非淀粉多糖酶对生长猪玉米-豆粕型饲粮养分表观消化率的影响

本试验研究了在玉米-豆粕型日粮中添加非淀粉多糖酶及α-半乳糖苷酶对生长猪饲粮干物质、粗蛋白质及能量表观消化率的影响。试验采用两个4×4拉丁方设计,选择平均体重为30kg左右的杜大长三元杂交健康去势公猪8头,共设8个处理,每个处理4个重复,每个重复1头。试验结果表明:添加非淀粉多糖酶组干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)和能量(GE)的表观消化率均有提高,且添加酶Ⅱ效果最显著;添加不同水平α-半乳糖苷酶组其干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)和能量(GE)的表观消化率也均有提高,但差异不显著(P0.05),且添加量为0.6g/kg组效果最好。     

Pattern of non-starch polysaccharide digestion along the gut of the pig:Contribution to available energy

We investigated the pattern of non-starch polysaccharide(NSP) digestion along the gut of pigs fed two different wheats, which were offered with or without xylanase supplementation. The two wheats used were pre-characterised before the experiment on the basis of low and normal feed intake of young pigs.Wheat type significantly influenced feed intake and growth rate in the first 7 days, however, by day 14 the only significant effect of wheat type was on growth rate. Xylanase supplementation increased the growth performance of pigs fed the poor quality wheat to a level similar to those fed the normal wheat. It also increased the daily gain of pigs fed the normal wheat. Wheat type had no significant effect on the digestibility of dry matter(DM), energy, free sugars or the different fractions of NSP in the duodenum,ileum or in the faeces. The duodenal gross energy digestibility values for the low and high performance diets were -27.4 and -47.5%, respectively, and xylanase supplementation significantly increased the digestibility of energy back to positive levels. Dry matter digestibility values followed a similar pattern. In the duodenum, xylanase increased(P 0.05) the digestibility values of both soluble and insoluble NSP,whereas in the ileum, xylanase had a significant effect only on the digestibility of the soluble NSP fraction. Xylanase did not affect free sugar digestibility. The reduction in soluble NSP level coincided with a marked reduction in the amount of fucose, a prominent component of mucosal polysaccharides. This suggests that soluble NSP substantially increase endogenous losses. The absence of differences in the digestibility of the measured NSP between the two wheat samples suggests that the structures of the NSP, rather than just their amount and solubility, are important for the anti-nutritional properties of NSP in pig diets.     

Influence of phytase added to a vegetarian diet on bone metabolism in pregnant and lactating sows

The purpose of the study was to find out if the supplementation of phytase to a diet of gestating and lactating sows has any effects on performance and bone parameters of the animals. Forty primiparous gilts were assigned into four groups: group A with phytase [4.2 g total phosphorus (P)/kg (gestation) and 4.5 g total P/kg (lactation)], group B without phytase (with phytase supplementation in diet for rearing) and same P content as group A, group C without phytase and higher P contents [5.0 g total P/kg (gestation) and 5.5 g total P/kg (lactation)] and group D with the same diet as group B (no phytase during the rearing). A 6-phytase was used in this trial (750 FTU/kg diet). The four diets were fed during gestation and lactation. Faeces were collected to determine apparent digestibility of minerals. Blood samples were taken to analyse minerals and bone markers. After weaning the sows were slaughtered and the bones of one hind leg were prepared to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the tibia. Bone ash and mineral content of the phalanx III were determined. Mean P concentrations in serum decreased during gestation and lactation. But there were no significant differences between the groups. Bone formation marker bone-specific alkaline phosphatase decreased at the beginning of lactation whereas bone resorption marker serum crosslaps increased. The BMD and BMC of the tibia were slightly higher in the groups fed higher concentrations of P and phytase. The ash and mineral contents of the phalanx were the highest for the group fed the highest concentration of P. The apparent digestibility of P increased during gestation mostly in group A (57%--> 69%). In conclusion, high P content and addition of phytase to the diet induced a slightly higher ash content of the bones. It is of high importance, that sows during gestation absorb enough P, to avoid lamenesses and sudden fractures. As not many studies with phytase have been performed during gestation and lactation in sows yet, we can recommend, that phytase as supplement can be used to keep P in the diet at a lower level without negative consequences for bone health.     

