Live yeast supplementation during late gestation and lactation affects reproductive performance,colostrum and milk composition,blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary live yeast (LY) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum and milk composition, blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows. A total of 40 multiparous sows were randomly fed either the control (CON) diet or the CON diet supplemented with LY at 1 g/kg from d 90 of gestation to weaning. Results showed that the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets were significantly decreased in the LY-supplemented sows compared with sows in the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the concentrations of protein, lactose and solids-not-fat were increased in the colostrum of LY-supplemented sows (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) at d 1 of lactation and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at weaning day were decreased by feeding LY diet (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, sows fed LY diet had higher plasma concentration of immunoglobulin G compared with sows fed CON diet at d 1 of lactation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LY supplementation in maternal diets decreased the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets, improved colostrum quality and health status of sows.     

Flavor supplementation during late gestation and lactation periods increases the reproductive performance and alters fecal microbiota of the sows

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of flavor on reproductive performance and fecal microbiota of sows during late gestation and lactation. A total of 20 healthy Yorkshire sows were fed a corn-soybean basal diet unsupplemented or supplemented with 0.1% flavor compound from d 90 of gestation to 25 d post-farrowing, and then the piglets were weaned. The reproductive performance and the fecal microbiota of sows were analyzed. Compared with the controls, flavor supplementation in maternal diets increased (P < 0.05) weaning litter weight, litter weight gain, weaning body weight, and average daily gain of piglets. There was a trend of increase in the average daily feed intake of sows (P = 0.09) by maternal dietary flavor addition. The backfat thickness and litter size were not affected by flavor supplementation (P > 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis showed that flavor supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium (P < 0.05), but significantly decreased genera Terrisporobacter, Alloprevotella, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Escherichia-shigella (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Phascolarctobacterum was positively correlated with the average daily feed intake of sows (P < 0.05), the litter weight gain and average daily gain of piglets (P < 0.05). In contrast, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae were negatively correlated with the litter weight gain and average daily gain of piglets (P < 0.05). Taken together, dietary flavor supplementation improved the reproductive performance of the sows, which was associated with enhanced beneficial microbiota and decreased potentially pathogenic bacteria in the sows.     

Dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis PB6 improves sow reproductive performance and reduces piglet birth intervals

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis PB6 (B. subtilis PB6) during late gestation and lactation on sow reproductive performance, antioxidant indices, and gut microbiota. A total of 32 healthy Landrace × Yorkshire sows on d 90 of gestation were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 16 replicates per group, receiving basal diet (CON) or the basal diet + 0.2% B. subtilis PB6, containing 4.0 × 10⁸ CFU/kg of feed (BS). The litter sizes (total born) and numbers of piglets born alive were larger in the BS group (P < 0.01), whereas the weights of piglets born alive and the piglet birth intervals were lower in the BS group (P < 0.05). Although the litter weights and piglet bodyweights (after cross-fostering) were lower after BS treatment (P < 0.05), the litter sizes, litter weights, lactation survival rate, and litter weight gains at weaning were higher in BS group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the sow sera at parturition were lower in the BS group (P < 0.01). The serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) at parturition and the serum catalase (CAT) concentrations on d 21 of lactation were higher in the BS group (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis PB6 (P < 0.05) reduced the serum endotoxin concentrations in the sows and the serum cortisol concentrations of the piglets at d 14 of lactation. The α-diversity indices of microbial were higher in the CON group (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, B. subtilis PB6 supplementation increased the relative abundances of Gemmatimonadete and Acidobacteria (both P < 0.01) and reduced those of Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria (both P < 0.05). At the genus level, B. subtilis PB6 supplementation increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 cc (P < 0.05) and reduced that of Streptococcus (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that adding 4.0 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. subtilis PB6 to sows’ feed during late gestation and lactation could shorten piglet birth intervals, enhance the growth performance of suckling piglets, and improve the gut health of sows during late gestation.     

