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Harper J, Bunter KL. Review: Improving pig survival with a focus on birthweight: a practical breeding perspective. Animal 2024; 18 Suppl 1:100914. [PMID: 37574357 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100914] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival of growing pigs through to slaughter age is not only a key driver of profitability but also has implications for animal welfare. Changing preweaning mortality by over 3% gives a similar change in profit per pig as changing postweaning mortality by 1%. There is significant scope to improve both traits through management and breeding to improve survival. The aim of this literature review was to explore the relationship between litter size and piglet birthweight and the detrimental impact this negative association has had on pig survival, along with genetic strategies that have been implemented in breeding programmes. It is suggested that the primary effect of litter size on mortality was indirect, through the effects of litter size on individual piglet birthweights. The circumstances affecting the litter a piglet was born into were the most important for determining the birthweight of individual piglets, rather than the genetic make-up of the individual piglet itself. Therefore, breeding programmes should include the average piglet birthweight of a litter (i.e., a sow trait) rather than individual piglet birthweight to maintain the weight of piglets at birth. The relative weighting of litter size and average piglet birthweight should be done in a manner that avoids selecting heavy pigs from small litters. Additional genetic strategies to improve survival include survival at the litter level, or survival of individual piglets or enhanced through the use of genomic information. At the litter level, litter size at day 5 and weaning can be considered as sow traits, but the use of these traits depends on the recording environment. At the individual piglet level, pre- and postweaning survival can be recorded as 0/1 traits and analysed directly. Although heritabilities are low for all these traits, genetic improvements can be made. For preweaning survival, the genes of the nurse sow are more important than the genes of the individual piglet. The nurse sow model captures both the lactation and gestation effects, and the information obtained when piglets born from different litters are reared together. However, once a piglet is weaned, its own genes became more important for the expression of postweaning mortality outcomes. Finally, for a successful selection programme, combining the average piglet birthweight at the litter level and mortality data based on individual piglet records (not solely birthweight) might yield the best response in piglet survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Harper
- Rivalea (Australia) Pty. Ltd., JBS Australia Pork Division, Redlands Road, Corowa, NSW 2646, Australia.
| | - K L Bunter
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, A Joint Venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
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2
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Osotsi JM, Balogh P, Novotnine-Danko G. Characterization of Removal Reasons for Nurse Sows and the Associated Removal Due to Their Extended Lactation Length in Hyperprolific Farrow-Wean Herds. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1607. [PMID: 38891654 PMCID: PMC11171024 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111607] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize and quantify reasons for the removal of nurse sows and identify the removal associated with their extended lactation length (ELL). A total of 100,756 removed nurse sows within a period of 2016-2022 from 53 sow herds in the Midwest USA were analyzed. Reproductive failure was the most common removal reason (χ2 = 8748.421, p < 0.001) affecting P1, P2, and P3 nurse sows. Failure to conceive and absence of estrus were the main causes of reproductive failure (χ2 = 352.480, p < 0.001) affecting P1 and P2 nurse sows and P1 and P5 nurse sows, respectively. When P2 and P6 nurse sows had an ELL of 0-7 d, they faced a high chance (χ2 = 13.312, p = 0.021) of removal due to conception failure and failure to return to heat, respectively. When P2 and P5 nurse sows had an ELL of 8-14 d, they were highly vulnerable (χ2 = 59.847, p < 0.001) to removal due to failure to conceive and showing heat, respectively. Finally, when ELL was at 15-21 days, P4 and P5 nurse sows were more likely (χ2 = 41.751, p < 0.001) to be removed due to failure to express heat, whereas at the same time, P2 and P3 nurse sows experienced the same removal threat due to failing to conceive. These results could help producers manage nurse sow systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joab Malanda Osotsi
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Natural Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Boszormenyi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, Boszormenyi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter Balogh
- Non-Independent Department of Statistics and Methodology, Institute of Statistics and Methodology, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Boszormenyi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- HUN-REN-DE High-Tech Technologies for Sustainable Management Research Group, University of Debrecen, Boszormenyi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Novotnine-Danko
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Natural Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Boszormenyi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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3
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Sánchez-Giménez P, Martínez-Nicolas A, Madrid JA, Fernández R, Martínez-Alarcón L, Murciano F, Muñoz A, Ramis G. Circadian temperature rhythm in breeding sows: differences between days in oestrus and anoestrus after weaning. Porcine Health Manag 2024; 10:20. [PMID: 38773626 PMCID: PMC11110413 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-024-00369-7] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammals are subject to circadian rhythms for the control of various physiological events. One of the parameters known to be subject to variations throughout the day is body temperature, which is also subject to influences such as environmental temperature. However, there are not many studies on these rhythms in breeding sows. The aim of this study was to determine the circadian parameters for body temperature in post-weaning sows during oestrus period, throughout the seasons in a warm climate. RESULTS Differences were observed in inter-daily stability, intra-daily fragmentation and cycle length comparing the summer sows with the other seasons. Differences were also observed in the period that the sows were in oestrus compared to the non-oestrus period for intra-daily fragmentation, with these differences being more important in the warm seasons compared to the cold seasons. The parameters normalised by COSINOR also showed significant differences when comparing seasons, especially in the acrophase of the temperature maximum. Another significant finding was an increase in vaginal temperature during oestrus in sows monitored in summer compared to the other seasons. Correlations between body, vaginal and environmental temperature were observed. CONCLUSION There is a seasonal influence on the circadian rhythm of temperature and summer is clearly the season with the greatest differences in circadian parameters when compared to the other seasons. The extreme summer conditions seem to definitely influence this rhythm and make the body and vaginal temperature of the sows different from the rest of the year. The increase in period robustness in both body and vaginal temperature during the days when sows are in oestrus could be related to the hormonal events of oestrus and ovulation and seems to be independent of weather since it occurs in all controlled seasons. However, this robustness is significantly higher in summer than in the other seasons both in the oestrus period and on days when sows are not in oestrus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Martínez-Nicolas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación en Biomedicina (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - J A Madrid
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación en Biomedicina (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - R Fernández
- Agropor SL, Las Torres de Cotillas, Murcia, Spain
| | - L Martínez-Alarcón
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación en Biomedicina (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
- UDICA, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de La Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
| | - F Murciano
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Muñoz
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación en Biomedicina (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - G Ramis
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación en Biomedicina (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Ren Y, Zhang Q, He F, Qi M, Fu B, Zhang H, Huang T. Metabolomics reveals early pregnancy biomarkers in sows: a non-invasive diagnostic approach. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1396492. [PMID: 38725582 PMCID: PMC11079122 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1396492] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In an effort to enhance reproductive management and reduce non-productive periods in swine breeding, this study presents a novel, non-invasive metabolomics approach for the identification of early pregnancy biomarkers in sows. Utilizing an untargeted metabolomics approach with mass spectrometry analysis, we examined saliva samples from pregnant (n = 6) and non-pregnant control sows (n = 6, artificially inseminated with non-viable sperm). Our analysis revealed 286 differentially expressed metabolites, with 152 being up-regulated and 134 down-regulated in the pregnant group. Among these, three metabolites, namely Hyodeoxycholic acid, 2'-deoxyguanosine, and Thymidine, emerged as potential early pregnancy biomarkers. These biomarkers were further evaluated using targeted LC-MS/MS quantification and qualification, accompanied by ROC curve analysis. The study confirmed Hyodeoxycholic acid and 2'-deoxyguanosine as promising biomarkers for early pregnancy detection, offering potential for future implementation in swine production environments. This research establishes a robust theoretical foundation for the development of innovative molecular diagnostic techniques and explores new avenues for molecular genetic breeding and non-invasive diagnostics, ultimately enhancing fertility and productivity in sow herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Qingze Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Fan He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Menfan Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Binbin Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Huapeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Xinjiang Pig Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Xinjiang Tecon Husbandry S&T Co. Ltd, Changji, China
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Vargas-Bermudez DS, Diaz A, Polo G, Mogollon JD, Jaime J. Infection and Coinfection of Porcine-Selected Viruses (PPV1 to PPV8, PCV2 to PCV4, and PRRSV) in Gilts and Their Associations with Reproductive Performance. Vet Sci 2024; 11:185. [PMID: 38787157 PMCID: PMC11125912 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Seven novel porcine parvoviruses (nPPVs) (PPV2 through PPV8) have been described, although their pathogenicity and possible effects on porcine reproductive failure (PRF) are undefined. In this study, these nPPVs were assessed in gilts from Colombia; their coinfections with PPV1, PCV2, PCV3, PCV4, and PRRSV and an association between the nPPVs and the reproductive performance parameters (RPPs) in sows were determined. For this, 234 serum samples were collected from healthy gilts from 40 herds in five Colombian regions, and the viruses were detected via real-time PCR. The results confirmed the circulation of PPV2 through PPV7 in Colombia, with PPV3 (40%), PPV5 (20%), and PPV6 (17%) being the most frequent. Additionally, no PCV4 or PPV8 was detected. PPV2 to PPV7 were detected in concurrence with each other and with the primary PRF viruses, and these coinfections varied from double to sextuple coinfections. Additionally, the association between nPPVs and PRF primary viruses was statistically significant for the presence of PPV6 in PCV3-positive (p < 0.01) and PPV5 in PPRSV-positive (p < 0.05) gilts; conversely, there was a significant presence of PPV3 in both PCV2-negative (p < 0.01) and PRRSV-negative (p < 0.05) gilts. Regarding the RPPs, the crude association between virus detection (positive or negative) and a high or low RPP was only statistically significant for PCV3 and the farrowing rate (FR), indicating that the crude odds of a low FR were 94% lower in herds with PCV3-positive gilts. This finding means that the detection of PCV3 in gilts (PCV3-positive by PCR) is associated with a higher FR in the farm or that these farms (with positive gilts) have lower odds (OR 0.06, p-value 0.0043) of a low FR. Additionally, a low FR tended to be associated with the detection of PPV4 and PPV5 (p-value < 0.20). This study is important for establishing the possible participation of nPPVs in PRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana S. Vargas-Bermudez
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Departamento de Salud Animal, Centro de Investigación en Infectología e Inmunología Veterinaria—CI3V.Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (D.S.V.-B.); (J.D.M.)
| | - Andres Diaz
- Pig Improvement Company, Hendersonville, TN 37075, USA;
| | - Gina Polo
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota 110231, Colombia;
| | - Jose Dario Mogollon
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Departamento de Salud Animal, Centro de Investigación en Infectología e Inmunología Veterinaria—CI3V.Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (D.S.V.-B.); (J.D.M.)
| | - Jairo Jaime
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Departamento de Salud Animal, Centro de Investigación en Infectología e Inmunología Veterinaria—CI3V.Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá 11001, Colombia; (D.S.V.-B.); (J.D.M.)
