Effects of supplemental L-tryptophan on serotonin, cortisol, intestinal integrity, and behavior in weanling piglets

Stress occurs in intensive pig farming when piglets are weaned and mixed. In this study, we investigated whether this stress might be reduced with elevated dietary levels of Trp. The effects of supplemental dietary Trp (5 g/kg of feed, as-fed basis) were tested on the neuroendocrine system, intestinal integrity, behavior, and growth performance in nursery pigs, both before and after mixing. Mixing occurred 5 d after weaning and diet introduction. On d 4, 5, and 6, Trp-fed pigs vs. control pigs showed approximately a 2-fold elevation in plasma Trp concentrations (68 +/- 7 vs. 32 +/- 2 micromol/L; P < 0.001), a 38% increase in hypothalamic serotonin turnover as measured by 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid:5-hydroxytryptamine (P < 0.001), and an 11 to 18% increase (P < 0.05) in the intestinal villus height:crypt depth. Before (d 4) and at (d 5) mixing, saliva but not plasma cortisol concentrations were reduced (P < 0.02) by approximately 2-fold in Trp-fed pigs vs. control pigs. Intestinal paracellular (horseradish peroxidase) and transcellular (fluorescein isothiocyanate) transport of macromolecules were not affected by dietary treatment, but mixing induced a 2-fold reduction (P < 0.05) in transcellular transport. Behavioral responses (lying and standing) at mixing were not affected by dietary treatment, except on d 10 after diet introduction when Trp supplementation induced more lying and less standing (P < 0.02). Average daily gain and ADFI were not different among dietary groups (P > 0.10). In conclusion, supplemental dietary Trp (5 g/kg) to piglets increased hypothalamic serotonergic activity, reduced the salivary cortisol response to mixing, improved intestinal morphology, and reduced physical activity 10 d after diet introduction. Consequently, diets containing high Trp levels improved neuroendocrine components of stress and increased gastrointestinal robustness but did not affect behavioral reactivity in nursery pigs during weaning and mixing.     

Effects of surplus dietary L-tryptophan on stress, immunology, behavior, and nitrogen retention in endotoxemic pigs

The possible beneficial effects of surplus dietary Trp (+5 g of Trp/kg of diet) on factors related to stress, immunology, behavior, and N retention were investigated in postweaning piglets (approximately 15 kg of BW) challenged for 10 d with intravenous bacterial lipopolysaccharide (from Escherichia coli). Two diets fed restrictively (732 kJ of NE/kg of BW(0.75)/d) were compared, 1) a basal diet (apparent ileal digestible Trp = 1.9 g/kg; the recommended amount of Trp to warrant near-optimal growth in nonendotoxemic piglets), and 2) a Trp-enriched basal diet (+5 g of free l-Trp/kg), with 8 individually housed piglets per diet. Pooled salivary cortisol, but not plasma cortisol sampled at euthanasia, showed a tendency (P = 0.07) toward reduced concentrations in the Trp group (1.1 vs. 1.4 ng/mL; pooled SE = 0.1 ng/mL). Plasma C-reactive protein was reduced (P = 0.04) in the Trp group (0.9 vs. 5.0 mg/L; pooled SE = 1.3 mg/L), but haptoglobin, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and lipopolysaccharide-induced fever were similar between the 2 dietary treatments. Physical activity related to approaching a human showed a tendency (P = 0.08) toward increased latency time in the Trp group (101 vs. 60 s; pooled SE = 16 s), but the times spent standing, sitting, and lying were similar between dietary treatments. The ADFI, ADG (346 vs. 302 g/d; pooled SE = 14 g/d; P = 0.11), body N retention (11.6 vs. 11.0 g/d; pooled SE = 0.2 g/d; P = 0.18), and G:F (0.55 vs. 0.49; pooled SE = 0.03; P = 0.17) were not different between the groups fed Trp and the basal diet. In conclusion, surplus dietary Trp had limited effects on stress, immunology, behavior, and N retention in a pig model of systemic endotoxemia.     

