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Amdi C, Larsen C, Jensen KMR, Tange EØ, Sato H, Williams AR. Intrauterine growth restriction in piglets modulates postnatal immune function and hepatic transcriptional responses independently of energy intake. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1254958. [PMID: 37916220 PMCID: PMC10617784 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1254958] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Insufficient prenatal nutrition can affect fetal development and lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of this study was to investigate hepatic transcriptional responses and innate immune function in piglets suffering from IUGR compared to normal-sized piglets at 3 days of age and explore whether the provision of an energy-rich supplement at birth could modulate these parameters. Methods: A total of 68 piglets were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were harvested for LPS stimulation, and organs were harvested post-mortem to quantify relative weights. Liver tissue was utilized for RNA sequencing coupled with gene-set enrichment analysis. Results: IUGR resulted in increased expression of genes such as PDK4 and substantial alterations in transcriptional pathways related to metabolic activity (e.g., citric acid and Krebs cycles), but these changes were equivalent in piglets given an energy-rich supplement or not. Transcriptomic analysis and serum biochemistry suggested altered glucose metabolism and a shift toward oxidation of fatty acids. IUGR piglets also exhibited suppression of genes related to innate immune function (e.g., CXCL12) and pathways related to cell proliferation (e.g., WNT and PDGF signaling). Moreover, they produced less IL-1β in response to LPS stimulation and had lower levels of blood eosinophils than normal-sized piglets. Discussion: Taken together, our results indicate that IUGR results in early-life alterations in metabolism and immunity that may not be easily restored by the provision of exogenous energy supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Amdi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Van Ginneken C, Ayuso M, Van Bockstal L, Van Cruchten S. Preweaning performance in intrauterine growth-restricted piglets: Characteristics and interventions. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:697-707. [PMID: 35652465 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23614] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is frequently observed in pig production, especially when using highly prolific sows. IUGR piglets are born with low body weight and shape indicative of differences in organ growth. Insufficient uteroplacental nutrient transfer to the fetuses is the leading cause of growth restriction in the pig. Supplementing the sow's gestation diet with arginine and/or glutamine improves placenta growth and functionality and consequently is able to reduce IUGR incidence. IUGR piglets are at higher risk of dying preweaning and face higher morbidity than their normal-weight littermates. A high level of surveillance during farrowing and individual nutrient supplementation can reduce the mortality rates. Still, these do not reverse the long-term consequences of IUGR, which are induced by persistent structural deficits in different organs. Dietary interventions peri-weaning can optimize performance but these are less effective in combating the metabolic changes that occurred in IUGR, which affect reproductive performance later in life. IUGR piglets share many similarities with IUGR infants, such as a poorer outcome of males. Using the IUGR piglet as an animal model to further explore the structural and molecular basis of the long-term consequences of IUGR and the potential sex bias could aid in fully understanding the impact of prenatal undernutrition and finding solutions for both species and sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Van Ginneken
- Comparative Perinatal Development (CoPeD), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Miriam Ayuso
- Comparative Perinatal Development (CoPeD), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Comparative Perinatal Development (CoPeD), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Cruchten
- Comparative Perinatal Development (CoPeD), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Miguel J, Mitjana O, Tejedor MT, Martínez A, Falceto MV. Supplementing Colostrum from Multiparous Sows: Effects on Performance and Health in Piglets from Gilts in Farm Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092563. [PMID: 34573529 PMCID: PMC8470341 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colostrum intake is essential for piglets. Gilt litters may not receive the same quantity and quality of colostrum as the litters from sows do. An extra dose of 30 mL divided into two doses (20 min apart, using a gastric tube) of colostrum from multiparous sows was administered to piglets born from gilts to ascertain its effects on piglets’ performance and health in farm conditions, with a special interest in the smallest piglets (under quartile 1, Q1). Quartiles for birth weight were Q1 = 1.100 kg, Q2 = 1.300 kg, and Q3 = 1.500 kg (n = 401). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets), and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea. Immune response improved among SUP piglets for the diseases evaluated. In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had significant effects on mean weight and ADG in the first days of life. The smallest piglets had a reduced use of antibiotics when supplemented. The time and labour invested in colostrum supplementation could be compensated by the improvement of piglets’ productive parameters and health. Abstract Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Miguel
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Olga Mitjana
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.M.); (M.V.F.)
- Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, University of Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- CIBER CV, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Martínez
- Vall Companys, Polígono Industrial Valdeferrín, 50600 Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain;
| | - María Victoria Falceto
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.M.); (M.V.F.)
