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Nowak B, Mucha A, Zatoń-Dobrowolska M, Chrostowski G, Kruszyński W. Genetic basis of sow hyperprolificacy and litter size optimization based on a genome-wide association study. Theriogenology 2024; 218:119-125. [PMID: 38325148 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.035] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, there has been a constant increase in sow litter size, the consequences of which include parturition duration extension, an increase in the percentage of stillborn and hypoxic piglets, and increased variation in piglet birth weight, which reduces their vitality. As such, it seems clear that further increasing sow fertility will generate difficulties and costs in rearing numerous litters with low birth weights. Therefore, the current study aimed to analyze the genetic background of sow hyperprolifcacy using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The research included 144 sows in the maternal component, divided into two equal groups. The first group (control) consisted of females giving birth to the optimal number of piglets in their third and fourth litters (14-16), while the second group (cases) included those with excessive litter size (>16). The analyzed sows were genotyped using Illumina's PorcineSNP60v2 BeadChip microarray, comprising 64,232 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Statistical analysis using R included quality control of genotyping data and GWAS analysis based on five logistic regression models (dominant, codominant, overdominant, recessive, and log-additive) with a single SNP marker as the explanatory variable. On this basis, one SNP (SIRI0000069) was identified on chromosome seven within the EFCAB11 (EF-hand calcium binding domain 11) gene that had a statistically significant effect on sow hyperprolificacy. Additionally, ten SNPs (INRA0007631, ALGA0011600, ALGA0043433, ALGA0043428, M1GA0010535 ALGA00443338, ALGA0087116, MARC0056787, ALGA0112928, and ALGA0089047) had a relationship with the analyzed feature at a level close to significance, set at 1-5. These SNPs appear important since they are located on chromosomes on which a large number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and SNPs associated with reproductive characteristics, including litter size, have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Nowak
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Anna Mucha
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zatoń-Dobrowolska
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Chrostowski
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kruszyński
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 7, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
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Oh SM, Hosseindoust A, Ha SH, Mun JY, Moturi J, Tajudeen H, Choi YH, Lee SH, Kim JS. Importance of dietary supplementation of soluble and insoluble fibers to sows subjected to high ambient temperatures during late gestation and effects on lactation performance. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2024; 16:73-83. [PMID: 38333572 PMCID: PMC10851196 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Heat stress adversely affects sows' performance, which can be improved by applying proper nutritional strategies. This study was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of dietary fiber levels and sources on sows' reproductive performance, metabolic response during gestation, and the carry-over influence on litter performance in the lactation period during heat stress (average room temperature of 27.1 °C). Fifty-four multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; initial body weight of 236.3 ± 16 kg; 2, 3 and 4 parities) at d 90 of gestation were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (9 sows/treatment), involving 2 dietary fiber levels (4.5% and 6% crude fiber) and 3 dietary fiber sources (wheat bran [WB], palm kernel meal [PK], and beet pulp [BP]). Sows fed the BP diet had highest (P < 0.01) feed intake and constipation index and lowest (P < 0.01) farrowing duration. Piglet weight (P = 0.041) and litter weight (P < 0.01) at weaning were higher in sows in the BP treatment compared to PK treatment. Sows in the BP treatment showed the greatest (P < 0.01) digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The fecal concentration of acetate was the lowest (P < 0.01) in the PK treatment. Total short-chain fatty acid production was increased in the WB and BP treatments compared with the PK. Sows in the BP treatment showed the lowest (P = 0.036) hair cortisol. The blood insulin concentration of sows was higher (P = 0.026) in the high fiber (6%) treatment compared with the low fiber (4.5%) treatment at 90 min and 120 min after the meal. The concentration of phthalic acid, succinic acid, phenylethylamine, hydrocinnamic acid, iron, linoleic acid, glycerol, ketone, and formamide were increased (P < 0.05) in the BP treatment compared with the WB. The BP treatment with high soluble fiber content improved the constipation index, farrowing duration, and litter performance, while high insoluble fibers increased sows comfort and reduced stress factors including respiratory rate and rectal temperature. Therefore, both soluble and insoluble sources of fiber are necessary to be added to the diet of gestating sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Min Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju 63052, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdolreza Hosseindoust
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hun Ha
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Young Mun
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph Moturi
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Habeeb Tajudeen
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo Han Choi
- Swine Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Hyup Lee
- Department of Swine Science, Korea National University of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Soo Kim
