

The effects of second litter syndrome (SLS) on subsequent reproductive performance remain poorly understood. This study examined the impact of SLS on reproductive parameters such as piglets born alive (PBA), accumulative number of PBA (APBA), farrowing interval (FI), and risk of decreased PBA (DPBA) up to parity 5. Data on 5,464 litters were recorded from 1,507 sow cards collected on five swine farms in northern Vietnam. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze the effect of SLS on the PBA, APBA, and FI. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the effect of DPBA in parity n on the risk of DPBA in parity n + 1. About 47.8% of the sows contracted SLS (720/1507). Only APBA1-2 was significantly decreased by SLS. The APBA3-5 in SLS sows was comparable to that in non-SLS sows (41.8 vs. 41.9). Non-DPBA2 upped the risk for DPBA3 by 3.6-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8-4.6). Moreover, non-DPBA3 increased the risk of DPBA4 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.1-3.7), and non-DPBA4 increased the risk of DPBA5 (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 2.3-4.7). The risks of developing DPBA4 and DPBA5 remained unchanged following SLS (p > 0.05). About 98.4% of sows underwent PBA fluctuations during their first five parities. SLS does not appear to detrimentally affect PBA, APBA, and FI in subsequent parities. Therefore, SLS sows do not necessarily have future low reproductive performance or be culled. Future investigations should explore the mechanism of alternate decrease/increase patterns in PBA.

The Effect of Different Farrowing Housing Systems on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and the Losses and Growth of Piglets

The Effect of Different Farrowing Housing Systems on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and the Losses and Growth of Piglets

Bacillus subtilis Feed Supplementation Combined with Oral E. coli Immunization in Sows as a Tool to Reduce Neonatal Diarrhea in Piglets.

To investigate the effects of B. subtilis on the specific immune response of lactating sows to E. coli and the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets, thirty large white sows with similar farrowing dates were randomly divided into two groups: a feedback feeding (i.e., feeding a homogenate of intestinal contents and tissues from E. coli-infected piglets to sows; FB) group and a feedback feeding with B. subtilis (FB + BS) group. Serum, colostrum, and intestinal tissues from sows and piglets were collected to assess the immune response and intestinal barrier function at weaning. T and B cells from Peyer's patches (PPs) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) in lactating mice (with treatments consistent with the sows') were isolated to explore the underlying mechanism. The results showed that, compared with the FB group, the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring were effectively improved in the FB + BS group. Moreover, the levels of IgG/IgA and those of IgG/IgA against E. coli in the serum and colostrum of sows in the FB+BS group were increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, CD4+CXCR5+PD1+, and B220+IgA+ cells in MLNs and PPs, and the IgA levels in the mammary glands of mice, were also increased in the FB + BS group (p < 0.05). Notably, in suckling piglets in the FB + BS group, the diarrhea rate was decreased (p < 0.05), and the intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora composition at weaning were significantly improved. Overall, these results indicated that B. subtilis feed supplementation combined with feedback feeding in pregnant and lactating sows can reduce diarrhea in suckling piglets by enhancing the maternal immune response against E. coli and intestinal barrier function in their offspring, improving survival rates and pre-weaning growth.

Allicin in pregnancy diets modulates steroid metabolism in pregnant sows and placental sulphate metabolism promoting placental angiogenesis and foetal development

The low-birth-weight of piglets is an important factor affecting pig enterprises. The placenta, as a key organ for material exchange between mother and foetus, directly influences the growth and development of the foetus. Allicin exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also play a crucial role in enhancing sow reproductive performance and placental angiogenesis. In this study, we used 70 lactating Landrace × Yorkshire binary heterozygous sows to explore the effect of allicin on the reproductive performance of sows and placental development. The sows were randomly assigned into the Allicin group (Allicin), which was fed with a diet containing 0.25% allicin, and the negative control group, which was fed with basal feed. The experimental period lasted for 114 d from the date of mating to the end of farrowing. The results showed that the addition of allicin to the gestation diets increased the number of total born piglets, born alive piglets, and high-birth-weight piglets, reduced peripartum oxidative stress, alleviated dysregulation of glucose-lipid metabolism in sows, and increased the levels of antioxidant markers in the placenta. Differential analysis of metabolites in maternal plasma and placenta samples by non-targeted metabolomics revealed that allicin improved cholesterol metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and increased plasma progesterone levels in sows. Allicin promoted sulphur metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism in placental samples and increased the hydrogen sulphide (H2S) content in the placenta. In addition, Quantitative Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that allicin upregulated the expression of angiogenesis-related genes, VEGF-A, FLK 1 and Ang 1, in the placenta, implying that it promoted placental angiogenesis. These results indicate that supplementing the diet of pregnant sows with allicin reduces oxidative stress, alleviates dysregulation of glucose-lipid metabolism during the periparturient period, and promotes placental angiogenesis and foetal development by increasing plasma progesterone level and placental H2S content.

