Effects of dietary supplementation of nucleotides from late gestation to lactation on the performance and oxidative stress status of sows and their offspring

Increased metabolic burdens in breeding sows, which are induced by elevated systemic oxidative stress, could increase the need for nucleotides to repair lymphocyte DNA damage; however, de novo synthesis of nucleotides may be insufficient to cover this increased need. This study investigated the effects of dietary nucleotides on milk composition, oxidative stress status, and the reproductive and lactational performance of sows. Forty multiparous sows were assigned to 2 dietary treatments (Control group, and 1 g/kg Nucleotides group) based on a randomized complete block design using their BW at 85 d of gestation as a block. Sows from 2 groups were fed a restricted diet during gestation and ad libitum during lactation. The experiment lasted from 85 d of gestation to 21 d of lactation. The reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of suckling piglets were measured. Oxidative stress parameters and milk components were also analysed. Data were analyzed using contrasts in the MIXED procedure of SAS. Sows in the Nucleotides group consumed more feed during the first week (P < 0.01) and from 1 to 21 d (P < 0.05) of lactation than those in Control group. Correspondingly, the litter weight gain of piglets showed a tendency to increase from cross-fostering to 9 d (P = 0.09) and from cross-fostering to 20 d (P = 0.10) in the Nucleotides group relative to the Control group. Additionally, the Nucleotides group was higher (P < 0.01) than the Control group in the concentrations of uridine 5'monophosphate, guanosine 5'monophosphate, inosine 5'monophosphate, adenosine 5'monophosphate and total nucleotides in milk. Furthermore, the Nucleotides group was higher (P < 0.01) than the Control group in the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01) for sows at 109 d of gestation and glutathione peroxidase for weaning piglets, but lower at the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (P < 0.05) in serum of weaning piglets. This study indicated that maternal dietary nucleotides could promote piglet growth, probably due to the higher lactational feed intake and higher concentration of nucleotides in the milk of sows, and lower oxidative stress for both sows and piglets.

Effect of nutritional status on nutrient and gas utilization by the mammary gland of lactating sows

Milk synthesis being a continuous process in lactating sows, the mammary gland has to adapt its metabolism in response to extreme short-term changes in nutrient availability in the arterial bloodstream, due to the feeding pattern. The objective of the present study was to better quantify and understand these adaptations. The effect of morning refeeding after an overnight 16-h feed withdrawal was measured on the uptake of energy-supplying nutrients, amino acids (AA), and some vitamins and minerals. After farrowing, catheters were fitted in the right anterior mammary vein and in the carotid artery of six sows. Blood samples were drawn on days 7, 14, and 21 of lactation, every 30 from 60 min before the morning meal to 300 min after the morning meal. Plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycerol, α-amino nitrogen (N), vitamins B₁₂, and folates were determined on all samples. Riboflavin and AA concentrations were only measured 30 min before the meal and 120 min after the meal. Arterial and venous plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, and α-amino N increased after the meal (P < 0.01), and concentrations of NEFA, glycerol, and TG decreased (P < 0.01). Mammary arteriovenous concentration difference increased after the meal for glucose, lactate, and α-amino N (P < 0.01), remained constant for TG, and decreased for NEFA (P < 0.01) and glycerol (P < 0.05). Arterial concentrations of all AA increased after the meal, but changes of arteriovenous difference with the meal differed among AA. Arteriovenous difference of energy (7.6 kJ/l plasma) concentration was similar in feed-deprived and fed sows, but the contribution of the various nutrients differed, and the respiratory quotient was lower (P < 0.01) before the meal (0.95) than after the meal (1.54). The relative contributions of glucose, lactate, TG, NEFA, and AA to arteriovenous difference in energy concentration were 50.2, 3.8, 25.1, 0, and 20.8% in fed and 24.6, 2.2, 24.9, 32.9, and 15.0% in feed-deprived sows, respectively. The daily mammary extraction of vitamin B₁₂, estimated from arteriovenous differences was higher than the amount of this vitamin bioavailable from the diet, probably contributing to the 50% decrease in plasma concentration between day 7 and day 21 of lactation. For both riboflavin and folates, arteriovenous differences in plasma concentrations were small or not different from zero. These results indicate that the mammary gland has a great capacity to adapt nutrient uptake very rapidly and modify its metabolism according to the nutrients available in the bloodstream.

The impact of parturition induction with cloprostenol on immunological parameters in the sow colostrum

BACKGROUND

Farrowing induction with prostaglandin F2 analogue cloprostenol is commonly used on commercial farms to manage the timing of farrowing. When labour induction is applied, the questions arise about possible side effects of such a hormonal intervention on physiological processes connected with labour and lactation, including colostral immunity.

