Stillborn Rate Research Articles

Increased feeding frequency prior to farrowing: effects on sow performance.

Reducing the interval between the consumption of the last meal and the start of farrowing is suggested to increase the energy available to sows during farrowing, potentially reducing the farrowing duration and easing piglet births. The present study aimed to examine whether increasing feeding frequency from one to two feeds within standard production hours (0700 to 1500 hours) would produce a difference in farrowing duration and/or stillborn numbers. From entry to farrowing crates (110 ± 1 d gestation) to farrowing (116 ± 1 d gestation), multiparous sows (n = 118) were fed a daily fixed amount of feed either once at 0800 hours or in two meals at 0800 and 1300 hours. Sow weights and backfat depths were recorded on entry and exit from the farrowing crate. Litter size and weight were recorded 24 h after farrowing and on day 21 of lactation. Sows fed twice had a shorter farrowing duration and fewer stillborn piglets than those fed once (2.21 ± 0.56 h vs. 3.25 ± 0.52 h; P = 0.001). The interaction between treatment and farrowing duration showed that sows fed twice have a reduced farrowing duration and had significantly lower stillborn rates than those fed once or those fed twice with longer farrowing durations (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that increasing feeding frequency prior to farrow can reduce the farrowing duration and stillborn numbers in some sows, however, some sows remain with a high stillborn rate regardless of feeding frequency. Piglet average daily gain was greater in once-fed sows, but fewer of these sows remained in the herd at subsequent farrowing. Further, subsequent total born and born alive were higher in twice-fed sows. Feeding sows at a higher frequency can improve farrowing performance in some sows and could increase the longevity of the sow in the herd.

120 Impact of a Two-phase Lactation Feeding Program on Farrowing and Weaning Performance of Sows

Abstract The U.S. Pork Industry uses a one-phase lactation feeding program based on logistical constraints and ease. The objective of this experiment was to quantify the sow performance differences between a one-phase and two-phase lactation feeding program to allow pork producers to calculate the economics of switching to a two-phase lactation feeding program. 257 gilts and sows (PIC 1050; Hendersonville, TN) were randomly assigned to a two-phase or one-phase lactation feeding program. Animals on the one-phase treatment were fed a typical lactation diet (2.55 Mcal/kg NE, 12.7% NDF, 0.99% SID Lys) for the duration of the experiment. Animals on the two-phase treatment were fed a high-fiber, lower-lysine transition diet (2.35 Mcal/kg NE, 18.5% NDF, 0.65% SID Lys) from the time they were loaded into the farrowing room until switching to the lactation diet on d 3 post-farrowing. From loading to farrowing, animals on both treatments were fed 1.82 kg/d, split between 2 meals at 630 and 1530 h. Daily feed amount was increased on the farrowing day and the 2 subsequent days (2.73, 4.09, 5.45 kg) until allowed ad libitum access to the lactation feed for both treatment groups on the third day after farrowing. Data were analyzed using Proc MIXED (SAS 9.4; Cary, NC) with treatment as the main effect and sow as the experimental unit. Comparing treatments, no significant differences on total born (one-phase = 16.2 vs. two-phase = 16.0, pigs/litter), live born (one-phase = 14.6 vs. two-phase = 14.4, pigs/litter), stillborn rate (one-phase = 8.1% vs. two-phase = 7.4%), number weaned (one-phase = 12.1 vs. two-phase = 11.9, pigs/litter), or weaning weight (one-phase = 5.67 vs. two-phase = 5.71, kg/pig; P ≥ 0.37) were detected. In conclusion, a two-phase lactation feeding program did not impair sow performance can be utilized to reduce lactation feed costs by $0.42/female/lactation cycle.

PSVI-11 The Effects of Medium Chain Fatty Acid Supplementation on Sow and Piglet Performance

