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Carnevale RF, Muro BBD, Leal DF, Alves LKS, Monteiro MS, Gomes NAC, Pereira FA, Ferreira FNA, Neta CSS, Watanabe TTN, Almond GW, Garbossa CAP. The effects of feeding sows at onset of farrowing supplemental energy (blend of carbohydrates and glycerol) on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. Animal 2024; 18:101104. [PMID: 38417217 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Delivering piglets is one of the most energy-demanding activities sows undergo in their lifetime. Sows can have myometrial contractions from 2 to 12 h before the first piglet is expelled as well as a nest-building behavior. Thus, when the first piglet is delivered, the female has already used part of her energy supply. When the sow gets exhausted due to lack of energy, the farrowing process can be interrupted, causing damage to the viability and vitality of the piglets. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of feeding sows an energy supplement at the onset of farrowing on farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. The energy supplement consisted of a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol which provides 439 kJ of metabolizable energy per kg of metabolic weight. A total of 180 sows were used. At the onset of farrowing, sows were assigned to one of the following treatments: sows that were not supplied energy at the onset of farrowing, serving as controls (CON, n = 85); sows fed the energy supplement at the onset of farrowing (ESP, n = 95). Farrowing kinetics, blood glucose concentration, and piglet vitality were recorded for each sow. Blood glucose concentration was assessed by puncturing the auricular vein and using a portable glucometer at four different time points: after the birth of the 1st piglet (T0), and at 20 (T20), 40 (T40), 80 (T80), and 180 (T180) min after the birth of the 1st piglet. The vitality of the 1st, 6th, 12th, 17th, and 20th piglet born was evaluated using the Apgar score. Piglet birth weight and average colostrum intake were measured. The farrowing duration was 20 min shorter (P < 0.05) for ESP sows in comparison with CON sows. Sows from ESP treatment had higher (P ≤ 0.05) blood glucose concentration at T20 and T40 compared to the CON sows. The inter-piglet birth interval was shortened (P < 0.05) by 14 min between the 1st and 2nd piglet for the ESP treatment. The 17th and 20th piglets born from ESP sows had higher (P < 0.05) Apgar score compared to piglets of the same birth order from CON sows. Colostrum intake was higher (P < 0.01) for piglets born from ESP sows. Litter growth performance did not differ (P > 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a blend of carbohydrates and glycerol as an energy supplement for farrowing sows improved farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality score.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Carnevale
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - B B D Muro
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | | | - L K S Alves
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - M S Monteiro
- Nerthus Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento LTDA, São Carlos, SP 13563-651, Brazil
| | - N A C Gomes
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - F A Pereira
- Technical Services Department, Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, SP 13502-741, Brazil
| | - F N A Ferreira
- Technical Services Department, Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, SP 13502-741, Brazil
| | - C S S Neta
- Technical Services Department, Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, SP 13502-741, Brazil
| | - T T N Watanabe
- Department of Population Health & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - G W Almond
- Department of Population Health & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - C A P Garbossa
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Campus Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
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AKKHAPHANA TA, NGANSUCHARIT K, SRISURACH S, TAECHAMAETEEKUL P, ADI YK, TUMMARUK P. 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. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:184-192. [PMID: 38171906 PMCID: PMC10898987 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tip-Apa AKKHAPHANA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kritchaya NGANSUCHARIT
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Srisuda SRISURACH
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preechaphon TAECHAMAETEEKUL
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yosua Kristian ADI
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Padet TUMMARUK
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction,
Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence in Swine Reproduction, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Theil PK, Krogh U, Bruun TS, Feyera T. Feeding the modern sow to sustain high productivity. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:517-532. [PMID: 35451142 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Selection for hyper-prolific sows has increased the litter size by more than 50% during the last three decades, and proper nutrition of the female pigs has concomitantly changed due to improved prolificacy and productivity of gilts and sows. This review summarizes the physiological characteristics and nutritional challenges associated with feeding modern hyper-prolific sows during the gilt rearing period and during gestation, transition, and lactation periods. The review presents up-to-date knowledge of the energy and lysine requirements of female pigs and focuses on how nutrition may increase fat gain and limit protein and weight gain in the gilt rearing period and in early and mid-gestation. In late gestation, fetal and mammary growth should be considered and during the transition, colostrum yield and farrowing performance need to be optimized. Finally, milk production should be optimized and body mobilization should be minimized in the lactation period to achieve high feed efficiency in hyper-prolific sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Theil
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Uffe Krogh
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
- Livestock, SEGES Innovation, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Takele Feyera
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
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Carnevale RF, Muro BBD, Pierozan CR, Monteiro MS, Leal DF, Poor AP, Alves LKS, Gomes NAC, Silva CA, Maes D, Janssens GPJ, Almond GW, Garbossa CAP. Peripheral glycemia and farrowing traits in pigs: An observational study. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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Sow Nutrition, Uterine Contractions, and Placental Blood Flow during the Peri-Partum Period and Short-Term Effects on Offspring: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050910. [PMID: 36899765 PMCID: PMC10000096 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The birth process is a crucial event for piglet survival. Along with increasing litter sizes, not only has the duration of parturition increased, but placental blood flow per piglet has reduced and placental area per piglet has become smaller, making these piglets more susceptible for hypoxia. Diminishing the risk of piglet hypoxia by either reducing the total duration of parturition or increasing fetal oxygenation may reduce the incidence of stillbirth and early post-partum mortality. This review discusses options to do so by nutritionally supporting the sow in the final pre-partum period, after discussing the role of uterine contractions and placental blood flow. Providing sufficient energy seems to be a logical first step, but also other nutrients needed for uterine contractions, such as calcium, or enhancing uterine blood flow by using nitrate seem promising. These nutrient requirements may depend on litter size.
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Lin Y, Li D, Ma Z, Che L, Feng B, Fang Z, Xu S, Zhuo Y, Li J, Hua L, Wu D, Zhang J, Wang Y. Maternal tributyrin supplementation in late pregnancy and lactation improves offspring immunity, gut microbiota, and diarrhea rate in a sow model. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1142174. [PMID: 37168115 PMCID: PMC10165498 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1142174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several studies have evaluated the effects of tributyrin on sow reproductive performance; however, none of these studies have investigated the effects of tributyrin on sow gut microbiota and its potential interactions with immune systems and milk composition. Therefore, we speculated that tributyrin, the combination of butyrate and mono-butyrin without odor, would reach the hindgut and affect the intestinal microbiota composition and play a better role in regulating sow reproductive performance, gut flora, and health. Methods Thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the tributyrin group (TB), which received basal diet supplemented with 0.05% tributyrin. The experimental period lasted for 35 days from late pregnancy to lactation. Results The results showed that TB supplementation significantly shortened the total parturition time and reduced the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets. On day 20 of lactation, the milk fat and protein levels increased by 9 and 4%, respectively. TB supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of dry material, gross energy, and crude fat in the sow diet, but had no significant effect on crude protein digestibility. Furthermore, TB supplementation increased the levels of IL-10, IL-6, and IgA in the blood of weaned piglets, but had no effect on maternal immunity. Analysis of the fecal microbial composition revealed that the addition of TB during late gestation and lactation increased the microbiota diversity in sows and piglets. At the phylum level, sows in the TB group had a slight increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota and a decrease in Firmicutes. At the order level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillales was increased in piglets and sows, and the TB group showed increased relative abundance of Enterobacterales and significantly decreased relative abundance of Oscillospirales in piglets. At family level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Christensenellaceae increased in sows, and the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae increased in piglets. At genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased in sows and piglets, but the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum and Eubacterium_fissicatena_group decreased in piglets in the TB group. Discussion In conclusion, tributyrin supplementation shortened the farrowing duration and reduced the diarrhea rate of piglets by improving the inflammatory response and composition of gut microbiota in piglets and sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Lin,
