Weight Gain Of Piglets Research Articles

Genetic analysis of reproductive performance in Landrace sows and its correlation to piglet growth

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive performance of sows, including the interval from weaning to service after 1st litter and litter size in the following (2nd) parity, as well as the direct and maternal genetic effects of piglet growth on these reproduction traits. Data on 15 946 Norwegian Landrace sows' 1st and 2nd parity, and on 106,962 piglets born in 11,323 1st parity litters were included in the analyses. In total, five traits were analysed. Weaning-to-service interval was based on a 1- to 7-day interval (WSI7) or a transformed 1- to 50-day interval (WSI50). A third reproduction trait was total number of piglets born in 2nd parity (NBTnext). Piglet weight was included in the analyses, either as average piglet weight in the litter at 3 weeks of age (meanW3) or as individual piglet weight gain during the first 3 weeks of life (IWG03). Genetic parameters were estimated with animal models, including both direct and maternal effects for IWG03. Heritability estimates for WSI7, WSI50 and NBTnext were 0.08, 0.03 and 0.09 respectively. For meanW3, the heritability estimate was 0.21. For IWG03, the direct and maternal heritability estimates were 0.15 and 0.10 respectively. Negative and unfavourable genetic correlations were estimated between meanW3 and NBTnext ( r g = − 0.37), and between IWG03 maternal and NBTnext ( r g = − 0.39). The ability to raise fast growing, heavy piglets seems to have an unfavorable effect on total number born in next litter but not on the weaning-to-service interval.

Zinc availability and digestive zinc solubility in piglets and broilers fed diets varying in their phytate contents, phytase activity and supplemented zinc source

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary zinc addition (0 or 15 mg/kg of Zn as inorganic or organic zinc) to three maize–soybean meal basal diets varying in their native Zn, phytic P contents and phytase activity (expressed in kg of feed: P− with 25 mg Zn and 1.3 g phytic P, P+ with 38 mg Zn and 2.3 g phytic P or P+/ENZ being P+ including 500 units (FTU) of microbial phytase per kg) in two monogastric species (piglets, broilers). Measured parameters were growth performance, zinc status (plasma, and bone zinc) and soluble zinc in digesta (stomach, gizzard and intestine). The nine experimental diets were fed for 20 days either to weaned piglets (six replicates per treatment) or to 1-day-old broilers (10 replicates per treatment). Animal performance was not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05) except that all P− diets improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in piglets (P < 0.05). Piglets fed P− diets had a better Zn status than those fed P+ diets (P < 0.05). In both species, Zn status was improved with supplemental Zn (P < 0.05), irrespective of Zn source. Phytase supplementation improved piglet Zn status to a higher extent than adding dietary Zn, whereas in broilers, phytase was less efficient than supplemental Zn. Digestive Zn concentrations reflected the quantity of ingested Zn. Soluble Zn (mg/kg dry matter) and Zn solubility (% of total Zn content) were highest in gizzard contents, which also presented lower pH values than stomach or intestines. The intestinal Zn solubility was higher in piglet fed organic Zn than those fed inorganic Zn (P < 0.01). Phytase increased soluble Zn in piglet stomach (P < 0.001) and intestine (P = 0.1), but not in broiler gizzard and intestinal contents. These results demonstrate (i) that dietary zinc was used more efficiently by broilers than by piglets, most probably due to the lower gizzard pH and its related higher zinc solubility; (ii) that zinc supplementation, irrespective of zinc source, was successful in improving animal’s zinc status; and (iii) suggest that supplemented Zn availability was independent from the diet formulation. Finally, the present data confirm that phytase was efficient in increasing digestive soluble Zn and improving zinc status in piglets. However, the magnitude of these effects was lower in broilers probably due to the naturally higher Zn availability in poultry than in swine.