Abstract A total of 38 mixed parity sows were used from 28-d of gestation until weaning to determine the effects of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in sow and nursery pig diets on litter characteristics and growth performance. On 28-d of gestation, sows were blocked by parity and body weight (BW), and allotted to either a control diet (UNSUP) or a control diet plus 0.3% inclusion of DaaFit Plus (MCFA) fed during gestation and lactation. At weaning, piglets (n=432) were allocated in a 2x2 factorial based on maternal diet (UNSUP or MCFA) and post-weaning diet (UNSUPnurs or MCFAnurs) in a 3-phase nursery pig feeding program lasting 42 days. Individual piglets were weighed at birth, 7-d, at weaning and every 2 weeks post-weaning. A flu outbreak occurred during the latter part of gestation leading to high overall stillborn rate (11%). There was no impact of MCFA supplementation on sow performance (P&amp;gt;0.14). During the suckling period, MCFA fed to sows had no impact on piglet weights or ADG (P&amp;gt;0.82). In the nursey period, overall gain (0.112±0.02 kg) was low in the first two weeks possibly due to health challenges. Supplementation of MCFA to sows or nursery pigs had no impact on body weights during the nursery period (P&amp;gt;0.32); however, absolute differences between groups increased with week [wean, 0.10kg; wk 2, 0.14kg; wk 4, 0.71kg; wk 6, 0.83kg) to the advantage of MCFA fed pigs. Pigs from MCFA fed sows had greater feed intake (P&amp;lt; 0.02) from 14 to 28-d and decreased gain:feed (P &amp;lt; 0.04) from 28 to 42-d compared to pigs from UNSUP sows. Overall, sow and nurser-y pigs fed MCFA had numerically greater 42-d BW, ADG, and ADFI. In conclusion, despite health challenges, supplementation with MCFA in gestation, lactation or in the nursery period improved piglet performance.

144 The Effect of Pre-farrow Meal Time on Onset of Parturition in Swine

Abstract Genetic selection for increased litter size has resulted in a concomitant increase in stillborn rates in modern genetic lines. In commercial farms, pre-parturient sows are typically fed during daytime hours with a high percentage of farrowings occurring unassisted overnight. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if feeding time can influence the onset of parturition to better align with farm staff hours and increase available assistance. A total of 1,016 sows were used in a commercial farm in Nebraska, USA, to determine the impact of pre-farrow meal time on onset of parturition. Sows were assigned to either control (0700) or alternative (0200) feeding treatments upon entry to farrowing room (~d112 of gestation) and all sows received 2.23 kg daily. Daily feeding time and quantity was controlled with the use of electronic feeders (Gestal SOLO; JYGA Technologies, Inc.). Farrowings had 24 hr monitoring with traits recorded including onset (ON), duration (DUR), piglet interval (PI), and stillborn percentage (SB). The linear model function (lm) in RStudio was used for regression estimates. Alternative sows farrowed earlier (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 1204 vs. 1256 hr) than control-fed sows. Alternative sows also tended to have shorter DUR (P &amp;lt; 0.10; 6.05 vs. 6.19 hr) and narrower PI times (P &amp;lt; 0.10; 22.98 vs. 24.13 min) than control-fed sows. Stillborn percentage decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 8.53 vs. 9.68%) in alternative sows compared to control-fed sows. Combining ON and DUR, we calculated farrowing completion. Alternative fed sows finished parturition earlier (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 1813 vs. 1929 hr) than control fed sows. These results suggest that the alternative strategy can result in earlier onsets, shorter piglet interval and farrowing duration, and a lower stillborn rate when compared to those fed the control strategy and should especially be of interest to farms without labor for 24hr farrowing assistance.

276 Impact of pre-farrow feeding amount and timing on stillborn rate of sows

Abstract Pre-farrowing feeding allowance and timing are often based on logistical ease instead of optimizing farrowing performance. The objective of this experiment was to decrease the stillborn rate via the amount and timing of feeding prior to farrowing. A total of 245 PIC 1050 (PIC, Inc., Hendersonville, TN) individually housed bred females were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatments on d 0. The 3 pre-farrow feeding treatments consisted of: 1) 2 meals of 0.9 kg fed at 630 h and 1530 h; 2) 1 meal of 1.8 kg fed at 630 h; and 3) 2 meals of 2.7 kg fed at 630 h and 1530 h. Dietary treatment commenced on entry into the farrowing crate and continued until they farrowed (ranged from d 2 to d 10). Data were analyzed using Proc MIXED (SAS 9.4; Cary, NC) with treatment as the main effect and sow as the experimental unit. Females having a litter with a total born ≤ 11 or ≥ 21 or did not consume their allotted feed were considered outliers and were removed from the statistical analysis. Feeding 2 meals of 0.9 kg per day trended to reduce stillborn rate compared to the other 2 pre-farrow feeding treatments (2 meals of 0.9 kg = 5.6%, 1 meal of 1.8 kg = 8.6%, 2 meals of 2.7 kg = 9.0%; P = 0.090). Pre-farrow feeding amount and time had no impact on total born or mummies (P ≥ 0.270). As a bonus, feeding small meals multiple times a day will reduce the farm’s overall feed cost compared to providing full feed access pre-farrow. In conclusion, implementation of a pre-farrowing feeding strategy is a vehicle that can be used to reduce the stillborn rate in commercial production.