RESULTS

In this study, immune cells composition, lysozyme concentration, complement bacteriolytic activity and proinflamatory (GM-CSF2, IL-1β, IL-6, a TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10, TGFβ1 a TGFβ2) cytokines were measured in colostrum samples from sows farrowing naturally (NP) and from sows with farrowing induced using cloprostenol administration on day 113 of gestation (IP). A significantly higher proportion of lymphocytes was found in colostrum of induced sows compared to colostrum of non-induced sows. No significant differences between NP and IP were found in complement activity, in the proportions of granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocyte subpopulations. Lower lysozyme concentration and higher IL-1β, IL-6, TGFβ1 and TNFα concentrations were found in IP sow colostrum compared to colostrum from NP sows.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased proportion of colostral lymphocytes can positively influence the cellular immunity transmission from sow to her offspring. On the other hand, a lower lysozyme concentration can adversely affect newborn's intestinal immunity, as well as changes in cytokine concentrations can have an adverse effect on newborn piglet intestinal epithelium development and its defence function.

Effects of uterotonics on farrowing traits and piglet vitality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Uterotonics are widely used in the pig industry but their effects have not been investigated critically. The objective was to evaluate the effects of oxytocin and carbetocin on farrowing duration, birth interval, farrowing assistance, stillbirth rate, and piglet viability traits by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. The search for studies was performed during January 2020 using the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The literature search was conducted using the key words: oxytocin, pig, farrowing, stillbirth, piglet, dose, and carbetocin. Studies which evaluated the effects of oxytocin or carbetocin on farrowing duration, birth interval, stillbirth rate, and farrowing assistance were included in the review. Of 1215 articles, 23 (1.9%) were selected for fulfilling the criteria for inclusion in the present study. A high variety of doses was observed among studies. Oxytocin increased (30%; P < 0.05) the stillborn proportion in the litters compared to control sows. Both oxytocin and carbetocin increased the need of farrowing assistance by 137% (P < 0.01) and 40% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to control. The use of oxytocin reduced the farrowing duration by 18% and the birth interval by 17%, while carbetocin reduced the same responses by 27 and 23%, respectively (P < 0.01). When used judiciously, uterotonics are a valuable tool to shorten farrowing duration of hyperprolific sows. However, the treatment is not exempt of deleterious effects for piglets and sows. Therefore, the criteria to use these drugs should be based on individual cases and not as part of hormonal protocols for all parturient sows.

Influence of N-acetylcysteine on steroidogenesis and gene expression in porcine placental trophoblast cells

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a widely used anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. As a nutritional supplement, NAC can improve production and reproductive performances in animals through enhancing placental function and regulating hormone production. Trophoblast proliferation and steroid hormone production are two major functions in the placenta. We hypothesized that the effects of NAC on placental function is due to its direct and indirect effects on gene expression in placental trophoblast cells (pTr). To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of NAC on steroidogenesis, gene expression, and cell proliferation in porcine pTr in vitro. pTr were treated with NAC in serum-free medium for 24 h with different concentrations (0, 0.1 μM, 1.0 μM, 10.0 μM, 0.1 mM, 1.0 mM, and 10.0 mM). Low-dose NAC (1 μM) stimulated pTr proliferation and decreased progesterone production, while increasing estradiol production (P < 0.05). High-dose NAC (10 mM) suppressed cell proliferation (P < 0.05), but had no effect on steroidogenesis. Low-dose NAC increased CCDN1 and decreased CASP3 and CASP8 mRNA levels (P < 0.05), whereas high-dose NAC decreased CDK4 and CCDN1 and increased CASP3 mRNA levels (P < 0.05). NAC had no effect on the mRNA abundance of StAR and HSD3B. Low-dose NAC upregulated CYP19A1 mRNA expression, and high-dose NAC downregulated CYP11A1 mRNA abundance (P < 0.05). Only low-dose NAC increased NOS3 mRNA abundance and tetrahydrobiopterin reduction (BH4/BH2 ratio). We conclude that NAC may act directly and indirectly on pTr with a dose-dependent manner and may regulate placental function by affecting pTr differentiation via regulating pTr steroid synthesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in sows.

Heat stress during late gestation disrupts maternal microbial transmission with altered offspring's gut microbial colonization and serum metabolites in a pig model

