Factors associated with colostrum consumption in neonatal piglets

Colostrum intake and neonatal characteristics in piglets experiencing varying lengths of expulsion phase

The objective of this study was to investigate how the cumulative expulsion interval, litter size, and birth order influence the characteristics of newborn piglets from hyperprolific sows, as well as their intake of colostrum. Analysis was conducted on the temporal aspects of parturition in 254 sows, including 3920 piglets. Newborn piglet characteristics examined encompassed delivery time, birth order, birth status, umbilical cord rupture, meconium staining, delivery ease, birth weight, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rate. From the raw data, colostrum intake, birth interval, and cumulative birth interval of each piglet were computed. Piglets were sorted based on the cumulative expulsion interval into nine categories: 0-30, 31-60, 61-90, 91-120, 121-150, 151-180, 181-210, 211-240, and >240 min. Litter sizes were categorized into three groups: 10-13, 14-17, and ≥18 piglets per litter. The birth-order ranking referred to the piglet's position within a litter and was categorized into four quartiles: 1, 2, 3, and 4. On average, the expulsion interval, cumulative expulsion interval, and colostrum consumption were 14.8 ± 21.8 min, 138.6 ± 155.7 min, and 407.6 ± 162.1 g, respectively. In litters with ≥18 piglets, the percentage of piglets with inadequate colostrum intake (<300 g) was higher compared to litters with 10-13 piglets (33.1 % vs. 12.9 %, P < 0.001) and 14-17 piglets (23.9 %, P < 0.001). The occurrence of stillbirths in the fourth quartile of the litter was higher than in the first (16.0 % vs. 2.2 %, P < 0.001), second (4.0 %, P < 0.001), and third (7.8 %, P < 0.001) quartiles. Among litters with ≥18 piglets, those born in the third quartile exhibited lower colostrum consumption compared to those born in the first quartile (346.0 ± 9.9 vs. 391.4 ± 8.6 g, P = 0.028). Colostrum intake decreased with longer cumulative expulsion intervals, evident from a notable decline starting at 90 min post-farrowing compared to piglets born within the first 30 min (P = 0.004). Interestingly, colostrum consumption exhibited a negative correlation with the cumulative expulsion interval (P < 0.001), but not with individual piglet expulsion intervals (P = 0.460). Piglets born with meconium staining were most prevalent among those with a cumulative expulsion interval of >240 min. In summary, both the cumulative expulsion interval and birth-order ranking significantly impact the physiological characteristics of newborn piglets and their colostrum intake. Colostrum consumption decreases and newborn piglet characteristics change with higher cumulative expulsion intervals. Identifying piglets at high risk of hypoxia and implementing appropriate treatments and management strategies within an optimal timeframe could aid pig producers in reducing pre-weaning mortality among piglets born to hyperprolific sows.

Supplementing a carbohydrate-rich diet from late lactation to insemination increased glucose and insulin levels in weaned sows, leading to improved subsequent piglet birth weight

Premating maternal nutrition is crucial for postweaning follicle growth, thereby influencing piglet birth weight in subsequent litters. The present study investigated the impact of supplementing a carbohydrate-rich premating diet in sows on metabolic hormones, subsequent piglet birth weight and reproductive performance. Sows were distributed into three groups, control (n=42) received standard diets; treatment I (n=41) received the same diets supplemented with 500 g of a carbohydrate-rich premating diet from weaning until insemination; treatment II (n=42) received the same diets supplemented with 500 g of a carbohydrate-rich premating diet from 7 days before weaning until insemination. Blood samples were taken from sows around weaning to measure serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin, and blood glucose after feeding. The study found that sows on a carbohydrate-rich diet (treatment II) had higher postprandial glucose (P<0.05) and insulin levels (P=0.06) than others. This diet did not affect overall reproductive performance, but it did increase piglet birth weight and reduce the number of low-birth weight piglets compared to the control (P<0.001) and treatment I groups (P<0.05). Supplementing a carbohydrate-rich premating diet for 7 days before weaning until insemination enhanced postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in weaned sows. This dietary intervention led to improved subsequent piglet birth weight and reduced the proportion of low-birth weight piglets.

Effect of Andrographis paniculata supplementation during the transition period on colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G, and postpartum complications in multiparous sows during tropical summer

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effect of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) supplementation in sow diets before and after farrowing on the sow and piglets' performances during early postpartum period and on sows' backfat and longissimus muscle losses during lactation.