Sow reproductive performance following artificial insemination with semen doses processed using Single Layer Centrifugation without antibiotics in the tropics

Single Layer Centrifugation (SLC) through a low density colloid offers an alternative solution to antibiotic use in boar semen extenders, with lower costs compared to high density colloids. The aim of this study was to explore the reproductive performance of sows when using SLC-prepared semen doses without antibiotics, employing low density Porcicoll to prepare semen doses for artificial insemination in a commercial swine herd in Thailand. Ejaculates were divided into two equal parts to create insemination doses, with each dose containing 3000 × 106 sperm/80 ml for intra-uterine insemination in individual sows. The sows were inseminated twice, with the interval between the two inseminations ranging from 8 to 16 h. The CONTROL group consisted of 206 semen doses treated with antibiotics, prepared for insemination in 103 sows, while the SLC group comprised 194 SLC-prepared semen doses without antibiotics for inseminating 97 sows. Fertility and fecundity traits, including non-return rate, conception rate, farrowing rate, and litter traits (i.e., the total number of piglets born per litter, number of piglets born alive per litter, number of stillborn piglets, and number of mummified fetuses), were compared between groups. Furthermore, data on piglet characteristics, including live-born and stillborn piglets (i.e., the prevalence of stillbirth (yes, no), birth weight, crown-rump length, body mass index (BMI), and ponderal index (PI)), were determined. No significant differences in non-return rate (75.7 % vs. 77.3 %), conception rate (73.8 % vs. 73.2 %), and farrowing rate (71.8 % vs. 73.2 %) were observed between the CONTROL and SLC groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the total number of piglets born per litter in the SLC group was higher than in the CONTROL group (14.6 ± 0.9 vs. 12.3 ± 0.6, respectively, P = 0.049). Interestingly, the prevalence of stillbirth in the SLC group was lower than in the CONTROL group (6.2 % vs. 11.6 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Moreover, the newborn piglets in the SLC group exhibited higher birth weight and BMI compared to those in the CONTROL group (1.36 ± 0.03 vs. 1.26 ± 0.02 kg, P = 0.005, and 18.3 ± 0.3 vs. 17.3 ± 0.2 kg/m2, P = 0.003). In conclusion, employing sperm doses after SLC through a low density colloid in artificial insemination within a commercial breeding operation did not have a detrimental impact on either fertility or fecundity traits but showed potential benefits in increasing the total number of piglets born per litter. Moreover, improvements were observed in the birth weight and body indexes of piglets, and the percentage of stillbirths was reduced. Our findings introduce new possibilities for antibiotic alternatives in semen extenders to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance in the swine industry. Additionally, they provide compelling reproductive outcomes supporting the integration of SLC-prepared semen doses into artificial insemination practices.

Genetic parameters for novel climatic resilience indicators derived from automatically-recorded vaginal temperature in lactating sows under heat stress conditions

