Sow Colostrum Research Articles

Effect of Microencapsulated Medium-Chain Fatty Acids, Lignocellulose, and Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 Supplementation on Lactating Sow Performance, and Nutritional and Immunological Parameters in Colostrum

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing miMCFA, lignocellulose, and HKL137 on lactating sow performance and nutritional composition and immunity in colostrum. Fifty 3–4 parity sows (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: (1) control (CON) without supplementation, (2) miMCFA (S1), (3) miMCFA + lignocellulose (S2), (4) miMCFA + HKL137 (S3), and (5) miMCFA + lignocellulose + HKL137 (S4). Supplements were daily added to the morning meal for 21 days (day 100 of gestation to day 7 post-farrowing). Compared with CON, the S1 and S4 groups had improvements (p < 0.01) in live-born piglet numbers, and colostrum yield. Fat content in colostrum was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the S3 and S4 groups than those of CON group. Additionally, IgG levels were significantly greatest (p < 0.05) in the S3 and S4 groups. Likewise, IgM levels were notably highest (p < 0.05) in the S2 and S4 groups. These results indicated that the synergistic administration of miMCFA, lignocellulose, and HKL137 resulted in significant enhancements in both sow performance indices and colostrum metrics, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative parameters.

Lactoferrin exhibits PEDV antiviral activity by interfering with spike-heparan sulfate proteoglycans binding and activating mucosal immune response

Neonatal piglets infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) experience a mortality rate of up to 90%, resulting in significant economic losses to the swine industry in China. Current strategies using specific antibodies in sow milk to prevent Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in these piglets through specific antibodies in sow milk is unsatisfactory. Preliminary studies have shown limited success. Emerging evidence suggests that general immune factors in sow milk provide protection to neonatal piglets, particularly, lactoferrin, play a crucial role in protecting piglets by inhibiting PEDV replication. However, the precise mechanism by which lactoferrin exerts its antiviral effects remains unclear. This study sought to clarify these mechanisms through both in vitro and in vivo approaches, proposing that higher concentrations of lactoferrin lead to greater antiviral activity. It was hypothesized that lactoferrin can impede PEDV by blocking its binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) on the surface of target cells, and molecular docking experiments was conducted to identify the binding sites between lactoferrin and HSPG. Additionally, the findings indicated that lactoferrin can effectively trigger the maturation of porcine dendritic cells and boosts their antigen-presenting functions, thereby improving intestinal mucosal immunity in neonatal piglets against PEDV. Overall, these findings aid to elucidate the antiviral actions and mechanisms of lactoferrin in sow colostrum, offering new insights for the effective prevention and control of PED in neonatal piglets.

Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis DSMZ 28710 improves sow milk microbiota and enhances piglet health outcomes

Maintaining a diverse and balanced sow milk microbiome is essential to piglet development. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effects of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on the microbiome composition of sow colostrum and milk, and to review associated health findings in piglets. B. licheniformis DSMZ 28710 was supplemented at 10 g/day as feed additive before predicted farrowing until weaning by top dressing. Colostrum and milk samples were collected for metagenomic DNA extraction, 16s rRNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses for bacterial microbiota diversity. Results indicated that the supplementation increased the abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium, while decreasing the abundances of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Campylobacter in the colostrum. The supplementation increased diversity while maintaining richness and evenness. Moreover, the rise in predicted microbial community metabolic function in membrane transport pathways provides crucial evidence showing that the supplementation is potentially beneficial to piglets, as these pathways are important for providing nutrients and immunity to offspring. This research highlights the importance of microbiome composition in sow milk and the potential of B. licheniformis supplementation as a means to improve piglet health and development.