Effects of available surface on gaseous emissions from group-housed gestating sows kept on deep litter

In the European Union, the group-housed pregnant sows have to have a minimal legal available area of 2.25 m2/sow. However, it has been observed that an increased space allowance reduces agonistic behaviour and consecutive wounds and thus induces better welfare conditions. But, what about the environmental impacts of this greater available area? Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify pollutant gases emissions (nitrous oxide, N2O, methane, CH4, carbon dioxide, CO2 and ammonia, NH3), according to the space allowance in the raising of gestating sows group-housed on a straw-based deep litter. Four successive batches of 10 gestating sows were each divided into two homogeneous groups and randomly allocated to a treatment: 2.5 v. 3.0 m2/sow. The groups were separately kept in two identical rooms. A restricted conventional cereals based diet was provided once a day in individual feeding stalls available only during the feeding time. Rooms were automatically ventilated. The gas emissions were measured by infra red photoacoustic detection during six consecutive days at the 6th, 9th and 12th weeks of gestation. Sows performance (body weight gain, backfat thickness, number and weight of piglets) was not significantly different according to the space allowance. In the room with 3.0 m2/sow and compared with the room with 2.5 m2/sow, gaseous emissions were significantly greater for NH3 (6.29 v. 5.37 g NH3-N/day per sow; P < 0.01) and significantly lower for N2O (1.78 v. 2.48 g N2O-N/day per sow; P < 0.01), CH4 (10.15 v. 15.21 g/day per sow; P < 0.001), CO2 equivalents (1.11 v. 1.55 kg/day per sow; P < 0.001), CO2 (2.12 v. 2.41 kg/day per sow; P < 0.001) and H2O (3.10 v. 3.68 kg/day per sow; P < 0.001). In conclusion, an increase of the available area for group-housed gestating sow kept on straw-based deep litter seems to be ambiguous on an environmental impacts point of view. Compared with a conventional and legal available area, it favoured NH3 emissions, probably due to an increased emitting surface. However, about greenhouse gases, it decreased N2O, CH4 and CO2 emissions, probably due to reduced anaerobic conditions required for their synthesis, and led to a reduction of CO2 equivalents emissions.

Spray Dried Plasma for Pigs Weaned at Different Ages

A review was done with 25 scientific papers published in the past fifteen years with the objective to verify the effects of spray dried plasma added to diets for pigs weaned at different ages on the feed intake, weight gain, intestinal structure, and number of E. coli colonies. Beneficial effects of spray dried plasma were observed during the first week after weaning for weight gain and feed intake of piglets weaned at 14, 21, and 28 days old. The beneficial effects of spray dried plasma decreased with the increase in weaning age. Positive effects of spray dried plasma were observed on the morph-physiological conditions of the small intestine, with higher villi height and crypt depth, when substituted completely for the powdered skim milk in diets for weaned pigs. Also, pigs fed diets with the inclusion of spray dried plasma had decreased E. coli colonies in the small intestine of pigs weaned at 21, 28, and 35 days old. The research also indicated that spray dried plasma can replace antibiotic in diets to pigs weaned at 28 and 35 days old. The article presents some promising patents on feed intake for pigs weaned at different ages.

Effects of early contact between non-littermate piglets and of the complexity of farrowing conditions on social behaviour and weight gain