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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Kopeć Z, Mazgaj R, Starzyński RR, Wang X, Opiela J, Smorąg Z, Gajda B, Nicpoń J, Lenartowicz M, Ogłuszka M, Gralak MA, Lipiński P. Impact of litter size on the hematological and iron status of gilts, sows and newborn piglets: a comparative study of domestic pigs and wild boars. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:64. [PMID: 38389107 PMCID: PMC10885442 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03905-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The critically low hepatic iron stores of newborn piglets are considered to be a major cause of neonatal iron deficiency in modern breeds of domestic pig (Sus domestica). The main factor believed to contribute to this phenomenon is large litter size, which has been an objective of selective breeding of pigs for decades. As consequence, iron transferred from the pregnant sow has to be distributed among a greater number of fetuses. RESULTS Here, we investigated whether litter size influences red blood cell (RBC) indices and iron parameters in Polish Large White (PLW) piglets and gilts. Small and large litters were produced by the transfer of different numbers of embryos, derived from the same superovulated donor females, to recipient gilts. Piglets from large litters obtained following routine artificial insemination were also examined. Our results clearly demonstrated that varying the number of piglets in a litter did not affect the RBC and iron status of 1-day-old piglets, with all showing iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, gilts with small litters displayed higher RBC and iron parameters compared to mothers with large litters. A comparative analysis of the RBC status of wild boars (having less than half as many piglets per litter as domestic pigs) and PLW pigs, demonstrated higher RBC count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value of both wild boar sows and piglets, even compared to small-litter PLW animals. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that RBC and iron status in newborn PLW piglets are not primarily determined by litter size, and indicate the need to study the efficiency of iron transport across the placenta in domestic pig and wild boar females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Kopeć
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Rafał Mazgaj
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Rafał Radosław Starzyński
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Xiuying Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Jolanta Opiela
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Zdzisław Smorąg
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Barbara Gajda
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Jakub Nicpoń
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lenartowicz
- Laboratory of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Ogłuszka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Antoni Gralak
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Paweł Lipiński
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland.
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Oliviero C. Offspring of hyper prolific sows: Immunity, birthweight, and heterogeneous litters. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:580-584. [PMID: 35460115 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, in the last 3 decades, there has been a constant increase in litter size due to the use of superior maternal line genetics. Those sows giving birth to more piglets than their average number of functional teats are identified as hyperprolific sows (HPS). The large number of piglets born within a litter implies not only a challenge for their access to vital resources like colostrum and milk but has a direct effect on their average birth weight and heterogeneity. These conditions are detrimental to piglets' vitality in the first hours of life and also to their immunity development. An exceptionally large number of growing fetuses in HPS leads to intrauterine crowding and consequently to an increased number of piglets suffering from intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), which put piglets at a high risk of mortality after birth and up to later stages of life. Increased heterogeneity of birth weight within large litters increases the competition for colostrum intake, with the smaller piglets being less competitive and vital, and therefore affecting negatively their immunity. Low birth weight, long interval to reach the udder, and long duration of farrowing, all have negative effects on piglets' immunoglobulin absorption. In HPS litters, colostrum management should be focused on low birth weight piglets, anticipating their impaired capabilities associated with ingesting adequate colostrum, by shortening the time to reach the udder and reducing competition among piglets. The vitality of neonate piglets, especially low in birth weight or affected by IUGR should be enhanced to improve their body temperature and their early life stage energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Oliviero
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Sow Nutrition, Uterine Contractions, and Placental Blood Flow during the Peri-Partum Period and Short-Term Effects on Offspring: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050910. [PMID: 36899765 PMCID: PMC10000096 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The birth process is a crucial event for piglet survival. Along with increasing litter sizes, not only has the duration of parturition increased, but placental blood flow per piglet has reduced and placental area per piglet has become smaller, making these piglets more susceptible for hypoxia. Diminishing the risk of piglet hypoxia by either reducing the total duration of parturition or increasing fetal oxygenation may reduce the incidence of stillbirth and early post-partum mortality. This review discusses options to do so by nutritionally supporting the sow in the final pre-partum period, after discussing the role of uterine contractions and placental blood flow. Providing sufficient energy seems to be a logical first step, but also other nutrients needed for uterine contractions, such as calcium, or enhancing uterine blood flow by using nitrate seem promising. These nutrient requirements may depend on litter size.
