Weight Gain Of Piglets Research Articles

Effect of Vaccination Against E. coli, C. perfringens Type A/C on Piglet Productive and Clinical Parameters Under Field Conditions.

Background: One of the main strategies to control neonatal porcine diarrhoea (NPD) is through vaccination of the sows. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two commercial vaccination schemes under field conditions on a farm where a C. perfringens type A cpb2-positive strain was implicated in NPD. Methods: This study was performed in a farrow-to-wean herd with 5500 sows, already using an E. coli and C. perfringens vaccine but still suffering NPD. Where the presence of a C. perfringens type A cpb2-positive strain was confirmed, Enteroporc Coli AC® (Ceva) was administrated to the sows in group A according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sows in group B were vaccinated using two other combined commercial vaccines. In each group, piglets from 10 litters were ear-tagged and individually weighed at birth and at 8 and 22 days of age. The incidence of diarrhoea, general piglet body condition, and antimicrobial treatment were recorded within 10 consecutive days after birth. Results: A total of 234 piglets (119 in group A and 115 in group B) were included. The mean weight gain of piglets from birth to 22 days of age was significantly higher in group A (4.99 kg) than in group B (4.66 kg) (p = 0.039). The rest of the recorded parameters such as the presence of diarrhoea, the piglet's body condition score, and the number of days with antimicrobial treatment did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: This study confirmed the efficiency of the Enteroporc Coli AC® vaccine in reducing clinical symptoms of diarrhoea in piglets, which was comparable with the other vaccines used in the study. The positive effect on piglets' productive performance during the lactation phase was observed.

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic selenium mixes in pregnant sows on piglet growth, selenium levels in serum and milk, and selenium deposition in newborn piglet tissues. A total of 44 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight (BW), backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the three treatments with 14 or 15 sows per treatment in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: i) Control, corn-soybean meal-based diet with no addition of selenium premix; ii) ISOS (mixed inorganic selenium and organic selenium) 30, a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.15 ppm of organic Se; iii) ISOS50, a basal diet supplemented with 0.25 ppm of inorganic Se and 0.25 ppm of organic Se. At day 21 of lactation, supplementing a high level of mixed Se at 0.50 ppm resulted in higher piglet BW and weight gain than adding a low level of mixed Se at 0.30 ppm (p<0.05). Selenium concentration of colostrum in sows fed ISOS50 diet was significantly higher than those in sows fed ISOS30 diet (p<0.05). Selenium concentrations in the serum at days 90 and 110 of gestation and 24 hours postpartum were highest when sows were fed ISOS50 diet (p<0.05). Additionally, increasing levels of mixed Se led to an increase in piglet serum Se concentration at 24 hours postpartum (p<0.05). Before ingesting colostrum, piglets from sows fed a mixed selenium (Se) diet had significantly higher kidney Se concentrations compared to those from the control group, with the ISOS50 treatment showing the most significant difference (p<0.05). Supplementation of the gestation diet with 0.5 ppm of mixed Se may improve piglet growth performance, increase Se concentrations in milk, and enhance Se status in the serum of sows, as well as in the serum and tissues of their offspring.

Factors Influencing Birth Weight and Pre-weaning Weight Gain of Piglets Reared in Different Farrowing Facilities

Aim: This study aims at analysing the influence of variables such as farrowing facilities, parity, litter size and sex on the birth weight and pre-weaning weight of piglets. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Piggery Unit of Livestock Farm Complex, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, 600 007, India. The study was carried out for a period of twelve months from October 2021 to September 2022. Methodology: The study comprised of eighteen Large White Yorkshire breed sows of different parities with 177 piglets that were reared in three types of farrowing systems which included Conventional farrowing crate, Guard rail model &amp; modified farrowing facility. Results: Litter size, season of farrowing, number of stillbirth and parity affected birth weight significantly (p &lt; 0.01). It was seen that each increase in the number of litter size reduces birth and weaning weight. However, parity had no statistically significant effect on the weaning weight (p &gt; 0.05). Likewise, the type of farrowing facility (p &gt; 0.05) also had no statistical significance on the birth weight. Conclusion: The results of the present study reveal that mean birth weight and weaning weight were not influenced by the type of farrowing system they were reared in. However, season of farrowing affected the birth weight which could affect the pre-weaning survival.

Bamboo fiber improves piglet growth performance by regulating the microbial composition of lactating sows and their offspring piglets.

