Effects of dietary energy intake during gestation and lactation on milk yield and composition of first, second and fourth parity sows

Review: The amazing gain-to-feed ratio of newly weaned piglets: sign of efficiency or deficiency?

Shortly after weaning, piglets generally eat dry feed poorly; but nevertheless, a phenomenal gain-to-feed ratio is achieved as they gain about as much weight as they eat (150-200 g/d). The high gain-to-feed ratio, though, cannot be explained by their nutrient intake or nutrient repartitioning. Analyses based on tissue composition and bio-electrical impedance data showed that newly weaned piglets lose fat, maintain protein, and gain large amounts of water because of edema. This edema, which may well contribute up to one kg of BW, seems to be triggered by refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome in adult humans occurs when subjects fast for an extended period of time (weeks) that results in downshifts in metabolic activity and concomitant shedding of phosphate (PO4), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) in urine. If food is abruptly reintroduced, thus, resulting in strong insulin spikes, metabolism is triggered but hampered by a lack of PO4, Mg, K, and thiamine, causing hypophosphatemia, metabolic stress, and edema. In piglets, the same process appears to happen immediately after weaning but in hours rather than weeks, possibly linked to their high metabolic rate. Refeeding syndrome can be lethal in humans but does not appear to be directly lethal in piglets. Our attempts to prevent it through altered diet composition and/or controlled feeding programs have not resulted in better performance at the end of the nursery phase. A practical ramification of weaning-induced edema is that growth and gain-to-feed ratio data immediately after weaning should be interpreted with caution. In addition, diets arguably should be formulated to not strongly trigger insulin release, while high lysine levels are not needed as the gain is not based on protein accretion.

Peculiarities in the Amino Acid Composition of Sow Colostrum and Milk, and Their Potential Relevance to Piglet Development

The composition of mother's milk is considered the ideal diet for neonates. This study investigated how conserved or variable the amino acid profile of sow colostrum and milk is throughout lactation, compared with other studies in sows and other species. Twenty-five sows (parity one to seven) from one farm with gestation lengths of 114 to 116 d were sampled on d 0, 3, and 10 after parturition. The total amino acid profile of the samples was analyzed through ion-exchange chromatography, and the results were displayed as the percentage of total amino acid and compared with literature data. Most of the amino acid concentrations in sow milk decreased significantly (p < 0.05) throughout the lactation period, while the amino acid profile generally showed a conserved pattern, especially from d 3 to d 10, and was rather similar across different studies. Glutamine + glutamate was the most abundant amino acid in milk at all sampling moments, accounting for 14-17% of total amino acids. The proportions of proline, valine, and glycine in sow milk nearly accounted for 11%, 7%, and 6% respectively, and were higher compared to human, cow, and goat milk, while the methionine proportion was less than the other three. Compared to the large variations often reported in macronutrient concentrations, the amino acid profile of sow milk in the present study, as well as in others, seems well conserved across the lactation period. Similarities with characteristic differences were also observed between sow milk and piglet body composition, which might reflect the nutrition requirements of preweaning piglets. This study warrants further research exploring the link between the whole amino acid profile and the particular amino acids for suckling piglets and could facilitate insight for optimizing creep feed.

Early- and mid-lactation milk traits are associated with piglet growth during lactation

Preweaning piglet growth is tied to milk quality and consumption. To determine the relationship of milk traits from parity 1-4 dams and piglet growth, early- and mid-lactation (day 2 and day 16) milk samples were collected from 48 litters and analyzed for protein, fat, somatic cell count (SCC), lactose, other solids (solids excluding protein and fat), total solids, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). There were no interactions of parity by day therefore only main effects were tested. Milk volume and percent MUN were greatest (P < 0.05) from fourth parity dams. Nulliparous dams had elevated (P < 0.05) SCC. Several milk traits were different by day. Percent milk protein, fat, and total solids were greater (P < 0.05) from day 2 milk, while percent milk lactose and other solids were greater (P < 0.05) from day 16 milk. Each milk trait was categorically identified as high, moderate, or low at ¼, ½, or ¼ distribution, respectively. Mixed models were used to determine the association of individual milk traits with piglet lactation growth (gain calculated from body weights at birth, day 10, and day 25 weaning; WN). Moderate levels of day 2 milk protein were associated with the greatest (P < 0.05) gain during lactation in comparison to low and high levels. High levels of day 2 milk lactose and day 2 other solids were both related (P < 0.05) to piglet gain over the lactation period. Evaluation of day 16 milk traits with piglet gain over lactation indicated high levels of fat, other solids, and total solids had the greatest (P < 0.05) gain in comparison to moderate and low levels of each trait. Within phase of lactation weight gain, association of day 2 or day 16 milk traits with early weight gain (birth to day 10) or late weight gain (day 10 to WN) were performed. The greatest (P < 0.05) early weight gains were associated with moderate levels of day 2 protein, high levels of day 2 lactose and day 2 other solids, and low levels of day 2 MUN. High levels of day 2 milk lactose and day 16 milk fat were associated (P < 0.05) with piglet gain during late lactation (day 10 to weaning). Genetic selection or improved management that allows for favorable milk traits at critical periods of lactation for improved weight gain will improve pig production.

Animal board invited review: Factors affecting the early growth and development of gilt progeny compared to sow progeny

Progeny born to primiparous sows farrowing their first litter, often called gilt progeny (GP), are typically characterised by their poorer overall production performance than progeny from multiparous sows (sow progeny; SP). Gilt progeny consistently grow slower, are born and weaned lighter, and have higher postweaning illness and mortality rates than SP. Collectively, their poorer performance culminates in a long time to reach market weight and, ultimately, reduced revenue. Due to the high replacement rates of sows, the primiparous sow and her progeny represent a large proportion of the herd resulting in a significant loss for the pig industry. While the reasons for poorer performance are complex and multifaceted, they may largely be attributed to the immature age at which gilts are often mated and the significant impact of this on their metabolism during gestation and lactation. As a result, this can have negative consequences on the piglet itself. To improve GP performance, it is crucial to understand the biological basis for differences between GP and SP. The purpose of this review is to summarise published literature investigating differences in growth performance and health status between GP and SP. It also examines the primiparous sow during gestation and lactation and how the young sow must support her own growth while supporting the metabolic demands of her pregnancy and the growth and development of her litter. Finally, the underlying physiology of GP is discussed in terms of growth and development in utero, the neonatal period, and the early development of the gastrointestinal tract. The present review concludes that there are a number of interplaying factors relating to the anatomy and physiology of the primiparous sow and of GP themselves. The studies presented herein strongly suggest that poor support of piglet growth in utero and reduced colostrum and milk production and consumption are largely responsible for the underperformance of GP. It is therefore recommended that future management strategies focus on supporting the primiparous sow during gestation and lactation, increasing the preweaning growth of GP to improve their ability to cope with the stressors of weaning, selection of reproductive traits such as uterine capacity to improve birth weights and ultimately GP performance, and finally, increase the longevity of sows to reduce the proportion of GP entering the herd.