Calcium chloride supplementation in sows: Enhancing farrowing efficiency and piglet viability during transition period

High-prolific sows have a high incidence of stillbirth and asphyxiated piglets due to calcium deficiencies. Calcium is important for enhancing farrowing efficacy and colostrum production. Calcium chloride (CaCl2), an acidogenic compound that lowers dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), promotes calcium mobilization, thereby mitigating the risk of calcium deficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of CaCl2 supplementation in sows during the transition period in working and non-working hours on sow performances, colostrum quantity and quality, urine pH, serum total calcium, and piglet characteristics. A total of 58 Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred sows and 382 piglets from a commercial swine farm in Thailand were included in the study. These sows were classified into two groups. Control (n=29) were fed a standard lactation diet without a supplement and CaCl2 (n=29) received the same quantity of standard lactation diet with 25g/day of CaCl2 from day 109 of gestation until 7 days after farrowing (13.8±0.3 days). The sow performances and farrowing time classified as either during working hours (WH) or non-working hours (NWH) were recorded. The piglet characteristics were classified based on birth order: i.e., 1-7 (n=182) and ≥8 (n=200). On average, the total number of piglets born per litter (TB) and the number of piglets born alive per litter (BA) were 15.0±3.2 and 13.5±2.9 piglets/litter, respectively. During NWH, CaCl2 group had a lower percentage of stillborn piglets per litter (SB) than Control group (5.5±2.0% vs. 13.9±2.1%, P=0.030). While no difference was observed during WH (4.9±2.4% vs. 3.8±2.2%, P=0.988). After supplementation with CaCl2 for 4 days, CaCl2 group had a lower urine pH than Control group (5.2±0.1 vs. 6.3±0.1, P<0.001) but did not differ in the serum total calcium and colostrum quantity and quality (P>0.05). The piglets in CaCl2 group required less farrowing assistance than those in Control group, particularly among piglets with birth order 1-7 (17.9±5.7% vs. 33.9±5.3%, P=0.042). The incidence of broken umbilical cord was also lower in CaCl2 than in Control groups (P<0.001), with a reduction in birth order 1-7 (30.1±5.8% vs. 61.1±5.5%, P<0.001) and birth order ≥8 (48.2±6.0% vs. 65.4±5.4%, P=0.034). Similarly, the incidence of meconium staining was lower in CaCl2 than in Control groups (P<0.001), with a reduction in birth order 1-7 (28.9±6.7% vs. 70.2±6.2%, P<0.001) and birth order ≥8 (63.4±6.8% vs. 89.2±6.2%, P=0.005). In conclusion, CaCl2 supplementation in sows during the transition period significantly reduces SB, particularly during NWH and improves piglet characteristics at birth.

Dietary 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Supplementation from Day 85 of Gestation to Farrowing Enhances Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immunoglobulins of Sows and Newborn Piglets.

In this study, the aim was to evaluate the effects of dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation from day 85 of gestation on performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunoglobulin level of sows and newborn piglets. On day 85 of gestation, forty Landrace × Yorkshire gestating sows (average body weight of 241 ± 6.8 kg; average parity of 3.47 ± 0.6) were allotted into two treatments (20 replicates per treatment) based on parity, body weight, and back fat thickness. From day 85 of gestation to farrowing, sows were fed a normal vitamin D3 diet as control (containing 50 μg/kg vitamin D3; CON), or a 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-supplemented diet (containing 50 μg/kg 25-hydroxycholecalciferol). Compared with CON, dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation increased (p < 0.05) protein and fat content in colostrum and the average birth body weight of newborn piglets. Sows fed 25-hydroxycholecalciferol showed increased (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein compared with CON. Diets supplemented with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol also increased (p < 0.05) the content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and tended to increase (p = 0.06) the total antioxidant capacity content and reduce (p = 0.09) the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in colostrum. An increase (p < 0.05) in the content of SOD and a reduction (p < 0.05) in the content of MDA in the serum of newborn piglets was also observed in the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol treatment compared with CON. Dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation also enhanced (p < 0.05) the immunoglobulin G content and reduced (p < 0.05) the concentration of tumor nuclear factor-α in the serum of sows, as well as reducing (p < 0.05) the content of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A in the serum of newborn piglets compared with CON. Supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in sow diets increased (p < 0.05) the content of alkaline phosphatase in the serum and colostrum of sows, the concentration of insulin and crosslap in serum of sows, and the serum calcium content of newborn piglets compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation from day 85 of gestation could enhance performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunoglobulin in sows and newborn piglets.