Feeding bamboo powder is a kind of fiber raw material mainly composed of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). In this study, IDF-based rice husk meal and feeding bamboo powder were used to compare the effects of bamboo fiber on fecal microflora and the performance of lactating sows and their offspring piglets. Thirty healthy crossbred gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) at day 105 of gestation were randomly allocated into three groups: CON, TRE1 supplemented with 2% BBF1 (feeding bamboo powder), and TRE2 supplemented with 2% BBF2 (99% feeding bamboo powder +1% bamboo fiber polymer material). The reproductive performance, serum indexes, and fecal microbiota of sows and piglets were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with CON, the average feed intake of sows in TRE1 during the second week of lactation was significantly increased by 21.96% (p < 0.05), the average daily gain (ADG) per litter in TRE1 on 11-21 days and 3-21 days of lactation was significantly increased by 50.68 and 31.61%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the serum triglyceride content of sows in TRE1 on the 21st day of lactation was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis showed that dietary bamboo fiber significantly increased the fecal microbial richness index Ace, Chao, and Sobs of sows (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the Sobs index of suckling piglets on day 21 (p < 0.10). Compared with CON, BBF1 supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in feces of sows on days 7 and 21 after delivery (p < 0.05), while BBF2 decreased the genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group on days 7 (p < 0.10) and 21 (p < 0.05) after delivery. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium in the feces of piglets on the 21st day after delivery was significantly positively correlated with diarrhea rate and significantly negatively correlated with ADG per litter, day 21 litter weight, and 3- to 21-day survival rate. In contrast, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group was significantly negatively correlated with diarrhea rate and positively correlated with ADG per litter. These results indicated that maternal BBF1 supplementation improved the litter weight gain of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of diversity and structure of the fecal microbiota in the piglets.

PSI-10 Combination of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans in sow diets improves litter quality and piglet performance

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary two-strain probiotic on sows, and the subsequent effects on litter quality and piglet performance. The total trial duration was 32 d and started 7 d before farrowing. A total of 160 sows (DanBred x Duroc) were assigned into two dietary treatment groups (80 sows each), considering their body weight, body condition score, and parity (Ø 2.4). Sows in the control group received a basal pelleted diet lacking probiotic supplementation, whereas sows in the probiotic group received an identical diet but supplemented 7 d pre-partum and 25 d post-partum with a two-strain probiotic (total inclusion rate: 1.5 x 109 CFU/kg of feed, 0.3 x 109 CFU/kg CFU/kg of B. coagulans DSM 32016 and 1.2 x 109 CFU/kg of B. licheniformis DSM 33806) produced by Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsgesellschaft mbH, Germany. Within 24 h after birth, the litters of all sows in the trial were standardized to 13 piglets by removing weak and low weight individuals (≤ 0.7 kg). Cross-fostering was restricted to the experimental group. Data were subjected to t-Test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney-U-test, P ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results indicate a significant reduction of dead-born piglets (P = 0.01), increase of daily litter weight gain (P = 0.002), improvement of piglet weaning weight (P = 0.01), and increase of the total number of weaned piglets (P=0.001) in the probiotic group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the individual daily weight gain (P = 0.003) and final weight of piglets at weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.001) were significantly improved by probiotic supplementation. The body weight loss of sows and feed intake were not statistically different (Table 1). In conclusion, the probiotic combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans fed to sows improved litter quality and piglet performance.

Effect of peripartum dexamethasone treatment on farrowing outcomes and newborn piglet traits in multiparous sows

