Peri-oestrus hormone profiles and follicle growth in lactating sows with oestrus induced by intermittent suckling.

This study describes follicle dynamics, endocrine profiles in multiparous sows with lactational oestrus compared with conventionally weaned sows (C). Lactational oestrus was induced by Intermittent Suckling (IS) with separation of sows and piglets for either 12 consecutive hours per day (IS12, n = 14) or twice per day for 6 h per occasion (IS6, n = 13) from day 14 of lactation onwards. Control sows (n = 23) were weaned at day 21 of lactation. Pre-ovulatory follicles (> or =6 mm) were observed in 100% of IS12, 92% of IS6 and 26% of C sows before day 21 of lactation and in the remaining 74% C sows within 7 days after weaning. All sows with pre-ovulatory follicles showed oestrus, but not all sows showed ovulation. Four IS6 sows and one IS12 sow developed cystic follicles of which two IS6 sows partially ovulated. Follicle growth, ovulation rate and time of ovulation were similar. E(2) levels tended to be higher in IS sows (p = 0.06), the pre-ovulatory LH surge tended to be lower in IS12 (5.1 +/- 1.7 ng/ml) than in C sows (8.4 +/- 5.0 ng/ml; p = 0.08) and P(4) levels were lower in IS12 and IS6 than in C sows (at 75 h after ovulation: 8.8 +/- 2.4 ng/ml vs 7.0 +/- 1.4 ng/ml vs 17.1 +/- 4.4 ng/ml; p < 0.01). In conclusion, sows with lactational oestrus induced by IS are similar to weaned sows in the timing of oestrus, early follicle development and ovulation rates, but the pre-ovulatory LH surge and post-ovulatory P(4) increase are lower.     

Cortisol Profiles in Sows Submitted to an Intermittent Suckling Regime Compared with that of Abruptly Weaned Sows

The aim of this study was to monitor changes in cortisol levels in sows around the time of separation from their piglets, in two different intermittent suckling regimes, compared with that in conventionally weaned sows. Sows were either weaned at 21 days of lactation (CONT) or subjected to an intermittent suckling regime (IS) from 14 days of lactation onwards. Sows in the IS regimes were separated from their piglets for 12 h every day, either from 08:00 to 20:00 hours (IS12) or from 08:00 to 14:00 hours and 20:00 to 02:00 hours (IS6). Separation caused a transient increase in cortisol levels on the first (CONT and IS12) and second (IS12) day of separation, compared with a gradual decline from early morning when the sows were still continuously suckling. In IS6 sows, in contrast, the transient rise in cortisol levels after separation at 08:00 hours was observed on the first 3 days and also on day 7 of the IS regime. Cortisol parameters were correlated with peri‐ovulatory characteristics like onset of oestrus, onset of the LH surge and time of ovulation. Onset of the LH surge was delayed in IS6 sows. In conclusion, increase in cortisol levels as a consequence of separation of sows and piglets, is an acute, incidental phenomenon in IS12 and CONT sows, but shows a repeated acute elevation in IS6 sows, possibly placing IS6 sows at a higher risk of influencing peri‐ovulatory processes and developing cystic follicles.     

Ovarian Activity and Oestrous Signs among Group-Housed, Lactating Sows: Influence of Behaviour, Environment and Production

Animal welfare concerns require the development of housing systems that allow the animals to express their natural behaviour. One example of this is the group-housing system for lactating sows. The present study aimed at exploring ovarian activity in such a system. Thirty-eight sows farrowing individually outdoors during spring and summer, and indoors during autumn and winter, and group-housed in groups of four during weeks 3-7 of the lactation period, were monitored regarding reproductive functions, behaviour and production during their first to fourth lactation period. Average ovulation frequency during lactation was 47%. Only 50% of these ovulating cases were accompanied by a standing oestrus. Lactational ovulation frequency was higher in later parities (p < 0.001). Ovulation frequency was higher (p < 0.05) during winter (74%) and spring (69%), than during summer (10%) and autumn (23%). Occurrence of lactational ovulation was associated with some aspects of suckling behaviour and also with litter weight gain (p < 0.05). Forty-nine per cent of the lactational ovulations occurred during the seventh week of lactation. Timing of ovulation seemed positively (p = 0.08) associated with weight loss during lactation. Compared with the sows that were anoestrus during lactation, oestradiol-17beta values were higher (p < 0.05) only in the week before occurrence of lactational ovulation. Weaning-to-oestrous interval was prolonged (p < 0.05) among the sows that ovulated during lactation. The present study identifies several factors influencing ovarian activity among group-housed sows, thereby providing tools for the control of lactational ovulation in group-housing systems.     