PSIII-3 Effect of Day of Induction on Sow and Piglet Performance

Abstract Induction can be a useful herd management tool. However, inducing too early can negatively impact critical biological processes for the sow and her piglets. Although inducing at 115 d of gestation is widely accepted for commercial sows, the natural gestation length of purebred lines can exceed 115 days. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the effect of induction at 115 vs. 117 d of gestation on the performance of purebred sows and their piglets. Purebred Landrace females from a commercial multiplier were used for this study. Sows were mated to one of the following genetic lines: A, B, or C. Of the 601 sows placed on test, 264 and 135 sows farrowed as a result of induction at 115 or 117 days of gestation, respectively. From these 399 sows, piglets sired by line C (n=1,715) were used for subsequent analyses. Traits of the sow analyzed included: percent stillborn, sow mortality (from 0 to 24 days post-farrowing), and removal rate (between farrowing and weaning). Traits of the piglet analyzed included: weaning weight, lactation ADG, and pre-weaning mortality. All traits were analyzed using a generalized linear model, except for mortality and removal rate, which were analyzed using a LOGIT model. Piglets from the 117 group had significantly greater weaning weight (P=0.02), significantly greater ADG (P=0.0009), and numerically lower pre-weaning mortality (P=0.16) than piglets from the 115 group. Sows induced at 117 days of gestation had numerically lower percent stillborn, lower mortality, and lower removal rate than sows induced at 115 days of gestation, although not significant (P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.50, respectively). In conclusion, there was a numerically or significantly favorable effect of inducing sows at 117 vs. 115 d of gestation on both sow performance and early-life piglet performance.

277 Effects of timing and amount of feed prior to farrowing on sow and litter performance under commercial conditions

Abstract A total of 727 mixed parity (mean=3.8) sows were used to evaluate the effects of timing and amount of meals before farrowing on sow and litter performance. Upon entry to the farrowing house (d 113), sows were blocked by weight within parity and allotted to one of three feeding management treatments until farrowing: 1) 2.7 kg lactation diet (1.15% SID lysine and 2,153 Kcal/kg NE) once daily at 0700 h; 2) 4 daily meals of 0.67 kg (0100 h, 0700 h, 1300 h, 1900 h); 3) ad libitum lactation diet and encouraged to consume feed at 0100 h, 0700 h, 1300 h, and 1900 h. Data was analyzed using the lme function (lmer package of R, version 3.5.2). Feeding sows ad libitum before farrowing tended to reduce sow body weight loss (P=0.077) and reduce backfat loss (P=0.003) from entry to weaning compared to sows fed 4 daily meals, with sows fed once daily intermediate. Litter gain from 24 h to weaning tended to be greater (P=0.073) in sows fed ad libitum or 4 times daily prior to farrowing compared to sows fed one meal. Piglet weaning weight increased (P=0.050) in sows fed ad libitum before farrowing, compared to those fed one meal, with those fed 4 times daily intermediate. There was no evidence for difference in farrowing duration, stillborn rate, colostrum yield, or 24 h piglet survival regardless of treatment. However from 24 h to weaning, sows fed one daily meal had higher (P=0.012) percentage of fall-behind pigs compared to sows fed ad libitum, and increased (P=0.027) preweaning mortality compared to sows fed four daily meals, resulting in reduced (P=0.006) weaned percentage compared to sows fed four daily meals. There was no evidence for a negative impact when sows were fed ad libitum from 2 to 3 days before farrowing.

Social norms as possible causes of stillbirths

Objective: High stillborn rates are a concern in developing countries. Hence, this article aims to describe the sociocultural norms contributing to the high number of stillbirths as perceived by mothers, significant others, midwives and records of the Pregnancy Problem Identification Programme (PPIP). Design & setting: A multimethod qualitative descriptive study was conducted in a district in the Free State, South Africa. Each of the five sub-districts has a district hospital where most pregnant women give birth. Eighty per cent of the community is black of which about a quarter live in poor conditions below the poverty line. Participants: The first author conducted unstructured in-depth interviews with 36 mothers and their significant other who gave birth to a stillborn. She also extracted relevant data from the PPIP record of each mother. A skilled moderator conducted three focus group interviews with a convenience sample of midwives. The data were inductively analysed to identify subthemes under the central theme of social norms. Key conclusions: The authors concluded that traditional practices, traditional role players (traditional healer, mother-in-law, partner), abuse, and prescriptive social norms might contribute to stillbirths. Pregnant women are oppressed as they adhere to traditional social norms and are unable to make independent, informed healthcare decisions. The midwives, who are mostly female, may find it difficult to empower pregnant women because they are under the same social oppression as their clients. Implications for practice: It is imperative that healthcare providers consider social determinants of health, including social norms, when providing healthcare, especially to pregnant women as some social practices may have detrimental outcomes for the mother and/or baby.