Effects of boar presence on agonistic behavior, shoulder scratches, and stress response of bred sows at mixing

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of boar presence on aggression, shoulder scratches, and salivary cortisol in group-housed sows during the period after mixing, which is when dominance hierarchies are formed. A total of 225 York-shire sows were used. Five groups of 15 sows were each exposed to 1 of 3 levels of boar presence (n = 15): physical (boar in pen with sows; 2.15 m2 per sow), fenceline (boar housed adjacent to sows; 2.3 m2 per sow), or control (no boar in the room; 2.3 m2 per sow). The experiment was divided into 2 phases. In phase 1, behavioral measurements were taken for 48 h after mixing and boar introduction. In phase 2, behavioral measurements were taken beginning on d 6 after mixing and included 24 h before and 48 h after boar removal. In phases 1 and 2, shoulder scratches were scored 24 h before and 24 h after mixing and boar removal, respectively. Saliva samples were collected each morning (0600 to 0700) and afternoon (1600 to 1700) during both phases. Frequencies of intersow aggressive contact (bite, body knock, and head knock) and threats as well as frequencies and durations of fighting bouts were determined from video recordings during daily feeding (49.6 +/- 1.4 min) and nonfeeding (21 +/- 0.2 h) periods. During phase 1, boar presence did not affect the frequency of threats during either the feeding or nonfeeding periods. Control groups had fewer aggressive contacts at feeding during the 25- to 48-h period compared with the fenceline groups (P = 0.01). Total duration of fighting and average fighting bout duration were unaffected by treatment. However, the number of fights occurring during feeding 25 to 48 h postmixing was lower in the physical groups than in the fenceline groups (P = 0.023); measures for the control groups were intermediate. Physical sows also received fewer shoulder scratches postmixing than did control sows (P = 0.048). After mixing, physical sows showed greater morning (P = 0.08) and afternoon (6 h postmixing, P = 0.01; 32 h postmixing, P = 0.08) salivary cortisol concentrations compared with fenceline sows, although they were only numerically greater than those for control sows. During phase 2, removing the boar did not increase fighting among sows or affect shoulder scratches or salivary cortisol concentrations. The presence of a boar was minimally effective at reducing fighting and scratches during the postmixing period, and sows showed a greater stress response in the presence of a boar.     

Behavior and performance of lactating sows and piglets reared indoors or outdoors.

Two hundred eighty-seven lactating Newsham sows and their litters were used to determine the effects of intensive indoor (n = 147) and intensive outdoor (n = 140) production systems on sow and litter productivity and behavior. All sows were of contemporary age and fed a completely balanced sorghum-based diet. Behavior data were collected by live observation on 40 sows and litters (20 indoor and 20 outdoor) using a 5-min scan sample over a 4-h period in the afternoon (1400 to 1800). The durations of lying (90.0 vs 72.1 +/- 2.76% of time observed) and drinking (4.42 vs 1.41 +/- 0.6% of time observed) were higher (P < 0.01) among indoor than among outdoor lactating sows. Nursing interval and feeding and sitting behaviors were not different (P > 0.05) between production systems. Piglets spent more (P < 0.05) time walking (10.1 vs 5.2 +/- 1.72% of time observed) and engaged in play activity (5.0 vs 1.7 +/- 1.26% of time observed) when housed outdoors than indoors. Outdoor piglets had more (P < 0.05) nursing behaviors directed toward the sow (27.5 vs 20.3 +/- 2.02% of time observed) but time spent in contact with the sow did not differ between environments (38.8 vs 39.2 +/- 2.78% of time observed). Treatments did not influence (P > 0.05) any of the sow or piglet production parameters. In conclusion, outdoor-kept Newsham sows and their piglets showed a richer behavioral repertoire, but the diverse environments did not influence production parameters.     

Influence of farm application of oregano on performances of sows

This study was performed in a large commercial herd in eastern Europe to test the effect of oregano feed supplementation. Sows were studied in a unit where alternate farrowing groups were given diets containing 1000 ppm oregano in the prefarrowing and lactation diet. Oregano-treated groups showed a lower (P = 0.003) annual sow mortality rate, a lower (P = 0.03) sow culling rate during lactation, an increased (P = 0.01) subsequent farrowing rate, and more (P = 0.05) live-born piglets per litter compared with the nontreated sows. The conclusion was that dietary oregano supplementation improved the reproductive performance of sows in this herd.     