Intermittent suckling: effects on piglet and sow performance before and after weaning

An experiment was conducted to study effects of intermittent suckling on creep feed intake and weight gain of litters. Loss of weight and backfat during lactation, as well as reproductive performance, were also measured. Batches of multiparous sows (Parity 1 to 12, 4.1 on average) were either suckled intermittently (IS, eight batches; n = 50) or continuously (control, eight batches; n = 62). Litters were weaned at 27 +/- 2 d of age, on average. Litter size (11.1 +/- 0.2 piglets, on average) was standardized within a batch within 3 d of birth. All litters had free access to creep feed and water from 1 wk of age onward. In the IS group, litters were separated from the sow for a period of 12 h/d (0930 to 2130), starting 11 d before weaning. Rectal ultrasonography was applied at d 3 after weaning to check the ovaries for follicle development or presence of corpora lutea. Creep feed intake by the litters during lactation was higher in IS litters than in control litters (686 +/- 57 vs. 314 +/- 42 g/piglet, P < 0.01). The distribution of creep feed intake shifted from a skewed one, with a majority of litters consuming less than 250 g/piglet in control litters, to a normal distribution, with an average creep feed intake of 500 to 750 g/piglet in IS litters. During the 7 d after weaning, creep feed intake in IS litters was also higher (281 +/- 15 vs. 204 +/- 9 g-piglet(-1) x d(-1), P < 0.01). The ADG of piglets during lactation was negatively affected by IS, resulting in lower weight at weaning (7,229 +/- 140 vs. 7,893 +/- 145 g/piglet, P < 0.05). During the 7 d after weaning, however, ADG was higher in IS litters (255 +/- 10 vs. 177 +/- 8 g-piglet-1 x d(-1), P < 0.01), and 7 d after weaning, the weights of the litters were similar (9,011 +/- 167 vs. 9,132 +/- 164 g/ piglet, P = 0.81). The IS litters that consumed little or no feed during lactation had an ADG after lactation that was higher than in control litters, with comparable creep feed intake during lactation: 204 vs. 136 g/d. Body weight loss by the sows during lactation was lower in IS sows (-10 +/- 2 vs. -16 +/- 1 kg, P < 0.05). A higher percentage of IS sows ovulated during lactation (22 vs. 3%, P < 0.01), and weaning-to-ovulation interval (excluding sows with lactational ovulation) was shorter in IS sows (4.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.3 +/- 0.2 d, P < 0.05). We conclude that IS increased creep feed intake during lactation, and that IS increased ADG after weaning, despite lower weaning weights. Ovulation during lactation was induced in 22% of the IS sows.     

The Effect of Intravaginal Applied GnRH-agonist on the Time of Ovulation and Subsequent Reproductive Performance of Weaned Multiparous Sows

In order to prove the effect of 'fixed time insemination' and insemination at standing oestrus after post-weaning application of GnRH, in a Croatian large breeding unit, 502 sows were assigned to three groups and were artificially inseminated (AI) at their first post-weaning oestrus as many times as they stand, in 24-h intervals. The groups were treated as follows: group 1 (control, n = 160) were AI during their standing reflex; group 2 ['GnRH-fixed time insemination' (GnRH-FT-AI), n = 175] were AI, independent of detection of oestrus and following administration of GnRH-agonist at 96 h post-weaning; group 3 [GnRH insemination at standing oestrus (GnRH-OE-AI), n = 167] the animals were GnRH-agonist treated as group 2 and were AI at their standing reflex. Pre-trial daily average lactational feed intake, average daily feed intake from weaning to oestrus, oestrus within 6 days post-weaning (%), ovulation within 6 days post-weaning (%), weaning-to-oestrus interval (h), duration of oestrus (h), follicle size (mm), interval from oestrus to ovulation (h), subsequent day 24 pregnancy rate (%), farrowing rate (%) and total pigs born were evaluated. Pre-trial average daily lactational voluntary feed intake was 7.1 +/- 0.08 kg in group 1, 7.0 +/- 0.07 kg in group 2 and 7.1 +/- 0.17 kg in group 3 (p > 0.05). Average voluntary daily feed intake from weaning to oestrus was 5.1 +/- 0.3 kg in group 1, 5.2 +/- 0.5 kg in group 2 and 5.2 +/- 0.19 kg in group 3 (p > 0.05). Oestrus was detected within 6 days post-weaning in 134 (83.8%) in control, 164 (93.7%) in GnRH-FT-AI and 155 (92.8%) animals in GnRH-OE-AI groups (p = 0.05). Follicle size did not differ (p > 0.05) among the groups. In control 82.8%, in GnRH-FT-AI 91.5% and in GnRH-OE-AI 91.0% of the sows ovulated within 6 days post-weaning (p = 0.04), and had 80.6, 90.9 and 89.7% 24-day pregnancy rates (p = 0.16), respectively. In GnRH-FT-AI group 90.2%, in GnRH-OE-AI sows 89.7%, in control animals 79.9% farrowing rates were recorded (p = 0.17). Weaning to oestrus interval was 113.1 h in control, 114.1 h in GnRH-FT-AI and 112.6 h GnRH-OE-AI (p > 0.05). Duration of oestrus was significantly shorter in GnRH-FT-AI (44.9 h) and GnRH-OE-AI (48.1 h) animals, compared with the control (62.9 h) sows (p = 0.001). Similarly, the interval from oestrus to ovulation revealed significant (p = 0.004) differences between the groups (control 44.1 h, GnRH-OE-AI 34.1 h and GnRH-FT-AI 32.9 h). GnRH-FT-AI (12.5) and GnRH-OE-AI (12.6) sows had significantly higher (p = 0.01) number of total pigs born (n = 10.4) compared with control sows. GnRH-agonist-gel treatment to the sow shortens duration of oestrus, the interval from oestrus to ovulation, and may eliminate the need for oestrus detection in the hands of skilled personnel.     

