Weaner Pigs Research Articles

Comparison of Consumption Data and Phenotypical Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli Isolates of Human Urinary Samples and of Weaning and Fattening Pigs from Surveillance and Monitoring Systems in Germany.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from humans are mostly collected from clinical isolates, whereas from livestock data also exist from colonizing pathogens. In Germany, livestock data are collected from clinical and nonclinical isolates. We compared resistance levels of clinical and nonclinical isolates of Escherichia coli from weaning and fattening pigs with clinical outpatient isolates of humans from urban and rural areas. We also studied the association of AMR with available antimicrobial use (AMU) data from humans and pigs. Differences between rural and urban isolates were minor and did not affect the comparison between human and pig isolates. We found higher resistance levels to most antimicrobials in human isolates compared to nonclinical isolates of fattening pigs. Resistance to ampicillin, however, was significantly more frequent in clinical isolates of fattening pigs and in clinical and nonclinical isolates of weaning pigs compared to isolates from humans. The opposite was observed for ciprofloxacin. Co-trimoxazole resistance proportions were higher in clinical isolates of weaning and fattening pigs as compared to isolates from humans. Resistance proportions were higher in clinical isolates than in nonclinical isolates from pigs of the same age group and were also higher in weaner than in fattening pigs. Significant associations of AMU and AMR were found for gentamicin resistance and aminoglycoside use in humans (borderline) and for ampicillin resistance in clinical isolates and penicillin use in fattening pigs. In summary, we found significant differences between isolates from all populations, requiring more detailed analyses supported by molecular data and better harmonized data on AMU and AMR.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ВИТАМИННО-МИНЕРАЛЬНОЙ ДОБАВКИ «КОСТОПРАВ» НА ДИНАМИКУ РОСТА И РАЗВИТИЯ МОЛОДНЯКА СВИНЕЙ

The effect of the vitamin and mineral supplement "Kostoprav" on the level of erythrocytes and biochemical parameters of blood, as well as on indicators of live weight, absolute and relative growth and exterior indicators was studied. As a result of the research, it was established that the piglets of the experimental groups, which were fed the supplement "Kostoprav" at a dose of 20 g / kg against the background of the main diet, for 21 days. feed and 30 g/1 kg feed contributed to an increase in the live weight of weaned pigs by 15.6 and 18.4 % than in the control. The blood parameters of the weaning pigs were within the physiological norm and in the third experimental group were accompanied by an increase in the level of erythrocytes by 17.6 %, calcium by 18.7 %, phosphorus by 16.7 %, sugar by 13.2 %, compared with the control. group. This indicates an improvement in the digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract and an increase in metabolic processes in the body. The use of the vitamin and mineral supplement "Kostoprav" contributed to an increase in the measurements of the body length in the 3rd experimental group by 2.3 %, chest girth by 3.3 %, height at the withers by 0.9 % than in the control group.

Pig farm vaccination against classical swine fever reduces the risk of transmission from wild boar

In 2018, classical swine fever (CSF) re-emerged in the Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, causing an on-going outbreak among wild boars and domestic pigs in the country. Consequently, oral vaccination for wild boar and compulsory vaccination for pig farms started in 2019. We have previously shown that, before vaccination in the Gifu Prefecture, the presence of CSF-infected wild boar near pig farms increased the risk of CSF transmission. This study aimed to re-evaluate the transmission risk from wild boars to pig farms under a vaccination program. The effectiveness of vaccination was evaluated by comparing the transmission risk estimated before and after the implementation of vaccinations.In this study, we focused on two affected areas, the Kanto (eastern Japan) and Kinki (west-central Japan) regions, in which eight of 11 infected farms were detected between the start of pig farm vaccinations and April 2021. Wild boar surveillance data from an area within a 50-km radius from the infected farms were used for analysis, consisting of 18,870 1-km grid cells (207 infected cells) in the Kanto region, and 15,677 cells (417 infected cells) in the Kinki region.The transmission rates in the post-vaccination period in the Kanto and Kinki regions were much lower than that in the pre-vaccination period in the Gifu Prefecture. The values of transmission kernels (h0, transmission rate at 0 km) in the Kanto and Kinki regions decreased to 1% of the transmission kernel in the pre-vaccination period. In the pre-vaccination period, the risk of infection within 300 days was almost 95 % when one infected grid cell was detected within 1 km of a pig farm. Meanwhile, in the post-vaccination period, the risk of infection within 300 days was approximately 5% when several infected cells were detected within 1 km of a pig farm.Considering the limited effect of oral vaccination for wild boar due to distribution limitations in the Kanto and Kinki regions, vaccination on pig farms may seems to have mainly reduced the transmission risk from wild boar. However, despite the implementation of vaccination, the risk of infection on pig farms remains present due to the immunity gap of weaning pigs. Therefore, strict biosecurity measures on pig farms and an appropriate vaccination program are required to prevent and control CSF spread.