Heat stress (HS) during gestation has been associated with negative outcomes, such as preterm birth or postnatal metabolic syndromes. The intestinal microbiota is a unique ecosystem playing an essential role in mediating the metabolism and health of mammals. Here we hypothesize late gestational HS alters maternal microbial transmission and structures offspring's intestinal microbiota and serum metabolic profiles. Our results show maternal HS alters bacterial β-diversity and composition in sows and their piglets. In the maternal intestine, genera Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, [Eubacterium] coprostanoligenes group and Halomonas are higher by HS (q < 0.05), whereas the populations of Streptococcus, Bacteroidales RF16 group_norank and Roseburia are decreased (q < 0.05). In the maternal vagina, HS mainly elevates the proportions of phylum Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria (q < 0.05), whereas reduces the population of Clostridiales Family XI (q < 0.05). In the neonatal intestine, maternal HS promotes the population of Proteobacteria but reduces the relative abundance of Firmicutes (q < 0.05). Moreover, the core Operational taxonomic units (OTU) analysis indicates the proportions of Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Romboutsia and Turicibacter are decreased by maternal HS in the intestinal and vaginal co-transmission, whereas that of phylum Proteobacteria and Epsilonbacteraeota, such as Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Comamonas are increased in both the intestinal and vaginal co-transmission and the vagina. Additionally, Aeromonas is the only genus that is transmitted from environmental sources. Lastly, we evaluate the importance of neonatal differential OTU for the differential serum metabolites. The results indicate Acinetobacter significantly contributes to the differences in the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and glucose levels due to HS (P < 0.05). Further, Stenotrophomonas is the most important variable for Cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), diamine oxidase (DAO), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (P < 0.10). Overall, our data provides evidence for the maternal HS in establishing the neonatal microbiota via affecting maternal transmission, which in turn affects the maintenance of metabolic health.

Dietary fiber and microbiota interaction regulates sow metabolism and reproductive performance

Dietary fiber is a critical nutrient in sow diet and has attracted interest of animal nutritionists for many years. In addition to increase sows’ satiety, dietary fiber has been found to involve in the regulation of multiple biological functions in the sow production. The interaction of dietary fiber and gut microbes can produce bioactive metabolites, which are of great significance to sows' metabolism and reproductive performance. This article reviewed the interaction between dietary fiber and gut microbes in regulating sows' gut microbial diversity, intestinal immune system, lactation, and production performance, with the aim to provide a new strategy for the use of dietary fiber in sow diets.

Live yeast supplementation during late gestation and lactation affects reproductive performance, colostrum and milk composition, blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary live yeast (LY) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum and milk composition, blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows. A total of 40 multiparous sows were randomly fed either the control (CON) diet or the CON diet supplemented with LY at 1 g/kg from d 90 of gestation to weaning. Results showed that the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets were significantly decreased in the LY-supplemented sows compared with sows in the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of protein, lactose and solids-not-fat were increased in the colostrum of LY-supplemented sows (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) at d 1 of lactation and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at weaning day were decreased by feeding LY diet (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, sows fed LY diet had higher plasma concentration of immunoglobulin G compared with sows fed CON diet at d 1 of lactation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LY supplementation in maternal diets decreased the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets, improved colostrum quality and health status of sows.

Spatial relative risk and factors associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome outbreaks in United States breeding herds

Details of incident cases of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in United States breeding herds were obtained from the Morrison's Swine Health Monitoring Project. Herds were classified as cases if they reported an outbreak in a given season of the year and non-cases if they reported it in a season other than the case season or if they did not report a PRRS outbreak in any season. The geographic distribution of cases and non-cases was compared in each season of the year. The density of farms that had a PRRS outbreak during summer was higher in Southern Minnesota and Northwest-central Iowa compared to the density of the underlying population of non-case farms. This does not mean that PRRS outbreaks are more frequent during summer in absolute terms, but that there was a geographical clustering of herds breaking during summer in this area. Similar findings were observed in autumn. In addition, the density of farms reporting spring outbreaks was higher in the Southeast of the United States compared to that of the underlying population of non-case farms. A similar geographical clustering of PRRS outbreaks was observed during winter in the Southeast of the United States. Multivariable analyses, adjusting for the effect of known confounders, showed that the incidence rate of PRRS was significantly lower during winter and autumn during the porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) epidemic years (2013-2014), compared to PRRS incidence rates observed during the winter and autumn of PED pre-epidemic years (2009-2012). After 2014, an increase in the incidence rate of PRRS was observed during winter and spring but not during autumn or summer. Pig dense areas were associated with a higher incidence rate throughout the year. However, this association tended to be stronger during the summer. Additionally, herds with ≥2500 sows had an increased incidence rate during all seasons except spring compared to those with <2500 sows. PRRS incidence was lower in year-round air-filtered herds compared to non-filtered herds throughout the year. We showed that not only the spatial risk of PRRS varies regionally according to the season of the year, but also that the effect of swine density, herd size and air filtering on PRRS incidence may also vary according to the season of the year. Further studies should investigate regional and seasonal drivers of disease. Breeding herds should maintain high biosecurity standards throughout the year.