Should weaning be the start of the reproductive cycle in hyper-prolific sows? A physiological view

Normally, sows are in anoestrus during lactation and start their new cycle at the day of weaning. Modern hybrid primiparous sows that suckle large numbers of piglets may lose substantial amounts of body reserves during lactation. This compromises follicle development during lactation. As modern sows have short weaning-to-oestrus intervals, these compromised follicles are recruited for ovulation directly after weaning, resulting in lower ovulation rates and lower embryo survival. Postponing or skipping first oestrus after weaning in primiparous sows may help to limit the negative consequences of lactation on subsequent reproduction. Multiparous sows may have very high litter sizes, especially after long lactations as applied in organic sows. These high litter sizes compromise piglet birthweight and survival and subsequent performance. Inducing lactation oestrus in multiparous sows may help to limit litter size and improve piglet survival and performance. This study discusses physiological and reproductive effects of extending the start of a new pregnancy after lactation in primiparous sows and induction of lactation oestrus in multiparous sows. We thereby challenge the view that weaning is an ideal start for the reproductive cycle in modern sows.     

The influence of suckling interval on milk production of sows

The objective of this study was to determine whether sow milk yield per gland could be increased by reducing the interval between suckles (suckling interval). Eighteen sows were allocated at their first farrowing to three treatments comprising litter sizes of 6 or 12 piglets or a cross-suckling treatment that was imposed to increase suckling frequency. The cross-suckled treatment comprised two groups of six piglets each. Each suckling group was allowed to suckle the sow during 30-min intervals each day between d 6 and d 28 of lactation. The suckling interval was shorter (P < .05) for cross-suckled sows than for sows suckling single litters of 6 or 12 piglets during early lactation (d 10 to 14) and late lactation (d 24 to 28). Average piglet growth rate between birth and 28 d of age was greatest (P < .05) for piglets in the single litters of six and lowest for piglets in the cross-suckled treatments. Single litters of 12 piglets had the highest (P < .05) litter growth rates, followed by the cross-suckled litters and then the single litters of six piglets. The concentration of lactose and fat in milk from sows remained relatively stable, although milk from the cross-suckled sows contained more protein in early lactation (P < .05). Milk yield of sows was not significantly increased (P > .05) by the cross-suckle treatment, although during early lactation, milk yield tended to be greater from sows in the cross-suckle treatment than from sows suckling single litters of six (8,920 g/d vs 7,819 g/d, P < .1). The concentration of DNA and total RNA and the RNA:DNA ratio in mammary glands was unaffected by treatment (P > .05). Sows with single litters of 12 piglets had the greatest total DNA in their udders (P < .05). However, individual gland weights were heavier (P < .05) in cross-suckled sows than in sows with single litters of 6 or 12 piglets. Increased suckling frequency seemed to play a role in increased mammary gland weight and milk production during lactation.     

The effect of intravaginal applied gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on different oestrous parameters and reproductive performance in post weaned sows

