玉米赤霉烯酮对断奶小母猪生产性能、血清抗氧化功能和免疫功能的影响

为了研究不同水平玉米赤霉烯酮(zearalenone,ZEA)污染饲粮对断奶小母猪生产性能、血清抗氧化功能、血清抗体水平及外周血淋巴细胞增殖率的影响。将40头健康三元杂交(杜×长×大)断奶小母猪按日龄[(35±1)日龄]和平均体重[(14.01±0.86)kg]分为4组,对照组饲喂基础饲粮(ZEA水平的测定值为0 mg/kg),试验组在基础饲粮中分别添加0.5、1.0及1.5 mg/kg ZEA[ZEA水平的测定值分别为(0.52±0.07)mg/kg、(1.04±0.03)mg/kg和(1.51±0.13)mg/kg]。预试期10 d,正试期35 d。结果表明:饲粮ZEA对断奶小母猪平均日采食量、平均日增重和料重比没有显著影响(P0.05)。与对照组相比,ZEA显著降低了血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px,0.5、1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)活性、猪瘟(1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)和伪狂犬病病毒抗体水平(1.5 mg/kg ZEA)以及外周血淋巴细胞增殖率(1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)(P0.05),而显著升高了血清丙二醛(MDA,0.5、1.0和1.5 mg/kg ZEA)含量(P0.05)。随着饲粮中ZEA水平的升高,断奶小母猪的料重比呈一次线性降低趋势(P=0.075),血清GSH-Px、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,血清病毒(猪瘟、伪狂犬病和高致病性猪蓝耳病病毒)抗体水平和外周血淋巴细胞增殖率均呈一次线性降低(P0.05),而血清MDA含量则呈一次线性升高(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中0.5 mg/kg的ZEA足以诱导小母猪的氧化应激反应,1.0 mg/kg的ZEA能够显著降低断奶小母猪的特异性体液免疫和细胞免疫功能。     

饲粮中添加甜菜碱对断奶仔猪生长性能和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加甜菜碱对断奶仔猪生长性能和血清生化指标的影响.选用体重(7.12±0.11)kg断奶后1周的“杜×长×大”仔猪160头,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复10头.对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别饲喂在基础饲粮上添加600、900、1 200 mg/kg甜菜碱的试验饲粮.试验期28 d.结果表明,饲粮中添加甜菜碱能够显著提高仔猪的平均日采食量和平均日增重(P＜0.05),显著增加血清生长激素和胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ的含量(P＜0.05).600mg/kg甜菜碱显著降低了血清尿素氮和低密度脂蛋白含量(P＜0.05).但饲粮中添加甜菜碱对血清中总蛋白、白蛋白、甘油三酯、胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白含量和代谢酶的活性无显著影响(P＞0.05).由此可见,饲粮中添加甜菜碱可以提高断奶仔猪的生长性能,促进蛋白质的沉积和脂肪代谢,其中以添加量600 mg/kg效果最好.     

Physiopathological effects of zearalenone in post-weaning female piglets with or without montmorillonite clay adsorbent

Zearalenone (ZEA), commonly present in corn and its derived products for animals, has caused significant economical impact on swine reproduction in China. The present study therefore attempted to reveal the adverse effects of ZEA (1.3 mg/kg diet) exposure from a viewpoint of damages focusing on the liver and kidney of female piglets. The efficacy of dietary montmorillonite clay in preventing ZEA-induced adverse effects was also determined. Treatments were 1) control; 2) control + 2.5 g/kg clay; 3) control + 1 mg/kg ZEA; 4) control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 1.25 g/kg clay; 5) control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 2.5 g/kg clay; 6) control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 5.0 g/kg clay; 7) control + 1 mg/kg ZEA + 10 g/kg clay. Results showed that pigs fed ZEA-contaminated diet reduced (P < 0.05) platelets, haemoglobin, globulin, triglycerides and high density lipoproteins (HDL) in serum, and increased (P < 0.05) all enzymes activities, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine. Degeneration of the liver and kidney tissues was also found in female piglets fed 1.3 mg/kg ZEA-contaminated diet. Dietary addition of clay showed a positive protection effect on ZEA feeding, and the linear or quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on neutralizing detrimental effects of clay in ZEA feeding were observed. It suggested that feeding ZEA at 1.3 mg/kg diet for 24-d may result in a deleterious effect in female piglets, and clay addition at 5 or 10 g/kg diet can effectively protect against the detrimental effects of the ZEA feeding. These results may have implications for human and animals consuming ZEA-contaminated food or feed.     