Supplementing daidzein in diets improves the reproductive performance,endocrine hormones and antioxidant capacity of multiparous sows

Certain hormones play important roles in modulating mammalian reproductive behaviour. Daidzein is a well-known isoflavonic phytoestrogen that possesses oestrogenic activity. This study was conducted to probe the effects of daidzein supplementation in gestation diets on the reproductive performance in sows. A total of 120 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 60) and fed either a base diet (control) or one containing 200 mg/kg daidzein during gestation. We discovered that daidzein supplementation significantly increased the total number of piglets born per litter and number of piglets born alive per litter (P < 0.05), decreased the farrowing time (P < 0.05) and increased the serum oestrogen and progesterone concentrations (P < 0.05) at 35 d of gestation. Moreover, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were higher in the daidzein-treated group than in the control group at 35 d of gestation (P < 0.05). Daidzein increased the serum SOD activity and total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC) at 85 d of gestation (P < 0.05). Interestingly, daidzein elevated the expression levels of the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SLC38A1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) genes in the placenta (P < 0.05). These results suggest that daidzein ingestion could improve sow reproductive performance by changing serum hormones, elevating anti-oxidative capacity and up-regulating critical functional genes in the placenta.     

Association between methylation potential and nutrient metabolism throughout the reproductive cycle of sows

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic strategy for embryo development and survival. The one‐carbon metabolism can be disturbed by inadequate provision of dietary methyl donors. Because of the continuous selection for larger litters, it is relevant to explore if highly prolific sows might encounter periods of methyl donor deficiency throughout their reproductive cycles. This study, therefore, assesses the fluctuation(s) in methylation potential (MP) and aims to link possible methyl donor deficiencies to nutrient metabolism. In total, 15 hybrid sows were followed from weaning of the previous reproductive cycle (d‐5) to weaning of the present cycle. Blood samples were taken at d‐5, 0, 21, 42, 63, 84 and d108 of gestation, the day of parturition (d115), two weeks of lactation (d129) and at weaning (d143). Blood plasma samples were analysed for S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), free methionine, free glycine, acetylcarnitine and 3‐hydroxybutyrylcarnitine. Serum samples were analysed for urea and creatinine. Generally, MP (i.e. ratio SAM:SAH) increased throughout gestation (p = 0.009), but strongly fluctuated in the period around parturition and weaning. From d108 to parturition, absolute plasma levels of SAM (p < 0.001), SAH (p = 0.031) and methionine (p = 0.001) increased. The first two weeks of lactation were characterised by an increase in MP (p = 0.039) due to a remaining high value of SAM and a distinct decrease in SAH (p = 0.008). During the last two weeks of lactation, MP decreased (p = 0.038) due to a decrease in SAM (p < 0.001) and a stable value for SAH. The methylation reactions seem to continue after weaning, a period crucial for the follicular and embryonic development of the subsequent litter. This study thus demonstrates that the methylation status fluctuates substantially throughout a sow's reproductive cycle, and further research is needed to identify the factors affecting methylation status.     

Imbalanced dietary methionine-to-sulfur amino acid ratio can affect amino acid profiles,antioxidant capacity,and intestinal morphology of piglets

Animal protein sources such as fishmeal and plasma powder are excellent and indispensable sources of energy, amino acids, and minerals in animal production. Amino acid imbalance, especially methionine-to-sulfur amino acid (Met:SAA) ratio, caused by an imbalance of animal protein meal leads to growth restriction. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of imbalanced Met:SAA ratio supplementation of different animal protein source diets on growth performance, plasma amino acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and intestinal morphology in a piglet model. Twenty-four weaned piglets (castrated males; BW = 10.46 ± 0.34 kg), assigned randomly into 3 groups (8 piglets/group), were fed for 28 d. Three experimental diets of equal energy and crude protein levels were as follows: 1) a corn-soybean basal diet with a Met:SAA ratio at 0.51 (BD); 2) a plasma powder diet with a low Met:SAA ratio at 0.41 (L-MR); 3) a fishmeal diet with a high Met:SAA ratio at 0.61 (H-MR). Results revealed that compared to BD, L-MR significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the activities of plasma total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase, plasma amino acid profiles, and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum. Additionally, L-MR significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression level of solute carrier family 7 member 9 (SlC7A9) in the ileum, and significantly increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the duodenum, and Claudin-1, ZO-1, sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporters 2 (SNAT2) and SlC7A7 in the jejunum. H-MR significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma SAA levels, and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, villus height, and villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio in the ileum compared to BD. In conclusion, L-MR may result in oxidative stress and villous atrophy but proves beneficial in improving intestinal barrier function and the activity of amino acid transporters for compensatory growth. H-MR may impair intestinal growth and development for weaned piglets. The research provides a guidance on the adequate Met:SAA ratio (0.51) supplementation in diet structure for weaned piglets.     