In a Hungarian large breeding unit, 481 weaned sows were assigned to three groups and were treated as follows. Sows in Group 1 (Control, n=161) were artificially inseminated (3.01 +/- 0.4 times) during their standing reflex; sows in Group 2 (n=160) were artificially inseminated 3 times at 12-hour intervals, independent of detection of oestrus and immediately after administration of a GnRH-agonist at 96 hours postweaning; and sows in Group 3 (n=160) were artificially inseminated 3 times at 12-hour intervals, beginning at their standing reflex after administration of a GnRH-agonist. Pre-trial daily average lactational feed intake, average daily feed intake from weaning to oestrus, oestrus within 6 days of weaning (%), ovulation within 6 days of weaning (%), wean-to-oestrus interval (h), duration of oestrus (h), follicle size (mm), interval from oestrus to ovulation (h), subsequent day 24 pregnancy rate (%), farrowing rate (%) and total number of pigs born were evaluated. Pre-trial average daily voluntary lactational feed intake was 7.1 +/- 0.5 kg in Group 1, 7.2 +/- 0.4 kg in Group 2, and 7.3 +/- 0.7 kg in Group 3 (P > 0.05). Average voluntary daily feed intake from weaning-to-oestrus was 4.3 +/- 0.9 kg in Group 1, 4.2 +/- 0.8 kg in Group 2, and 4.1 +/- 0.5 kg in Group 3 (P > 0.05). Oestrus was detected within 6 days of weaning in 143 (88.8%) sows in Group 1, 143 (89.4%) sows in Group 2, and in 142 (88.8%) sows in Group 3. Follicle size did not differ (P > 0.05) among the groups. In Group 1, 83.2%, in Group 2, 90.6%, and in Group 3,91.3% of the sows ovulated within 6 days of weaning (P < 0.05), but there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in 24 Day pregnancy rates (81.4%; 91.3%; and 92.5%). Farrowing rates were in Group 1, 84.5%, in Group 2, 91.3%, in Group 3, 91.9% (P > 0.05). Wean-to-oestrus interval was 115.5 h in Group 1, 114.9 h in Group 2, and 115.7 h in Group 3 (P > 0.05). Duration of oestrus was significantly shorter in Group 2 (41.9 h) and Group 3 (42.1 h) than in Group 1 (68.3 h) (P < 0.001). Similarly, the interval from oestrus to ovulation was significantly different (P < 0.01) between the groups (Group 1, 49.0 h Group 2, 32.0 h, and Group 3, 31.1 h). Sows in Group 2 (12.7) and Group 3 (12.6) had a significantly higher (P < 0.01) number of pigs born than sows in Group 1 (n = 10.9). The interval between oestrus and ovulation was highly and positively correlated (r = 0.83) with the duration of oestrus.     

Studies in sow reproduction: 5. The effect of lactation length of the so w on the subsequent embryonic development

The relative importance of factors causing a decrease in sow productivity with systems involving weaning of piglets under 3 weeks of age was studied. The observed reduction in litter size has been attributed to the ovulation rate or to embryo mortality. Subjects were 45 female pigs. 3 lactation lengths were tried: 7, 21, and 42 days. All sows were remated at the 1st postweaning estrus and slaughtered 20 days later to determine ovulation rate and embryo survival. All were fed 1.8 kg/day during gestation. During lactation, the feeding level was increased to a maximum of 6.3 kg/day depending on the number of piglets. Feed level from weaning to remating was 2.7 kg/day. Blood samples taken on 5 occasions from weaning to slaughter were assayed for progesterone. The weaning to estrous interval increased from 6.1 to 8.2 days when lactation length was reduced from 42 to 7 days. Ovulation rates, as determined by luteal count, were similar for the different periods of lactation. Numbers of viable embryos decreased significantly (p less than .05) as lactation length was reduced from 42 to 7 days. The survival of those embryos present decreased also (p less than .01). Embryo mortality increased from 17.3 to 40.4% when the lactation period was reduced from 42 to 7 days. Ovarian weights, uterine weights, and average embryo spacing were the same in all 3 groups. Plasma progesterone levels were low at weaning and remating, higher at 2 days postcoitum, and maximum at 10 days postcoitum. Between treatment groups, plasma progesterone levels were similar but varied markedly within treatment groups. Since ovulation rates were shown to be similar, this factor was eliminated. The interval from weaning to estrus was not considered important. Litter size was shown to be a major limiting factor. Embryo survival during the early period of gestation was shown to be the most important factor in limiting productivity.     

A field study of the associations between behaviors and reproductive performance in lactating sows

The present study examined factors associated with suckling, eating and postural behaviors (standing, lying and sitting) and the relationships between sow behaviors and reproductive performance. A commercial farrowing-to-finish farm with approximately 300 female pigs was visited eight times for 3 years to record sow behaviors using time-lapse video recorders for 24 hr. The lactational and postweaning reproductive performances of each sow were recorded using a recording software system. Statistical models were built to investigate the factors associated with each behavior. Regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between behavior measurements and adjusted 21-day litter weights (A21d-Wt), weaning-to-first-mating intervals (WMI) and occurrence of >or= 2 dead piglets during lactation. The means of suckling intervals and frequency of postural changes of the 145 recorded sows were 47.5 +/- 0.59 min and 86.8 +/- 2.97, respectively. As parity increased from 1 to >or= 4, the suckling interval and total standing duration increased (P<0.05). The number of nursing piglets and observation days 4 to 21 of lactation were not associated with the suckling intervals. A longer duration of lactation was associated with a longer total standing duration and a higher frequency of postural changes (P<0.05). Shorter suckling intervals were associated with heavier A21d-Wt (P<0.05). Each change in postural behavior increased the likelihood of occurrence of >or= 2 dead piglets during lactation (P<0.05). No postural or suckling behaviors were associated with WMI. Eating behavior was not associated with any reproductive performance. In conclusion, sow behaviors during lactation were related to lactational performance but were not related to postweaning reproductive performance.     

