The contribution of anorexia to reduced growth in zinc‐deficient chickens

1. It was shown, using a paired‐feeding technique, that the growth depression in zinc‐deficient chicks was largely caused by the greatly reduced consumption of the deficient diet.

2. Chicks receiving a zinc sulphate solution directly into the crop ate an amount of zinc‐deficient diet similar to that of the zinc‐sufficient diet eaten by the control chicks; palatability was thus ruled out as the cause of the anorexia.

3. Only chicks receiving the zinc‐deficient diet displayed signs of zinc deficiency.     

Piglet mortality – A parallel comparison between loose-housed and temporarily confined farrowing sows in the same herd

In literature, piglet mortality is described as a multifactorial complex influenced by factors as litter size, age and health of the sow, farrowing system, management etc. In this study, a parallel comparison was made between two farrowing systems; a temporarily confined (TC) (farrowing – 3 days after) versus a loose sow (L). On average, 0.4 more pigs per litter survived until weaning if the sow was temporarily confined (TC) compared with being loose (L). Cause of death was recorded according to a strict template. Underweight and crushing was the most common causes. For crushing, during 1–3 days after birth, an interaction between sow age and farrowing system was observed, with differences between farrowing systems only for intermediate-aged and older sows (>parity 2). There were no significant differences between systems regarding farrowing duration or number of stillborn pigs, but a significant increase in farrowing problems was recorded for TC-sows.     

Transfer of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate from sows to their offspring and its impact on muscle fiber type transformation and performance in pigs

Background: Previous studies suggested that supplementation of lactating sows with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate(HMB) could improve the performance of weaning pigs, but there were little information in the muscle fiber type transformation of the offspring and the subsequent performance in pigs from weaning through finishing in response to maternal HMB consumption. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing lactating sows with HMB on skeletal muscle fiber type transformation and growth of the offspring during d 28 and180 after birth. A total of 20 sows according to their body weight were divided into the control(CON, n = 10) or HMB groups(HMB, n = 10). Sows in the HMB group were supplemented with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate calcium(HMB-Ca) 2 g/kg feed during d 1 to 27 of lactation. After weaning, 48 mixed sex piglets were blocked by sow treatment and fed standard diets for post-weaning, growing, finishing periods. Growth performance was recorded during d 28 to 180 after birth. Pigs were slaughtered on d 28(n = 6/treatment) and 180(n = 6/treatment) postnatal and the longissimus dorsi(LD) was collected, respectively.Results: The HMB-fed sows during lactation showed increased HMB concentration(P 0.05) in milk and LD of weaning piglets(P 0.05). In addition, offsprings in HMB group had a higher finishing BW and lean percentage than did pigs in CON group(P 0.05), meanwhile, compared with pigs from sows fed the CON diet, pigs from sows fed HMB diet showed higher type Ⅱ muscle fiber cross-sectional area(CSA), elevated myosin heavy chain(MyHC) Ⅱb and Sox6 mRNA, and fast-MyHC protein levels in LD(P 0.05).Conclusions: HMB supplemented to sow diets throughout lactation increases the levels of HMB in maternal milk and skeletal muscle of pigs during d 28 after birth and promotes subsequent performance of pigs between d 28 and 180 of age by enhancing glycolytic muscle fiber transformation.     

Post‐weaning anoestrus in primiparous sows: LH patterns and effects of gonadotropin injection and boar exposure

Summary

Post‐weaning anoestrus was studied in eighteen primiparous sows, selected from a breed showing a high proportion of anoestrous sows. The sows were studied from late lactation, through weaning at day 29 post‐partum (p.p.), until day 21 post‐weaning (p.w.). Blood samples were taken once daily, and frequently (every ten minutes) on several days before and after weaning.

