Plasma Cortisol and Behaviour in Early Weaned Piglets

Comparisons were made of Cortisol concentration and behavioural activity between piglets weaned at 3 weeks of age (early weaned piglets), and piglets weaned at 8 weeks of age (control piglets). Early weaned littermates were placed in cages with a floor area of either 0.20 m² per piglet or 0.15 m² per piglet. At 8 weeks of age, the piglets in the control litters were moved from the sow and early weaned piglets were moved from the cages. All litters were placed in pens, 1 pen for each litter. Radioimmunoassay was used for plasma Cortisol determination. Behavioural activity included determination of play, aggressive behaviour and non-nutritive oral activity. Statistical analysis for possible association between plasma Cortisol concentration and age, housing conditions, litter and sequence of capture of littermates for blood collection revealed a complex pattern. Generally, higher plasma Cortisol concentrations and more aggressive and non-nutritive oral activity, but less playing activity, were associated with early weaning. Plasma Cortisol concentration in individual piglets was positively correlated to both aggressive and non-nutritive oral behaviour, but was negatively correlated to playing behaviour. It is concluded that early weaning is a stressor.     

早期断奶对藏西北绒山羊背最长肌氨基酸和脂肪酸含量的影响

[目的] 研究早期断奶对藏西北绒山羊背最长肌中氨基酸和脂肪酸含量的影响。[方法] 将18只健康羔羊按照体重相近原则随机分为试验组和对照组,试验组在28日龄（D28）实施早期断奶,对照组在60日龄（D60）自然断奶,羔羊断奶后饲喂相同的代乳料至75日龄;从两组随机选取5只羔羊进行屠宰采样,对其背最长肌中氨基酸和脂肪酸指标进行测定分析。[结果] 在藏西北绒山羊背最长肌中检测出17种氨基酸,包括赖氨酸、亮氨酸等7种必需氨基酸,天冬氨酸、精氨酸等10种非必需氨基酸。两组断奶羔羊肉中总氨基酸含量、必需氨基酸含量、非必需氨基酸含量均无显著差异（P>0.05）,28日龄断奶组羔羊肉中EAA/TAA、EAA/NEAA比值显著（P<0.05）高于60日龄断奶羔羊。共检测出29种饱和脂肪酸、不饱和脂肪酸,以棕榈酸和油酸含量最高,早期断奶对羔羊肉中饱和脂肪酸含量、单不饱和脂肪酸含量以及多不饱和脂肪酸含量影响不显著（P>0.05）。[结论] 藏西北绒山羊羔羊肉中所含氨基酸和脂肪酸种类多、含量丰富,实施早期断奶、及早补充颗粒料对肉中脂肪酸和氨基酸含量无影响,且可提高EAA/TAA、EAA/NEAA比值,使其更符合FAO/WHO氨基酸评分模式;该试验可为藏西北绒山羊羔羊实施早期断奶、提高母羊的繁殖率提供参考。     

Early weaning beef calves.

Early weaning is a management practice that reduces grazing pressure on pastures by decreasing the nutrient requirements of cows. Calves that are weaned early are relatively efficient at converting feed to gain, and can weigh as much, or more than, calves allowed to remain with their dams until a conventional weaning age is reached. Balanced diets with excellent physical, chemical, and palatability characteristics are essential to stimulate intake and induce calves to perform at acceptable levels. Every effort should be made to minimize stress on calves during the weaning period. Early weaned calves, if exposed to high-starch diets at a young age, may be more likely to reach their genetic potential to marble than calves weaned at conventional ages.     