Effects of guanidine acetic acid supplementation from gestation to lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum quality, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microflora diversity of sows.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of guanidine acetic acid (GAA) on reproductive performance, lactation performance and blood biochemical indices of sows, as well as the performance of offspring piglets. A total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, parity 4) were used. Half of the sows in each parity were fed a control diet (CG; basic diet, n = 10) or GAA diet (basic diet +1 g/kg GAA, n = 10) from the 85th day of gestation until weaning. The study results are presented as follows: Supplementation of GAA from late gestation to lactation did not adversely affect sow feed intake, backfat thickness, or blood routine indexes (p > 0.05). GAA supplementation showed a tendency to increase the number of healthy piglets and their birth activity (p = 0.06; p = 0.08), while significantly increasing the IUGR score of piglets (p < 0.05). GAA supplementation significantly increased colostrum protein content (p < 0.05) and tended to increase daily milk yield in sows (p = 0.07). GAA supplementation increased the level of immunoglobulin A in sow colostrum (p < 0.05) and showed a tendency to increase proline content (p = 0.10). GAA supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride content in sow cord blood (p < 0.05), with no significant effects observed on HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, and GLU (p > 0.05). GAA supplementation significantly increased eNOS levels in sow cord blood (p < 0.05), while showing no significant effects on IL-6 and IL-10 (p > 0.05). GAA supplementation did not significantly affect the α diversity of sow intestinal flora (ACE, Shannon, Chao1, Simpson, observed_otus, pielou_e, and good_cover), but PCoA analysis revealed differences in intestinal flora structure between groups. Additionally, GAA decreased the relative abundance of Sarciha and unidentified_ruminococcaceae and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, and Pedobacter in the gut. GAA boosts nitric oxide synthase in sows' umbilical cord blood, enhancing placental blood vessel development. This improves piglet health and vitality, increases beneficial gut bacteria (Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, Pedobacter), and raises colostrum protein levels and lactation volume, leading to better piglet growth and performance.

Measurement of New Biomarkers of Immunity and Welfare in Colostrum and Milk of Pigs: Analytical Validation and Changes During Lactation.

Colostrum is a mammary secretion released from the time of farrowing to 36 h post-farrowing. After this time and during all the rest of lactation, the mammary secretion is considered milk. The objectives of this study were: (1) to perform an analytical validation in the colostrum and milk of sows of assays for four analytes related to immunity: total ADA (tADA) and its isoenzymes (ADA1 and ADA2), myeloperoxidase (Mpx), calprotectin, and calgranulin, and two analytes related to welfare: cortisol and alpha-amylase. (2) To evaluate the changes in these analytes during lactation (3) To assess the correlations between these new analytes, as well as with IgG and IgA. In the analytical validation, all the assays were precise and accurate. When changes during lactation were evaluated, the concentration of tADA and ADA2 was found to be higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.02), while the activity of Mpx was observed to be higher in mature milk than in colostrum (p < 0.03). Furthermore, cortisol and alpha-amylase activity were found to be higher in colostrum compared to mature milk (p < 0.04 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Regarding the relation between analytes, alpha-amylase showed a significant correlation with both IgG and IgA and calprotectin was correlated with calgranulin and Mpx. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the possible practical application of the analytes evaluated in this study as biomarkers of colostrum and milk in sows.

The Use of Flow Cytometry in the Analysis of Sows’ Colostrum and Milk

Abstract The flow cytometry method is used in many fields, not only scientific, but also clinical. In science, flow cytometry is used in immunology, molecular biology, microbiology or plant biology. In medicine, has its use, in the diagnosis of tumours, in reproductive and prenatal diagnosis, in transplants or in haematology. In our experimental work, we used this method to analyse colostrum and milk of sows. The aim of this study was to determine the number of somatic cells, the number of leukocytes and the number of T-lymphocytes. Colostrum samples were collected within 24 hours of delivery and then milk samples were collected at weekly intervals during 3 weeks. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the number of leukocytes (CD45+) in colostrum and milk. The most significant difference was noted between colostrum and milk in weeks 2 and 3 of the experiment (P &lt; 0.0001), with the highest values found in colostrum. On the other hand, we found that the levels of helper T-cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+) gradually increased over time (P &gt; 0.05), with the highest values observed in the third week after farrowing. We can conclude that flow cytometry can be successfully used for the examination of somatic cells in sows’ milk.