27. Optimising synthetic lysine in the diet to improve growth rate in weaner pigs

27. Optimising synthetic lysine in the diet to improve growth rate in weaner pigs

36. Supplementation of a protected complex of biofactors and antioxidants improves performance of weaner pigs

36. Supplementation of a protected complex of biofactors and antioxidants improves performance of weaner pigs

34. Higher bioavailability of copper increases growth performance of weaner pigs when included at lower inclusion rates

34. Higher bioavailability of copper increases growth performance of weaner pigs when included at lower inclusion rates

79. The use of black soldier fly meal in weaner pig diets as a partial substitute for soybean meal and a replacement for pharmaceutical inclusion of zinc oxide

79. The use of black soldier fly meal in weaner pig diets as a partial substitute for soybean meal and a replacement for pharmaceutical inclusion of zinc oxide

Dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation to gestating and lactating sows and their progeny affects growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood profiles and myogenic regulatory factor-related gene expression in wean-finish pigs.

ObjectiveThis experiment investigated the effects of supplementing vitamin D3-fortified sow and progeny diets with 25(OH)D3 on growth performance, carcass characteristics, immunity, and pork meat quality.MethodsThe present study involved the assessment of supplementing the diet of sows and their progeny with or without 25 (OH)D3 in a 2×2 factorial arrangement on the performance and production characteristics of wean-finish pigs. Forty-eight multiparous sows were assigned to a basal diet containing 2000 IU/kg vitamin D3 and supplemented without (CON) or with (TRT) 50 μg/kg 25 (OH)D3. At weaning, a total of 80 pigs each from CON and TRT sows were allocated to weaning and growing-finishing basal diets fortified with 2,500 and 1,750 IU/kg vitamin D3 respectively and supplemented without or with 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3.ResultsSows fed 25(OH)D3-supplemented diets improved pre-weaning growth rate of nursing piglets. A significant sow and pig weaning diet effect was observed for growth rate and feed efficiency (p<0.05) during days 1 to 42 post-weaning. Pigs consuming 25(OH)D3-supplemented diets gained weight faster (p = 0.016), ate more (p = 0.044) and tended to convert feed to gain more efficiently (p = 0.088) than those fed CON diet between days 98 and 140 post-weaning. Supplemental 25(OH)D3 improved water holding capacity and reduced drip loss of pork meat, increased serum 25(OH)D3 level, produced higher interleukin-1 and lower interleukin-6 concentrations in blood circulation, downregulated myostatin (MSTN) and upregulated myogenic differentiation (MYOD) and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) gene expressions (p<0.05).ConclusionSupplementing vitamin D3-fortified sow and wean-finish pig diets with 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 significantly improved production performance suggesting their current dietary vitamin D3 levels are insufficient. In fulfilling the total need for vitamin D, it is strongly recommended to add 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 “on top” to practical vitamin D3-fortified sow and wean-finish pig diets deployed under commercial conditions.