早期断奶转群对仔猪行为、生长性能和血液指标的影响

【目的】试验旨在研究早期断奶转群对仔猪行为、生长性能和血液指标的影响,探寻适宜的断奶转群模式,为改善仔猪福利水平提供参考。【方法】选择体况良好、体重相近(6.98 kg±0.63 kg)的21日龄杜×长×大三元杂交仔猪216头(公母各半),随机分为3组,每组6窝,每窝12头。Ⅰ组为对照组,仔猪不断奶不转群;Ⅱ组为断奶转群组,仔猪既断奶又转群;Ⅲ组为断奶非转群组,仔猪只断奶不转群。21日龄时实施早期断奶,试验期14 d。试验期间观察、统计仔猪行为表现、皮肤损伤、死亡率和腹泻率,采集仔猪血液,测定血清皮质醇和免疫指标。【结果】与对照组相比,Ⅱ和Ⅲ组仔猪采食、休息、玩耍行为极显著下降(P<0.01),探究、独处、哀叫、抱团、攻击和恐人行为极显著上升(P<0.01)。试验处理后第3～5天,Ⅱ组仔猪的皮肤损伤程度极显著高于对照组(P<0.01);Ⅱ组仔猪35日龄体重和平均日增重显著低于对照组(P<0.05),腹泻率极显著高于对照组和Ⅲ组(P<0.01)。各组仔猪死亡率由低到高的顺序为：Ⅰ组(0)<Ⅲ组(1.32%)<Ⅱ组(4%)。在试验处理当天,Ⅱ组仔猪...     

断奶仔猪的生理特点及乳酸杆菌在断奶仔猪中应用的研究进展

仔猪早期断奶在提高母猪利用率的同时也带来了其生长性能和抗病力的下降,因此早期断奶仔猪的健康生长在养猪业发展中具有重要意义。本文对早期断奶仔猪的生理特点和乳酸杆菌在断奶仔猪中的应用效果进行了综述。     

断乳方式对仔麝行为和生长性能的影响

为研究断乳方法对断乳仔麝行为和生长性能的影响,采用对比的方法,将12头仔麝分为离圈断乳组和留圈断乳组,观测两种断乳方法对断乳仔麝行为和生长性能的影响,并对留、离圈断乳仔麝各行为反应进行t检测。结果表明:焦躁游走、鸣叫、跑跳等不安行为反应,离圈断乳仔麝比留圈断乳仔麝时间长;日摄食量,离圈断乳仔麝比留圈断乳仔麝少;体重增长,离圈断乳仔麝比留圈断乳仔麝少。直至断乳20 d,留圈断乳仔麝与离圈断乳仔麝体重开始趋近,体重差异不显著(P>0.05)。因此,留圈断乳更适合断乳仔麝的生长。     

Calving system and weaning age effects on cow and preweaning calf performance in the Northern Great Plains

A 3-yr study evaluated late winter (Feb), early spring (Apr), and late spring (Jun) calving systems in conjunction with varied weaning strategies on beef cow and calf performance from Northern Great Plains rangelands. Crossbred cows were randomly assigned to one of three calving systems (on average n= 168.calving system(-1).yr(-1)) and one of two weaning times (Wean 1, 2) within each calving system. The Feb and Apr calves were weaned at 190 and 240 d of age, whereas Jun calves were weaned at 140 and 190 d of age. Breeding by natural service occurred in a 32-d period that included estrous synchronization. Cows were managed throughout the year as appropriate for their calving season. Quantity and quality of hay and supplements were provided based on forage and weather conditions, physiological state of the cows, and available harvested feed resources within a year. After weaning, two-thirds of the early weaned steers were fed in confinement in Montana, and one-third were shipped to Oklahoma and were grazed or fed forage. One-half of the early weaned heifers grazed seeded pastures, and the other half was fed in confinement. Early weaned calves were weighed on approximately the same day as late-weaned calves. Birth weight and overall rate of gain from birth to weaning did not differ for calves from the three calving systems. Calf weaning weight differed by weaning age within calving system (P = 0.001), and calves from the Jun calving system that were weaned at 190 d of age tended (P = 0.06) to be lighter than calves of the same age from the Feb or Apr calving systems. Cow BW change and BCS dynamics were affected by calving system, but the proportion of cows pregnant in the fall was not. Cows suckled until later dates gained less or lost more BW during the 50 d between the first and second weaning than dry cows during this period. The previous year's weaning assignment did not affect production in the following year. Estimated harvested feed inputs were less for the Jun cows than for the Feb and Apr cows. We conclude that season of calving and weaning age affect outputs from rangeland-based beef cattle operations.     