In this study we tested if contact possibilities between non-littermate piglets and complexity of farrowing conditions affect the pre- and post-weaning behaviour, weight gain and skin lesions of piglets. Suckling sows were either kept in a group housing system (GH), in a single pen loose housing system (LH), or in conventional farrowing crates (FC). In the single pen systems a piglet door to the adjacent pen was opened on d 10 after farrowing in half of the pens so that piglets were able to enter the neighbouring pen (LH+ and FC+). For control, in the other half of single pens no piglet doors were opened (LH− and FC−). In the group housing system piglets also were allowed to freely move within the whole system on d 10 after farrowing. After weaning on d 28 piglets were kept in littered rearing pens in an open stable holding 20 piglets each. Piglets from contact pens were mixed with those they previously had contact to whereas piglets from control pens were mixed with unfamiliar litters. Data were obtained from 230 litters (113 sows with 1935 farrowed piglets). All piglets were scored for skin lesions immediately before and 4 days after opening the piglet doors, as well as immediately before and 4 days after moving into rearing pens. Behaviour (biting, fighting, drinking and laying) of piglets was recorded in the rearing pens in a 48-h period after weaning for 2 × 4 h. Treatments did not affect the level of skin lesions in the rearing period ( H = 8.72, df 4, ns) nor daily weight gain until weaning ( F 4,216 = 1.21, ns). In the 48 h after moving to rearing pens, less intensive agonistic behaviour (fighting and biting) was observed in contact piglets ( H = 53.36, df 4, P < 0.0001). Four days after weaning control piglets showed significantly higher numbers and more severe skin lesions than contact piglets and, in addition, lesion scores of piglets from the larger single farrowing pens with straw bedding were significantly lower compared to the single farrowing crate ( H = 33.86, df 4, P < 0.0001). The latency for lying in the new rearing pen was decreasing ( F 4,93 = 25.76, P < 0.001) and the latency for drinking ( F 4,81 = 3.43, P = 0.01) was increasing with decreasing complexity and space allotment of the housing system but were not related to whether the piglets have had contact to other litters before weaning. Five weeks after weaning weight gain ( F 4,204 = 7.01, P < 0.0001) and BW ( F 4,207 = 5.34, P < 0.001) were higher in treatments offering contact. Our results show that familiarising piglets from different litters 10 day post partum by establishing contact possibilities through a piglet door reduces social stress at weaning and increases weight gain after weaning. Farrowing pens with straw bedding and enlarged space as offered in the farrowing pens and the group housing system can further decrease the level of harmful agonistic interactions after mixing unacquainted litters at weaning and can improve the adaptation of piglets towards the new environment of the rearing pen.

Bacteria in milk from anterior and posterior mammary glands in sows affected and unaffected by postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS)

BackgroundThe performance of piglet weight gain is strongly dependent on the sow's ability to meet the demand for adequate milk. Postparturient disorders, especially those subsumed under the term postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS), can alter or reduce the milk production sensitively, resulting in starving piglets. The aim of this study was to gather further information about the prevalence of different bacterial species in the anterior and posterior mammary glands of sows with respect to the clinical appearance of PPDS.MethodsIn this study, the health status of 56 sows after farrowing was determined with special regard to mastitis and dysgalactia. Pooled milk samples from anterior and posterior glands were taken from both affected and non-affected animals and analysed bacteriologically for the presence of a wide spectrum of different pathogens.ResultsMainly Escherichia coli, staphylococci and streptococci were detected in high percentages but without significant differences in healthy and diseased animals and anterior and posterior glands. However, the large percentages of coliform bacteria suggested a transmission route via faecal contamination.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of different bacteria in anterior and posterior glands in PPDS positive and negative sows was analysed. No significant differences in bacteria of healthy and diseased sows were assessed. Therefore, the development of clinical PPDS and actual infection seems to be largely dependant on individual resistance in single sows.

Influence of Hypericum perforatum Extract on Piglet Infected with Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus

To study the influence of Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE) on piglets infected with porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV), enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and cytopathic effect (CPE) were used to determine in vitro whether HPE could induce swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) to secrete IFN-g, and whether PRRSV titers in PAMs were affected by the levels of HPE-induced IFN-g. HPE (200 mg kg −1) was administrated by oral gavage to piglets infected with the PRRSV in vivo to observe whether HPE affected the viremia, lung viral titers, and weight gain of piglets infected with PRRSV. The results showed that HPE was capable of inducing PAMs to produce IFN-g in a dose dependent manner and HPE pretreatment was capable of significantly reducing PRRSV viral titers in PAMs ( P < 0.01). Administration of HPE to the PRRSV-infected animals significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced viremia over time as compared with the PRRSV-infected animals. But there was not significant decrease in lung viral titers at day 21 post-infection between the HPE-treated animals and the PRRSV-infected control piglets. There were no significant differences in weight gain over time among the HPE-treatment animals, the normal control, and the HPE control animals. The PRRSV-infected animals caused significant ( P < 0.01) growth retardation as compared with the HPE controls and the normal piglets. It suggested that HPE might be an effective novel therapeutic approach to diminish the PRRSV-induced disease in swine.