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6
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Ortiz Sanjuán JM, Argüello H, Cabrera-Rubio R, Crispie F, Cotter PD, Garrido JJ, Ekhlas D, Burgess CM, Manzanilla EG. Effects of removing in-feed antibiotics and zinc oxide on the taxonomy and functionality of the microbiota in post weaning pigs. Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:18. [PMID: 38627869 PMCID: PMC11022352 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post weaning diarrhoea (PWD) causes piglet morbidity and mortality at weaning and is a major driver for antimicrobial use worldwide. New regulations in the EU limit the use of in-feed antibiotics (Ab) and therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) to prevent PWD. New approaches to control PWD are needed, and understanding the role of the microbiota in this context is key. In this study, shotgun metagenome sequencing was used to describe the taxonomic and functional evolution of the faecal microbiota of the piglet during the first two weeks post weaning within three experimental groups, Ab, ZnO and no medication, on commercial farms using antimicrobials regularly in the post weaning period. RESULTS Diversity was affected by day post weaning (dpw), treatment used and diarrhoea but not by the farm. Microbiota composition evolved towards the dominance of groups of species such as Prevotella spp. at day 14dpw. ZnO inhibited E. coli overgrowth, promoted higher abundance of the family Bacteroidaceae and decreased Megasphaera spp. Animals treated with Ab exhibited inconsistent taxonomic changes across time points, with an overall increase of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Megasphaera elsdenii. Samples from non-medicated pigs showed virulence-related functions at 7dpw, and specific ETEC-related virulence factors were detected in all samples presenting diarrhoea. Differential microbiota functions of pigs treated with ZnO were related to sulphur and DNA metabolism, as well as mechanisms of antimicrobial and heavy metal resistance, whereas Ab treated animals exhibited functions related to antimicrobial resistance and virulence. CONCLUSION Ab and particularly ZnO maintained a stable microbiota composition and functionality during the two weeks post weaning, by limiting E. coli overgrowth, and ultimately preventing microbiota dysbiosis. Future approaches to support piglet health should be able to reproduce this stable gut microbiota transition during the post weaning period, in order to maintain optimal gut physiological and productive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Ortiz Sanjuán
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland.
- Grupo de Genómica y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Héctor Argüello
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Raúl Cabrera-Rubio
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Fiona Crispie
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
- VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Juan J Garrido
- Grupo de Genómica y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Daniel Ekhlas
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Department of Food Safety, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine M Burgess
- Department of Food Safety, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Edgar G Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Akbarinejad V, Cushman RA. Developmental programming of reproduction in the female animal. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107456. [PMID: 38503204 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful reproduction is a cornerstone in food animal industry in order to sustain food production for human. Therefore, various methods focusing on genetics and postnatal environment have been identified and applied to improve fertility in livestock. Yet there is evidence indicating that environmental factors during prenatal and/or neonatal life can also impact the function of reproductive system and fertility in the animals during adulthood, which is called the developmental programming of reproduction. The current review summarizes data associated with the developmental origins of reproduction in the female animals. In this regard, this review focuses on the effect of plane of nutrition, maternal body condition, hypoxia, litter size, maternal age, parity, level of milk production and milk components, lactocrine signaling, stress, thermal stress, exposure to androgens, endocrine disrupting chemicals, mycotoxins and pollutants, affliction with infection and inflammation, and maternal gut microbiota during prenatal and neonatal periods on the neuroendocrine system, puberty, health of reproductive organs and fertility in the female offspring. It is noteworthy that these prenatal and neonatal factors do not always exert their effects on the reproductive performance of the female by compromising the development of organs directly related to reproductive function such as hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, oviduct and uterus. Since they can impair the development of non-reproductive organs and systems modulating reproductive function as well (e.g., metabolic system and level of milk yield in dairy animals). Furthermore, when these factors affect the epigenetics of the offspring, their adverse effects will not be limited to one generation and can transfer transgenerationally. Hence, pinpointing the factors influencing developmental programming of reproduction and considering them in management of livestock operations could be a potential strategy to help improve fertility in food animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, US. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, United States
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8
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Sharifuzzaman M, Mun HS, Ampode KMB, Lagua EB, Park HR, Kim YH, Hasan MK, Yang CJ. Technological Tools and Artificial Intelligence in Estrus Detection of Sows-A Comprehensive Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:471. [PMID: 38338113 PMCID: PMC10854728 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In animal farming, timely estrus detection and prediction of the best moment for insemination is crucial. Traditional sow estrus detection depends on the expertise of a farm attendant which can be inconsistent, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Attempts and trials in developing and implementing technological tools to detect estrus have been explored by researchers. The objective of this review is to assess the automatic methods of estrus recognition in operation for sows and point out their strong and weak points to assist in developing new and improved detection systems. Real-time methods using body and vulvar temperature, posture recognition, and activity measurements show higher precision. Incorporating artificial intelligence with multiple estrus-related parameters is expected to enhance accuracy. Further development of new systems relies mostly upon the improved algorithm and accurate data provided. Future systems should be designed to minimize the misclassification rate, so better detection is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sharifuzzaman
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Hong-Seok Mun
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Department of Multimedia Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Keiven Mark B. Ampode
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Sultan Kudarat State University, Tacurong 9800, Philippines
| | - Eddiemar B. Lagua
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Rang Park
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hwa Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Md Kamrul Hasan
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Department of Poultry Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Chul-Ju Yang
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea; (M.S.); (H.-S.M.); (K.M.B.A.); (E.B.L.); (H.-R.P.); (M.K.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
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9
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Okafor PCJ, Homwong N. Dietary 25 Hydroxyvitamin D3 Improved Serum Concentration Level and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity during Lactation but Had Meager Impact on Post-Farrowing Reproductive Performance in Sows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:419. [PMID: 38338062 PMCID: PMC10854743 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030419] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows fed VD3, 25(OH)D3, or 14-epi 25(OH)D3. Weaned sows (n = 203) in parities 2 and 3 were blocked weekly and treated with 2000 IU/kg VD3 (T1), 25 μg/kg 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3 (T2), or 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 (T3) diets, all equilibrated to 2000 IU/kg as fed. Sow performance, treatment, and sampling period effects were analyzed. Environmental conditions were analyzed as covariates. The number of piglets weaned (p = 0.029), pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.029), sampling period (p < 0.001), and treatment and period interaction (p = 0.028) differed significantly. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 during lactation due to physiological demands for milk calcium and milk production. Supplementing twice the concentration of 25(OH)D3 compared to its epimer, 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3, had no significant effect on the post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows. The effect of 25(OH)D3 on post-farrowing reproductive performance and ALP activity in sows was influenced by metabolic demand for calcium due to physiological changes during lactation as well as epimer conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prester C. John Okafor
- Laboratory of Swine Science, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand;
| | - Nitipong Homwong
- Laboratory of Swine Science, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand;
- National Swine Research and Training Center, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
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10
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Li J, Chen WN, Sun WJ, Cordero G, Hasan S, Bontempo V, Xiao JF, Li YP, Pi Y, Li XL, Jiang XR. Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Stimbiotics to Sows on Lactation Performance, Immune Function, and Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Capacities during Late Gestation and Lactation. Vet Sci 2024; 11:53. [PMID: 38393071 PMCID: PMC10892021 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Stimbiotic supplementation may provide an innovative feed additive solution to accelerate the proliferation of beneficial fiber-degrading bacteria in the distal intestine and the utilization of dietary fiber. Optimal utilization of dietary fiber has multiple benefits for gut health and nutrient utilization. This study was conducted to evaluate the late gestation and lactation performance, the plasma, colostrum, and milk immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) concentrations, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in plasma of sows fed with or without a stimbiotic during the late gestation and lactation phase. A total of 40 sows were allocated to two treatment groups: control (CT) with no supplementation or 100 mg/kg stimbiotic (VP), with 20 sows per treatment. Sows were fed the treatment diets from d 85 of gestation to d 28 of lactation. In the results, the average daily weight gain of piglets during lactation was greater from sows fed in the VP group compared to that in the CT group (p < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of IgM at farrowing and IgG at weaning of the sows fed the diet with the stimbiotic supplementation were much higher than those in the CT sows (p < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the dietary stimbiotic increased the concentrations of IgM in the colostrum and of IgA and IgM in the milk at d 14 of lactation (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) on d 0 and d 28 of lactation tended to be lower in sows fed the VP diets compared with those of the sows fed the CT diets. Thus, our study indicated that stimbiotic supplementation could improve the daily weight gain of piglets and the immune function of sows in lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Wen-Ning Chen
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Wen-Juan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | | | - Shah Hasan
- AB Vista, Marlborough SN8 4AN, UK; (G.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Valentino Bontempo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Jun-Feng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Swine Nutrition and Feed Science of Fujian Province, Aonong Group, Zhangzhou 363000, China;
| | - Yan-Pin Li
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Yu Pi
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Xi-Long Li
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
| | - Xian-Ren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (J.L.); (W.-N.C.); (W.-J.S.); (Y.-P.L.); (Y.P.); (X.-L.L.)
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11
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Madeira Pacheco V, Brown-Brandl TM, Rohrer GA, Vieira de Sousa R, Silva Martello L. Impacts of Farrowing Pen Design, Season, and Sow Parity on Litter Performance and Piglet Mortality. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:325. [PMID: 38275785 PMCID: PMC10812809 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Piglet mortality during lactation is a significant concern in swine production, influenced by complex interactions involving sow, piglet, environmental, and management factors. While crushing by the sow may be the ultimate cause of piglet mortality, there are many factors influencing the outcome, including parity, thermal stress, and animal housing systems. New farrowing systems are continuously being developed; however, it is difficult for producers to make decisions without any scientific basis. This study aimed to assess the impact of different farrowing pen layouts on piglet performance, considering parity and season. A total of 546 sows and 9123 piglets were monitored across 36 lactation cycles. Sows were randomly assigned to three farrowing pen layouts (standard, diagonal, and offset) in three rooms (20 sows by room). All farrowing pens had the same space allocations (2.7 m by 1.8 m and 2.1 m by 0.6 m for the sow area). The three types of farrowing pens were blocked by position within the room. Piglet performance traits (percent of stillborns, percent of mortality, percent of overlays, and average daily weight gain: ADG) and sows traits (health and parity) were monitored following US Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) procedures. Results indicated that treatment, parity, and season influenced some piglet performance traits. The offset farrowing pen had a lower percent of stillborns compared to the standard. No significant differences were observed between the diagonal crate and the other treatments. When evaluating high mortality sow (>two piglets), the offset and standard treatments had a lower percent of overlays. Piglets from first-parity sows had lower ADG than those from higher-parity sows. A higher percent of overlays were observed in Autumn and Summer compared to Spring and Winter, and Summer had lower average daily weight gain than other seasons. The results suggest that modifying the layout (offset), with sows placed further away from the heating source, can reduce the percent of overlays in sows with high mortality (>2 piglets). In addition, the influence of season on the piglet production traits demonstrated the importance of proper management of the environment, even in systems with a certain level of climatic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verônica Madeira Pacheco
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3605 Fair St., Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
| | - Tami M. Brown-Brandl
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 3605 Fair St., Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
| | - Gary A. Rohrer
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)—Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA;
| | - Rafael Vieira de Sousa
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (R.V.d.S.); (L.S.M.)
| | - Luciane Silva Martello
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (R.V.d.S.); (L.S.M.)