Comparison of the Fatty Acid Profiles of Sow and Goat Colostrum.

Currently, the utilization of hyperprolific sows has stimulated the search for supplements aimed at enhancing piglet survival, as these sows yield more offspring than they can adequately feed with their colostrum production. In contrast, intensive goat farming often yields surplus colostrum, thus necessitating its removal, since kids are exclusively fed colostrum through lactation solely within the initial day of birth. The objective of this study was to examine and compare the fatty acid (FA) profiles of colostrum from sows and goats, together with possible influencing factors such as sow parity and the postpartum day of the goat, for possible use as an energy supplement for neonatal piglets. Swine colostrum was collected from sows with a 0-5 parity. In addition, samples of goat colostrum were collected on their first (D1) and second (D2) days of postpartum milking. The FA profiles of the colostrum were analyzed via gas chromatography. The parity value of the sows did not affect (p > 0.05) the FA colostrum composition. High proportions of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were found in both types of colostrum. Levels of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were significantly higher in D1 goat colostrum, whereas saturated FAs of less than 14 carbons (4:0, 6:0, 8:0, 10:0, and 12:0) were found in higher proportions in D2. These FAs play an important role in colostrum as they are a readily available source of energy and have also been attributed strong antibacterial activity. Therefore, goat colostrum, especially D2, could be used as an alternative energy supplement for newborn piglets, in particular for the weakest and smallest of the litter, which are the most in need.

Clostridium butyricum Probiotic Feed Additive: Modulation of Sow Milk Metabolomics and Mitigation of Pre-Weaning Piglet Diarrhea.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Clostridium butyricum probiotic feed additive on sow and piglet performances, together with alterations in the lipidomic and metabolomic profiles of sow milk. Sixty-four Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows and 794 piglets were included. Sows were divided into two groups; i.e., (i) conventional gestation diet (control; n = 35) and (ii) conventional diet added with 10 g/sow/day of probiotic C. butyricum spores (treatment; n = 29) from one week before the estimated farrowing day until weaning (29.6 ± 4.8 days). The sow and piglet performances and incidence of piglet diarrhea were recorded. Changes in gross chemical composition, fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite profiles of sow colostrum, transient milk and mature milk were evaluated. The results showed that relative backfat loss in the treatment group (-2.3%) was significantly lower than in control group (11.6%), especially in primiparous sows (p = 0.019). The application of C. butyricum probiotics in sows significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea in piglets (p < 0.001) but no other effect on piglet performance was found. Lipidomic and metabolomic analyses revealed variations in sow colostrum and milk biomolecular profiles, with indicative compounds significantly altered by feeding with the C. butyricum probiotics. In conclusion, the use of C. butyricum probiotics in sows may improve sow body condition and reduce diarrhea incidence in piglets, with underlying changes in milk composition that warrant further investigation. These findings support the potential of C. butyricum as a beneficial feed additive in swine production.

Maternal probiotic mixture supplementation optimizes the gut microbiota structure of offspring piglets through the gut–breast axis