Starch supplementation improves the reproductive performance of sows in different glucose tolerance status

This study was to evaluate the effects of glucose tolerance status, maternal starch supplementation and soybean substitution in diets on the performance of dams and their offspring. Eighty-eight pregnant sows (Landrace × Large White) were selected from an initial total of 120 sows, based on blood glucose test values, and assigned to 4 experimental treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The factors were glucose tolerance status (glucose intolerant [GIT] vs. normal glucose tolerant [NGT]) or dietary treatments (corn starch diet [CS] vs. soybean substitution diet [SS]). A higher area under the curve (AUC) for post-meal glucose was observed (P < 0.05) in the GIT group than in the NGT group on d 109 of gestation. The CS group had a lower value of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance than the SS group (P < 0.05) on d 109 of gestation. Corn starch supplementation for sows decreased the stillbirth rate (P < 0.05), regardless of the sows' glucose tolerance status. The villus height of the jejunum and the villus height to crypt depth ratio of the ileum were greater in normal birth weight piglets from the CS group than from the SS group (P < 0.01), and so was the activity of sucrase in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.01). Compared with the SS group, the CS group showed a reduction in pre-weaning mortality rate, an increase in the number of high-birth-weight piglets, and a decrease in the number of low-birth-weight piglets (P < 0.05) under GIT status. In conclusion, sows fed CS decreased stillbirth rate and improved insulin resistance, as well as improving the intestinal morphology and digestive enzyme activities of their progeny, regardless of glucose tolerance status. Additionally, the CS group improved birth weight distribution and decreased pre-weaning mortality rate of piglets under GIT status.     

Marginal deficiencies of dietary arginine and methionine could suppress growth performance and immunological responses in broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary arginine (Arg) and methionine (Met) on performance, immune responses, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 540 day‐old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into the nine experimental diets, consisting five replicates of 12 birds each. Dietary treatments included three different levels (90%, 100%, and 110% of National Research Council [NRC] specifications) of either dietary Arg or Met, which were fed to the birds according to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments during a 42 days feeding trial. Results showed that supplementation of Arg and Met into the deficient‐diets increased (p < .01) weight gains during all trial periods. Although average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not influenced by dietary treatments, increasing Arg up to 100% of NRC recommendations improved (p < .05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the trial period. Similarly, supplementation of deficient‐diets with Met improved FCR values. There was a significant (p < .01) Arg × Met interaction for ADFI during the starter period; increasing the dietary Arg level increased ADFI when the diets were deficient in Met, while had an opposite effect in diets containing higher dietary Met levels. On the other hand, dietary Met fortification improved (p = .067) FCR values to a greater extent in 110% Arg‐diets during the entire trial period. Although different levels of Arg and Met had no marked effects on carcass yield and abdominal fat percentage, supplemental Arg up to 100% of NRC values increased (p < .01) the relative weights of spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Furthermore, bursa weight was affected by Arg × Met interaction (p < .01), so that supplemental Arg level of 100% of NRC increased the relative bursa weight in birds that were fed diets containing 90% and 110% of Met. Serum uric acid level was decreased (p < .05) as a result of dietary Arg fortification up to 110% of NRC recommended values. Supplementation of deficient‐diets with Met decreased (p < .05) serum cholesterol level. Although Newcastle antibody titer was not affected by dietary Arg or Met levels, Arg fortification of deficient‐diets increased (p < .001) antibody responses against infectious bronchitis (IBV) and bursal (IBD) disease viruses. Similarly, Met supplementation of deficient‐diets increased IBD antibody titer. There were significant (p < .05) Arg × Met interactions for IBV and IBD titers; Met fortification of 110% Arg‐diets was more effective in increasing antibody titers. An increase in dietary Met level up to 100% of NRC values increased (p < .001) serum concentration of γ‐globulins. The present findings imply that supplemental Arg could affect feed efficiency and antibody responses when the diets were already fortified with a sufficient Met level.     