- Agroalimentary Institute of Aragon-IA2, University of Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Lynegaard JC, Hales J, Nielsen MN, Hansen CF, Amdi C. The Stomach Capacity is Reduced in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Piglets Compared to Normal Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081291. [PMID: 32731630 PMCID: PMC7459478 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Large litters have resulted in a higher percentage of piglets suffering from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). There is a higher mortality in this subset of piglets and a large number die because they do not receive enough nutrients for energy within the critical first 24 h after birth. One source of nutrients for energy could be supplementation with extra colostrum from previously milked sows. However, there is no knowledge on the stomach capacity of IUGR piglets, and therefore, of how much colostrum could potentially be supplemented. This is important information in order to recommend how much supplementary colostrum IUGR piglets need in order to survive. Abstract Selection for increased litter sizes have decreased the average birth weight of piglets and up to 30% of newborn piglets in Danish herds show signs of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). It has been reported that around 48% of liveborn piglets dying between birth and weaning have empty stomachs, and that IUGR piglets do not ingest the recommended amount of colostrum to survive. The aim of this study was to investigate how much colostrum could be administrated depending on whether they were IUGR compared to normal piglets. Seventy-two piglets within 24 h of farrowing were classified as either IUGR or normal based on their head morphology. Stomach weight, length and capacity were measured along with bodyweight (BW). The results displayed a decreased BW, empty stomach weight and capacity in IUGR piglets, as well as a decreased relative stomach capacity in IUGR compared with normal piglets. In conclusion, birth weight is not the only factor influencing stomach capacity, and IUGR piglets have a smaller stomach capacity compared with normal piglets. It is estimated that IUGR piglets have the capacity to be given a bolus of 25 mL per kg/BW, whereas a normal piglet have a higher capacity (30 mL per kg/BW).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C. Lynegaard
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.C.L.); (J.H.); (M.N.N.); (C.F.H.)
| | - Janni Hales
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.C.L.); (J.H.); (M.N.N.); (C.F.H.)
- SKIOLD JYDEN, Idomvej 2, 7570 Vemb, Denmark
| | - Marlene N. Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.C.L.); (J.H.); (M.N.N.); (C.F.H.)
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Christian F. Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.C.L.); (J.H.); (M.N.N.); (C.F.H.)
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Amdi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (J.C.L.); (J.H.); (M.N.N.); (C.F.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Administration of Glucose at Litter Equalization as a Strategy to Increase Energy in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071221. [PMID: 32709098 PMCID: PMC7401504 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hyper-prolific sows with large litters require extra management in order to reduce piglet mortality. One of the reasons is high piglet birth weight variability in these large litters where piglets can range from 300 g to 2.5 kg in the same litter. In this study the strategy of giving energy at litter equalization to the smallest piglets was investigated as this is when most farmers handle the piglets for the first time. The treatments consisted of a control, oral and injected supplementation. There were no differences between the treatments of the piglets suggesting that it is too late to intervene at litter equalization, and if extra management actions are to have an effect then they most likely have to be given already at birth. More research is needed on how to handle the small and underdeveloped piglets in order to reduce piglet mortality. Abstract Hyper-prolific sows give birth to large litters and up to 25% of piglets born have been subjected to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of this study was to test whether an oral administration of glucose impacts the survival rate and body weight gain of IUGR piglets at weaning. Different methods (injection versus oral administration of glucose 6 mL or 12 mL, respectively) were tested on IUGR piglets at litter equalization (i.e., when piglets are handled the first time at 5–20 h after birth). Injecting glucose generated the highest whole-blood glucose level + 3 h after treatment, however, after this no differences were observed. Of the 237 IUGR piglets studied, 98 piglets died or were removed from the nurse sow (41%). Rectal temperature at litter equalization (0 h) was related to the survival of the piglets with an average temperature of 37.1 ± 0.1 °C in surviving piglets and 36.6 ± 0.1 °C in piglets that died. In conclusion, providing these extra management actions at litter equalization is too late to help piglets that have a low rectal temperature and are low on energy. More research investigating different management methods to deal with IUGR piglets are needed as many of these underdeveloped piglets will not survive.
