Weaning Day Research Articles

Maternal consumption of a fermented diet protects offspring against intestinal inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota

ABSTRACT The neonatal intestinal tract is immature and can be easily infected by pathogens causing inflammation. Maternal diet manipulation is a promising nutritional strategy to enhance the gut health of offspring. A fermented diet is a gut microbiota targeting diet containing live probiotics and their metabolites, which benefit the gut and overall health host. However, it remains unclear how a maternal fermented diet (MFD) affects neonatal intestinal inflammation. Here, in vivo and in vitro models together with multi-omics analysis were applied to investigate the impacts and the underlying mechanism through which an MFD prevents from gut inflammation in neonates. An MFD remarkably improved the performance of both sows and piglets and significantly altered the gut microbiome and milk metabolome of sows. In addition, the MFD significantly accelerated the maturation of the gut microbiota of neonates and increased the abundance of gut Lactobacillus and the microbial functions of amino acid-related enzymes and glucose metabolism on the weaning day. Notably, the MFD reduced susceptibility to colonic inflammation in offspring. The fecal microbiota of sows was then transplanted into mouse dams and it was found that the mouse dams and pups in the MFD group alleviated the LPS-induced decrease in gut Lactobacillus abundance and barrier injury. Milk L-glutamine (GLN) and gut Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) were found as two of the main MFD-induced sow effectors that contributed to the gut health of piglets. The properties of LR and GLN in modulating gut microbiota and alleviating colonic inflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK activation of Caspase 3 were further verified. These findings provide the first data revealing that an MFD drives neonate gut microbiota development and ameliorates the colonic inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota. This fundamental evidence might provide references for modulating maternal nutrition to enhance early-life gut health and prevent gut inflammation.

Exercise Increases Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Single‐Housed Adolescent Female Rats Treated with Cocaine

Prior studies from our laboratory showed that exercise obliterated the effects of increased anxiety induced by isolating rats during adolescence. The present study was designed to characterize the effects of treadmill running exercise on rat skeletal muscle. After weaning (day 23), male and female rats were assigned to one of the following groups: group‐housed, single‐housed, or single‐housed with exercise. Group‐housed, and isolated rats were further subdivided into saline or cocaine groups. Exercise training started the day of single housing and consisted of running on a treadmill once a day, five times a week for four weeks, and six times a week on the fifth and last week. Rats ran for 30 minutes at speed up to 10 m/min the first two weeks, 35 minutes at 12 m/min on the third week, 40 minutes at 15 m/min on the fourth week, and 45 minutes at 17 m/min on the last week. On day 59 rats were euthanized and the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were dissected and stored at ‐80 ℃. The tissue was homogenized, DNA was isolated, and the amount of mitochondrial DNA copies was quantified using real time PCR. Our results indicate that female rats that were single‐housed showed a trend towards increased mitochondria DNA copies. However, single‐housed females that exercised and were injected with cocaine showed significantly higher copies of mitochondrial DNA in the soleus muscle than their Oil‐treated counterparts. No significant changes were observed in males.

Longitudinal Changes of the Ruminal Microbiota in Angus Beef Steers.

Simple SummaryThe rumen is a crucial organ in the digestion process of bovines; however, in beef cattle, it is not fully developed until sometime after weaning. In the same way, the microbial population that inhabits the rumen is constantly changing as animals age. The initial inoculation of the rumen of beef calves is heavily influenced by the environment, including the presence of adult animals in the pasture such as the cows. This study investigated the longitudinal changes that occur in the ruminal microbiota of Angus beef steers from weaning to slaughter. Ruminal samples were collected from 12 cows and their steer calves on weaning day, followed by subsequent collections on the same group of steers as they entered the feedlot, upon leaving the feedlot, and at the slaughterhouse. Results revealed that the ruminal microbial composition of the steers at a younger age (at weaning) was very similar to the ruminal microbiota of the adult cows; more so than it was from their own microbiota at later ages.The ruminal microbiota of Angus cows and steers were characterized using 16s rRNA gene sequencing, and the expression of their metabolic pathways was predicted. Samples were collected on weaning day from the steers and the cows, and subsequently on three other occasions from the steers. Results showed that microbial richness, evenness, and diversity decreased (p < 0.001) in the rumen of the steers as they were weaned and transitioned to a high-concentrate feedlot diet. However, on the day of weaning, microbial evenness was similar to that observed in the rumen of cows (p = 0.12). The abundance of archaea was similar (p = 0.59) between the cows and steers at weaning, but it decreased (p = 0.04) in the rumen of steers after weaning, and remained stable (p ≥ 0.44) for the remainder of their lives. Likewise, no difference (p = 0.51) in the abundance of Bacteroidetes was detected between the cows and the calves on the day they were weaned, but the abundance of this phylum increased (p = 0.001) and remained stable after that. These results suggest that cows may have a strong influence on the composition, and help modulate the ruminal microbiota of young calves; however, following weaning, their ruminal microbiotas tend to differentiate from that state observed at earlier ages.