METHODS

Seventy Landrace×Yorkshire sows and their offspring (1,186 piglets) were distributed into three groups: control (n = 31), treatment-250 (n = 18), and treatment-1000 (n = 21). From 110.2±0.7 days of gestation until farrowing (5.8 days) and throughout the lactation period (25.2 days), sows in the control group were given the conventional lactation diet, while sows in the treatment-250 and treatment-1000 groups received supplements of 250 ppm and 1,000 ppm of A. paniculata, respectively.

RESULTS

In sows with parity 3-5, piglets from the treatment-1000 group had higher colostrum intake than the control and treatment-250 groups (p<0.05), but not in sows with parity 6-9. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased in treated sows versus controls for parity 6-9 (p<0.05), but was consistent for parity 3-5. Piglet performance until day 3 postnatal was similar across groups (p>0.05). Treatment-250 sows had higher feed intake post-farrowing than treatment-1000 sows (p<0.05). Longissimus loss was less in both treatment groups than control (p<0.05), but backfat loss was similar across groups (p>0.05). Post-partum complications were consistent across groups (p>0.05). Farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows with parity 6-9 were prolonged in the treatment-1000 group.

CONCLUSION

Supplementing with 1,000 ppm A. paniculata for 5.8 days pre-farrowing and 25.2 days post-farrowing enhanced sow colostrum IgG and piglet colostrum intake, while also reducing longissimus loss in sows. However, for sows of parity 6-9, this supplementation led to prolonged farrowing, increased intervals between piglet births, increased stillbirth, and reduced piglet birth weight. These effects should be considered when using A. paniculata supplementation.

The influence of parity, body condition, litter size and carbetocin administration on colostrum production and immunoglobulin levels in highly productive sows within a tropical environment

The aim of this study was to explore the factors contributing to colostrum production and the levels of colostrum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in contemporary highly productive sows within a tropical climate. We focused on variables such as parity number, litter size, sow body condition score (BCS), the timing of sample collection following the commencement of farrowing and the use of carbetocin during the birthing process. A total of 100 colostrum samples were collected from a group of 50 Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. These samples were taken at two distinct time intervals: right after farrowing (0 h) and 6 h later. The colostrum samples were classified according to the sows' parity numbers, with 33 samples originating from primiparous sows and 67 from multiparous ones. Additionally, the number of live-born piglets were categorized into three groups: 7-13, 14-17 and ≥ 18 piglets per litter. Moreover, the samples were categorized based on the use of carbetocin during the birthing process, with 34 sows experiencing natural farrowing and 66 sows receiving carbetocin. The sow's BCS was assessed through visual evaluation and palpation. The piglet colostrum consumption and the amount of colostrum produced by the sows were determined. The concentrations of IgG and IgA were determined by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. On average, the colostrum production averaged 5.5 ± 1.7 kg, with IgG and IgA concentrations averaging 54.9 ± 24.6 mg/ml and 7.6 ± 3.5 mg/ml, respectively. Primiparous sows exhibited a significant 25.2% decrease in IgG concentration within 6 h of parturition (P < 0.05), whereas no such decline was observed in multiparous sows. Furthermore, multiparous sows displayed higher colostrum yields (6.2 ± 1.5 kg and 4.3 ± 1.5 kg, respectively, P < 0.001) and IgA concentrations compared to primiparous sows (8.3 ± 3.8 mg/ml and 6.3 ± 2.6 mg/ml, respectively, P = 0.002). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between IgA concentrations in colostrum and the sow's BCS at both the 0-h and 6-h post-farrowing time points (r = 0.425, P = 0.002 and r = 0.315, P = 0.031, respectively). The administration of carbetocin did not yield a significant impact on the concentrations of IgG and IgA in the sows' colostrum (P > 0.05). In conclusion, during the initial 6 h after birth, colostrum IgA levels remained stable, whereas there was a noticeable decline in IgG levels, particularly among primiparous sows. The production volume of colostrum and the concentration of IgA in sows within tropical conditions were influenced by both parity number and body condition score.

The impact of the interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing on the duration of farrowing, stillbirth rates, and colostrum production in highly productive sows in a tropical climate

The present study investigated impact of the interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing on the duration of farrowing, stillbirth rates, and colostrum production in highly productive sows in a tropical climate. The study involved a total of 92 Danish Landrace x Yorkshire sows (herd A) and 114 French Landrace × Yorkshire sows (herd B). In herd B, a total of 61 sows had their blood samples collected within 1 hr after the onset of farrowing to evaluate their blood glucose levels. The interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing averaged 5.9 ± 4.5 and 5.4 ± 4.1 hr in herds A and B, respectively. Neither the duration of farrowing nor the occurrence of stillborn piglets in both herds was affected by the time gap between the last meal and the onset of farrowing. At the onset of farrowing, the average blood glucose level in sows was 77.1 ± 19.3 mg/dL, with a range of 27 to 115 mg/dL. There was a positive correlation observed between the blood glucose concentration and the colostrum yield of the sows (r=0.261, P=0.042). In conclusion, the time interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing did not have any impact on the farrowing performance of sows. However, a higher concentration of blood glucose at the onset of farrowing was associated with an improvement in the colostrum yield of the sows.