复合植物提取物对断奶仔猪生长性能和血清指标的影响

试验旨在研究日粮中添加假蒟和番石榴叶复合提取物对断奶仔猪生长性能和血清指标的影响.选择200头21日龄断奶仔猪,随机分为2组,每组5个重复,每个重复20头猪.对照组仔猪饲喂基础日粮,试验组在基础日粮中添加200mg/kg的复合植物提取物.试验期21 d.结果 显示,各组仔猪生长性能无显著差异(P＞0.05).与对照组相...     

Interaction of zearalenone and soybean isoflavone in diets on the growth performance, organ development and serum parameters in prepubertal gilts

The aim of the present research was to determine the interactive effect of zearalenone (ZEA) and soybean isoflavone (ISO) on the growth performance, development of organs and serum parameters in prepubertal gilts. Ninety 75-day-old female pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 26.5 ± 0.60 kg) were randomly allocated to nine diet treatments during the 21-day study. The experiment employed a 3 × 3 factorial design using a non-soybean meal diet with the addition of 0, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg ZEA and 0, 300 or 600 mg/kg ISO. The results indicated that simultaneous addition of ZEA and ISO had no significant influence on the growth performance in prepubertal gilts. Zearalenone with 2 mg/kg increased (p < 0.05) the relative weight of the reproductive organs (including uterus and vagina) but had no obvious effects (p > 0.05) on the relative weight of the heart, liver, lung, kidney and spleen. Isoflavone at 600 mg/kg could offset the increased weight of the reproductive organs induced by ZEA. Simultaneous addition of ZEA and ISO to prepubertal gilts increased the level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the serum (p < 0.05) at day 14 but their levels decreased (p < 0.05) over time. Zearalenone increased the level of malondialdehyde and decreased the concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05) in the serum. The results suggested that ISO added to diets at 600 mg/kg could reduce the increase in the relative weight of reproductive organs and relieve the oxidative stress induced by ZEA added at 2 mg/kg during the growth phase in prepubertal gilts.     

玉米赤霉烯酮对断奶小母猪卵巢指数及孕激素受体分布和表达的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平玉米赤霉烯酮(ZEA)污染饲粮对断奶小母猪卵巢指数及孕激素受体的阳性分布和mRNA相对表达量的影响。选择40头35~38日龄健康三元杂交(杜×长×大)断奶小母猪,按平均体重[(14.01±0.86)kg]随机分为4个组,采用单笼饲养。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别在基础饲粮中添加0.5、1.0和1.5 mg/kg的ZEA,4个组ZEA的测定值分别为0、(0.52±0.07)mg/kg、(1.04±0.03)mg/kg和(1.51±0.13)mg/kg。试验期35 d。结果表明:随着饲粮ZEA水平的升高,断奶小母猪卵巢指数呈一次线性升高(P0.01);1.0 mg/kg ZEA组的卵巢指数显著高于1.5 mg/kg ZEA组(P0.05),1.5 mg/kg ZEA组的卵巢指数显著高于0.5 mg/kg ZEA组和对照组(P0.05)。随着饲粮ZEA水平的升高,断奶小母猪卵巢孕激素受体累积光密度(IOD)和mRNA相对表达量均呈一次线性升高(P0.01);1.5 mg/kg ZEA组的孕激素受体IOD和mRNA相对表达量显著高于1.0 mg/kg ZEA组(P0.05),1.0 mg/kg ZEA组又显著高于0.5 mg/kg ZEA组和对照组(P0.05)。免疫组化结果显示断奶小母猪卵巢中孕激素受体免疫阳性物质主要分布于原始卵泡和生长卵泡的卵母细胞及颗粒细胞、卵泡膜细胞及血管壁细胞。随着饲粮ZEA水平的升高和卵泡闭锁程度的增加,免疫阳性反应明显增强,但卵巢内孕激素受体免疫阳性物质的分布位置没有因ZEA的水平发生明显改变。由此可见,ZEA(1.0~1.5 mg/kg)可以通过调控断奶小母猪卵巢中孕激素受体的高水平表达,使孕激素受体的水平超出正向调节卵泡生长的限值,从而促使卵泡闭锁,降低卵巢指数,改变卵巢发育,进而影响断奶小母猪生殖系统的健康。     