Effect of fractionated weaning on hormonal patterns and weaning to oestrus interval in primiparous sows

The effect of weaning the 4-5 heaviest piglets in the litter on day 33 of lactation and the remainder 2 days later (fractionated weaning) on plasma levels of prolactin, cortisol, oestradiol-17 beta (E2), progesterone (P4) and LH, as well as on the weaning to oestrus interval in primiparous sows was studied. Twelve crossbred sows were grouped into 6 pairs according to farrowing date and litter size. The litter of 1 sow in each pair (F) was weaned in 2 stages, and the other conventionally weaned at 35 days (C). Blood samples were collected via a permanent jugular vein catheter every 3 h from 9 a m to 9 p m daily throughout the experimental period, and intensively at 15 min intervals for 12 h on the day of first and final weaning and for 6 h on the day after each weaning. All sows were slaughtered following their first post-weaning oestrus and the reproductive organs were macroscopically examined. Lactational oestrus was not observed in any of the sows. Sows from 5 out of 6 pairs showed oestrus within 8 days of weaning and post-mortem examination showed normal ovulation. There was a tendency for the F sows to have a shorter weaning to oestrus interval, as compared with the C sows (5 of 6 pairs, 4.8 days v 5.6 days). The plasma levels of prolactin around weaning were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Within 6 h after final weaning, the prolactin concentrations decreased gradually from 7.6 and 8.7 to 1.6 and 1.7 microgram/l in the control and treatment groups, respectively. The plasma levels of cortisol, showing a diurnal rhythm (with the lowest level at 6 and/or 9 p m), did on no occasion differ between the 2 groups. On the day of final weaning, no diurnal rhythm was observed, with cortisol remaining high at 6 and 9 p m. The plasma levels of E2 and P4 were low until final weaning in both groups. After final weaning the E2 levels rose faster in the F sows than in the C sows, to 44.3 and 34.8 pmol/l, respectively, on day 2 (p less than 0.01). No significant differences in levels of plasma LH and the number of LH pulses were observed between the groups. After final weaning the average and base levels of LH and the number of LH pulse(s) increased significantly.     

Effects of Dextrose Plus Lactose in the Sows Diet on Subsequent Reproductive Performance and within Litter Birth Weight Variation

Effects of dextrose plus lactose in sow’s feed were tested on subsequent reproductive performance and within litter birth weight variation. During the last week of gestation and lactation, sows were either fed a commercial lactation diet (Control: C), or an isocaloric diet containing 25 g/kg dextrose plus 25 g/kg lactose (Treatment: T). In the subsequent weaning‐to‐oestrus interval (WEI), all sows received the same amount of a commercial feed, but T sows were supplemented with 150 g dextrose plus 150 g lactose per day. Weight and backfat changes were recorded as well as litter characteristics during the treatment period and the subsequent parity. No significant effect of treatment was found on the subsequent reproductive performance, including the number of piglets born, although the number of live born piglets was 0.51 larger (p = 0.31) and weight of the live born piglets was 84 g higher in the T sows (p = 0.07) than in the C sows. When sows were categorized in sows with 12 or less and more than 12 total born piglets in the previous litter, treatment of sows with dextrose plus lactose resulted for the group with 12 or less piglets in a strong increase in subsequent total born piglets (13.97), whereas in the untreated sows the subsequent litter size was 11.89. In the group with more than 12 total born piglets, no effect of treatment was found (interaction between previous litter size and treatment p = 0.03). The within litter variation in birth weight in the subsequent litter was numerically lower in the T sows. We concluded that the use of dextrose and lactose during lactation and WEI seems to enhance litter size in sows with low previous litter size and seems to have the potential to reduce the within litter variation in birth weight.     

Effect of Modified Eros Centre on Some Reproductive Parameters of the Sow

The effect of a modified eros centre on weaning to oestrus interval, follicle size, ovulation and farrowing rate and total born litter size was investigated. In modified eros centre 94.4% and in group housing 79.1% of the sows (p < 0.01) expressed oestrus within 10 days post‐weaning. Weaning to oestrus interval was shorter (p < 0.001) for sows kept in modified eros centre. The interval from onset of oestrus to the time of ovulation was longer for sows in group housing (p=0.05). The time of ovulation was negatively correlated (r=?0.50) with the interval from weaning to oestrus (p=0.005). The time of ovulation after onset of oestrus was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter for sows expressing oestrus within 2–4 days of weaning, compared with the animals that expressed oestrus between days 5 and 6 post‐weaning and was shortest for sows expressing oestrus after day 6 post‐weaning. Farrowing rate was not affected by a modified eros centre. Litter size tended to be smaller in group‐housed weaned sows (p=0.10). The timing of last artificial insemination relative to time of ovulation did not affect litter size (p > 0.10). The implication of these results is that a modified eros centre may improve some of the post‐weaning oestrous parameters of the sow.     