Impacts of supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition period on behaviour, feed consumption, constipation levels, colostrum production and piglet performance in hyperprolific sows

In the modern swine industry, inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing represent a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is rich in fibre. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods (7 days before and after farrowing) on various aspects including postpartum behaviour, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into two groups, i.e., control (n = 54) and treatment (n = 46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet at 3.0-3.5 kg per day for a period of 7 days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150 g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analysed and contained 0.24 % (w/w) cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360 mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fibre content of 4.3 %, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher dietary fibre content of 16.9 %. Video cameras were used to observe and document the behaviour of sows within the initial 24 h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5 °C was considered indicative of fever. The faecal score of the sows was assessed, and a faecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0 % and 38.9 % respectively, P = 0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, overall, sows without constipation issues spent more time consuming feed than those experiencing constipation (P = 0.006). The prevalence of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (17.4 % and 81.5 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the postpartum sows demonstrated increased feed intake following supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts (P < 0.05). Sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, piglet mortality and other piglet traits did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition periods in peri-parturient sows under tropical conditions resulted in a reduction in constipation issues and improved sow activities, such as increased time spent standing and consuming feed within the first 24 h postpartum.

Cloprostenol sodium improves reproductive performance of multiparous sows during lactation

This study aimed to determine the effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analog (D-cloprostenol sodium and DL-cloprostenol sodium) administration on the milk yield of multiparous sows (MS) and piglet growth performance. In total, 320 Landrace×Yorkshire parturient MS were randomly divided into three groups on day 115 of pregnancy: without treatment (N = 50), with 75 μg D-cloprostenol sodium (N = 137), and with 200 μg DL-cloprostenol sodium (N = 133). After delivery, the sows treated with D-cloprostenol sodium and DL-cloprostenol sodium were randomly allocated into three subgroups, respectively: (i) no additional treatment after farrowing; (ii) administration of cloprostenol sodium at 3 h and 5 days after farrowing; and (iii) administration of cloprostenol sodium at 3 h, 5 days, and 10 days after farrowing. Cloprostenol sodium effectively induced sows to synchronize parturition approximately 23 h after administration and increased the daytime delivery rates (p < 0.05). Compared with DL-cloprostenol sodium, D-cloprostenol sodium shortened the farrowing duration and birth interval of sows for inducing farrowing (p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed that a single administration of both D-cloprostenol sodium and DL-cloprostenol sodium a day before delivery significantly reduced the rates of stillborn piglets type II in MS (p < 0.05). Compared to no treatment and single treatment with cloprostenol sodium, quartic treatments with cloprostenol sodium significantly increased the daily feed intake of MS, litter weight after weaning, and average daily gain of piglets (p < 0.05). Cloprostenol sodium improved the 21-day milk yield, with D-cloprostenol sodium showing the best effect, which increased lactation ability by 30.30% (176.72 kg vs. 135.63 kg) (p < 0.05). DL-cloprostenol sodium followed closely, increasing lactation ability by approximately 25.00% (169.71 kg vs. 135.63 kg) (p < 0.05). During lactation, sows administered with D-cloprostenol sodium observed increased serum prolactin levels. Compared to untreated sows, the sows administered with D-cloprostenol sodium and multiple DL-cloprostenol sodium visibly shortened the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) and weaning-to-service interval (WSI) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, quartic injections of D-cloprostenol sodium resulted in an 18 percentage point increase in the pregnancy rate of breeding sows compared to controls (82.61% vs. 64.58%) (p > 0.05). In summary, cloprostenol sodium could enhance the reproductive performance of MS, particularly in terms of lactation performance. Additionally, the effect of quartic injections of D-cloprostenol sodium was the most pronounced.