Sow and piglet traits associated with piglet survival at birth and to weaning.

AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between sow and piglet characteristics that are associated with stillborn rate and preweaning mortality is beneficial as litter size continues to increase. Two experiments were previously conducted to evaluate prefarrowing nutrition regimens on sow and litter characteristics. These two datasets (experiments 1 and 2) were then used to identify sow and piglet characteristics associated with stillborn rate and piglet survival to weaning. A total of 1,201 sows that gave birth to 19,168 pigs comprised the dataset. The following characteristics were used in multivariate logistic regression analysis for traits associated with stillborn rate or survival to weaning: parity, litter weight, mean piglet birth weight, sow backfat, and BW at day 113 of gestation, gestation length, farrowing duration, litter size, piglet birth order, farrowing assistance, pig to teat ratio, colostrum intake, and colostrum yield. Sows within each experiment (herd) were categorized into quartiles for each of the independent variables to quantify the relationship to stillborn rate or survival to weaning. Increased stillborn rate was associated (P < 0.01) with heavier litter weights, lighter piglet birth weights, and larger litters in both experiments. In experiment 1, increased stillborn rate was associated (P < 0.01) with longer farrowing duration. Increased stillborn rate was associated with sows with less backfat depth at day 113, older parity, or increased farrowing assistance in experiment 2. In both experiments, pigs born later in the birth order had an increased (P < 0.01) risk of being stillborn. In both experiments, heavier piglet birth weight, greater colostrum intake, and lower total born were associated (P < 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. In experiment 2, pigs born in the first 75% of the litter, or in a litter with lower pig to teat ratio were associated (P < 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. Although the stillborn rate was similar between experiments (6.5% vs. 6.6%), differences in the traits associated with stillborn rate between studies indicate that some associated traits may be herd dependent. However, improving piglet birth weight, placing an emphasis on assisting pigs born later in the birth order and increasing colostrum intake will increase piglet survival from birth to weaning.

Effects of timing and size of meals prior to farrowing on sow and litter performance.

A total of 727 mixed parity (µ = 3.8) sows were used to evaluate the effects of timing and size of meals before farrowing on sow and litter performance. Upon entry to the farrowing house (day 113), sows were blocked by weight within parity and allotted to one of three three feeding management strategies until farrowing: (1) 2.7 kg lactation diet (1.15% standardized ileal digestible lysine and 2,153 kcal/kg net energy) once daily at 0700 hours; (2) four daily meals of 0.67 kg (0100, 0700, 1300, and 1900 hours); (3) ad libitum lactation diet and encouraged to consume feed at 0100, 0700, 1300, and 1900 hours. After farrowing, all sows were provided lactation diets fed on an ad libitum basis until weaning. Data were analyzed for treatment effects within parity category in a mixed model with block as a random effect. Feeding sows ad libitum before farrowing tended to reduce sow body weight (BW) loss (P = 0.077) and reduce backfat (BF) loss (P = 0.003) from entry into the farrowing house until weaning compared with sows fed four daily meals, with sows fed once daily intermediate. Litter gain from 24 h to weaning tended to be greater (P = 0.073) in sows fed on an ad libitum basis or four times daily prior to farrowing compared with sows fed one meal. Piglet weaning weight increased (P = 0.050) in sows fed on an ad libitum basis before farrowing, compared with those fed one meal, with those fed four times daily intermediate. There was no evidence for difference in farrowing duration, stillborn rate, colostrum yield, or 24 h piglet survival regardless of treatment. However, from 24 h after farrowing to weaning, sows fed one daily meal prior to farrowing had an increased (P = 0.012) percentage of fall-behind pigs compared with sows fed on an ad libitum basis, and increased (P = 0.027) preweaning mortality compared with sows fed four daily meals, resulting in reduced (P = 0.006) weaned percentage compared with sows fed four daily meals. There was no evidence for difference (P > 0.10) in subsequent reproductive performance regardless of treatment. In conclusion, when sows were fed on an ad libitum basis from 2 to 3 d, before farrowing there was an observed improvement in sow BW and BF maintenance during lactation, and piglet weaning weight during lactation. Increased frequency of meals prior to farrowing improved the survival of pigs to weaning compared with sows fed a single meal prior to farrowing.