壳聚糖对断奶仔猪生长性能、粪便评分及血清激素和T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

本试验旨在研究壳聚糖对断奶仔猪生长性能、粪便评分及血清激素和T淋巴细胞亚群的影响。选取28日龄断奶的杜×大×长三元杂交仔猪60头,随机分为5组(每组12头):对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加250、500、1 000和2 000 mg/kg壳聚糖的试验饲粮。试验期14 d。结果表明:1)饲粮添加250~2 000 mg/kg壳聚糖显著提高断奶仔猪的平均日增重(ADG)(P0.05),显著降低料重比(F/G)(P0.05);2)饲粮添加250~2 000 mg/kg壳聚糖显著降低试验第11天断奶仔猪的粪便评分(P0.05);3)饲粮添加适宜剂量的壳聚糖显著提高断奶仔猪的血清促生长激素释放激素(GHRH)(250~2 000 mg/kg)、生长激素(GH)(500~1 000 mg/kg)和瘦素(LP)(2 000 mg/kg)的浓度(P0.05),显著降低血清促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)(250~2 000 mg/kg)、促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)(500~1 000 mg/kg)、皮质醇(COR)(250~2 000 mg/kg)和可溶性CD8(sCD8)(500~2 000 mg/kg)的浓度(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加适宜剂量的壳聚糖能够促进断奶仔猪的生长,降低腹泻,缓解断奶应激。     

复合植物精油对脂多糖刺激仔猪肝脏的保护作用

试验旨在研究复合植物精油(OCT)对脂多糖(LPS)刺激仔猪肝脏的保护作用。选取18头仔猪,随机分为对照组、LPS组和OCT+LPS组,每组6个重复。对照组与LPS组饲喂基础日粮,OCT+LPS组在基础日粮中添加50 mg/kg OCT。试验期21 d。于试验第21天,LPS组与OCT+LPS组仔猪腹腔注射LPS,对照组注射等量的生理盐水,3 h后采血,6 h后屠宰。结果表明:与对照组相比,LPS刺激提高了血浆谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、谷酰转肽酶(GGT)、肝脏诱导型一氧化氮合酶(i-NOS)的活力(P0.05),肝脏热休克蛋白70(HSP70)基因的相对表达量显著提高(P0.05);仔猪肝脏表皮生长因子(EGF)、白细胞介素10(IL-10)、胰岛素样因子(IGF-1)、丝氨酸蛋白激酶(mTOR)基因的相对表达量显著降低(P0.05)。在日粮中添加50 mg/kg的OCT,可缓解LPS导致的仔猪血浆ALT、AST、GGT活力的升高以及肝脏i-NOS活力的升高(P0.05),且有缓解LPS导致的仔猪肝脏MPO活力升高的趋势(P0.1),另外可缓解LPS导致的仔猪肝脏HSP70基因相对表达量的升高以及EGF、IL-10、IGF-1、mTOR等基因相对表达量的降低(P0.05)。综上可知,日粮中添加50 mg/kg的OCT可缓解LPS刺激引起的肝脏炎症反应,提高仔猪肝脏细胞的生长和增殖,进而缓解LPS刺激导致的仔猪肝脏氧化应激损伤。     