Compensatory feeding during early gestation for sows with a high weight loss after a summer lactation increased piglet birth weight but reduced litter size

Sows mated in summer produce a greater proportion of born-light piglets (<1.1 kg) which contributes to increased carcass fatness in the progeny population. The reasons for the low birth weight of these piglets remain unclear, and there have been few successful mitigation strategies identified. We hypothesized that: 1) the low birth weight of progeny born to sows mated in summer may be associated with weight loss during the previous summer lactation; and 2) increasing early gestation feed allowance for the sows with high lactational weight loss in summer can help weight recovery and improve progeny birth weight. Sows were classified as having either low (av. 1%) or high (av. 7%) lactational weight loss in their summer lactation. All the sows with low lactational weight loss (LLStd) and half of the sows with high lactational weight loss received a standard gestation feeding regime (HLStd) (2.6 kg/d; day 0–30 gestation), whereas the rest of the sows with high lactational weight loss received a compensatory feed allowance (HLComp) (3.5 kg/d; day 0–30 gestation). A comparison of LLStd (n = 75) versus HLStd sows (n = 78) showed that this magnitude of weight loss over summer lactation did not affect the average piglet or litter birth weight, but such results may be influenced by the higher litter size (P = 0.030) observed in LLStd sows. A comparison of HLStd versus HLComp (n = 81) sows showed that the compensatory feeding increased (P = 0.021) weight gain of gestating sows by 6 kg, increased (P = 0.009) average piglet birth weight by 0.12 kg, tended to reduce (P = 0.054) the percentage of born-light piglets from 23.5% to 17.1% but reduced the litter size by 1.4 (P = 0.014). A subgroup of progeny stratified as born-light (0.8–1.1 kg) or -normal (1.3–1.7 kg) from each sow treatment were monitored for growth performance from weaning until 100 kg weight. The growth performance and carcass backfat of progeny were not affected by sow treatments. Born-light progeny had lower feed intake, lower growth rate, higher G:F, and higher carcass backfat than born-normal progeny (all P < 0.05). In summary, compensatory feeding from day 0 to 30 gestation in the sows with high weight loss during summer lactation reduced the percentage of born-light progeny at the cost of a lower litter size, which should improve growth rate and carcass leanness in the progeny population born to sows with high lactational weight loss.     

Studies in sow reproduction: 4. The effect of level of feeding in lactation and during the interval from weaning to remating on the subsequent reproductive performance of the early-weaned sow

An investigation of the effects of level of nutrition, both in lactation and from weaning to remating, on subsequent litter size and associated reproductive characteristics in the early-weaned sow is reported. Subjects were 75 sows in 5 groups. In 4 of the groups the sows were weaned after a 10-day lactation period. Group 5 was weaned following a 42-day gestation. The control group was fed up to 6.3 kg/day during lactation and 2.7 kg/day from weaning to remating. The 4 early-weaned groups were each fed differently. In lactation and during the inverval from weaning to remating they were fed either 2 or 4 kg/day. The group receiving only 2 kg/day during each period lost more weight than the others (p less than .05). Weight loss in lactation was significantly (p less than .001) affected by feeding. Sows weaned after a 10-day lactation period farrowed 2.7 piglets/litter less in the next parity than sows weaned after a 6-week lactation period. Weight losses during lactation were not related to subsequent litter size. Level of nutrition from weaning to remating in these tests had no influence on subsequent litter size. The early-weaned sow, even with large fluctuations in weight change over the period from parturition to remating, did not alter their ceiling for litter size. It seems unlikely that ovulation rate is the major factor limiting litter size in the early-weaned sow. Results suggest that embryo mortality following ovulation and coitus is increased in the early-weaned sow and that this effect then manifests itself as a ceiling to subsequent litter size.     

Postweaning growth check in pigs is markedly reduced by intermittent suckling and extended lactation

