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Lagoda ME, O’Driscoll K, Galli MC, Marchewka J, Boyle LA. Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part I: Effects on behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e51. [PMID: 38487409 PMCID: PMC10938266 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Commercial gestation housing systems for sows generally fail to cater fully for their needs in terms of comfort or the ability to perform highly motivated behaviours, which can lead to chronic stress and an impairment to welfare. We compared a typical gestation system (CONTROL) with an IMPROVED one as regards oral stereotypies, aggressive behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group), 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and a length of manila rope in each feeding stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Direct observations of oral stereotypical (30 instantaneous scans per sow per day) and aggressive (all-occurrence sampling, 3 h per sow per day) behaviours were conducted 72 h post-mixing, in mid and late gestation. Skin lesions were counted 24 h and three weeks post-mixing, and in late gestation. Sows' locomotion (locomotory ability) was scored using a visual analogue scale in mid and late gestation. Right and left eye tear staining was scored in late gestation. Indications of better welfare in IMPROVED sows included performance of fewer oral stereotypies in mid and late gestation, and lower tear stain scores. These sows performed more aggression in late gestation, which was associated with access to enrichment, but skin lesion counts were not affected. Thus, the changes made in the IMPROVED treatment benefitted aspects of sow welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna E Lagoda
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Behaviour, ul. Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec 05-552
| | - Keelin O’Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria C Galli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Joanna Marchewka
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Behaviour, ul. Postępu 36A, Jastrzębiec 05-552
| | - Laura A Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
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Bortolozzo FP, Zanin GP, Ulguim RDR, Mellagi APG. Managing Reproduction in Hyperprolific Sow Herds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1842. [PMID: 37889779 PMCID: PMC10252095 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rearing of large litters from hyperprolific sows is a characteristic of modern genotypes. However, these sows have body and reproductive characteristics that differentiate them from the genotypes of the past decades, making it necessary to adopt different management strategies. This review describes the main care and challenges associated with the hyperprolificity of sows during the period in which replacement gilts are selected, along with gestation, parturition, lactation, and the weaning-estrus interval. It describes the challenges that these sows' piglets will face during the lactation period and includes some strategies adopted to develop these surplus piglets. In addition, it identifies areas where more research is needed to understand the reproductive management of modern genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Setor de Suínos, Porto Alegre 90540-000, RS, Brazil
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Kikuti M, Preis GM, Deen J, Pinilla JC, Corzo CA. Sow mortality in a pig production system in the midwestern USA: Reasons for removal and factors associated with increased mortality. Vet Rec 2023; 192:e2539. [PMID: 36545814 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sow mortality has become a growing concern in the pig production industry over the past decade. Therefore, we aimed to describe sow mortality and associated factors in a production system in the midwestern USA. METHODS Mortality records from 2009 to 2018 for four farrow-to-wean farms were described. Environmental, farm- and individual-level factors associated with weekly mortality and individual risk of dying throughout a sow's lifetime were assessed. RESULTS Deaths occurred at a median of 116 days from last service, or 26 days postpartum. The median parity upon death was two. Overall, the main reasons for death were locomotion (27%) and reproduction (24%). A higher weekly number of deaths was associated with spring (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.27, compared to winter). Sows had a higher mortality when they were exposed to at least one porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak during their lifetime (IRR 1.55) and when housed in groups (pens) during gestation (IRR 1.32). Conversely, they had a lower mortality when housed in filtered farms (IRR 0.76), accounting for an interaction term between parity at removal and PRRS outbreak exposure. LIMITATIONS Issues with data completion and information accuracy were present, and prospective data collection throughout sows' lifetimes is still needed. CONCLUSION Efforts to reduce infectious diseases within the herd and manage environmental stressors should help reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Kikuti
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Guilherme Milanez Preis
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - John Deen
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Technical Services, Pig Improvement Company North America, Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cesar A Corzo
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Melatonin Supplementation during the Late Gestational Stage Enhances Reproductive Performance of Sows by Regulating Fluid Shear Stress and Improving Placental Antioxidant Capacity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030688. [PMID: 36978937 PMCID: PMC10045541 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effects of daily melatonin supplementation (2 mg/kg) at the late gestational stage on the reproductive performance of the sows have been investigated. This treatment potentially increased the litter size and birth survival rate and significantly increased the birth weight as well as the weaning weight and survival rate of piglets compared to the controls. The mechanistic studies have found that these beneficial effects of melatonin are not mediated by the alterations of reproductive hormones of estrogen and progesterone, nor did the glucose and lipid metabolisms, but they were the results of the reduced oxidative stress in placenta associated with melatonin supplementation. Indeed, the melatonergic system, including mRNAs and proteins of AANAT, MTNR1A and MTNR1B, has been identified in the placenta of the sows. The RNA sequencing of placental tissue and KEGG analysis showed that melatonin activated the placental tissue fluid shear stress pathway to stimulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which upregulated its several downstream antioxidant genes, including MGST1, GSTM3 and GSTA4, therefore, suppressing the placental oxidative stress. All these actions may be mediated by the melatonin receptor of MTNR1B.