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lun Hua
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanxiao Wang
- Perstorp (Shanghai) Chemical Trading Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
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The improvement of parturition duration by high intake of dietary fibre in late gestation is associated with gut microbiota and metabolome in sows. Br J Nutr 2022; 128:2341-2352. [PMID: 35152932 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522000502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged parturition duration has been widely demonstrated to be a risk factor for incidence of stillbirth. This study evaluated the supply of dietary fibre on the parturition duration, gut microbiota and metabolome using sows as a model. A total of 40 Yorkshire sows were randomly given diet containing normal level of dietary fibre (NDF, 17·5 % dietary fibre) or high level of dietary fibre (HDF, 33·5 % dietary fibre). Faecal microbiota profiled with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, SCFA and metabolome in the faeces and plasma around parturition were compared between the dietary groups. Correlation analysis was conducted to further explore the potential associations between specific bacterial taxa and metabolites. Results showed that HDF diet significantly improved the parturition process as presented by the shorter parturition duration. HDF diet increased the abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes and multiple genera. Except for butyrate, SCFA levels in the faeces and plasma of sows at parturition were elevated in HDF group. The abundances of fifteen and twelve metabolites in the faeces and plasma, respectively, markedly differ between HDF and NDF sows. These metabolites are involved in energy metabolism and bacterial metabolism. Correlation analysis also showed associations between specific bacteria taxa and metabolites. Collectively, our study indicates that the improvement of parturition duration by high fibre intake in late gestation is associated with gut microbiota, production of SCFA and other metabolites, potentially serving for energy metabolism.
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8
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Theil PK, Farmer C, Feyera T. Review: Physiology and nutrition of late gestating and transition sows. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6609157. [PMID: 35708593 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiology during late gestation and the transition period to lactation changes dramatically in the sow, especially during the latter period. Understanding the physiological processes and how they change dynamically as the sow approaches farrowing, nest building, giving birth to piglets, and producing colostrum is important because these processes greatly affect sow productivity. Glucose originating from assimilated starch accounts for the majority of dietary energy, and around farrowing, various organs and peripheral tissues compete for plasma glucose, which may become depleted. Indeed, physical activity increases shortly prior to farrowing, leading to glucose use by muscles. Approximately ½ to 1 d later, glucose is also needed for uterine contractions to expel the piglets and for the mammary gland to produce lactose and fat for colostrum. At farrowing, the sow appears to prioritize glucose to the mammary gland above the uterus, whereby insufficient dietary energy may compromise the farrowing process. At this time, energy metabolism in the uterus shifts dramatically from relying mainly on the oxidation of glucogenic energy substrates (primarily glucose) to ketogenic energy supplied from triglycerides. The rapid growth of mammary tissue occurs in the last third of gestation, and it accelerates as the sow approaches farrowing. In the last 1 to 2 wk prepartum, some fat may be produced in the mammary glands and stored to be secreted in either colostrum or transient milk. During the first 6 h after the onset of farrowing, the uptake of glucose and lactate by the mammary glands roughly doubles. Lactate is supplying approximately 15% of the glucogenic carbon taken up by the mammary glands and originates from the strong uterine contractions. Thereafter, the mammary uptake of glucose and lactate declines, which suggests that the amount of colostrum secreted starts to decrease at that time. Optimal nutrition of sows during late gestation and the transition period should focus on mammary development, farrowing performance, and colostrum production. The birth weight of piglets seems to be only slightly responsive to maternal nutrition in gilts; on the other hand, sows will counterbalance insufficient feed or nutrient intake by increasing mobilization of their body reserves. Ensuring sufficient energy to sows around farrowing is crucial and may be achieved via adequate feed supply, at least three daily meals, high dietary fiber content, and extra supplementation of energy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Farmer