The objective of this study was to determine whether intermittent suckling (IS) combined with an extended lactation can reduce postweaning growth check in pigs. Three weaning regimens [conventional weaning (CW), IS with 6-h separation intervals (IS6), and IS with 12-h separation intervals (IS12)] were compared. In CW (n = 17 litters), litters had continuous access to the sow until weaning (d 21, d 0 = farrowing). In IS6 and IS12, litters were separated from the sow for 12 h/d, beginning at d 14 and lasting until weaning (d 41 to 45). Litters were with the sow from 1400 to 2000 and from 0200 to 0800 (IS6, n = 14) or between 2000 and 0800 (IS12, n = 14). Litter size was standardized within 2 d after farrowing by crossfostering, resulting in an average litter size of 10.9 +/- 1.8 piglets. Piglets had ad libitum access to creep feed from d 7 onward. One week after the onset of IS (d 20), creep feed intake was increased in litters from both IS groups compared with CW litters (P < 0.05). Both IS groups consumed considerable amounts of creep feed before weaning (d 41 to 45). Total feed intake before weaning was greater (P = 0.004) in IS12 (3,808 +/- 469 g/piglet) than in IS6 (2,717 +/- 404 g/piglet). In comparison, CW litters consumed 18 +/- 9 g/piglet before weaning (d 21). Irrespective of weaning regimen, total feed intake of litters before weaning was highly correlated with post-weaning feed intake (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in all treatment groups, total preweaning feed intake was correlated with postweaning growth (P < 0.10). Irrespective of treatment, piglets suckling anterior teats grew faster than piglets suckling middle or posterior teats during the first 2 wk of lactation. Body weights at the end of the experiment (d 55) were similar among weaning regimens. Onset of IS induced a growth check in both IS groups (34% for IS12 and 22% for IS6). Only a mild growth check was observed after weaning of IS litters (14% for both IS groups). However, a serious growth check (98%) was observed after weaning of CW litters. Results of the current study indicate that IS stimulated feed intake during lactation, providing a more gradual transition to weaning. Because the IS6 regimen did not prevent the growth check after the onset of IS and is rather laborious, we suggest that IS12 might be preferable for a practical implementation of IS.     

母猪补饲发酵芦笋下脚料对母猪和哺乳仔猪血清抗氧化能力、免疫功能和炎性因子含量的影响

本试验旨在研究给妊娠后期和哺乳期母猪补饲发酵芦笋下脚料对母猪和哺乳仔猪血清抗氧化能力、免疫功能和炎性因子含量的影响。选择15头膘情、胎次和预产期相近的妊娠母猪,随机分成3组,每组5个重复,每个重复1头猪。A(对照)、B和C组母猪每头每天分别补饲0、0.25和0.50 kg发酵芦笋下脚料。试验从母猪妊娠期的第85天开始至产后第21天结束。在母猪分娩和仔猪断奶时采集母猪耳静脉血液,在仔猪10和21日龄时采集仔猪前腔静脉血液,分别测定血清指标。结果表明:1)C组母猪在仔猪断奶时血清超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性极显著高于对照组(P0.01),在母猪分娩和仔猪断奶时血清丙二醛(MDA)含量均极显著低于对照组(P0.01)。B组哺乳仔猪10日龄时血清T-SOD活性显著高于对照组(P0.05),血清MDA含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。2)C组母猪在母猪分娩时血清生长激素(GH)含量显著高于对照组(P0.05)。3)C组母猪在母猪分娩时血清免疫球蛋白A(IgA)和免疫球蛋白G(IgG)含量显著高于对照组(P0.05)。4)B和C组母猪血清白细胞介素-6(IL-6)含量在母猪分娩和仔猪断奶时均极显著低于对照组(P0.01)。C组母猪在仔猪断奶时血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。C组哺乳仔猪10日龄时血清TNF-α含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。综上,每头母猪每天补饲0.50 kg发酵芦笋下脚料可增强其抗氧化能力和免疫功能,提高GH含量,减少炎性反应,同时可提高仔猪的抗氧化能力,减少炎性反应的发生。     

Intermittent suckling during an extended lactation period: effects on piglet behavior

The objectives of the current study were to determine how intermittent suckling (IS) affects nursing behavior, litter activity, and general behavioral patterns during lactation, and whether IS during an extended lactation period results in behavioral patterns associated with piglet distress. Intermittent suckling was applied either with 6-h separation intervals (IS6) or with 12-h separation intervals (IS12) and was compared with the conventional treatment (CT). In the CT (n = 17 litters), sows were continuously present until weaning (d 21, d 0 = farrowing). In both IS6 and IS12, sows were separated from their litter for 12 h/d, beginning at d 14 and lasting until weaning (d 43 +/- 1 d). In IS6, litters (n = 14) and sows were separated from 0800 to 1400 and from 2000 to 0200; in IS12 litters (n = 14) and sows were separated between 0800 and 2000. In IS litters, the activity pattern over the 24-h cycle was markedly changed by IS; litter activity was lower (P < 0.001) during sow absence and greater (P < 0.001) during sow presence compared with the unweaned CT litters. Moreover, both total nursing frequency (P < 0.001) and the percentage (P < 0.002) of successful nursings were reduced by IS. Although total nursing frequency was greater in IS6 compared with IS12 (on d 21 and 28), no differences in the frequency of successful nursings existed between IS6 and IS12 from d 14 onward. Eating behavior was increased shortly after the onset of IS (d 17) in both IS6 (P = 0.059) and IS12 (P < 0.001) compared with the unweaned CT litters. The IS12 litters showed more eating behavior compared with IS6 and their exploratory behavior increased in time (P < 0.001), whereas IS6 showed more nursing behavior. Aggressive or manipulative behavior of both IS treatments was similar compared with the unweaned CT, and remained relatively unaltered with time in IS12 and IS6. Weaning in the CT resulted in more manipulative (P < 0.001) and aggressive (P = 0.004) behavior compared with pre-weaning values. Intermittent suckling may contribute to adaptation to the postweaning state by stimulating eating behavior, without causing obvious behavioral distress.     