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Sommer DM, Young JM, Sun X, López-Martínez G, Byrd CJ. Are infrared thermography, feeding behavior, and heart rate variability measures capable of characterizing group-housed sow social hierarchies? J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad143. [PMID: 37158284 PMCID: PMC10199786 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Group gestation housing is quickly becoming standard practice in commercial swine production. However, poor performance and welfare in group housed sows may result from the formation and maintenance of the social hierarchy within the pen. In the future, the ability to quickly characterize the social hierarchy via precision technologies could be beneficial to producers for identifying animals at risk of poor welfare outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the use of infrared thermography (IRT), automated electronic sow feeding systems, and heart rate monitors as potential technologies for detecting the social hierarchy within five groups of sows. Behavioral data collection occurred for 12 h after introducing five sow groups (1-5; n = 14, 12, 15, 15, and 17, respectively) to group gestation housing to determine the social hierarchy and allocate individual sows to 1 of 4 rank quartiles (RQ 1-4). Sows within RQ1 were ranked highest while RQ4 sows were ranked lowest within the hierarchy. Infrared thermal images were taken behind the neck at the base of the ear of each sow on days 3, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 of the experiment. Two electronic sow feeders tracked feeding behavior throughout the gestation period. Heart rate monitors were worn by 10 randomly selected sows per repetition for 1 h prior to and 4 h after reintroduction to group gestation housing to collect heart rate variability (HRV). No differences were found between RQ for any IRT characteristic. Sows within RQ3 and RQ4 had the greatest number of visits to the electronic sow feeders overall (P < 0.04) but spent shorter time per visit in feeders (P < 0.05) than RQ1 and RQ2 sows. There was an interaction of RQ with hour for feed offered (P = 0.0003), with differences between RQ occurring in hour 0, 1, 2, and 8. Higher-ranked sows (RQ1 and RQ2) occupied the feeder for longer during the first hour than lower ranking sows (RQ3 and RQ4; P < 0.04), while RQ3 sows occupied the feeder longer than RQ1 sows during hour 6, 7, and 8 (P < 0.02). Heart beat interval (RR) collected prior to group housing introduction differed between RQ (P < 0.02 for all), with RQ3 sows exhibiting the lowest RR, followed by RQ4, RQ1, and RQ2. Rank quartile also affected standard deviation of RR (P = 0.0043), with RQ4 sows having the lowest, followed by RQ1, RQ3, and RQ2 sows. Overall, these results indicate that feeding behavior and HRV measures may be capable of characterizing social hierarchy in a group housing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique M Sommer
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Jennifer M Young
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Byrd
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Reproductive performance of gilts and weaned sows grouped at different days after insemination. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 55:31. [PMID: 36585532 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to compare the reproductive performances of gilts and weaned sows grouped at different days after insemination. The study was conducted on a sow farm in the Midwest of Paraná State, Brazil, using animals from the Camborough genetic line (PIC®, Patos de Minas, Brazil, Landrace × Large White crossbred). The groups of comparison have considered the distribution of gilts (n = 407) and sows (parity 1 to 5; n = 843) according to the day of group housing in collective pens in relation to the day of last insemination (AI). Thus, gilts were distributed in four groups of comparison: group housing on days 1, 2, 3, or 4 after the last AI (AI). Sows were distributed in three groups of comparison: group housing on the day after the last AI (0), at day 1 or 2 after the last AI. Farrowing rate (FR), the total number of piglets born (TB), and return to estrus (RE) were recorded. In a subsample (254 gilts and 622 sows), the presence and the score of skin lesions (0, no lesions; 1, low; 2, moderate; or 3, high) were evaluated 24 and 48 h after mixing. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS® 9.4 software using the GLIMMIX procedure. Comparisons of means were performed using the Tukey-Kramer test and frequencies by logistic regression. Group housing gilts on different days after insemination did not affect FR, TB, and RE (P ≥ 0.79). However, sows mixed 2 days after AI had a reduction in TB compared to those mixed on day 1 (P = 0.05), without differences from sows mixed on the day of the last AI. All the females had low (score 1; 60.5%) or moderate (score 2; 39.5%) skin lesions. For both female categories, the presence of low or moderate lesion scores did not affect ER, FR, and TB (P ≥ 0.25). Fights within 48 h were not severe enough to compromise reproductive performance (P ≥ 0.25). In conclusion, group housing gestating sows 2 days after breeding compromised litter size; however, mixing gilts on days 1 to 4 after breeding did not impair reproductive performance.