Influence of dietary fat source on sow and litter performance,colostrum and milk fatty acid profile in late gestation and lactation

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with various fat sources (3.8–3.9% of diet) during late pregnancy and lactation on the reproductive performance, fatty acids profile in colostrum, milk and serum of sow progeny. A total of 80 multiparous sows were randomly fed a control (adding no oil), palm oil (PO), fish oil (FO) or soybean oil (SO) supplemented diet from 90 days of pregnancy to weaning. Supplementation of FO increased litter size of weak piglets, compared with the control‐fed sows (P < 0.05). Dietary FO and SO supplementation, enhanced the weaning survival rate, litter weaning weight, litter weight gain and fat content in milk (P < 0.05). The highest immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM levels in colostrum and milk were observed in the FO group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the highest concentration of C22:5 (n‐3) and C22:6 (n‐3) in colostrum, milk and piglet serum was observed in the FO group (P < 0.05). Taken together, dietary inclusion of FO or SO improved growth performance of nursing piglets by increasing milk fat output, and FO consumption by sows might benefit the piglets via increasing n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid availability and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) secretion.     

Effect of Lactation Diet Fat Level on Sow and Litter Performance

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental dietary fat during lactation on sow BW, sow backfat thickness, sow feed consumption, litter size, and pig growth rate. Dietary treatments included 0, 3, 6, and 9% supplemental low acid yellow fat in a traditional corn-soybean meal basal lactation diet. A total of 160 Landrace and crossbred sows (approximately 40 per treatment) were included in the study. Sows fed 3 and 6% supplemental fat had greater (P<0.10) average backfat thickness at weaning. Sow weight change and feed consumption were inconsistent among dietary fat levels. Dietary fat level during lactation did not affect number of pigs born alive or number of stillborns. However, the 9% fat level was associated with more mummified pigs at birth. Number of pigs weaned was greater for the 0% supplemental fat than for the 9% fat level. The largest average pig weights at 21 (5.8±0.29 kg) and 28 (7.48±0.38) d of age were those from sows fed the 3% added fat diet. Sows with ≤25.4 mm backfat at farrowing had more pigs born alive (P<0.05), had less backfat at 21 and 28 d of lactation (P<0.05), and consumed more feed during wk 2 and 3 of lactation. Of all sows fed the control diet, sows with >25.4 mm backfat at farrowing consistently had heavier pigs throughout the lactation phase (P<0.05). Backfat loss during lactation was lower (P<0.05) for sows with ≤25.4 mm at farrowing within all dietary treatments. Consistent significant differences were not observed in sow weight loss or feed consumption between low and high backfat sows for each dietary treatment. Sow backfat loss during lactation is dependent on body condition at farrowing, in that, fatter sows at farrowing have greater backfat loss during lactation. Sows with ≤25.4 mm of backfat at farrowing responded to added dietary fat treatments and produced heavier pigs throughout the lactation period.     