BackgroundLongitudinal records of automatically-recorded vaginal temperature (TV) could be a key source of data for deriving novel indicators of climatic resilience (CR) for breeding more resilient pigs, especially during lactation when sows are at an increased risk of suffering from heat stress (HS). Therefore, we derived 15 CR indicators based on the variability in TV in lactating sows and estimated their genetic parameters. We also investigated their genetic relationship with sows’ key reproductive traits.ResultsThe heritability estimates of the CR traits ranged from 0.000 ± 0.000 for slope for decreased rate of TV (SlopeDe) to 0.291 ± 0.047 for sum of TV values below the HS threshold (HSUB). Moderate to high genetic correlations (from 0.508 ± 0.056 to 0.998 ± 0.137) and Spearman rank correlations (from 0.431 to 1.000) between genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) were observed for five CR indicators, i.e. HS duration (HSD), the normalized median multiplied by normalized variance (Nor_medvar), the highest TV value of each measurement day for each individual (MaxTv), and the sum of the TV values above (HSUA) and below (HSUB) the HS threshold. These five CR indicators were lowly to moderately genetically correlated with shoulder skin surface temperature (from 0.139 ± 0.008 to 0.478 ± 0.048) and respiration rate (from 0.079 ± 0.011 to 0.502 ± 0.098). The genetic correlations between these five selected CR indicators and sow reproductive performance traits ranged from − 0.733 to − 0.175 for total number of piglets born alive, from − 0.733 to − 0.175 for total number of piglets born, and from − 0.434 to − 0.169 for number of pigs weaned. The individuals with the highest GEBV (most climate-sensitive) had higher mean skin surface temperature, respiration rate (RR), panting score (PS), and hair density, but had lower mean body condition scores compared to those with the lowest GEBV (most climate-resilient).ConclusionsMost of the CR indicators evaluated are heritable with substantial additive genetic variance. Five of them, i.e. HSD, MaxTv, HSUA, HSUB, and Nor_medvar share similar underlying genetic mechanisms. In addition, individuals with higher CR indicators are more likely to exhibit better HS-related physiological responses, higher body condition scores, and improved reproductive performance under hot conditions. These findings highlight the potential benefits of genetically selecting more heat-tolerant individuals based on CR indicators.

Stimulating prepartum nest-building behaviour through alternative nesting materials has impacts on farrowing kinetics and maternal characteristics in crated sows

The process of nest-building plays a crucial role in parturition, as it has the potential to impact fetal expulsion and reproductive performance of sows. This study aimed to investigate the effect of providing alternative nesting materials (sling belt and rag) on prepartum nest-building behaviour, farrowing process, and postpartum maternal behaviour of sows housed in crates. Thirty-two (21 Landrace and 11 Yorkshire) purebred sows (average parity, 2.66 ± 0.277; range, 1–6) were randomly divided into three groups and housed in farrowing crates with no nesting material (control, n = 9), or with sling belt (SB, n = 9), or with sling belt and rag (SBR, n = 11). The sows’ behaviours were assessed by analyzing top-view video recordings. The nest-building behaviours of the sows were observed during the 24-h period before parturition. Three days after parturition, nursing behaviour was assessed and carefulness toward the piglets was scored after observing for 24 h. The duration and frequency of nest-building behaviour in the SB group was higher than those of that in the control group but lower than those of that in the SBR group (P < 0.05 for both). The duration of sternal lying in sows in the SB group was significantly higher than that of those in the control and SBR groups during parturition (P < 0.001). The control group exhibited higher frequency of bar-biting than did the other two groups, as observed 24 h before parturition (P < 0.001). Multiple comparisons showed that the SBR group had the shortest farrowing duration, followed by the SB and control groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the SBR group exhibited shorter birth interval than did the control or SB group (P < 0.01). Total and successful nursing durations in the control group were longer than those in the other groups (P < 0.001), whereas the SBR group showed shorter duration of unsuccessful nursing than did the other two groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the provision of a sling belt and rag could facilitate nest-building behaviour, resulting in an enhancement of farrowing process and nursing performance of sows confined in farrowing crates. Collectively, we confirmed the availability of using sling belt and rag as alternative nesting materials for peripartum sows housed in farrowing crate with slatted flooring.