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12
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Sanz-Fernández S, Díaz-Gaona C, Casas-Rosal JC, Alòs N, Tusell L, Quintanilla R, Rodríguez-Estévez V. Preweaning piglet survival on commercial farms. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skad408. [PMID: 38085796 PMCID: PMC10781431 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad408] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Preweaning piglet mortality (PWM), a trait highly related to litter size, is one of the main concerns associated with productive efficiency and animal welfare in commercial pig farms. The objectives of this work were to study piglet survival at the farm level, to establish a survival rate (SR) as a target indicator to be improved, and to model it based on other reproductive parameters. Analyzed data corresponded to 580 Spanish commercial farms with a total inventory of 809,768 sows. These farms showed a mean SR of 85.70% piglets born alive (BA), which decreased to 81.81% when total piglets born (TB) were considered. The SR was strongly associated with prolificacy (P < 0.01), the parities with the highest prolificacy being those that had the lowest SR. Thus, the highest correlations were for the SR of piglets BA in the third and fourth parities (r = -0.460 and r = -0.452, respectively, P < 0.01), and for the SR of piglets TB in the fourth parity (r = -0.546, P < 0.01), which was the one with the highest prolificacy. The values corresponding to the quartile of farms with the highest SR within the most productive farms were established as targets to be improved, which were ≥88.5% of piglets BA and 83.2% of piglets TB. Nevertheless, the direct associations shown between the piglet's survival and prolificacy and other productive factors, such as the age of piglets at weaning, the farrowings per sow and year and the farrowing interval, suggest the convenience of modeling the risk of PWM on farms to have its own target of survival index to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos Sanz-Fernández
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Cipriano Díaz-Gaona
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Nuria Alòs
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Llibertat Tusell
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Raquel Quintanilla
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
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13
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Hoai Nam N, Sukon P. Effect of oxytocin administration at different time points during parturition on the farrowing process in sows. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2022.2147183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Hoai Nam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Peerapol Sukon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Research Program on Toxic Substances, Microorganisms and Feed Additives in Livestock and Aquatic Animals for Food Safety, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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14
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Liu X, Li H, Wang L, Zhang L, Wang L. The Effect of Sow Maternal Behavior on the Growth of Piglets and a Genome-Wide Association Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3753. [PMID: 38136791 PMCID: PMC10740555 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sows' maternal behavior is important for improving piglet survival and growth; thus, breeding for good mothering sows is necessary for pig production. However, there is little research on the genetic mechanism of maternal behavior. In this study, a comparative analysis of piglets' growth traits between good and bad maternal behavior groups and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to elucidate the impact of sows' maternal behavior on piglet growth and identify candidate genes and markers of sow's maternal behaviors. Comparing the growth traits of piglets between good and bad sows' maternal behavior groups, the results showed that the growth traits of piglets from sows with good maternal behavior were better than those from sows with bad maternal behavior and especially for the multiparous sows group, this comparative difference was significant. For the intensive study of the genetic mechanisms of sows' maternal behavior, a total of 452 sows were genotyped using the Illumina Porcine 50K SNP Chip, and 4 traits, including biting piglets (BP), crushing piglets (CP), trampling piglets (TP) and screaming test (ST), were examined. Using a GWAS, 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found to be associated with these traits. Within 1 Mb upstream and downstream of the significant SNPs screened, 138 genes were obtained. After pathway enrichment and gene annotation, HIP1, FZD9 and HTR7 were identified as important candidate genes affecting sows' maternal behaviors. These findings preliminarily elucidate the genetic basis of sows' maternal behavior traits and provide candidate genes and markers for molecular breeding in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (H.L.); (L.W.); (L.Z.)
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15
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Sanz-Fernández S, Díaz-Gaona C, Borge C, Quintanilla R, Rodríguez-Estévez V. Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model of Management for Weaned Piglets and Its Relations with Farm Performance and Veterinary Medicine Consumption. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3508. [PMID: 38003126 PMCID: PMC10668820 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaned piglets, being immature, demand careful handling to mitigate post-weaning stress in order to avoid immunosuppression and the use of antimicrobials to palliate the effects of disease outbreaks due to poor management. The objective of this work is to design a quick scan calculator or multi-criteria evaluation model of management for weaned piglets, founded on 10 critical indices covering post-weaning management aspects based on hygienic measures and management of facilities and animals. These include pre-weaning handling, batch management, biosecurity, water management, feed management, health program, stockmen training, temperature, ventilation, and floor conditions and density to relate handling and hygiene practices with farm performance and the consumption of veterinary medication. Each index carries a maximum score of ten, with evaluations derived from different management factors that make up each index (from three to eight factors were evaluated per index). Their cumulative score reflects the degree of adequacy of on-farm management. Therefore, a perfectly managed farm would achieve 100 points. The calculator underwent testing on 23 intensive farms with a total population of close to 16,000 sows and more than 400,000 weaned piglets, revealing the highest mean scores in floor conditions and density (8.03 out of 10) and pre-weaning handling and health programs (6.87 and 6.28, respectively). Conversely, the lowest scores corresponded to temperature, ventilation, water management, and stockmen training (4.08, 4.32, 4.81, and 4.93, respectively). The assessed farms averaged a global score of 56.12 out of 100 (from 37.65 to 76.76). The calculator's global score correlated with key post-weaning productivity and piglet health indicators, such as the feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, and piglet production cost, with r values of -0.442, -0.437, and -0.435, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, it negatively correlated with medication costs per piglet (r = -0.414; p < 0.05) and positively with annual farm productivity (r = 0.592; p < 0.01). To enhance management, hygiene, and prevention, farms should prioritize addressing indices with the lowest scores, thereby reducing medication consumption and enhancing productivity and health outcomes. Additionally, this quick scan calculator can be used for benchmarking purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos Sanz-Fernández
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Cipriano Díaz-Gaona
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Carmen Borge
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raquel Quintanilla
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
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16
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Ajay A, Chauhan A, Vaishnav S, Rani C, Kumar B, De UK, Verma MR, Singh M, Gaur GK. Impact of body condition on sow and litter performance, postpartum physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters in Landlly crossbred pigs. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:393. [PMID: 37923850 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03772-4] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
A total of 32 Landlly crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on their body condition score (BCS) on the 90th day of gestation viz. low, moderate, and high body condition groups. BCS assessments were subsequently conducted on the 102nd day, at farrowing, and on the 7th, 17th, 27th, and 42nd day postpartum, along with measurements of ultrasonic backfat thickness and body weight. Key reproductive performance traits, including total number born (TNB) and alive (TLA), stillbirths, mummification, and litter weight at birth and weaning, were recorded. Several physiological, health, biochemical, and hematological parameters were also estimated at different lactation stages. Analysis of the data revealed that TNB, TLA (P<0.04), and weaned piglets (P<0.01), as well as litter weight at birth (P<0.08) and weaning (P<0.08), were significantly higher in the low BCS group. Meanwhile, the weaning to estrous interval (P<0.04) was optimized in the high and moderate BCS groups. However, sows with high body condition exhibited higher stillbirths and pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, the order of increasing body condition correlated with superior colostrum quality, characterized by higher IgG levels (P<0.02), and increased average milk yield during early and mid-lactation (P<0.03). A high occurrence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) was evident in obese sows (P<0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the body condition of sows at late gestation and cortisol concentration throughout lactation across the three BCS groups (P<0.0001). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between the postpartum serum concentration of T3 (thyroid hormone) (P<0.002) and the prepartum body condition of sows. Based on these findings, maintaining sows with a moderate body condition (BCS of 3) and a backfat thickness of 21 mm in the breeding herd is recommended for enhancing profitability and productivity at the farm level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argana Ajay
- Swine Production Farm, Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - Anuj Chauhan
- Swine Production Farm, Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India.