The Impact of Enhancing Diet Quality or Dietary Supplementation of Flavor and Multi-Enzymes on Primiparous Lactating Sows

This study was aimed to explore how a high-quality diet or a flavor plus multi-enzyme diet affects the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and antioxidation capacity of lactating sows and the growth of their progeny. Thirty primiparous sows were randomly assigned to three treatments from d 2 of lactation until weaning (d 21): control (CON), with a basal diet; high quality (HQ), with 200 kcal/kg higher net energy than CON; or the CON diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg flavor and 100 mg/kg multi-enzymes (F + E). Sows fed with the HQ or F + E diets improved piglets’ live weight (p < 0.05) and average daily weight gain (p < 0.10), litter weight gain (p < 0.10) and piglet growth to milk yield ratio (p < 0.10). Compared with CON, the HQ and F + E groups increased the digestibility of ether extract, ash, neutral detergent fiber, crude fiber and phosphorus (p < 0.10), and the HQ group also increased dry matter, gross energy, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and energy intake (p < 0.05). Compared with CON, the F + E group decreased serum urea nitrogen and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05) and enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, but it decreased malondialdehyde in milk supernatant (p < 0.05).

Importance of Breed, Parity and Sow Colostrum Components on Litter Performance and Health

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of breed and parity on colostrum components, and to associate sow breed, parity, and colostrum components with survival, growth, and the occurrence of diarrhoea of their litters. In Experiment 1, 64 sows (Duroc = 13; Landrace = 17 and Large White = 34) were included. In Experiment 2, 71 sows with different parities (1 = 10; 2 = 16; 3 = 13; 4 = 12; ≥5 = 20) were included. The number (N) of live piglets, litter body weight (Experiment 1), and the occurrence of diarrhoea (Experiment 1) were recorded at farrowing, at 2−3 days of age, and at weaning. Colostrum was analysed for proximate composition, immunoglobulins (Igs), and somatic cell count (SCC). Stepwise regressions and ANOVA models were used to associate breed, parity, and colostrum components with litter performance. The Duroc breed had the highest IgG and IgA (p < 0.005). Gilts had a higher fat% and SCC (p< 0.0001); these compounds were positively correlated (r = 0.45). Increased IgA tended to increase the N of weaned piglets (p = 0.058) and reduce litter diarrhoea (p = 0.021). The SCC increased the N of weaned piglets (p = 0.031). Overall, this study confirmed that breed and parity can influence the colostrum composition and highlighted the key role of Igs and somatic cells in piglet health.

Dam parity structure and body condition during lactation influence piglet growth and gilt sexual maturation through pre-finishing

Energy demands during lactation greatly influence sow body condition and piglet performance. We hypothesized that primiparous sows or sows with reduced body condition would produce piglets with reduced growth and delayed sexual maturation. Eight weekly farrowing seasons were used to evaluate sow body condition (post-farrowing, PF and weaning, WN) and piglet growth from 157 dams. Body condition was measured at PF and WN using sow calipers (last rib and hip) and 10th rib ultrasound. Sows were categorized as thin, moderate, or fat by caliper (PF or WN). Individual pig weights were recorded on approximately 1, 10, WN, 45, 100, and 145 d of age. At 100 and 145 d of age, 10th-rib backfat and loin eye area were measured on 567 pigs and first estrus was monitored in 176 gilts reserved for breeding selection beginning at approximately 170 d of age. Sows had similar (P > 0.10) PF last rib caliper measurements but at WN, first parity sows had the smallest caliper measurements compared to other parities (P < 0.05). Parities 1, 2, and 3 sows had similar (P > 0.10) loin eye area at PF; however, at WN first parity sows had the smallest loin eye area (P < 0.05; 38.2 ± 0.63 cm2). Parity 1 sows had the greatest (P < 0.05) reduction of backfat and loin eye area over the lactation period (-2.9 ± 0.31 mm and -2.6 ± 0.49 cm2, respectively). At 1 d of age and WN, piglets from first parity sows weighed the least (P < 0.05) but were the heaviest (P < 0.05) at 100 and 145 d of age. Pigs from first parity litters had larger (P < 0.05) loin eye area at 100 and 145 d of age and greater backfat (P < 0.05) at 145 d of age. Fat sows at WN (last rib or hip) had the lightest (P < 0.05) piglets at 10 d of age and WN. However, at 45 d of age, piglets from fat sows (last rib or hip) were heavier (P < 0.05) than piglets from moderate and thin sows. Tenth rib backfat at 100 and 145 d of age tended (P < 0.10) to be less in pigs reared by thin sows (PF and WN hip). Tenth rib loin eye area was similar among pigs reared by fat, moderate, or thin sows. Gilts developed in litters from fourth parity sows had (P < 0.05) delayed age at puberty in contrast to gilts from first or third parity sows (200.9 ± 4.96 d vs. 189.0 ± 2.29 d and 187.5 ± 2.84 d, respectively). Although progeny body weights were typically less from first parity dams through 45 d of age, these progeny were similar or heavier at 100 and 145 d of age in contrast to progeny from other parities. Furthermore, gilt progeny from first parity dams did not have delayed pubertal attainment.

Effects of Amaranthus hypochondriacus supplementation during gestation and lactation on the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, lactational feed intake, and litter performance in sows

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AH) inclusion in the diets of gestating and lactating sows on the lactational feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of suckling piglets. During gestation, 40 multiparous Landrace sows were restrictively fed with either a control diet or a diet including 30% AH. Both diets had similar levels of digestible energy and crude protein, but the 30% AH diet had higher crude fibre levels than the control diet. After breeding, lactating sows were fed ad libitum with one of two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets, either a control diet or a diet containing 10% AH. In gestating sows, AH supplementation was found to be associated with decreased digestibility of crude protein and dry matter (p < .001), resulting in lesser backfat depth (p < .001). However, in lactating sows, AH supplementation had little effect on digestibility and milk composition; moreover, it increased the feed intake (p < .001) and decreased backfat loss (p < .001) in sows. On the 21st day of lactation, suckling piglets in AH group showed significantly greater average daily gains (p < .001), and average body weight and litter weight significantly increased compared with sows fed the control diet. In conclusion, AH-supplementation increased lactational feed intake in sows and improved the growth performance of suckling piglets.

Supplementing Colostrum from Multiparous Sows: Effects on Performance and Health in Piglets from Gilts in Farm Conditions

Simple Summary

Colostrum intake is essential for piglets. Gilt litters may not receive the same quantity and quality of colostrum as the litters from sows do. An extra dose of 30 mL divided into two doses (20 min apart, using a gastric tube) of colostrum from multiparous sows was administered to piglets born from gilts to ascertain its effects on piglets’ performance and health in farm conditions, with a special interest in the smallest piglets (under quartile 1, Q1). Quartiles for birth weight were Q1 = 1.100 kg, Q2 = 1.300 kg, and Q3 = 1.500 kg (n = 401). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets), and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea. Immune response improved among SUP piglets for the diseases evaluated. In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had significant effects on mean weight and ADG in the first days of life. The smallest piglets had a reduced use of antibiotics when supplemented. The time and labour invested in colostrum supplementation could be compensated by the improvement of piglets’ productive parameters and health.

Abstract

Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity.