- Sherbrooke R & D Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Takele Feyera
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Tucker BS, Petrovski KR, Craig JR, Morrison RS, Smits RJ, Kirkwood RN. Increased feeding frequency prior to farrowing: effects on sow performance. Transl Anim Sci 2022; 6:txac062. [PMID: 35673542 PMCID: PMC9168070 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing the interval between the consumption of the last meal and the start of farrowing is suggested to increase the energy available to sows during farrowing, potentially reducing the farrowing duration and easing piglet births. The present study aimed to examine whether increasing feeding frequency from one to two feeds within standard production hours (0700 to 1500 hours) would produce a difference in farrowing duration and/or stillborn numbers. From entry to farrowing crates (110 ± 1 d gestation) to farrowing (116 ± 1 d gestation), multiparous sows (n = 118) were fed a daily fixed amount of feed either once at 0800 hours or in two meals at 0800 and 1300 hours. Sow weights and backfat depths were recorded on entry and exit from the farrowing crate. Litter size and weight were recorded 24 h after farrowing and on day 21 of lactation. Sows fed twice had a shorter farrowing duration and fewer stillborn piglets than those fed once (2.21 ± 0.56 h vs. 3.25 ± 0.52 h; P = 0.001). The interaction between treatment and farrowing duration showed that sows fed twice have a reduced farrowing duration and had significantly lower stillborn rates than those fed once or those fed twice with longer farrowing durations (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that increasing feeding frequency prior to farrow can reduce the farrowing duration and stillborn numbers in some sows, however, some sows remain with a high stillborn rate regardless of feeding frequency. Piglet average daily gain was greater in once-fed sows, but fewer of these sows remained in the herd at subsequent farrowing. Further, subsequent total born and born alive were higher in twice-fed sows. Feeding sows at a higher frequency can improve farrowing performance in some sows and could increase the longevity of the sow in the herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony S Tucker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Kiro R Petrovski
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Jessica R Craig
- Research and Innovation, Rivalea Australia Pty Ltd, Corowa, NSW 2646, Australia
| | - Rebecca S Morrison
- Research and Innovation, Rivalea Australia Pty Ltd, Corowa, NSW 2646, Australia
| | - Robert J Smits
- Research and Innovation, Australian Pork Limited, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Roy N Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
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10
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Plush KJ, Nowland TL. Disentangling the behavioural and fibre influences of nesting enrichment for sows on piglet survival. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ju M, Wang X, Li X, Zhang M, Shi L, Hu P, Zhang B, Han X, Wang K, Li X, Zhou L, Qiao R. Effects of Litter Size and Parity on Farrowing Duration of Landrace × Yorkshire Sows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010094. [PMID: 35011200 PMCID: PMC8749871 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Litter size is an important economic trait in pigs. Improving the number born alive is an important breeding goal of the pig husbandry. A shorter farrowing duration is welcome for facilitating the management and sows’ health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effect of litter size and parity on farrowing duration, to determine whether a shorter length of farrowing duration could be considered as a breeding parameter in pig breeding. Our results showed the total number born had no significant relation with farrowing duration, but number of stillbirths increased with the prolongation of farrowing duration and decrease of live litter size if farrowing duration was longer than 240–300 min. Different parities sows had little difference in the same farrowing duration interval except for gilts. A shorter farrowing duration within 300 min might be considered in pig breeding without worrying about the decreasing of live litter size or the negative effect of parity. Abstract Litter size has increased and farrowing duration has also prolonged in recent years. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of litter size and parity on farrowing duration (FAR) to estimate the possibility of selecting a short farrowing duration. We recorded 32,200 parturitions of 8420 Landrace × Yorkshire sows, determined farrowing duration, litter size, parity, gestation length. Results showed that total number of born (TNB) and parity obeyed a cubic (p = 0.0004, p = 0.004) relationship while number born alive (NBA) and number born dead (NBD) obeyed a linear (p = 0.0239, p = 0.0035) relationship with FAR. Gestation length obeyed a linear (p = 0.02) relationship with FAR. FAR of sows with stillbirth was longer than that of sows without stillbirth. Stillbirth rate increased rapidly from about 2% to 4%, especially when FAR was over 240 min. FAR gradually prolonged with the parities. FAR of 7th parity sows was longer than that of 1st~6th parity sows (p < 0.05), but different parity sows had little difference in the same FAR interval except for gilts. Results indicated it was possible and necessary to consider FAR into pig breeding without worrying about decreasing of live litter size or negative effect of parity if FAR was shorter than 300 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaonv Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Menghao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Lidan Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Panyang Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Ben Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuelei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiuling Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
| | - Lisheng Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China;
| | - Ruimin Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (M.J.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (M.Z.); (L.S.); (P.H.); (B.Z.); (X.H.); (K.W.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Maternal Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Incidence of Stillbirth in Hyper Prolific Sows under Commercial Circumstances. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123364. [PMID: 34944140 PMCID: PMC8698137 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current experiment was to investigate whether or not maternal dietary nitrate supplementation, a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, could reduce piglet losses under commercial circumstances. In the current experiment, 120 hyper prolific gilts and sows (Landrace x Yorkshire: Danbred) on a commercial farm in Denmark received either a control lactation diet or a lactation diet containing 0.1% of calcium nitrate (containing 63.1% of nitrate) from approximately 5 days pre-farrowing until day 4 of lactation. The number of piglets born total, alive, and stillborn, as well as birth weights, weights after cross-fostering (approximately 1 day of age), 24 h after cross-fostering, day 3 of age, and at weaning was recorded. Placentas of sows were collected after expulsion and scored on redness. No effect of nitrate supplementation was found on piglet weight, piglet growth, placental redness score, and pre-weaning mortality during lactation. Maternal dietary nitrate supplementation decreased stillbirth percentage with 2.5% (9.9 vs. 7.4%; p = 0.05). It can be concluded that maternal dietary nitrate supplementation shows the potential to decrease the incidence of stillbirth in hyper prolific sows.
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Luise D, Correa F, Fusco L, Bosi P, Trevisi P. Productive effects of a colostrum-oriented amino acid dietary supply for sows in transition from gestation to lactation. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1960210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Luise
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Correa
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Bosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Trevisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Piglet Viability: A Review of Identification and Pre-Weaning Management Strategies. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102902. [PMID: 34679923 PMCID: PMC8532860 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neonatal piglet viability is decreasing in concert with the selection for ever-greater numbers of piglets born per sow per year. Their survival depends on the early intervention and management strategies used by production staff. This paper will review current and novel methods used to identify these piglets, some of the factors affecting their viability, and management strategies commonly used within production systems to improve their survival. Abstract Increased attention on the effects of the global push for a larger litter size has focused on the increased occurrence of piglets with decreased viability, which have lighter birthweights and a reduced ability to thrive in early life. To improve their odds of survival, interventions must be timely and targeted. This requires the early identification of low-viability pigs and appropriate strategies to manage them. Using novel measures such as abdominal circumference and crown to the rump length in conjunction with birth weight may provide an improved protocol for the identification of those at most risk of preweaning mortality. Further, identifying these at-risk piglets allows interventions to increase their colostrum intake and heat provisions shortly following birth. The appropriate management of the pre- and post-partum sows will improve the chances of decreasing the number of piglets born with lower viability. However, this outcome is constrained by limitations in resources such as technology and staffing. If these challenges can be overcome, it will allow for greater control and increased effectiveness in the implementation of current and new management strategies.
