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Will KJ, Zanin GP, Magoga J, da Rosa Ulguim R, Mellagi APG, Bortolozzo FP. Effect of peripartum dexamethasone treatment on farrowing outcomes and newborn piglet traits in multiparous sows. Theriogenology 2024; 223:22-28. [PMID: 38657436 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.009] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the effects of dexamethasone treatment on farrowing performance and piglet traits in the first 5 days of life in multiparous sows, a high-risk group for stillbirths and prolonged farrowing. In this study, 185 multiparous sows (parity 4.25 ± 0.14) were selected on the day of farrowing and divided into three treatments: CON - control, without dexamethasone treatment; DexaPF - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im per female) at the time of copious colostrum secretion (pre-farrowing); and DexaFO - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im per female) when the first piglet was born (farrowing onset). All sows and their litters were monitored for farrowing duration, obstetric interventions, colostrum yield and intake, newborn piglet traits, and piglet performance until 5 d of age. A subsample of 106 females (∼35 per treatment) had their blood glucose concentration checked hourly shortly after the first piglet was born until the end of farrowing. Additionally, blood samples from 42 litters were collected for immunocrit evaluation. The results showed no differences regarding farrowing duration (CON = 258.02 ± 13.81 min; DexaPF = 251.29 ± 13.60 min; DexaFO = 294.92 ± 13.89 min; P = 0.06) and obstetric intervention rates among treatments (CON = 36.58 ± 6.78 %; DexaPF = 42.16 ± 6.89 %; DexaFO = 48.05 ± 7.08 %; P = 0.45). The blood glucose concentration during farrowing was higher in DexaPF (94.56 ± 1.57 mg/dL; P < 0.001) than in CON (73.50 ± 1.72 mg/dL) and DexaFO (87.94 ± 1.80 mg/dL). No differences were observed regarding total piglets born and born alive, stillborn, newborn piglet vitality, colostrum intake, immunocrit, colostrum yield, and glycemia and rectal temperature at 24 h of age (P ≥ 0.13). Regarding meconium staining, higher percentages of piglets born without meconium staining were observed in DexaFO (54.77 ± 5.21 %; P = 0.02) compared with CON (48.58 ± 5.26 %), and no difference was observed for the DexaPF group (53.23 ± 5.21 %). In addition, a higher unbroken umbilical cord rate was observed in DexaFO (92.41 ± 1.31 %; P < 0.01) than the CON or DexaPF (86.91 ± 1.97 % and 89.31 ± 1.67 %, respectively). However, the treatments did not affect piglet performance (weight gain and survival) until 5 d of age (P ≥ 0.15). In summary, dexamethasone treatment in periparturient multiparous sows did not improve farrowing performance and key production parameters, such as the piglet weight gain and survival up to 5 d of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Jaqueline Will
- Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Piovesan Zanin
- Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Joana Magoga
- Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi
- Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Boonprakob R, Vimolmangkang S, Tummaruk P. Impacts of supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition period on behaviour, feed consumption, constipation levels, colostrum production and piglet performance in hyperprolific sows. Theriogenology 2024; 215:272-280. [PMID: 38103404 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.010] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In the modern swine industry, inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing represent a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is rich in fibre. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods (7 days before and after farrowing) on various aspects including postpartum behaviour, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into two groups, i.e., control (n = 54) and treatment (n = 46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet at 3.0-3.5 kg per day for a period of 7 days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150 g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analysed and contained 0.24 % (w/w) cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360 mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fibre content of 4.3 %, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher dietary fibre content of 16.9 %. Video cameras were used to observe and document the behaviour of sows within the initial 24 h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5 °C was considered indicative of fever. The faecal score of the sows was assessed, and a faecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0 % and 38.9 % respectively, P = 0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, overall, sows without constipation issues spent more time consuming feed than those experiencing constipation (P = 0.006). The prevalence of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (17.4 % and 81.5 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the postpartum sows demonstrated increased feed intake following supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts (P < 0.05). Sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, piglet mortality and other piglet traits did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition periods in peri-parturient sows under tropical conditions resulted in a reduction in constipation issues and improved sow activities, such as increased time spent standing and consuming feed within the first 24 h postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafa Boonprakob
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Department of Quality Assurance and Animal Health Office, Livestock Production Betagro Group, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Research Cluster for Cannabis and Its Natural Substances, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Padet Tummaruk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Centre of Excellence in Swine Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Kiernan DP, O’Doherty JV, Sweeney T. The Effect of Maternal Probiotic or Synbiotic Supplementation on Sow and Offspring Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Health, and Performance. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2996. [PMID: 37835602 PMCID: PMC10571980 DOI: 10.3390/ani13192996] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has prompted the reduction in antibiotic and antimicrobial use in commercial pig production. This has led to increased research efforts to identify alternative dietary interventions to support the health and development of the pig. The crucial role of the GIT microbiota in animal health and performance is becoming increasingly evident. Hence, promoting an improved GIT microbiota, particularly the pioneer microbiota in the young pig, is a fundamental focus. Recent research has indicated that the sow's GIT microbiota is a significant contributor to the development of the offspring's microbiota. Thus, dietary manipulation of the sow's microbiota with probiotics or synbiotics, before farrowing and during lactation, is a compelling area of exploration. This review aims to identify the potential health benefits of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation to both the sow and her offspring and to explore their possible modes of action. Finally, the results of maternal sow probiotic and synbiotic supplementation studies are collated and summarized. Maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation offers an effective strategy to modulate the sow's microbiota and thereby enhance the formation of a health-promoting pioneer microbiota in the offspring. In addition, this strategy can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the sow and her offspring, enhance the immune potential of the milk, the immune system development in the offspring, and the sow's feed intake during lactation. Although many studies have used probiotics in the maternal sow diet, the most effective probiotic or probiotic blends remain unclear. To this extent, further direct comparative investigations using different probiotics are warranted to advance the current understanding in this area. Moreover, the number of investigations supplementing synbiotics in the maternal sow diet is limited and is an area where further exploration is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon P. Kiernan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - John V. O’Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Torres Sweeney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Ireland;
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Pascottini OB, Aurich C, England G, Grahofer A. General and comparative aspects of endometritis in domestic species: A review. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:49-71. [PMID: 37191856 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis is a leading cause of sub- and infertility in domestic animal species. The healthy uterus is colonized by commensal bacteria, viruses and yeast/fungi that represent the nonpathogenic microbiota. A shift in the number or type of organisms accompanied by immune dysfunction, however, may trigger uterine infection and inflammation. Metritis is associated with inflammation of all uterine layers (endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium), whereas endometritis is a more superficial inflammation involving solely the endometrium. Endometritis generally occurs at two time points in domestic animal species, postpartum and postmating. Postpartum endometritis may chronically persist, either as a low-grade disease that often manifests as a vaginal discharge but not a systemic illness (in some species termed clinical endometritis) or sometimes subclinical where features are only detected by endometrial sampling. Contamination of the uterus at the time of mating occurs by direct deposition of semen (ejaculated or artificially inseminated) into the uterus. Improper drainage of the ejaculatory fluid or an inadequate immune response may result in persistent mating-induced endometritis. Both postpartum and postmating endometritis interferes with fertility by creating a suboptimal environment for embryo development and placentation, and chronic endometritis may have an impact on sperm survival and fertilization ability. In the postpartum animal, there may also be changes in milk production and maternal behaviour, which can affect offspring health and survival. Preventive strategies for endometritis largely depend on monitoring their known risk factors, which are sometimes specific with regard to the species. Effective, nonantibiotic therapy for endometritis is not available to date. Overall, extensive research has been performed in cattle and horses to unravel key aspects of endometritis, but in sows and bitches, the available literature is scant. Thus, the need and opportunity to investigate the condition vary considerably among domestic species and necessitate their comparative assessment. This article reviews general and comparative aspects of the diagnosis and classification, pathogenesis, preventive strategies and therapeutics of endometritis in domestic species with a specific focus on cows, mares, sows and bitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
| | - A Grahofer
- Clinic for Swine, Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Will KJ, Magoga J, De Conti ER, da Rosa Ulguim R, Mellagi APG, Bortolozzo FP. Relationship between dexamethasone treatment around parturition of primiparous sows and farrowing performance and newborn piglet traits. Theriogenology 2023; 198:256-263. [PMID: 36623428 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.044] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the relationship between the steroidal anti-inflammatory action of dexamethasone treatment in primiparous sows and farrowing and piglet performance in the first 5 d of life. For this purpose, 234 gilts were selected on the day of farrowing and distributed among three treatments: CON - control, without dexamethasone treatment; DexaPF - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im) per female at the moment of copious colostrum secretion (pre-farrowing); and DexaFO - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im), per female when the first piglet was born (farrowing onset). All females and their litters were evaluated regarding farrowing duration, obstetric interventions, colostrum yield and intake, newborn piglet traits, and piglet performance until 5 d of age. A subsample of 79 females (∼26 per treatment) had their blood glucose concentration evaluated hourly shortly after the first piglet was born until the end of farrowing. Additionally, blood samples from 11 litters per treatment were collected for immunocrit evaluation. As a result, faster farrowing was observed in the DexaPF treatment (188.14 min; P = 0.002) compared with CON (229.99 min) and DexaFO (221.79 min). Additionally, lower obstetric intervention rates were observed in sows treated with dexamethasone (DexaPF = 7.69%; DexaFO = 5.13%) compared with CON (19.23%; P = 0.02). The sow's blood glucose concentration during farrowing was higher in DexaPF (90.55 mg/dL) than in CON (73.15 mg/dL) and DexaFO (80.06 mg/dL) treatments (P < 0.01). Besides the effect on farrowing duration, no differences among treatments were observed regarding piglets born alive and stillbirths, newborn piglet vitality, colostrum consumption, immunocrit, and colostrum yield (P ≥ 0.17). Regarding piglet traits, higher percentages of piglets born without meconium staining and lower percentages of piglets with meconium scores 2 and 3 were observed in the groups treated with dexamethasone (DexaPF and DexaFO; P < 0.01) compared with CON. However, piglet weight gain and survival rate until 5 d of age were not affected by the treatment (P ≥ 0.61). In summary, dexamethasone treatment before farrowing onset, in primiparous sows, had the potential to reduce the farrowing duration and the necessity of obstetric intervention, but it did not affect the main productive parameters such as the occurrence of stillbirths, piglet weight gain, and survival rates until 5 d of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Jaqueline Will
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Joana Magoga
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Elisa Rigo De Conti
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Faculdade de Veterinária, Setor de Suínos, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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