Oestrus synchronization efficiency in ewes and ram maturity effect on fertility during summer season

The purpose of this study was to investigate oestrus synchronization efficiency and ram maturity effect on fertility of ewes of MIS sheep population during summer season. Research was performed on the experimental sheep farm of the Institute for Animal Husbandry in Belgrade, Serbia. The study included 70 crossbred ewes of MIS sheep population (Pirot Pramenka, Merinolandschaf and Ile de France breed) and 3 Ile de France rams (2 young, sexually unexperienced rams and 1 mature ram). Oestrus was synchronized in all 70 ewes using progestagen impregnated vaginal sponges (30 mg fluorogestone acetate) in combination with 500 IU PMSG. Ewes were mated with rams 48 h later. Obtained fertility and productivity results were as follows: lambing rate 57.14% (40/70), gestation length 147.11, litter size 1.82, stillborn rate 15.07%, birth weight of lambs 4.29 kg and body weight of lambs at 30 days of age 13.07 kg on average. Based on the results obtained in this study it was concluded that presented oestrus synchronization and mating protocol yielded lower than expected lambing rate. The effect of ram maturity on lambing rate was significant (P&lt;0.05), as ewes mated to mature ram had higher lambing rate compared to those mated to two young unexperienced rams. Mature ram also had bigger litter size and higher stillborn rate, as well as lower birth weight of lambs.

Effects of Timing and Amount of Feed Prior to Farrowing on Sow and Litter Performance Under Commercial Conditions

A total of 727 mixed parity (mean = 3.8) sows were used to evaluate the effects of timing and size of meals before farrowing on sow and litter performance. Upon entry to the farrowing house (d 113), sows were blocked by weight within parity and allotted to 1 of 3 feeding management strategies until farrowing: 1) 6.0 lb lacta­tion diet (1.15% standardized ileal digestible lysine and 1,150 kcal/lb NE) once daily at 0700 h; 2) 4 daily meals of 1.5 lb (0100 h, 0700 h, 1300 h, 1900 h); 3) ad libitum lactation diet and encouraged to consume feed at 0100 h, 0700 h, 1300 h, and 1900 h. After farrowing, all sows were provided lactation diet ad libitum until weaning. Data were analyzed for treatment effects within parity category in a mixed model with block as a random effect. Feeding sows ad libitum before farrowing tended to reduce sow body weight loss (P = 0.077) and reduce backfat loss (P = 0.003) from entry into the farrowing house until weaning compared to sows fed 4 daily meals, with sows fed once daily intermediate. Litter gain from 24 h to weaning tended to be greater (P = 0.064) in sows fed ad libitum or 4 times daily prior to farrowing compared to sows fed one meal. Piglet weaning weight increased (P = 0.050) in sows fed ad libitum before farrowing compared to those fed one meal, with those fed 4 times daily intermediate. There was no evidence for difference in farrowing duration, stillborn rate, colostrum yield, or 24 h piglet survival regardless of treatment. However, from 24 h after farrowing to weaning, sows fed one daily meal prior to farrowing had an increased (P = 0.012) percentage of fall-behind pigs compared to sows fed ad libitum, and increased (P = 0.027) preweaning mortality compared to sows fed four daily meals, resulting in reduced (P = 0.006) weaned percentage compared to sows fed four daily meals. There was no evidence for difference (P > 0.10) in subsequent reproductive performance regardless of treatment. In conclusion, when sows were fed ad libitum from 2 to 3 days before farrowing there was an observed improvement in sow body weight and backfat maintenance, and piglet weaning weight during lactation. Increased frequency of meals prior to farrowing improved the survival of pigs to weaning compared to sows fed a single meal prior to farrowing.

Perinatal Mortality According to Level of Perinatal Healthcare Institutions in Low Birth Weight Infants: Cross Sectional Multicentric Study.