| | - Sakshi Vaishnav
- Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - Chhaya Rani
- Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - Brijesh Kumar
- Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - U K De
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - Med Ram Verma
- Division of Livestock Economics and Statistics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - Mukesh Singh
- Swine Production Farm, Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
| | - G K Gaur
- Swine Production Farm, Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP, 243122, India
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17
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Ampode KMB, Mun HS, Lagua EB, Chem V, Park HR, Kim YH, Yang CJ. Bump Feeding Improves Sow Reproductive Performance, Milk Yield, Piglet Birth Weight, and Farrowing Behavior. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3148. [PMID: 37835754 PMCID: PMC10571924 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The late gestation period is crucial for fetal growth and development, impacting swine enterprises' profitability. Various nutritional strategies have been explored to enhance reproductive performance in sows, but findings regarding birth weight and litter size have been inconsistent. This study investigated the effects of increased feeding allowance during the late gestation period on the reproductive performance and farrowing behavior of primiparous and multiparous sows. A total of 28 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were used in this experiment, and fed 2.50 kg/d or 3.50 kg/d from 84 days of gestation until farrowing. Farrowing behavior was monitored using a DeepEyesTM M3SEN camera. The data were analyzed using the 2 × 2 factorial within Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011, Version 9.3) software. The results indicated that regardless of the parity number, sows fed a high diet exhibited a numerical increase in the total number of born piglets and a significant increase in milk yield (p = 0.014) and piglet birthweight (p = 0.023). Backfat thickness loss was significantly higher in sows with a 2.50 kg feeding allowance (p = 0.022), and the total number of piglets born, live births, and litter size were numerically higher in sows fed 3.50 kg per day. Moreover, stillborn piglets, mortality rate, and re-estrus days were numerically lower in sows with a high feeding allowance. The diet and parity did not individually affect the average duration of farrowing and farrowing intervals. However, the duration of postural changes in sows after farrowing was significantly reduced (p = 0.012). The principal component analysis revealed 81.40% and 80.70% differences upon partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Therefore, increasing feeding allowance during the late gestation period, regardless of parity, could positively influence sows' reproductive performance and piglets' growth performance during the lactation phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiven Mark B. Ampode
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Sultan Kudarat State University, Tacurong 9800, Philippines
| | - Hong-Seok Mun
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Department of Multimedia Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Eddiemar B. Lagua
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Veasna Chem
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Rang Park
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hwa Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ju Yang
- Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System (BK21 Plus), Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
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18
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Yang Y, Gan M, Yang X, Zhu P, Luo Y, Liu B, Zhu K, Cheng W, Chen L, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Zhang H, Wang J, Shen L, Zhu L. Estimation of genetic parameters of pig reproductive traits. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1172287. [PMID: 37415962 PMCID: PMC10321596 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1172287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this study, we aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of the reproductive traits in three popular commercial pig breeds: Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. Additionally, we evaluated the factors that influence these traits. Method We collected data from a large number of litters, including 1,887 Duroc, 21,787 Landrace, and 74,796 Yorkshire litters. Using the ASReml-R software to analyze 11 traits, which included: total number of pigs born (TNB); number of piglets born alive (NBA); number of piglets born healthy (NBH); number of piglets born weak (NBW); number of new stillborn piglets (NS); number of old stillborn piglets (OS); number of piglets born with malformation (NBM); number of mummified piglets (NM); total litter birthweight (LBW); litter average weight (LAW); duration of gestational period (GP). We investigated the effects of 4 fixed factors on the genetic parameters of these traits. Results Among the 11 reproductive-related traits, the gestational period belonged to the medium heritability traits (0.251-0.430), while remaining traits showed low heritability, ranging from 0.005 to 0.159. TNB, NBA, NBH, LBW had positive genetic correlation (0.737 ~ 0.981) and phenotype correlation (0.711 ~ 0.951). There was a negative genetic correlation between NBW and LAW (-0.452 ~ -0.978) and phenotypic correlation (-0.380 ~ -0.873). LBW was considered one of the most reasonable reproductive traits that could be used for breeding improvement. Repeatability of the three varieties was within the range of 0.000-0.097. In addition, the fixed effect selected in this study had a significant effect on Landrace and Yorkshire (p < 0.05). Discussion We found a positive correlation between LBW and TNB, NBA, and NBH, suggesting the potential for multi-trait association breeding. Factors such as farm, farrowing year, breeding season, and parity should be taken into consideration in practical production, as they may impact the reproductive performance of breeding pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mailin Gan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xidi Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Sichuan Dekon Livestock Foodstuff Group, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Sichuan Dekon Livestock Foodstuff Group, Chengdu, China
| | - Kangping Zhu
- Sichuan Dekon Livestock Foodstuff Group, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Lei Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Sichuan Center for Animal Disease Control, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingyong Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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19
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Grahofer A, Plush K. Lactation in swine: review article. Anim Front 2023; 13:105-111. [PMID: 37324207 PMCID: PMC10266751 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Plush
- SunPork Group, Eagle Farm, Queensland 4172, Australia
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20
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Marshall K, Poole J, Oyieng E, Ouma E, Kugonza DR. A farmer-friendly tool for estimation of weights of pigs kept by smallholder farmers in Uganda. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:219. [PMID: 37219661 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pig keeping is important to the livelihoods of many rural Ugandans. Pigs are typically sold based on live weight or a carcass weight derived from this; however this weight is commonly estimated due to the lack of access to scales. Here, we explore the development of a weigh band for more accurate weight determination and potentially increased farmer bargaining power on sale price. Pig weights and varied body measurements (heart girth, height, and length) were collected on 764 pigs of different ages, sex, and breed types, from 157 smallholder pig keeping households in Central and Western Uganda. Mixed-effects linear regression analyses, with household as a random effect and the varied body measurements as a fixed effect, were performed to determine the best single predictor for cube root of weight (transformation of weight for normality), for 749 pigs ranging between 0 and 125 kg. The most predictive single body measurement was heart girth, where weight in kg = (0.4011 + heart girth in cm × 0.0381)3. This model was found to be most suitable for pigs between 5 and 110 kg, notably more accurate than farmers' estimates, but still with somewhat broad confidence intervals (for example, ±11.5 kg for pigs with a predicted weight of 51.3 kg). We intend to pilot test a weigh band based on this model before deciding on whether it is suitable for wider scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Marshall
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O Box 30709 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Jane Poole
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O Box 30709 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Oyieng
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O Box 30709 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emily Ouma
- International Livestock Research Institute, c/o Bioversity International, P.O Box 24384, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Donald R Kugonza
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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21
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Guan R, Wu J, Wang Y, Cai Q, Li X. Comparative analysis of productive performance and fattening efficiency of commercial pigs in China for two consecutive years. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8154. [PMID: 37208541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY (1) propose an evaluation indicator of the fattening efficiency of commercial pigs (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc)-fattening efficiency index (FEI). (2) Analyze the correlation to find the main productive factors affecting the FEI. (3) Compare and analyze the yearly/monthly/different piglets' sources of productive performance in 2020 and 2021. The data included 2592 commercial pig batches in 2020 and 3266 in 2021, with a total of 6,134,234 commercial pigs. Descriptive statistics and difference analysis were carried out on 16 productive factors of a whole year and single/multiple sources for two consecutive years. The same period difference between the monthly data and the annual average were also analyzed. The top six productive factors correlated with FEI were average daily gain (ADG) (0.8080), feed conversion rate (FCR) (- 0.7203), survival rate (SR) (0.6968), number of deaths (- 0.4103), feeding days (- 0.3748) and body weight (BW) of marketing pigs (0.3369). The overall productive performance in 2021 was lower than that in 2020, which was reflected in more piglet sources and a lower BW of piglets, more deaths, a lower SR, longer feeding days, a lower ADG, a higher FCR and a lower FEI. The productive performance of a single source was better than that of multiple ones. The contrastive results of monthly data in 2020 and 2021 showed significant differences in most factors except for the number of marketing pigs, the number of piglets and feed consumption. The monthly trend of 15 factors for two consecutive years revealed similar trends only in the month of piglets purchasing, number of piglets sources, number of deaths and ADG. Compared with the annual average, the ADG significantly increased in May. The FEI of multiple sources was markedly lower than that of a single source. FEI may be suitable for evaluating the fattening efficiency of commercial pigs. The annual and monthly productive performance and fattening efficiency in 2021 were significantly lower than those in 2020. Single source was represented better productive performance and fattening efficiency than multiple ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Guan
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd (NHLH Academy of Swine Research), No. 6596 Dongfanghong East Road Yuanqiao Town, Dezhou, 253000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., No. 592-26, Jiushui East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Xiajin New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Guozhai Forest Farm, Suliuzhuang Town, Xiajin County, Dezhou, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqiang Wu
- Jiaozhou Customs, No. 1 Changjiang Road, Qingdao, 266300, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunzhou Wang
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd (NHLH Academy of Swine Research), No. 6596 Dongfanghong East Road Yuanqiao Town, Dezhou, 253000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., No. 592-26, Jiushui East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Xiajin New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Guozhai Forest Farm, Suliuzhuang Town, Xiajin County, Dezhou, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Cai
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd (NHLH Academy of Swine Research), No. 6596 Dongfanghong East Road Yuanqiao Town, Dezhou, 253000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., No. 592-26, Jiushui East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Xiajin New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Guozhai Forest Farm, Suliuzhuang Town, Xiajin County, Dezhou, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd (NHLH Academy of Swine Research), No. 6596 Dongfanghong East Road Yuanqiao Town, Dezhou, 253000, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., No. 592-26, Jiushui East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Xiajin New Hope Liuhe Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd, Guozhai Forest Farm, Suliuzhuang Town, Xiajin County, Dezhou, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Swine Health Data and Intelligent Monitoring Project Laboratory, Dezhou University, No. 566 University Road West, Decheng District, Dezhou, 253023, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Healthy Breeding of Swine and Poultry and Disease Diagnostic Technique Engineering Laboratory in Shandong Province, No. 592-26 Jiushui East Road Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Kim TK, Kim JS, Cho HC. Deep-learning-based gestational sac detection in ultrasound images using modified YOLOv7-E6E model. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:627-637. [PMID: 37332278 PMCID: PMC10271918 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
As the population and income levels rise, meat consumption steadily increases annually. However, the number of farms and farmers producing meat decrease during the same period, reducing meat sufficiency. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has begun to be applied to reduce labor and production costs of livestock farms and improve productivity. This technology can be used for rapid pregnancy diagnosis of sows; the location and size of the gestation sacs of sows are directly related to the productivity of the farm. In this study, a system proposes to determine the number of gestation sacs of sows from ultrasound images. The system used the YOLOv7-E6E model, changing the activation function from sigmoid-weighted linear unit (SiLU) to a multi-activation function (SiLU + Mish). Also, the upsampling method was modified from nearest to bicubic to improve performance. The model trained with the original model using the original data achieved mean average precision of 86.3%. When the proposed multi-activation function, upsampling, and AutoAugment were applied, the performance improved by 0.3%, 0.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. When all three proposed methods were simultaneously applied, a significant performance improvement of 3.5% to 89.8% was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-kyeong Kim
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for BIT Medical Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jin Soo Kim
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Hyun-chong Cho
- Department of Electronics Engineering and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for BIT Medical Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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23
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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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24
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Verhoeven S, Chantziaras I, Bernaerdt E, Loicq M, Verhoeven L, Maes D. The evaluation of an artificial intelligence system for estrus detection in sows. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:9. [PMID: 36918979 PMCID: PMC10015655 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00303-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Good estrus detection in sows is essential to predict the best moment of insemination. Nowadays, a technological innovation is available that detects the estrus of the sow via connected sensors and cameras. The collected data are subsequently analyzed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system. This study investigated whether such an AI system could support the farmer in optimizing the moment of insemination and reproductive performance. M&M: Three Belgian sow farms (A, B and C) where the AI system was installed, participated in the study. The reproductive cycles (n = 6717) of 1.5 years before and 1.5 years after implementation of the system were included. Parameters included: (1) farrowing rate (FR), (2) percentage of repeat-breeders (RB), (3) farrowing rate after first insemination (FRFI) and (4) number of total born piglets per litter (NTBP). Also, data collected by the system were analyzed to describe the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), estrus duration (ED) and the number of inseminations used per estrus. This dataset included 2261 cycles, collected on farms B and C. RESULTS In farm A, all parameters significantly improved namely FR + 4.3%, RB - 3.75%, FRFI + 6.2% and NTBP + 1.06 piglets. In farm B, the NTBP significantly decreased with 0.48 piglets, but in this farm the insemination dose was too low (0.8 × 109 spermatozoa per dose). In farm C, only the NTBP significantly increased with 0.45 piglets after the implementation of the system. The WEI as determined by the system varied between 78 and 90 h, being 10-20 h shorter in comparison with the WEI as determined by the farmer. The ED, determined by the system ranged from 48 to 60 h, and was less variable as compared to the ED as assessed by the farmer. The mean number of inseminations per estrus remained similar over time in farm B whereas it decreased over time from approximately 1.6-1.2 in farm C. CONCLUSION The AI system can help farmers to improve the reproductive performance, assess estrus characteristics and reduce the number of inseminations per estrus. Results may vary between farms as many other variables such as farm management, genetics and insemination dose also influence reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Verhoeven
- Unit of Porcine Health Management, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium. .,Lintjeshof, Pannenweg 200, 6031 RK, Nederweert, The Netherlands.