Delivery and weaning are major stressful events in sows and piglets, adversely affecting production and growth performance and causing economic losses to swine farms. Probiotics as safe antibiotic alternatives have great potential for use across all stages of livestock farming. Here, 18 pregnant sows from clinical farms randomly were divided into two groups: one fed a basal diet (CON group) and the other fed a basal diet plus a probiotic mixture CBB-mix (containing 1×1012 CFU/g of Lactobacillus johnsonii [CJ21], 1×109 CFU/g of Bacillus subtilis [BS15], and 1×109 CFU/g of Bacillus licheniformis [BL21]), for 20 days before delivery. The effects of maternal CBB-mix supplementation on sow colostrum metabolome and offspring piglets' clinical performance, immune status, and gut microbiota were investigated. Additionally, 177 piglets were randomly divided into 4 groups, including CC group (piglets and sows fed a basal diet, n=40 from 5 litters), CP group (piglets fed the basal diet plus CBB-mix and sows fed the basal diet, n=38 from 4 litters), PC group (piglets fed the basal diet and sows fed the basal diet plus CBB-mix, n=50 from 4 litters), and PP group (both piglets and sows fed the basal diet plus CBB-mix, n=49 from 5 litters). Among that, CP and PP groups were added CBB-mix in the creep feed from 11 days of age for 18 days to study the direct effects of CBB-mix on the growth performance of piglets. Maternal CBB-mix supplementation improved sow production performance, including litter size at birth and litter weight at birth (P<0.05). Piglets born from CBB-mix-fed sows exhibited increased litter size at weaning and reduced diarrhea incidence from 1 to 10 days of age (P<0.05). Additionally, systemic immune status and antioxidant capabilities were improved in both sows and piglets. Maternal CBB-mix supplementation reconstituted the gut microbiota structure and increased the Sobs index and Shannon index of fecal microbiota in both sows and piglets (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridium_sensu_stricro_1 in sow feces was decreased after feeding CBB-mix (P<0.05). In piglets, 10-day-old feces had relatively more Lactobacillus but less Escherichia-Shigella than 1-day-old feces (P<0.05), indicating that maternal feeding CBB-mix alone affects the gut microbiota community of offspring piglets via the gut-breast axis. Piglets born from CBB-mix-fed sows had continuously decreased the relative abundance of fecal Escherichia-Shigella at 28 days of age (P<0.05). Consistently, the metabolite profile in sow milk was also changed by CBB-mix. Colostrum metabolome showed that CBB-mix significantly regulated tryptophan metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Our data demonstrated that maternal CBB-mix supplementation effectively improved the production performance of sows and their offsprings' growth performance. Through the gut-breast axis (interaction between gut microbiota and mammary glands), feeding CBB-mix to sows impacted the gut microbiota of their offspring. This study provides strategy and evidence for maternal probiotic supplementation to improve immune status and gut microbiota homeostasis in response to delivery and weaning.

Evaluating the Impact of an Organic Trace Mineral mix on the Redox Homeostasis, Immunity, and Performance of Sows and their Offspring.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of trace mineral supplementation in sows during gestation and lactation on the performance and health status of sows and their offspring. Sows (n = 30; Landrace × Yorkshire; avg parity = 3.9) were randomly allocated into two dietary treatments. Sows received a basal diet supplemented with 12mg/kg Cu, 30mg/kg Fe, 90mg/kg Zn, 70mg/kg Mn, 0.30mg/kg Se, and 1.5 mg/kg I from an inorganic trace mineral source (ITM) or a blend of hydroxychloride and organic trace mineral source (HOTM) from day 1 of gestation until the end of the lactation period at day 21. Compared to the ITM, the HOTM supplementation increased (P < 0.05) both litter birth weight and individual piglet birth weight. Although not statistically significant, HOTM tended to increase (P = 0.069) the level of lactose in colostrum. HOTM increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of Mn and Se in the colostrum, milk, and serum of sows and/or piglets. Notably, the Zn concentration in the serum of sows was higher in sows supplemented with ITM compared to HOTM. Moreover, HOTM increased (P < 0.05) the activities of GPX and SOD in gestating sows and piglets, as well as increased (P < 0.05) cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10) in the serum of sows. The immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) also increased in sows and/or piglets at certain experimental time points. In conclusion, HOTM supplementation positively affected piglet development and improved the health status of sows and piglets potentially by regulating redox homeostasis and immunity.

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.

PSVI-13 Formulated botanical preparation improves passive immunity from sows to piglets