Clinical effects of adaptive lung ventilation regime during weaning of mixed ICU patients

Background. Weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) became one of the main problems of intensive care unit (ICU) physicians. Choosing the optimal mode of MV, which make possible to accelerate the process of weaning the patient, remain unresolved. A promising direction is the use of new adaptive ventilation modes.Objective. To compare the clinical efficacy of the iSV regimen with the traditional CPAP + PS (PSV) regimen in patients of a mixed ICU.Design and methods. 45 patients (age 31–81) were examined. Patients were on prolonged MV from 5 to 28 days. In group 1 pressure support (PSV) mode was used to adapt to spontaneous breathing. Group 2 consisted of patients in whom adaptive ventilation (iSV) mode was used.Results. Both modes of assisted ventilation provided effective respiratory support. In the PSV mode, on the 3rd and 5th days of weaning from MV, hypocapnia and a higher support by the pressure of spontaneous inspirations (PS) were noted. A higher daily energy requirement was revealed in PSV mode on day 3. The length of stay in ICU in iSV group was moderately decreased.Conclusion. Assisted ventilation modes PSV and iSV are effective in adapting patients to spontaneous breathing after prolonged MV. The iSV mode appears to cause less respiratory stress compared to the PSV mode. Assisted ventilation in iSV versus PSV can possibly reduce ICU length of stay.

The Use of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of a Pregnant Woman with COVID-19 Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

A 27-year-old woman at 17 weeks gestation was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a history of fever, dyspnea, and dry cough for 3 days. She was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on her nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the ICU, the patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and increased levels of inflammatory markers. She was then intubated for mechanical ventilation and had a treatment for critical COVID-19 illness during pregnancy. She also received three cycles on alternating days of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) since she was failing to respond to conventional medical treatment. During hospitalization, the patient’s fetus was closely monitored by repetitive ultrasound. After 27 days of hospitalization and 10 days of mechanical ventilation weaning, the patient’s respiratory condition improved and her inflammatory biomarkers normalized. She was discharged from the hospital with an apparently healthy 20th week fetus. This case report highlights the role of TPE for treatment of ARDS due to cytokine storm in pregnant women with severe COVID-19 infection. This case emphasizes that careful evaluation of clinical and biological progression of the patient’s status is very important and when conventional therapies are failing, alternative therapies such as TPE should be considered.

Effects of linseed oil supplementation in Holstein dairy calves received starters based on either corn or barley grain on growth performance and immune response.

This study evaluated the effects of linseed oil (LO) and two-grain sources on growth performance, microbial protein yield (MPY), blood metabolites, and inflammatory markers in Holstein dairy calves. Forty-eight 3-day-old dairy calves (24 males and 24 females) with starting BW of 40.3 ± 1.6 kg were allocated in a completely randomised block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement as follows; (1) Corn grain (CG) with no LO supplementation (CG-NLO), (2) CG with 2.5% LO supplementation (CG-LO), (3) Barley grain (BG) with no LO supplementation (BG-NLO), and (4) BG with 2.5% LO supplementation (BG-LO). The calves were weaned on d 59 but the study lasted for 14 days after weaning (Day 73 of experiment). The results showed that starter feed intake was influenced neither by grain source nor linseed oil. However, average daily gain, BW, hip height, and MPY were improved in calves received BG compared to CG diets. Linseed oil supplementation had no significant effects on growth performance and MPY. During preweaning period, calves fed BG-LO had the greatest feed efficiency and the highest wither height. However, the greatest tumour necrosis factor and serum amyloid A were observed in BG-NLO. Despite, LO supplementation did not influence growth performance of animals per se; however, it reduced circulating inflammatory markers in calves during preweaning period. Based on this study condition, BG is more favourable than CG in dairy calves from the daily gain and microbial protein synthesis perspectives, and supplementing the starters with n-3 FA can be strategy to improve immune performance of calves fed barley-based starter diets.