Antagonistic maternal and direct effects of the leptin receptor gene on body weight in pigs

Maternal effects on offspring growth can impact survival and evolution of natural and domesticated populations. Genetic correlation estimates often support a negative relationship between direct and maternal effects. However, the genetic underpinnings whereby this antagonism operates are unclear. In pigs, sow feeding status and body composition condition piglet development and growth. We hypothesized that variants in genes impacting these traits may be causative of maternal influences that could be antagonistic to the direct effects for piglet growth. A recessive missense mutation (C>T) in the porcine leptin receptor (LEPR) gene (rs709596309) has been identified as the possible causal polymorphism for increased feed intake and fatness. Using data from a Duroc line, we show that the TT sows exerted a negative impact on the body weight of their offspring at the end of the growing period of similar extent to the positive direct effect of the TT genotype over each individual. Thus, TT pigs from TT dams were about as heavy as CC and CT (C–) pigs from C–dams, but TT pigs from C–dams were around 5% heavier than C–pigs from TT dams. In contrast, body composition was only influenced by LEPR direct effects. This antagonism is due to a higher propensity of TT pigs for self-maintenance rather than for offspring investment. We show that TT pigs consumed more feed, favored fatty acid uptake over release, and produced lighter piglets at weaning than their C–counterparts. We conclude that LEPR underlies a transgenerational mechanism for energy distribution that allocates resources to the sow or the offspring according to whether selective pressure is exerted before or after weaning.

Influence of biological and management factors on piglets in the maternity phase

Abstract The goal of this study was to assess the effects of uniformization management, birth order (BO), birth weight (BiW) and their interactions on the performance of piglets in the maternity phase. Sows (n = 25) and their litters (n = 388 piglets) were distributed into two treatments, namely: UNIF - uniformization of piglets between different litters right after birth; and BIOM - piglets kept up to 12 hours after birth with their biological mothers. In both treatments, the effect of BO was assessed in three groups characterised by BO of 1-6, 7-12, and ≥13. The effect of BiW was assessed in four groups defined as ‘very light’, ‘light’, ‘medium’, and ‘heavy’. The design was completely randomised in a 2×3×4 factorial scheme, totalling 24 treatments with 16 piglets/treatment, on average. Weight gain from birth to 72 hours after birth (WG72h) was greater in the BIOM treatment. The colostrum intake (CI) was lower in piglets with BO ≥13. In general, piglet performance increased in response to the increase in BiW. There was interaction between uniformization management and BiW with respect to CI related to body weight (CIBW), which was greater in very light piglets in the UNIF treatment (27.48% BW), and lower in heavy piglets in the BIOM treatment (16.82% BW). It was possible to obtain satisfactory piglet performance by keeping the litters with their biological mothers until 12 hours after birth. The CI expressed on an absolute basis (g) was greater; however, CI expressed on relative basis with respect to body weight (% BW) was lower in heavy piglets.

Effect of Parity on Reproductive Performance and Composition of Sow Colostrum during First 24 h Postpartum

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of parity number on sow reproductive performance and the chemical and immunological composition of colostrum and immunoglobin concentrations in the sera of the sows. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 6 and 24 h after the births of the first piglets from 56 sows with different numbers of parturitions (ranging 1-6). The piglets born alive to primiparous sows had lower birth weights (p < 0.05) than piglets from second and fourth parturition sows. The colostrum composition was influenced (p < 0.05) by parity number: primiparous sows had higher concentrations of dry matter, fat, lactose and non-fat-solids. No parity-dependent differences were found concerning total protein amount. Colostrum composition was drastically affected (p < 0.001) by sampling time-the highest concentrations of dry matter and protein and lowest concentrations of fat and lactose were found immediately after parturition (0 h). The study revealed no effect of parity (p ≥ 0.05) on the concentrations of immunoglobulins in colostrum. The immunoglobulin with the highest level in sow serum at day 110 of gestation was IgG, while IgA showed the lowest values and greater variability with respect to parity from an immunological point of view. Regarding the relationship between serum Ig levels at the end of gestation and colostrum Ig, serum IgG showed a strong correlation with colostrum IgG and IgM, while colostrum IgG was strongly related with colostrum IgM, but not with IgA. IgA did not correlate with any other immunoglobulin. The different behaviors of the immunoglobins in colostrum were probably due to IgG coming almost exclusively from the sows' sera, whereas IgA is mainly synthetized by the mammary gland.

Impact of sow parity on yield and composition of colostrum and milk in Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows

The present study aims to characterize the colostrum, milk yield and composition and to determine whether sow parity would influence yield and composition of colostrum and milk in Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. The data were collected from sow parity numbers 1 (n = 27), 2-4 (n = 48) and 5-6 (n = 30) from Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows reared in a commercial swine herd in Thailand. The piglets were weighed on day 0 (<1 h), 1 (24 h), 3, 10 and 17 after birth to determine the colostrum and milk yields of the sows using a prediction equation. Milk samples were collected manually within 1 h of the onset of parturition and on days 3, 10 and 17 after farrowing to evaluate milk composition. A general linear model procedure was used to analyze the effects of sow parity numbers on colostrum yield and composition and a general linear mixed model procedure was used to analyze the effects of sow parity numbers on yield and composition of milk. The model included the fixed effects of sow parity number and time (day after parturition). The sow parity numbers 2-4 (7.0 kg) had a higher colostrum yield than 1st parity sows (5.4 kg, P =  0.002) and parity 5-6 sows (5.9 kg, P = 0.025). No evidence of parity differences was observed on milk yield (P = 0.306). No effect of sow parity numbers on fat, protein and lactose in milk was observed. The dry matter in sow parity numbers 2-4 (19.8 g/100 g) had a tendency to be higher than sow parity number 1 (18.6 g/100 g, P =  0.107) and 5-6 (18.4 g/ 100 g, P =  0.053). In conclusion, sow parity number had an impact on colostrum yield in Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows in a tropical climate but did not influence colostrum, milk composition and milk yield. Colostrum yield in Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows was the highest in sow parity numbers 2-4.

Effects of dietary energy and lysine levels on physiological responses, reproductive performance, blood profiles, and milk composition in primiparous sows

The adequate intake of energy and lysine for primiparous sows are necessary for maternal growth of sows and growth of their progeny. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary energy and lysine levels on primiparous sows and their progeny. A total of 48 gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace), with an initial body weight (BW) of 168.1 ± 9.71 kg and at day 35 of gestation, were allotted to eight treatment groups with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The first factor was metabolizable energy levels in diet (3,265 or 3,365 kcal of ME/kg), and the second factor was lysine levels in diet (gestation 0.55%, 0.65%, 0.75%, 0.85%, lactation 0.70%, 0.85%, 1.00%, 1.15%). The BW gain (p = 0.07) and backfat thickness (p = 0.09) in the gestation period showed a tendency to be increased in sows fed the high-energy diets. In the lactation period, sows fed the high-energy diets tended to be greater BW (p = 0.09) and less BW loss (p = 0.05) than those of sows fed the low-energy diets. Sows fed high-energy diets had a tendency of greater piglet weight at day 21 of lactation and greater piglet weight gain (p = 0.08 and p = 0.08, respectively). Although the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was increased linearly as dietary lysine level increased at day 110 of gestation (Linear, p = 0.03), the BUN was decreased linearly as dietary lysine level increase at day 21 of lactation (Linear, p < 0.01). In the composition of colostrum, sows fed high-energy diets had greater casein, protein, total solid, solid not fat, and free fatty acid concentrations than those of sows fed low-energy diets (p < 0.05). Supplementation of total lysine 0.75% for gestation and 1.00% for lactation with 3,365 kcal of ME/kg energy level could be applied to the primiparous sows’ diet to improve performance of sows and growth of their progeny.