非淀粉多糖(NSP)酶与植酸酶在肉仔鸡玉米-豆粕型日粮中互作效应的研究

试验选择一日龄的AA+肉仔鸡384只,按体重相近、性别各半的原则,随机分成8组,每组设6个重复,每个重复12只。设计两组4×2的全因子试验,NSP酶(0、50、100、150 mg/kg)和植酸酶(0、100 mg/kg)。试验结果表明,在肉鸡玉米-豆粕型日粮中添加NSP酶、植酸酶,能显著提高饲料转化率,增加日增重;饲粮中添加植酸酶可显著提高肉鸡对钙、磷、灰分的利用,NSP酶不影响日粮中的钙、磷、灰分的利用率;饲粮中添加NSP酶、植酸酶,提高了粗蛋白利用率,但差异不显著(P>0.05);植酸酶显著提高了赖氨酸、苏氨酸、缬氨酸、亮氨酸、酪氨酸、苯丙氨酸、组氨酸的利用率;在肉鸡日粮中添加NSP酶、植酸酶显著提高肉鸡对饲粮的表观代谢能的利用率,并且NSP酶和植酸酶对玉米-豆粕型的饲粮能量利用呈现协同作用。     

低能量日粮中添加非淀粉多糖酶对仔猪生长性能的影响

以杜×长×大杂交仔猪120头为研究对象,随机分成对照组Ⅰ(饲喂基础日粮)、对照组Ⅱ(基础日粮中减少292kJ/kg消化能)和试验组(基础日粮中减少292kJ/kg消化能,添加500g/t罗酶宝)3个处理组,研究低能量的玉米-豆粕型日粮中添加非淀粉多糖酶(木聚糖酶和β-葡聚糖酶)对仔猪生长性能和消化性能的影响。结果表明:与对照组Ⅱ相比,试验组仔猪的日增重提高6.53%(P<0.05),饲料转化率提高7.25%(P<0.05),粗蛋白质的表观消化率提高5.76%(P<0.05);与对照组Ⅰ相比,试验组仔猪在日增重、饲料转化率、营养物质表观消化率方面有一定的提高,但差异不显著(P>0.05),说明在日粮中添加500g/t罗酶宝与增加292kJ/kg消化能的效果相当。     

Technical note: a technique for ear vein catheterization in group-housed sows

No methods have been published for repeated blood sampling via an ear vein in group-housed sows. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a minimally invasive technique for the insertion of an ear vein catheter for repeated blood sampling in group-housed peripartum sows while minimizing any impact on production performance. Thirty-three multiparous pregnant sows were used including 18 catheterized sows and 15 control sows. In a group-farrowing barn, sows (8/room) shared a communal area and farrowed in individual, free-access pens. Treatment sows were anesthetized, and 1 ear was prepared aseptically 2 to 4 d before their expected farrowing date. A sterile needle was inserted into the largest and straightest portion of the vein, and the catheter, which was medical-grade microbore tubing, was inserted through the needle at least 24 cm. The needle was withdrawn, and the catheter was fixed into position and sutured to the ear. A blunt-end probe point cannula was glued onto the distal end of the catheter, and an adaptor injection cap with male Luer lock was placed on the end. The catheter was coiled and placed in a protective purse, which was cemented directly to the skin on the back of the shoulders. The catheter was flushed with heparinized saline to ensure patency. Once sows were able to stand, an elastic bandage was wrapped around the neck and upper body of the sow to hold the protective purse and exposed catheter in position. Blood samples were collected every 24 h, and catheters were flushed with heparinized saline after each collection. Fourteen of the 18 insertions were successful, and 11 of those remained functional for 4 d or more. Differences were not observed in reproductive performance between catheterized and noncatheterized sows.     

Effects of additional starch or fat in late-gestating high nonstarch polysaccharide diets on litter performance and glucose tolerance in sows

The effects of feeding additional starch or fat from d 85 of gestation until parturition on litter performance and on glucose tolerance in sows that were fed a diet with a high level of fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) were studied. The day after breeding, 141 multiparous sows were assigned to the experiment. At d 85 of gestation, sows were assigned to the treatments. Sows were fed 3.4 kg/d (as-fed basis) of a high-NSP diet or the same quantity of the high-NSP diet and an additional 360 g of starch (from wheat starch) daily, or the same quantity of the high-NSP diet and an additional 164 g of fat (from soybean oil) daily. During lactation, all sows were given free access to the same lactation diet. Approximately 1 wk before the expected time of parturition, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 38 randomly chosen sows by feeding pelleted glucose (3 g/kg BW0.75). Blood samples for glucose analyses were taken at -10, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 105, and 120 min after glucose was fed. The supply of additional dietary starch or fat did not increase piglet birth weight or total litter weight at birth. Sows that were fed the high-NSP diet had more (P = 0.097) live-born piglets and fewer (P = 0.084) stillborn piglets than did sows that were fed additional fat, whereas sows that were fed additional starch were intermediate for these variables. Piglet mortality after birth was not affected by dietary treatment. Body weight and backfat gains in the last month of gestation were higher for sows fed additional starch or fat than for sows fed the high-NSP diet (P < 0.001 and P = 0.017, respectively). Feed intake in lactation was greatest by sows fed the high-NSP diet, least by sows fed additional starch at the end of gestation, and intermediate by sows fed additional fat (P = 0.099). The differences in lactation feed intake did not result in differences in BW and backfat losses during lactation. Sows that were fed additional fat had the greatest glucose area under the curve (P = 0.044), indicating that these sows were less tolerant to glucose. In conclusion, feeding additional energy (starch or fat) in late-gestating sows that are fed a high-NSP diet did not increase litter weight at birth or piglet survival, but did increase maternal gain. Feeding sows additional energy from fat might induce glucose intolerance, whereas feeding sows additional energy from starch did not induce glucose intolerance.     