Effects of intermittent suckling and creep feed intake on pig performance from birth to slaughter

An experiment was conducted to determine if the improved creep feed intake observed during intermittent suckling (IS) is important for postweaning performance. Therefore, creep feed intake of litters was assessed, and within litters, eaters and noneaters were distinguished using chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. Batches of sows were suckled intermittently (IS, 7 batches; n = 31) or continuously (control, 7 batches; n = 31). In the IS group, litters were separated from the sow for a period of 12 h/d (0930 to 2130), beginning 11 d before weaning. Litters were weaned at 4 wk of age. Litters had free access to creep feed from 1 wk of age onward. Five days after weaning, the piglets were moved as a litter to weanling pens. At 8 wk of age, 2 barrows and 2 gilts were randomly chosen from each litter and moved to a finishing facility. Feed intake was improved by IS during the last 11 d of lactation (IS, 284 +/- 27 vs. control, 83 +/- 28 g/piglet; P < 0.001) and after weaning during the first (IS, 201 +/- 24 vs. control, 157 +/- 25 g x piglet(-1) x d(-1); P < 0.05) and second (IS, 667 +/- 33 vs. control, 570 +/- 35 g x piglet(-1) x d(-1); P < 0.05) wk. Thereafter, no differences were found to slaughter. Weaning BW was lower in IS litters (IS, 7.1 +/- 0.01 vs. control, 8.1 +/- 0.01 kg/piglet; P < 0.05), but 7 d after weaning BW was similar (IS, 8.5 +/- 0.2 vs. control, 8.7 +/- 0.2 kg/piglet; P = 0.18), and no differences were found to slaughter. The percentage of eaters within a litter was not increased by IS during lactation (IS, 23 +/- 4.5% vs. control, 19 +/- 4.1%; P = 0.15). Weaning BW did not differ between eaters and noneaters (eater, 7.7 +/- 0.1 vs. noneater, 7.5 +/- 0.08 kg/piglet; P = 0.63). From 1 until 4 wk after weaning, piglets that were eaters during lactation had heavier BW than noneaters (eater, 20.3 +/- 0.3 kg vs. noneater, 18.2 +/- 0.2 kg; P < 0.05). The influence of eating creep feed during lactation on BW and ADG and the influence of suckling treatment never showed an interaction. We conclude that IS increases ADFI during lactation on a litter level and improves ADG in the first week and ADFI in the first and second weeks after weaning. No long-term effects on ADFI or ADG were observed throughout the finishing period. In the current experiment, in which creep feed intake was low, the percentage of eaters within a litter was not increased, suggesting that creep feed intake of piglets that were already eating was stimulated by IS. Further, piglets that were eaters during lactation had heavier BW up to 4 wk after weaning.     

Role of Luteinizing Hormone in Primiparous Sow Responses to Split Weaning

In 45 primiparous sows, we examined endocrine, ovarian and reproductive responses to split-weaning or five injections per day of 800 ng GnRH from 18 to 21 days of lactation. There was no effect of treatment on absolute or changes in sow weight or backfat depth during lactation. Average piglet growth rates were similar among treatments except that piglets suckling split-weaned sows grew faster (p < 0.05) during days 18–21. On day 18, mean plasma LH concentrations and LH pulse frequency remained relatively stable in conventionally weaned sows but increased (p < 0.01) in response to split-weaning and GnRH. Prior to weaning on day 21, mean plasma LH concentrations remained elevated in GnRH-treated sows but had returned to control levels in split weaned sows. There was no treatment effect on preweaning LH pulse frequency noted on day 21. Weaning was associated with an increase in plasma LH concentrations in all the treatment groups. Mean plasma IGF-I remained relatively constant in conventionally weaned and GnRH sows, decreased in response to split weaning on day 18 (p < 0.02), but were elevated (p < 0.03) in split wean sows on day 21. On the day after weaning, split wean sows had more (p < 0.04) ovarian follicles ≥3 mm than conventionally weaned sows, with GnRH sows being intermediate. The wean-to-oestrus interval was reduced in split-wean sows compared with those conventionally weaned (p < 0.01), with GnRH sows being intermediate. There was no effect of treatment on ovulation rates, numbers of embryos, or embryonic survival rates. These data indicate that split-weaning of litters results in a more rapid return to oestrus after weaning and that this effect is associated with a transient acute increase in circulating gonadotrophins and earlier resumption of ovarian follicular development.