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Liu Y, Zhou Q, Theil PK, Fang Z, Lin Y, Xu S, Feng B, Zhuo Y, Wu F, Jiang X, Zhao X, Wu D, Che L. The differences in energy metabolism and redox status between sows with short and long farrowing duration. Animal 2021; 15:100355. [PMID: 34537443 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Farrowing duration is a crucial factor affecting survival of piglets and health of sows, and is highly correlated with the incidence of stillbirth. The present study assessed the metabolic characteristics of sows with short farrowing duration (SFD) or long farrowing duration (LFD). A total of 20 Yorkshire sows were screened from 60 sows and were retrospectively allocated into SFD (211 min on average, n = 10) or LFD (388 min on average, n = 10) group. Parameters associated with energy metabolism and redox status were characterised. Results showed that sows at farrowing had decreased plasma concentrations of glucose, triglyceride, acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05), but increased concentrations of lactic acid and propionate (P < 0.05), when compared with sows on day 107 of gestation. The SFD sows had shorter time from last meal until the onset of farrowing (P < 0.05) and tended to have less stillbirths (P = 0.08) and lower stillbirth rate (P = 0.07). For the blood metabolites, SFD sows at farrowing had higher concentration of plasma glucose (P < 0.05), but lower concentration of lactic acid (P < 0.05) than LFD sows. Besides, SFD sows tended to have higher plasma malondialdehyde concentration (P = 0.06) than LFD sows. Correlation analysis showed that farrowing duration was negatively correlated with plasma glucose concentration at onset of farrowing. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests that glucose is a key metabolite for energy metabolism of the uterus during farrowing. The farrowing process could be closely related to uterine energy expenditure, and sows with shorter farrowing duration could be resulting from the shorter time from last meal until the onset of farrowing, associated with a greater proportion of energy from glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peter Kappel Theil
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fali Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xilun Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of China Ministry of Education, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, No. 211, Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Nam NH, Sukon P. Risk factors associated with dystocia in swine. Vet World 2021; 14:1835-1839. [PMID: 34475706 PMCID: PMC8404131 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1835-1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dystocia in swine can increase the stillbirth rate; however, its importance in pig-breeding systems has been underestimated. Until now, few studies have investigated dystocia and associated risk factors. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of various risk factors on dystocia in swine. Materials and Methods: Out of 5,557 piglets, we included 4,997 piglets in risk analysis study. The dependent variable was dystocia, which was recorded when a birth interval exceeded 45 min or when obstetric assistance was applied. The independent variables were parity, gestation length, litter size, birth order, gender, presence of a dead piglet, birthweight, crown rump length, body mass index, ponderal index, and oxytocin use. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the associations between potential risk factors and dystocia at the piglet level. Results: A total of 6% of the piglets were born with a dystocia event, and 47.2% of the farrowing experienced at least one event. Dead piglets and piglets with a crown rump length of >31 cm were associated with an increased dystocia rate. This rate decreased from birth order 2 to 7, stabilized to 11, and then increased till the end of the fetal expulsion process. Conclusion: Dystocia is common in swine. Therefore, this condition should be carefully addressed by veterinarians and farrowing house personnel so that its adverse effect on welfare and productivity of sows and survivability of piglets can be reduced. Further studies investigating dystocia status and risk factors in different swine farrowing systems should be undertaken to provide more knowledge about this neglected condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Hoai Nam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trauqui, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Peerapol Sukon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Road, Nai-Muang, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.,Research Group for Animal Health Technology, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Road, Nai-Muang, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Nielsen SE, Feyera T, Skovmose SJW, Krogh U, Eskildsen M, Theil PK. Intravenous infusion of glucose improved farrowing performance of hyperprolific crossbred sows. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6262657. [PMID: 33940631 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sow at parturition is challenged with respect to energy status due to increases in energetic expenses associated with 1) nest building 2) uterine contractions, and 3) colostrum production. A previous study indicated that sows were depleted of glucogenic energy around farrowing. The aim was to investigate whether intravenous infusion of glucose from observed nest-building behavior to 24 h postpartum affected the farrowing kinetics and colostrum production in sows. Ten multiparous sows (DanBred landrace × DanBred Yorkshire) were fitted with a jugular vein catheter on each side (one for infusion and the other one for blood sampling). Sows were infused with either 0.9% saline (CON; n = 5) or 10% glucose (GLU; n = 5) solution at a constant rate of 125 mL/h. From day 108 of gestation, sows were fed once daily with 3.33 kg of a standard lactation diet. During farrowing, sows were monitored to register the onset of farrowing, time of birth, birth status (live or dead), sex, stillbirth rate (SR), and weight of newborn piglets. Farrowing assistance (FA) was provided when the birth interval exceeded 60 min. In late gestation, 1 mL of blood was collected every third hour for blood gas analysis and every sixth hour for harvesting plasma. During farrowing, 1 mL (for blood gas) and 9 mL of blood were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 h in milk (HIM). Colostrum and milk samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 HIM and also at 3, 10, 17, and 24 d in milk. Compared with CON sows, GLU infusion decreased the SR (16.1% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.03), FA (21% vs. 9.0%; P = 0.01), and surprisingly also blood glucose at the onset of farrowing (5.53 vs. 5.09 mmol/L; P = 0.03), respectively. A tendency to higher plasma lactate at the onset of farrowing (P = 0.05) but decreased piglet mortality from 0 to 24 h (P = 0.06) was also found for GLU sows. No effects of treatment on farrowing duration or mean birth intervals were found. Lactate in whole blood (P = 0.003) and plasma (P = 0.002) was increased for GLU sows as compared with CON sows during the colostrum period. No effect of GLU infusion was seen on colostrum and milk composition and yield. The increase in lactate was most likely due to a shift toward a greater proportion of glucose oxidation and insufficient O2 supply to fuel uterine contractions. In conclusion, infusion of glucose reduced the frequency of SR and FA, and improved energy status of the sow which seems to be crucial to enhance total piglet survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe E Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Takele Feyera
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Sigrid J W Skovmose
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Uffe Krogh
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Maria Eskildsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Peter K Theil
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Foulum, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
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18
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Gourley KM, Calderon HI, Woodworth JC, DeRouchey JM, Tokach MD, Dritz SS, Goodband RD. Sow and piglet traits associated with piglet survival at birth and to weaning. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa187. [PMID: 32506128 PMCID: PMC7311083 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between sow and piglet characteristics that are associated with stillborn rate and preweaning mortality is beneficial as litter size continues to increase. Two experiments were previously conducted to evaluate prefarrowing nutrition regimens on sow and litter characteristics. These two datasets (experiments 1 and 2) were then used to identify sow and piglet characteristics associated with stillborn rate and piglet survival to weaning. A total of 1,201 sows that gave birth to 19,168 pigs comprised the dataset. The following characteristics were used in multivariate logistic regression analysis for traits associated with stillborn rate or survival to weaning: parity, litter weight, mean piglet birth weight, sow backfat, and BW at day 113 of gestation, gestation length, farrowing duration, litter size, piglet birth order, farrowing assistance, pig to teat ratio, colostrum intake, and colostrum yield. Sows within each experiment (herd) were categorized into quartiles for each of the independent variables to quantify the relationship to stillborn rate or survival to weaning. Increased stillborn rate was associated (P < 0.01) with heavier litter weights, lighter piglet birth weights, and larger litters in both experiments. In experiment 1, increased stillborn rate was associated (P < 0.01) with longer farrowing duration. Increased stillborn rate was associated with sows with less backfat depth at day 113, older parity, or increased farrowing assistance in experiment 2. In both experiments, pigs born later in the birth order had an increased (P < 0.01) risk of being stillborn. In both experiments, heavier piglet birth weight, greater colostrum intake, and lower total born were associated (P < 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. In experiment 2, pigs born in the first 75% of the litter, or in a litter with lower pig to teat ratio were associated (P < 0.01) with increased survival to weaning. Although the stillborn rate was similar between experiments (6.5% vs. 6.6%), differences in the traits associated with stillborn rate between studies indicate that some associated traits may be herd dependent. However, improving piglet birth weight, placing an emphasis on assisting pigs born later in the birth order and increasing colostrum intake will increase piglet survival from birth to weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiah M Gourley
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| | - Hilda I Calderon
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| | - Jason C Woodworth
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| | - Joel M DeRouchey
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| | - Mike D Tokach
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| | - Steve S Dritz
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan
| | - Robert D Goodband
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan
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