Effects of L-carnitine fed during lactation on sow and litter performance

Sows of differing parities and genetics were used at different locations to determine the effects of feeding added L-carnitine during lactation on sow and litter performance. In Exp. 1, sows (n = 50 PIC C15) were fed a lactation diet (1.0% total lysine, .9% Ca, and .8% P) with or without 50 ppm of added L-carnitine from d 108 of gestation until weaning (d 21). No differences in litter weaning weight, survivability, sow ADFI, or sow weight and last rib fat depth change were observed. Number of pigs born alive in the subsequent farrowing were not different (P>.10). In Exp. 2, parity-three and -four sows (n = 115 Large White cross) were used to determine the effect of feeding 0, 50, 100, or 200 ppm of added L-carnitine during lactation (diet containing .9% total lysine, 1.0% Ca, and .8% P) on sow and litter performance. No improvements in the number of pigs or litter weights at weaning were observed (P>.10). Sows fed added L-carnitine had increased weight loss (linear; P<.04), but no differences (P>.10) were observed in last rib fat depth change or subsequent reproductive performance. In Exp. 3, first-parity sows (n = 107 PIC C15) were fed a diet with or without 50 ppm of added L-carnitine during lactation (diet containing 1.0% total lysine). Sows fed added L-carnitine tended (P<.10) to have fewer stillborn and mummified pigs than controls (.42 vs .81 pigs). No differences were observed for litter weaning weight, survivability, or subsequent farrowing performance. Feeding 50 to 200 ppm of added L-carnitine during lactation had little effect on sow and litter performance.     

Impact of rank position on fertility of sows

The investigations were carried out with 484 sows from two farms (farm A: housing the sows in small groups of 8 animals each, farm B with a large group of 100 sows) and a total number of 982 inseminations. The number of agonistic interactions was registered for each sow during 48 h after mixing soon after weaning the piglets at farm A. The individual rank place in the social hierarchy was calculated on the basis of wins and defeats and the sows were divided in high and low ranking sows. At farm B the rank position was estimated on the basis of the daily feeding order at two electronic feeding stations (first half of the sows in the feeding order = high ranking, second half = low ranking). Additionally, the following parameters were recorded for each sow: parity, genotype, farrowing rate and litter size (total and alive born piglets). The analysis showed that sows with a high rank position had a significantly higher farrowing rate (88.8%) compared to group-mates with low rank places (82.8%, p = 0.051) (farm A). Sows with a high rank position reached a significantly higher litter size of total born piglets (12.66, 16.14 piglets per litter respectively) than the low-ranking group-mates (12.13, 14.83 piglets/litter respectively — farms A and B). When mixing sows, the time and the conditions (e.g. group size, space allowance per sow) have to be considered to prevent the negative influence of low rank order on fertility.     

Farrowing hut design and sow genotype (Camborough-15 vs 25% Meishan) effects on outdoor sow and litter productivity

Performance measures were evaluated for 125 outdoor sows and litters of two crossbred genotypes (Camborough-15 and 25% Meishan) and in two farrowing hut designs (American-style and English-style hut). Contemporary breeding groups of second-parity sows were evaluated in an intensive, outdoor research unit. Sow genotype and hut designs were arranged factorially. Seven complete blocks were evaluated over a 21-wk period. No interactions between environment and genotype were identified for sow and litter productivity. Litters farrowing in the English-style huts weaned 1.5 more (P < .05) piglets per sow (because of a lower preweaning mortality, P = .05) than did litters in the American-style huts. The 25% Meishan weaned 1.7 more (P < .01) pigs per sow than Camborough-15, because of a greater number of piglets born alive. The effects of hut style and genotype were additive and 25% Meishan sows in English-style huts weaned an average (+/- SEM) of 11.1 +/- .83 piglets per sow. The English-style arc hut design may improve outdoor pig production and increase competitiveness of the intensive, outdoor system. The 25% Meishan genotype has potential for increased pigs weaned per litter that must be considered in light of other features of this genotype such as body composition.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oils to sows on colostrum and milk composition, growth pattern and immune status of suckling pigs