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Chou JY, Parsons TD. A systematic review of the impact of housing on sow welfare during post-weaning and early pregnancy periods. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:903822. [PMID: 36082213 PMCID: PMC9446151 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.903822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breeder animals are an important focus in farm animal welfare assessments as they typically live the longest lives and are at the greatest risk for suffering due to their longevity. For breeding pigs, the time between the end of lactation (post-weaning) and the implantation of embryos (early gestation) is very dynamic from both a physiological and husbandry perspective. However, research to date is limited on how best to house and manage sows during this critical period of their production cycle from a welfare perspective. Previous animal-based welfare outcome measures were restricted to certain health, behavioral and physiological indicators. This systematic review used Web of Science to make in-depth comparisons among welfare-based studies that focus on sow housing during the post-weaning and early pregnancy period to identify important knowledge gaps. Only a small number of studies (n = 27) were found that met our systematic search criteria. Compared to stalls, group housing requires mixing of animals and always triggers more aggression and skin lesions at the time of mixing. The predominant use of health and physiological indicators constrained the animal-based welfare outcomes in these studies. Thus, what type of housing yields the best overall welfare outcome remains to be elucidated as none of the studies found explored the mental wellbeing of sows during this period. This systematic review defines a critical knowledge gap regarding the full impact of housing on the welfare of post-weaning and early gestation sows. This gap, and thus the true welfare impact of sow housing, will only be addressed by the use of novel, more holistic assessment methods that also capture the psychological state of the sow.
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Li S, Hu H, Huang J, Yang Y, Xu W, Chen J, Wan J, Li L, Zheng R, Jiang S, Chai J. Effect of Enrichment Items on the Physiology and Behavior of Sows in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111355. [PMID: 35681820 PMCID: PMC9179893 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern intensive pig breeding harms animal welfare, which is especially noticeable for pregnant sows kept in confinement stalls. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of enrichment items on the movement and physiological parameters of sows in the third trimester of pregnancy. A total of 30 large white pregnant sows were randomly divided into three equal treatment groups (n = 10): control, pine wood, and scented wood groups. Interestingly, compared with the control group, the sows in the pine wood or scented wood groups showed less ventral lying and more lateral lying behavior (p < 0.01), coupled with significant reduction in the frequency of scratching and sham-chewing (p < 0.01), but with no significant difference in the degree of preference for these enrichment items (p > 0.05). Additionally, the sows in the pine wood or scented wood groups also decreased significantly in the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) (p < 0.01) and the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05) throughout the late pregnancy period. Overall, adding enrichment items to confinement stalls can alleviate the chronic stress and the stereotypic behavior of sows, suggesting their potential to reduce welfare compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Li
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hongqing Hu
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuxuan Yang
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Weijing Xu
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junfeng Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Breeding and Nutritional Regulation, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China;
| | - Jiawei Wan
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lianghua Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China;
| | - Rong Zheng
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Siwen Jiang
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jin Chai
- Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Swine Breeding and Genetics & Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (S.L.); (H.H.); (J.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.X.); (J.W.); (R.Z.); (S.J.)