复合微生态菌剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标及粪便微生物的影响

试验旨在研究日粮中添加复合微生态菌剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标和粪便微生物的影响。试验选择160头42日龄的健康杜×长×大仔猪,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复10头猪(公、母各半)。对照组(CON组)饲喂不含抗生素的基础日粮,试验组分别饲喂在基础日粮中添加50 mg/kg杆菌肽锌(PC组)、1 g/kg植物乳杆菌+1 g/kg解淀粉芽孢杆菌(LB组)和1 g/kg植物乳杆菌+1 g/kg干酪乳杆菌(LL组)的日粮。试验期35 d。结果表明:各试验组仔猪的平均日采食量、平均日增重和耗料增重比均无显著差异(P>0.05);饲喂复合菌剂(LB组与LL组)的断奶仔猪血清中二胺氧化酶含量显著低于CON组和PC组(P<0.05);不同组间IgA、IgM和IgG含量、白蛋白、尿素氮、肌酸酐和总蛋白含量无显著差异(P>0.05);第35天,饲喂复合菌剂(LB组与LL组)的断奶仔猪粪便中大肠杆菌的数量显著低于CON组(P<0.05);而各组粪便乳酸菌数量无显著差异(P>0.05)。由此可见,在本试验条件下,日粮中添加复合微生态菌剂对断奶仔猪生长性能无显著影响,但可降低血清二胺氧化酶活性和粪便中大肠杆菌数量,有益于断奶仔猪健康。     

新型香糖、香鲜及香甜复合调味剂在仔猪饲粮中的应用效果研究

本试验旨在研究新型香糖、香鲜及香甜复合调味剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清胃肠肽指标、养分消化率及粪便微生物数量的影响。选取体重相近的(28±2)日龄健康大白断奶仔猪128头,随机分成4个组,每组4个重复,每个重复8头仔猪。对照组(A组)饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮中分别添加香糖复合调味剂(0.8 g/kg植物香味提取物+0.2 g/kg糖精钠,B组)、香鲜复合调味剂(0.8 g/kg植物香味提取物+0.2 g/kg鲜味组合物,C组)、香甜复合调味剂(0.8 g/kg植物香味提取物+0.2 g/kg植物甜味提取物,D组)。试验期28 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,1)饲粮中添加香糖和香鲜复合调味剂在试验第1~14天显著降低了断奶仔猪料重比(P0.05);2)饲粮中添加香糖和香鲜复合调味剂显著提高了断奶仔猪有机物的消化率(P0.05);3)饲粮中添加香糖、香鲜及香甜复合调味剂对断奶仔猪血清胃肠肽指标和粪便微生物数量没有显著影响(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加香糖和香鲜复合调味剂能够改善断奶仔猪的生长性能与养分消化率。     

香甜鲜复合诱食剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标、养分表观消化率和粪便微生物菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加不同水平香甜鲜复合诱食剂对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标、养分表观消化率和粪便微生物菌群的影响。选取(43±4)日龄体重相近的健康大白仔猪72头,随机分为3个组,每组3个重复,每个重复8头猪。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别在基础饲粮中添加1和2 kg/t的香甜鲜复合诱食剂。试验期28 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮中添加2 kg/t香甜鲜复合诱食剂能够显著提高断奶仔猪平均日采食量和平均日增重(P0.05);饲粮中添加香甜鲜复合诱食剂对养分表观消化率、血清生化指标和粪便微生物菌群的影响不显著(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加2 kg/t香甜鲜复合诱食剂能提高断奶仔猪平均日采食量和平均日增重,提高生长性能。本试验条件下推荐断奶仔猪饲粮中添加2 kg/t香甜鲜复合诱食剂为宜。     