PSX-B-30 Study of the effects of gestational and weaning stresses on blood cytokines and analytes in pigs

Abstract The effects of the practice of weaning in pigs have been documented, and include changes in organ function and immune mechanisms. However, the effects of weaning following exposure to maternal infection during gestation are incompletely characterized. We hypothesize that the disruption of physiological processes triggered by weaning can be influenced by the exposure of the pig to maternal immune signals elicited by a challenge during gestation. To test our hypothesis, the concentrations of biochemical indicators and cytokines were measured in the blood from 72 female and male pigs distributed across two weaning groups (nursed or weaned), and two gestational challenge groups (gilts infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory virus or healthy controls). Weaning had a significant effect on the concentration of albumin among females born from healthy gilts (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The albumin concentrations were higher in weaned relative to nursed pigs from healthy gilts. This pattern may be associated with the transition to a higher protein diet, whereas no differences were observed among pigs from infected gilts. The interaction between gestation and weaning stresses had a significant effect on the concentration of bicarbonate. The highest levels of bicarbonate were detected among nursed pigs from infected gilts. The lowest levels of bicarbonate were detected among weaned pigs from health gilts, and this could indicate metabolic acidosis. An interaction effect (P &amp;lt; 0.02) was detected for pro-inflammatory interleukin 4. The highest concentrations of interleukin 4 were detected in weaned females from infected gilts, while the lowest levels were detected among weaned males from health gilts. The studied biomarker patterns indicate that the effect of weaning on blood indicators can be influenced by the exposure of the pigs to challenges during gestation. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.

PSVII-10 Growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal health of piglets as affected by dietary moa at different levels

Abstract A total of 180 weaning pigs (28 d of age, weighted 7.81±1.51 kg) were selected to explore the relationship between the different levels of mixed organic acids (MOA) on performance, serum antioxidant status and intestinal health of weaned piglets, as well as to investigate the potential possibility of MOA alternative to antibiotics growth promoters (AGP) [funded by BMNS (6202019) and NSFC (31772612)]. Pigs were randomly allocated to five treatments with six replicates (n = 6), including one basal diet with AGP (75 mg/kg chlorinomycin + 15 mg/kg virginiamycin + 50 mg/kg guitaromycin) and four diets with 0 (Con), 3,000 (Con-3), 5,000 (Con-5), 7,000 mg/kg (Con-7) MOA. The experiment was separated phase 1 (d 1 to d 14) and phase 2 (d 15 to d 28). In phases 1, 2 and overall, an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG) was noticed (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in piglets supplemented with AGP, Con-3 and Con-5. The concentration of serum IgG was enhanced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in piglets supplemented with Con-5 in phase 2. In the jejunum and ileum, piglets fed AGP and Con-3 increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) the ratio of villus height to crypt depth. An up-regulated of the Claudin-1 and ZO-1 gene in jejunum of piglets fed Con-3 and Con-5 were observed (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The piglets fed AGP, Con-3 and Con-5 increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the content of acetate acid and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the cecum, butyric acid and TVFA in the colon. Also, Con-3 declined (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the content of Lachnospiraceae in piglets. The current findings indicated that dietary MOA supplementation at 3,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg could enhance the performance by improving immune parameters and intestinal health of piglets.

A water-soluble β-glucan improves growth performance by altering gut microbiome and health in weaned pigs.

Beta-glucan has been shown to have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal health. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of β-glucan isolated from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 on growth performance and intestinal health of weaning pigs. A total of 108 weaned pigs (21 d of age; 6.05 ± 0.36 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 pens/group; 6 pigs/pen), and the groups were each treated with the following diets: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg olaquindox, 3) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg β-glucan, for 21 d. Compared with the control group, pigs fed with 200 mg/kg β-glucan had greaterBW, average daily gain and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). Olaquindox increased the duodenal or jejunal villus height of pigs compared with β-glucan. Compared with the control group, β-glucan tended to increase the occludin mRNA expression in the jejunum (0.05 < P < 0.10). Beta-glucan enriched the beneficial microbiota in the ileum of pigs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, β-glucan may promote growth performance by improving intestinal health and increasing beneficial microbiota of weaned pigs. The study results will provide valuable theoretical guidance for the utilization of β-glucan in weaned pigs.