Background:To investigate the total survival of low birth weight infants (LBWIs) in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB and H) and selected by subgroups of birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA).Methods:This cross-sectional study included newborns of both genders, GA of 22–42 weeks and BW of less than 2500 g of 10 cantons territory of the FB and H. In the examined period, 22,897 children were born in the FB and H, of which 669 (2.9%) had BW less than 2500 g.Results:Surviving of LBWIs in the FB and H out of the 669 LBWIs in the first level perinatal healthcare institutions (PHI) was 29 (4.3%), the second level was 286 (42.8%), and the third level was 354 (52.9%). The total stillborn rate was 3.9%. The overall perinatal mortality rate for all levels of PHI was 8.6%. The overall rate of early neonatal mortality of LBWIs in all three levels of PHI in the FB and H was 12.7%. By the end of the first month of life (up to 28 days) and to the end of the neonatal period, 385 (57.5%) of LBWIs survived, and 284 (42.4%) died. The LBWIs by subgroups of BW up to 28 days had lower survival rates in second-level PHI than infants of the same BW subgroups (500–999 and 1000–1499) treated in third-level PHI (P = 0.0089 and P = 0.004).Conclusions:Our results show that B and H belongs to developing countries according to perinatal mortality. A unique database system is necessary to follow progress and trends.

Supplying sows energy on the expected day of farrowing improves farrowing kinetics and newborn piglet performance in the first 24 h after birth

The farrowing process is one of the most energy-demanding activities for the modern hyperprolific sow. This study evaluated the effects of supply of energy on the expected date of farrowing on the farrowing kinetics and piglets’ performance during the first 24 h after birth. A total of 80 sows were used. The sows and their respective litters were considered as the experimental unit. On the expected day of farrowing, the sows were allocated to one of the following groups: sows that did not have access to feed from farrowing induction until the end of the farrowing process (CON, n = 40); sows fed 500 g of energetic supplement, which consisted of 250 g of the basal lactation diet plus 250 g of cane sugar, 18 h after farrowing induction (SUP, n = 40). The farrowing duration, farrowing assistance, birth interval, number of total born, stillborn and mummified piglets were recorded for each sow. Piglets were weighed individually at birth and 24 h later. The interval from birth to first suckle was evaluated individually for each piglet in 16 randomly selected litters (eight litters per treatment group). Blood glucose concentrations of six sows were measured shortly after expulsion of the first piglet. Farrowing duration, farrowing assistance and stillborn rate tended to be greater (P = 0.06, P = 0.09 and P = 0.07, respectively) in sows from the CON group compared to sows from the SUP group. However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the groups for birth interval. Colostrum intake was greater (P < 0.05) for piglets from the SUP group compared to piglets from the CON group. Additionally, BW gain of the piglets suckling the SUP group was greater (P < 0.05) than those suckling the CON group at 24 h after birth. The blood glucose concentrations during the expulsive stage of farrowing were greater (P < 0.05) in the SUP group than for sows from the CON group. In conclusion, supplying modern hyperprolific sows energy on the expected day of farrowing is a valuable nutritional intervention to improve the farrowing kinetics and piglets’ performance in early life.

27 Defining a robust sow: swine nutrition perspective on reproduction and lactation

Abstract Improvements in modern sow prolificacy have markedly increased the number of pigs weaned, thus the ability of sows to provide nutrients to support fetal growth and milk production has been enhanced. The goals of the gestation nutrition program consist of meeting the nutrient requirements for maintenance and growth and for adequate conceptus development, while managing body condition. Early gestation represents the best opportunity for replenishing body reserves, whereas in late gestation, both estimated protein deposition and energy requirement are exponentially increased and directed towards fetal growth and mammary development. Increased feed intake after breeding has been presumed to be detrimental to embryo survival; however, data with modern line sows demonstrates to feed thin sows to recover body condition as quickly as possible while avoiding feed deprivation immediately after breeding. Importance of body condition scoring remains unchanged: feed thin sows to bring back to adequate body condition and prevent over-conditioned sows at farrowing. A recent meta-analysis showed increasing late gestation feed intake seems to modestly improve piglet birth weight by 28 g per piglet in gilts and sows. Also, recent findings in gestating sows suggest modern genotypes have improved feed efficiency and propensity for growth. Therefore, increasing energy intake during late gestation has a modest effect on piglet birth weight and a negative effect on stillborn rate. Historically, lactation catabolism impacted subsequent reproductive performance of sows, particularly in first-parity. However, contemporary sows appear to be increasingly resistant to the negative effects of lactational catabolism. Even so, continued emphasis on maximizing lactation feed intake is critical to support milk production and prevent excessive lean tissue mobilization. Research data suggests that ad libitum feeding and offering lactation diets during the wean-to-estrus interval is not needed. Modern genetic sow lines appear to be more robust from a nutritional perspective than in the past.