Factors affecting birth weight and stillbirth in sows housed in a tropical environment

This study analysed data from a commercial swine herd in Thailand equipped with a free-farrowing housing system, comprising 17,196 piglets from 1318 litters, to explore the impact of sow and litter characteristics on the piglet birth weight and the incidence of stillbirth. The piglets were classified into four groups based on the total number of piglets born per litter (TB): ≤9 (n = 1434), 10-12 (n = 3232), 13-15 (n = 6537) and ≥16 (n = 5993). Sows were classified into four groups based on parity number: 1, 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8. The piglets were categorized into quartiles based on their birth order ranking: Q1 (n = 4786), Q2 (n = 4143), Q3 (n = 3808) and Q4 (n = 4456). Piglet birth weight was individually measured before colostrum ingestion. On average, TB, the number of live-born piglets and the incidence of stillbirth were 13.1 ± 3.7, 11.5 ± 3.8 and 6.3%, respectively. Among these litters, 26.6% had TB numbers ≥16. The average piglet birth weight was 1.37 ± 0.36 kg, with 18.3% of piglets weighing ≤1.0 kg at birth. Piglet birth weight was influenced by birth order ranking, as Q4 piglets were found to be heavier than piglets born in Q1-Q3 (p < .001). Moreover, the percentage of piglets with a birth weight of ≤1.0 kg increased from 5.9% in litters with TB of ≤9-25.3% in litters with TB of ≥16 (p < .001). Additionally, primiparous sows had lower piglet birth weights compared to sows with parity numbers 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8 (p < .001). Piglets born in the fourth quartile (Q4) had a higher risk of stillbirth compared to those born in the first (Q1), second (Q2) and third (Q3) quartiles (12.5% vs. 2.2%, 4.1% and 6.6%, respectively, p < .001). The incidence of stillbirth in litters with TB ≥16 was also higher than that in litters with TB ≤9 and 10-12 (p < .05). Furthermore, sows with parity numbers ≥8 had a higher incidence of stillbirth (9.7%) compared to primiparous sows (4.0%, p < .001), sows with 2-4 parity (5.2%, p < .001) and sows with 5-7 parity (7.6%, p = .003). In summary, a high incidence of stillbirth was found in piglets born in the last quartile of litters, in litters with >16 piglets and for sows with parity numbers ≥8. Piglets born in the last quartile of litters were heavier than those born in the first to third quartiles.

Factors associated with farrowing assistance in hyperprolific sows

OBJECTIVE

The present study was performed to determine risk factors associated with the frequency of farrowing assistance in hyperprolific sows in a tropical environment and to investigate the impacts of farrowing assistance on piglet colostrum consumption and sow colostrum yield.

METHODS

Farrowing data from 352 Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred sows and 5,554 piglets in five commercial swine herds in Thailand were investigated. The sows were classified according to parity numbers: 1 (n = 72), 2 to 4 (n = 128), 5 to 6 (n = 84), and ≥7 (n = 68) and the total number of piglets born per litter (TB): 10 to 13 (n = 90), 14 to 16 (n = 117), and ≥17 (n = 145). The incidence of farrowing assistance and associated parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

The TB and farrowing duration averaged 15.8±0.2 and 279.9±11.2 min, respectively. The percentage of sows that required farrowing assistance was 29.8% and varied among herds from 5.7% to 53.3% (p<0.001). The percentage of piglets born after birth assistance using manual intervention was 8.4%. Sows with parity numbers 1 and 2 to 4 had a lower frequency of farrowing assistance than sows with parity numbers ≥7 (p<0.01). The colostrum yield of sows that required farrowing assistance did not differ from sows that farrowed without assistance (5.3±0.2 and 5.1±0.1 kg; p = 0.288); however, the colostrum consumption of piglets born from sows that required farrowing assistance was lower than those born from sows that farrowed without assistance (302.2±15.7 and 354.2±5.6 g; p<0.001). Blood oxygen saturation of the piglets born after birth assistance tended to be lower than the piglets that farrowed without birth assistance (87.8%±1.3% vs 90.4%±0.4%; p = 0.054).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of farrowing assistance in sows varied among herds and was influenced by parity number. The piglets born after receiving birth assistance should receive special care to improve their blood oxygen saturation and enhance colostrum intake.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Potential Relationship Between Sow Colostrum and Neonatal Serum Metabolites in Different Pig Breeds

SCOPE

Colostrum composition is an important indicator of newborn piglet survival and growth. However, limited information is available on the association between colostrum metabolites in sows and serum metabolites in neonates. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the metabolites in the colostrum of sows, in the serum of their offspring piglets, and mother-offspring metabolite correlations in different pig breeds.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Colostrum and serum samples are collected from 30 sows and their piglets from three pig breeds (Taoyuan black, TB; Xiangcun black, XB; and Duroc) to analyze the targeted metabolomics. This study identifies 191 metabolites in the colostrum of sows, including fatty acids, amino acids, bile acids, carnitines, carbohydrates, and organic acids, and the concentrations of these metabolites are highest in the TB pigs. Metabolite profiles in sow colostrum and piglet serum differ among Duroc, TB, and XB pigs, and the matching metabolites are mainly enriched in the digestive system and transportation pathways. Furthermore, identification of the associations between metabolites in the colostrum of sows and their neonate sera suggests that metabolite compounds from colostrum are transported to suckling piglets.