Abstract The medicinal plant turmeric increases immunoglobulin production in livestock and rodents. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (TCB) on colostrum and milk quality of sows and health of piglets. Twenty-four sows (Parity 2+) were assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (n = 8 sows/treatment): 1) unsupplemented control (CON); 2) 100 ppm of TCB (TCB-100), and 3) 150 ppm of TCB (TCB-150). Supplementation was from 87 d of gestation until weaning (d 28). During gestation and lactation, individually housed sows were fed fortified corn and soybean meal diets at 2.5 kg/d and 2.5 + 0.25 * piglet kg/d, respectively, with ad libitum access to water. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from the sow within 24 h of farrowing for IgG and IgA analysis, and milk samples were collected weekly for IgA analysis. Piglet blood samples were collected at weaning (d 28) for IgG and IgA analysis and at 4-wk post weaning for IgA analysis. Data were subjected to a one-way ANOVA (or two-way in the case of repeated measures), with tests for linear trend of the dose response. Serum IgG and IgA in sows at farrowing were linearly increased with TCB supplementation (Table). Similarly, colostrum IgG, and colostrum and milk IgA were linearly increased with TCB, with greatest concentration in TCB-150 relative to CON (Table). Serum IgG in piglets was not affected by sow supplementation, but serum IgA was linearly increased. Interestingly, the increase in serum IgA persisted through 4-wk post-weaning. Diarrhea frequency in piglets 1 to 4 wk post-weaning was linearly decreased with TCB supplementation (Table). A follow-up study with a similar design was conducted with supplementation of TCB-150 starting at 108 d of gestation to represent a commercial application in lactating diets only. Sow serum IgG and IgA at farrowing were measured, and both were significantly increased with TCB-150 (Table). In conclusion, supplementation of TCB at 150 ppm improves colostrum and milk quality, and passive immunity from sows to piglets. Furthermore, enteric health of the piglets was improved. Additional experiments to determine the implications of this response on sow and piglet health and performance in commercial conditions are warranted.

PSI-17 Effect of timing of high dietary zinc supplementation on the microbiome of gestating sows and their piglets

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess if high dietary zinc (Zn) fed to gestating sows modulates the microbiome of the sow and that of their offspring. Sows were fed 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) Control: a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 125 ppm total supplemental zinc, 2) Breed-to-Farrow: as Control + 141 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 fed from 5 d post-breeding to farrowing; and 3) Day 110-to-Farrow: as Control + 2,715 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 starting on d 110 of gestation until farrowing. A subset of third parity sows (n = 30; 10 per treatment) were selected to assess the microbiome of colostrum, milk, and rectal and vaginal surfaces of sows. At farrowing, 4 pigs per litter (n = 120) were selected based on birthweight (BiW; 2 average BiW pigs and 2 pigs with BiW below the litter average) were selected to assess the piglet gut microbiome on the day of birth (d 0) and d5 of age. 16S rRNA sequencing was implemented for colostrum and milk samples while all other sample types were sequenced using shotgun metagenomics to determine taxonomic and functional profiles. Measures of alpha and beta diversity were conducted along with determination of differentially abundant taxa and pathways in tandem with generalized linear mixed models. Greater dietary concentrations of Zn fed to gestating sows minimally affected their colostrum, milk, and vaginal microbiome. However, fecal samples of Breed-to-Farrow sows showed decreased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri and greater abundance of bacteria typically involved in fiber fermentation compared with Control sows (Figure 1a). Piglets born to Day 110-to-Farrow sows also showed greater abundance of some taxa typically involved in fiber breakdown and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) generation on d 5 compared with Control pigs (Figure 1b). At d 0, Breed-to-Farrow piglets showed less abundance of methanogenic archaea and differential abundance of taxa with potentially pathogenic roles, compared with Control pigs (Figure 1c). Gene families and pathways playing roles in central metabolic functions (starch, pyruvate, sucrose, amino acid metabolism) were more abundant in Breed-to-Farrow piglets compared with pigs born to Control sows on d 0 and 5 of age. In conclusion, greater Zn fed to gestating sows impacted the abundance of gut taxa with potential roles in SCFA-production and pathogenicity in both sow and piglet, despite overall minor effects. However, the physiological significance of these findings for the sow and piglet remains unclear.