PSIII-3 Changes in Sow Posture from Weaning to Estrus

Abstract Sows exhibit changes in behavior as they approach estrus that could aid in identifying the optimum time for insemination. The objective was to monitor changes in posture of sows from weaning to the first day that sows exhibited standing reflex. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using 99 multi-parous sows (in 7 groups) that were monitored over an 11–d period following weaning. At weaning, sows were moved from a farrowing to a breeding facility and were housed in individual stalls. Sows were checked daily for standing reflex from d 4 to 8 post-weaning; 97 sows exhibited standing reflex (80.4% of sows by d 6). Continuous video recordings were collected throughout the study period. Scan sampling was carried out on the videos every 5 min with the posture of each sow recorded (lying, standing, or sitting). The relative frequency of each posture was estimated as a percentage of the total number of observations within each day. Regression analyses were carried out using PROC REG of SAS to determine the rate of change in the frequency of active behavior (standing + sitting) from day of weaning to the first day of standing reflex. Over the study period, the frequency of sows lying, standing, and sitting was 76.5%, 20.0%, and 3.5%, respectively. The frequency of active behaviors increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from day of weaning to day of standing reflex (Table 1); slopes ranged from 1.73 to 4.39 %/d depending on the period analyzed. However, there was considerable variation between sows with 9 showing no change in the frequency of active behavior between weaning and standing estrus. These results suggest that changes in posture could potentially be used as a predictor for the start of estrus; however, further research is needed to understand individual sow variations in these postures.

PSVII-10 Tonisity PxW Improves Pig Performance to End-Nursery

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of administering Tonisity PxW to pigs for 5 d post-weaning on water intake, weight, mortality and fall-behinds until 6 weeks post-weaning. Tonisity PxW (Tonisity Inc, St. Joseph, MO) is a water-soluble supplement containing gut-enhancing amino acids and electrolytes. Tonisity PxW was compared with a commercially available electrolyte (named as Electrolyte-B). The study randomly allocated 5,665 gilts (8 batches; ~21-day weaning; ~3-hour travel), over an 8-month period on a single USA gilt-multiplication farm. Tonisity PxW was administered at a 0.2%-0.1%-0.1%-0.05%-0.05% concentration on d 1-2-3-45 post-weaning. Electrolyte-B was administered as per manufacturer’s instructions (0.2% for 5 d post-weaning). Both treatments were administered ad libitum through the waterlines, with separate water meters for each treatment. Data was collected by treatment for water intake, mortality and fall-behinds, and by pen for weights (weaning, day 14 and day 42 post-weaning; N = 430). Mortality and fall-behinds were analyzed using Fisher’s test. Weights and water intake were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Treatment was a fixed effect. Study day (for water) and weighing day (for weights) were included as repeated measures. Batch was included as random. Weaning weight was a covariate in the weight analysis. Data are presented as LSM±SEM. P ≤ 0.05 is considered significant. The PxW pigs consumed 22% more water on d 1 post-weaning (1.08±0.06 vs 0.89±0.06 L; P = 0.04), and 9% more water over 5 d post-weaning (1.34±0.05 vs 1.23 ±0.05 L; P = 0.19) than Electrolyte-B pigs. The PxW group had 65% fewer fall-behinds (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and 17% less mortality (P = 0.28) than the Electrolyte-B group. PxW pigs weighed 300 g more than Electrolyte-B pigs at d 42 post-weaning (21.8±0.18 vs 22.1±0.18 kg; P = 0.17). Tonisity PxW resulted in significantly greater water intake in the first 24 hours post-weaning and significantly fewer fall-behinds until d 42 post-weaning compared with Electrolyte-B.