CONCLUSION

The present study findings deepen the understanding of the composition of sow colostrum metabolites and the transportation of metabolites from sow colostrum to piglets. The findings also provide insight regarding the development of dietary formulas that resemble the sow colostrum for newborn animals to maintain health and improve the early growth of offspring.

Effect of a combination of altrenogest and double PGF2α administrations on farrowing variation, piglet performance and colostrum IgG

The variation of gestation length in sows leads to difficulties performing farrowing supervision. The present study was performed to investigate whether oral administration of altrenogest until 112 days of gestation and double administration of PGF2α at 113 days of gestation can synchronise the onset of parturition in sows and minimise deleterious effects on the incidence of stillbirths and colostrum quality. Additionally, the effects of synchronised farrowing on colostrum yield and piglet birth weight, colostrum intake and survival rate of piglets until seven days of postnatal life were also investigated. In total, 193 Landrace x Yorkshire crossbred sows were randomly allocated according to parity number into two groups, i.e. control (n = 95) and treatment (n = 98). The control sows were allowed to farrow naturally. The treatment sows were orally administered 20 mg per day of altrenogest for four days from 109 to 112 days of gestation and were administered PGF2α twice on day 113 of gestation. Individual body weight at birth and 24 h after birth of piglets in all litters were determined in both control (n = 1609) and treatment (n = 1707) groups. Colostrum consumption of all piglets, colostrum yield, colostrum IgG and serum progesterone of sows were determined. On average, the total number of piglets born per litter were 17.0 ± 3.1. The proportion of sows farrowed before 114 days of gestation was higher in the control than the treatment group (8.4% and 2.0%, respectively, P = 0.05) and 92.8% of sows in the treatment group farrowed on day 114 of gestation. The percentage of stillborn piglets per litter did not differ significantly between control and treatment groups (4.5% and 4.6%, respectively). Colostrum yield of sows did not differ between control and treatment groups (5.52 ± 0.13 and 5.28 ± 0.12 kg, respectively, P = 0.174). However, colostrum intake of piglets was lower in the treatment than the control group (354.7 ± 6.6 and 381.2 ± 7.0 g, respectively, P = 0.012). Colostrum IgG was higher in the control than the treatment group (41.2 ± 1.1 and 37.3 mg per ml, P = 0.013). In conclusion, altrenogest treatment from 109 to 112 days and double administrations of PGF2α on day 113 of gestation can control gestation length in sows. No deleterious effects of this protocol on the incidence of stillbirths and sow colostrum yield were detected. However, piglet colostrum intake and colostrum IgG were compromised. Thus, care of newborn piglets in the treatment group should be considered.

Does Nursing Behaviour of Sows in Loose-Housing Pens Differ from That of Sows in Farrowing Pens with Crates?

Sows confined to farrowing crates are restricted in performing natural behaviour such as maternal behaviour. Loose-housing farrowing pens (LH) and farrowing pens with crates (FC) were compared regarding sows’ nursing behaviour via video analyses over four weeks per batch (one day per week). Nursing frequency was similar in LH and FC pens (1.25 ± 0.82 vs. 1.19 ± 0.75 nursings/sow/hour; p > 0.05). However, nursing duration differed between the two systems (LH: 5.7 ± 4.6 min vs. FC: 7.0 ± 5.0 min; odds ratio (OR) 1.168, p = 0.011). In LH pens, more nursing bouts were sow-terminated than in FC pens (OR 0.427, p = 0.001). The probability of sow-terminated nursing occurring increased from week 1 to week 4 (OR 3.479, adjusted p (padj) < 0.001), while that of observing unnursed piglets decreased from week 1 to week 4 (OR 0.301, padj < 0.001) and rose with increasing litter size (OR 1.174, p = 0.010). We conclude that nursing behaviour was affected by the farrowing system, with shorter nursing duration and more nursing terminations by the sow in LH than in FC pens. Since this corresponds to the nursing behaviour of sows in semi-natural conditions, it can be assumed that sows in LH pens are more likely to exhibit natural nursing behaviour.