Effect of maize starch concentration in the diet on starch and cell wall digestion in the dairy cow

An in vivo experiment was performed to determine the effect of level of maize starch in the diet on digestion and site of digestion of organic matter, starch and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). In a repeated change‐over design experiment, three cows fitted with a rumen cannula and T‐piece cannulae in duodenum and ileum received a low‐starch (12% of ration dry matter) and a high‐starch (33% of ration dry matter) diet. Starch level was increased by exchanging dried sugar beet pulp by ground maize. After a 2‐week adaptation period, feed intake, rumen fermentation parameters (in vivo and in situ), intestinal flows, faecal excretion of organic matter, starch and NDF were estimated. When the high‐starch diet was fed, dry matter intake was higher (19.0 kg/day vs. 17.8 kg/day), and total tract digestibility of organic matter, starch and NDF was lower when the low‐starch diet was fed. Maize starch concentration had no significant effect on rumen pH and volatile fatty acid concentration nor on the site of digestion of organic matter and starch and rate of passage of ytterbium‐labelled forage. On the high‐starch diet, an extra 1.3 kg of maize starch was supplied at the duodenum in relation to the low‐starch diet, but only an extra 0.3 kg of starch was digested in the small intestine. Digestion of NDF was only apparent in the rumen and was lower on the high‐starch diet than on the low‐starch diet, mainly attributed to the reduction in sugar beet pulp in the high‐starch diet. It was concluded that without the correction for the reduction in NDF digestion in the rumen, the extra supply of glucogenic (glucose and propionic acid) and ketogenic nutrients (acetic and butyric acid) by supplemented starch will be overestimated. The mechanisms responsible for these effects need to be addressed in feed evaluation.     

非淀粉多糖酶在玉米-豆粕型日粮中的应用

本文综述了玉米-豆粕型日粮的非淀粉多糖(NSP)种类与含量,在玉米-豆粕型日粮中添加非淀粉多糖酶的理论依据以及非淀粉多糖酶对玉米-豆粕日粮养分消化率和畜禽生产性能的影响。大多数的研究结果表明,在玉米-豆粕型日粮中添加酶能不同程度地提高养分消化率和畜禽生产性能。     

Performance and individual feed intake characteristics of group-housed sows fed a nonstarch polysaccharides diet ad libitum during gestation over three parities

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of feeding group-housed gestating sows a diet with a high level of fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP; approximately 45% sugar beet pulp as fed) ad libitum on the development in individual feed intake characteristics and reproductive performance during three successive reproduction cycles. Performance of the ad libitum-fed sows was compared to the performance of sows that were fed a conventional diet restrictedly. Feed intake characteristics during gestation were only measured in the ad libitum-fed sows. One hundred and nineteen sows were assigned to one of two gestation feeding regimens. Gestating sows were fed a conventional Dutch diet restrictedly or a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP ad libitum. During lactation, sows were given free access to a commercial lactation diet from d 6 after parturition onward. The ad libitum-fed sows ate 1.3 kg/d more during gestation than the restrictedly fed sows (P < 0.001), resulting in higher body weight and backfat gains during gestation (P < 0.05). Sows that were fed ad libitum during gestation lost more body weight and backfat during lactation (P < 0.001) than sows that were fed restrictedly during gestation. Feed intake during lactation, however, did not differ between sows that were fed restrictedly or ad libitum during gestation. The numbers of total piglets born, live-born and stillborn piglets, piglet birth weight, weaning-to-estrus interval, and percentage of sows that returned to estrus after first insemination were not affected by gestation feeding regimen. Mean daily voluntary feed intake (as-fed basis) over the three reproduction cycles in the ad libitum-fed gestating sows was 4.2 kg/d. Depending on the number of preceding reproduction cycles during which a sow was fed ad libitum, the maximum voluntary feed intake was reached in Parity 3, 4, or 5 and then remained stable in subsequent parities. Mean daily feed intake of the ad libitum-fed sows increased from wk 2 to 6 of gestation and then decreased to wk 15 of gestation. The mean number of daily visits with feed intake over the three reproduction cycles was 13.8. On average, ad libitum-fed sows spent 90 min/d on eating. This study shows that it is possible to feed gestating sows a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP ad libitum during three successive reproduction cycles without negative effects on reproductive performance.     