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-027-8728-2091
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Evaluation of Behavior and Affective State of Different-Parity Sows with Strong/Weak Pupil Light Reflex. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091184. [PMID: 35565610 PMCID: PMC9105324 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The stall-housing system is commonly used in the modern swine industry in many countries; however, long-term space restrictions can cause affective and physiological abnormalities in sows. The pupil light reflex (PLR) can reflect the psychological and neurological changes in animals, and confined sows show higher pupillary rigidity. However, the PLR differs between same-parity sows, suggesting differences in behaviors and affective states between parity groups. We subjected confined Yorkshire × Landrace sows of parity 0, 2, and 5 to a PLR test and accordingly assigned them to the weak PLR (WR) group (n = 20) or the strong PLR (SR) group (n = 22). We then observed the sows’ behaviors and performed a sucrose/quinine response test and novel object test (NOT) to assess the differences in their affective states. The standing and lateral lying behaviors of the sows were less frequent in WR than in SR (p < 0.05), whereas ventral lying and sitting behaviors was more frequent in WR than in SR (p < 0.05). No changes in chewing behaviors and sucrose/quinine responses were observed (p > 0.05); however, the numbers and duration of novel object contact were lower and the novel object response latency time was longer in WR than in SR (p < 0.05). Regarding parity, standing and lateral lying behaviors were less frequent and ventral lying and sitting behaviors were more frequent at parity 5 than at parity 0 (p < 0.05). Bar-biting, rooting, trough-biting, and sucrose response score were lower at parity 5 than at parity 0 (p < 0.05), and vacuum chewing behavior and quinine response score were higher in sows of parity 5 than in those of parity 0 (p < 0.05). NOT showed that the number of contacts and contact duration in sows decreased with increasing parity (p < 0.05), and the response latency time was longer in sows of parity 5 than in those of lower parity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the behavioral expression and responses of confined sows to novel objects differed between PLRs. The evaluation of the affective state of sows also revealed marked differences with increasing parity. Thus, confined sows with WR and high parity apparently suffer from more severe psychological problems, and PLR may be a potent indicator for evaluating the affective state of confined sows.
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Lagoda ME, Marchewka J, O'Driscoll K, Boyle LA. Risk Factors for Chronic Stress in Sows Housed in Groups, and Associated Risks of Prenatal Stress in Their Offspring. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:883154. [PMID: 35498729 PMCID: PMC9039259 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.883154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on sow welfare and productivity, as well as on the welfare and resilience of their piglets, mediated prenatally. Despite this, the specific risk factors for chronic stress in pregnant sows are understudied. Group-housed pregnant sows continuously face numerous challenges associated with aspects of the physical (group type and size, flooring, feeding system) and social (stocking density, mixing strategy) environment. There are many well-known potent stressors for pigs that likely contribute to chronic, physiological stress, including overcrowding, hot temperatures, feed restriction, inability to forage, uncomfortable floors, and poor handling. Some of these stressors also contribute to the development of production diseases such as lameness, which in turn are also likely causes of chronic stress because of the associated pain and difficulty accessing resources. The aim of this review is to discuss potential risk factors for chronic stress in pregnant sows such as space allowance, group size and type (stable/dynamic), feeding level, lameness, pen design, feed system, enrichment and rooting material, floor type, the quality of stockmanship, environmental conditions, and individual sow factors. The mechanisms of action of both chronic and prenatal stress, as well as the effects of the latter on offspring are also discussed. Gaps in existing research and recommendations for future work are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Ewa Lagoda
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Marchewka
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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11