Effects of N-carbamylglutamate on steroidogenesis and relative abundances of mRNA transcripts in pig placental trophoblasts

Supplementation of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) improves gestation outcomes, with increased piglet within-litter uniformity of birth weight and reduced peripheral steroid concentrations in pregnant sows and ewes. It was hypothesized that the effect of NCG on placental function results from direct effects on the placental trophoblasts. There, therefore, was investigation of the effects of NCG on pig placental trophoblast (pTr) steroidogenesis, mRNA transcript abundance, and cell proliferation in vitro. The pTr were treated with NCG in serum-free medium for 24-48 h. Treatment with NCG inhibited pTr progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone (all P <  0.01), and estradiol (P <  0.05) production, whereas it promoted (P <  0.05) pTr proliferation. Treatment with NCG suppressed (P <  0.05) the relative abundances of CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and CASP3 and increased abundances of CCDN1 (P <  0.01) and CDK4 (P <  0.05) mRNA transcripts in pTr, whereas NCG treatment had no effect (P >  0.10) on relative abundances of StAR, HSD17B4, or HSD3B mRNA transcripts. Treatments with NCG can increase pTr cell numbers of sows through upregulating CCND1 and CDK4 and suppressing CASP3 mRNA transcript abundances, while modulating steroidogenesis through effects on CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 mRNA transcript abundances. It is concluded that NCG may have a direct action on pTr and may regulate placental function by suppressing pTr differentiation as a consequence of lesser steroid synthesis while promoting pTr proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in sows.

Dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis PB6 improves sow reproductive performance and reduces piglet birth intervals

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis PB6 (B. subtilis PB6) during late gestation and lactation on sow reproductive performance, antioxidant indices, and gut microbiota. A total of 32 healthy Landrace × Yorkshire sows on d 90 of gestation were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 16 replicates per group, receiving basal diet (CON) or the basal diet + 0.2% B. subtilis PB6, containing 4.0 × 10⁸ CFU/kg of feed (BS). The litter sizes (total born) and numbers of piglets born alive were larger in the BS group (P < 0.01), whereas the weights of piglets born alive and the piglet birth intervals were lower in the BS group (P < 0.05). Although the litter weights and piglet bodyweights (after cross-fostering) were lower after BS treatment (P < 0.05), the litter sizes, litter weights, lactation survival rate, and litter weight gains at weaning were higher in BS group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the sow sera at parturition were lower in the BS group (P < 0.01). The serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) at parturition and the serum catalase (CAT) concentrations on d 21 of lactation were higher in the BS group (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis PB6 (P < 0.05) reduced the serum endotoxin concentrations in the sows and the serum cortisol concentrations of the piglets at d 14 of lactation. The α-diversity indices of microbial were higher in the CON group (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, B. subtilis PB6 supplementation increased the relative abundances of Gemmatimonadete and Acidobacteria (both P < 0.01) and reduced those of Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria (both P < 0.05). At the genus level, B. subtilis PB6 supplementation increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 cc (P < 0.05) and reduced that of Streptococcus (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that adding 4.0 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. subtilis PB6 to sows' feed during late gestation and lactation could shorten piglet birth intervals, enhance the growth performance of suckling piglets, and improve the gut health of sows during late gestation.

Dental disorders in sows from Swedish commercial herds

Knowledge on dental disorders in commercial sows is limited although such conditions may have important animal welfare implications. In a pilot study, the dental and periodontal health of 58 sows (Landrace*Yorkshire-crosses) from 8 Swedish commercial pig herds, slaughtered at one abattoir, were investigated. The oral cavity was inspected and abnormalities were recorded on a dental chart modified for pigs. Dental abnormalities, absence of teeth, supernumerary teeth, tooth fractures, signs of caries, and malalignment were recorded. The study revealed that 19% of the sows had supernumerary teeth and 59% of the sows missed at least one tooth. Periodontitis, calculus and malalignment were observed in 33%, 45% and 17%, respectively. Tooth wear was very common both in incisors (total 83%) and in premolars/molars (total 84%). One or more tooth fractures (between 1 and 6 per sow) was found in 41%. Signs of caries was found in 9%. In order to assess oral health, three indices were used: calculus index (CI), periodontal index (PDI) and tooth wear index (TWI). Severe periodontitis, tooth wear in incisors and tooth wear in premolars/molars were found in 7%, 34% and 35%, respectively. With respect to animal welfare, the etiology and the effects of the disorders on health, stress and pain need to be investigated.

Isolation and characteristics of multi-drug resistant Streptococcus porcinus from the vaginal secretions of sow with endometritis

Background

Sow endometritis is a common disease in pig breeding farms after artificial insemination, which leads to gray-green vaginal secretions and decreased conception rates. It is important to perform an etiologic diagnosis for effective treatments and control of diseases. The aim of this study was to carry out a pathogenic detection in five specimens of vaginal secretions collected from sick pigs with endometritis, implement identification of the pathogens by phenotypic detection and 16 s rDNA sequence and phylogeny analysis, and determinate antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates.