The programming effect of parenteral obesity on the structural and mechanical properties of femora in female rats fed a varied calorie diet during puberty.

The study was aimed to ascertain whether continuation or change in the offspring of the diet consumed by the parents modulates, in later life, the previously programmed bone metabolism. We used adult Wistar rats (16 males; 32 females), divided into groups that were fed either a standard (diet S) or a high-energy (diet F). After 90 days of obesity induction, the rats were submitted to obtain female offspring from parents S and F. The offspring stayed with their mothers until 21 days of age (weaning day). Our previous studies have proved the programming effects of parental obesity on the skeletal system of their offspring at the age of 21 days. Weaned female offspring were divided into groups: S/S-parents and offspring fed the S diet; S/F-parents fed the S diet and offspring fed the F diet; F/S-parents fed the diet F and offspring with the diet S; F/F-parents and offspring fed the F diet(F/F). After sacrifice, isolated femurs were assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography and by a three-point bending test. The bones were examined at 49 and 90 days of life. We found that nutritional programming has a significant influence on the development and metabolism of the skeletal system in females during growth and maturity. Moreover, the modification of nutrition alters the metabolism of bone tissue, and the osteotropic effects vary depending on the nature of the change, as well as the stage of development. Reducing the caloric content of the diet inhibits the mineralization and decreases the mechanical strength of the bones while increasing the caloric content of the diet has a beneficial osteotropic effect.

Effects of Phenolic Phytogenic Feed Additives on Certain Oxidative Damage Biomarkers and the Performance of Primiparous Sows Exposed to Heat Stress under Field Conditions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two commercial phenolic phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on sows under heat stress conditions of high summer temperatures for seven days before and seven days after the farrowing. The PFA-1 product was a mixture based on the plants Emblica officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Citrus sinensis and nut fiber, while the PFA-2 product was a mixture based on plants Andrographis paniculata, Glycyrrhizia glabra, Tinospora cordifolia and nut fiber. A total of 48 primiparous sows were divided into three groups: T1-control group: regular gestation (GF) and lactation feed (LF); T2 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with PFA-1; T3 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with PFA-2. Each sow in the T2 and T3 groups received 5 g daily of the PFA-1 and PFA-2 product, respectively, for seven days before and seven days after the farrowing. Blood samples were collected from all groups 24 h after farrowing. Thiobarbituric acid-–reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl (CARB) concentrations were determined in the sow plasma. The body condition scoring (BCS) and the backfat of sows on the farrowing and weaning days along with reproductive parameters and litter characteristics were recorded. The highest number of stillborn piglets and the largest interval from weaning to estrus were observed in the T1 group. The lowest number of alive 24 h after birth and weaning piglets and the lowest BCS and backfat at weaning were also recorded in the T1 group. TBARS and CARB concentrations were significant higher in the T1 group compared to all other groups. In conclusion, the use of phenolic PFAs seems to reduce oxidative damage caused by heat stress and ameliorate performance in primiparous sows.

Lambs are more stressed at early weaning when housed with their twin.

The objective of this study was to compare the behavioural and immunological responses of twin lambs housed together with their siblings or not after weaning. The study was performed with seven multiparous Milchschaf ewes and their twin lambs (n = 14), which were weaned abruptly at 63days of age and assigned to two experimental groups: (1) lambs that were housed together with their sibling after weaning (group GT, n = 6) and (2) lambs that were separated from their siblings and remained with other lambs from the same flock (group GS, n = 8). Before and after weaning, the distance between twins, the number of times in which the sibling was the closest lamb, the lambs' behaviours, and the average daily gain were recorded. The lambs' immune response was assessed with the phytohemagglutinin skin test after weaning. The closest lamb before weaning was the sibling in all cases (P < 0.0001 for all). The frequency in which GT lambs were observed closest from its twin increased on the day of weaning (P = 0.002). During the day of weaning, GT lambs vocalised and paced more than GS lambs (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Twenty-four h after the phytohemagglutinin injection, the skinfold thickness was greater in GS than GT lambs (P = 0.03). In conclusion, twin lambs housed together with their siblings were more stressed at weaning, displaying more intensive behavioural changes and a poorer immunological status than twin lambs housed separated from their siblings.