Evaluation of Sugarcane-Derived Polyphenols on the Pre-Weaning and Post-Weaning Growth of Gilt Progeny

Simple Summary

Gilt progeny are characterised by their poor lifetime growth performance compared with sow progeny. Various feeding strategies that employ the use of additives may be used to improve their growth. Gilts are said to be in increased oxidative stress throughout lactation, which may contribute to the reduced growth performance seen in their progeny. Furthermore, weaning is associated with increased inflammation, which can reduce growth after weaning. In this study, both late gestation/lactation diets and weaner diets were supplemented with a sugarcane extract rich in polyphenols owing to their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties to collectively improve the growth of gilt progeny. However, no improvements of growth performance of gilt progeny in both the pre-weaning and post-weaning periods were observed in response to polyphenol supplementation and sow progeny continuously outperformed gilt progeny. Furthermore, when inflammation was measured using the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β, no differences were found between the control and polyphenol supplemented group. However, gilt progeny exhibited reduced circulating interleukin-1β overall. In summary, gilt progeny experience persistent underperformance that may be coupled in part to poorer immune development and polyphenol supplementation did not overcome the persistent underperformance.

Abstract

Gilt progeny (GP) exhibit poorer growth compared with sow progeny (SP), particularly in the pre-weaning and post-weaning period. Late gestation/lactation sow diets and weaner diets were supplemented with 0.5% Polygain (POL), a sugarcane extract rich in polyphenols, to collectively improve GP growth in these periods. Gilts (n = 60) and sows (n = 68, parities 2 and 3) were fed a control or POL diet. Weaned GP (n = 79) and SP (n = 92) born to these dams were also fed either a CON or POL diet. Gilts litters weighed less than sow litters at birth and 21 days (p < 0.001 for both) and were not improved by POL (p = 0.80 and 0.54, respectively). GP were lighter than SP at day 7 and day 14 post-weaning (p < 0.001 for both) and were not improved by the POL diet at these timepoints (p = 0.61 and 0.97, respectively). Plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was increased at weaning despite POL supplementation (p = 0.022) and GP had reduced IL-1β overall (p = 0.021). Overall, POL was unable to improve growth in GP and the attenuated immune response seen in GP could be contributing to their poor growth performance.

Effect of increasing dietary energy density during late gestation and lactation on sow performance, piglet vitality, and lifetime growth of offspring

Genetic selection for hyperprolificacy in sows has resulted in a significant increase in the number of piglets born alive per litter but subsequently, decreased piglet vitality and growth. As a consequence, increasing sows' energy intake during lactation to help increase piglet vitality and growth is increasingly important. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing dietary energy density for lactating sows on weight and back-fat changes in sows, milk composition, and vitality and growth of progeny. Gestating sows (N = 100; Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of four energy dense diets at day 108 of gestation until subsequent service; 13.8 (LL), 14.5 (L), 15.2 (H), and 15.9 MJ DE/kg (HH). All diets contained 1.2% total lysine. Blood samples from sows were taken on day 108 of gestation and at weaning (day 26 of lactation) and colostrum (day 0) and milk samples (day 14) were collected during lactation. Sow lactation feed intakes were recorded daily. The number of piglets born per litter (total and live), piglet birth weight (total and live), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) traits and muscle tone were recorded in piglets at birth. Piglet tympanic ear temperature (TEMP) was recorded at birth and at 24 h. Pigs were weighed on days 1, 6, 14, 26, 33, 40, 54, 75, and 141 of life. Postweaning (PW) pigs were fed standard cereal-based diets. Pig carcass data were collected at slaughter (day 141). Lactation energy intake was higher for HH sows than for all other treatments (P < 0.01). Colostrum and milk composition and lactation feed intake were not affected by treatment. The number of piglets born per litter (total and live) and piglet birthweight (total and live) was similar between treatments. Piglets from LL sows had more IUGR traits (P < 0.01), while those from HH sows had better muscle tone (P < 0.01) than all other treatments. Piglets from LL sows (P < 0.01) and piglets from H sows (P < 0.01) had a higher 24 h TEMP than piglets from HH sows. H sows weaned a greater number of piglets than L sows (P < 0.05) and HH sows (P < 0.01), while L sows weaned lighter litters than H (P < 0.05) and LL sows (P < 0.05). Pig growth PW was unaffected by treatment. High energy dense diets increased energy intake in sows, without depressing appetite. Feeding an HH diet improved piglet muscle tone at birth, whereas feeding an H diet increased litter size at weaning. Inconsistent results were observed for other traits of piglet vitality and for preweaning litter growth performance.

Impact of sow lactation feed intake on the growth and suckling behavior of low and average birthweight pigs to 10 weeks of age

Improved genetics in commercial pig production have resulted in larger litter sizes. However this has increased the prevalence of compromised pigs exhibiting inferior birthweights, weaning weights, and lifetime performance. This study aimed to determine the effects of increased sow lactation feed intake on growth of low and average birthweight piglets until 10 wk of age. Low (Low BW; <1 kg) and average (Av BW; 1.3–1.7 kg) birthweight animals were reared in uniformly weighted litters comprising 14 piglets on a foster mother offered either a low (Low FA; max 7.5 kg/d) or high (High FA; max 11 kg/d) feed allowance over a 28- ± 1-d lactation. Piglet performance was monitored from birth until 10 wk of age. Sows offered a High FA consumed 42.4 kg more feed on average than those offered Low FA, resulting in a greater derived milk yield (P < 0.05). Animals of Av BW remained heavier than Low BW pigs throughout the trial (P < 0.05). Piglets reared by High FA sows were heavier at weeks 3, 4, 5, and 7 (P < 0.05) but not week 10 (P > 0.05). Growth rate of piglets relative to their birthweight was significantly greater for Low BW piglets than those of Av BW during lactation (P < 0.001). Piglets reared by sows offered a High FA expressed greater relative growth preweaning (P < 0.05); however, postweaning relative growth for piglets reared on sows offered a Low FA was greater (P < 0.05) suggesting compensatory growth. Neither birthweight nor sow feed allowance significantly affected preweaning mortality (P > 0.05). However, Low BW animals on sows with a High FA recorded half the preweaning mortality of Low BW pigs on sows with a Low FA. During week 1 of lactation, Av BW litters recorded a greater total suckling duration compared to Low BW litters (P < 0.05) but there was no difference in suckling frequency (P > 0.05). During week 3 of lactation, High FA litters displayed a significantly lower suckling frequency (P < 0.05) yet a greater total suckling duration (P < 0.001). Average daily gain was greater for Av BW pigs during weeks 4–7 (P < 0.001) but no difference was recorded between weeks 7 and 10 (P > 0.05). Average daily feed intake was greater for Av BW pigs throughout the nursery period (P < 0.05) but feed–conversion ratio did not differ compared to Low BW pens (P>0.05). In conclusion, offering sows a High FA increased weaning weight of all animals; however, birthweight was the major determinant of postweaning performance.

The Effect of Dietary Oil Type and Energy Intake in Lactating Sows on the Fatty Acid Profile of Colostrum and Milk, and Piglet Growth to Weaning

This study investigated the effect of salmon oil in lactating sow diets and offering these diets in a phased dietary regimen to increase the energy density of the diet in late lactation. Sow and piglet productivity to weaning, the fatty acid profile of milk, piglet blood and tissues at weaning were the main parameters measured. Multiparous sows (n = 100) (Landrace × Large White) were offered dietary treatments from day 105 of gestation until weaning. Dietary treatments (2 × 2 factorial) included oil type (soya or salmon oil) and dietary regimen (Flat 14.5 MJ/kg DE diet offered until weaning or Phased 14.5 MJ/kg DE diet offered to day 14 of lactation then a second diet containing 15.5 MJ/kg DE offered from day 15 until weaning). Salmon oil inclusion increased the total proportion of n-3 fatty acids in colostrum (p < 0.001), milk (p < 0.001), piglet plasma (p < 0.01), adipose (p < 0.001), liver (p < 0.001) and muscle (p < 0.001). Increasing sow dietary energy level in late lactation increased the total n-3 fatty acids in milk (p < 0.001), piglet adipose (p < 0.01) and piglet muscle (p < 0.05). However, piglet growth to weaning did not improve.