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing sow diets with oregano essential oils (OEO) during gestation and lactation on sow colostrum and milk composition and on the growth pattern and immune status of suckling pigs. A total of 70 second-parity sows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 gestation dietary treatments within 24 h after service: control (CON) or CON + 250 mg/kg of OEO (OREG). In lactation, sows were again assigned to either the CON or OREG dietary treatment. Thus, the lactation treatments were CON-CON, CON-OREG, OREG-CON, and OREG-OREG. Colostrum and blood samples were collected from 6 sows per lactation dietary treatment. Thymus lymphocyte (T lymphocyte) subpopulations (γδ, cluster of differentiation 8, and 32 cluster of differentiation 4) were enumerated in blood and mammary secretions along with IGF-1, IgG, and IgA concentrations. Piglet growth rate were determined from 18, 17, 17, and 18 litters from the CON-CON, CON-OREG, OREG-CON, and OREG-OREG lactation dietary treatments, respectively. Growth rates were determined in 630 piglets, and piglets were individually identified and weighed on 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, and 19 d of age. Oregano essential oil supplementation during gestation or lactation had no effect (P > 0.05) on GE, CP, GE:CP, GE:fat, and IGF-1 in sow milk. Reductions of the fat percentage in milk on d 7 (P < 0.05) and d 14 (P = 0.07) were found in sows supplemented with OEO during lactation compared with those in the CON treatment. Milk from sows supplemented with OEO during lactation had the greatest number of T lymphocytes compared with those in the lactation CON treatment on d 14 of lactation (P < 0.01). The number of T lymphocytes in milk was greater for sows in the CON-OREG treatment compared with those other treatments on d 14 of lactation (P < 0.05). Energy intake was greater on d 1 to 5 in piglets from sows fed OEO during gestation than those from sows in the CON treatment (P < 0.05). A trend (P = 0.10) for greater milk intake was observed in piglets from sows supplemented with OEO during gestation compared with those from sows in the CON treatment. Similarly, a tendency for an increase in ADG on d 1 to 5 was found in piglets from sows supplemented with OEO during gestation compared with those from sows in the CON treatment (P = 0.10). Insulin-like growth factor-1 at birth and on d 7 and 14 of lactation did not differ among piglets from sows assigned to the different dietary treatments. Oregano essential oil supplementation of sow diets did not affect (P > 0.05) immunoglobulin concentrations in piglets after suckling. Supplementing sow diets with OEO during gestation or lactation did not affect (P > 0.05) the T lymphocytes, percentage of T-lymphocyte subpopulations, and natural killer cell activity of piglets during lactation. Supplementing sow diets with 250 mg/kg of OEO during gestation and lactation did not affect the growth potential of and immune responses in suckling piglets.     

Effects of a novel carbohydrate and protein source on sow performance during lactation

Ninety-one primiparous and multiparous sows and their pigs were used to evaluate the effects of a novel carbohydrate- and protein-based feed ingredient (Nutri-Pal, NP) on sow and litter performance during lactation. Nutri-Pal is a feed supplement for sows that consists of a blend of milk chocolate, brewer's yeast, whey products, and glucooligosaccharides. The dietary treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal control and a corn-soybean meal plus 5% NP fed from d 110 of gestation to weaning. The diets were formulated to be equal in total Lys and ME. Sows were allotted to treatment based on parity, body weight, and the date of d 110 of gestation. There were 46 and 45 sows per treatment over four farrowing groups. Litters were standardized to 10 pigs and weighed within 1 d of farrowing, and all sows weaned at least 8 pigs at an average age of 21 d. Sows were weighed on d 110 of gestation, d 1 postfarrowing, and at weaning. Sows were fed three times daily during lactation. Sows were checked twice daily after weaning for signs of estrus. The weaning weight of sows fed NP was increased (P < 0.10) compared with those fed the control diet. Sows fed the control diet tended (P = 0.11) to lose more weight per day from d 110 of gestation to weaning than the sows fed NP. Otherwise, sow response variables (sow weight on d 110 of gestation and d 1 postfarrowing, d 110 of gestation to d 1 postfarrowing and lactation weight change per day, d 110 of gestation to d 1 postfarrowing, lactation, and total feed intake, days to estrus, pigs born alive or dead, and litter and average pig birth weight) were not affected (P > 0.10) by diet. There were no effects (P > 0.10) of diet on litter performance response variables (pigs weaned, litter and average pig weaning weight and gain, and survival percent). The NP feed ingredient had minor effects on sow productivity, but it did not affect litter productivity indices.     