284 Relationship between sow caliper measurements with sow reproductive performance and longevity in the herd

Abstract Ideal conditioned sows are desired because they maximize herd performance, improve female well-being, and optimize financial outcomes. Sow productivity has increased, and body composition of females has changed, with sows being leaner and having less adipose tissue compared with their predecessors. Our objective was to determine the relationship between sow caliper measurements with sow reproductive performance and longevity in the herd. Data collected in four different production systems located in the US and Brazil were used, with 3,083, 356, 7,456, and 26,773 individual PIC Camborough observations represented within each of these databases. Caliper measurements were collected at due to farrow and weaned sows and were recorded in units, standardized to an ideal range of 12 to 15 units. Caliper change in lactation was determined as the caliper units at weaning minus the caliper units pre-farrowing. Response variables included proportion of born alive and stillborn piglets, lactation feed intake, as well as removal and mortality risk for all causes, or specifically for reproductive and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) causes. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models, hazard ratio analysis, and survival models with the lmer, glmer, and surv functions of R. Sow served as the experimental unit. Caliper measurements at farrowing had curvilinear associations (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with percentage born alive piglets and percentage stillborn piglets. Increasing caliper units at farrowing resulted in linear reduction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in lactation average daily feed intake and in linear increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in caliper losses during lactation. Sows losing 1 to 2, 3 to 4, or 5 and greater caliper units in lactation had 1.5, 1.8, and 2.4 times, respectively, greater risk (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of being removed from the herd in the next cycle compared with sows that gained 0 or more units. Reduced caliper units in due-to-farrow sows resulted in reduced probability (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of survival in the next cycle considering prolapse removal reasons. Sows with due to farrow caliper units of 12 to 15 had 1 to 1.6 times (95% Odd Ratio Confidence Interval), 9 to 11 had 1.2 to 2.1 times, and less than 9 caliper units 3.1 to 3.2 times greater risk of death or being removed from the herd due to POP compared with those with &amp;gt;15 units. Reduced caliper units in due-to-farrow sows resulted in reduced probability of survival in the next cycle considering all removal and mortality causes. Specifically, sows with less than 9 caliper units at farrowing had 2.0 times greater risk (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of removal and 4.4 times greater risk (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of mortality compared with sows with over 15 caliper units. In summary, both under and over-conditioned sows have reduced productivity. Underconditioned sows are at greater risk for mortality and for POP related removal.

151 Use of a clay and algae-based decontaminant on sows naturally exposed to mycotoxins in gestation and lactation

Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in pig feed is a recurring problem leading to chronic exposure of the animals, even when mycotoxin levels are below official guidance (FDA, EFSA). Deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivates are among the main mycotoxins impacting pig production in the United States. This study evaluated the effect of a clay- and algae-based mycotoxin decontaminant on the reproductive performance of sows (n = 207) exposed to chronic natural mycotoxin contamination from 35 d of gestation to weaning. The level of mycotoxins in the feed was measured using LC-MS/MS. A mean contamination of 956 ppb DON, 125 ppb 15-o-acteyl-DON, 338 ppb fumonisins B1 + B2 and 62 ppb zearalenone was reported. Despite a comparable starting body weight (BW) between the control (without decontaminant) and test (with decontaminant) groups at allotment (P = 0.67), sows in the test group had a greater BW than the control sows at entry in farrowing (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and a body condition score of 0.12 points greater (P = 0.04). More live-born piglets were observed in supplemented sows than in control sows (+4%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), as well as a smaller proportion of mummified and stillborn piglets (-39%; P &amp;lt; 0.05 and -34%, P &amp;lt; 0.01, respectively). In contrast, the BW and growth of piglets before weaning did not differ between groups (P &amp;gt; 0.10). These results indicate that the tested decontaminant can improve the body condition and farrowing performance of mycotoxin-exposed sows at levels below current recommendations.