PSII-18 Greater feed amounts during late gestation do not improve piglets birth weight: a dose-response study performed in gilts

Abstract In breeding farms, pork producers commonly use “bump feeding” as a feeding strategy. This technique consists of increasing daily feed amount on late gestation to improve piglets birth weight. A dose-response arrangement with 4 treatments (1.8, 2.3, 2.8, and 3.3 kg/d) was used to evaluate the effects on female reproductive performance and piglet birth weight. A total of 977 gilts were fed based on a corn-soybean meal diet from day 90 of gestation until farrowing. Gilts were weighed on days 90 and 112 of gestation and at weaning. Born alive and stillborn piglets were weighed within 12 h of birth. Colostrum yield and lactation feed intake were measured in a randomly selected sub-sample of 245 gilts. As expected, body weight gains were different at day 112 (P &lt; 0.001) with the highest values observed in 3.3 kg/d treatment. As the feed amount increased during late gestation, greater were the body losses between d 112 and weaning (P &lt; 0.001). Statistical tendencies for a quadratic effect of feeding level were observed for piglets born alive (P = 0.079), average birth weight of piglets (P = 0.083), and litter weight (P = 0.059). However, there were no differences among treatments on total born and mummified fetuses (P &gt; 0.05). Gilts fed with lower feed amounts during late gestation had reduced stillborn percentages compared to those gilts fed with greater amounts. Colostrum yield and voluntary feed intake decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) as the feed amount performed during late gestation increased. In conclusion, increasing the feed intake from day 90 of gestation until farrowing increased gilts body weight and stillborn rate, but reduced the colostrum yield and the lactation feed intake. In addition, there were no effects of the feeding level in late gestation on piglets birth weight.

Scaling Up Safer Birth Bundle Through Quality Improvement in Nepal (SUSTAIN)\u2014a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in public hospitals

BackgroundEach year, 2.2 million intrapartum-related deaths (intrapartum stillbirths and first day neonatal deaths) occur worldwide with 99% of them taking place in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the accelerated increase in the proportion of deliveries taking place in health facilities in these settings, the stillborn and neonatal mortality rates have not reduced proportionately. Poor quality of care in health facilities is attributed to two-thirds of these deaths. Improving quality of care during the intrapartum period needs investments in evidence-based interventions. We aim to evaluate the quality improvement package—Scaling Up Safer Bundle Through Quality Improvement in Nepal (SUSTAIN)—on intrapartum care and intrapartum-related mortality in public hospitals of Nepal.MethodsWe will conduct a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial in eight public hospitals with each having least 3000 deliveries a year. Each hospital will represent a cluster with an intervention transition period of 2 months in each. With a level of significance of 95%, the statistical power of 90% and an intra-cluster correlation of 0.00015, a study period of 19 months should detect at least a 15% change in intrapartum-related mortality. Quality improvement training, mentoring, systematic feedback, and a continuous improvement cycle will be instituted based on bottleneck analyses in each hospital. All concerned health workers will be trained on standard basic neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care. Portable fetal heart monitors (Moyo®) and neonatal heart rate monitors (Neobeat®) will be introduced in the hospitals to identify fetal distress during labor and to improve neonatal resuscitation. Independent research teams will collect data in each hospital on intervention inputs, processes, and outcomes by reviewing records and carrying out observations and interviews. The dose-response effect will be evaluated through process evaluations.DiscussionWith the global momentum to improve quality of intrapartum care, better understanding of QI package within a health facility context is important. The proposed package is based on experiences from a similar previous scale-up trial carried out in Nepal. The proposed evaluation will provide evidence on QI package and technology for implementation and scale up in similar settings.Trial registration numberISRCTN16741720. Registered on 2 March 2019.

Effect of sand granulometry on the egg hatchling success of the sea turtle Caretta caretta

The environmental characteristics of nesting sites of sea turtles may directly interfere with the egg hatchling success. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the factors that affect the success of hatchling in the nests of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Data from 37 nests of C. caretta from the coast of Mata de São João, Bahia, northeastern Brazil, were obtained from TAMAR, Sauípe station. Samples of sand were collected in each nest to determine the granulometry. A significant negative relationship was found between the stillborn rate and the fine sand ratio (r2 = 0.119; p = 0.036), indicating that a larger fraction of fine sand had a positive effect on nest hatchling success. The egg laying date also had a significant influence on the rate of stillbirths (r2 = 0.163; p = 0.013), with a trend towards a higher stillbirth rate, the later the laying date of the eggs. There is indication that the transfer of eggs to sites with more favorable characteristics may be considered as a potential alternative to increase the hatchling success rate of C. caretta eggs.