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Guo L, Zhang D, Tang W, Dong Z, Zhang Y, Wang S, Yin Y, Wan D. Correlations of gestational hemoglobin level, placental trace elements content, and reproductive performances in pregnant sows. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6503612. [PMID: 35022729 PMCID: PMC8903142 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The iron status of sows has a great influence on reproductive performance. Iron deficiency reduces reproductive performance and newborn piglet survival rate of sow. The hemoglobin is a potential predictor for the iron status of sows and is convenient for rapid detection in pig farms. However, the relationship between iron status, hemoglobin, placental trace elements, and reproductive performance remains unclear. In this study, the hemoglobin and reproductive performance of more than 500 sows with first to sixth parities at different gestation stages (25, 55, 75, 95, and 110 d of gestation) in two large-scale sow farms were collected, and the content of placental Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu was analyzed. The results show that hemoglobin levels of sows during pregnancy (days 75, 95, and 110) decreased significantly (P < 0.001). As the parity increases, the hemoglobin levels of sows at days 25 and 55 of gestation and placental mineral element contents including Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu at delivery decreased (P < 0.05), while the litter size, birth alive, and litter weights increased gradually (P < 0.001). Furthermore, hemoglobin during pregnancy had a negative linear correlation with litter weight and average weight (P < 0.05), and higher hemoglobin at day 25 of gestation may reduce the number of stillbirths (P = 0.05), but higher hemoglobin at day 110 of gestation may tend to be a benefit for the birth (P = 0.01). And there was a significant positive linear correlation between hemoglobin at day 110 of gestation and placental Fe and Mn levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.013). There was also a significant positive linear correlation among Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu in the placenta (P < 0.001). The levels of Fe, Zn, and Mn in the placental at delivery were positively related to the average weight of the fetus (P = 0.048, P = 0.027, P = 0.047), and placental Cu was linearly correlated with litter size (P = 0.029). Our research revealed that the requirements for iron during gestation were varied in different gestation periods and parities. The feeds should be adjusted according to the gestation periods, parities, or iron status to meet the iron requirements of sows and fetal pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Guo
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Dongming Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - Wenjie Tang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Livestock and Poultry Biological Products Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610066, China
| | - Zhenglin Dong
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Changsha Xinjia Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Shangchu Wang
- Changsha Xinjia Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Dan Wan
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China,Corresponding author:
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12
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Galli MC, Gottardo F, Contiero B, Scollo A, Boyle LA. The changing face and associated drivers of research on welfare of the gestating sow. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.2002732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Costanza Galli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Flaviana Gottardo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Annalisa Scollo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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13
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Lagoda ME, O'Driscoll K, Marchewka J, Foister S, Turner SP, Boyle LA. Associations between skin lesion counts, hair cortisol concentrations and reproductive performance in group housed sows. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Perini J, Ludtke C, Tanure C, Seixas L, Peripolli V, McManus C. Effect of housing system during pregnancy on reproductive parameters of sows. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-11912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows in individual stalls (Stall) or group-housed into groups on days 3 to 5 (Pen5) or 38 to 42 (Pen42) after breeding. The reproductive data was collected from the operating system of the farm establishing the average of the weekly performances of the sows that gave birth, for four years, except for the Pen5 system, which was evaluated for three years. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS®, using MIXED (for quantitative traits), NPAR1WAY (for categorical traits) and LOGISTIC (binomial traits) procedures, using sows as a repeated measure. Sows in Stall system had piglets with higher birth weight them sows in the group-housed system (P<0.05), however the piglets born alive, total piglets weaned, average litter weight, and duration of farrowing were lower in this system than in the group-housed (P<0.0001). There was no difference between Pen5 and Stall systems for gestation period and mummified piglets. The Pen42 system had a higher percentage of mummified piglets and a shorter gestation period, when compared Pen5 and Stall systems (P<0.0001), and similar results to the Pen5 system for duration of farrowing, piglets born alive, stillbirths, total piglets weaned, average litter weight and birth weight (P<0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C.B. Ludtke
- Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Suínos, Brazil
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15