16 Effects of fiber supplementation during gestation on sow and piglet performance

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of fiber supplementation during gestation on sow and piglet performance. A total of 200 PIC Camborough P1+ sows were used. At breeding, sows were balanced by body weight (BW) within parity and randomly allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, which consisted of 1) Control; corn-soybean meal gestation diet; and 2) Fiber; inclusion of soybean hulls in the formulation at a level to yield a dietary crude-fiber content 6%. Females were housed in individual stalls throughout the entire gestation. At d 90 of gestation, serum glucose, fecal dry matter, fecal volatile fat acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate), urinary traits (color, turbidity, density, pH, and presence of nitrate or blood), and frequency of stereotypic behavior (sham chewing, teeth grinding, bar biting, and floor licking) was accessed. Perineal scoring was visually evaluated at d 105 and 110 of gestation. Farrowing traits (farrowing length, and number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummified fetuses) and piglet vitality (meconium presence, umbilical cord integrity, oxygenation, and heart rate) were individually monitored. Individual piglet BW was obtained within 12 h of birth and after 24 h for colostrum intake, and at weaning. Sow daily lactation feed intake was registered. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the Glimmix procedure of SAS with sow serving as the experimental unit. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for differences in sow BW at d1, d112 of gestation, and at weaning. Sows fed the greater fiber diet showed lower levels of post-prandial glucose (-6%; P &amp;lt; 0.10), darker urine (+33%; P &amp;lt; 0.10) with greater pH (+5%; P &amp;lt; 0.05), and greater levels of fecal butyrate (+62%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and isovalerate (+15%; P &amp;lt; 0.10) at the end of gestation (d 90). Feces from sows fed the control diet were drier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at d 90 of gestation. Fiber supplementation reduced the frequency of teeth grinding (-52%; P &amp;lt; 0.10), bar biting (-74%; P &amp;lt; 0.05), and floor licking (-65%; P 0.10) behaviors. There was no evidence for treatment differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for perineal scores. Piglet vitality was not affected by the treatments, except for a marginal increase in blood oxygen saturation for piglets from sows fed the greater fiber diet (+1%; P &amp;lt; 0.10). Treatment did not impact (P &amp;gt; 0.10) farrowing duration, number of total piglets born, born alive, stillborn, and mummified, nor average piglet birth weight and colostrum intake. Sows fed diet with fiber supplementation during gestation had a marginal increase in average daily feed intake during lactation (+0.50kg/d; P = 0.08), which resulted in improved piglet BW gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and weaning weights (+0.20kg; P &amp;lt; 0.05). In summary, providing increased level of fiber supplementation via soybean hulls to gestating diets did not impact sow reproductive performance. Beneficial effects were observed for welfare lactation feed intake, piglet BW gain and weaning weights.

PSI-3 Effect of feed and water consumption patterns during the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows

Abstract There is sufficient evidence that adequate feed and water consumption during the lactation period positively influences sow body condition at weaning. Optimum body condition score after the lactation period decreases sow wean-to-estrus interval and non-productive sow days and promotes sow reproductive performance in the following reproductive cycle, in general. However, feed and water intake patterns have not been extensively studied in commercial sow research; thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed and water consumption patterns in the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows. This trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm located in southwestern Minnesota in March 2023. Each lactation feeder was outfitted with a MealMeter 2.0 device (PigEasy, LLC, Templeton, IA), which uses a rotating feed dispenser to release feed ad libitum at the request of each sow. In addition, the MealMeter 2.0 device utilizes sensors to track the number of times feed and water were accessed at 15-min time intervals across the entire lactation period. Average daily feed (ADF) and water accessions (ADW) were summarized for each sow during the lactation period (n = 84 sows). Root mean squared error (RMSEF and RMSEW for feed and water accessions, respectively) was calculated from the residuals of the regression between days post-farrowing and ADF and ADW for each sow and was considered a measure of variation in feed and water accessions during the lactation period. Moreover, the number of days from weaning to the first estrus was recorded and defined as the wean-to-estrus interval (WTE). Due to the distribution of WTE, sows with a WTE ≤ 5 d and WTE &amp;gt; 5 d were separated into a binary classifier (0 = WTE ≤ 5 d and 1 = WTE &amp;gt; 5 d). The relationship between each feed and water measurement and WTE class was estimated using a logistic regression model fit with R Statistical Software. Average daily feed and water accessions were negatively associated with WTE class (P- = 0.07 and 0.04, respectively; Table 1), indicating that as feed and water accessions increase, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d decreases. In addition, RMSEF and RMSEW were also negatively associated with WTE class, which suggests that as the variation in each measure across the lactation period increases, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d is reduced. This result was not expected and, thus, requires further investigation. Nonetheless, results from this study suggest that the mean and variation of daily feed and water accessions are associated with WTE and sufficient consumption of nutrients during the lactation period is critical to reducing the number of days to first estrus in weaned sows.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis supplementation on reproductive parameters during late gestation in multiparous sows.