Effects of weaning lambs in two stages or by abrupt separation on their behavior and growth rate

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of age at weaning in combination with different weaning procedures on 2 breeds of lambs (Merinoland, Rhoenschaf). Lambs were either weaned at 8 or 16 wk of age in 2 stages or with the traditional method of weaning by abrupt separation. In the 2-stage treatment, lambs were prevented from nursing their dam for 1 wk (stage 1) before their separation (stage 2). Control animals were nursed by their dams until they were separated. Lamb BW and behavior (vocalization, agitation) were recorded before and after separation. After separation, lambs weaned at 8 wk of age had greater (P = 0.004) ADG compared with lambs weaned at 16 wk of age. Control lambs had greater (P < 0.001) agitation scores [1 = no agitation (normal behavior; i.e., feeding, resting, lying, standing, or play behavior) to 3 = high agitation (continuously moving, restlessness, or vocalization)] irrespective of weaning age and breed. On the day of separation, 2-stage lambs had scores from 1.17 to 1.35, whereas control lambs were scored from 1.70 to 1.79. After separation, lambs weaned in 2 stages vocalized up to 98.2% less (P = 0.001) than control animals. Furthermore, bleats were greater for Rhoenschaf lambs and at a weaning age of 8 wk (P < 0.05). Differences between treatments were greatest on the day of separation. Vocalization decreased continuously within the first 3 d of weaning to zero. Lambs weaned in 2 stages were less distressed than lambs weaned by the traditional method of abrupt separation based on behavioral data, but ADG until 12 and 16 wk of age did not differ (P > 0.05) for either treatment in this study.     

Clinical chemistry parameters of piglets at weaning are modulated by an oral,low-dose interferon-α treatment

Clinical chemistry parameters were investigated in piglets weaned at 22 and 28 days. The effects of an oral, low-dose interferon (IFN)-α treatment at weaning were evaluated as well. The trial was carried out on 59 piglets from the same farm, allocated to three groups: the first and the second groups were weaned at 28 and 22 days of age, respectively; the third group was weaned at 22 days and orally treated at weaning with IFN-α at a low dose (1 IU human lymphoblastoid IFN-α /kg body weight in drinking water) for 10 consecutive days. The results of the field trial confirmed that weaning is one of the main stressing events for pigs at intensive farms. In particular, these findings are based on a dramatic increase in serum haptoglobin levels after weaning in the three groups under study. Results also indicated that early weaning at 22 days implies higher environmental adaptation. In such animals, an oral, low-dose IFN-α treatment gave rise to a peculiar, negative, acute-phase response (reduced levels of serum albumin) and to significantly lower α-globulin concentrations in sera. Taken together, IFN-α was shown to modulate inflammatory responses to early weaning stress.

     

Production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen of calves during dietary-microbial stimulation and early weaning

The contents of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid were studied in calves at an early (seven weeks of age) and traditional weaning term (nine weeks of age). Weaning at the age of seven weeks enabled to save 16.2 kg of milk replacer per calf; there was also a lower content of concentrates in the starter feed with a supplement of Amylastim. The health condition of the calves was good in both groups. The average daily weight gains for the period from the second to the ninth week of age were 0.550 kg in the early weaned calves and 0.690 kg in the calves weaned at a normal time. Early weaning had a positive influence on the development of rumen metabolism. Calves weaned at the age of seven weeks, compared with those weaned at the age of nine weeks, had much higher concentrations of VFA (p less than 0.05) in rumen fluid (at the age of seven weeks: 130.49 mmol per litre vs. 111.53 mmol per litre; at the age of eight weeks: 119.74 mmol per litre vs. 96.98 mmol per litre). Early weaned calves had the statistically significantly (p less than 0.05) higher proportions of propionic acid, butyric acid, i-butyric acid, and valeric acid. Later-weaned calves had the significantly higher (p less than 0.05) contents of acetic acid and i-valeric acid.     