Effects of 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation in maternal diets on reproductive performance and the expression of genes that regulate lactation in sows

One hundred Yorkshire × Landrace sows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (diet ND: 6,000 IU vitamin D₃/d feed; diet 25‐D: 200 μg/day 25OHD₃ feed). The experiment began on d 90 of gestation and continued until weaning on day 21 of lactation. In sows that received 25OHD₃, the growth rate of the piglets before weaning was significantly accelerated (0.266 kg/day, p < .05). Sow serum was collected after weaning, and those in the 25OHD₃ group were found to have significantly higher serum calcium (CA) and phosphorus (PI) levels (p < .05). Interestingly, the oestrus cycle of sows fed 25OHD₃ was significantly shortened (p < .05), the oestrus time was concentrated on the fifth day after weaning, and the piglets were born with a higher degree of uniformity (p < .05). Colostrum was collected on the day of delivery, and the colostrum of sows fed 25OHD₃ contained higher milk fat content than the control group (p < .05). 25OHD₃ supplementation increased the mRNA and protein expression of INSIG1 and SREBP1, which regulate milk fat synthesis, in the mammary gland of lactating sows (p < .05). In conclusion, 25OHD₃ supplementation in maternal diets improved reproductive performance, milk fat content and the mRNA and protein levels of genes regulating milk fat synthesis in lactating sows.     

Maternal butyrate supplementation affects the lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition in the skeletal muscle of offspring piglets

Maternal sodium butyrate (SB) intake has important effects on offspring growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of maternal SB supplementation during gestation and lactation on fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism in the offspring skeletal muscle of pigs. Twenty sows (Yorkshire, parity 2 to 3) were assigned to the control group (diets without SB, n = 10) and SB group (diets with 0.1% SB, n = 10). The results showed maternal SB supplementation throughout gestation and lactation increased (P < 0.05) body weight of offspring piglets at weaning. The concentrations of triglyceride in plasma and milk were enhanced (P < 0.05). Maternal SB induced (P < 0.05) lipid accumulation with increased expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) by enrichment of the acetylation of H3 acetylation K27 (H3K27) in offspring skeletal muscle. Meanwhile, the concentrations of C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA decreased (P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle of weaning piglets derived from SB sows. Together, these results showed that maternal SB supplementation could influence offspring growth performance, lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition of the skeletal muscle.     

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate on Sow Performance and mRNA Expression of Myogenic Markers in Skeletal Muscle of Neonatal Piglets

The effects of dietary β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation during gestation on reproductive performance of sows and the mRNA expression of myogenic markers in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs were determined. At day 35 of gestation, a total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, at third parity) were randomly assigned to two groups, with each group receiving either a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 4 g/day β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate calcium (HMB‐Ca) until parturition. At parturition, the total and live litter size were not markedly different between treatments, however, the sows fed HMB diet had a decreased rate of stillborn piglets compared with the sows fed the control (CON) diets (p < 0.05). In addition, piglets from the sows fed HMB diet tended to have an increased birth weight (p = 0.08), and a reduced rate of low birth weight piglets (p = 0.05) compared with piglets from the CON sows. Nevertheless, lower feed intake during lactation was observed in the sows fed the HMB diet compared with those on the CON diet (p < 0.01). The relative weights of the longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscle were higher (p < 0.05) in neonatal pigs from the HMB than the CON sows. Furthermore, maternal HMB treatment increased the mRNA levels of the myogenic genes, including muscle regulatory factor‐4 (MRF4, p < 0.05), myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1, p < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary HMB supplementation to sows at 4 g/day from day 35 of gestation to term significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and increases the expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle of neonatal piglets, but reduces feed intake of sows during lactation.     

Dietary methionine requirement of Jing Brown layer hens from 9 to 17 weeks of age

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary methionine (Met) supplementation in growth performance and reproductive performance of Jing Brown layer hens. A total of 375 9‐week‐old Jing Brown layer hens were allocated equally to five treatments consisting of 5 replicates with 15 hens. Hens were fed with a diet of corn and soya bean meal supplemented with 0.23%, 0.27%, 0.31%, 0.35% and 0.39% Met respectively. Different Met levels did not significantly affect average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed/gain ratio (F/G) (p > 0.05), whereas flock uniformity (FU) and jejunum index were significantly different (p < 0.05), and the largest FU was observed in 0.31% Met. Dietary supplementation of Met significantly affected reproductive system development (p < 0.05), and 0.27–0.31% Met obtained optimal reproductive system development. Different Met levels significantly affected serum uric acid and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, the relatively higher reproductive hormones in serum were observed in 0.27% Met. Analysis of quadratic curve estimation of flock uniformity, the total number of follicles, the primary follicles and the secondary follicles showed that the optimal Met levels were 0.293%, 0.286%, 0.286% and 0.288%, which could be averaged to 0.288%. These results suggested that the optimal Met requirement for Jing Brown layer hens from 9 to 17 weeks old is 0.29%.     