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6
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Behavioural characteristics of fatal piglet crushing events under outdoor conditions. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Walls A, Hatze B, Lomax S, Bathgate R. Defining "Normal" in Pig Parturition. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202754. [PMID: 36290140 PMCID: PMC9597809 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The dual considerations of efficient food production and good animal welfare have never been so important nor under such strong public scrutiny as they are in current times. Intensive animal production industries play an important role in feeding an ever-growing, increasingly affluent population that is hungry for animal proteins. The efforts to improve efficiency in these production systems must not come at the cost of animal welfare. One pain point in pig production is that of parturition, where factors such as litter size and sow-housing type have been shown to influence the process and outcome. However, there are still many gaps in knowledge surrounding the normal physiology and endocrinology in a farrowing and this review seeks to summarise what is known and highlight areas where further work is required. Abstract Animal production industries rely on efficient and successful reproductive outcomes, with pigs being no exception. The process of parturition in pigs (farrowing) can be especially prolonged, due to the large numbers of piglets being born (on average, approximately 13 piglets per litter in Australian conditions). Difficulties in farrowing (dystocia) lead to poor piglet outcomes and health problems in sows, in turn, causing economic loss for producers and welfare concerns for the animals. Despite the importance of this topic and publications in the area stretching back nearly 50 years, there is still no consensus on the prevalence of dystocia in pigs nor on how to identify a pig experiencing the condition. Understanding the process of parturition and the factors that influence its success is a crucial step towards the early identification of sows undergoing dystocia and development of best practices to assist them. This article describes the key factors that contribute to successful farrowing and identifies areas in which more research is required before the parturition process in the pig can be fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Walls
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Bianca Hatze
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Sabrina Lomax
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Roslyn Bathgate
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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van den Bosch M, van de Linde IB, Kemp B, van den Brand H. Disentangling Litter Size and Farrowing Duration Effects on Piglet Stillbirth, Acid-Base Blood Parameters and Pre-Weaning Mortality. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:836202. [PMID: 35529832 PMCID: PMC9071363 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.836202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study evaluated interactions between farrowing duration and litter size on the level of asphyxia, vitality, percentage of stillbirth, and pre-weaning mortality of piglets. Farrowing duration was measured in 159 crossbred gilts and sows (Yorkshire × Dutch Landrace). Litter size ranged between 12 and 21 piglets. Blood acid–base parameters in umbilical cord blood and vitality scores of piglets were determined immediately after birth. Number of piglets born alive and stillborn as well as individual piglet weights at birth were recorded. Pre-weaning mortality (excluding stillbirth) was determined throughout lactation. Litter size as well as farrowing duration were categorized to evaluate the interaction between the two. There tended to be an interaction between litter size and farrowing duration for pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.10). In small litters (12–15 piglets), a prolonged farrowing duration (>250 min) tended to increase pre-weaning mortality compared with a short (<150 min) and medium farrowing duration (150–250 min), while for large litters (19–21 piglets), a medium to long farrowing duration tended to decrease pre-weaning mortality. No other interactions between litter size and farrowing duration were found. Piglets within large litters showed a higher umbilical cord lactate level (p < 0.01), lower average vitality score (p = 0.01), and a higher stillborn percentage (p < 0.01) compared with piglets within medium size (16–18 piglets) and small litters. Each additional piglet born to a litter linearly decreased average piglet birth weight (17.6 g, p < 0.01), increased farrowing duration (11 min, p < 0.01), and increased stillbirth (0.5%, p = 0.04). A medium farrowing duration resulted in a lower stillborn percentage compared with a short or prolonged farrowing duration, suggesting that farrowing duration might have an optimum. When analyzed linearly, stillborn percentage increased with 1.85% per every 100 min (p < 0.01) of farrowing duration. It can be concluded that both litter size and farrowing duration affect stillborn percentage, but independent from each other. However, these two factors tended to interact regarding pre-weaning mortality, suggesting that setting a certain threshold for maximal farrowing duration should be taken with care, because this appears to depend on litter size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek van den Bosch