This study assessed the effects of dexamethasone treatment on farrowing performance and piglet traits in the first 5 days of life in multiparous sows, a high-risk group for stillbirths and prolonged farrowing. In this study, 185 multiparous sows (parity 4.25 ± 0.14) were selected on the day of farrowing and divided into three treatments: CON - control, without dexamethasone treatment; DexaPF - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im per female) at the time of copious colostrum secretion (pre-farrowing); and DexaFO - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im per female) when the first piglet was born (farrowing onset). All sows and their litters were monitored for farrowing duration, obstetric interventions, colostrum yield and intake, newborn piglet traits, and piglet performance until 5 d of age. A subsample of 106 females (∼35 per treatment) had their blood glucose concentration checked hourly shortly after the first piglet was born until the end of farrowing. Additionally, blood samples from 42 litters were collected for immunocrit evaluation. The results showed no differences regarding farrowing duration (CON = 258.02 ± 13.81 min; DexaPF = 251.29 ± 13.60 min; DexaFO = 294.92 ± 13.89 min; P = 0.06) and obstetric intervention rates among treatments (CON = 36.58 ± 6.78 %; DexaPF = 42.16 ± 6.89 %; DexaFO = 48.05 ± 7.08 %; P = 0.45). The blood glucose concentration during farrowing was higher in DexaPF (94.56 ± 1.57 mg/dL; P < 0.001) than in CON (73.50 ± 1.72 mg/dL) and DexaFO (87.94 ± 1.80 mg/dL). No differences were observed regarding total piglets born and born alive, stillborn, newborn piglet vitality, colostrum intake, immunocrit, colostrum yield, and glycemia and rectal temperature at 24 h of age (P ≥ 0.13). Regarding meconium staining, higher percentages of piglets born without meconium staining were observed in DexaFO (54.77 ± 5.21 %; P = 0.02) compared with CON (48.58 ± 5.26 %), and no difference was observed for the DexaPF group (53.23 ± 5.21 %). In addition, a higher unbroken umbilical cord rate was observed in DexaFO (92.41 ± 1.31 %; P < 0.01) than the CON or DexaPF (86.91 ± 1.97 % and 89.31 ± 1.67 %, respectively). However, the treatments did not affect piglet performance (weight gain and survival) until 5 d of age (P ≥ 0.15). In summary, dexamethasone treatment in periparturient multiparous sows did not improve farrowing performance and key production parameters, such as the piglet weight gain and survival up to 5 d of age.

Effect of Phytases in Pig Diets on Production Performance: Meta-analysis

Feeding is one of the most critical items in pig production. Phosphorus, protein, and energy sources represent the most expensive ingredients in the feed. Phytases are enzymes used for many years to take advantage of plant phosphorus and reduce costs. Despite many studies with various methodologies and results, they have not been thoroughly systematized. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of phytases on performance in pigs. Effect size, heterogeneity, meta-regressions, and publication bias were determined. Phytase-supplemented pigs gained 25.17 g (p &lt; 0.05) more daily weight than controls. Piglets can gain up to 39.89 g (p &lt; 0.05). The pigs ingested a greater amount of feed, 23.44 and 28.61 g (p &lt; 0.05), per day than the control in the general analysis and piglets, respectively. Crude protein, metabolizable energy, total calcium and phosphorus, duration, and level of phytases in the diet affected performance (p &lt; 0.05). No publication bias was found. Including phytases favors weight gain and feed intake in general pigs and piglets but not in growing-finishing pigs. The effect of other nutrients and the duration and level (dose) of phytases must be considered at the time of formulation.

Dietary Puerarin Supplementation Improves Immune Response and Antioxidant Capacity of Sows.

Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria mirifica, a wildlife leguminous plant. It has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. However, the effects of directly adding puerarin to the diets of sows, in terms of reproductive performance and antioxidant properties, have not been reported. For this study, 240 sows with varying parities were selected and randomly divided into six treatment groups using a two × three experimental design. The six treatment groups consisted of two diets (control and puerarin) and three parities (zero, one, and two parities or more). The puerarin group was supplemented with 1 g/kg of puerarin. The experiment commenced with mating and continued until 21 days post-delivery. The sow reproductive performance was not affected by supplementing their diets with puerarin (p > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with puerarin significantly increased the daily body weight (BW) gain of piglets and their mean BW at weaning (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, sows in the puerarin group had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity in serum and also significantly increased immunoglobulin A and G levels in serum, colostrum, and milk, but significantly lower malondialdehyde concentration in serum (p < 0.05). Thus, puerarin improved the immune response and antioxidant capacity of sows and increased the daily BW gain of their offspring.

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

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

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Stimbiotics to Sows on Lactation Performance, Immune Function, and Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Capacities during Late Gestation and Lactation.