Metabolomic Profiling Reveals the Difference on Reproductive Performance between High and Low Lactational Weight Loss Sows

Sows suffering excess weight loss during lactation may delay weaning to estrus interval (WEI) and have a detrimental effect on subsequent reproductive performance, however, the underlying mechanism is not completely clear. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate physiological profiles manifested in plasma originating from high (HWL) and low lactational weight loss (LWL) sows. The plasma biochemical parameters, hormones, antioxidant parameters, and milk compositions were assessed. Furthermore, plasma metabolites were analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry in positive and negative ion modes. Results showed that HWL sows had a lower feed intake and higher lactational weight loss and prolonged WEI, but had similar litter performance and milk composition compared to LWL sows. These changes were associated with lower plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 and higher fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in the HWL sows. Moreover, HWL led to a severe oxidative stress and metabolic damage, as accompanied by excessive protein breakdown and lipids mobilization at weaning. Metabolomic analysis revealed differences in 46 compounds between HWL and LWL sows, and the identified compounds were enriched in metabolic pathways related to amino acids metabolism, fatty acids oxidation metabolism, bile acids biosynthesis, and nucleoside metabolism. These results provide the evidence for physiological mechanism in sows with excessive lactational weight loss that delayed the WEI. Metabolomic data provides essential information and gives rise to potential targets for the development of nutritional intervention strategies.

Feed intake of the sow and playful creep feeding of piglets influence piglet behaviour and performance before and after weaning

Creep feed intake is variable and may be partly homeostatically and exploratory driven. We studied effects of maternal feed restriction and a 'play-feeder' on piglet behaviour and performance. 37 Litters received creep feed in a conventional (CON) or play-feeder (PL) and their sows were full-fed (FF) or restrictedly-fed (RES). Eaters were determined via rectal swabs. At weaning (d24) four piglets from the same treatment were grouped (n = 36 pens). RES hindered piglet growth by 41 g/d and enhanced time eating, creep feed intake and percentage of eaters at weaning versus FF. RES-PL had the largest proportion of moderate and good eaters. PL stimulated feeder exploration and attracted more piglets to the feeder than CON. Post-weaning, RES increased exploratory behaviours, feed intake between d0-5, and growth between d0-2, and reduced body lesions between d0-2 (within CON), drinking and ear biting. PL increased ingestive behaviours, feed intake and growth between d0-15, and BW at d15 post-weaning by 5%. PL also lowered the prevalence of watery diarrhoea, number of body lesions and piglets with ear (within FF) and tail (within RES) damage at d15 post-weaning. Treatments did not affect FCR. To conclude, RES and particularly PL (broader and for longer) result in less weaning-associated-problems.

Dynamic modeling of nutrient use and individual requirements of lactating sows1

Nutrient requirements of sows during lactation are related mainly to their milk yield and feed intake, and vary greatly among individuals. In practice, nutrient requirements are generally determined at the population level based on average performance. The objective of the present modeling approach was to explore the variability in nutrient requirements among sows by combining current knowledge about nutrient use with on-farm data available on sows at farrowing [parity, BW, backfat thickness (BT)] and their individual performance (litter size, litter average daily gain, daily sow feed intake) to estimate nutrient requirements. The approach was tested on a database of 1,450 lactations from 2 farms. The effects of farm (A, B), week of lactation (W1: week 1, W2: week 2, W3+: week 3 and beyond), and parity (P1: 1, P2: 2, P3+: 3 and beyond) on sow performance and their nutrient requirements were evaluated. The mean daily ME requirement was strongly correlated with litter growth (R2 = 0.95; P < 0.001) and varied slightly according to sow BW, which influenced the maintenance cost. The mean daily standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine requirement was influenced by farm, week of lactation, and parity. Variability in SID lysine requirement per kg feed was related mainly to feed intake (R2 = 0.51; P < 0.001) and, to a smaller extent, litter growth (R2 = 0.27; P < 0.001). It was lowest in W1 (7.0 g/kg), greatest in W2 (7.9 g/kg), and intermediate in W3+ (7.5 g/kg; P < 0.001) because milk production increased faster than feed intake capacity did. It was lower for P3+ (6.7 g/kg) and P2 sows (7.3 g/kg) than P1 sows (8.3 g/kg) due to the greater feed intake of multiparous sows. The SID lysine requirement per kg of feed was met for 80% of sows when supplies were 112 and 120% of the mean population requirement on farm A and B, respectively, indicating higher variability in requirements on farm B. Other amino acid and mineral requirements were influenced in the same way as SID lysine. The present modeling approach allows to capture individual variability in the performance of sows and litters according to farm, stage of lactation, and parity. It is an initial step in the development of new types of models able to process historical farm data (e.g., for ex post assessment of nutrient requirements) and real-time data (e.g., to control precision feeding).

The Effect of Maternal Intact Protein- and Amino Acid-Based Diets on Development of Food Intake Regulatory Systems and Body Weight in Dams and Male Offspring of Wistar Rats

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of maternal and weaning intact protein- and amino acid-based diets on regulation of food intake, intake regulatory hormones, and body weight in dams and their male offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated to two groups (n = 12) and were fed either an intact protein diet (IPD) or mixed amino acid diet (AAD) from day 3 of gestation throughout gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned to either an IPD or AAD for 18 weeks. Food intake (FI) and body weight (BW) were measured weekly. Results: In dams, the AAD group had lower FI and BW in the post-partum period compared with the IPD group. In pups born to AAD dams, birth weight and BW were lower. However, the percentage of fat and lean mass were not affected. Food intake was influenced by maternal diet and was higher in pups born to IPD dams throughout post-weaning. Short-term FI in response to protein preloads was lower in pups born to AAD dams in 1 h. Fasting plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and ghrelin were not influenced by either maternal or weaning diet. However, peptide YY (PYY) was higher in pups born to IPD dams at weaning. Conclusions: The physicochemical properties of proteins fed during pregnancy and lactation had determining effects on the body weight and development of food intake regulatory systems in offspring. Maternal AAD resulted in lower BW in dams and lower birth weight and post-weaning BWs in pups compared with maternal IPD which was consistent with their lower FI.