Maternal resveratrol improves the intestinal health and weight gain of suckling piglets during high summer temperatures: The involvement of exosome-derived microRNAs and immunoglobin in colostrum

Previous studies have shown that maternal resveratrol improved growth performance and altered the microbial composition of suckling piglets under hot summer conditions. However, it remains unclear how maternal resveratrol improves growth performance of suckling piglets during high summer temperatures. A total of 20 sows (Landrace×Large White; three parity) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (with or without 300mg/kg resveratrol) from d 75 of gestation to d 21 of lactation during high ambient temperatures (from 27 to 30°C). The results showed that maternal resveratrol supplementation increased total daily weight gain of piglets under hot summer conditions, which is consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, we found that maternal resveratrol improved the intestinal morphology and intestinal epithelial proliferation in suckling piglets. Dietary resveratrol supplementation affected the characteristics of exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in sow colostrum, as well as the genes targeted by differentially produced miRNAs. MiRNAs are concentrated in the tight junction pathway. As a result, the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins was increased in suckling piglets (P<0.05). Notably, maternal resveratrol increased the intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels of suckling piglets via colostrum immunoglobin (P<0.05), which could increase the abundance of beneficial microbiota to further increase the concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in suckling piglets' intestine (P<0.05). Finally, our correlation analysis further demonstrated the positive associations between significantly differential intestinal microbiota, intestinal sIgA production and SCFA concentrations, as well as the positive relation between total daily weight gain and intestinal health of suckling piglets. Taken together, our findings suggested that maternal resveratrol could promote intestinal health to improve piglet growth during high summer temperatures, which might be associated with the immunoglobin and exosome-derived miRNAs in sows' colostrum.

Effect of Andrographis paniculata supplementation during the transition period on colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G, and postpartum complications in multiparous sows during tropical summer.

This study evaluated the effect of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) supplementation in sow diets before and after farrowing on the sow and piglets' performances during early postpartum period and on sows' backfat and longissimus muscle losses during lactation. Seventy Landrace×Yorkshire sows and their offspring (1,186 piglets) were distributed into three groups: control (n = 31), treatment-250 (n = 18), and treatment-1000 (n = 21). From 110.2±0.7 days of gestation until farrowing (5.8 days) and throughout the lactation period (25.2 days), sows in the control group were given the conventional lactation diet, while sows in the treatment-250 and treatment-1000 groups received supplements of 250 ppm and 1,000 ppm of A. paniculata, respectively. In sows with parity 3-5, piglets from the treatment-1000 group had higher colostrum intake than the control and treatment-250 groups (p<0.05), but not in sows with parity 6-9. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased in treated sows versus controls for parity 6-9 (p<0.05), but was consistent for parity 3-5. Piglet performance until day 3 postnatal was similar across groups (p>0.05). Treatment-250 sows had higher feed intake post-farrowing than treatment-1000 sows (p<0.05). Longissimus loss was less in both treatment groups than control (p<0.05), but backfat loss was similar across groups (p>0.05). Post-partum complications were consistent across groups (p>0.05). Farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows with parity 6-9 were prolonged in the treatment-1000 group. Supplementing with 1,000 ppm A. paniculata for 5.8 days pre-farrowing and 25.2 days post-farrowing enhanced sow colostrum IgG and piglet colostrum intake, while also reducing longissimus loss in sows. However, for sows of parity 6-9, this supplementation led to prolonged farrowing, increased intervals between piglet births, increased stillbirth, and reduced piglet birth weight. These effects should be considered when using A. paniculata supplementation.

Variations in colostrum metabolite profiles in association with sow parity

Abstract Information about the full spectrum of metabolites present in porcine colostrum and factors that influence metabolite abundances is still incomplete. Parity number appears to modulate the concentration of single metabolites in colostrum. This study aimed to 1) characterize the metabolome composition and 2) assess the effect of parity on metabolite profiles in porcine colostrum. Sows (n = 20) were divided into three parity groups: A) sows in parity 1 and 2 (n = 8), B) sows in parity 3 and 4 (n = 6), and C) sows in parity 5 and 6 (n = 6). Colostrum was collected within 12 h after parturition. A total of 125 metabolites were identified using targeted reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and anion-exchange chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Gas chromatography additionally identified 19 fatty acids (FAs). Across parities, colostrum was rich in creatine and creatinine, 1,3-dioleyl-2-palmitatoylglycerol, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol, and sialyllactose. Alterations in colostrum concentrations were found for eight metabolites among parity groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05) but the effects were not linear. For instance, colostrum from parity group C comprised 75.4% more valine but 15.7%, 34.1%, and 47.9% less citric, pyruvic, and pyroglutamic acid, respectively, compared to group A (P &amp;lt; 0.05). By contrast, colostrum from parity group B contained 39.5% more spermidine than from group A (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Of the FAs, C18:1, C16:0, and C18:2 n6 were the main FAs across parities. Parity affected four FAs (C18:3n3, C14:1, C17:0ai, and C17:1), including 43.1% less α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) in colostrum from parity group C compared to groups A and B (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Signature feature ranking identified 1-stearoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine and the secondary bile acid hyodeoxycholic acid as the most discriminative metabolites, showing a higher variable importance in the projection score in colostrum from parity group A than from groups B and C. Overall, results provided a comprehensive overview about the metabolome composition of sow colostrum. The consequences of the changes in colostrum metabolites with increasing parity for the nutrient supply of the piglets should be investigated in the future. The knowledge gained in this study could be used to optimize feeding strategies for sows.