Gaseous emissions from group-housed gestating sows kept on deep litter and offered an ad libitum high-fibre diet

Gaseous emissions from agriculture contribute to a number of environmental effects. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are greenhouse gases taking part in the global problem of climate change. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are responsible of soil and water acidification and eutrophication and contribute also to indirect emissions of N2O. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a high-fibre diet offered ad libitum to gestating sows on gaseous emissions (NH3, N2O, CH4, CO2 and water vapour (H2O)). Four successive batches of 10 gestating sows were used for this trial. Each batch was divided into 2 homogeneous groups randomly allocated to a treatment: restricted conventional cereals based diet or high-fibre diet based on sugar beet pulp (42%). The groups were separately kept in two identical rooms equipped with a straw-bedded pen of 12.6m2. For restricted sows, meals were provided once a day in individual feeding stalls available only during the feeding time. In both rooms, ventilation was automatically adapted to maintain a constant ambient temperature. The gas emissions were measured by infrared photoacoustic detection during 6 consecutive days at the 6th, 9th and 12th weeks of gestation.Sows performance (body weight gain, backfat thickness, number and weight of piglets) was not significantly different according to the diet. With sows offered high-fibre diet and compared to sows offered restricted diet, gaseous emissions were significantly greater for NH3 (9.64g NH3-N d−1 sow−1 vs. 5.37g NH3-N d−1 sow−1; P<0.001), CH4 (17.20gd−1sow−1 vs. 15.21gd−1sow−1; P<0.01), CO2 (3.00kgd−1sow−1 vs. 2.41kgd−1sow−1; P<0.001) and H2O (4.71kgd−1sow−1 vs. 3.68kgd−1sow−1; P<0.001) and significantly lower for N2O (0.97g N2O-Nd−1sow−1 vs. 2.48g N2O-Nd−1sow−1; P<0.001) and CO2 equivalents (0.88kgd−1sow−1 vs. 1.55kgd−1sow−1; P<0.001).In conclusion, the effects of high-fibre diet offered to gestating sows on deep litter on environment seem ambiguous with an increase of NH3 emissions but a decrease of N2O and CO2 equivalent emissions.

Porcas lactantes alimentadas com dietas contendo silagem de grãos úmidos de milho e ácidos orgânicos

Um experimento foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho de porcas lactantes e suas leitegadas alimentadas com dietas contendo silagem de grãos úmidos de milho com ou sem ácidos orgânicos. Foram utilizadas 15 porcas híbridas em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso com três tratamentos (dieta controle, dieta com adição de 0,5% de ácido benzóico e dieta com adição de 0,5% de ácido fumárico) com cinco repetições cada. As dietas elaboradas com silagem de grãos úmidos de milho com ácido benzóico ou ácido fumárico não alteraram (P&gt;0,05) a espessura de toucinho e o consumo médio diário de ração. O ganho médio diário (0,22kg) e o peso vivo médio ao desmame (6,2kg) dos leitões não diferiram (P&gt;0,05) entre os tratamentos. A adição dos ácidos fumárico e benzóico nas dietas elaboradas com silagem de grãos úmidos de milho não altera os desempenhos de porcas lactantes e de suas leitegadas.

Feeding of pregnant sows with mycotoxin-contaminated diets and their non-effect on foetal and maternal hepatic transcription of genes of the insulin-like growth factor system

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system regulates foetal and placental growth. It can be influenced by dietary factors, but little is known about the effects of mycotoxin feeding on hepatic levels of the IGF system. The aim was (1) to determine the normal foetal and maternal hepatic transcription of major IGF genes at distinct stages of pregnancy and (2) to find out if the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) affect transcript concentrations. Pregnant sows were fed with naturally contaminated diets from days 35 to 70 (experiment 1), or from days 75 to 110 (experiment 2), or with control diets. Foetal hepatic IGF transcripts were determined at days 70 and 110, maternal transcripts at day 70 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The highest levels of IGF-I transcripts were found in sows. On the contrary, IGF-II was predominantly expressed in foetuses at day 70. Expression of IGF-IR and IGFBP-3 decreased, whereas that of IGFBP-2 increased towards term. IGF-IIR and IGFBP-1 expression was similar in both foetuses and full-term piglets. IGF-IIR showed reduced levels in the maternal liver. The exposure of pregnant sows to DON- and ZON-contaminated diets significantly reduced the maternal and tended to reduce the weight gain of piglets in experiment 2, but had no effects on hepatic levels of IGF transcripts in both experiments. This suggests that mycotoxin-contaminated diets can induce growth depression in pigs during pregnancy without affecting hepatic transcription of major IGF genes.