Combined yeast culture and organic selenium supplementation during late gestation and lactation improve preweaning piglet performance by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and milk content in nutrient-restricted sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast culture (YC) and organic selenium (Se) during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, milk quality, piglet preweaning performance, antioxidant capacity, and secretion of immunoglobulin in multiparous sows. A total of 160 healthy cross-bred sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, mean parity 4.1 ± 0.3) were randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows: 1) high nutrient (HN), 3,420 kcal/kg digestible energy (DE) and 18.0% crude protein (CP); 2) low nutrient (LN), 3,240 kcal/kg DE and 16.0% CP; 3) LN + YC, LN diet + 10 g/kg YC; 4) LN + YC + Se, LN diet + 10 g/kg YC + organic Se (1 mg/kg Se). Feeding trials of sows started from d 85 of pregnancy to d 35 of lactation. Compared with sows in the LN group, sows fed the LN + YC + Se diet had greater litter weaning weight, average litter gain, and milk fat content (14-d and 25-d milk) (P < 0.05). The content of malonaldehyde (MDA) (colostrum and 14-d milk) was lesser, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (colostrum and 25-d milk) was greater when sows were fed the LN + YC + Se diet, compared with sows fed the LN diet (P < 0.05). Supplementation of YC and organic Se in the nutrient-restricted diet improved sows’ reproductive performance and pig weaning body weight by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and fat content in milk.     

Effect of floor cooling and dietary amino acids content on performance and behaviour of lactating primiparous sows during summer

Fifty nine primiparous sows PIC Camborough 23 were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 (with and without floor cooling × two dietary treatments) factorial design with 16 sows/treatment, each sow being considered as an experimental unit. Four replicates of sixteen sows each were used during the trial with the objective of evaluating the effects of floor cooling and the use of dietary amino acid contents on their performance and behaviour during summer. The sows were distributed among the treatments according to body weight and backfat thickness after farrowing. The sows were maintained in the experiment until weaning at 21 days of lactation. The two experimental diets supplied the same levels of crude protein (22%), metabolizable energy (ME; 14.65 MJ/kg) and levels of essential digestible AA relative to digestive lysine and differed according to the digestible lysine to ME ratio (0.75 vs. 0.82 g/MJ of ME). The temperature of the water circulating in the cooled floor was maintained at about 17 °C. Based on the average minimum and maximum temperatures (21.5 and 29.5 °C) obtained during the experimental trial, it can be assumed that the sows were exposed to periods of heat stress. The replicate and the interaction between replicate and treatment effects on all the measurements were not significant. Similarly, no effect of diet or interaction between diet and floor cooling system was found for all criteria measured. An effect (P < 0.05) of floor cooling on average daily feed intake was observed and floor cooling sows showed a higher average (P < 0.05) digestible lysine (61.5 vs. 51.8 g/d) and ME (78.2 vs. 65.9 MJ/d) intakes. The sows submitted to floor cooling showed, consistently, higher absolute values for average weight (+ 8.5 kg) and backfat (+ 0.75 mm) at weaning, compared with the control sows. The sows submitted to the cooled floor showed a shorter (P < 0.01) weaning-to-oestrus interval. The piglet and litter's daily weight gain (DWG), average weight at weaning (AWW) and total weight gain during lactation (TWG) were higher (P < 0.01) for the floor cooling sows. The floor cooling sows showed a higher (P < 0.01) daily milk production. The respiratory rate and rectal temperature values were lower (P < 0.01) for the floor cooling sows. There were differences (P < 0.01) on the cutaneous temperatures measured on the different parts of the sow's body, with the animals submitted to the cooled floor having lower values. The sows submitted to floor cooling spent less (P < 0.01) time in lateral recumbency inactive, more time nursing (P < 0.05) and more time feeding (P < 0.01) compared with control sows. The floor cooling under the sows increased daily feed intake and lysine intake, leading to a lower body weight loss, a lower weaning-to-oestrus interval and also improved nursing behaviour of the sows, leading to a higher milk production and, consequently, higher weight gains of piglets and litter during the lactation period.     