Stimbiotic supplementation may provide an innovative feed additive solution to accelerate the proliferation of beneficial fiber-degrading bacteria in the distal intestine and the utilization of dietary fiber. Optimal utilization of dietary fiber has multiple benefits for gut health and nutrient utilization. This study was conducted to evaluate the late gestation and lactation performance, the plasma, colostrum, and milk immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) concentrations, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in plasma of sows fed with or without a stimbiotic during the late gestation and lactation phase. A total of 40 sows were allocated to two treatment groups: control (CT) with no supplementation or 100 mg/kg stimbiotic (VP), with 20 sows per treatment. Sows were fed the treatment diets from d 85 of gestation to d 28 of lactation. In the results, the average daily weight gain of piglets during lactation was greater from sows fed in the VP group compared to that in the CT group (p < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of IgM at farrowing and IgG at weaning of the sows fed the diet with the stimbiotic supplementation were much higher than those in the CT sows (p < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the dietary stimbiotic increased the concentrations of IgM in the colostrum and of IgA and IgM in the milk at d 14 of lactation (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) on d 0 and d 28 of lactation tended to be lower in sows fed the VP diets compared with those of the sows fed the CT diets. Thus, our study indicated that stimbiotic supplementation could improve the daily weight gain of piglets and the immune function of sows in lactation.

Effect of Flaxseed Supplementation in the Maternal Diet During Early Lactation on the Oxidative Status of Sows and Growth of Piglets

The present study was conducted on 21 crossbred Large White Yorkshire sows to assess the effect of flaxseed supple mentation on oxidative stress in sows and growth of piglets. All sows were equally allocated into three groups. Group 1 served as the control and followed their normal feeding schedule. Group 2 and group 3, in addition to their normal feed ing schedule, were supplemented with flaxseed at a rate of 0.5% and 1.0% of the dry matter, respectively. Blood samples were collected 15 days prior to farrowing, on the day of farrowing (day 0), at weekly intervals until day 28 of lactation and at monthly intervals during gestation to assess the oxidative status in each sow. Body weight and weight gain in each piglet was measured during lactation period. The assessment of oxidative stress in blood was done through estimations of malondialdehyde (MDA), end product of lipid peroxidation. No changes (P&gt;0.05) in MDA concentrations were mani fested at any of the days measured during lactation and gestation in sows of all the groups. Similarly, there was no effect of flaxseed treatment on superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in all sows at any of the days measured during lactation period (P&gt;0.05) as well as during gestation period (days 30-90). In the current farrowing, the piglets exhibited a steady increase (P&lt;0.05) in bodyweight as well as weight gain in all groups from day 0 until day 28 of lactation. No effect (P&gt;0.05) of flax seed fed to sows on litter weight and weight gain was noticed until day 21 of lactation, However, the effect of treatment was evinced on day 28 of lactation compared to control group. In conclusion, flaxseed supplementation had no impact on MDA and SOD concentrations in sows; nevertheless a treatment effect was noticed on body weight and weight gain in piglets.

Supplementation with Complex Dietary Fiber during Late Pregnancy and Lactation Can Improve Progeny Growth Performance by Regulating Maternal Antioxidant Status and Milk Quality.

This study investigated the nutritional benefits of complex dietary fiber (beta-glucan and fructo-oligosaccharides, CDF) supplementation in sows and piglets during late pregnancy and lactation. Twenty-four sows were randomly divided into two groups: the control group was fed a basal diet (n = 12), and the experimental group was fed a CDF diet (0.25% CDF replaced the same proportion of corn in the basal diet, n = 12). Dietary treatment was given from day 107 of pregnancy to day 25 of lactation. The results of this experiment showed that CDF increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows during lactation and the weaning body weight (BW) and average daily gain of piglets. Dietary CDF supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity and immune level of sows and decreased the serum zonulin level. Dietary supplementation with CDF increased the levels of antioxidant activity, immunoglobulin, and anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10) in milk. Meanwhile, piglets in the CDF group had increased serum antioxidant activity, immunoglobulin, and growth-related hormone levels; decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels; and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid content. In addition, the CDF group increased the diversity of microorganisms in sow feces. In conclusion, the supplementation of a diet with CDF in late pregnancy and lactation can alleviate the oxidative stress of sows, improve milk quality, and have significant positive effects on the antioxidant capacity and growth performance of piglets.