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Mixing aggression intensity is associated with age at first service and floor type during gestation, with implications for sow reproductive performance. Animal 2021; 15:100158. [PMID: 33573987 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggression resulting from mixing to establish a dominance hierarchy is a major welfare concern for group-housed sows. The associated stress can negatively impact aspects of reproductive performance. Objectives of this study were to investigate associations between 1) age at first service (AFS) and mixing aggression intensity in first parity sows, 2) mixing aggression intensity and reproductive performance within and between parity one and parity two, and 3) mixing aggression intensity, floor type during gestation and reproductive performance. Gilts (n =160, hereafter referred to as sows) were mixed into stable groups of eight unfamiliar individuals approximately 4 days after artificial insemination, housed on fully slatted concrete (CON; n =80) floor uncovered or covered with rubber slat mats (RUB; n =80), and followed through two parities. Skin lesions (SLMIX; a proxy for the intensity of mixing aggression), were scored post mixing in each parity according to severity (0=no lesions to 5=severe lesions) on five body regions (ear, neck, hindquarter, rump, and belly) on the left and right sides, and at the tail/anogenital region. Total SLMIX score was calculated for each sow. Data on reproductive performance traits were acquired retrospectively from farm records for both parities. Two analyses were performed: 1) data from each parity were analysed separately and 2) SLMIX score in parity one was used to predict reproductive performance in parity two. Lower AFS was associated with a lower SLMIX score in parity one (P =0.031). There was no association between SLMIX score and reproductive performance in parity one, while sows with higher SLMIX score in parity two had a higher proportion of piglets dead during lactation (P =0.027) and a longer cycle length (P =0.003) in parity two. Sows with higher SLMIX scores in parity one had more non-productive days (P <0.001) in parity two. Concrete sows had a higher SLMIX score than RUB sows in parity one (P =0.015), but not in parity two. In addition, CON sows had a higher proportion of piglets born dead (P =0.013) compared with RUB sows in parity two. Mixing aggression has a negative influence on reproductive performance within parities, and it may also have a long-term negative carry-over effect on reproductive performance in subsequent parities. Serving gilts at younger ages could help to minimize the intensity of aggression at mixing, while housing on rubber flooring has beneficial implications for their reproductive performance.
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16
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The Role of Genetic Selection on Agonistic Behavior and Welfare of Gestating Sows Housed in Large Semi-Static Groups. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122299. [PMID: 33291805 PMCID: PMC7762012 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Group-housing of gestating sows is becoming increasingly common worldwide as it offers the sows the opportunity to exercise, display exploratory behaviors, and develop social relationships. Despite its advantages, group-housing as it stands in modern industries also presents several welfare issues such as overt aggression between pen-mates and resulting stress and injuries. To date, breeding companies often largely focused their efforts on genetic selection based on individual production characteristics (e.g., litter size, piglets’ growth, and meat quality) and traditionally ignored the social behaviors and the ability to establish a dominance hierarchy without exacerbated aggression. Hence, the extent to which agonistic behavior differs according to new genetic lines is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare and investigate the influence of two genetic lines on the welfare and performance of sows housed in large semi-static groups (up to 91 animals). While the first genetic line was more aggressive toward pen-mates during gestation, the second had piglets with a lower robustness and survivability. This study raises the difficulty of finding an optimal genetic line, including both positive welfare and productivity outcomes, and points to the urgent need of considering social aspects when developing genetic lines for group-housing. Abstract Confinement of gestating sows is becoming banished in favor of group-housing in countries worldwide, forcing breeding companies to develop genetic lines adapted for social living. This study aimed at assessing the influence of two genetic lines selected for high performance (HP1, HP2, derived from Landrace × Yorkshire) on welfare and reproductive performance of sows housed in large semi-static groups (20 groups of 46–91 animals) across several parities. To address this, agonistic behaviors were recorded on d0, d2, d27, and d29 post-mixing while body lesions were scored on d1, d26, and d84. Sows’ individual and reproductive performances were also recorded. HP2 sows were more aggressive than HP1 sows since they fought (p = 0.028) and bullied (p = 0.0009) pen-mates more frequently on d0–d2. HP2 sows had more total body lesions throughout gestation than HP1 sows at higher parities (p < 0.0001). Regarding reproductive performance, HP2 sows lost less piglets (p < 0.0001) and tended to wean more piglets (p = 0.067) than HP1 sows. In conclusion, while HP2 sows were the most aggressive, HP1 sows had piglets with lower survivability, which raises ethical issues in both cases and points to the need of considering social aspects when developing genetic lines for group-housing.