Probiotics are used at different stages of gestation to promote reproductive performance in sows. This study investigated the effect of Bacillus subtilis QST 713 supplementation during late gestation in multiparous sows on different reproductive parameters. On day 85 of gestation, 115 multiparous healthy Landrace Yorkshire sows were randomly assigned to two groups with equal parity numbers. The control group (58 sows) was fed with basal diets, and the probiotic group (57 sows) was fed with basal diets +1010 colony-forming unit (CFU) B. subtilis QST 713 from day 85 to parturition. Back fat thickness on days 85 and 110, number of total born, number of born alive, stillbirth and mummy rates, individual birth weight, litter birth weight, within-litter variation of piglet birth weight, and postpartum vaginal discharge duration were recorded and compared between the two groups. The number of total born, number born alive, back fat thickness of sows before farrowing, litter weight, within-litter variation of piglet birth weight, and postpartum vaginal discharge duration were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis QST 713 decreased the stillbirth rate (3.96 vs. 6.39%, p = 0.046) and born dead rate (5.12 vs. 8.57%, p = 0.035) and increased the birth weight of piglets (1552.78 vs. 1506.15 g, p = 0.049). Daily supplementation with 1010 CFU of B. subtilis QST 713 during late gestation in multiparous sows could increase reproductive performance by increasing birth weight and decreasing stillbirth rate.

Effects of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Plasmid Treatment on the Reproductive Productivity of Sows in Primiparous and Multiparous Sow Breeds.

The effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) plasmid treatment on sow reproductive performance was examined. Forty pregnant sows (three-way crossbreed: Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) at 85 days of gestation were included in the study and consisted of twenty primiparous and twenty multiparous sows (third parity). Sows were randomly assigned to the control and treatment groups. The treatment group received 5 mg dose of GHRH plasmid injection via electroporation, whereas the control group received a phosphate buffer solution. Reproductive indicators, including serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and weaned piglet data, were assessed. In the GHRH plasmid-treated group, serum IGF-1 concentration significantly increased compared with that in the control group, a trend observed in primiparous and multiparous sows. The key indicator of reproductive performance, litter size, showed that for control primiparous sows (C-PS), it was 10.90 ± 0.99 kg, while for control multiparous sows (C-MS), it was 14.00 ± 0.67 kg. Furthermore, for primiparous sows treated with GHRH plasmid (G-PS), the litter size was 11.60 ± 0.97 kg, and for multiparous sows treated with GHRH plasmid (G-MS), it was 14.00 ± 0.82 kg. The GHRH plasmid-treated group also exhibited a higher number of total births and surviving piglet numbers, along with a decrease in stillborn piglets; however, there was no significant difference in birth weight. The results suggest that GHRH plasmid treatment can enhance the reproductive performance of sows.

Effects of extra-feed intake during late gestation on reproductive performance of sow and piglet performance during weaning stage

Effects of extra-feed intake during late gestation on reproductive performance of sow and piglet performance during weaning stage

Dietary Puerarin Supplementation Improves Immune Response and Antioxidant Capacity of Sows.

Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria mirifica, a wildlife leguminous plant. It has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. However, the effects of directly adding puerarin to the diets of sows, in terms of reproductive performance and antioxidant properties, have not been reported. For this study, 240 sows with varying parities were selected and randomly divided into six treatment groups using a two × three experimental design. The six treatment groups consisted of two diets (control and puerarin) and three parities (zero, one, and two parities or more). The puerarin group was supplemented with 1 g/kg of puerarin. The experiment commenced with mating and continued until 21 days post-delivery. The sow reproductive performance was not affected by supplementing their diets with puerarin (p > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with puerarin significantly increased the daily body weight (BW) gain of piglets and their mean BW at weaning (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, sows in the puerarin group had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity in serum and also significantly increased immunoglobulin A and G levels in serum, colostrum, and milk, but significantly lower malondialdehyde concentration in serum (p < 0.05). Thus, puerarin improved the immune response and antioxidant capacity of sows and increased the daily BW gain of their offspring.