Maternal exposure to the environmental pollutant "BDE-47" impairs the postnatal development of rat cerebellar cortex by modulating neuronal proliferation, synaptogenesis, NGF and BDNF pathways.

This study was designed to investigate the perinatal effect of BDE-47 exposure on the postnatal development of the rat cerebellar cortex. This study was carried out on 20 pregnant rats and 36 of their offspring. The pregnant rats were divided equally into control and BDE-47 treated mother groups; supplemented orally with BDE-47 (0.2 mg/kg/day from day 8 of gestation until the day of weaning). The offspring of both mother groups were subdivided, according to their developmental age, into three subgroups; PND14, PND21and PND42. SerumT3, T4 and TSH were assessed for dams and their offspring. Testing the motor coordination of the offspring via the rotarod test was conducted. Sections of the cerebellar cortex from offspring subgroups were stained with hematoxylin and eosin alongside immunohistochemical reactions and optical density of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and synaptophysin (SYN). Also, the thickness of different layers of the cerebellar cortex was histomorphometrically measured. BDE-47 treated mothers and their offspring subgroups showed a significant decrease in the serum free T3, T4 and increased TSH. The BDE-47 offspring displayed incoordination of the motor activity together with disturbed cytoarchitecture of the cerebellar cortical layers, and impaired migration of its germinative neuronal zones, particularly on PND14 and PND21. Moreover, these offspring displayed a decrease of the immune-expression and optical density of NGF, BDNF in the cerebellar cortical layers with impaired proliferation, and synaptogenesis. Maternal exposure to BDE-47 during pregnancy and lactation effectuated a potential deleterious retarding effect on the postnatal development of the rat cerebellar cortex mostly via modulating neuronal proliferation, synaptogenesis, NGF and BDNF pathways secondary to its hypothyroid effect.

A228 A FERMENTABLE FIBRE FREE DIET ACCELERATES SPONTANEOUS COLITIS DEVELOPMENT AND ALTERS THE GUT MICROBIOME IN MUC2-/- MICE

Abstract Background A key feature of ulcerative colitis (UC) is a defective colonic mucus layer. As Muc2-/- mice lack intestinal mucus, they’re often used to model UC. In these mice, luminal bacteria translocate from the gut lumen, triggering spontaneous colitis by 12–16 weeks of age. Notably, mucus defects are also seen in wildtype mice fed a fermentable fibre free (FF-free) diet. Aside from thinner mucus, FF-free fed mice show increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and a microbiome shift from fibre-utilizing to mucus-degrading bacteria. Indeed, a recent clinical study found that a microbiome shift towards proteolytic bacteria preceded clinical diagnosis of UC Aims To determine whether feeding newly weaned Muc2-/- mice a FF-free versus chow or inulin-enriched diet leads to - more rapid development of spontaneous colitis - shifts in the gut microbiota towards protein fermentation Methods Newly weaned Muc2-/- mice (3–4 weeks old) were fed 1 of 3 diets: 1) usual chow (Chow; 14.7% fibre mix), 2) FF-free (10% cellulose – poorly fermented) and 3) inulin-enriched (IN; same nutritional content as FF-free, with 10% inulin instead of cellulose). Body weight, diet intake and disease activity were monitored daily. By day 10, mice in the FF-free group developed severe colitis requiring euthanization. At this time, cecal contents (short-chain fatty acid [SCFA] analysis) and colonic tissue from all mice were collected for alcian blue/PAS staining and histopathological scoring. Stool was collected for 16S rRNA sequencing Results FF-free fed mice consumed fewer calories (p=0.0073), experienced less body weight gain (p=0.002), had colonic shortening (p&amp;lt;0.0001) and higher disease activity scores (p&amp;lt;0.0001) than mice fed the IN diet. Histopathological scores were higher in FF-free versus Chow (p&amp;lt;0.0001) and IN (p&amp;lt;0.0001) fed mice. Goblet cell mucin staining was reduced in FF-free compared to Chow and IN fed mice. Beta-diversity analysis showed clear differences in microbiome composition between groups. Acetate, product of fibre fermentation, was higher in the Chow (p&amp;lt;0.0001) and IN (p=0.0195) groups whereas branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), product of protein fermentation, was higher in the FF-free group (p&amp;lt;0.0001) Conclusions Spontaneous colitis development in FF-free fed Muc2-/- mice was observed within 10 days (5–6 weeks old) of weaning whereas Chow or IN fed mice showed minimal to no signs of colitis, respectively. A diet devoid of fibre also led to less mucin staining and a gut microbiome shift that favoured BCFA over SCFA production, suggesting the microbiota of FF-free fed Muc2-/- mice are targeting mucosal proteins concurrent with disease exacerbation. These findings support future studies examining whether consumption of low fibre diets in UC patients worsen disease outcomes whereas diets rich in fibre and/or inulin prove beneficial Funding Agencies CCC, CIHRMSFHR Trainee Award, CH.I.L.D foundation