Influence of prepartum feed levels on colostrum production and farrowing performance in highly prolific sows in a tropical environment

Currently, there is a lack of data on the effects of altering feed levels on sow performance and piglet characteristics during the transition period in tropical environments. The present study determined the effect of sow feed levels during the transition period on colostrum yield, colostrum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, colostrum intake of piglets, farrowing duration, proportion of stillborn piglets per litter (SB) and the incidence of farrowing assistance in highly prolific sows. A total of 114 Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred sows and their offspring (n=2072) were included in the experiment. Sows were assigned to different feed supply levels from entry to farrowing at 110days of gestation until farrowing based on their parity number. Three feed-level groups were the control group who received 3.0kg/day of lactation feed (n=40), treatment 1 group who received 3.6kg/day of gestation feed (n=39) and treatment 2 group who received 4.0kg/day of lactation feed (n=35). Colostrum samples (5ml) were obtained from the sows within 3h after the onset of farrowing for IgG assay. Piglets were weighed immediately after birth and then again 17-24h later to estimate their colostrum intake. Colostrum yield was determined by aggregating the colostrum intake of piglets within the litter. The total number of piglets born, SB and farrowing duration were 18.2±3.8, 7.5% and 259.1±138.1min, respectively. Among these sows, 28.9% experienced a farrowing duration exceeding 300min and 50.9% required assistance during farrowing. Interestingly, piglets in the treatment 2 group demonstrated a greater colostrum intake (403.1±14.9g) compared to the control group (360.6±15.1g, P=0.046) and the treatment 1 group (361.0±12.9g, P=0.033). On average, colostrum yield of sows in the treatment 2 group tended to be higher than in the control group (+0.5kg, P=0.081), but did not differ from the treatment 1 group (+0.3kg, P=0.191). No significant differences in farrowing duration, SB, farrowing assistance, or colostrum IgG concentration were found across various feed-level groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, the study showed that raising lactation feed by 1.0kg/day prefarrowing increased piglet colostrum intake and tended to boost sow colostrum production, without significantly affecting farrowing duration, stillbirth rates, or need for assistance.

Impacts of supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition period on behaviour, feed consumption, constipation levels, colostrum production and piglet performance in hyperprolific sows

In the modern swine industry, inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing represent a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is rich in fibre. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods (7 days before and after farrowing) on various aspects including postpartum behaviour, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace×Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into two groups, i.e., control (n=54) and treatment (n=46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet at 3.0-3.5kg per day for a period of 7 days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analysed and contained 0.24% (w/w) cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fibre content of 4.3%, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher dietary fibre content of 16.9%. Video cameras were used to observe and document the behaviour of sows within the initial 24h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5°C was considered indicative of fever. The faecal score of the sows was assessed, and a faecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0% and 38.9% respectively, P=0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). Notably, overall, sows without constipation issues spent more time consuming feed than those experiencing constipation (P=0.006). The prevalence of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (17.4% and 81.5%, respectively, P<0.001). Furthermore, the postpartum sows demonstrated increased feed intake following supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts (P<0.05). Sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, piglet mortality and other piglet traits did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition periods in peri-parturient sows under tropical conditions resulted in a reduction in constipation issues and improved sow activities, such as increased time spent standing and consuming feed within the first 24h postpartum.