Effect of heat stress on the reproductive performance of sows: comparison of different thermal-comfort indices in a temperate climate

Context Heat stress is a major environmental factor negatively affecting animal health and production efficiency of the sow, and causes significant economic losses to the global pig industry. Researchers have developed various thermal indices with different characteristics for assessing the level of heat stress in pigs, including the temperature–humidity index (THI), black globe–humidity index (BGHI), effective temperature (ET), equivalent temperature index of sows (ETIS), and enthalpy (H), among others. Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat stress on reproductive performance by using different thermal indices based on environmental variables in a temperate climate and to compare the goodness-of-fit among them. Methods In total, 2951 sow reproductive records were analysed for a Puebla farm in the northern hemisphere. Key results The overall means for pregnancy, farrowing, and abortion rates over the period from January to December 2020 were 83.1%, 80.67%, and 5.2%, whereas temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity were 24.3°C, 63.0%, and 3.7 m/s respectively. The highest rates of pregnancy and farrowing over the study period were observed in March, while the abortion rate was highest in December. However, the mean daily temperatures exceeded 25°C between March and June, being higher the upper limit of the thermoneutral zone for sows. Many thermal indices have been used to estimate the level of heat stress in pigs, such as the THI, BGHI, ET, and ETIS. We used 11 thermal indices to measure the degree of heat stress affecting fertility traits of animals. Pregnancy and farrowing rates were highest for THI2 and THI6 values, reflecting moderate stress at pregnancy and farrowing periods. Statistically significant differences were found between the THI2, THI4, THI6, and ET values and the pregnancy, farrowing, and abortion rates (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Our results showed that the THI2 performs better for evaluating the level of heat stress in sows than do other thermal-comfort indices such as the THI4, THI6, and ET. Implications These results may be useful for accurate assessment of heat stress to mitigate its effects and avoid significant economic losses in sows in temperate climates.

Dietary 25 Hydroxyvitamin D3 Improved Serum Concentration Level and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity during Lactation but Had Meager Impact on Post-Farrowing Reproductive Performance in Sows

Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows fed VD3, 25(OH)D3, or 14-epi 25(OH)D3. Weaned sows (n = 203) in parities 2 and 3 were blocked weekly and treated with 2000 IU/kg VD3 (T1), 25 μg/kg 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3 (T2), or 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 (T3) diets, all equilibrated to 2000 IU/kg as fed. Sow performance, treatment, and sampling period effects were analyzed. Environmental conditions were analyzed as covariates. The number of piglets weaned (p = 0.029), pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.029), sampling period (p &lt; 0.001), and treatment and period interaction (p = 0.028) differed significantly. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 during lactation due to physiological demands for milk calcium and milk production. Supplementing twice the concentration of 25(OH)D3 compared to its epimer, 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3, had no significant effect on the post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows. The effect of 25(OH)D3 on post-farrowing reproductive performance and ALP activity in sows was influenced by metabolic demand for calcium due to physiological changes during lactation as well as epimer conformation.

Microbial Mechanistic Insight into the Role of Yeast-Derived Postbiotics in Improving Sow Reproductive Performance in Late Gestation and Lactation Sows.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of supplementing Yeast-derived postbiotics (Y-dP) to the diet of sows during late pregnancy and lactation on fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in sows and their offspring weaned piglets, as well as the relationship between gut microbiota and SCFA, serum cytokines, and sow reproductive performance. A total of 150 sows were divided into three groups: control diet (CON), CON + Y-dP 1.25 g/kg, and CON + Y-dP 2 g/kg. The results showed that supplementing 0.125% Y-dP to the diet of sows can increase the content of isobutyric acid (IBA) in the feces of pregnant sows and reduce the content of butyric acid (BA) in the feces of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The fecal microbiota of pregnant sows β diversity reduced and piglet fecal microbiota β diversity increased (p < 0.05). Y-dP significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of pregnant sows (p < 0.05), as well as the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, and Fusobacteriota in the feces of piglets (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidota in the feces of pregnant sows is positively correlated with propionic acid (PA) (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group was positively correlated with Acetic acid (AA), PA, Valerate acid (VA), and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the feces of pregnant sows (r > 0.5, p < 0.05), and Bacteroidota and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group were negatively correlated with the number of stillbirths (r < -0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Lactobacillus and Holdemanella in piglet feces was positively correlated with TVFA in feces and negatively correlated with IgA in serum (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Y-dP to the diet of sows from late gestation to lactation can increase the chao1 index and α diversity of fecal microorganisms in sows during lactation, increase the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of sows during pregnancy, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes in piglet feces, thereby improving intestinal health. These findings provide a reference for the application of Y-dP in sow production and a theoretical basis for Y-dP to improve sow production performance.