Effects of dietary fat inclusion at two energy levels on reproductive performance, milk compositions and blood profiles in lactating sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fat inclusion to create two energy levels on reproductive performance, milk compositions and blood profiles in lactating sows. Twenty-four multiparous sows were randomly assigned to four treatments according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Two energy levels (3365 and 3265 kcal/kg) were created by supplementing different fat levels (high and low). Higher energy level resulted in less (P<0.05) body weight and backfat loss, shorter wean-to-estrus interval, and greater body weight gain of piglets. Sows fed higher fat diet had higher (P<0.05) fat concentration in colostrum. Higher concentrations of triglyceride and creatinine and lower concentrations of luteinizing hormone at weanling were noted (P<0.05) in sows fed lower energy diet than those fed higher energy diet. In conclusion, feeding of higher energy diet during lactation may improve the reproductive performance of sows during lactation.

Feeding sows with high fibre diet around farrowing and early lactation: Impact on intestinal activity, energy balance related parameters and litter performance

The effects of fibre in diets for periparturient sows are poorly documented. Three weeks before farrowing, 41 sows (LACT) were fed a diet containing 3.8% crude fibre. Other 40 sows (FIBRE) received a diet containing 7% crude fibre. We estimated the intestinal activity of the sows with a daily qualitative evaluation of their faeces. The FIBRE group had a qualitative faeces score value of 2.1 ± 1.3 and the LACT group had a value of 1.2 ± 1.1 ( P < 0.001). Individual daily water consumption was higher in the FIBRE group than in the LACT group ( P < 0.001). Piglet weight gain at day 5 was higher in the FIBRE group ( P < 0.05). The energy balance related parameters did not differ between the treatments. Concluding, diets containing more fibre can be successfully used around farrowing reducing prolonged constipation of sows with no negative effect on their energy balance related parameters.

Effect of floor cooling and dietary amino acids content on performance and behaviour of lactating primiparous sows during summer

Fifty nine primiparous sows PIC Camborough 23 were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 (with and without floor cooling × two dietary treatments) factorial design with 16 sows/treatment, each sow being considered as an experimental unit. Four replicates of sixteen sows each were used during the trial with the objective of evaluating the effects of floor cooling and the use of dietary amino acid contents on their performance and behaviour during summer. The sows were distributed among the treatments according to body weight and backfat thickness after farrowing. The sows were maintained in the experiment until weaning at 21 days of lactation. The two experimental diets supplied the same levels of crude protein (22%), metabolizable energy (ME; 14.65 MJ/kg) and levels of essential digestible AA relative to digestive lysine and differed according to the digestible lysine to ME ratio (0.75 vs. 0.82 g/MJ of ME). The temperature of the water circulating in the cooled floor was maintained at about 17 °C. Based on the average minimum and maximum temperatures (21.5 and 29.5 °C) obtained during the experimental trial, it can be assumed that the sows were exposed to periods of heat stress. The replicate and the interaction between replicate and treatment effects on all the measurements were not significant. Similarly, no effect of diet or interaction between diet and floor cooling system was found for all criteria measured. An effect ( P < 0.05) of floor cooling on average daily feed intake was observed and floor cooling sows showed a higher average ( P < 0.05) digestible lysine (61.5 vs. 51.8 g/d) and ME (78.2 vs. 65.9 MJ/d) intakes. The sows submitted to floor cooling showed, consistently, higher absolute values for average weight (+ 8.5 kg) and backfat (+ 0.75 mm) at weaning, compared with the control sows. The sows submitted to the cooled floor showed a shorter ( P < 0.01) weaning-to-oestrus interval. The piglet and litter's daily weight gain (DWG), average weight at weaning (AWW) and total weight gain during lactation (TWG) were higher ( P < 0.01) for the floor cooling sows. The floor cooling sows showed a higher ( P < 0.01) daily milk production. The respiratory rate and rectal temperature values were lower ( P < 0.01) for the floor cooling sows. There were differences ( P < 0.01) on the cutaneous temperatures measured on the different parts of the sow's body, with the animals submitted to the cooled floor having lower values. The sows submitted to floor cooling spent less ( P < 0.01) time in lateral recumbency inactive, more time nursing ( P < 0.05) and more time feeding ( P < 0.01) compared with control sows. The floor cooling under the sows increased daily feed intake and lysine intake, leading to a lower body weight loss, a lower weaning-to-oestrus interval and also improved nursing behaviour of the sows, leading to a higher milk production and, consequently, higher weight gains of piglets and litter during the lactation period.