五味子、柠檬酸对断奶仔猪血清生化指标和免疫功能的影响

选择28日龄断奶二元杂交(长白×大约克)仔猪48头,断奶体重(7.4±0.6)kg,平均分为4个组,每组3个重复,每重复4头(公、母各半),研究日粮中添加五味子(SC)、柠檬酸(CA)对断奶仔猪血清生化指标以及免疫功能的影响。试验组分别添加1%CA、0.5%SC、1%CA+0.5%SC,对照组为玉米-豆粕型基础日粮。结果表明:与对照组相比,CA+SC组血清尿素氮(BUN)水平和谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活性显著降低(P<0.05),SC组血清BUN水平和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性显著降低(P<0.05),ALT活性极显著降低(P<0.01)。CA+SC组T3水平显著提高(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,SC组血清中猪瘟抗体效价、IgG和IgA水平显著提高(P<0.05)。SC组、CA+SC组血清白细胞介素-2(IL-2)水平显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。     

Effects of astaxanthin and esterified glucomannan on hematological and serum parameters,and liver pathological changes in broilers fed aflatoxin‐B1‐contaminated feed

The effects of astaxanthin (ASTA) and esterified glucomannan (EMG) on hematological and serum parameters, and liver pathological changes in broilers fed on aflatoxin‐B1 (AFB1) contaminated diet were investigated. Two hundred and forty 10‐day‐old broilers were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments including: (i) control diet; (ii) AFB1‐contaminated diet; (iii) AFB1 + EGM diet; (iv) AFB1 + ASTA diet; and (v) AFB1 + EGM + ASTA diet. At 35 days old, blood and liver tissue samples were collected for analysis. Results indicated that total white blood cell (WBC) number, hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct) level, serum alanine amino transferase (AST) and γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, red blood cell (RBC) number, serum globulin (GLB) and urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations (P < 0.05) were increased by feeding AFB1‐contaminated diet. EMG and ASTA alleviated the alteration of RBC, WBC, Hgb and AST caused by AFB1‐contaminated diet. Liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced, while myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased by AFB1‐contaminated diet (P < 0.05). Both EGM and ASTA restrained the increase of MPO activity (P < 0.05). Degeneration of the liver tissues was found in broilers fed AFB1‐contaminated diet. It suggested that feeding 0.4 mg/kg AFB1‐contaminated diet resulted in adverse effects on blood parameters and liver morphology. Dietary addition of EGM addition at 5 g/kg diet, ASTA at 10 mg/kg diet and especially their combination showed positive protection effects on alleviating the alteration of feeding AFB1. The results indicated that supplementation of 5 g EGM/kg diet, 10 mg ASTA/kg diet and their combination could partially or greatly alleviate the adverse effects caused by AFB1, with the EGM+ASTA group receiving the most effective treatment.     

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.     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸对脂多糖单次刺激仔猪肠黏膜免疫应激的影响

本试验旨在研究N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)对脂多糖(LPS)单次刺激仔猪肠黏膜免疫应激的影响。选取24头健康仔猪,随机分成4组,每组6个重复,每个重复1头猪。对照组和LPS组饲喂基础饲粮,250和500 mg/kg NAC组在基础饲粮中分别添加250和500 mg/kg NAC。试验第17天,LPS组、250和500 mg/kg NAC组仔猪腹膜分别注射100μg/kg BW的LPS,对照组注射相应剂量的灭菌生理盐水。注射后6 h屠宰,取肠黏膜。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮中添加250或500 mg/kg NAC缓解了LPS刺激导致的肠黏膜中白细胞介素-2、白细胞介素-6和前列腺素E2水平的升高及热应激蛋白70(HSP70)表达量的升高(P<0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加250和500 mg/kg NAC可有效抑制LPS刺激导致的肠黏膜中炎性因子的升高,缓解急性免疫应激。     

Effects of purified zearalenone on growth performance, organ size, serum metabolites, and oxidative stress in postweaning gilts

Zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, is produced mainly by Fusarium fungi. Previous studies indicated that acute ZEA exposure induced oxidative stress and damage in multiple organs. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of dietary ZEA (1.1 to 3.2 mg/kg of diet) on oxidative stress and organ damage in postweaning gilts. A total of 20 gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) weaned at d 21 with an average BW of 10.36 ± 1.21 kg was used in the study. Gilts were housed in a temperature-controlled room, divided into 4 treatments, and fed a basal diet only (control) or basal diet supplemented with purified ZEA at a dietary concentration of 1 (ZEA1), 2 (ZEA2), or 3 (ZEA3) mg/kg of diet for 18 d ad libitum. The actual ZEA contents (analyzed) were 0, 1.1 ± 0.02, 2.0 ± 0.01, and 3.2 ± 0.02 mg/kg for control, ZEA1, ZEA2, and ZEA3, respectively. Gilts fed different amounts of dietary ZEA grew similarly with no difference (P > 0.05) in feed intake. Vulva size increased linearly over the 18 d of feeding in gilts fed diets containing 1.1 mg of ZEA/kg or greater (P < 0.001). Relative weight of genital organs, liver, and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.05) in a ZEA-dose-dependent manner. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamate transferase, urea, and creatinine (P < 0.05), and malondialdehyde concentrations in both serum and liver (P < 0.001) were also increased linearly in a ZEA-dose-dependent manner. However, spleen relative weight (P = 0.002) and activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (in both serum and liver (P < 0.05) were decreased linearly as dietary ZEA increased. Results showed that besides genital organs, the liver, kidney, and spleen may also be target tissues in young gilts fed diets containing 1.1 to 3.2 mg of ZEA/kg for 18 d. Increased key liver enzymes in the serum suggest progressive liver damage caused by feeding ZEA, and an increase in oxidative stress in gilts is another potential impact of ZEA toxicity in pigs.     

Impact of dietary manganese concentration on status criteria to determine manganese requirement in piglets

The Mn requirement for pigs is not well established. This study aimed to find criteria for assessing growing piglet supply status for Mn and to determine whether the current Mn recommendations meet the requirements for piglets. Thirty‐six weaned male castrated 27‐day‐old piglets (7.24 ± 0.69 kg) were randomized into six groups of six piglets each and housed individually in stainless steel metabolic cages for 42 days. The piglets were fed a diet based on skimmed milk powder and corn starch with increasing Mn concentrations (0.24; 2; 4; 8; 16; or 32 mg Mn/kg diet as‐fed). In week 6, Mn0.24 led to reduced feed intake (p < 0.05). Manganese concentrations in blood, liver, kidney, lung, heart, phalanx proximalis, pancreas and skeletal muscle were influenced by the dietary Mn supply (p < 0.05). The activity of the Mn‐containing superoxide dismutase in the heart as well as relative arginase activity in the liver were lower in groups Mn0.24, Mn2 and Mn4 compared with the higher supplemented groups (p < 0.05). The relative arginase activity increased clearly with enhanced dietary Mn up to 16 mg/kg and correlated with Mn concentration in the liver. Manganese concentrations in the liver, kidney and phalanx proximalis seem to be suitable biomarkers for Mn status. A 4 mg/kg dietary Mn concentration recommended by NRC (1998, Nutrient Requirements of Swine. National Academy Press, Washington DC.) did not fulfil piglet requirements. Under the conditions investigated, 16 mg Mn/kg diet were necessary to reach a plateau in specific enzyme activity and Mn concentration in organs.     