早期断奶对仔猪空肠和回肠兴奋性氨基酸载体1表达的影响

本试验旨在研究仔猪出生后10~20 d,早期断奶仔猪小肠谷氨酸转运载体基因表达情况与哺乳仔猪的差异。试验分别从40头不同母猪的仔猪中各选出体重相近,10日龄的"杜×长×大"三元杂交仔猪1头,共40头仔猪,随机不配对分为2组,每组20头仔猪,对照组(哺乳组)为哺乳仔猪,随母猪喂养;试验组(断奶组)为断奶仔猪,隔离断奶饲养;试验期10 d。饲养结束,每组随机取12只仔猪,宰杀取空肠和回肠,测定谷氨酸转运载体兴奋性氨基酸转运载体1(EAAC1)蛋白质表达情况和游离氨基酸含量。结果显示,断奶显著降低了仔猪空肠和回肠EAAC1(57和73 ku)及其相关蛋白谷氨酸转运联合蛋白(GTRAP3-18)(50 ku)的蛋白质和mRNA表达量(P0.05)。断奶提高了仔猪空肠游离谷氨酸和总氨基酸含量,却降低了仔猪回肠游离谷氨酸和总氨基酸含量,差异显著(P0.05)。结果提示,早期断奶降低EAAC1和GTRAP3-18的蛋白质含量,这可能与早期断奶仔猪遭受营养谷氨酸缺乏导致的肠道氨基酸吸收转运障碍有关。     

The effect of age at weaning on the health status of bull calves in a feedlot

Incidence of morbidity and mortality in a feedlot were compared among 381 bull calves weaned one month apart (October 3 and November 1). The calves were 156 and 192 days old at weaning in the earlier and later weaned groups, respectively. Following an adjustment period, the calves were fed a mixed finishing diet containing 90% concentrate ad lib for 140 days in a feedlot. The rate of morbidity did not differ significantly between the two weaning groups. Sick calves in the earlier weaned group had a longer treatment period than those in the later weaned group (3.2 vs 1.4 days, p<0.05). Infections of the respiratory tract were the major cause of sickness and most of the respiratory infections occurred in the early stages of the feedlot period. The frequency of respiratory infections was higher among the earlier weaned calves compared with that in the later weaned group (p<0.01) indicating a higher susceptibility to these infections when calves were weaned at younger ages. Bloat was the second most common health problem among the bulls; however, its incidence did not differ between the two groups (p>0.05). The rate of mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups.     

后期饲养战略对于早期断奶牛生产速度的影响

[目的]为探索适宜当地的犊牛早期断奶时间,促进犊牛早期生长发育和使母牛尽快恢复体况,进入下一个繁殖周期。[方法]选择体格大小一致、健康无疾病、体重接近,父本相同,3月龄西杂犊牛20头作为试验牛,随机分成A组和B组,每组10头(公、母数量相同)。A组经过1个月断奶精料、粗料和多汁饲料的过渡性适应,4月龄断奶,并根据犊牛生长发育逐渐增加精料、多汁饲料,B组按照养殖场饲喂方法饲养,并于6月龄断奶,A组与B组犊牛6月龄断奶后自由采食粗饲料、按体重1%饲喂精饲料,分别在犊牛6,12,18月龄称重。[结果]结果表明:肉牛18月龄时A、B组犊牛的平均体重分别为638 kg,546 kg,A组高于B组92.00 kg(P0.01),表明犊牛早期断奶、在满足营养需要的前提下,后期的生长速度比6月龄断奶高。[结论]犊牛早期断奶技术是一项实用技术,值得在养殖场和规模养殖户中大力推广的应用。     

The effect of heated mash on performance and feeding behavior of newly weaned piglets