Feeding of Lactobacillus sobrius reduces Escherichia coli F4 levels in the gut and promotes growth of infected piglets

The microbial community in the guts of mammals is often seen as an important potential target in therapeutic and preventive interventions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 infection in young animals might be counteracted by a probiotic treatment with Lactobacillus sobrius DSM 16698. The experiment was conducted in three randomized consecutive replications, each consisting of 16 piglets, and including a control group and an L. sobrius fed group, both experimentally challenged with ETEC. During the entire trial, the animals' health status, body weight, and microbial parameters were monitored periodically. Probiotic supplementation containing L. sobrius significantly reduced the levels of ETEC in the ileum when fed directly to piglets after weaning. In contrast, the number of days when the piglets had an increased faecal water content was significantly higher in the probiotic group. Nevertheless, an improved daily weight gain was also observed in the animals that received probiotic L. sobrius relative to the control fed group. The data indicate that L. sobrius may be effective in the reduction of the E. coli F4 colonization and may improve the weight gain of infected piglets.

A note on the effect of rare earth elements on the performance and thyroid hormone status of rearing piglets

Rare earth elements (REE) have been used for decades in China to promote growth in plant production and farm animals. Studies are presently also being conducted under Western animal production. conditions, however dose-response studies are relatively rare. In this study a total of 80 piglets were-fed a diet supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 400 or 800 mg of citrate-bound rare earth elements, consisting of, %: lanthanum 30, cerium 55, praseodymium 5 and neodymium 10. The trial lasted 35 days, the initial mean body weight of the piglets was 7.2 kg. Apart from growth and feeding parameters, blood serum was analysed for T-3 and T-4 by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Feed intake decreased insignificantly with higher REE-levels. The daily weight gain of piglets amounted to 283 (control), 301 (100 mg), 254 (200 mg), 258 (400 mg) and 271 g (800 mg). Thyroid hormone levels increased with REE-supplementation. More dose-response studies will be necessary to prove the effects of REE on growth parameters and their intermediate effects

GLP‐2 Administration Results in Increased Proliferation but Paradoxically an Adverse Outcome in a Juvenile Piglet Model of Short Bowel Syndrome

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) administration in a piglet, juvenile model of short bowel syndrome. Four-week-old piglets underwent either a sham operation or 75% small bowel resection. Postoperatively, piglets received either polymeric infant formula diet or the diet and subcutaneous human recombinant GLP-2 (1600 microg/day for 7 days, 800 microg/day thereafter). Food intake was monitored throughout the experiment, and stool and serum samples obtained fortnightly. After the piglets were killed, tissues were obtained from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and terminal ileum, and used for morphological and functional analysis. Treatment with GLP-2 resulted in significantly increased numbers of proliferating and apoptotic cells in the ileum of sham and small bowel resection piglets (P < 0.05). GLP-2 administration resulted in decreased weight gain, serum albumin, and disaccharidases in both sham and small bowel resection piglets (P < 0.001 compared with polymeric infant formula diet alone). This is the first study to our knowledge to examine the effect of GLP-2 administration in a juvenile short bowel syndrome model. Contrary to adult rodent studies, administration of GLP-2 resulted in adverse outcomes including reduced ability to gain weight; decreased serum albumin, tissue maltase, and sucrase; and villous atrophy. We anticipate this information will have important implications for future paediatric clinical trials.