Production of Green Biorefinery Protein Concentrate Derived from Perennial Ryegrass as an Alternative Feed for Pigs

Perennial rye grass is a widely used forage species in Ireland, on which the ruminant sector of agriculture is heavily dependent. While this species of grass is the primary source of fodder for cows, it is also abundant in plant protein, which could form a potential alternative ingredient in monogastric animal feed using a green biorefinery approach. In this study, perennial rye grass was processed using a novel biorefining process to extract value added products including protein as a potential replacement for soybean meal in monogastric feeds. Feed trials were conducted on a commercial farm with 55 weaner pigs for 31 days until slaughter. The diets comprised a control and a trial diet which integrated the green biorefinery protein concentrate. The effects of the new diet were determined by measuring the daily feed intake (DFI), average weight gain (AWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Amino acid profiles of grass protein concentrate and soybean meal were comparable, with the latter having a slightly higher amount of total protein content, lysine and cysteine. The DFI and ADW indicated that the treatment diet was superior to the control. DFI for the treatment diet (1.512 kg/d) was 8% higher than the control diet (1.400 kg/d) by the end of the trial. Additionally, the ADW for the treatment diet was 6.44% higher than that achieved in the control sample. Meanwhile, FCR calculations indicated that the treatment diet is just as efficient as the conventional diet. Overall, the results of the study indicate positive potential for perennial ryegrass-derived green biorefinery protein concentrate as an alternative protein source for pig feed formulations in Ireland.

Feeding Marine Polysaccharides to Alleviate the Negative Effects Associated with Weaning in Pigs.

Simple SummaryWeaning is the most crucial event in commercial pig farms. It involves complex dietary, social, and environmental stresses that interrupt gut development in the pig. These stresses have been controlled with in-feed prophylactic antibiotics and dietary minerals. These strategies are under scrutiny because of their role with antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination. There is an urgency to find alternative dietary supplements that can support growth and prevent diarrhoea in the weaned pig. Marine macroalgae and organisms offer an interesting source of novel bio-actives. The supplementation of intact (whole) seaweed has not been successful in the immediate post-weaned pig diet, probably due to negative interaction between the constituents on digestive health and performance. Supplementation with the purest forms of laminarin and fucoidan extracted from macroalgae and chitin derivatives appear to have the most benefit in terms of improvements in gastrointestinal health. This is due to their prebiotic, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The extraction methodologies and conditions used to extract these polysaccharides are also an important contributing factor to the biological properties of these polysaccharides. This review focuses on the feeding of laminarin, fucoidan, and chitin derivatives as suitable substitutes for in-feed prophylactic antibiotics and minerals.In young pigs, the challenge of weaning frequently leads to dysbiosis. This predisposes pigs to intestinal infection such as post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD). Dietary interventions to reduce PWD have centred on dietary inclusion of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and antimicrobials in pig diets, or high concentrations of zinc oxide. These interventions are under scrutiny because of their role in promoting multidrug resistant bacteria and the accumulation of minerals in the environment. There are significant efforts being made to identify natural alternatives. Marine polysaccharides, such as laminarin and fucoidan from macroalgae and chitosan and chito-oligosaccharides from chitin, are an interesting group of marine dietary supplements, due to their prebiotic, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. However, natural variability exists in the quantity, structure, and bioactivity of these polysaccharides between different macroalgae species and harvest seasons, while the wide range of available extraction methodologies and conditions results in further variation. This review will discuss the development of the gastrointestinal tract in the pig during the post-weaning period and how feeding marine polysaccharides in both the maternal and the post-weaned pig diet, can be used to alleviate the negative effects associated with weaning.

Towards Efficient Early Warning: Pathobiology of African Swine Fever Virus "Belgium 2018/1" in Domestic Pigs of Different Age Classes.