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Elise Bernaerdt
- Unit of Porcine Health Management, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Michel Loicq
- noHow, Sluizenstraat 119, 8450, Bredene, Belgium
| | | | - Dominiek Maes
- Unit of Porcine Health Management, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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25
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Relationships between gilt development and herd production efficiency are revealed by simulation. CZECH JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.17221/127/2022-cjas] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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26
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Citrus Flavonoids Supplementation as an Alternative to Replace Zinc Oxide in Weanling Pigs’ Diets Minimizing the Use of Antibiotics. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13060967. [PMID: 36978509 PMCID: PMC10044550 DOI: 10.3390/ani13060967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since citrus flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it was hypothesized that these compounds would become a suitable alternative to the use of therapeutic doses of zinc oxide at weaning. A total of 252 weaned pigs ([LargeWhite × Landrace] × Pietrain) were distributed according to BW (5.7 kg ± 0.76) into 18 pens (6 pens per diet, 14 pigs/pen). Three experimental diets for the prestarter (0–14 d postweaning) and starter (15–35 d postweaning) period were prepared: (i) a nonmedicated (CON) diet, (ii) a CON diet supplemented with zinc oxide at 2500 mg/kg, amoxicillin at 0.3 mg/kg and apramycin at 0.1 mg/kg (ZnO), and (iii) CON diet with the addition of a commercial citrus flavonoid extract at 0.3 mg/kg and amoxicillin at 0.3 mg/kg (FLAV). Pig BW, ADG, ADFI, and FCR were assessed on d7, d14, and d35, and ADFI and FCR were calculated. Samples of intestinal tissue, cecal content, and serum were collected on day seven (18 piglets). FLAV treatment achieved greater BW and ADG during the starter and for the entire experimental period compared with the CON diet (p < 0.05), whereas ZnO pigs evidenced intermediate results. Jejunum tissue analysis showed that pigs fed the FLAV diet overexpressed genes related to barrier function, digestive enzymes, and nutrient transport compared to those pigs fed the CON diet (p < 0.05). An increase in the abundance of bacterial genera such as Succinivibrio, Turicibacter, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05) was observed in the FLAV compared with the CON and ZnO piglets. ZnO and FLAV increased the expression of TAS2R39, while ZnO pigs also expressed greater TAS2R16 than CON (p < 0.05) in the intestine. FLAV treatment improved the gut function, possibly explaining a higher performance at the end of the nursery period. Consequently, citrus flavonoids supplementation, together with amoxicillin, is a promising alternative to the use of zinc oxide plus amoxicillin and apramycin in weanling pigs, minimizing the use of antibiotics.
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27
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Chen Z, Yang H, Fu H, Wu L, Liu M, Jiang H, Liu Q, Wang Y, Xiong S, Zhou M, Sun X, Chen C, Huang L. Gut bacterial species in late trimester of pregnant sows influence the occurrence of stillborn piglet through pro-inflammation response. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1101130. [PMID: 36741405 PMCID: PMC9890068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal gut microbiota is an important regulator for the metabolism and immunity of the fetus during pregnancy. Recent studies have indicated that maternal intestinal microbiota is closely linked to the development of fetus and infant health. Some bacterial metabolites are considered to be directly involved in immunoregulation of fetus during pregnancy. However, the detailed mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we exploited the potential correlation between the gut microbiota of pregnant sows and the occurrence of stillborn piglets by combining the 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing data, and fecal metabolome in different cohorts. The results showed that several bacterial species from Bacteroides, potential pathogens, and LPS-producing bacteria exhibited significantly higher abundances in the gut of sows giving birth to stillborn piglets. Especially, Bacteroides fragilis stood out as the key driver in both tested cohorts and showed the most significant association with the occurrence of stillborn piglets in the DN1 cohort. However, several species producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as Prevotella copri, Clostridium butyricum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were enriched in the gut of normal sows. Functional capacity analysis of gut microbiome revealed that the pathways associated with infectious diseases and immune diseases were enriched in sows giving birth to stillborn piglets. However, energy metabolism had higher abundance in normal sows. Fecal metabolome profiling analysis found that Lysophosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine which are the main components of cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria showed significantly higher concentration in stillbirth sows, while SCFAs had higher concentration in normal sows. These metabolites were significantly associated with the stillborn-associated bacterial species including Bacteroides fragilis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-1β, IL-6, FABP2, and zonulin had higher concentration in the serum of stillbirth sows, indicating increased intestinal permeability and pro-inflammatory response. The results from this study suggested that certain sow gut bacterial species in late trimester of pregnancy, e.g., an excess abundance of Bacteroides fragilis, produced high concentration of LPS which induced sow pro-inflammatory response and might cause the death of the relatively weak piglets in a farrow. This study provided novel evidences about the effect of maternal gut microbiota on the fetus development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui Yang
- *Correspondence: Lusheng Huang, ; Congying Chen, ; Hui Yang,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Congying Chen
- *Correspondence: Lusheng Huang, ; Congying Chen, ; Hui Yang,
| | - Lusheng Huang
- *Correspondence: Lusheng Huang, ; Congying Chen, ; Hui Yang,
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28
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Arend LS, Vinas RF, Silva GS, Lower AJ, Connor JF, Knox RV. Effects of nursing a large litter and ovarian response to gonadotropins at weaning on subsequent fertility in first parity sows. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skac398. [PMID: 36462197 PMCID: PMC9841157 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac398] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-weaning fertility failures occur more often in parity 1 (P1) sows due to high metabolic demands for lactation and their inability to meet energy requirements for maintenance, growth, and reproduction. We hypothesized that body condition loss occurs more frequently in P1 sows nursing a large litter, resulting in impairment of ovarian follicle development during lactation and post-weaning, which can negatively impact estrus and subsequent fertility. At 24 h post-farrowing, P1 sows (n = 123) were assigned to treatment (TRT) based on sow weight and the number of functional teats to receive a high number (HN, 15 to 16) or low number (LN, 12) of nursing piglets. At weaning, sows in each TRT were assigned to receive PG600 or None (Control). During lactation, sow body measures were obtained and ovarian follicles were assessed in mid-lactation and post-weaning. Lactation data were analyzed for the effects of TRT, and fertility data after weaning were assessed for TRT x PG600, but there were no interactions (P > 0.10). During lactation, 22.2 % of HN sows lost ≥ 4 piglets due to death or removal, and so these sows were excluded from further analysis. The HN sows were lighter (-6.2 kg), had less backfat (-1.0 mm), had lower body condition score (-0.4), and lost more nursing piglets (-1.2) than LN sows (P < 0.05). However, HN sows weaned more pigs (14.0) than LN sows (11.0). There was no effect of TRT on wean to estrus interval (4.2 d), but the interval was 0.5 days shorter for PG600 (P = 0.004) than control. There were no effects of TRT or PG600 on estrus within seven days after weaning (87.3 %), but PG600 induced smaller (P = 0.002) follicles at estrus (6.7 mm) than control (7.3 mm). In the subsequent parity, there were no effects of TRT or PG600 on farrowing rate (93.9%) and total born (13.2). Overall, HN sows lost more piglets and body condition but still weaned more pigs without any detrimental effects on subsequent reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia S Arend
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Raquel F Vinas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Gustavo S Silva
- Carthage Innovative Swine Solutions, LLC, Carthage, IL 62321, USA
| | - Aaron J Lower
- Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd, Carthage, IL 62321, USA
| | | | - Robert V Knox
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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29
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Shai K, Lebelo SL, Ng'ambi JW, Mabelebele M, Sebola NA. A review of the possibilities of utilising medicinal plants in improving the reproductive performance of male ruminants. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2147225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K. Shai
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - S. L. Lebelo
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J. W. Ng'ambi
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - M. Mabelebele
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - N. A. Sebola
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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30
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Thayer MT, Garcia RM, Duttlinger AW, Mahoney JA, Schinckel AP, Asmus MD, Jones DB, Dunn JL, Richert BT. Feeding a whole-cell inactivated Pichia guilliermondii yeast to gestating and lactating sows in a commercial production system. Transl Anim Sci 2022; 7:txac160. [PMID: 36726809 PMCID: PMC9885940 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txac160] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 606 sows (PIC 1050) and their progeny (PIC 1050 × 280) were used to determine if feeding gestating and lactating sows a proprietary strain of Pichia guilliermondii as a whole-cell inactivated yeast product (WCY; CitriStim, ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL) improves sow and litter performance in a commercial production system. Once confirmed pregnant at d 35 post-breeding pregnancy check, sows were fed a basal gestation control (CON) diet (0.55% SID lysine) or the control diet fortified with 0.15% of the WCY replacing corn in the CON diet. Dietary treatments were also fed in lactation (1.05% SID lysine) once sows were moved into farrowing crates on approximately d 112 of gestation until weaning. Sows supplemented with WCY in gestation and lactation had increased total born piglets by 0.45 pigs (P < 0.04), piglets born alive (14.27 vs. 13.85; P < 0.04), and, therefore, heavier born alive litter weights (P < 0.001) compared to CON fed sows. A greater post cross-foster litter size (P < 0.001) meant that litter size at weaning was increased by 0.54 pigs when sows were fed WCY compared to CON (P < 0.001). However, litter weaning weights and 21-d adjusted litter weaning weights were similar (P > 0.158), although numerically greater, for WCY fed sows. Pigs from CON fed sows were 0.35 kg heavier at weaning compared to pigs from WCY fed sows (P < 0.001). This increase in weaning weight of pigs from CON fed sows is partially explained by their 0.93 d longer lactation (P < 0.001) and may also be due to the smaller litter size throughout lactation. The percent of litters treated for scours decreased from 38.3 to 14.2% when sows were fed WCY (P < 0.001). The distribution of birth and weaning weights was not impacted (P > 0.2461) by treatment. In conclusion, feeding gestating and lactating sows a proprietary strain of Pichia guilliermondii as a whole-cell inactivated yeast product increased the number of pigs born and weaned, and decreased the prevalence of scours during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo M Garcia
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alan W Duttlinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Julie A Mahoney
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Allan P Schinckel
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brian T Richert
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Effect of Sow Body Weight at First Service on Body Status and Performance during First Parity and Lifetime. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233399. [PMID: 36496921 PMCID: PMC9740068 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233399] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the effect of body weight (BW) at first service on body status development and sow performance during first parity and lifetime efficiency. A total of 360 DanBred gilts were used, which we categorized into three groups according to their BW: (1) Small sows (<135 kg BW; n = 108); (2) Medium sows (135−150 kg BW; n = 155); (3) Large sows (>150 kg BW; n = 63). We studied the gilts from first insemination to first weaning, and then monitored until culling. Sow body status, litter size and weight, farrowing rate, weaning-to-conception interval, lifetime performance, and hormones linked to metabolism were recorded. Sows in the Small group had the lowest body weight, backfat thickness, and loin depth during gestation. Moreover, they had the smallest number of total piglets born and longest weaning-to-conception interval at first parity. The Small sows also had, on average, one less piglet born during their productive life, and they tended to have a higher culling rate over three parities. For immunoglobulins, insulin, cortisol, and IGF-I levels, no differences were found. In conclusion, achieving optimal body weight at first service is essential for maximizing the sow’s lifetime performance.