포유모돈에 있어 복합효소제 함유 식물성 단백질 공급원이 생산성과 돈유성상에 미치는 영향

ABSTRACT A total of thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of plant protein source containing multienzyme on performance, nutrients digestibility and milk characteristics. A feeding trial was conducted for 21 days from parturition to weaning. Experimental diets were supplied for 1 week before the parturition day and throughout the experimental period. Dietary treatments included: 1) Control (CON; basal diet), 2) CGLT (included corn gluten) and 3) FSPM(included fermented soy protein containing multienzyme). Through the entire experimental period, backfat loss and return-to-estrus intervals were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Nitrogen digestibility was increased significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was increased significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. At the initial period, total protein content of milk was higher significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CGLT treatment and at the final period, total fat content of milk was higher significantly (P<0.05) in FM treatment compared to CON treatment. Rectal temperature showed similar tendency of change among treatments. The final piglet body weight, weight gain and ADG were higher significantly in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. On diarrhea rate in piglet, just one piglet occurred in CGLT treatement. In conclusion, 2.5% dietary plant protein source containing multienzyme suppelmentation improved N digestibility, BUN concentration, fat and protein contents in milk and weight gain in piglet.(

포유모돈 사료에 코코넛 분말지방 첨가가 모돈의 생산성 및 모유성상에 미치는 효과

본 시험은 복합효소제 함유 식물성단백질공급원이 포유모돈의 생산성, 영양소 소화율 및 돈유성상에 미치는 효과를 알아보고자 실시하였다. 모돈은 건강상태 및 산차를 고려하여 3처리, 처리당 10두씩 30두를 공시하였다. 사료는 1차로 분만 일주일 전부터 급여하고 2차로 분만 후부터 21일령 이유시까지 급여하였다. 시험설계는 1)CON(basal diet), 2)CGLT(included corn gluten) 및 3) FSPM(included fermented soy protein containing multienzyme)로 하였으며, 분만후 자돈은 모돈에 복당 10마리씩 균일하게 배치하였다. 포유모돈의 영양소 소화율에서는 질소 소화율에서 FSPM 처리구가 CON 처리구와 비교하여 유의적으로 높았다(P<0.05). 포유모돈의 혈중 요소태질소 함량에서는 종료시에 FSPM 처리구가 CGLT 처리구보다 유의적으로 높았으며(P<0.05) 변화량에 있어서는 FSPM 처리구가 CON 및 CGLT 처리구보다 유의적으로 높았다(P<0.05). 포유모돈의 모유내 지방 함량에서는 종료시에 FSPM 처리구가 CON 처리구보다 유의적으로 높았으며(P<0.05), 모유내 단백질 함량에서는 개시시에 FSPM 처리구가 CGLT 처리구와 비교하여 유의적으로 높았다(P<0.05). 포유모돈의 직장온도 변화에 있어서는 세 처리 모두 유사한 변화를 보였다. 포유자돈의 성장률에서는 종료시체중, 증체량 및 일당증체량에서 FSPM 처리구가 CON 처리구와 비교하여 유의적으로 높았으며(P<0.05) CGLT 처리구는 CON 처리구보다 높았으며 FSPM 처리구보다 낮았다.포유자돈에서의 설사발생에 있어서는 0~5일째에 CGLT 처리구에서 한 마리가 발생하였다. 본 시험결과 사료내 0.25% 복합효소제 함유 식물성단백질공급원의 급여는 포유모돈의 질소 소화율과 혈중 요소태질소 함량, 모유내 단백질과 지방 함량을 향상시켰으며 포유자돈의 증체량 또한 향상시켰다. A total of thirty sows(Landrace×Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of plant protein source containing multienzyme on performance, nutrients digestibility and milk characteristics. A feeding trial was conducted for 21 days from parturition to weaning. Experimental diets were supplied for 1 week before the parturition day and throughout the experimental period. Dietary treatments included: 1) Control(CON; basal diet), 2) CGLT(included corn gluten) and 3) FSPM(included fermented soy protein containing multienzyme). Through the entire experimental period, backfat loss and return-to-estrus intervals were not affected by the treatments(P>0.05). Nitrogen digestibility was increased significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. Blood urea nitrogen(BUN) concentration was increased significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. At the initial period, total protein content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CGLT treatment and at the final period, total fat content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FM treatment compared to CON treatment. Rectal temperature showed similar tendency of change among treatments. The final piglet body weight, weight gain and ADG were higher significantly in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. On diarrhea rate in piglet, just one piglet occurred in CGLT treatement. In conclusion, 2.5% dietary plant protein source containing multienzyme suppelmentation improved N digestibility, BUN concentration, fat and protein contents in milk and weight gain in piglet.