The influence of heated mash on growth and feeding behavior of newly weaned piglets was investigated. An automatically ventilated nursery with 4 identical pens was used. Twenty piglets weaned at 21 d were housed in each pen. The experiment was repeated 3 times. In total, data were obtained from 240 piglets of 12 pens. The pens were provided with a sensor-controlled, automatic feeding device, which dosed a ready-mixed mash in a trough. In each of 2 of the pens, the feed was mixed with warm water at 36 degrees C, during the first week of weaning. This heated mash had a temperature of 34 degrees C at the outlet of the automatic feeding device (experimental group). In the 2 control groups, the water was not heated and the temperature of the mash was 14 degrees C at the outlet of the automatic feeding device. From the second week of weaning, the mash had a temperature of 14 degrees C at the outlet of the automatic feeding device in all 4 pens. Piglets were weighed at weaning, at weekly intervals through 49 d after weaning, and on d 139 after weaning. Behavior of the whole group, as well as behavior of selected focal animals, was evaluated for the first 48 h after weaning. In addition, skin condition of piglets was assessed on day of weaning and on d 7, 14, and 21 after weaning. The amount of feed consumed by the piglets was recorded on a daily basis throughout the whole period of nursery. Over the total period of the study, piglets in the experimental group gained 3.98 +/- 1.66 kg (P = 0.047) more than the control group. The difference was particularly clear during the nursery period (49 d) when the experimental group gained 0.89 +/- 0.23 kg more than the control group (P = 0.03). Although piglets in the control group consumed 37.15 +/- 0.15 kg of feed over the complete nursery period, the experimental group consumed 42.56 +/- 0.15 kg per piglet (P = 0.023). By heating the mash feed in the first week after weaning, both growth performance as well as feed consumption of piglets could be increased. No difference in feed conversion and feeding behavior was found between groups.     

Effect of creep feeding on structural and functional changes of the gut of early weaned pigs

Dose-dependent hypersensitivity responses mounted against antigenic constituents of creep feeds have been previously implicated in intestinal damage, digestive disorders and impaired performance of early weaned pigs. In the present study biochemical and histological investigations of the small intestine were undertaken to determine the putative relationship between creep feed level and hypersensitivity response in pigs weaned at 14 days. Creep feed was administered by gastric intubation and weaned pigs received the same diet by gastric intubation for five days. Mucosal structure and function at weaning were not affected by creep feeding regimen. Villus height decreased and crypt depth increased in weaned compared to suckled pigs, but morphology was unaffected by prior exposure to creep. Xylose absorption was not influenced by either creep feed level or weaning. Intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers increased during weaning but were not affected by the creep feeding regimen. Mucosal carbohydrase activity in weaned pigs was not significantly affected by preweaning treatment. The results do not support the hypothesis that post weaning changes in structure and function of the gut are related to creep feed level or to immune responses to dietary antigens.     

改善早期断奶仔猪肠道健康和功能的营养策略研究进展

商业化生产中仔猪早期断奶（3~4周龄）恰是肠道功能发育的关键时期,断奶应激带来的持续性肠道屏障功能损伤是断奶仔猪细菌性和病毒性肠炎及断奶后腹泻的主要诱因。饲料端“禁抗”背景下,运用营养策略改善早期断奶仔猪肠道功能的研究是研究者关注的焦点问题。从早期断奶对仔猪肠道屏障功能的影响及多种营养策略对断奶仔猪肠道功能改善的作用,综述了早期断奶致仔猪肠道屏障功能损伤的机理及氨基酸、抗菌肽、益生菌、膳食纤维、低聚糖、有机酸、微量营养素和脂质营养等营养策略改善仔猪肠道功能的作用机制,为通过营养策略改善断奶仔猪肠道功能相关研究提供参考。     

Socializing piglets before weaning: effects on behavior of lactating sows, pre- and postweaning behavior, and performance of piglets

This study evaluated how socializing piglets before weaning affects behavior of lactating sows and the pre- and postweaning behavior and performance of piglets. Two farrowing rooms, each with 6 pens, and 1 nursery with 4 pens were used. In total, data were obtained from 24 sows and their litters. In each farrowing room, the solid barriers between 3 farrowing pens were removed on d 12 after farrowing, and the sows remained confined in their crates (experimental group). In the other 3 farrowing pens of each farrowing room, sows and their litters were kept under conventional conditions until weaning (control group). All piglets were weaned 28 d after birth. After weaning, piglets from each group remained together in 1 pen of the nursery. The behavior of sows (lying, standing, sitting, nursing) and piglets (lying, active, suckling) in the farrowing rooms was observed for 24 h before and for 48 h after removal of the barriers between the pens. In addition, behavior (active, lying, feeding, agonistic behavior) of piglets was observed in the nursery during the initial 48-h period after weaning. Each piglet was weighed on d 5, 12, and 28 after birth and thereafter weekly until the fifth week of rearing. In the farrowing room, mixing of litters did not influence behavior of piglets and sows. Preweaning weight gain of the piglets did not differ (P = 0.60) between the treatments. In the initial 48 h after weaning, less agonistic behavior (P < 0.001) was observed in piglets belonging to the experimental group. During 5 wk of rearing, piglets in the experimental group gained more weight compared with the control group (P = 0.05). The advantage shown by the experimental group became especially conspicuous in the first week after weaning (P = 0.05). By socializing unfamiliar piglets before weaning, stress due to mixing could at least be distanced in time from the other burdens of weaning, thereby improving performance.     