Effect of Low Protein Diets Supplemented with Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids, or n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Microbiome of Weaned Piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-protein (LP) diets supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCT), or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on the growth performance, immune function, and the microbiome of weaned piglets. A total of 120 healthy weaned piglets ((Landrace × Large White × Duroc); 7.93 ± 0.7 kg initial body weight), were randomly divided into five groups. Each group consisted of six replications with four piglets per replication. Dietary treatments included control diet (CON); LP diet (LP); LP + 0.2% SB diet (LP + SB); LP + 0.2% MCT diet (LP + MCT); and LP + PUFA diet (LP + PUFA). The experimental period lasted for 4 weeks. Compared with the CON diet, LP, LP + SB, LP + MCT, and LP + PUFA diets decreased the final weight and average daily gain (ADG) of piglets (p < 0.05). There were lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of IL-8 and higher (p < 0.05) Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the plasma of piglets fed with LP + SB, LP + MCT, and LP + PUFA diets than those fed with the LP diet. The piglets in the LP + SB and LP + PUFA groups had lower IKK-alpha (IKKa) mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa compared with those in the CON and LP groups (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of TLR4 in the colonic mucosa of piglets in the LP + SB, LP + MCT, and LP + PUFA groups was decreased when compared with the CON and LP groups (p < 0.05). The LP + MCT diets increased the gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the colonic mucosa of piglets compared with CON, LP, and LP + SB diets (p < 0.05). The abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae in the colonic microbiome of piglets in the LP group was higher than that in the other four groups (p < 0.05). Collectively, this study showed that LP diets supplemented with SB, MCT, or n-3 PUFA reduced plasma inflammatory factor levels, increased plasma GSH-Px activity, and declined mRNA expression of TLR4 and IKKa in the colonic epithelium, whereas it reduced the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae in the colon of piglets.

Lactobacillus amylovorus Promotes Lactose Utilization in Small Intestine and Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Piglets

BackgroundIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) resulted in high mortality and many physiological defects of piglets, causing huge economic loss in the swine industry. Lactobacillus amylovorus (L. amylovorus) was identified as one of the main differential bacteria between IUGR and normal piglets. However, the effects of L. amylovorus on the growth performance and intestinal health in IUGR piglets remained unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the promoting effects of L. amylovorus Mafic1501, a new strain isolated from normal piglets, on the growth performance and intestinal barrier functions in IUGR piglets. MethodsNewborn mice or piglets were assigned into 3 groups: CON (normal birth weight, control), IUGR (low birth weight), and IUGR+L. amy (low birth weight), administered with sterile saline or L. amylovorus Mafic1501, respectively. Growth performance, lactose content in the digesta, intestinal lactose transporter, and barrier function parameters were profiled. IPEC-J2 cells were cultured to verify the effects of L. amylovorus Mafic1501 on lactose utilization and intestinal barrier functions. ResultsL. amylovorus Mafic1501 elevated body weight and average daily gain of IUGR mice and piglets (P < 0.05). The lactose content in the ileum was decreased, whereas gene expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) was increased by L. amylovorus Mafic1501 in IUGR piglets during suckling period (P < 0.05). Besides, L. amylovorus Mafic1501 promoted intestinal barrier functions by increasing the villus height and relative gene expressions of tight junctions (P < 0.05). L. amylovorus Mafic1501 and its culture supernatant decreased the lactose level in the medium and upregulated gene expressions of transporter GLUT2 and tight junction protein Claudin-1 of IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). ConclusionL. amylovorus Mafic1501 improved the growth performance of IUGR piglets by promoting the lactose utilization in small intestine and enhancing intestinal barrier functions. Our results provided the new evidence of L. amylovorus Mafic1501 for its application in the swine industry.

Beta-Carotene Supplementation for Sows: Reproductive Parameters and Productive Performance of Piglets

The rapid fetal development and the increased demand for milk result in a catabolic state and oxidative stress in hyperprolific sows. Despite animal defense mechanisms, the dietary supplementation of antioxidants is being evaluated to reduce the impacts of excess free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of beta-carotene supplementation for sows on the reproductive response and performance of suckling piglets. A total of 120 sows were distributed in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of three supplementation levels (B0–no supplementation, B200–200 mg beta-carotene/day and B400–400 mg beta-carotene/day) and four groups of parity order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, above 4th). Beta-carotene supplementation during lactation resulted in a higher litter weight at weaning. A higher average weight of piglets and litter weight at birth were observed, as well as a greater number of piglets weaned and litter weight at weaning in sows supplemented with 400 mg of beta-carotene during gestation and lactation periods. Supplementation with 200 and 400 mg of beta-carotene resulted in a greater weight at weaning and daily weight gain in piglets. Daily supplementation with 400 mg of beta-carotene in the prepartum and lactation phases provides a greater litter weight at weaning and, when supplemented in the pre-gestation and gestation periods, results in a greater litter weight at birth and at weaning.