Results

A Streptococcus strain was isolated and identified from all of the five specimens. The isolate was positive for Voges-Proskauer (V-P) and for the hydrolysis of arginine, esculin and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Acid formation was observed for sorbitol, mushroom sugar, sucrose, and glucose. The 16S rDNA sequence of the isolate possessed 99.93% similarity to that of Streptococcus porcinus. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequence showed that the isolate belonged to the same clade as the S. porcinus strains from humans, pigs, and other animals. The isolate exhibited multi-drug resistance to aminoglycosides, quinolones, macrolides and tetracyclines except being sensitive to some β- lactams such as penicillin G, cephalothin, cefazolin, cephradine and cefuroxime.

Conclusions

A S. porcinus isolate with multi-drug resistance was identified from vaginal secretions of sows with endometritis in one pig breeding farm, which suggests that the sow endometritis was caused by S. porcinus infection during artificial insemination. This study indicates that sensitive antibiotics such as penicillin G or some cephalosporins could be used for treatment of the diseases. In addition, the study hints that bacterial multi-drug resistance is a tough problem for disease treatment in pig farms.

Inclusion of purified dietary fiber during gestation improved the reproductive performance of sows

Background

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of guar gum and cellulose as the source of dietary fiber during gestation on the reproductive performance of sows.

Methods

A total of 210 sows (parities 3–6) were randomly allocated into six diets (n = 35) throughout gestation to feed graded levels of dietary fiber (DF), including a corn-soybean meal-based control diet with no wheat bran inclusion (CON, 12.5% DF), a wheat bran-rich diet (DF1, 17.4% DF), and another 4 diets (DF2, 17.7% DF; DF3, 18.1% DF; DF4, 18.4% DF; DF5, 18.8% DF) in which wheat bran were equally substituted by 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% purified FIBER MIX (guar gum and cellulose, 1:4). All sows received similar DE and other nutrients throughout gestation.

Results

DF treatment during gestation resulted in normal fecal score (1 to 5 with 1 = dry and 5 = watery) in sows compared with those received the CON diet (P <  0.05). The number of total born piglets had a tendency to be affected by dietary treatment (P = 0.07), and correlation analysis revealed a linear response of total born to dietary fiber levels during gestation (P < 0.01). Sows received the DF2, DF3, and DF5 diets during gestation had a greater ADFI during lactation compared with those in the CON group (P < 0.05) without affecting the daily body weight gain of suckling piglets. Gut microbiota compositions were dramatically changed by the gestation stage and some of those were changed by DF inclusion. Fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate of sows were markedly increased in late gestation, and butyrate contents in feces of gestating sows were significantly affected by DF levels (P < 0.01). Serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory TNF-α were decreased and anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased on day 30 of gestation by DF levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In summary, increasing dietary fiber levels by guar gum and cellulose during gestation improved the reproductive performance of sows, which might be related to changes in immunity and gut microbiota of sows.

Effect of increasing feed intake during late gestation on piglet performance at parturition in commercial production enterprises

The present study was conducted to investigate effects of feed intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and reproductive performance of sows. At d 90 of gestation (Gd90), a total of 397 Landrance × Large White gilts (parity 1) and sows (parities 2, 3, and 4) were randomly assigned to three groups according to feed intake, 2.8 kg/d (energy maintenance requirement for gilts and sows, 8.40 Mcal/d ME), 3.6 kg/d (10.26 Mcal/d ME), and 4.0 kg/d (11.40 Mcal/d ME), respectively. All gilts and sows were individually fed. Results indicate the increase in feed intake had no effect on birth weight and uniformity of piglet weight at parturition for sows with different backfat thickness (BF) at Gd90 or with different parities. Additionally, lactation body weight (BW) loss was greater (P < 0.05) in response to the greater feed intake during late gestation. Furthermore, there were no correlations between feed intake during late gestation and litter weight, average piglet birth weight, coefficient variation of within-litter birth weight (CVB), number of piglets with birth weight < 1.00 kg, and piglet weaning weight. In addition, the greater feed intake during late gestation led to a marked increase in reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and glutamine peroxidase tended to be less (P =  0.08) in plasma at parturition. In conclusion, the greater feed intake (exceeding energy requirement for maintenance) during late gestation had no effect on piglet birth weight or weaning weight, and led to greater oxidative stress at parturition and greater BW loss during lactation.

Branched chain amino acids alter fatty acid profile in colostrum of sows fed a high fat diet

Background

Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are important substrates for milk protein synthesis in the mammary gland, and are tightly related to lipid metabolism. No study has been performed examining the role of BCAAs with high fat diets on milk fat synthesis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary BCAAs on growth performance of piglets, progeny body weight, and milk fat composition in sows fed a high fat diet. Four diets (CON = control diet; HF = high fat diet with 8% soybean oil; HF-MB=HF plus 0.39% BCAAs; HF-HB=HF plus 0.78% BCAAs) were fed to sows from late gestation to weaning.