Effect of Moringa oleifera supplementation on productive performance,colostrum composition and serum biochemical indexes of sow

Moringa oleifera has been considered as a potential functional feed or food, since it contains multiple components beneficial to animal and human. However, little is known about the effects of Moringa oleifera supplementation on productive performances in sows. In the current study, the results showed that dietary Moringa oleifera significantly decreased the farrowing length and the number of stillborn (p < .05), while had an increasing trend in the number of live-born (0.05 < p < .10). Furthermore, 8% Moringa oleifera supplementation significantly elevated protein levels in the colostrum (p < .05); 4% Moringa oleifera lowed serum urea nitrogen of sows after 90 days of gestation (p < .05) and significantly decreased serum glucose on 10 days of lactation (p < .05). Both groups showed significant elevation in serum T-AOC activity (p < .05). The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) of sows declined significantly in 4% Moringa oleifera addition group (p < .05). 8% Moringa oleifera meal significantly elevated serum CAT activity after 60 days of gestation (p < .05), while decreased the serum MDA level and increased the serum GSH-Px activity of sows at 10 days of lactation (p < .05). Of piglets, both two dosages of Moringa oleifera supplementation essentially reduced the serum urea nitrogen (p < .05), and 4% Moringa oleifera meal increased serum total protein (p < .05). In addition, piglets that received 8% Moringa oleifera had the highest serum CAT and SOD activities among all groups (p < .05). The present study indicated that Moringa oleifera supplementation could enhance the reproduction performances, elevate protein levels in the colostrum and improve the serum antioxidant indices in both sows and piglets.     

Altrenogest Treatment Associated with a Farrowing Induction Protocol to Avoid Early Parturition in Sows

This study investigated the effect of altrenogest treatment on the farrowing development of sows, and birth weight (BW) and piglet survival until the third day of life. Three control groups were used: (i) sows that farrowed spontaneously before 114 day of gestation (CONT <114); (ii) sows that spontaneously farrowed at ≥114 day of gestation (CONT ≥114); (iii) sows that farrowed at ≥114 day with cloprostenol treatment (CONTCLOPR). Other sows were treated with altrenogest (Regumate^®) for 3 days (days 111, 112 and 113 of gestation): one group gave birth spontaneously (ALT) and the other group received altrenogest until day 113 and cloprostenol on day 114 (ALTCLOPR). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in farrowing duration, BW, coefficient of variation (CV) of BW, stillborn piglets, mummified foetuses, percentage of light piglets and survival until Day 3 between sows with and without cloprostenol treatment, in both control (CONT ≥114 vs CONTCLOPR) and altrenogest‐treated sows (ALT vs ALTCLOPR). Further comparisons were performed taking into account three groups: sows with early delivery (CONT <114 – farrowing before 114 days of gestation; n = 56), sows with longer gestation (CONT ≥114 – with and without cloprostenol treatment sows; n = 103) and ALT sows (with and without cloprostenol treatment; n = 105). Gestation length of CONT ≥114 and ALT sows was similar (p > 0.05), but higher than in CONT <114 sows. There were no differences (p > 0.05) between groups in farrowing duration, CV of BW, and percentages of stillborn piglets and mummified foetuses. Sows of CONT <114 group had a larger litter size and a lower BW than sows of the other two groups (p < 0.05). Sows of CONT <114 group had a higher percentage of lighter piglets and a lower piglet survival rate (p < 0.05) than ALT sows. In conclusion, altrenogest treatment proved to be an efficient method to avoid early parturition in 3–5 parity sows resulting in heavier piglets at birth.     