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Color of Colon Content of Normal and Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Weaned Piglets is Associated with Specific Microbial Taxa and Physiological Parameters. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061073. [PMID: 32580422 PMCID: PMC7341333 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Selection for hyperprolific sows has increased litter sizes but has also increased the number of small piglets per litter. A large percentage of these piglets have been exposed to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) during gestation, and this is accompanied by higher mortality and reduced growth in pig production. In humans, IUGR is associated with long-term health consequences such as cardiovascular disease, as well as metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. It is therefore of interest to study the gut microbiota (GM) of IUGR compared to normal piglets, as a well-balanced GM is associated with improved health outcomes. Differences in feces color was associated with different metabolite signatures and specific GM signatures. Understanding these differences in the composition of the microbial community and its functional capacity during weaning is important for pig production, as the GM play important roles in pig health and growth performance. Abstract A well-balanced gut microbiome is associated with improved health outcomes, but to date, the GM of IUGR piglets have only been sparsely investigated. Here, we investigated GM composition, color of colon content, and blood parameters of 20 IUGR and 20 normal 24-day-old piglets. No significant differences were detected in colon microbiota composition between IUGR and the normal piglets with respect to alpha and beta diversity measures. The colon content of these piglets displayed three colors: brown, black, and yellow. Interestingly, the color of the colon content varied with microbial community composition, with significant differences in the relative abundance of taxa belonging to Fusobacteria and Treponema. Fusobacteria were most abundant in yellow fecal samples, with a mean relative abundance around 5.6%, whereas this was 0.51% within brown and 0.02% for the black fecal samples. Fusobacteria positively correlated with total blood protein, albumin, and triglycerides. Contrarily, Treponema was at 0.9% the most abundant in black fecal samples, while present at 0.1% of relative abundance in brown fecal samples and 0.01% in yellow samples, correlating positively with blood iron content. This study indicates that colon/fecal content color can be used as indicator for specific GM and metabolite signatures.
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Engelsmann MN, Hansen CF, Nielsen MN, Kristensen AR, Amdi C. Glucose Injections at Birth, Warmth and Placing at a Nurse Sow Improve the Growth of IUGR Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080519. [PMID: 31382379 PMCID: PMC6720256 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth-restricted piglets (IUGR) have a lower rectal temperature, whole-blood glucose, and lower glycogen storages at birth than normal piglets, giving them less energy to maintain body temperature and compete at the udder. The present paper investigated the effects of giving an energy supplementation three times after birth on rectal temperature, glucose levels, and growth until weaning in an on-farm trial. Eighty-eight newborn piglets were classified as IUGR (based on head morphology), placed under a heating lamp for one hour and allocated to one of four treatments-warmed water (WATER), glucose injection (GLUC), colostrum bolus (COLOS; porcine colostrum), and colostrum bolus and glucose injection (GLUC + COLOS)-before being placed at a nursing sow. Weight differences were found at day 21, with GLUC and GLUC + COLOS groups being the heaviest. Piglets in GLUC + COLOS had higher glucose levels at t = 3, 6, and 9 h compared to the other treatments (p = 0.027), but from t = 24 h and onwards, no difference was observed. For rectal temperature, no differences were observed. Collectively, these findings suggest that glucose injections at birth (i.e., as an energy source), one hour's exposure to warmth and the placement of piglets with a nurse sow to reduce competition, enhance the growth of IUGR piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiken N Engelsmann
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christian F Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Marlene N Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Anders R Kristensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Amdi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Feldpausch JA, Jourquin J, Bergstrom JR, Bargen JL, Bokenkroger CD, Davis DL, Gonzalez JM, Nelssen JL, Puls CL, Trout WE, Ritter MJ. Birth weight threshold for identifying piglets at risk for preweaning mortality. Transl Anim Sci 2019; 3:633-640. [PMID: 32704833 PMCID: PMC7200817 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txz076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have suggested there is a critical relationship between piglet birth weight and preweaning mortality. Thus, the objective of the current work was to identify a birth weight threshold value for preweaning mortality. Birth weight and survival data from two studies involving a combined total of 4,068 piglets from 394 litters on four commercial farms (three European, one U.S.) were compiled for a pooled, multistudy analysis. Overall preweaning mortality across the two studies was 12.2%. Key variables used in the analysis were piglet birth weight (measured within 24 h of birth) and corresponding survival outcome (dead or live) by weaning at 3-4 wk of age. A mixed effects logistic regression model was fit to estimate the relationship between preweaning mortality and birth weight. A random effect of study was included to account for overall differences in mortality between the two studies. A piecewise linear predictor was selected to best represent the drastic decrease in preweaning mortality found as birth weight increased in the range of 0.5-1.0 kg and the less extreme change in weight above 1.0 kg. The change point of the birth weight and preweaning mortality model was determined by comparing model fit based on maximizing the likelihood over the interval ranging from 0.5 to 2.3 kg birth weight. Results from the analysis showed a curvilinear relationship between birth weight and preweaning mortality where the birth weight change point value or threshold value was 1.11 kg. In the combined data set, 15.2% of pigs had birth weights ≤1.11 kg. This subpopulation of pigs had a 34.4% preweaning mortality rate and represented 43% of total preweaning mortalities. These findings imply interventions targeted at reducing the incidence of piglets with birth weights ≤1.11 kg have potential to improve piglet survivability. Additional research is needed to validate 1.11 kg as the birth weight threshold for increased risk of preweaning mortality.