Simple SummaryAfrican swine fever (ASF) is a devastating viral disease of both wild boar and domestic pigs. Historically, the disease was mainly found in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, after the introduction of ASF into Georgia in 2007, the fatal disease spread to many European and Asian countries. In the absence of vaccines or treatment options, early detection of disease incursions is of paramount importance to limit the impact on animal health and pig industry. Thus, the biological characteristics of circulating virus strains must be known and communicated to practitioners and official veterinarians. Along these lines, the ASFV strain found in Belgium in 2018 was further characterized for its disease course in young and subadult domestic pigs. In general, clinical and pathological findings were in line with previous experiments utilizing highly virulent ASFV genotype II strains. However, in one of our experimental infections, four out of eight subadult domestic pigs showed milder signs and recovered, which was unexpected and points to an age dependency of clinical signs that could impact the early recognition of ASF incursions. We hope that communication of the available data will help practical and official veterinarians in the field to detect ASF as early as possible and thus minimize its impact.African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and devastating viral diseases in wild boar and domestic pigs worldwide. In the absence of vaccines or treatment options, early clinical detection is crucial and requires a sound knowledge of disease characteristics. To provide practitioners and state veterinarians with detailed information, the objective of the present study was to characterize the ASF virus (ASFV) isolate “Belgium 2018/1” in subadult and weaning domestic pigs. To this end, two animal trials were performed. Trial A included eight subadult domestic pigs and trial B five weaner pigs. In general, clinical signs and pathological lesions were in line with previous studies utilizing highly virulent ASF genotype II viruses. However, in trial A, four subadult domestic pigs survived and recovered, pointing to an age-dependent outcome. The long-term fate of these survivors remains under discussion and would need further investigation.

Agonistic Interactions between Littermates Reappear after Mixing Multiple Litters at Weaning in Pigs

Weaning involves mixing of unfamiliar litters and is accompanied by an outbreak of aggression, which is usually attributed to between-litter (BL) interactions. In the present study, we thus focused on post-weaning agonism (fighting and mounting) between littermates (within-litter, WL). Two litters were weaned into two pens separated by an empty pen and connected by narrow passages that were opened 24 h after weaning. WL interactions accounted for 38% and 68% of all fights and mounts, respectively, during a 7-day experimental period. After the passages were opened, not only BL, but also WL interactions increased significantly (by 6- to 7-fold on the first day of mixing). WL fights then gradually decreased, while WL mounts continued to increase. During the experimental period, the proportion of both WL fights and mounts decreased. The majority of WL fights (≈80%) and mounts (≈65%) occurred in home pens. A significantly higher percentage of draws was found in WL fights (50% of initiator wins and 41% of draws) compared to BL fights (80% of initiator wins and 11% of draws). Results also showed less asymmetry in the body weight of piglets involved in WL interactions. Mixing of litters at weaning was shown to involve not only intense interactions between unfamiliar piglets but also the recurrence of agonistic interactions between littermates, which is something we should keep in mind when pursuing the highest standards of weaner welfare.

사료 내 유기태 구리 및 아연의 첨가가 이유자돈의 생산성, 혈액성상, 영양소 이용율 및 분내 미생물 균총에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 유기태 구리 및 아연을 제조하여, 이유자돈 사료 내 첨가 급여시 생산성, 혈액성상, 영양소 이용율 및 분 내 미생물 균총에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 실시하였다. 약 4주령(28일령)의 3원교잡종(Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace)의 이유자돈 36두를 35일간 사육하였다. 4처리 3반복으로 반복당 3두를 케이지에 임의로 배치하였다. 처리구는 대조구, 유가태 구리(Cu-SP) 100ppm, 유기태 아연(Zn-SP) 100ppm, 유기태 구리 및 아연 Cu+Zn-SP 각각 100ppm 였다. Phase 2와 전기간에서 일당증체량에서 Cu+Zn-SP 처리구에서 대조구와 Zn-SP 처리구와 비교하여 유의적으로 (p<.05) 높았다. 일당사료첩취량 및 사료요구량은 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 혈액내 백혈구, 적혈구 및 영양소 이용율은 처리구간 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 또한, 유익균인 lactobacillus 는 유기태 구리 및 아연복합 처리구에서 대조구 및 유기태 아연 처리구와 비교하여 유의적으로 (p<.05) 증가하였으며, 유해균인 E.coli는 구리 및 아연 처리구들이 대조구와 비교하여 유의적으로 (p<.05) 감소하였다. 결과적으로 이유자돈 사료내 유기태 구리 및 아연의 복합제는 혈액성상 및 영양소 이용율에서는 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았지만, 일당증체량 및 분 중 미생물균총의 환경을 개선할 수 있다고 생각된다.