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on nitrogen retention and methionine flux in cattle

Creatine stores high-energy phosphate bonds in muscle and is synthesized in the liver through methylation of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA). Supplementation of GAA may therefore increase methyl group requirements, and this may affect methyl group utilization. Our experiment evaluated the metabolic responses of growing cattle to postruminal supplementation of GAA, in a model where methionine (Met) was deficient, with and without Met supplementation. Seven ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (161 kg initial body weight [BW]) were limit-fed a soybean hull-based diet (2.7 kg/d dry matter) and received continuous abomasal infusions of an essential amino acid (AA) mixture devoid of Met to ensure that no AA besides Met limited animal performance. To provide energy without increasing the microbial protein supply, all steers received ruminal infusions of 200 g/d acetic acid, 200 g/d propionic acid, and 50 g/d butyric acid, as well as abomasal infusions of 300 g/d glucose. Treatments, provided abomasally, were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial in a split-plot design, and included 0 or 6 g/d of l-Met and 0, 7.5, and 15 g/d of GAA. The experiment included six 10-d periods. Whole body Met flux was measured using continuous jugular infusion of 1-¹³C-l-Met and methyl-²H₃-l-Met. Nitrogen retention was elevated by Met supplementation (P < 0.01). Supplementation with GAA tended to increase N retention when it was supplemented along with Met, but not when it was supplemented without Met. Supplementing GAA linearly increased plasma concentrations of GAA and creatine (P < 0.001), but treatments did not affect urinary excretion of GAA, creatine, or creatinine. Supplementation with Met decreased plasma homocysteine (P < 0.01). Supplementation of GAA tended (P = 0.10) to increase plasma homocysteine when no Met was supplemented, but not when 6 g/d Met was provided. Protein synthesis and protein degradation were both increased by GAA supplementation when no Met was supplemented, but decreased by GAA supplementation when 6 g/d Met were provided. Loss of Met through transsulfuration was increased by Met supplementation, whereas synthesis of Met from remethylation of homocysteine was decreased by Met supplementation. No differences in transmethylation, transsulfuration, or remethylation reactions were observed in response to GAA supplementation. The administration of GAA, when methyl groups are not limiting, has the potential to improve lean tissue deposition and cattle growth.     

The effect of maternal obesity on fatty acid transporter expression and lipid metabolism in the full‐term placenta of lean breed swine

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of back‐fat thickness (BF), at mating of sows, on the maternal and newborn circulating lipids, expression of placental fatty acids (FA) transporters and lipid accumulation in placenta. Full‐term placentas were obtained by vaginal delivery from BFI (9–14 mm; n = 37), BFII (15–19 mm; n = 43) and BFIII (20–27 mm; n = 38) sows according to BF at mating, and frozen placental sections were analysed for fat accumulation. Blood samples were collected from the sows of day 105 pregnancy and from cord blood at delivery. mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated with real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that BFII females had significantly increased litter weight and placental efficiency, decreased maternal triglyceride (TG) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels, decreased maternal IL‐6, TNFα and leptin levels compared to BFIII females (p < .05). BFIII sows were associated with significantly decreased newborn TG levels, increased newborn glucose, IL‐6 and TNFα levels compared to BFI or BFII sows (p < .05). BFI and BFII females had significantly decreased placental TG, NEFA and cholesterol (CHOL) contents compared to BFIII females (p < .05). Moreover, decreased CD36, FATP1, FABP4, and FABP1 mRNA and protein and FATP4 protein expression, and increased LPL activity were also observed in BFIII group compared with BFII group (p < .05). PPARγ mRNA and protein and lipogenic genes such as SREBP‐1c, ACSL1, ACCα, FAS and SCD mRNA expression were downregulated or upregulated, respectively, in the placentas of BFIII sows compared to BFI or BFII sows (p < .05). Overall, this study demonstrated that there is no advantage, in terms of litter live size, litter weight and placental FA transport and metabolism, in performing the mating of sows with BF>19 mm.