- Cargill Animal Nutrition Innovation Center Velddriel, Cargill b.v., Velddriel, Netherlands.,Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Irene B van de Linde
- Cargill Animal Nutrition Innovation Center Velddriel, Cargill b.v., Velddriel, Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Henry van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Baqueiro-Espinosa U, McEvoy V, Arnott G. Factors influencing ease of whelping and its relationship with maternal behaviour and puppy perinatal mortality in commercially bred dogs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6680. [PMID: 35461375 PMCID: PMC9035175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10707-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
For dog breeders, parturition is a critical stage in the reproductive cycle of the dam. Evidence in other mammals suggests that a difficult labour can influence maternal behaviour and offspring viability during the first hours postpartum. However, the effect of whelping difficulty on the onset of maternal behaviour has not yet been investigated in domestic dogs. Here we developed an ease of whelping (EoW) index in dams maintained within a Commercial dog Breeding Establishment (CBE) environment and investigated the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors (breed group according to size/weight, litter size, parity, whelping season and origin of the dam), EoW, early maternal behaviour and puppy perinatal mortality. The behaviour of 30 dams was observed throughout the whelping process, starting 24 h before delivery of the first puppy until birth of the last puppy. Parturition duration, birth interval, and behaviours indicative of distress, restlessness, and general activity were scored and included in a Principal Component Analysis to construct the EoW index. Subsequently, mother-pup interactions and puppy perinatal mortality were recorded during the first 24 and 72 h postpartum respectively. Results showed that EoW was significantly affected by whelping season, litter size and origin of the dam (whether she was born and raised within the CBE or brought in). Furthermore, mothers that experienced more difficult parturitions (higher EoW score) spent more time lying in contact with their puppies during the first 24 h postpartum. Time in contact with puppies was also significantly affected by breed group. Nursing duration was significantly affected by breed group and origin of the dam. Additionally, medium-size breed (10-20 kg) puppies were significantly less likely to experience perinatal mortality than large breeds (> 20 kg). These findings are particularly relevant for the welfare of breeding dams maintained in large-scale CBEs where the staff-to-dog ratio might be insufficient to adequately manage multiple simultaneous parturitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Baqueiro-Espinosa
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
| | - Victoria McEvoy
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Gareth Arnott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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Oh S, Hosseindoust A, Ha S, Moturi J, Mun J, Tajudeen H, Kim J. Metabolic Responses of Dietary Fiber during Heat Stress: Effects on Reproductive Performance and Stress Level of Gestating Sows. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12040280. [PMID: 35448467 PMCID: PMC9028640 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12040280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is an important issue, and the addition of fiber to the diet is an option in modifying intestinal health. This study evaluated the effect of acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels on reproductive performance, intestinal integrity, and metabolism of gestating sows, and its carry-over effect on the lactation period during heat stress. The diets included 4.3% (Low fiber; LF), 5.4% (Medium fiber; MF), and 6.5% (High fiber; HF) ADF. Sows fed the HF diet showed a lower respiratory rate, hair cortisol concentration, and farrowing duration compared with the LF treatment. The HF diet increased the pyruvate, citrate cycle, glyoxylate, dicarboxylate, and thiamine metabolism compared with the MF. The concentration of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids were increased in the sows fed the HF diet. The gene expression of glucose transporter 3 and glucose transporter 4 was increased in the HF treatment. The gene expression of heat shock protein 70 was decreased in the HF treatment. The HF diet during gestation increased feed intake, constipation index, piglet weight, and litter weight compared with the LF. Sows in the LF treatment showed the greatest digestibility of crude protein and the lowest digestibility of ADF. In conclusion, a 6.5% ADF level is recommended for gestating sows during heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeungMin Oh
- Gyeongbuk Livestock Research Institute, Yeongju 63052, Korea;
| | - Abdolreza Hosseindoust
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (A.H.); (S.H.); (J.M.); (J.M.); (H.T.)
| | - SangHun Ha
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (A.H.); (S.H.); (J.M.); (J.M.); (H.T.)
| | - Joseph Moturi
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (A.H.); (S.H.); (J.M.); (J.M.); (H.T.)
| | - JunYoung Mun
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (A.H.); (S.H.); (J.M.); (J.M.); (H.T.)
| | - Habeeb Tajudeen
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (A.H.); (S.H.); (J.M.); (J.M.); (H.T.)