Impact of feed intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and reproductive performance: a dose-response study performed in gilts

The effects of increasing feed intake (1.8, 2.3, 2.8, and 3.3 kg/d) during late gestation of gilts on piglet birth weight and female reproductive performance were evaluated. A total of 977 gilts were fed a diet based on corn-soybean meal (3.29 Mcal ME per kg and 0.64% standardized ileal digestible lysine) from day 90 of gestation until farrowing. Gilts were weighed on days 90 and 112 of gestation, at farrowing and weaning. Born alive and stillborn piglets were weighed within 12 h of birth. Colostrum yield (CY), lactation feed intake, and litter growth rate were measured in a randomly selected subsample of 245 gilts. The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. As expected, gains in body weight (BW) were different at day 112 (P < 0.001) with the greatest values observed in the 3.3 kg/d treatment. As feed intake increased during late gestation, BW, body condition score (BCS), backfat (BF), and Caliper unit also increased between day 112 and weaning (P < 0.001). No differences were found among treatments in total number of piglets born, mummified fetuses, sum of born alive and stillborn piglets, and within-litter birth weight CV (P > 0.05). Tendencies for quadratic effect of feed intake were observed for born alive piglets (P = 0.079), average birth weight of piglets (P = 0.083), and litter weight (P = 0.059). Gilts with lower feed intake during late gestation had reduced percentages of stillborn piglets than gilts with greater feed intakes. The CY decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as the feed intake was increased. No differences among treatments were found at weaning in individual piglet weight and litter weight, as well as in percentage of weaned piglets (P > 0.05). Lactation feed intake decreased as gestation feeding level increased (P < 0.05). No differences in the subsequent cycle were observed among treatments for farrowing rate, retention rate up to the next farrowing, number of total piglets born, born alive, stillborn piglets, and mummified fetuses (P > 0.05). In conclusion, increased feed intake from day 90 of gestation until farrowing resulted in increased maternal BW gain and stillborn rate, but reduced CY and lactation feed intake. A slight increase in birth weight was observed for the 2.3 kg/d treatment. Furthermore, litter growth and subsequent female reproductive performance were not affected by feed intake during late gestation.

Two different feeding levels during late gestation in gilts and sows under commercial conditions: impact on piglet birth weight and female reproductive performance.

The increase in the litter size in past decades has caused reduction in the individual piglet birth weight. Therefore, nutritional strategies employed in the last third of gestation in order to improve the piglet birth weight have been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 different feeding levels (1.8 and 2.2 kg/d) in the last third of gestation on the piglet birth weight and the female reproductive performance. A total of 407 females were fed on a diet based on corn-soybean meal (3.25 Mcal ME per kg and 0.65% standardized ileal digestible lysine) from day 90 of gestation until farrowing. The females were weighed on day 90 and day 112 of gestation, and at weaning. Born alive and stillborn piglets were weighed within 12 h of birth. The lactation feed intake and the litter growth rate were measured in a randomly selected subsample of 53 sows from each treatment. The data were analyzed using the generalized linear mixed models, considering the females as the experimental unit. Parity, treatment, and their interaction were analyzed for all responses. The females fed on 2.2 kg/d of diet from day 90 to day 112 exhibited greater body weight gain compared to the females fed on 1.8 kg/d (P < 0.001). No evidence of the effects of feeding levels on the individual piglet birth weight and on the within-litter CV were observed, for both gilts and sows (P ≥ 0.90). Similarly, when the classes of the total born piglets were considered in the analysis (<15 and ≥15 for gilts; <16 and ≥16 for sows), no positive effects of increasing the feeding level were observed on the individual piglet birth weight and the within-litter CV (P ≥ 0.47). Also, no differences in the stillborn rate, mummified-fetus rate, and percentage of piglets weighing less than 1,000 g at birth were observed between the treatments (P ≥ 0.28). The females fed on 1.8 kg/d of diet exhibited greater feed intake during lactation, compared to the females fed on 2.2 kg/d (P < 0.05). Weaning weight, weaning-to-estrus interval, subsequent litter size, and culling rate were not affected by the dietary levels (P ≥ 0.23). In conclusion, increasing the feed intake from day 90 of gestation until farrowing increased the body weight gain in sow, demonstrated no effect on the piglet birth weight, and reduced the lactation feed intake. Furthermore, there was no evidence of the effects of the treatments on the litter growth rate or on the subsequent female reproductive performance.