Age-dependent development in protein digestibility and intestinal morphology in weaned pigs fed different protein sources

Today, weaner diets are optimised using digestibility coefficients obtained from grower-finisher pigs, which may overestimate the digestibility in weaners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and amino acids (AAs), and the intestinal morphology in pigs 0–4 weeks postweaning when fed different protein sources. The experiment included 128 pigs weaned at day 28 and the protein sources were wheat, soybean meal (SBM), enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM), hydrothermally treated rapeseed meal (HRSM) and casein. The experiment was conducted as a difference method study including wheat in all diets. Eight pigs were slaughtered on the day of weaning (day 0) and six pigs/treatment were slaughtered at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 postweaning. The SID of CP and AA, as average over the four weeks, was lowest for ESBM and highest for wheat and casein, with SBM and HRSM being intermediate. The SID of CP and AA increased (both linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) over time after weaning. The average SID of CP for all protein sources postweaning was 0.38, 0.59, 0.76, and 0.71 on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, respectively. These differences were significant (P < 0.05) between days 7 and 21, and between days 7 and 28 (P < 0.05), whereas there tended to be a difference between days 7 and 14 (P = 0.06). Protein source did not affect the small intestinal morphology response parameters, whereas time after weaning did. Villous height and villous height to crypt depth ratio differed (P < 0.05) between the days 0 and 7, with shorter villi and a higher ratio at day 7. Crypt depth was not altered between days 0 and 7, or between days 7 and 14. For villi density, crypt density and small intestinal length, a significant increase from days 7 to 14 was observed, but there was no further increase to or difference between days 21 and 28. In conclusion, the low SID of CP in casein on day 7 (0.50) illustrates the challenges related to protein digestion in weanling pigs. The SID of CP and AA is very low during the first two weeks postweaning and time after weaning is more important for protein digestibility, than the source of protein. Fewer mature epithelial cells and less absorptive area in the small intestine in the early postweaning period may partly explain the poor protein digestibility.

Out-of-season breeding and ewe-lamb bond from birth to weaning in Corriedale sheep