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Aguirre L, Li Y, Baratelli M, Martín-Valls G, Cortey M, Miranda J, Martín M, Mateu E. In the presence of non-neutralising maternally derived antibodies, intradermal and intramuscular vaccination with a modified live vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 (PRRSV-1) induce similar levels of neutralising antibodies or interferon-gamma secreting cells. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:47. [PMCID: PMC9636649 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the immune response generated by the intramuscular and the intradermal vaccination route against the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Piglets from a seronegative and a seropositive farm were selected (n = 28 piglets per farm), and each group was divided into two groups and vaccinated after weaning with modified live vaccine Unistrain® PRRS (Laboratorios Hipra Amer, Spain) by the intramuscular (IM) or the intradermic (ID) route. For the following 6 weeks, animals were weekly bled to assess the humoral response by PRRSV-specific antibody ELISA and viral neutralisation test. At 0-, 3-, 4- and 6 weeks post-vaccination, peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) from eight animals per group were recovered to analyse cellular response by IFN-γ ELISPOT and lymphoproliferation. Serum IL-12 was also quantified by ELISA. Seroconversion was first detected 14 days post-vaccination (dpv) for both IM and ID routes, and peaked at 35 dpv (both IM groups and ID seropositive) or 42 dpv (ID seronegative). At 3 weeks after vaccination, 6/27 (22.22%) animals from negative origin had not seroconverted, and neutralising titres were significantly lower at 35 dpv compared to the seropositive origin (mean log2 titres of 1.36 and 4.25 respectively) Also, it was 10 times more probable for them to have high levels of IL-12 a week after vaccination than for animals of seropositive origin. Cellular immune response analysed by lymphoproliferation and IFN-γ ELISPOT was already present at 21 dpv and until 42 dpv, with no significant differences between groups except for a higher lymphoproliferation at 35 dpv in the IM seropositive group (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05). These results indicate that the intradermal route induces an immune response equivalent to the classical intramuscular route even in presence of non-neutralising maternal immunity, which in this study has proven to facilitate seroconversion after vaccination with an heterologous strain.
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Ma J, Huangfu W, Yang X, Xu J, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Zhu X, Wang C, Shi Y, Cui Y. “King of the forage”—Alfalfa supplementation improves growth, reproductive performance, health condition and meat quality of pigs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1025942. [PMCID: PMC9667112 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1025942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
As one kind of high-quality feed with rich nutrients, including high quality protein and amino acids, dietary fiber, enriched vitamins and mineral elements and bioactive molecules, alfalfa has been widely used in the production of ruminant livestock. As the understanding of alfalfa becomes more and more comprehensive, it is found that the high-quality nutrients in alfalfa could have positive effects on pigs. An increasing number of researches have shown that supplementing dietary alfalfa to the diet of gestating sows reduced constipation, alleviated abnormal behavior, improved satiety and reproductive performance; supplementing dietary alfalfa to the diet of piglets improved growth performance and intestinal barrier function, reduced intestinal inflammatory response and diarrhea; supplementing dietary alfalfa to the diet of growing-fattening pigs improved production performance and pork quality. Moreover, the mechanisms by which various nutrients of alfalfa exert their beneficial effects on pigs mainly including dietary fiber stimulating intestinal peristalsis, enhancing the activity of digestive enzymes, and promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract through fermentation in the intestine, producing short-chain fatty acids and thus improving intestinal health; high quality protein and amino acids are beneficial to improve animal health condition; rich vitamins and mineral elements play an important role in various physiological functions and growth and development of the body; and bioactive molecules can improve the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory level. Therefore, alfalfa could be used as pig feed ingredient to alleviate various problems in the pig industry and to improve pig production performance. In this review, we detail the current application of alfalfa in pigs and discuss the potential mechanisms involved in how alfalfa improves growth and reproductive performance, pork quality, and intestinal health of the animals, thus laying the foundation for the increased application of high-quality forage in pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weikang Huangfu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junying Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhichang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengzhang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinghua Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
- Yinghua Shi
| | - Yalei Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Innovation and Utilization of Grassland Resources, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Forage Engineering Technology Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yalei Cui
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Tan J, Wang M, Sun H, Wang C, Wei H, Jiang S, Zhou Y, Peng J. Optimizing feeding regimen of replacement gilts to improve their reproductive performance and retention rate of their first 2 parities. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 12:227-235. [PMID: 36712407 PMCID: PMC9868321 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The effects of age, body weight (BW), and backfat thickness (BF) of replacement gilts at first estrus and first mating on their subsequent reproductive performance and retention of their first 2 parities as sows was evaluated. A total of 3,025 Danish replacement gilts were categorized by farm (allocated to 4 farms), cross combination, age, BW and BF at first estrus and first mating, estrous cycle number at first mating, and flush feeding before first mating. The result shows that all the factors mentioned above were significantly associated with reproductive performance and retention rates of the first 2 parities. Farm 3 had more piglets born alive per litter (BA) (P < 0.05). Farms 3 and 4 had more healthy piglets per litter (HP) (P < 0.05). Farm 4 had the most piglets weaned per litter (PW) (P < 0.05). Landrace × Landrace × Yorkshire (L × L × Y) replacement gilts had the most total piglets born per litter (TB), BA, HP, PW and a higher retention rate of the 2 parities than Landrace × Yorkshire (L × Y) replacement gilts (P < 0.05). In addition, flush feeding before first mating had the most TB, BA, HP, PW, and a higher retention rate of the 2 parities than no flush feeding (P < 0.05). Because the effects of replacement gilts rearing parameters on reproductive performance traits differed, we used 100 replacement gilts as a unit and the total number of weaned piglets from the first 2 parities as a new index. Replacement gilts undergoing their first estrus between 180 and 210 d of age at 115 to 124.9 kg BW and 14 to 15 mm BF had significantly higher reproductive indexes for their first 2 parities per 100 replacement gilts. Replacement gilts that mated between 210 and 230 d of age at 140 to 149.9 kg BW and 15 to 16 mm BF had optimal reproductive indexes. These results provide a new insight into the complex relationships among these reproductive performance traits and may help guide successful management of replacement gilts as a pivotal starting point for future fertility and longevity of rearing herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajian Tan
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China,Guangxi Yang Xiang Joint Stock Company, Guigang 537000, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haiqing Sun
- Guangxi Yang Xiang Joint Stock Company, Guigang 537000, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hongkui Wei
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Siwen Jiang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuanfei Zhou
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China,Corresponding authors.