Effects of dietary arginine supplementation during gestation and lactation on the performance of lactating primiparous sows and nursing piglets1

A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized block design was used to determine the effects of dietary Arg supplementation during gestation and lactation on the lactation performance of 38 first-parity sows. At 30 d of gestation, pregnant gilts were allotted based on BW to 1 of 2 diets supplemented with 1% L-Arg.HCl or 1.7% L-Ala (isonitrogenous control). After farrowing, sows were further allotted based on BW within previous gestation treatment groups to 1 of 2 lactation diets supplemented with 1% L-Arg.HCl or 1.7% L-Ala (isonitrogenous control). All gestation diets contained 3.1 Mcal/kg and 12.2% CP (as is) and were fed 2 kg/d in 2 equally sized meals, whereas all lactation diets contained 3.2 Mcal/kg and 18.6% CP (as is) and were fed ad libitum. Litter size was standardized to 10 piglets by cross-fostering within 24 h postfarrowing. On a weekly basis, BW and backfat (BF) thickness of sows, as well as piglet BW were measured, and blood and milk samples were obtained from the sows. Number of days from weaning to estrus and ADFI were also recorded. There were no differences in BW, BF thickness, ADFI, or days until return to estrus among treatment groups. There was no effect of the gestation diet or a gestation x lactation diet interaction on any parameter measured. On d 7 of lactation, plasma concentrations of Arg and insulin in sows, as well as concentrations of most AA in milk, were greater (P < 0.05) in response to Arg supplementation during lactation compared with the control. Weight gain of piglets from sows fed the Arg-supplemented diet during lactation was greater between d 0 and 7 (P < 0.01) and between d 0 and 21 (P < 0.05) of lactation compared with piglets from sows fed the control diet. Collectively, results from this study indicate the potential beneficial effects of dietary Arg supplementation in improving the lactation performance of first-parity sows.

Porcine isosporosis: Infection dynamics, pathophysiology and immunology of experimental infections

Isospora suis, an intestinal protozoan parasite of swine, is the causative agent of neonatal coccidiosis, a disease with high morbidity in affected pig-breeding units and consequently of high economic importance. Infection leads to damage of the mucosal surface in the jejunum and ileum and to non-haemorrhagic diarrhoea. As a result, weight gain of piglets is reduced and secondary infections with other enteric pathogens may lead to increased mortality. Despite its economic and veterinary importance, host-parasite interactions are still poorly understood. To examine these interactions experimental infection models are established using outbred piglets infected with defined numbers of parasites on different days of life. This review discusses the life cycle of Isospora suis and the clinical and parasitological characteristics of porcine neonatal coccidiosis including pathology, and compare the different experimental infection models and the tools for studying Isospora suis in vitro. Moreover, it summarises findings about natural age resistance of pigs against infections with Isospora suis, our current knowledge about immune response to other coccidial infections, e.g. with Eimeria spp. in different hosts, and gives a short overview on peculiarities of the porcine immune system and its development in young animals which may play a role in porcine coccidiosis.