Out of a total of ten anoestrous sows, three were exposed to a boar and seven were given gonadotropins (PG600) on day 21 p.w.. Serial blood samples were analysed for LH only and daily samples were additionally analysed for oestradio1–170 and progesterone, by validated radioimmunoassay procedures. Analysis of variance of the basal level, pulse frequency, pulse amplitude and mean level of LH showed, retrospectively, that during lactation the basal and mean levels of LH were significantly lower in anoestrous than in oestrous sows (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the post‐weaning basal and mean levels of LH were also significantly lower in anoestrous than in oestrous sows (P ≤ 0.05). However, because of the small number of oestrous animals (n = 3), these results should be interpreted with caution.

Exposure of anoestrous sows to a boar did not result in oestrus and/or ovulation within seven days, but did increase LH pulse frequency. Injection of gonadotropins resulted in an LH surge, oestrus and ovulation in only three sows, but oestradiol levels were increased in six sows. From our experiments and from reports in the literature we conclude that a lowered secretion of LH may play a role in the aetiology of post‐weaning anoestrus in the sow.     

Characterization of the gut microbiota in leptin deficient obese mice – Correlation to inflammatory and diabetic parameters

Gut microbiota have been implicated as a relevant factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its diversity might be a cause of variation in animal models of T2DM. In this study, we aimed to characterise the gut microbiota of a T2DM mouse model with a long term vision of being able to target the gut microbiota to reduce the number of animals used in experiments. Male B6.V-Lep^ob/J mice were characterized according to a number of characteristics related to T2DM, inflammation and gut microbiota. All findings were thereafter correlated to one another in a linear regression model. The total gut microbiota profile correlated to glycated haemoglobin, and high proportions of Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae correlated to impaired or improved glucose intolerance, respectively. In addition, Akkermansia muciniphila disappeared with age as glucose intolerance worsened. A high proportion of regulatory T cells correlated to the gut microbiota and improved glucose tolerance. Furthermore, high levels of IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-α correlated to impaired glucose tolerance, blood glucose or glycated haemoglobin. The findings indicate that gut microbiota may contribute to variation in various disease read-outs in the B6.V-Lep^ob/J model and considering them in both quality assurance and data evaluation for the B6.V-Lep^ob/J model may have a reducing impact on the inter-individual variation.     

Husbandry management, worm control practices and gastro-intestinal parasite infections of sows in pig-breeding farms in Münsterland, Germany

A cross-sectional survey was performed on 144 farms randomly selected from 3 breeding organisations in Münsterland, Germany, to obtain representative data on husbandry management, worm control practices and their possible associations with gastro-intestinal parasite infections in sows. Straw bedding was provided in the majority of gestation units; lactating sows were frequently kept strawless. Pasturing of gilts and non-lactating sows were performed in 37% of the farms. Sows were treated with anthelmintics (mainly benzimidazoles, ivermectin or levamisole) in 98% of the farms. The proportions of farmers performing the 'targeted' (mainly prefarrowing) or 'non-targeted' treatment strategy (treatment of all animals several times per year) were similar. Piglets were anthelmintically dosed in only 19% of the farms. Patent infections of sows with Oesophagostomum spp., Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis and Eimeria spp. were detected in 79%, 7%, 8% and 29% of all the farms, respectively. Hyostrongylus rubidus infections were only found in farms with pasturing. The within-farm prevalences of both the strongylid and Eimeria infections were negatively correlated with the herd size but positively with the weaning age. Risk factors for strongylid infections were straw bedding in pens and pasturing. Pasturing was a risk factor for Eimeria infections too. There was a positive association between the time interval to last deworming of sows and strongylid egg counts. However, neither the treatment strategy nor the anthelmintic class used was associated with nematode infections. No relations were found between different cleaning methods in stables and endoparasite infections.     