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He T, He L, Gao E, Hu J, Zang J, Wang C, Zhao J, Ma X. Fat deposition deficiency is critical for the high mortality of pre-weanling newborn piglets. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:66. [PMID: 30155244 PMCID: PMC6109977 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-018-0280-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high mortality of pre-weanling piglets is a dominant challenge which severely restricts the development of pig industry. A number of factors including nutrients imbalance and temperature variation during postnatal period of piglets have been reported to closely associated with the high mortality of postnatal piglets. This study aims to find out the relationship between fat deposition and survival of newborn piglets. RESULTS There were no differences in organ coefficient and bone density between the surviving and dead piglets (P > 0.05). The body weight and the fat deposition in the dead piglets were lower than the live individuals (P < 0.05). Consistently, the average sizes of white adipocytes in back and abdominal adipose tissues of dead piglets were smaller than the survivals (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of adipocyte differentiation markers PPARγ and C/EBPα in the back and abdominal adipose tissues were lower in dead piglets compared to live piglets. The mRNA expressions of thermogenic markers PGC1α and PRDM16 in adipose tissues were decreased in the dead piglets (P < 0.05). The microarray of back fat samples from the surviving and dead piglets were conducted; two down-regulated genes namely AAMDC and CASTOR1 were identified from the dead piglets. According to quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, the mRNA expression of AAMDC decreased, whereas CASTOR1 expression elevated in the dead piglets compared to the surviving piglets (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The fat deposition and adipocyte differentiation in the dead piglets are insufficient compared to the surviving piglets, which may attenuate the thermogenic ability of white adipose tissue (WAT). Our data indicate that fat deposition in newborn piglets is vital to their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Long He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Enen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jinhua Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jianjun Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Jinshan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Xi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
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Alexopoulos JG, Lines DS, Hallett S, Plush KJ. A Review of Success Factors for Piglet Fostering in Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2018. [PMID: 29522470 PMCID: PMC5867526 DOI: 10.3390/ani8030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary An understanding of behavioural and physiological mechanisms responsible for piglet survival and growth will assist in developing the best recommendations in which to manage piglet movements in the farrowing house. This review has identified six key principles that should underpin successful piglet fostering. These fostering principles will improve productivity and welfare of sows and piglets in commercial pig production. Abstract Piglet movement from one sow to another, or fostering, is required in modern pig farming but there is little available literature on the most effective strategy. In this review, we focus on the behavioural and physiological mechanisms responsible for piglet survival and growth, and have identified six key principles. (1) Colostrum provides piglets with warmth, energy and immunity. It is most accessible during the first 12 h from the birth sow, therefore no piglet should be moved before this; (2) To ensure even intake of birth sow colostrum, techniques such as split suckling prior to piglet movement should be implemented; (3) Udder assessment for functional teats should occur at farrowing, with number of fostered piglets not exceeding teat number; (4) Primiparous sows should receive as many piglets as the udder allows to maximise mammary stimulation, although older parities should be assessed for rearing ability; (5) Piglet fostering should occur between 12 and 24 h and movement kept to a minimum to prevent transfer of disease; Litter outliers should be moved and relocated to a litter of similar size; (6) Piglet movement after 24 h should be minimised. When required, strategies such as nurse usage should be employed. These principles will result in improved farrowing house performance by increasing the litter weight weaned per sow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David S Lines
- SunPork Farms, PO Box 92, Wasleys 5400, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Suzanne Hallett
- SunPork Farms, PO Box 92, Wasleys 5400, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Kate J Plush
- SunPork Farms, PO Box 92, Wasleys 5400, South Australia, Australia.
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