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Pu Q, Chai J, Chen L, Liu C, Yang C, Huang Y, Luo J. Exosome miRNA Expression in Umbilical Cord Blood of High-Parity Sows Regulates Their Reproductive Potential. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2456. [PMID: 36139316 PMCID: PMC9495064 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182456] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of modern pig breeding is to improve the genetic reproduction performance potential of sows, including the litter size and weight of piglets. During the gestation period, the umbilical cord facilitates placenta−fetal communication; thus, it plays an indispensable role in intrauterine embryonic development and fitness. Herein, we analyzed the molecular mechanism in declining reproductive potential in high-parity sows by assessing the changes in the umbilical cord blood. Firstly, we analyzed the reproductive characteristics data of sows, followed by histological analysis of the umbilical cord phenotype. Next, we evaluated the effect of umbilical cord blood exosomes (UCB-EXO) on angiogenesis. Finally, the miRNA expression in UCB-EXO from high-parity sows with poor reproductive performance (OS) and multiparous sows with excellent reproductive performance (MS) was assessed. Overall, the best reproductive performance was at parity 3−7, gradually decreasing after parity 8 and angiogenesis was repressed in OS. However, exosomes derived from MS (Exo-MS) exhibited pro-angiogenesis properties but were diminished in exosomes derived from OS (Exo-OS). Additionally, the angiogenesis of sows was significantly decreased, increasing the risk of disease with the increase in parity, greatly limiting the reproductive potential of the sows. At the same time, miR-188-5p expression in Exo-OS was significantly higher than in Exo-MS (p < 0.01), implying that it may play an important role in regulating the lifespan and reproductive potential of sows. These findings demonstrated that miRNAs in UCB-EXO play a central role in intrauterine development. Further, the findings suggest novel insights on reproductive potential, which provide a reference for increasing the sow reproductive efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Pu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Liujiu Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 409099, China
| | - Jie Chai
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Li Chen
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Changbao Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Changfeng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yongfu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jia Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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36
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Evaluation of the electrolyte status in hyperprolific sows on the farrowing process under different housing conditions. Theriogenology 2022; 193:37-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kousenidis K, Kirtsanis G, Karageorgiou E, Tsiokos D. Evaluation of a Numerical, Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging Model for the Prediction of Litter Size in Pregnant Sows, with Machine Learning. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151948. [PMID: 35953938 PMCID: PMC9367485 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The use of a numeric model to quantify real-time ultrasonographic (RTU) imaging is a prominent methodfor predicting the expected litter size by training an artificial neural network (ANN) to minimize the error of the prediction measured by metrics, such as root square mean error and mean absolute error. Time of the RTU application is a critical factor for such a prediction. Rated scale values (RSV) obtained from the RTU images relate to the accurate diagnosis of pregnancy and of litter size, suggesting the potential of a generalized use of the model in various farm conditions. Ultimately, the employment of the model in machine learning for an automated prediction of litter size can be used as a routine on-farm procedure for the efficient management of gestating sows. Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a numerical model, quantifying real-time ultrasonographic (RTU) images of pregnant sows, to predict litter size. The time of the test with the least error was also considered. A number of 4165 pregnancies in Farm 1 and 438 in Farm 2 were diagnosed twice, with the quality of the RTU images translated into rated-scale values (RSV1 and RSV2). When a deep neural network (DNN) was trained, the evaluation of the method showed that the prediction of litter size can be performed with little error. Root square mean error (RMSE) for training, validation with data from Farm 1, and testing on the data from Farm 2 were 0.91, 0.97, and 1.05, respectively. Corresponding mean absolute errors (MAE) were 2.27, 2.41, and 2.58. Time appeared to be a critical factor for the accuracy of the model. The smallest MAE was achieved when the RTU was performed at days 20–22. It is concluded that a numerical, RTU imaging model is a prominent predictor of litter size, when a DNN is used. Therefore, early routinely evaluated RTU images of pregnant sows can predict litter size, with machine learning, in an automated manner and provide a useful tool for the efficient management of pregnant sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kousenidis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Geosciences, International Hellenic University, Sindos, 574 00 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Georgios Kirtsanis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Volos, Greece;
| | - Efstathia Karageorgiou
- Department of Agriculture, School of Geosciences, International Hellenic University, Sindos, 574 00 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Tsiokos
- Research Institute of Animal Science, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DEMETER, 581 00 Giannitsa, Greece;
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Moraes DCA, Nagi JG, Fritzen J, Vitagliano LA, Oliveira ER, Oba A, Silva CA. Effect of capsaicin on the feed intake and immunoglobin concentration of sows, and performance of piglets. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:241. [PMID: 35896831 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03233-4] [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: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Capsaicin is a recognized alkaloid that can be used as a flavoring and palatability agent. These effects can increase feed intake in lactating sows during farrowing, especially under thermal stress conditions, and provide antioxidant and immunostimulant activities. The objective of this work was to find out the effects of a capsaicin-based product on the feed intake of sows, immunomodulation, and repercussions on litter performance and the control of piglet diarrhea conditions. A total of 132 pregnant sows and lactating sows and their respective litters were divided into 66 sows each and submitted to one of two possible treatments: a capsaicin-free diet (control group) or capsaicin per meal/day. Capsaicin was mixed with gestation and lactation diets in the proportion of 98.6 g of feed and 1.4 g of capsaicin/kg feed, with the dose administered "on top" of 100 g per treatment day on the first feeding. The sows were treated between 90 days of gestation and 21 days of lactation. Backfat thickness, feed intake during farrowing, colostrum production, IgG colostrum concentration, sow reproductive performance, piglet performance, and diarrhea were evaluated. Compared to the sows in the control group, those that received capsaicin had higher feed intake (+ 0.69 kg/day during lactation, P = 0.008), higher levels of IgG in colostrum (185.75 versus 153.80 mg/mL, P = 0.04), an 11.2% higher litter weight gain, with individual piglet weight gains greater than 5.24% (P = 0.045), and an effective reduction in the frequency of piglet diarrhea on the 10th and 17th days of age (P = 0.013 and P = 0.001, respectively). Capsaicin is an additive with potential effects on the sow's performance, with positive influences on the health and growth of suckling piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C A Moraes
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil.
| | - J G Nagi
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - J Fritzen
- Animal Virology Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - A Oba
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - C A Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
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Nam NH, Dao BTA, Sukon P. Effects of farrowing induction using cloprostenol on sow farrowing characteristics. Vet World 2022; 15:1535-1540. [PMID: 35993062 PMCID: PMC9375209 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1535-1540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Previous findings regarding the effects of farrowing induction on the farrowing characteristics of sows are controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farrowing induction on the following characteristics: (1) Proportion of sows that farrowed during working hours, (2) stillbirth rate, (3) number of stillbirths per farrow, (4) dystocia rate per farrow, (5) dystocia rate (the proportion of farrowings that had at least one dystocia event), (6) number of dystocia events per farrow, (6) farrowing duration, (7) birth interval, and (8) birth weight.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight Landrace x Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated into two groups; the control group and the treatment group. In the control group (n = 18), sows farrowed spontaneously. In the treatment group (n = 20), farrowing was induced approximately 2 days earlier than the herd's average length of gestation (7:00 am on day 114) by injecting cloprostenol into the perivulval region. All sows were supervised throughout their farrowing. We recorded the interval between induction and farrowing; total number of births; number of live, stillborn, and mummified piglet births; number of dystocia events; birth interval; farrowing duration; and birth weight. A generalized linear mixed model, a linear mixed-effects model, the Chi-squared test, and Student's t-test were used to compare outcomes between the two groups.
Results: Farrowing induction did not influence the percentage of sows that farrowed during working hours (7 am–5 pm), stillbirth rate, birth weight, and number of dystocia events per farrow. Farrowing induction led to an increase in birth interval, dystocia rate, dystocia per farrow (p < 0.05) and in addition to the percentage of sows that farrowed on the day following induction (60% vs. 27.8%; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Farrowing induction using a single dose of cloprostenol 2 days before the expected farrowing date can be performed with care to concentrate farrowing into a short interval. This can enhance the optimization of cross-fostering and the practice of an all-in-all-out strategy in the swine breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Hoai Nam
- Department of Animal Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trauqui, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui Tran Anh Dao
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trauqui, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Peerapol Sukon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Research Group for Animal Health Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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40
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Hoai Nam N, Sukon P. Risk factors for intrapartum stillbirth in piglets born from cloprostenol-induced farrowing sows. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2022.2089152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Hoai Nam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Peerapol Sukon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Research Group for Animal Health Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Vela A, Suárez-Usbeck A, Lafoz L, Mitjana O, Tejedor MT, Martín S, López M, Falceto MV. Determination of puberty in gilts: contrast of diagnostic methods. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:28. [PMID: 35710454 PMCID: PMC9204994 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00271-0] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early onset of a gilt´s puberty is needed for adequate economic performance in farms, because it indicates her reproductive performance and longevity. Therefore, an effective diagnosis is needed. Our purpose was to compare different procedures (external characteristics, blood progesterone analysis and ultrasonography diagnosis) to detect puberty in 70 gilts (Topigs TN70; 240 days old) on farm conditions. Postmortem examination was the standard reference. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify which combination of independent variables (predictors) best predicts the status of gilts. RESULTS Puberty (46/70 gilts; 65.71%) was characterized by the presence of follicles larger than 6 mm, corpus albicans, corpus rubrum, and corpus luteum (postmortem examination). Vaginal length, body condition, backfat, carcass weight and progesterone blood concentration were significantly higher in pubertal than prepubertal gilts (P < 0.05). Two types of ultrasonography equipment (DELTA and W3) were compared and performed by the same senior technician (V1). The results obtained by two technicians with different levels of experience (V1 and V2, a junior technician) using W3 were also compared. Ultrasonography provided better results than other diagnostic techniques, although the effectiveness of the ultrasonography changed with technological improvements and with increased expertise of technicians. The most accurate results were found by V1/DELTA (Nagelkerke´s R2 = 0.846; Sensitivity = 0.956; Specificity = 0.958; Positive predictive value = 0.978; Negative predictive value = 0.920; Area under ROC curve = 0.957). Results using the W3 equipment could be improved when used in conjunction with vaginal length (V1; Nagelkerke´s R2 = 0.834; Sensitivity = 0.933; Specificity = 0.958; Positive predictive value = 0.977; Negative predictive value = 0.885; Area under ROC curve = 0.972) or progesterone concentration (V2; Nagelkerke´s R2 = 0.780; Sensitivity = 0.955; Specificity = 0.826; Positive predictive value = 0.915; Negative predictive value = 0.905; Area under ROC curve = 0.970). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasonography provided better results than other diagnostic techniques. The effectiveness of the ultrasonography changes with technological improvements and with increased expertise of technicians. Results using the W3 equipment could be improved when used along with vaginal length (V1) or progesterone concentration (V2). Accuracy parameters are a guide to choose puberty diagnosis, but the farms must also evaluate effect on gilts, ease and cost of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vela
- THINKINPIG S.L., Avenida Gómez Laguna, 41 10ºA, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Suárez-Usbeck
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Lafoz
- THINKINPIG S.L., Avenida Gómez Laguna, 41 10ºA, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Olga Mitjana
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, CIBERCV, Genetics Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Sofía Martín
- , KUBUS Calle Varsovia, 20, 28232 Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina López
- , KUBUS Calle Varsovia, 20, 28232 Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Falceto
- Department of Animal Pathology, Reproductive and Obstetric Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
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Live Yeast Supplementation in Gestating and Lactating Primiparous Sows Improves Immune Response in Dams and Their Progeny. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101315. [PMID: 35625161 PMCID: PMC9137933 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study determined the effects of live yeast (LY) supplementation during middle–late gestation and the lactation period in primiparous sows on reproductive parameters, lactation performance, and immunity, and also explores the carryover effects in their offspring. On day (d) 60 of gestation, 16 crossbred primiparous sows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (with or without supplementation of 425 mg/kg of live yeast; LYT and CT, respectively) homogeneous for body weight (BW) and backfat thickness. Experimental diets were applied from day 60 of gestation to the end of lactation. At weaning, 60 piglets with an average BW of each treatment were selected based on their source litter and assigned to two groups corresponding to the original treatments received by their mothers. Each group had five replicates of six piglets each and was fed a basal diet for 42 days. The results showed that LY supplementation significantly increased the serum IgA and IgG concentrations of sows at farrowing and weaning stages, and of piglets on day 14 and 28 post weaning. No significant differences were found in reproductive and lactation performance, while minor effects were observed on antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, live yeast addition during middle–late gestation and the whole lactation period resulted in enhanced immunity of primiparous sows and their offspring, therefore, improving maternal and progeny health.