Results

Compared to HF, BCAAs (HF-MB and HF-HB) increased the litter weight (P < 0.05) and overall litter weight gain (P < 0.05) at weaning and increased colostrum fat content by 27.3–35.8% (P < 0.01). Fatty acid profiles between the two doses of BCAAs were similar. Compared with HF, HF-MB tended to decrease the percentage of C18:3n3 (P = 0.063) and increased the percentage of C18:1n9c (P = 0.03). In addition, BCAAs in HF-MB increased the concentration of total fatty acid by 22.1% in colostrum (P = 0.03) but decreased that in serum at parturition by 53.2% (P = 0.027). The fatty acids in colostrum that increased with BCAAs were C15:0, C17:0, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3 (P = 0.00~0.04). Colostrum fatty acids of C20:0, C21:0, C22:0, C16:1, C20:1, C18:1n9c also tended to be increased (0.05 < P < 0.1) with BCAAs. The change in sow serum fatty acid profile due to BCAAs was different from that in colostrum.

Conclusions

BCAAs in high fat diet of sows altered the fatty acid composition in colostrum and enhanced litter growth. Our study indicated that BCAAs supplementation can enhance mammary fatty acid uptake and mammary fat synthesis and that supplemental BCAAs and fat in late gestation and lactation diets for sows can improve reproductive performance.

Net absorption and liver metabolism of amino acids and heat production of portal-drained viscera and liver in multiparous sows during transition and lactation

Background

Determination of nutrient requirements in the late gestating and lactating sows is essential to optimize sow productivity. The objectives of the present study were to quantify amino acid (AA) fluxes and heat production across portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver in multiparous sows during transition and lactation.

Methods

Eight second parity sows were fitted with indwelling catheters in the femoral artery and in the mesenteric, portal and hepatic veins. Eight hourly sets of blood samples were taken starting 0.5 h before feeding at - 10, - 3, + 3, and + 17 d in milk (DIM). Blood gases, plasma metabolites and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients were measured.

Results

Feed intake, the ATTD of DM, energy, nitrogen, fat and crude fiber changed with DIM (P < 0.001). Except for Glu, O₂, and urea, all net portal fluxes were positive, and all were affected by DIM (P < 0.05) and by sampling time (P < 0.01). Compared with pre partum levels, net portal uptake of AA was 3-63% lower at + 3 DIM but 40-100% higher at + 17 DIM. Net portal fluxes of AA peaked at 1.5 to 2.5 h after feeding except for Glu, and they were positively correlated with changes in sow feed intake across DIM. The net portal recovery was low for Met (49%), Thr (54%), and His (54%) and high for the remaining essential AA (63-69%) and none of them differed across DIM. Net hepatic uptake (i.e. hepatic oxidation) of Lys, Thr, Ile, Leu and Phe peaked at 0.5 to 2.5 h after feeding, whereas uptake of Trp, Val, and His was constant, while that of Met was close to zero.

Conclusion

The net portal recovery was substantially lower for Met, Thr, and His than the remaining essential AA. Hepatic AA oxidation peaks 0.5 to 2.5 h after feeding. The heat production in PDV and liver was approximately two-fold higher at peak lactation compared to other stages. The study suggests that lysine was the limiting AA in peak lactation but not in early lactation.

Combined yeast culture and organic selenium supplementation during late gestation and lactation improve preweaning piglet performance by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and milk content in nutrient-restricted sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast culture (YC) and organic selenium (Se) during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, milk quality, piglet preweaning performance, antioxidant capacity, and secretion of immunoglobulin in multiparous sows. A total of 160 healthy cross-bred sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, mean parity 4.1 ± 0.3) were randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows: 1) high nutrient (HN), 3,420 kcal/kg digestible energy (DE) and 18.0% crude protein (CP); 2) low nutrient (LN), 3,240 kcal/kg DE and 16.0% CP; 3) LN + YC, LN diet + 10 g/kg YC; 4) LN + YC + Se, LN diet + 10 g/kg YC + organic Se (1 mg/kg Se). Feeding trials of sows started from d 85 of pregnancy to d 35 of lactation. Compared with sows in the LN group, sows fed the LN + YC + Se diet had greater litter weaning weight, average litter gain, and milk fat content (14-d and 25-d milk) (P < 0.05). The content of malonaldehyde (MDA) (colostrum and 14-d milk) was lesser, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (colostrum and 25-d milk) was greater when sows were fed the LN + YC + Se diet, compared with sows fed the LN diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation of YC and organic Se in the nutrient-restricted diet improved sows’ reproductive performance and pig weaning body weight by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and fat content in milk.