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Jeong Y, Choi Y, Kim D, Kim J, Min Y, Jung H, Kim Y. Improving behavior characteristics and stress indices of gestating sows housed with group housing facility. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020; 62:875-883. [PMID: 33987567 PMCID: PMC7721582 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2020.62.6.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of group-housing facility
(GHF), compared to an individual confinement stall (CON), on the reproductive
performance, behavior, and stress hormones of gestating sows. A total of 50
primiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allocated into
either CON (n = 25) or GHF (n = 25) during the gestation period. One week before
parturition, the sows were transferred into conventional farrowing crates, and
cross-fostering was conducted within 1 d of delivery. Blood was collected for
analyses of stress indices at 75 d of gestation and postpartum. Reproductive
performance was estimated during the period of birth to weaning. Behavior
patterns were identified at 90 d of gestation. Litter size was not different
between the CON and GHF treatments. Weaning to estrus interval, however, tended
to be lower in the GHF than in the CON (p < 0.1). Activity,
treating, belly nosing, and exploring behaviors were observed only in the GHF
group, whereas rubbing was shown only with the CON. Serum cortisol concentration
was lower in the GHF than in the CON at 75 d of gestation (p
< 0.05). Sows housed in the GHF showed lower epinephrine and norepinephrine
concentrations than those housed in the CON at postpartum (p
< 0.05). The GHF sows demonstrated more natural behavior characteristics
associated with stress relief than the CON sows with no adverse effects on
reproductive performance. Therefore, these results suggest that GHF could be
applied as an alternative housing facility to improve animal welfare on swine
farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdae Jeong
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Yohan Choi
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Doowan Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Joeun Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Yejin Min
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jung
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Younghwa Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
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18
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König NL, Wähner M, Seeger J, Sigmarsson HL, Kauffold J. An investigation into uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire versus German Saddleback). Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:34-45. [PMID: 33098192 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Litter size in modern so called hyperprolific pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) breeds such as of crossbred Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire (LY/YL) sows increased remarkably over recent years, however, commonly associated with reduced piglet birth weight and higher within litter birth weight variability likely due to a limited uterine capacity. Since investigation into this issue is patchy, the aim of this study was to investigate uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy, that is crossbred Danish genetic (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire; DG; n = 14) and purebred German Saddleback (GS) sows (n = 12). Parameters recorded were litter size, piglet birth weight and vitality, placental weight and surface area as well as placental vascularization. Litters of DG were on average larger than of GS (p < .001). Piglets of DG weighed on average less than GS (p < .001) and were less vital (p < .001-.142). Increasing litter size was associated with reduced piglet birth weight and increased within litter birth weight variability in GS, but not in DG. DG had on average a lower placental weight (p < .001) and smaller placentae (p < .001) than GS, but the placenta was on average more efficient than of GS (based on the quotient of piglet and corresponding placental weight; p < .001). Vascularization of placentae was on average not or only slightly different between breeds (p < .05 - .982). Remarkably, however, vascularization of the lateral and apical chorionic epithelium of the chorionic ridges as the immediate foetal/maternal interface was on average slightly higher in DG than GS (p < .05-.111). Results thus demonstrate that uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics is higher in DG than GS sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lea König
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Wähner
- Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Bernburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Seeger
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Kauffold
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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19
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Does Maternal Stress Affect the Early Embryonic Microenvironment? Impact of Long-Term Cortisol Stimulation on the Oviduct Epithelium. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020443. [PMID: 32284519 PMCID: PMC7014231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress before or during the sensitive preimplantation phase is associated with reproduction failure. Upon real or perceived threat, glucocorticoids (classic stress hormones) as cortisol are synthesized. The earliest “microenvironment” of the embryo consists of the oviduct epithelium and the oviductal fluid generated via the epithelial barrier. However, to date, the direct effects of cortisol on the oviduct are largely unknown. In the present study, we used a compartmentalized in vitro system to test the hypothesis that a prolonged stimulation with cortisol modifies the physiology of the oviduct epithelium. Porcine oviduct epithelial cells were differentiated at the air–liquid interface and basolaterally stimulated with physiological levels of cortisol representing moderate and severe stress for 21 days. Epithelium structure, transepithelial bioelectric properties, and gene expression were assessed. Furthermore, the distribution and metabolism of cortisol was examined. The polarized oviduct epithelium converted basolateral cortisol to cortisone and thereby reduced the amount of bioactive cortisol reaching the apical compartment. However, extended cortisol stimulation affected its barrier function and the expression of genes involved in hormone signaling and immune response. We conclude that continuing maternal stress with long-term elevated cortisol levels may alter the early embryonic environment by modification of basic oviductal functions.