Out-of-season lambing is based in productive aims; however also modifies the basic physiology of the ewe. It might affect ewes and lambs’ behaviours at birth, their bond, the process of lambs’ independence from their mothers and their response to weaning. This study aimed to compare the ewe-lamb bond from birth to artificial weaning in out-of-season lambing (autumn) and spring lambing. A complementary aim was to determine if out-of-season breeding affects ewes' udder size, milk yield and composition, body condition score (BCS) and body weight of the ewes and lambs. The study was performed with 26 multiparous single-lambing Corriedale ewes that lambed in spring (natural season: group SPR), and 26 ewes that lambed in autumn (out-of-season: group AUT) and their lambs. The ewe-lamb behaviours were recorded during a separation-reunion test performed 24–36 h after birth. Lambs’ behaviours were recorded before and after weaning (at 80 days of age). Ewes’ BCS and body weight were recorded at mating, lambing and weaning. Lambs’ body weight was recorded at lambing, before and after weaning. Ewes’ milk yield and composition were determined before weaning. During the separation-reunion test, although AUT lambs vocalised more often than SPR lambs their mothers remained further away (P = 0.01). Before weaning, AUT ewe-lamb dyads were observed more often far from each other (P < 0.001); AUT lambs attempted to suckle more times (P < 0.001) and grazed less frequently than SPR lambs (P = 0.004). At weaning, AUT lambs walked more frequently, but were less often standing up than SPR lambs (P < 0.001 for both behaviours). While SPR lambs decreased their grazing frequency on the day of weaning, AUT lambs increased it, grazing more frequently than SPR lambs (P < 0.001). AUT ewes lambed with a greater BCS and body weight than SPR ewes (P = 0.01 and P = 0.031, respectively), but this was reverted at weaning (BCS: P < 0.001; body weight: P = 0.002). SPR ewes had a greater milk yield, with more fat, lactose and protein amount than AUT ewes (P < 0.001 for all variables). At weaning, SPR lambs were heavier than AUT lambs (P < 0.001). In conclusion, although AUT ewes were in better body condition after birth, the ewe-lamb bond of the AUT group was weaker. This was associated with a lower expression of maternal attention when AUT lambs requested maternal care. The better environmental conditions of SPR dyads during lactation might positively impact their social and nutritional behaviours. The difference between groups remained until weaning, so AUT and SPR lambs displayed different behavioural strategies to cope with artificial weaning.

Lactating sows fed whey protein supplement has eventually increased the blood profile of piglets.

The intension of this study was to examine the effect of dietary whey protein supplementation on the reproduction performance, growth performance and blood profile of sow and their offspring. From Day 114 of lactation to 21days of weaning, a total of 21sows (n=7/ treatment) (Landrace×Yorkshire) were blocked according to average parity (2.4) and allocated to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: (i) CON-corn-soybean meal based basal diet, (ii) WPC-CON+0.047% WPC whey protein concentrate (WPC) and (iii) WPH-CON+0.02% whey protein hydrolysate (WPH). The reproduction performance of sows was not affected by WPC or WPH supplementation. However, piglets that were born to WPC and WPH group sows showed higher body weight at birth (p=0.057) and at weaning (p=0.018). After farrowing, WPC and WPH group sows showed decreased (p=0.043) RBC count and total iron-binding count (TIBC) (p=0.046), whereas at the end of the experiment, the blood profile including red blood cells, iron, haemoglobulin and TIBC was significantly increased (p=0.042, 0.049, 0.051 and 0.052 respectively) in WPC group piglets compared to the CON and WPH groups. Based on the positive impact on the blood profile of piglets, we conclude that whey protein supplement could serve as a potential energy source to suit lactating sows that could eventually benefit the performance of their offspring.

ВЛИЯНИЕ БИОДОБАВКИ BISOLBI В РАЦИОНАХ СВИНОМАТОК НА ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ИХ БЕЛКОВОГО ОБМЕНА И СОХРАННОСТЬ ПОРОСЯТ - СОСУНОВ

The paper presents results of experimental studies on inclusion of Bisolbi feed additive in the rations of pregnant and lactating sows and its effect on biochemical parameters of their blood, immune status, colostrum quality and survivability of piglets by the day of weaning. The results of the research allow us to draw the following conclusions: sows that received Bisolbi product , in addition to their ration, at a dose of 0.5 and 1.0% of the feed mass had increased activity of hematopoietic and immune systems, also, the intensity of metabolic processes increases, which is confirmed by a rise of the total protein concentration and its fractions, as well as the protein index in their blood, which indicates an increase of assimilation processes in their body on the 100th day of gestation and by the day of weaning of piglets. Along with a rise of whey protein - globulin in the blood of sows in the experimental groups in all periods of the study, there is an increase in concentration of immunoglobulins of A, M and G classes in the same groups in comparison with control animals. These changes indicate more intensive redox, metabolism and energy processes in their bodies, which ultimately affected the survivability of piglets by the weaning day. These changes were most conspicuous when animals were fed with ration, enriched with Bisolbi at a dose of 1.0% of the compound feed weight.