Sows in mid parity are best foster mothers for the pre- and post-weaning performance of both light and heavy piglets1

To improve the performance of lightweight piglets during suckling, producers are advised to create uniform litters using young sows. However, fostering piglets to primiparous sows may confer penalties due to their lower milk yield and milk immunoglobulin concentrations compared with multiparous sows. The objective was to determine the effect of foster sow parity (primiparous (F), second (S), and mid parity (M: parity 3 to 5)) on the performance from birth to day 68 of piglets born light (L: ≤1.25 kg) or heavy (H: 1.50-2.00 kg) and on creep feed consumption. Piglets (n = 507) considered L or H were cross-fostered, creating litters of 13 similar-sized piglets/litter and were randomly fostered to one of the foster parities. All litters were offered creep feed with a green dye to discern between consumers and nonconsumers, and the medication administered was recorded. Medication administrated pre- and postweaning did not differ (P > 0.05) across the different experimental groups. A significantly (P ≤ 0.025) lower number of H piglets were removed as a result of preweaning weight loss from F and S, rather than M litters. The interaction between birth weight and foster parity only affected piglet BW at day 10 (P = 0.020); foster parity did not influence BW of L piglets, but influenced that of H piglets. H piglets in F and M litters (3.82 and 3.80 kg) were significantly lighter (P ≤ 0.013) than H piglets in S litters (4.15 kg). As expected, L piglets performed worse pre- and postweaning than H piglets; they were 4.50 kg lighter at day 68. Foster parity significantly affected BW: F piglets were weaned lighter (P = 0.004) than S and M piglets (7.52 vs. 8.02 kg). Postweaning (day 68) however, F piglets achieved similar BW as S piglets (29.7 vs. 29.9 kg), whereas M piglets performed best (31.2 kg, P ≤ 0.079). Significantly fewer (almost none) of the L than the H piglets consumed creep feed (P < 0.001); significantly (P = 0.007) more F and M piglets were considered consumers than S piglets. The results suggest that irrespectively of birth weight, piglets tend to perform better when in M litters, being weaned heavy and having a high creep feed intake; however, more piglets are removed from such litters preweaning. Although S litters were weaned heavy, they were unable to maintain this BW advantage postweaning, due to their low creep feed intake and F litters remained small throughout. Long-term performance monitoring to slaughter is recommended.

Feeding Conjugated Linoleic Acid without a Combination of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids during Late Gestation and Lactation Improves Pre-Weaning Survival Rates of Gilt and Sow Progeny

Feeding conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) to dams has been shown to improve progeny growth and survival, and hence may be particularly advantageous to gilt progeny. Primiparous (n = 129) and multiparous sows (n = 123; parities 3 and 4) were fed one of four diets from day 107 of gestation (107.3 ± 0.1 days) until weaning (day 27.2 ± 0.1 of lactation): (i) control diet; (ii) 0.5% CLA diet; (iii) 0.1% MCFA diet; and (iv) equal parts of (ii) and (iii). Progeny performance data were collected and, from a subset of sows (n = 78) and their piglets (n = 144), a colostrum (day 0), milk (day 21), and piglet serum sample (day 3) were analyzed for immunoglobulin G and several selected metabolites. Liveborn pre-weaning mortality tended to be lowest (p = 0.051) in piglets from sows fed 0.5% CLA. However, sows fed the CLA diet had more (p = 0.005) stillbirths than those on the other diets. There were few effects of diet or the dam parity x diet interaction (p ≥ 0.05) on other parameters. Overall, feeding CLA or MCFA did not improve the performance of primiparous sows, multiparous sows, or their progeny.

Primiparous and Multiparous Sows Have Largely Similar Colostrum and Milk Composition Profiles Throughout Lactation

It is important to understand the biological factors influencing the poorer lifetime performance of gilt progeny in comparison to sow progeny and determine whether this may be partially due to differences in lactation performance between primiparous and multiparous sows. It was hypothesized that primiparous sows would have lower levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in colostrum and milk compared to multiparous sows, and lower levels of other energetic components. Differences in colostrum and milk composition between ten primiparous and ten multiparous sows (parities 3 and 4) from a commercial herd were examined throughout lactation (day 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21). Overall, there were no (p ≥ 0.05) parity differences in total IgG, fat, protein, lactose, and net energy (NE) concentrations. Primiparous sows had higher lactose levels at day 2 (parity by timepoint interaction; p = 0.036) and lower NE at day 3 (p = 0.091), and multiparous sows had higher lactose levels at days 14 and 21. Results suggest that shortcomings of gilt progeny are unlikely due to insufficient nutrient levels in colostrum and milk, and more likely to reduced colostrum and milk intake and their capacity to digest and absorb each component.

Evaluation of three different patterns of feed intake during early lactation in lactating sows

Forty-five multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; parity: 3.58 ± 1.30) were used to determine the effects of three patterns of feed intake during early lactation on the performance of lactating sows. Experimental treatments were as follows: IFI-1.4, the amount of feed increased by 1.4 kg per day for the first 5 days post-farrowing, followed by ad libitum feeding until weaning; IFI-1.0, the amount of feed increased by 1.0 kg per day for the first 7 days post-farrowing, followed by ad libitum feeding until weaning; IFI-0.7, the amount of feed increased by 0.7 kg per day for the first 10 days post-farrowing, followed by ad libitum feeding until weaning. The number of live piglets at birth/litter in three dietary treatments was 11.50, 10.07, and 10.85, respectively. Sows in the IFI-1.4 treatment had lower backfat loss during lactation, greater daily feed intake during days 1-6, 7-12, and 1-24 compared with those in the IFI-0.7 treatment (p < .05). The litter weaning weight, litter weight gain, and average litter daily gain in the IFI-1.4 treatment were greater compared with those in the IFI-0.7 treatment (p < .05). In conclusion, the results indicated that the IFI-1.4 feed intake pattern allowed lactating sows and their litters to obtain optimal performance.

Maternal undernutrition and offspring sex determine birth-weight, postnatal development and meat characteristics in traditional swine breeds

Background

The aim of this study was to determine how maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and offspring birth-weight can affect the postnatal development of offspring under farm conditions, which may lead to consequences in its meat and carcass quality. The current study involved a total of 80 litters from Iberian sows fed a diet fulfilling daily requirements (n = 47; control) or providing 70% daily requirements (n = 33; underfed) from d 38 to d 90 of gestation when fetal tissue development begins. After birth, piglets born live were classified as low birth-weight (LBW; < 1 kg) and normal birth-weight (NBW; ≥1 kg). During the growing phase, 240 control and 230 underfed pigs (50% males and females) distributed by BW category and sex were studied until the slaughter.

Results

At birth and weaning, there were significant differences in all morphological measures and weight between NBW and LBW piglets as expected (P < 0.0005), but few effects of the gestational feed restriction. During the growing phase, NBW pigs continued with higher weight than LBW pigs on all the days of evaluation (P < 0.05), even though control-LBW-females and LBW-males showed a catch-up growth. However, underfed pigs showed slower growth and higher feed conversion ratio than control pigs (P < 0.0001) at 215 days old. Moreover, the average daily weight gain (ADWG) for the overall period was greater for NBW, male and control pigs than for their LBW, female and underfed pigs (P < 0.0001, P< 0.0005 and P< 0.05, respectively) and NBW pigs were slaughtered at a younger age than LBW pigs (P < 0.0001). After slaughtering, control pigs also had higher carcass yield and backfat depth than underfed pigs (P < 0.0005) and the maternal nutritional effect caused main changes in the polar lipid fraction of liver and loin. The fatty acid composition of loin in control pigs had higher C18:1n-9 and n-3 FA concentrations, as well as lower ∑n-6/∑n-3 ratio, than in underfed pigs (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

In brief, results showed that the effects of maternal nutritional restriction appeared and increased with offspring age, causing worse developmental patterns for underfed pigs than for control pigs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40104-018-0240-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Modelling piglet growth and mortality on commercial hog farms using variables describing individual animals, litters, sows and management factors

Increases in sow prolificacy have reduced piglet vitality, growth capacity and weight at weaning and even pig weight at slaughter. The aim of this study was to develop a model that predicts likelihood of mortality and weight at weaning. A database containing 3214 records of birth weight, weight gain at 24h, rectal temperature at 24h, litter size, age at weaning, fostering status, manual assistance of birth and oxytocin use as well as the corresponding 227 records of sow parity and feed intake was analysed using logit functions for mortality and linear functions for weaning weight. The best model of mortality predicted increased likelihood as birth weight, rectal temperature and 0-24h weight gain decreased and sow parity and time between births increased (P<0.01, χ²=2910). The best model of weaning weight predicted increases with increasing birth weight, 0-24h body weight gain, age at weaning and sow parity and decreases with increasing litter size at 24h (P<0.01; AICC=4324; RMSE=0.82). This study confirmed that birth weight and weight gain during the first 24h are the principal factors influencing piglet growth and pre-weaning mortality.