Effect of feather meal as a source of valine for lactating sows

An experiment was conducted to evaluate feather meal as a source of Val in lactating sow diets. Sows (five farrowing groups; mean parity = 2.34) were allotted to one of two dietary treatments on the basis of ancestry, parity, and weight and date of d 110 of gestation. The treatment diets included 1) corn-soybean meal lactation diet (n = 40) or 2) corn-soybean meal lactation diet with 2.5% feather meal (n = 39). The diets were formulated on an equal Lys basis. All litters were adjusted to 10 pigs within 24 h after farrowing, and all sows weaned at least nine pigs. Sows were bled at 110 d of gestation and at weaning, and serum urea N was determined. Backfat thickness was determined ultrasonically at 110 d of gestation and at weaning. Serum urea N and backfat thickness at d 110 of gestation were used as covariates for serum urea N and backfat thickness at weaning, respectively. The litter response criteria (weaning weight, litter weight gain, and percentage survival) were not affected (P > .10) by feather meal. The sow response criteria (weaning weight, weight loss per day, weaning backfat thickness, change in backfat thickness, ADFI, and days to estrus) were not affected (P > .10) by feather meal. Sows fed feather meal had increased (P < .01) serum urea N and tended (P = .15) to have decreased sow weaning weight. Following the initial analysis of the data, the data set was split into two groups: 1) sows with litters gaining less than 2.17 kg/d (n = 19 and 20 for control and feather meal diets, respectively) and 2) sows with litters gaining more than 2.17 kg/d (n = 21 and 19 for control and feather meal diets, respectively). These two groups were analyzed separately. In sows with litters gaining less than 2.17 kg/d, the litter and sow criteria were not affected (P > .10) by treatment. In sows with litters gaining more than 2.17 kg/d, sow weaning weight was decreased (P < .04) and sow weight loss (P < .02) and serum urea N (P < .01) were increased in sows fed feather meal. Feather meal (as a source of Val) did not improve litter weight gain, but it increased serum urea N.     

The addition of ground wheat straw as a fiber source in the gestation diet of sows and the effect on sow and litter performance for three successive parities

A regional experiment was conducted at 8 experiment stations, with a total of 320 sows initially, to evaluate the efficacy of adding 13.35% ground wheat straw to a corn-soybean meal gestation diet for 3 successive gestation-lactation (reproductive) cycles compared with sows fed a control diet without straw. A total of 708 litters were farrowed over 3 reproductive cycles. The basal gestation diet intake averaged 1.95 kg daily for both treatments, plus 0.30 kg of straw daily for sows fed the diet containing ground wheat straw (total intake of 2.25 kg/d). During lactation, all sows on both gestation treatments were fed ad libitum the standard lactation diet used at each station. Response criteria were sow farrowing and rebreeding percentages, culling factors and culling rate, weaning-to-estrus interval, sow BW and backfat measurements at several time points, and litter size and total litter weight at birth and weaning. Averaged over 3 reproductive cycles, sows fed the diet containing wheat straw farrowed and weaned 0.51 more pigs per litter (P 相似文献   

The effects of branched-chain amino acids on sow and litter performance

Sows (n = 306; PIC, Line C-19; average parity 2.1) were used to evaluate the interrelationship between valine, isoleucine, and leucine on sow and litter performance. Our objective was to determine whether the increase in litter weaning weight associated with added dietary valine is specific for valine or a result of the total branched-chain amino acid (i.e., isoleucine and[or] leucine) concentration of the diet. Eight dietary treatments (36 to 41 sows/treatment) were arranged as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial with two levels of valine (.80 and 1.20%), isoleucine (.68 and 1.08%), and leucine (1.57 and 1.97%). This provided total branched-chain amino acid levels of 3.05, 3.45, 3.85, and 4.25%. The lowest level of each branched-chain amino acid was similar to that in a .90% lysine corn-soybean meal diet containing .15% L-lysine HCl. Amino acids other than valine, isoleucine, and leucine met or exceeded their suggested estimates relative to lysine using ratios derived from the National and Agricultural Research Councils. Average number of pigs on d 2 of lactation was 11.2, and average lactation length was 20.9 d. Number of pigs weaned (x = 10.6), sow ADFI (x = 5.85 kg), and sow weight loss (x = 4.25 kg) were not affected by dietary treatment (P > .10). Sow backfat loss (P < .02), litter weaning weight (P < .04), and litter weight gain from d 2 to weaning (P > .05) increased as dietary valine increased. Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were not affected by dietary isoleucine (P > .80) or leucine (P > .60). Sixteen or 17 sows per treatment (129 total) were milked manually on d 14 to 16 of lactation. Increasing dietary valine tended to increase milk urea N (P < .07) but did not affect milk DM, CP, fat, lactose, or ash. Increasing dietary isoleucine or leucine had no effects on milk composition. These results confirm the importance of dietary valine for increased litter weaning weight, independent of either additional dietary leucine or isoleucine.     