Temporal and nutritional effects on the weaner pig ileal microbiota

BackgroundThe porcine gastrointestinal microbiota has been linked to both host health and performance. Most pig gut microbiota studies target faecal material, which is not representative of microbiota dynamics in other discrete gut sections. The weaning transition period in pigs is a key development stage, with gastrointestinal problems being prominent after often sudden introduction to a solid diet. A better understanding of both temporal and nutritional effects on the small intestinal microbiota is required. Here, the development of the porcine ileal microbiota under differing levels of dietary protein was observed over the immediate post-weaning period.ResultsIleal digesta samples were obtained at post-mortem prior to weaning day (day − 1) for baseline measurements. The remaining pigs were introduced to either an 18% (low) or 23% (high) protein diet on weaning day (day 0) and further ileal digesta sampling was carried out at days 5, 9 and 13 post-weaning. We identified significant changes in microbiome structure (P = 0.01), a reduction in microbiome richness (P = 0.02) and changes in the abundance of specific bacterial taxa from baseline until 13 days post-weaning. The ileal microbiota became less stable after the introduction to a solid diet at weaning (P = 0.036), was highly variable between pigs and no relationship was observed between average daily weight gain and microbiota composition. The ileal microbiota was less stable in pigs fed the high protein diet (P = 0.05), with several pathogenic bacterial genera being significantly higher in abundance in this group. Samples from the low protein and high protein groups did not cluster separately by their CAZyme (carbohydrate-active enzyme) composition, but GH33 exosialidases were found to be significantly more abundant in the HP group (P = 0.006).ConclusionsThe weaner pig ileal microbiota changed rapidly and was initially destabilised by the sudden introduction to feed. Nutritional composition influenced ileal microbiota development, with the high protein diet being associated with an increased abundance of significant porcine pathogens and the upregulation of GH33 exosialidases—which can influence host-microbe interactions and pathogenicity. These findings contribute to our understanding of a lesser studied gut compartment that is not only a key site of digestion, but also a target for the development of nutritional interventions to improve gut health and host growth performance during the critical weaning transition period.

Performance and mineral status of weaning pigs fed diets with different levels of glyphosate and tryptophan

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), like Roundup, are used worldwide for weed control in genetically modified feed crops and pre-harvest desiccation of conventional crops, leaving glyphosate residues in feed made from these sources. Glyphosate possesses herbicidal and antimicrobial properties due to inhibition of the shikimate pathway, involved in aromatic amino acid synthesis in plants and microorganisms, including animal gut bacteria. Furthermore, glyphosate possesses mineral chelating properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate potential effects of dietary glyphosate residues (here glyphosate-amended feed) on livestock, focusing on performance and mineral status of weaning pigs. Two experiments were conducted with pigs from 20 litters (4 females and 4 males per litter), weaned on day 28 of age. In experiment I, 104 pigs from 13 litters were assigned to one of four treatments on the weaning day and fed a standard weaning diet amended with glyphosate as follows: no glyphosate (CON), 20 mg glyphosate/kg as Glyphomax HL (GM20) (Albaugh UK,Ltd., London, UK), 20 mg glyphosate/kg as IPA salt (IPA20) (Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO, USA) and 200 mg glyphosate/kg as IPA salt (IPA200). The EU maximum residue level (MRL) of glyphosate is 20 mg/kg for a range of common feed ingredients. In experiment II, 56 pigs from seven litters were assigned to one of two treatments on the weaning day and fed a weaning diet similar to that used in experiment I, but without supplementation of crystalline tryptophan. The glyphosate amendments were: no glyphosate (CON-II) and 200 mg glyphosate/kg as IPA salt (IPA200-II). In both experiments, half of the pigs were euthanised on day 9/10 (referred to as day 9) and the other half on day 35 after commencement of the treatments. Individual weight, feed intake and faeces score were registered during the experiment, and small intestine digesta, blood and urine were sampled immediately after euthanising. Analysed levels of glyphosate in the diets were close to the intended levels; only, the glyphosate level in the control diets was not zero, indicating that glyphosate-free diets are difficult to obtain. The concentration of glyphosate in small intestine digesta, serum and urine reflected the treatment levels, e.g. at day 9, serum concentrations were 0.06, 10.9, 11.7 and 68.2 µg/L for CON, GM20, IPA20 and IPA200, respectively. Neither feed intake, growth rate, serum mineral concentrations nor faeces score were significantly affected by level or source (pure glyphosate salt or GBH) of the dietary glyphosate.