Poorer lifetime growth performance of gilt progeny compared with sow progeny is largely due to weight differences at birth and reduced growth in the preweaning period, and is not improved by progeny segregation after weaning

Gilt progeny (GP) are born and weaned lighter than sow progeny (SP) and have higher rates of mortality. This study aimed to quantify the performance and survival differences between GP and SP throughout the entire production cycle from birth to sale. Furthermore, the study looked at the effects of segregating GP and SP compared with commingling during rearing within common pens. It was hypothesized that GP would be lighter than SP at every age and have lower rates of survival accompanied by higher rates of medication, and that segregating GP and SP would improve the growth and survival of both groups. All progeny born to 109 gilts (parity 1) and 94 sows (parities 2 to 8) were allocated to 4 postweaning treatments at birth: GP separately penned, GP mixed with SP in a common pen (GM), SP separately penned, and SP mixed with GP in a common pen (SM), with littermates split among treatments. The GM and SM pigs were penned together after weaning. Individual live weight of all progeny was recorded at birth (birth weight [BWT]), weaning (28 d; weaning weight [WWT]), 10 wk of age (10-wk weight [10WT]), and sale (22-23 wk; sale weight [SWT]). Individual HCW, backfat depth, loin depth, and dressing percentage were measured at slaughter. All postweaning mortalities and medications were recorded. The GP had a lighter BWT ( = 0.032), WWT ( < 0.001), 10WT ( < 0.001), and SWT ( < 0.001) than SP as well as a lower HCW ( < 0.001) and dressing percentage ( = 0.012). Postweaning performance differences were mostly attributable to the lighter WWT of GP compared with that of SP when WWT was fitted as a covariate. The GP had a higher mortality in the immediate postweaning period (weaning to 10 wk of age; = 0.028) and from weaning to sale ( = 0.012) than SP, which was also attributable to lower WWT. The GP exhibited a higher incidence of mortality ( = 0.011) due to respiratory tract infection in the grower-finisher period, despite similar medication rates ( = 0.83). Segregation of GP and SP between pens presented no benefit in terms of growth and survival of both groups while requiring added labor and production considerations and, therefore, is not recommended. This study confirms that GP are lighter than SP, on average, at every stage of life from birth to slaughter and that their performance before weaning is an important determinant for whole-of-life performance.

The effect of characteristics of proteins fed during gestation and lactation on development of metabolic syndrome in dams and male offspring of Wistar rats

Objective

The objective of the study is to examine the role of characteristics of proteins in maternal and weaning diets on risk of metabolic syndrome in male offspring.

Methods

Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated to two groups (n = 12) and were fed the AIN‐93G diets based on either intact protein‐based diet (IPD) or mixed amino acid‐based diet (AAD) from day 3 of gestation throughout gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned to either an IPD or AAD diet for 18 weeks.

Results

In dams, AAD group had lower body weight in post‐partum period and higher pulse rate compared with IPD group. In pups born to AAD dams, birth weight and body weight were significantly lower, and systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher compared with those born to IPD dams. Fat/weight ratio, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were not influenced by either maternal or weaning diet.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the physico‐chemical structure of proteins fed to dams is important in altering risk factors of metabolic syndrome in the offspring, while weaning diets do not seem to play a role. IPD had more favourable effect than AAD. These results may also indicate that dietary recommendations during development must be updated based on physiological properties of dietary proteins that are beyond their nutritional role.

Impact of sow and litter characteristics on colostrum yield, time for onset of lactation, and milk yield of sows

The aim of the present study was to estimate the concurrent impact of sow and litter characteristics on sow productivity. Sow productivity was defined as colostrum yield (CY), onset of lactation (the time point when milk secretion increased steeply, approximately 31 h postpartum), transition milk yield (MY; 36-60 h postpartum), and the mean MY in wk 1 to 4 of lactation. Therefore, the study investigated how factors related with sow nutrition, litter characteristics, farrowing characteristics, and composition of mammary secreta affected sow productivity. Data obtained from 5 previous sow experiments were used. The variables describing sow productivity were all defined as dependent variables and Pearson coefficient of correlation was used to examine relations among dependent variables. The results showed that CY was positively correlated with transition MY and MY in wk 1 and 2 of lactation (P < 0.05), and time for onset of lactation was positively correlated with transition MY (P < 0.05) but negatively correlated with MY in wk 1, 2, and 4 of lactation (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analyses with a backward elimination approach were performed for each dependent variable to investigate relations with characteristics of sow nutrition, litter size, farrowing, and composition of mammary secreta (independent variables). Litter size was positively related with both CY and MY in wk 1 to 4 (P < 0.001). Milk protein concentration was negatively correlated with MY in all 4 wk (P < 0.01), which indicated that high yielding sows were unable to maintain milk protein synthesis during lactation. Additionally, mean intake of ME prepartum ( < 0.05) was included in the regression model for transition MY and the BW of the sow on d 3 was included in the regression model for MY in wk 1 ( P< 0.05). Except litter equlization, none of the observed independent variables were related with time for onset of lactation. In conclusion, when maximizing sow productivity in the future, it may be rewarding to pay attention to sow productivity in the colostrum period and around time for onset of lactation, and special attention should be given to dietary supplies of protein and essential AA.

The Role of Maternal Dietary Proteins in Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Offspring

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and obesity has been increasing. Pre-natal environment has been suggested as a factor influencing the risk of metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Both observational and experimental studies showed that maternal diet is a major modifier of the development of regulatory systems in the offspring in utero and post-natally. Both protein content and source in maternal diet influence pre- and early post-natal development. High and low protein dams’ diets have detrimental effect on body weight, blood pressure191 and metabolic and intake regulatory systems in the offspring. Moreover, the role of the source of protein in a nutritionally adequate maternal diet in programming of food intake regulatory system, body weight, glucose metabolism and blood pressure in offspring is studied. However, underlying mechanisms are still elusive. The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature related to the role of proteins in maternal diets in development of characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in offspring.

Risk factors and epidemiological characteristics of new neonatal porcine diarrhoea syndrome in four Danish herds

Background

The epidemiology of New Neonatal Porcine Diarrhoea Syndrome (NNPDS) was studied in four selected herds. A total of 941 new born piglets in 86 litters were evaluated for five consecutive days. NNPDS is a newly emerged syndrome, characterized by diarrhoea within the first week of life, which is un-responsive to antibiotics and not associated with known pathogens. The aetiology behind the syndrome is unknown, and specific risk factors predisposing piglets to develop NNPDS also remain to be determined.

The study evaluated sow and piglet-level risk factors for developing NNPDS and described the epidemiologic characteristics within four herds previously diagnosed with the syndrome. NNPDS was defined as diarrhoea at any time-point during the second to fifth day of life.