| | - JinSoo Kim
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (A.H.); (S.H.); (J.M.); (J.M.); (H.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-250-8614
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Papatsiros V, Argyris G, Papakonstantinou G, Meletis E, Tsekouras N, Kantas D, Kostoulas P. Evaluation of an on-farm method to assess colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 239:106958. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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12
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Navarro E, Mainau E, Manteca X. Development of a Facial Expression Scale Using Farrowing as a Model of Pain in Sows. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112113. [PMID: 33202526 PMCID: PMC7696890 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pain evaluation using non-invasive indicators can be difficult in production animals. Some years ago, a group of scientists realized that it was possible to evaluate pain by just considering animals’ facial expressions. All animals have their own facial expressions, and the animal’s expressiveness affects how difficult it is to find facial zones to evaluate pain. Until today, facial expressions have never been studied in sows. Our group decided to use farrowing (sow parturition) as a pain model to evaluate the sows’ facial expressions. Five different facial expression zones were found in our study: Tension above eyes, Snout angle, Neck tension, Temporal tension and ear position, and Cheek tension. The five zones were studied and evaluated by eight observers after a training session, obtaining good reliability results, especially on Tension above eyes, Snout angle, and Neck tension. These good results suggest that the sow facial expression scale could be a good non-invasive indicator to evaluate pain in sows. Abstract Changes in facial expression have been shown to be a useful tool to assess pain severity in humans and animals, but facial scales have not yet been developed for all species. A facial expression scale in sows was developed using farrowing as a pain model. Five potential facial zones were identified: (i) Tension above eyes, (ii) Snout angle, (iii) Neck tension, (iv) Temporal tension and ear position (v), and Cheek tension. Facial zones were examined through 263 images of a total of 21 sows at farrowing, characterizing moments of non-pain (19 days post-farrowing; score 0), moderate pain (time interval between the delivery of two consecutive piglets; score 1) and severe pain (during active piglet delivery; score 2). Images were evaluated by a “Silver Standard” observer with experience in sows’ facial expressions, and by a group of eight animal welfare scientists, without experience in it, but who received a one-hour training session on how to assess pain in sows’ faces. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the facial expression ranged from moderate to very good for all facial expression zones, with Tension above eyes, Snout angle, and Neck tension showing the highest reliability. In conclusion, monitoring facial expressions seems to be a useful tool to assess pain caused by farrowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Navarro
- Department of Animal and Food Science, School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Eva Mainau
- AWEC Advisors SL, Ed. Eureka, Parc de Recerca UAB, Bellaterra, 08290 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Xavier Manteca
- Department of Animal and Food Science, School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
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Schild SLA, Baxter EM, Pedersen LJ. A review of neonatal mortality in outdoor organic production and possibilities to increase piglet survival. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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14
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Peltoniemi O, Oliviero C, Yun J, Grahofer A, Björkman S. Management practices to optimize the parturition process in the hyperprolific sow. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S96-S106. [PMID: 32810239 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olli Peltoniemi
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Claudio Oliviero
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Jinhyeon Yun
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Alexander Grahofer
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Björkman
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Saarentaus, Finland
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15
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Oliviero C, Junnikkala S, Peltoniemi O. The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 3:12-21. [PMID: 31512316 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of hyperprolific sow lines has increased litter size considerably in the last three decades. Nowadays, in some countries litters can reach up to 18-20 piglets being a major challenge for the sow's physiology during pregnancy, parturition and lactation. The increased number of piglets born per litter prolongs sensibly the duration of farrowing, decreases the piglets' average weight at birth and their vitality, increases the competition for colostrum intake and can affect negatively piglets' survival. This review aims to describe how large litters can affect the immune system of the sow and the piglets and proposes measures to improve this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Oliviero
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Junnikkala
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Peltoniemi
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Straw vs. peat as nest-building material – The impact on farrowing duration and piglet mortality in loose-housed sows. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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17
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Schild SL, Rangstrup-Christensen L, Thorsen C, Bonde M, Pedersen L. The course of parturition in two sow genotypes and two hut designs under free-range conditions. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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Schild SLA, Rangstrup-Christensen L, Bonde M, Pedersen LJ. The use of a shaded area during farrowing and lactation in sows kept outdoors. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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