Patterns of tonic luteinizing hormone release and ovulation frequency in suckled anestrous beef cows following varying intervals of temporary weaning

Thirty postpartum Brahman crossbred cows were utilized to determine the effects of varying intervals of temporary weaning on tonic LH secretion and ovulation. Cows were assigned randomly on day 17–21 postpartum to one of five groups: 1) Suckled Ad libitum, 2) 48-hr weaned, 3) 72-hr weaned, 4) 96-hr weaned, or 5) 144-hr weaned. The mean maximal rise in LH pulse frequency due to weaning occurred within 2 days and averaged 221 percent of time 0 values. The frequency of LH pulses was greater (P<.06) in weaned than in suckled controls. This temporal increase was self-limiting, displaying an acute rise followed by a variable rate of decline in all groups. However, pulse frequency remained elevated relative to suckled controls for the longest period of time for weaning durations of 96 and 144 hr (P<.10). In 48-hr and 72-hr weaned cows, a rapid reversal of the initial increase in LH pulse frequency was observed following calf return. A significant linear regression (y = 1.9 ± .64x; P<.03) described the increase in LH pulse frequency that occurred in cows which ovulated following weaning. Nonovulators were sensitive to calf return and responded by exhibiting a linear decline (y = 2.87 − .43x; P<.04) in LH pulse frequency following this event. The amplitude of LH pulses increased (P<.02) during the period after calf return in ovulators, but did not change in nonovulators. Percentage ovulating by day 10 increased (P<.05) with increased weaning duration past 72 hr. We conclude that calf return before 96 hr markedly attenuates weaning-induced increases in LH secretion and ovulation.     

高寒地区中国荷斯坦犊牛早期断奶方案对犊牛生长发育、腹泻与培育成本的影响

[目的]研究高寒地区中国荷斯坦犊牛早期断奶方案的推广价值。[方法]选取1周内新生、体重相近的犊牛16头,采用对照的试验方法将16头犊牛随机分为试验组和对照组,每组8头。试验组为早期断奶方案,对照组为常规断奶流程,试验期为90 d。[结果]试验组在60日龄与90日龄的日增重均显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）。试验组90日龄增重显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）。对照组犊牛30日龄内腹泻发病率为100%,重复发病率为75%;试验组30日龄内腹泻发病率为50%,重复发病率为50%。试验组与对照组相比节约成本32.52%。[结论]高寒地区中国荷斯坦犊牛可实行早期断奶方案,且能够提高企业和养殖户的经济效益,具有较好的推广价值。     

益生性活性卵白制剂对早期断奶仔猪生产性能和肠道pH的影响

试验选取28日龄断奶的三元[杜×（大×长）]杂交仔猪36头,平均初始体重为5.22±0.89 kg,随机分为活性卵白试验组和对照组,每个处理组3个重复,每个重复6头。对照组饲喂基础日粮,活性卵白试验组在相同的基础日粮基础上口服饲喂活性卵白制剂,剂量为10 ml/d·只,连续服用10 d（断奶前5 d至断奶后5 d）,研究添加服用益生性活性卵白制剂对断奶仔猪生产性能、腹泻率和肠道各段pH的影响。结果表明,活性卵白物质可显著提高断奶仔猪的日增重、日采食量,显著改善仔猪生长性能,具有更好的提高断奶仔猪生长速率的趋势及较好的阶段增重优势。在预防仔猪消化道疾病方面活性卵白制剂具有良好效果,可提高断奶仔猪的存活率,腹泻率下降幅度较大,对缓解腹泻的作用明显优于对照组。因此,早期断奶仔猪口服活性卵白制剂有助于提高其生产性能,降低腹泻率,具有降低仔猪肠道内容物pH的趋势。