Results

NNPDS was observed in a total of 60% (range: 39%-89%) of first parity piglets and 36% (range: 19-65%) of piglets born by mature sows. In total of 26% of piglets had liquid faeces on the day of birth. Approximately half of these piglets developed NNPDS. In the majority of cases (50-70% of cases within herds) symptoms started on the second or third day of life. Piglets in Herd 1 had12.8 times higher probability of developing NNPDS than piglets in Herd 4. First parity piglets had a 4.1 higher probability of developing NNPDS than piglets born by mature sows. Birth weight and faecal consistency on the day of birth were minor risk factors, each significant within one herd.

Conclusions

The most important factors associated with NNPDS were herd of origin and sow-parity. The reason for one of the herds experiencing a considerably more severe outbreak than the others was not explained by factors addressed in this study.

The epidemiological pattern of diarrhoea varied a lot between herds; however, in all herds first parity piglets seemed predisposed. This association may be explained by an infectious background of the syndrome, but further studies are needed to explain this association.

Effect of birth weight and colostrum intake on mortality and performance of piglets after cross-fostering in sows of different parities

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of colostrum intake on mortality and growth performance of piglets until 42 days of age, taking into account the birth weight, and parity order of sows. Colostrum intake from birth to 24h after birth was estimated in 300 piglets each from primiparous and multiparous sows. The piglets were cross-fostered in 25 primiparous and 25 multiparous sows at 25.9±0.09 h after farrowing. The concentration of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined in the sows after the end of farrowing and in the piglets before cross-fostering (24h after farrowing), at 10 and 20 days of age. For high birth weight piglets (HBW - >1.3-1.7 kg) the probability of death was low regardless of their colostrum intake. Intermediate birth weight (IBW - >1.2-1.3 kg) and low birth weight (LBW - 1.1-1.2 kg) piglets had the same probability of death compared to HBW piglets, when colostrum intake reached 200 and 250 g, respectively. The probability of low performance (<9.5 kg) was lower in HBW than in LBW and IBW piglets, regardless of colostrum intake. HBW piglets had higher weight at 14, 20, 28 and 42 days of age (P<0.05) than LBW piglets, and higher weight than IBW piglets at 28 and 42 days. Colostrum intake >250 g increased (P<0.05) the weight of piglets at 28 and 42 days of age, regardless of their birth weight. Piglets from primiparous biological dams consumed less colostrum (P<0.003) than piglets from multiparous dams, but their serum IgG concentrations at 24h after birth and their performance were similar (P>0.05). Piglets suckled by primiparous foster sows showed lower weight (P<0.05) at 20, 28 and 42 days than piglets suckled by multiparous sows. Piglets that died before 42 days of age had lower (P<0.05) birth weight, colostrum intake and serum IgG at 24 h after birth compared to surviving piglets, and lower values were also observed in piglets with low performance compared to high (>9.5 kg) performance piglets. There were no differences in serum IgG concentrations at 10 and 20 days of age (P>0.05) between high and low performance piglets. In conclusion, both colostrum intake and birth weight are important for survival and growth of suckling piglets. LBW and IBW piglets are more dependent on colostrum intake than HBW piglets to assure higher survival and better development up to 42 days of age. Piglets suckled by multiparous sows have better development than those suckled by primiparous sows.

The effect of the ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine to metabolizable energy on growth performance, blood metabolites and hormones of lactating sows

A total of 335 lactating sows (Landrace × Large White) were used in two experiments to determine the optimum ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID-Lys) to metabolizable energy (ME) for mixed parity sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 185 sows (weighing an average of 256.2 ± 6.5 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.3) were allocated to one of six experimental diets in a completely randomized block design within parity groups (1, 2, and 3+). The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3.06, 3.16, 3.20, 3.25, 3.30 or 3.40 Mcal/kg of ME and each diet was fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. All diets provided a similar SID-lysine level (0.86%). As a result, the diets provided a SID-Lys:ME ratio of 2.81, 2.72, 2.69, 2.65, 2.61 or 2.53 g/Mcal ME. Sow feed intake was significantly (P < 0.01) affected by the energy content of the diet as well as by sow parity. Using regression analysis, feed intake was shown to be maximized at 3.25, 3.21, 3.21 and 3.21 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 1, 2, 3+ sows and the entire cohort of sows respectively (quadratic; P < 0.01). In addition, the result of feed intake can be expressed as 2.65, 2.69, 2.69 and 2.68 g/Mcal based on analysis of SID-Lys:ME ratio. Litter weight gain was affected by dietary treatment for parity 3+ sows and the entire cohort (P < 0.01). Based on regression analysis, litter weight gain was maximized at 3.25 and 3.24 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 3+ (quadratic; P < 0.01) and the entire cohort (quadratic; P < 0.01). Similarly, the result of litter weight gain could be expressed as 2.65 and 2.66 g/Mcal of SID-Lys:ME ratio. Therefore, 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME was selected for Exp. 2 in which 150 sows (weighing 254.6 ± 7.3 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.4) were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomized block design within parity (1, 2, and 3+). The experimental diets were formulated to contain 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0 or 3.3 g/Mcal of SID-Lys:ME ratio with all diets providing 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME. The diets were fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. Sow body weight loss was affected by dietary treatment (parity 3+ sows, P = 0.02; entire cohort, P < 0.01) and by sow parity (P < 0.01). Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were affected by dietary treatment for parity 1, 2, 3+ sows and the entire cohort (P < 0.01) as well as by sow parity (P < 0.01). Plasma urea nitrogen (P < 0.01), creatinine (P < 0.01) and non-esterifide fatty acids (P = 0.04) were decreased as the SID-Lys:ME ratio of the diet increased. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (P = 0.02), estradiol (P < 0.01) and luteinizing hormone (P = 0.02) were increased as the SID-Lys:ME ratio in diet increased. Based on a broken-line model, the estimated SID-Lys:ME ratio to maximize litter weight gain was estimated to be 3.05 g/Mcal.

Effect of protein source in diets fed during gestation and lactation on food intake regulation in male offspring of Wistar rats

We hypothesized that protein source in the nutritionally adequate AIN-93G diets fed during gestation, lactation, and weaning influences food intake (FI) regulation in male offspring of Wistar rats. Pregnant rats were fed the recommended casein-based (C) or soy protein-based (S) diet during gestation (experiment 1) or during gestation and lactation (experiment 2). Pups (n = 12 per group) weaned to C or S diets were followed for 9 wk (experiment 1) or 14 wk (experiment 2). At termination, body weight was 5.4% and 9.4% higher, respectively, in offspring of dams fed the S diet. Altered FI regulation was shown by failure of devazepide (a CCK-A receptor blocker) to block FI reduction after protein preloads in offspring of S diet-fed dams, whereas it had a strong effect on offspring of C diet-fed dams (P < 0.005). Similarly, naloxone (an opioid receptor blocker) blocked FI reduction more after casein than after soy protein preloads (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, offspring of dams fed the S diet had higher hypothalamic gene expression of agouti related protein at weaning (P < 0.05), and higher FI was found throughout postweaning (P < 0.0001). FI reduction after protein preloads at week 7 and after glucose preloads at week 13 was greater in offspring of C diet-fed dams (P < 0.05). Plasma insulin at weaning and insulin, ghrelin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 at week 15 were higher in offspring of S diet-fed dams (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, nutritionally complete C and S diets consumed during gestation and lactation differ in their effects on body weight and FI regulation in the offspring. Extending the diet from gestation alone to throughout gestation and lactation exaggerated the adverse effects of the S diet. However, the diet consumed postweaning had little effect on the outcome.