Euglena gracilis β-Glucans (1,3): Enriching Colostrum of Sow for Enhanced Piglet Immunity.

The effects of supplementing the diet of sows with βG-(1,3) derived from Euglena gracilis algae were assessed regarding quality and amount of colostrum as well as performance of piglets. A total of 120 sows (first (nulliparous) to sixth parity (multiparous)) from D85 of gestation until weaning were divided into two groups: the control diet group (n = 60) and the βG-(1,3) diet group (n = 60). Sows receiving βG-(1,3) exhibited an average increase of 870 g (24.9%) in colostrum production, leading to a 25.17% higher intake of colostrum by piglets. Furthermore, piglets in the βG-(1,3) group showed significantly superior weight gain of 34 g (50%) compared to the control group 18 h after birth (p < 0.05). Sows fed with βG-(1,3) produced colostrum with significantly higher concentrations of IgG (5.914 mg/mL, 16.16%) and IgM (0.378 mg/mL, 16.29%) than the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, serum concentrations of IgG (13.86 mg/mL, 51.25%), IgA (17.16 mg/mL, 120.19%), and IgM (13.23 mg/mL, 144.78%) were significantly higher in sows fed with βG-(1,3) than in the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementing sows with βG-(1,3) derived from the Euglena gracilis algae resulted in increased colostrum production and consumption, along with greater weight gain in piglets during the first 18 h after birth. Additionally, both the colostrum produced by the sows and the blood serum of the piglets exhibited higher concentrations of immunoglobulins.

277 Effect of Mode of Delivery of Fecal Microbiota Transplants on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiome in Weaning Piglets

Abstract Weaning is one of the most stressful events for piglets, due to diet change from sow milk to grain-based feed. This diet change causes turnover of the gut microbial which can allow proliferation of pathogens leading to diarrhea. Antibiotics are administered to treat or prevent post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). Increased occurrence of antimicrobial resistance has increased incentives to develop viable antibiotic alternatives. Previous studies have shown that fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) reduced diarrhea incidence and improved body weight gain in piglets. However, one barrier to FMT adoption in swine production is that FMT are generally given via oral gavage, which is difficult and labor intensive for large swine operations. For FMT to be a viable option in swine management, a simple method is needed to administer the transplant. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three methods of FMT administration (oral, rectal and lyophilized in-feed) on growth performance, diarrhea incidence and gut microbiome. We hypothesize that FMT (in-feed and rectal) will increase colonization efficiency, improve growth performance and reduce diarrhea incidence compared with control. Weaned male piglets (n = 40) were allotted to 4 treatments at 10 piglets per treatment (no FMT - Control, Oral gavage - FMT1, rectal gavage - FMT2 and lyophilized in-feed – FMT3). Feces from 12-week-old pigs, screened for pathogens, was donor material. The study lasted nine days and FMT was for five days. Diarrhea incidences and body weight were observed for the first week. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 2, 5 and 7. Five piglets per group were sacrificed on day 4 and the remaining on day 8. Cecal and colon contents were collected from the sacrificed piglets. DNA was extracted from fecal and digesta samples and 16S rRNA gene libraries (V4 region) were prepared for bacterial community analysis. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA in R. All FMT groups had significantly greater body weight on day 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and average daily gain between day 0 – 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with control but there was no difference between FMT groups. There was no effect of FMT on average daily feed intake and diarrhea incidence. Only FMT3 had greater alpha diversity (Observed features and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity) on day 5 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with control, but there was no difference in beta diversity between FMT groups. There was decreased abundance of 27 ASVs (amplicon sequence variant) and increased abundance of 30 ASVs in increased in FMT3 compared with control on day 5. In conclusion, the three FMT groups has similar colonization pattern but there was no difference in diarrhea incidence. FMT3 (lyophilized in-feed) altered overall community structure of piglets and modulated individual taxa.