A comparison of commercial modified-live PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 vaccines against a dual heterologous PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 challenge in late term pregnancy gilts

This study compared the efficacy, in terms of reproductive performance, of a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-1 or PRRSV-2 modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine against a dual heterologous PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 challenge. Gilts were administered either the PRRSV-1 or PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine at 21 days prior to breeding and were challenged intranasally with both PRRSV species at day 93 of gestation. Vaccination of gilts with PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine resulted in improved reproductive performance in sows (e.g. duration of pregnancy) and piglet health and overall viability (e.g. increase of the number of live-born and weaned pigs, and decrease of stillborn). Vaccination of gilts with PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine was able to reduce only PRRSV-1 viremia in contrast, PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine was able to reduce both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 viremia. Vaccination of gilts with PRRSV-2 MLV induced higher numbers of PRRSV-2 specific interferon-γ secreting cells (IFN-γ-SC) compared to the PRRSV-1 MLV while there was no difference in the number of PRRSV-1 specific IFN-γ-SC between the two vaccines. Taken together, the results presented here suggest that vaccination of gilts with the PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine is more efficacious against dual heterologous PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 challenge compared to the PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine.

Pathological findings in spontaneously dead and euthanized sows - a descriptive study

Background

A high rate of euthanized and spontaneously dead sows causes production losses and likely indicates underlying welfare problems. Identification of predisposing factors to on-farm deaths requires a thorough understanding of the causes. Post-mortem examination is needed for a proper diagnosis. The aims of this descriptive study were to determine causes of spontaneous deaths and euthanasia in sows in a convenience sample of Finnish herds and to describe pathological findings in the locomotor system and in teeth and gums.

Results

This study described post-mortem findings in 65 sows found dead or euthanized on 15 farms. All but one of the sows presented with two or more pathological findings. The majority of primary pathologic-anatomic diagnoses (PAD-1) were inflammatory. The most prevalent diagnoses were arthritis and peritonitis (9% of sows each). The locomotor system was the body part most commonly affected by lesions. Findings in the locomotor system unassociated with death were present in 85% of the animals, additionally 29% of PAD-1 s concerned the locomotor system. The prevalence for both degenerative joint disease and tooth wear was 71%. Farmers had noted clinical signs within 30 days of death in every euthanized sow and in half of the spontaneously dead ones. The farmer’s impression of the cause of death agreed at least partly with the PAD-1 in 44% of the cases.

Conclusion

Multiple pathologies were the norm in the present animals. This may indicate an extended course of illness and therefore also an unnecessary delay in medical treatment or euthanasia. The prevalence and clinical relevance of the most common disorders, including degenerative joint disease and tooth wear, need to be elucidated.

Development of a biosecurity assessment tool and the assessment of biosecurity levels by this tool on Japanese commercial swine farms

It is well known that infectious diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) decrease herd productivity and lead to economic loss. It is believed that biosecurity practices are effective for the prevention and control of such infectious diseases. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether or not an association between biosecurity level and herd productivity, as well as disease status exists on Japanese commercial swine farms. The present study was conducted on 141 farms. Biosecurity in each farm was assessed by a biosecurity assessment tool named BioAsseT. BioAsseT has a full score of 100 and consists of three sections (external biosecurity, internal biosecurity and diagnostic monitoring). Production data for number of pigs weaned per sow per year (PWSY) and post-weaning mortality per year (PWM) were collected for data analysis. Regarding PRRS status, the farms were categorized into two groups: unknown or unstable and stable or negative. In addition, these farms were categorized based on their PED status, either positive or negative. The total BioAsseT score was associated with herd productivity: as total score increased by 1, PWSY increased by 0.104 pigs and PWM decreased by 0.051 % (P <  0.05). Herd productivity was associated with the score of external and internal biosecurity (P <  0.05), but did not correlate with the score of diagnostic monitoring. Regarding PRRS status, farms with an unknown or unstable status had lower total score than those with stable or negative status (P < 0.05). Similarly, PED positive farms had a lower total score compared to PED negative farms (P <  0.05). In conclusion, the present study provides evidence for the association between high biosecurity levels and increased herd productivity as well as a decreased risk for novel introductions of infectious diseases such as PED.

Distinct patterns of microbial metabolic fingerprints in sows and their offspring: a pilot study

Microbial metabolism and growth in the intestinal tract depend on the composition of substrates present in the digesta and their ability to be metabolised by the microorganisms. The aim of this pilot study was to characterise potential hindgut microbial activity during perinatal period in sows and their offspring. Rectal samples from three sows (1-3 weeks before and after birth) and three of their piglets (1-5 weeks after birth), were subjected to assays using BIOLOG GEN III microplates to produce metabolic fingerprints for each animal. The number of metabolised substrates of the sow hindgut microbiota was stable during the pregnancy and lactation periods, as assessed by the richness index. In piglets, the richness was stable during the suckling period and at beginning of weaning, however, it decreased when the piglets were 5 weeks old (P ≤ 0.05). Analysis of associations between the sows and the piglets and the microbial metabolic potential showed that microbial metabolism was strongly associated with the catabolism of carbohydrates especially in sows. Only 5-week-old weaned piglets clustered together with the sows regarding the microbial catabolism of substrates, but not suckling piglets. The association analyses clustered all the piglets in two groups distinctive for litter. The analysis of metabolic fingerprints via microbial growth with different substrates can be useful to positively influence microbial community function such as selectively enhancing desirable active microbial populations to benefit health of the gut and the animal.