Effects of the Ratio of n-6:n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Maternal Diet on Immunoglobulins, Fatty Acid Composition, and Performance of Lactating Sows and Suckling Piglets under Conditions of Low Maternal Energy Intake

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different ratios of n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in sow diets on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets at low digestible energy intakes.Twenty-one pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three diets from day 108 of gestation until weaning (26 to 29 d),containing n-6∶n-3 PUFA ratios of 3∶1,8∶1 and 11∶1.The effects on sow and litter production traits and on sow body condition were examined.There were no differences among treatments in daily feed intakes or in changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation.Litter size,litter weight at birth and weaning and litter average daily weight gain were also unaffected by treatment.As expected,large differences were observed in n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in the colostrum and plasma of sows and piglets (P ＜ 0.01 ).The ratio of n-6∶n-3 PUFA the diet was positively correlated with those in colostrum,sow plasma and piglet plasma ( R2 =0.55,0.80 and 0.80,respectively).Sow plasma insulin and IGF-I levels at weaning were unaffected by the treatments.Plasma leptin ( P ＜ 0.05) concentrations were increased in sows fed the diet with a n-6∶ n-3 ratio of 8∶1.Immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum were not altered by dietary treatment.Plasma IgG concentrations at d 14 were highest in piglets from sows fed the 8∶1 ratio of n-6∶n-3.Furthermore,this group had the highest IgA concentrations at day 21 of lactation compared with the other two groups ( P ＜ 0.05 ).In summary,our study demonstrated that at low digestible energy levels,altering the ratio of n-6∶n-3 PUFA in the diets for lactating sows affected immune components and the fatty acid composition of lactating sows and their piglets.Further studies are needed to examine whether higher levels of fat supplementation than those used in the present study ( 1.5％ ) can successfully enhance performance.     

Effects of L-carnitine fed during gestation and lactation on sow and litter performance

Multiparous sows (n = 307) were used to evaluate the effects of added dietary L-carnitine, 100 mg/d during gestation and 50 ppm during lactation, on sow and litter performance. Treatments were arranged as a 2 (gestation or lactation) x2 (with or without L-carnitine) factorial. Control sows were fed 1.81 kg/d of a gestation diet containing .65% total lysine. Treated sows were fed 1.59 kg/d of the control diet with a .23 kg/d topdressing of the control diet that provided 100 mg/d of added L-carnitine. Lactation diets were formulated to contain 1.0% total lysine with or without 50 ppm of added L-carnitine. Sows fed 100 mg/d of added L-carnitine had increased IGF-I concentration on d 60 (71.3 vs. 38.0 ng/mL, P<.01) and 90 of gestation (33.0 vs. 25.0 ng/mL, P = .04). Sows fed added L-carnitine had increased BW gain (55.3 vs 46.3 kg; P<.01) and last rib fat depth gain (2.6 vs. 1.6 mm; P = .04) during gestation. Feeding 100 mg/d of added L-carnitine in gestation increased both total litter (15.5 vs. 14.6 kg; P = .04) and pig (1.53 vs 1.49 kg; P<.01) birth weight. No differences were observed in pig birth weight variation. Added L-carnitine fed during gestation increased litter weaning weight (45.0 vs. 41.3 kg, P = .02); however, no effect of feeding L-carnitine during lactation was observed. No differences were observed in subsequent days to estrus or farrowing rate. Compared to the control diet, feeding added L-carnitine in either gestation, lactation, or both, increased (P<.05) the subsequent number of pigs born alive, but not total born. In conclusion, feeding L-carnitine throughout gestation increased sow body weight and last rib fat depth gain and increased litter weights at birth and weaning.     