Early socialisation in group lactation system reduces post-weaning aggression in piglets.

Pre-weaning group housing for sows and their litters is expected to enhance animal welfare. However, knowledge of potential benefits of pre-weaning socialisation for piglets after weaning is still lacking. Weaner pigs were mixed in groups of 10, using littermates (LM) from pre-weaning group housing (Gr) and from farrowing pens with crates (Co). Groups were formed as follows: Gr/Gr (5 LM from Gr + 5 LM from Gr), Gr/Co (5 LM from Gr + 5 LM from Co), Co/Co (5 LM from Co + 5 LM from Co). During 24h after mixing, piglets in Co/Co fought more than in Gr/Co and Gr/Gr. Piglets in Co/Co had more unclear fighting results than in Gr/Co and Gr/Gr. Four days after mixing, piglets in Co/Co were more injured than in Gr/Co and Gr/Gr. Early socialised piglets may have better social skills when meeting familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics after weaning.

Effects of dietary rosemary extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microbiota of weaning pigs.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract (RE) has multiple pharmacological and biological activities, including the use as a food additive and medicine. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary RE supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microbiota of weaning piglets. A total of 192 crossbred weaned piglets [Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)] (initial body weight = 6.65 ± 0.33 kg, weaned days = 23 ± 1 d) were group housed (six pigs per pen; n = 8 pens/treatment). Pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal-based control diet or the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg RE. Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to fed for 21 d. The growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, and intestinal morphology and antioxidant status were evaluated. The components of the microbial microflora were also determined in the cecal samples. Compared with the control, dietary supplementation with RE increased the final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake (linear, P = 0.038, 0.016, and 0.009, respectively), and decreased the diarrhea ratio in piglets (linear, P < 0.05). The digestibility of crude protein (linear, P = 0.034) and gross energy (linear, P = 0.046) increased with treatment with RE. Piglets fed RE showed longer villus height (linear, P = 0.037 and 0.028, respectively) and villus height/crypt depth (linear, P = 0.004 and 0.012; quadratic, P = 0.023 and 0.036, respectively) in the jejunum and ileum, in addition to a lesser crypt depth in the jejunum (linear, P = 0.019) and ileum (quadratic, P = 0.042). The addition of RE increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (linear, P = 0.035 and 0.008, respectively) and glutathione peroxidase activity (linear, P = 0.027 and 0.039, respectively) and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (linear, P = 0.041 and 0.013; quadratic, P = 0.023 and 0.005, respectively) in the serum and liver. Dietary RE supplementation, compared with the control, increased the number of Bifidobacterium (linear, P = 0.034) and Bacteroidetes (linear, P = 0.029), while decreased Escherichia coli (linear, P = 0.008; quadratic, P = 0.014) in the cecal contents. Thus, dietary RE supplementation can improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and the microbiota in weaned piglets, and 200 mg/kg may be considered the optimum dosage.