Efficacy of concurrent vaccination with modified-live PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 vaccines against heterologous dual PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 challenge in late term pregnancy gilts

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent vaccination with a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-1 modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine and a PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine against a dual heterologous PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 challenge in late term pregnancy gilts. Gilts were concurrently administered PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 MLV vaccines at 21 days prior to breeding at separate anatomical sites and were inoculated intranasally with both PRRSV types at 93 days of gestation. Vaccinated gilts had a higher number of live-born and weaned pigs, and a decrease in stillbirths compared to the unvaccinated control group following a dual challenge. Concurrent vaccination resulted also in the reduction of both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 viremia which correlated with an increase in the number of PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 specific interferon-γ secreting cells (IFN-γ-SC). We believe the T cell responses contributed to the reduction of both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 viremia. The results presented here demonstrate that concurrent vaccination with PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 MLV vaccines improves reproductive performance, reduces viremia of PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2, and induces protective T cell reactions against dual PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 challenge in late term pregnancy gilts without local and systemic adverse reactions related to concurrent vaccination.

A novel blood-sampling technique in lactating sows: The mammary vein route

In the pig industry, labour efficiency and animal welfare have become two of the most important factors for achieving technical goals and farming competitiveness. Blood sampling is one of the most common sample-collecting techniques, but routine on-field blood collection can be very demanding for farm operators and the welfare of the animals, in particular for lactating sows. The aim of this study was to describe and investigate the mammary vein as a novel means of blood access in lactating sows that does not require coercive restraint. The study involved a total of 68 sows: 34 animals were sampled from the jugular vein (Group J) and the other 34 sows from the mammary vein (Group M). Labour time and indicators of the sow welfare (vocalizations during collection and serum cortisol concentration in the 30min after the procedure) were collected from the two groups. The total amount of labour required, calculated as the time employed to perform blood collection multiplied by the number of operators involved in performing the technique (one for Group M and two for Group J, one for restraint and one for sampling), was significantly lower in Group M than Group J (Group M, 39.83±29.45s; Group J, 82.73±55.34s; P<0.001). Mean blood volume collected at T₀ was 4.81±2.00mL and 4.84±1.73mL in Group J and Group M, respectively (P>0.05). The percentage of sows that vocalized in Group M was less than in Group J (2.94% vs. 94.12%; P<0.001). Serum cortisol concentrations were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). The present study suggests greater efficiency in terms of saving labour time and reducing sow vocalization during blood collection with the use of mammary vein access compared with jugular vein access.

Heat stress affects fecal microbial and metabolic alterations of primiparous sows during late gestation

Background

Heat stress (HS) jeopardizes intestinal barrier functions and augments intestinal permeability in pigs. However, whether HS-induced maternal microbial and metabolic changes in primiparous sows during late gestation remains elusive. We present here, a study investigating the fecal microbial and metabolic responses in late gestational primiparous sows when exposed to HS.

Methods

Twelve first-parity Landrace × Large White F1 sows were randomly assigned into two environmental treatments including the thermoneutral (TN) (18–22 °C; n = 6) and HS (28–32 °C; n = 6) conditions. Both treatments were applied from 85 d of gestation to farrowing. The serum and feces samples were collected on d 107 of gestation, for analyses including intestinal integrity biomarkers, high-throughput sequencing metagenomics, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles and nontargeted metabolomics.

Results

Our results show that HS group has higher serum Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels. The gut microbial community can be altered upon HS by using β-diversity and taxon-based analysis. In particular, the relative abundance of genera and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) related to Clostridiales and Halomonas are higher in HS group, the relative abundance of genera and OTUs related to Bacteroidales and Streptococcus, however, are lower in HS group. Results of metabolic analysis reveal that HS lowers the concentrations of propionate, butyrate, total SCFA, succinate, fumarate, malate, lactate, aspartate, ethanolamine, β-alanine and niacin, whereas that of fructose and azelaic acid are higher in HS group. These metabolites mainly affect propanoate metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Additionally, correlation analysis between significant microbes and metabolites indicated that the HS-induced microbiota shift is likely the cause of changes of intestinal metabolism.

Conclusions

Taken together, we reveal characteristic structural and metabolic changes in maternal gut microbiota as a result of late gestational HS, which could potentially provide the basis for further study on offspring gut microbiota and immune programming.