Effects of supplemental biotin during gestation and lactation on reproductive performance of sows: a cooperative study

A cooperative experiment to evaluate biotin addition to sow diets was conducted at three research stations using 303 litters. Primiparous and multiparous sows (overall average parity 2.8) were fed a 14% CP corn-soybean meal diet (140 micrograms/kg biotin), with or without supplemental biotin (330 micrograms added biotin per kg feed), throughout gestation and lactation. As many sows as possible were fed their respective diets through three successive parities. During gestation, sows were given from 1.82 to 2.27 kg of feed per day, depending on environmental conditions; during lactation sows had ad libitum access to feed. Supplemental biotin had no effect (P greater than .35) on sow weights at breeding, at d 109 of gestation, at farrowing or at weaning. No differences were found in litter size at birth (P greater than .18), but at d 21 of lactation, sows fed the diet containing supplemental biotin had larger litters than sows fed the unsupplemented diet (9.4 vs 8.7 pigs, respectively; P = .01). Pig weights at birth and d 21 of lactation were not affected (P greater than .20) by dietary treatment. Biotin supplementation did not affect (P greater than .28) the length of the interval from weaning to estrus. No evidence was found that feet cracks or bruises were reduced by biotin supplementation. The results indicate that biotin supplementation of a corn-soybean meal diet during gestation and lactation increased the number of pigs at d 21 of lactation, but it did not decrease the incidence of foot lesions.     

Effects of additional feed during late gestation on reproductive performance of sows: a cooperative study

A cooperative research study involving 1,080 litters was conducted at eight stations to determine the effects of additional feed during the last 23 d of gestation on reproductive performance of sows and on preweaning performance of their pigs. Primiparous and multiparous sows were fed fortified corn- or sorghum-soybean meal diets (14% crude protein). Control sows received 1.82 kg/d from March through November and 2.27 kg/d from December through February. Treated sows were fed an additional 1.36 kg of feed/d from d 90 of gestation to farrowing. Sows were allowed to consume the same diet ad libitum during a 21-d lactation. Additional feed in late gestation resulted in greater (P less than .001) sow weight gain from d 90 to d 110 of gestation (16.8 vs 9.0 kg) and greater (P less than .001) parturition-lactation weight loss (21.3 vs 16.4 kg). Total weight gain from breeding to 21 d of lactation favored sows that received extra feed (27.5 vs 22.7 kg; P less than .001). Sows receiving extra feed had more live pigs at farrowing (10.05 vs 9.71, P = .06) and at 21 d postpartum (8.35 vs 8.06, P = .09), and the pigs were heavier at birth (1.48 vs 1.44 kg, P = .003) and at 21 d (5.37 vs 5.20 kg, P = .006). Lactation feed intake and number of days from weaning to estrus were not affected by treatment. The results indicate that additional feed in late gestation improves reproductive performance in sows. In this study, the cost of an additional 31 kg of feed/sow was more than offset by the value of the additional sow weight gain (approximately 5 kg), the additional .3 of a pig/litter at weaning and the additional 2.6 kg of total litter weaning weight.     

Effects of dietary Forsythia suspensa extract supplementation to lactating sows and nursery pigs on post-weaning performance,antioxidant capacity,nutrient digestibility,immunoglobulins, and intestinal health

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) supplementation to lactating sows and nursery pigs on post-weaning performance, antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulins, and intestinal health. Based on backfat, body weight (BW), and parity, 24 gestating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with average parity of 3.38 ± 0.61 and BW of 234 ± 6.81 kg were allotted into two dietary treatments (control vs. 100 mg/kg FSE) with 12 sows per treatment from day 107 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. After weaning, based on the initial BW and source litter, 192 nursery pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire], average BW of 6.98 ± 0.32 kg, weaned at day 21) were allotted into four dietary treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment, six pigs per pen for a 4-wk study. The treatments included the following: 1) CC (sows and their piglets both fed control diet); 2) CF (sows fed control diet and their piglets fed FSE diet [containing 100 mg/kg FSE]); 3) FC (sows fed FSE diet and their piglets fed control diet); and 4) FF (sows and their piglets both fed FSE diet). The MIXED procedures of SAS for a split-plot arrangement with sow diet as the whole plot and nursery diet as split plot were used to analyze the data. After weaning, piglets from FSE-fed sows had improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency, and lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea rate in overall (day 1 to 28) compared with those from sows fed control diet. Piglets from FSE-fed sows also had higher (P < 0.05) contents of immunoglobulin G (IgG), growth hormone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity in serum, villus height in ileum, and villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum, as well as lower (P < 0.05) content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and crypt depth in ileum compared with those from sows fed control diet. Piglets fed FSE during nursery had increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of IgG, SOD, and catalase, and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA and tumor nuclear factor-α levels in serum compared with those fed control diet during nursery. Piglets from FC group had increased (P < 0.05) protein expression of occludin in jejunal mucosa and relative abundance of Lactobacillus on genus level in colon compared with those from CC group. In conclusion, for the performance and intestinal health, diets supplemented with FSE during lactation phase seemed more efficient to alleviate weaning stress than the nursery phase. In terms of the antioxidant status and immunoglobulins, FSE supplemented in both phases were efficient for nursery pigs.     