PSVI-19 Impact of Sow Body Condition on Macro Reproductive Performance

Abstract Sow body condition is important for maximizing life-time productivity, milk production and progeny performance. Data from a total of 4,367 sows (76PIC, 4291Genesus) were used to investigate relationships between sow body condition at entry to farrowing house (body weight, back fat, body condition score) versus reproductive performance and milk production. Data were from a commercial farm from 2018-2020. Sow data were stratified by parity: Class 1 (parity 1), 2 (parity 2-4) and 3+ (parity 4 and above). Sow entry weight (with fetuses), backfat, and body condition score (scale 1-5) were measured at entry to farrowing house and at weaning. Milk production was calculated using the method of Hansen et al. (2012). Standard sow performance was collected via data software (Agriness). Data were plotted and assessed for commercially relevant relationships among dependent and independent variables. Single factor linear regression was used to calculate linear slope and slope standard error between variables of interest within parity. The farm represents typical north American performance with average piglets born alive13.9, total piglets born 15.6, number of piglets weaned 10.5. Regardless of parity, sow body weight at entry had the greatest positive linear relationship to reproductive productivity. Heavier weight at entry was positively related to number of total piglets born, born piglets alive, litter birth weight and milk production. Heavier primiparous sows at entry had greater piglet weight gain and weaning weight. A positive linear relationship (evidenced by non-zero linear slope) was observed between sow back fat loss and milk production in primiparous sows. Relationships among sow back fat, body condition score and productivity were weak (confidence interval of slope included zero). Sow backfat at entry did not impact lactation feed intake. This might be due to high average lactation feed intake (average 8 kg/d) in this farm. Slightly positive regression was observed between sow weight and lactation intake in primiparous sows but not in older sows. Most commercial farms do not have weighing equipment. Sow body condition score is often used as an economic method but highly variable depending on farm personnel. Our investigation suggests that sow body weight is important for sow reproductive performance. Gilt body weight at entry is positively related to litter birth weight and weaning weight. Future research is needed to better understand sow body composition (fat and lean percentage) on productivity and find economic ways to collect these parameters at commercial farms.

Recombinant Lactococcus lactis Expressing Human LL-37 Prevents Deaths from Viral Infections in Piglets and Chicken.

Novel antibiotic substitutes are increasingly in demand in the animal husbandry industry. An oral recombinant Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) expressing human LL-37 (oral LL-37) was developed and its safety and antiviral effectiveness in vivo was tested. In addition to impairing liposome integrity, LL-37 polypeptide from recombinant L. lactis could prevent the host cell infection by a variety of viruses, including recombinant SARS, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus G. Subchronic toxicity studies performed on Sprague-Dawley rats showed that no cumulative toxicity was found during short-term intervention. Oral LL-37 treatment after the onset of fever could reduce mortality in piglets infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Moreover, body weight gain of piglets receiving treatment was progressively restored, and nucleic acid positive rebound was not undetected after discontinuation. Oral LL-37 consistently increased the lifespan of chickens infected with Newcastle viruses. These findings suggested a potential use of recombinantly modified microorganisms in veterinary medicine.

Oral phage therapy with microencapsulated phage A221 against Escherichia coli infections in weaned piglets

BackgroundEscherichia coli (E. coli) is a common pathogen that often causes diarrhea in piglets. Since bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics, phages have become a promising alternative therapy. However, the therapy of oral phage often fails to achieve the desired effect. A novel phage named A221 was isolated by using E. coli GXXW-1103 as host strain, characterized by electron microscopy, genomic sequencing and analyzed by measuring lysis ability in vitro.ResultsPhage A221 was identified as a member of Ackermannviridae, Aglimvirinae, Agtrevirus with 153297 bp genome and effectively inhibited bacterial growth in vitro for 16 h. This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of oral microencapsulated phage A221 on E. coli GXXW-1103 infections in weaned piglets. The protective effect of phage was evaluated by body weight analysis, bacterial load and histopathological changes. The results showed that with the treatment of phage A221, the body weight of piglets increased, the percentage of Enterobacteriaceae in duodenum decreased to 0.64%, the lesions in cecum and duodenum were alleviated, and the bacterial load in the jejunal lymph nodes, cecum and spleen were also significantly different with infected group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results showed that phage A221 significantly increased the daily weight gain of piglets, reduced the bacterial load of tissues and the intestinal lesions, achieved the same therapeutic effect as antibiotic Florfenicol. Taken together, oral microencapsulated phage A221 has a good therapeutic effect on bacterial diarrhea of weaned piglets, which provides guidance for the clinical application of phage therapy in the future.