Intra-uterine insemination with low numbers of frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa in spontaneous and induced ovulating sows under field conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate non-return rate (NR), farrowing rate (FR), and number of total pigs born/litter (TB) of weaned sows after intra-uterine insemination (IUI) using low numbers of frozen–thawed (FT) spermatozoa. Semen from 6 boars was cryopreserved individually in a 0.5-ml straw, at a concentration of 1 × 10⁹ spermatozoa/ml. A total of 40 multiparous sows with weaning-to-estrus interval of 3 to 7 days were included. The sows were detected for standing estrus twice daily and randomly assigned to two groups: I) spontaneous ovulation (n = 20) and II) induced ovulation (n = 20) which the sows were given 750 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) i.m. immediately at estrus detection. Ovulation was determined every 12 h using transrectal ultrasonography. FT semen containing 1 × 10⁹ motile spermatozoa/dose was used to IUI. In group I, the sows were inseminated at 24 h after the detection of estrus and repeated every 12 h until ovulation. In group II, the sows were inseminated at 36, 42 and/or 48 h after hCG treatment. The results showed that the interval from standing estrus to ovulation (EOI) differed significantly between group I (40.2 h) and group II (35.6 h; P = 0.01). Variation of EOI among sows within each group seemed to be lower in group II (4.5 h SD) than in group I (5.5 h SD; P = 0.5). The number of IUI per sow was 2.9 ± 0.6 times in group I and was 2.4 ± 0.5 times in group II. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the NR (80 vs 85%), FR (60 vs 65%) and the TB (8.0 ± 2.8 vs 9.4 ± 3.7 piglets/litter) between the groups. These results indicated that multiple doses of IUI with a low number of FT boar spermatozoa provided a fairly good NR, and reasonable FR and TB both in spontaneous and induced ovulating sows. The number of inseminations required for attaining acceptable fertility tended to be lower in the weaned sows with induced ovulation.     

How Does Cushing’s Disease Relate to Laminitis? Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

The pathophysiology of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and its connection to laminitis have been the focus of much recent research. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatments of PPID, as well as the proposed pathogenesis of laminitis in these horses. An increased understanding of the disease process, along with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, can often minimize the devastating laminitis often associated with PPID.     

Breeding for resistance to footrot – the use of hoof lesion scoring to quantify footrot in sheep

So that genetic studies can be undertaken on footrot in sheep, it is necessary that a reliable and repeatable method to categorise the phenotype is available. This paper summarises the methods used and results obtained from 1600 hoof lesion scores of 100 mixed-age ewes independently scored twice by two trained operators. Using a 5-pont scale describing the severity of foot lesions, residual correlations were used to assess agreement between scorers and scoring occasions. Data were analysed using both zero-1 and continuous data methods. The average prevalence of any score >0 was 15%, and of scores >1 was 12%. The residual correlation between scorers for SUM_FR was 0.87 and between scoring occasions it was also 0.87, indicating high repeatability or agreement both within and between scorers. No significant differences were detected between scorers or between scoring occasions for any of the traits analysed, or different analytical methods used.     

Dynamics of avian coronavirus circulation in commercial and non-commercial birds in Asia – a review

It is essential to understand the latest situation regarding avian coronaviruses (ACoVs), commonly referred to as the well-known avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), given that new and diverse types of IBV are continually being identified worldwide, particularly ones that are isolated from commercial poultry and associated with a wide range of disease conditions. The existing IBVs continue to evolve in various geographic areas in Asia, which results in the recombination and co-circulation between IBV types. This makes it increasingly difficult to prevent and control IBV infections, despite routine vaccination. Some ACoVs have also been identified in other avian species and they may pose a threat of cross-transmission to commercial sectors. The present review provides an overview of IBV circulation and the dynamic emergence of new variants found throughout Asia via the recombination of IBV strains. In addition to commercial poultry, backyard poultry and free-ranging birds may serve as a ‘hub’ for ACoV transmission within a particular area. These birds may be capable of spreading viruses, either to areas of close proximity, or to remote places via migration and trade.     

Biological efficacy and absorption of DL‐methionine hydroxy analogue free acid compared to DL‐methionine in chickens as affected by heat stress

1. The net absorption and the biological efficacy of DL‐methionine and of DL‐methionine hydroxy analogue free acid (MHA‐FA) were evaluated in chickens under heat stress.

2. In a growth assay, finishing broilers 21 to 42 d of age were fed on diets containing graded amounts of the two supplements; the basal diet was composed of practical ingredients.