Gestational and lactational xenoestrogen exposure disrupts morphology and inflammatory aspects in mammary gland of gerbil mothers during involution

In the mammary gland (MG), the developmental window for gestational/lactational differentiation and growth is highly vulnerable to hormonal disruption. Here we describe that the MG involution process in female gerbil mothers is delayed by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during gestation and lactation. The process is directly influenced by changes in expression of extracellular matrix proteases MMP-2, MMP-9, and FAP, and the incidence of collagen and elastin is reduced after 7 and 14 days of weaning. A pro-inflammatory environment in the late involution process was confirmed by higher expression of TNF-α, COX-2 and phospho-STAT3 n the MG stroma, allied to increases in the incidence of macrophages and mast cells. These aspects impacted the proliferative pattern of epithelial cells, which decreased on the 14th post-weaning day. These data confirm that the milk production window of susceptibility is vulnerable to the impact of BPA, which promotes a suggestive pro-tumoral microenvironment during mammary involution.

Changes in salivary biomarkers of oxidative status in calves at weaning and grouping

BackgroundSaliva is being increasingly used as a sample for measuring biomarkers in several species and shows a high potential of use to detect and monitor stress. The weaning and grouping in dairy calves are a particularly stressful time. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate a panel of antioxidant and oxidant biomarkers in the saliva of calves on the day of weaning (W0), 2 days after weaning or milk withdrawal (W + 2), and 4 days after grouping (G + 4). In addition, to verify if cortisol and oxytocin concentrations are related to the biomarkers measured.ResultsSalivary cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of saliva (FRAS), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) were significantly higher (P < 0.02) 4 days after grouping than the day of weaning and 2 days after. The increases were 50 and 54% for CUPRAC, 93 and 116% for FRAS, 117 and 135% for TEAC, 22 and 49% for AOPP and 10 and 5% for FOX in comparison with weaning and 2 days after, respectively. In addition, oxytocin and cortisol showed significant negative and positive correlations (P < 0.05) respectively with the biomarkers of oxidative status.ConclusionsOur results showed that calves after grouping show increases in antioxidants and oxidants concentrations, indicating that a balance between these molecules has been tried to maintain during this stressful situation. The dynamic changes of biomarkers of oxidative status should be explored and characterised in other stressful conditions.

Micelle silymarin supplementation to sows' diet from day 109 of gestation to entire lactation period enhances reproductive performance and affects serum hormones and metabolites.

The aim of the present study was to explore the influences of varying doses of micelle silymarin (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) supplementation on sows' feed intake, milk yields, serum hormones, and litter growth using 40 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, parity from 3 to 5) from the 109th prenatal day to the 21st postnatal day. Each treatment included 10 sows and each sow was used as an experimental unit. On weaning day, litter weight and litter weight gain were linearly improved (P < 0.01, both), corresponding to the increasing dose of silymarin micelle in the diet. Also, litter weight, litter weight gain, and average daily gain (ADG) of piglets born to treated sows exceeded (P < 0.05) those of offspring from the control sows (0% micelle silymarin). Feed intake in week 1, week 2, and the entire lactation period was increased (linear, P < 0.01) as micelle silymarin dose increased. Body weight (BW) loss of sows during lactation was linearly reduced (P = 0.003) with the increasing amounts of micelle silymarin. Average daily milk yields during lactation were also linearly increased (P = 0.002) in treated sows, exceeding (P = 0.046) that of control sows. Also, uniform increases were observed (P = 0.037) in fat content in milk produced by treated sows on day 14 of lactation. Epinephrine concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in sow serum on day 21 postpartum were linearly declined (P = 0.010) as micelle silymarin dose increased, and were both declined (P < 0.05) in treated sows compared with the control. In addition, treated sows' serum had higher activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) at parturition and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), lower oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations, and GSSG/GSH (glutathione) ratio (all, P < 0.01) on day 21 of lactation. Moreover, offspring from micelle silymarin-treated sows tended to (0.05 < P <0.1) have higher serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentrations. Taken together, the results showed that sows fed increasing levels of micelle silymarin from the 109th prenatal day to the 21st postnatal day had an incremental dose-dependent effect on higher feed intake, diminished BW loss, greater milk yields, and greater litter weight at weaning, and 0.2% of micelle silymarin could be optimal to achieve the better effect.