枯草芽孢杆菌对围产期母猪繁殖性能和子代生长的影响

试验旨在研究枯草芽孢杆菌对围产期母猪繁殖性能和子代生长的影响。试验选用2~4胎次、预产期相近的妊娠85 d的健康大白猪40头,随机分为2组,每组20头。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮中添加250 g/t的枯草芽孢杆菌制剂。试验期为妊娠85 d至产后21 d。分别于母猪妊娠85、112 d和产后21 d测量母猪背膘厚并计算背膘损失。于产后1和21 d耳缘静脉采血,肝素抗凝,离心分离血浆,测定血浆生化指标。于产后1 d记录母猪的产仔数和产活仔数,并称取仔猪出生窝重。于产后21 d称取仔猪断奶窝重并计算断奶窝日增重;每天观察并记录每窝仔猪腹泻情况,计算腹泻率。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮添加枯草芽孢杆菌制剂对母猪繁殖性能无显著影响(P0.05),但显著降低了仔猪1~7日龄和1~21日龄腹泻率(P0.05),显著增加了产后21 d母猪血浆免疫球蛋白M(Ig M)含量(P0.05),且产后1 d母猪血浆白蛋白(P=0.087)和Ig M(P=0.096)含量以及产后21 d背膘厚(P=0.096)均呈增加趋势。综上所述,饲粮添加枯草芽孢杆菌制剂虽然不影响母猪繁殖性能,但可增强机体对蛋白质的利用和免疫力,降低仔猪腹泻率。     

The effect of birth weight and feeding of supplemental milk replacer to piglets during lactation on preweaning and postweaning growth performance and carcass characteristics

The effects of piglet birth weight and liquid milk replacer supplementation of piglets during lactation on growth performance to slaughter weight was evaluated in a study carried out with 32 sows (PIC C-22) and their piglets (n = 384; progeny of PIC Line 337 sires). A randomized block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used. Treatments were birth weight (Heavy vs Light) and liquid milk replacer (Supplemented vs Unsupplemented). The study was divided into two periods. At the start of period 1 (birth to weaning), pigs were assigned to either Heavy or Light (1.8 [SD = 0.09] vs 1.3 kg [SD = 0.07] BW, respectively, P < 0.001) litters of 12 pigs and half of the litters were given ad libitum access to supplemental milk replacer from d 3 of lactation to weaning (21 +/- 0.2 d). In period 2 (weaning to 110 kg BW), a total of 308 pigs were randomly selected from within previous treatment and sex subclasses and placed in pens of four pigs. Pigs were given ad libitum access to diets that met or exceeded nutrient requirements. Pigs in heavy litters were heavier at weaning (6.6 vs 5.7 kg BW; SE = 0.14; P < 0.001) and tended to have more pigs weaned (11.4 vs 10.9 pigs/litter; SE = 0.21; P = 0.10). After weaning, pigs in the Heavy litter had greater ADG (851 vs 796 g; SE = 6.7; P < 0.001) and ADFI (1,866 vs 1,783 g; SE = 17.6; P < 0.001), similar gain:feed (0.46 vs 0.45; SE = 0.003; P > 0.05), and required seven fewer days (P < 0.001) to reach slaughter weight compared to pigs in the Light treatment. Feeding supplemental milk replacer during lactation produced heavier pigs at weaning (6.6 vs 5.7 kg BW; SE = 0.14; P < 0.001) and tended to increase the number of pigs weaned (11.4 vs 10.9 pigs/litter; SE = 0.21; P = 0.10) but had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance from weaning to slaughter. However, pigs fed milk replacer required three fewer days (P < 0.01) to reach 110 kg BW. Sow feed intake and BW loss during lactation were not affected (P > 0.05) by either birth weight or milk replacer treatment. In conclusion, birth weight has a substantially greater impact on pig growth performance after weaning than increasing nutrient intake during lactation.