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Pérez RE, González CM, López M, Vargas K, Ordaz G, Ortiz R. Hemoglobin A1c, hemoglobin glycation index, and triglyceride and glucose index: Useful tools to predict low feed intake associated with glucose intolerance in lactating sows. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267644. [PMID: 35511787 PMCID: PMC9070943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI), and triglyceride and glucose (TG) index as predictive indicators for low feed intake in lactating sows due to glucose intolerance. Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) was included in sow diets as a modulating factor of glucose. Thirty-six sows were separated into three groups (Gs). Although the three groups received a conventional diet during gestation and lactation, 2.0 kg per sow per day of steam-cooked cactus (G1) and fresh cactus (G2) were added to the lactation diet as a glycemic modulating factor, with G3 serving as the control group. Glycemia was assessed via glucometer (blood glucose concentrations), HbA1c and HGI. For each indicator of glycemia the triglycerides and glucose (TG) index was evaluated. The highest blood glucose concentration was observed on day 3 of lactation (88.2 mg/dL). The average glycemic concentrations obtained from HbA1c on farrowing day (61.6 mg/dL) and day 21 of lactation (65.6 mg/dL) were lower (p<0.05) than those measured by a glucometer on the same days (71.8 and 77.7 mg/dL for farrowing day and day 21 of lactation, respectively). At farrowing, the TG index obtained from the HGI indicated that 83.0% of sows were glucose intolerant, compared to 100% according to the TG index obtained from a glucometer. At weaning, 50% of G2 did not show glucose intolerance when the TG index was calculated using the HGI, compared to 54% when it was calculated with blood glucose concentrations measured by a glucometer. All G3 sows presented glucose intolerance, regardless of the test used. The HbA1c, HGI, and TG index tests are viable alternatives to predict low feed intake due to glucose intolerance in lactating sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Elena Pérez
- Faculty of Chemical Pharmacobiology, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Michoacan, Mexico
| | - Cyntia Michelle González
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Michoacan, Mexico
| | - Manuel López
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Michoacan, Mexico
| | - Katya Vargas
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Ordaz
- National Center of Disciplinary Research in Animal Physiology and Genetics, INIFAP, Queretaro, Mexico
- * E-mail:
| | - Ruy Ortiz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Michoacan, Mexico
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Rodríguez-Hernández P, Simões J, Arce C, Díaz-Gaona C, López-Fariñas MD, Sánchez-Rodríguez M, Rodríguez-Estévez V. Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Reproduction of Extensive versus Intensive Florida Dairy Goats. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050219. [PMID: 35622747 PMCID: PMC9142956 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050219] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the production system and other environmental/phenotype factors on age at first kidding (AFK), kidding interval (KI) and prolificacy of 19,772 Florida goats reared between 2000 and 2019 on 49 dairy farms (38 farms intensively managed and 11 extensively managed with grazing). AFK was lower on intensive (490.2 ± 0.9 days; n = 13,345) than on extensive farms (511.7 ± 2.5 days; n = 2357; p < 0.001), and highest during the spring season (533.9 ± 2.7 days; n = 1932; p < 0.001) in both production systems. The average KI was 355.7 ± 0.4 days, mainly varying according to dry period, kidding season and lactation number and kidding type (p < 0.01). A significant interaction between production system, kidding season and dry period was observed with the highest AFK on intensive farms during spring and summer for goats presenting a dry period of up to six months. The overall prolificacy (1.64 ± 0.01) increased in recent years in both systems, and it was affected by the production system, but with different patterns; so, the highest prolificacy of primiparous and multiparous goats was observed on extensive and intensive farms, respectively. Besides that, the prolificacy and other reproductive parameters, such as AFK, significantly increased in the last decade, which could be related to management improvements. Besides that, the existence of inter-annual variations should be considered to compare data between farms and years, and to establish the farms’ objectives according to their production systems and production goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Rodríguez-Hernández
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, University of Cordoba (UCO), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (P.R.-H.); (C.A.); (C.D.-G.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - João Simões
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Cristina Arce
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, University of Cordoba (UCO), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (P.R.-H.); (C.A.); (C.D.-G.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Cipriano Díaz-Gaona
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, University of Cordoba (UCO), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (P.R.-H.); (C.A.); (C.D.-G.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - María Dolores López-Fariñas
- ACRIFLOR (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Ganado Caprino de Raza Florida—National Association of Florida Goat Breeders), Department of Animal Production, University of Cordoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, University of Cordoba (UCO), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (P.R.-H.); (C.A.); (C.D.-G.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), Campus de Rabanales, University of Cordoba (UCO), 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (P.R.-H.); (C.A.); (C.D.-G.); (M.S.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Drinking Water Supplemented with Acidifiers Improves the Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs and Potentially Regulates Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Gastrointestinal Microbiota Diversity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11050809. [PMID: 35624673 PMCID: PMC9138078 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the potential effects of adding acidifiers to the drinking water on the growth performance, complete blood count, antioxidant indicators, and diversity of gastrointestinal microbiota for weaned pigs. A total of 400 weaned pigs were randomly divided into four treatments. Pigs were fed the same basal diet and given either water (no acidifier was added, control) or water plus blends of different formulas of acidifiers (acidifier A1, A2, or A3) for 35 days. On d 18 and 35 of the experimental period, 64 pigs (four pigs per pen) were randomly selected to collect blood for a CBC test (n = 128) and an antioxidant indicators test (n = 128); 24 pigs (six pigs per group) were randomly selected to collect fresh feces (n = 48) from the rectum for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the control, supplementing the drinking water with acidifiers improved the growth performance and survival rate of weaned pigs. Acidifier groups also increased serum catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, while also displaying a decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to the control. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the acidifier A1 group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05) on d 35; the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the acidifier A1 group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05) on d 18 and 35. The microbial species Subdoligranulum or Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 had significantly positive correlations with ADG and ADFI or with serum antioxidant indicators, respectively. These findings suggest that supplementing the drinking water with an acidifier has a potential as an antioxidant, which was reflected in the improvement of growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora.
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Guan R, Zhou X, Cai H, Qian X, Xin X, Li X. Study on the influence of different production factors on PSY and its correlation. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:9. [PMID: 35287727 PMCID: PMC8919625 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00253-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Finding out the key reproductive performance factors, affecting piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) can improve the production efficiency and profitability of pig farms. The objective was to understand the actual distribution of different production factors and PSY of breeding pig farms, analyze the correlation to find the main production factors affecting PSY, and formulating a Production Efficiency Improvement Plan in practice. Data included 603 breeding pig farms from September 28, 2020 to September 26, 2021. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between PSY and key production factors, and the characteristics of total pig farms versus high performance (HP) pig farms (the production performance was in the top 10%) or top 5% pig farms were compared. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between production factors and find the factors related to PSY. Non-linear support vector regression (NL-SVR) was used to analyze the personalized PSY improvement through a various change of the four key factors.
Results
The median distribution of 15 production factors and PSY in total pig farms were different from those of HP farms. All of data were distributed nonlinearly. Mating rate within 7 days after weaning (MR7DW), farrowing rate (FR), number of piglets born alive per litter (PBAL) and number of weaned piglets per litter (WPL) were moderately correlated with PSY, and the correlation coefficients were 0.5058, 0.4427, 0.3929 and 0.3839, respectively. When the four factors in NL-SVR changed in medium (0.5 piglet or 5%) or high level (1.0 piglet or 10%), PSY can be increased by more than 0.5.
Conclusion
NL-SVR model can be used to analyze the impact of changes in key production factors on PSY. By taking measures to improve MR7DW, FR, PBAL and WPL, it may effectively improve the current PSY and fully develop the reproductive potential of sows.
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Jarosz ŁS, Ciszewski A, Marek A, Hejdysz M, Nowaczewski S, Grądzki Z, Michalak K, Kwiecień M, Rysiak A. The effect of the multi-strain probiotic preparation EM Bokashi® on selected parameters of the cellular immune response in pigs. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09540105.2021.2006611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz S. Jarosz
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Ciszewski
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Marek
- Sub-Department of Preventive Veterinary and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Hejdysz
- Department of Animal Breeding And Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Sebastian Nowaczewski
- Department of Animal Breeding And Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Grądzki
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Michalak
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kwiecień
- Faculty of Biology and Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rysiak
- Department of Botany, Mycology, and Ecology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Influence of the farrowing process and different sow and piglet traits on uterine involution in a free farrowing system. Theriogenology 2022; 182:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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49
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Araujo LF, Vitagliano LA, Decaux C, Janssen FT, Sartore YGDA, Granghelli CA, Tse MLP, Carvalho RSB, Martins SMMK, da Silva Araujo CS. Activated crystalline silicon dioxide mitigates weight loss in lactating sows. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.2020692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lúcio F. Araujo
- Department of Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Luiz A. Vitagliano
- Department of Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carlos A. Granghelli
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Marcos L. P. Tse
- Department of Animal Production, Sao Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu, Brazil
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Bai JH, Qin YS, Zhang SL, Xu XL, Song YQ, Xiao LL, Feng T, Tian JH, Liu Y. A comparison of the reproductive performance in primiparous sows following two timed artificial insemination protocols. Animal 2021; 15:100410. [PMID: 34847398 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Timed artificial insemination (TAI) is an efficient reproductive technology in batch farrowing production that aids management in pig farms. However, the effect of TAI on the reproduction performance is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two TAI protocols on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows. A total of 332 weaned sows were randomly allocated into three treatments. Sows assigned to Control (n = 110) were untreated and inseminated on each day in oestrus after weaning. Sows assigned to eG-TAI (n = 112) received equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 24 h after weaning and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gonadorelin: GnRH) at oestrus, and were inseminated at 8 and 32 h later if oestrus at 0800, or 16 and 40 h later if oestrus at 1600. Sows assigned to 2e-TAI (n = 110) received eCG and GnRH 24 h and 96 h after weaning, respectively, and were inseminated 16 and 40 h after GnRH administration. Sows showing oestrus at GnRH administration or 64 h after were inseminated immediately, for a total of three inseminations. Ultrasonographic evaluations were performed to determine the follicular diameter and time of ovulation. Most sows in the 2e-TAI and eG-TAI groups ovulated 0-48 h after the GnRH injection. Our results indicated that oestrus rate within seven days after weaning in the experimental groups was higher, and weaning-to-oestrus interval was shorter than in the control group (99.3 h vs 113.5 h, P < 0.05). The breeding and farrowing rates in the experimental groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), while the numbers of total born, live-born and stillborn were not different among the three groups (Control: 12.7, 11.6 and 1.1; 2e-TAI: 12.4, 11.3 and 1.0; eG-TAI: 12.0, 11.4 and 0.4, respectively). These results indicated that TAI could ensure a high farrowing rate in primiparous sows under batch farrowing management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Bai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Y S Qin
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - S L Zhang
- Beijing University of Agricultural, College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing 100096, China
| | - X L Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Y Q Song
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - L L Xiao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - T Feng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - J H Tian
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Y Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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