八角和杜仲叶提取物对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清酶活性及肝脏肿瘤坏死因子-α分布和表达的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加八角和杜仲叶提取物对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清酶活性及肝脏肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)分布和表达的影响。采用单因子试验设计,选择健康的"杜×长×大"断奶仔猪48头,随机分为4个组,每组3个重复,每个重复4头猪。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在基础饲粮的基础上分别添加八角提取物(500 mg/kg)、杜仲叶提取物(250 mg/kg)和金霉素(50 mg/kg)。预试期7 d,正试期42 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮中添加八角提取物、杜仲叶提取物和金霉素显著提高了断奶仔猪平均日增重(P0.05),饲粮中添加八角和杜仲叶提取物显著降低了血清谷丙转氨酶、碱性磷酸酶活性和肝脏TNF-αmRNA相对表达量(P0.05)。TNF-α免疫阳性结果主要见于肝脏的肝小叶间及肝血窦。由此可见,在饲粮中添加八角、杜仲叶提取物可提高断奶仔猪生长性能,并具有抵抗肝脏炎症反应及氧化应激的能力。     

Effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation on growth performance of piglets from control sows or sows treated with L-carnitine during pregnancy and lactation

Previous studies showed that supplementation of sows' diets with L-carnitine increases body weights of their piglets at birth. This study was performed to investigate whether piglets of sows treated with L-carnitine differ in their growth potential from that of piglets of untreated control sows after weaning. It was also investigated whether supplementation of piglets' diets with L-carnitine improves their growth after weaning. In two trials, piglets of the first litters of primiparous sows (trial 1) and the second litters of the same sows (trial 2) were divided into four groups: group 1, piglets of control sows, fed a control diet; group 2, piglets of control sows fed a diet supplemented with 30 mg L-carnitine/kg; group 3, piglets of L-carnitine-treated sows, fed a control diet; group 4, piglets of L-carnitine-treated sows fed a diet supplemented with 30 mg L-carnitine/kg. Mean initial body weights of the piglets of the four groups were identical. They were 8.5 kg in trial 1 and 12.5 kg in trial 2. Diets were fed ad libitum over a period of 35 days. Piglets from sows treated with L-carnitine did not differ in body weight gains, feed intake and gain : feed ratio from those of control sows. In trial 1, piglets supplemented with L-carnitine had higher body weight gains (p < 0.005) and showed a tendency towards a higher gain : feed ratio (p = 0.09) than piglets fed the control diets. In trial 2, no significant difference in these parameters emerged between piglets fed the diet supplemented with L-carnitine and those fed the control diet. In conclusion, this study shows that dietary L-carnitine treatment of sows does not improve the growth potential of their piglets after weaning under the conditions of equal initial body weights. The study also shows that L-carnitine supplementation of their diets improves the growth performance in light piglets of primiparous sows.     

Dietary apple polyphenols supplementation enhances antioxidant capacity and improves lipid metabolism in weaned piglets

Apple polyphenols (APPs) are biologically active flavonoids that have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, improving insulin sensitivity, hypocholesterolaemic effect and antiviral properties. This study was conducted to explore effects of dietary APPs supplementation on antioxidant activities and lipid metabolism in weaned piglets. Fifty‐four weaned piglets (half male and female) were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates in each group and three piglets in each repetition. Piglets were fed control diet (basal diet) or a control diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg APPs for 6 weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected to determine biochemical, antioxidant and lipid metabolism parameters. Here we showed that dietary APPs supplementation increased HDL‐C and decreased T‐CHO, TG and LDL‐C concentrations. Dietary APPs supplementation increased antioxidative capacity in serum and CAT activity in liver, and significantly increased the mRNA expressions of CAT, GST and SOD1 in liver. ACC mRNA level and LPL activity were tended to decrease by APPs. HMG‐CoAR, CTP7A1, CD36 and FATP1 mRNA levels were decreased by APPs, while LDL‐R, PGC‐1α, Sirt1 and CPT1b mRNA levels were increased by 400 mg/kg APPs. No alterations in growth performance were found in all treatments. This study firstly provided the evidence that dietary APPs supplementation could enhance systemic antioxidant capacity and improve lipid metabolism in weaned piglets. The mechanism by which APPs improve lipid metabolism might be through regulating hepatic cholesterol metabolism and increasing fatty acid oxidation, and decreasing fatty acid uptake and de novo synthesis.