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Goblet C, Lewis B, Jacobsen V, Jarboe M, Silva D, Penfold L, Newell-Fugate AE. Exposure of managed red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus) to urine from males stimulates estrous cycling and modulates fecal sex steroid metabolites in males and females. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113262. [PMID: 31454496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
For unknown reasons, reproductive success varies among zoos in managed red river hogs. In response to urine exposure from novel conspecifics, we hypothesized that males with low libido would exhibit increased concentrations of testosterone metabolites and that acyclic and/or non-breeding females would be induced to cycle or cycle more regularly. Estrous cycle length and progesterone metabolites in same-sex housed females were compared prior to and following exposure to novel red river hog male urine. Male testosterone metabolites and female progesterone metabolites as well as estrous cycle length were compared among: 1) proven-breeder females and males; 2) non-breeding females newly paired with novel males; 3) non-breeding females and males exposed to urine from novel females and males. Fecal samples were collected 3-5 times per week for eight to 12 months, lyophilized, extracted, and assayed for progesterone and testosterone metabolites with validated enzyme immunoassays. Introduction of female urine resulted in an increased number of estrous cycles per female per month, and decreased luteal and increased follicular progesterone metabolites in females. Introduction of male urine resulted in an increase in testosterone metabolites in males. Average progesterone metabolites for pregnant proven-breeder females were more than double that for pregnant females newly paired to novel males. An interaction between season and treatment group, as well as the acyclicity of females from July through November irrespective of treatment group, suggest that season may confound and warrant judicious interpretation of the results. Additionally, females housed with pregnant females were either acyclic or did not carry their pregnancies to term, indicating that reproductive suppression may occur in females. In conclusion, urine may be a cost-effective and efficient means to manipulate estrous cycling in managed red river hogs. Furthermore, careful consideration of the number of females in a managed herd is recommended to avoid reproductive suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Goblet
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Bryce Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Victoria Jacobsen
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Monica Jarboe
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Dameriss Silva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Linda Penfold
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Conservation & Reproduction, Yulee, FL 32097, USA
| | - Annie E Newell-Fugate
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Jiang X, Lu N, Xue Y, Liu S, Lei H, Tu W, Lu Y, Xia D. Crude fiber modulates the fecal microbiome and steroid hormones in pregnant Meishan sows. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 277:141-147. [PMID: 30951727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of dietary fiber on the reproductive performance and welfare of sows have been discussed broadly, but few researches examined the causal changes and the association of gut microbiota and the steroid hormones, the main regulators of reproductive function. To shed light on this, thirty-six Meishan sows were allocated into 2.5% crude fiber (CF) group and 7.5% CF group respectively for an entire farrowing interval. On the 90th day of gestation, the saliva and fresh stool of sows were individually collected in the morning (06:00-07:00) for steroid hormones, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiome analysis. In addition, the parameter of pregnant behavioral and farrowing performance was recorded and evaluated. We observed that, as compared with the 2.5% CF treatment, 7.5% CF significantly increased the litter size (p = 0.01), reduced the stereotypic behaviors including sham chewing, rolling tongue and licking ground (p = 0.02, 0.04, 0.01) at later gestation stage, but increased lying time (p = 0.00). In coincide with this, 7.5% CF diet increased the salivary progesterone (p = 0.00), fecal estradiol and progesterone (p = 0.01, 0.02) level, fecal water and SCFAs content (p = 0.02, 0.03), decreased the salivary and fecal cortisol (p = 0.01, 0.00) level. Further, 7.5% CF diet increased the fecal microbiota richness (ACE, p = 0.04; Chao, p = 0.07) and diversity (Shannon, p = 0.01; Simpson, p = 0.04), the proportion of genus Ruminococcus, Butyrivibrio, Lactobacillus and Fibrobacter (p = 0.02, 0.05, 0.04, 0.00), whereas reduced the proportion of genus Clostridium, Streptococcus, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.00, 0.00, 0.04, 0.04). These results indicate that, fibrous diet can regulate the steroid hormones secretion and modulate the gut with more cellulose-degrading and probiotic bacterium, but less opportunistic pathogens, and this may contribute to the improvement of reproductive performance and welfare in sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyuan Jiang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Naisheng Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yun Xue
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Animal Disease Control Center, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Suli Liu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hulong Lei
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weilong Tu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yang Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Dong Xia
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China.
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