3. From slope‐ratio analysis, equimolar efficacy of MHA‐FA relative to DL‐methionine was determined to be 83% (confidence limits 61 to 115%) from weight gain responses, and 67% (47 to 91%) from food conversion responses. This indicates that the relative efficacy of MHA‐FA is close to previous estimates of about 75% obtained under thermoneutral conditions.

4. In a balance study with caecectomised cockerels, net absorption (intake—excretion in faeces and urine) of DL‐methionine and of MHA‐FA, respectively, were determined to be 97.2 and 90.8%. The net absorption of MHA‐FA was significantly lower than that of DL‐methionine.     

Transcriptome analysis of the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium(PQQ·Na_2) on reproductive performance in sows during gestation and lactation

Background: Pyrroloquinoline quinone(PQQ), which is a water soluble, thermo-stable triglyceride-quinone, is widely distributed in nature and characterized as a mammalian vitamin-like redox cofactor. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium(PQQ·Na2) on reproductive performance in sows.Results: Dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 significantly increased the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive and the born alive litter weight. It also increased the antioxidant status in the placenta, plasma and milk. The concentration of NO was significantly increased in the plasma and placenta. RNA-seq analysis showed that462 unigenes were differentially expressed between the control(Con) treatment and PQQ treatment groups.Among these unigenes, 199 were upregulated, while 263 unigenes were downregulated. The assigned functions of the unigenes covered a broad range of GO categories. Reproduction(27, 7.03%) and the reproduction process(27, 7.03%) were assigned to the biological process category. By matching DEGs to the KEGG database, we identified 29 pathways.Conclusions: In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in gestating and lactating sows had positive effects on their reproductive performance.     

Effects of zinc–methionine on growth performance,intestinal flora and immune function in pigeon squabs

1. Different concentrations of zinc–methionine (Zn-Met) were given to pigeon squabs, and the resulting effects on growth, immune functions and intestinal microflora were investigated from hatching to 28 d of age. A total of 180 artificially hatched pigeon squabs were randomly allotted to each of three treatments with three replicates of 20 squabs. The three treatments given were either one ml (2 mg/ml) Zn-Met, one ml (10 mg/ml) Zn-Met or one ml 0.9% NaCl solution.

2. The results showed that Zn-Met improved the growth performance of squabs. The average daily and average weekly weight gain was significantly greater in squabs treated with Zn-Met than in the control group.

3. The group given 2 and 10 mg supplemental Zn-Met had heavier thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius than the control group at d 28.

4. Maternal antibody titres against Newcastle disease haemagglutination inhibition and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase were significantly higher in squabs treated with supplemental 2 and 10 mg Zn-Met compared to the control group at d 14 and d 28.

5. Additionally, the squabs given supplemental 2 mg Zn-Met exhibited significantly higher Bacillaceae, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium populations at d 14 and d 28, but lower Escherichia coli populations at d 28 compared to the control group. On the contrary, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium populations were significantly decreased with 10 mg Zn-Met at d 28.

6. This study indicates that supplementation with Zn-Met has a positive effect on growth performance, immune function and regulation of intestinal flora in pigeons. An inclusion level of 2 mg seems to be better than 10 mg Zn-Met per day per bird.     

The evolution of the natriuretic peptides – Current applications in human and animal medicine

Although natriuretic peptides have played an important role in the fluid homeostasis of vertebrates for over several million years, their importance has only been noticed in the last few decades. Yet, the family of natriuretic peptides have since their discovery, drawn the attention of a broad spectrum of physicians and researchers involved in the maintenance of fluid homeostasis, including marine biologists, basic scientists, physicians and veterinarians.While all natriuretic peptides share a common phylogenetic background, due to differences in receptor-binding affinities, they have evolved into different hormones with clear distinct functions.B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is the most studied member of the natriuretic peptide family, and together with its cleavage equivalent amino-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) these peptides have emerged as important cardiovascular serum markers. However, since their introduction, physicians involved in human or animal medicine have faced common but also different challenges in order to optimally interpret the diagnostic and prognostic value of these novel cardiovascular biomarkers.