Effects of dietary fermentable carbohydrates on energy metabolism in group-housed sows

The effect of dietary nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) content on the metabolic rate in group-housed sows was studied. Twelve groups of six nonpregnant sows were each fed one of four experimental diets similar in composition except for the starch and NSP content. Exchanging sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) for tapioca created the difference in starch and NSP ratio in the diet. On a DM basis, diets contained 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS. Sows were group-housed and fed at 1.30 times the assumed maintenance energy requirements. Nitrogen and energy balances were measured per group during a 7-d experimental period, which was preceded by a 33-d adaptation period. Both digestibility and metabolizability of energy decreased with increasing dietary SBPS content (P < 0.05). Heat production and energy retention were unaffected by the exchange of starch for NSP (P > 0.1). Based on energy retention data and apparent fecal digestibilities of crude protein, crude fat, starch, and NSP, the estimated net energy value of fermented NSP was 13.4 kJ/g. The present study shows that group-housed sows are capable of using energy from fermented NSP (i.e., NSP from SBPS) as efficiently as energy from digested starch (i.e., starch from tapioca).     

Infrared thermography to evaluate lameness in pregnant sows

Early detection of lameness in sows is important to reduce losses and improve animal welfare. Mild-to-moderate lameness is difficult to diagnose in sows. Infrared thermography (IRT) was evaluated as a method of detecting signs of inflammation in the lower limbs as an aid in lameness detection.     

非淀粉多糖复合酶在断奶仔猪日粮中应用效果的研究

选用90头系谱相近、体重相近(7±0.5)kg的健康杜长大三元杂交仔猪,随机分为3组,每组3个重复,每重复8～12头,试验期20 d.研究玉米豆粕型饲粮中添加非淀粉多搪酶对断奶仔猪生产性能的影响.结果表明,非淀粉多糖复合酶能显著提高断奶仔猪的日增重(P＜0.05),降低料重比(P＜0.05),增加采食量(P＞0.05).     

不同组合饲粮对绵羊消化代谢的影响

选用3只安装永久瘤胃瘘管的甘肃高山细毛羯羊(1.5岁,平均体重22.5kg),采用3×3拉丁方设计,研究3种组合饲粮,即对照饲粮(Ⅰ)、含甜菜渣饲粮(Ⅱ)、含苹果渣饲粮(Ⅲ)对绵羊消化代谢的影响。试验分3期,每期预试期10d,正试期9d。结果表明,饲粮Ⅰ、Ⅱ的干物质(DM)和有机物质(OM)消化量与消化率均显著高于Ⅲ(P＜0.05);饲粮Ⅱ的中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)消化量及消化率呈现出高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ的趋势(P＞0.05),饲粮Ⅲ的NDF和ADF消化率也呈现出低于Ⅰ的趋势;饲粮Ⅱ的氮消化量显著高于Ⅰ(P＜0.05),其消化率显著高于饲粮Ⅰ、Ⅲ(P＜0.05),呈现出其氮存留量高于Ⅰ及氮存留率高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ的趋势;饲粮Ⅱ钙的表观消化率显著高于Ⅰ(P＜0.01)、Ⅲ(P＜0.05),Ⅲ也显著高于Ⅰ(P＜0.05);饲粮Ⅲ的磷表观消化量显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ(P＜0.05),且呈现饲粮Ⅲ磷消化率高于Ⅱ,Ⅱ也高于Ⅰ的趋势。     

Limits to starch digestion in the ruminant small intestine

Site and extent of starch digestion by ruminant animals varies with species, grain type and processing method. Based on a review of 40 different experiments with cattle, between 18 and 42% of the dietary starch from corn and sorghum grains fed to cattle reaches the small intestine for digestion. With more extensive grain processing, a smaller quantity of starch reaches the small intestine. In the small intestine, from 47 to 88% of the presented starch is digested, while in the large intestine, 33 to 62% of the presented starch is digested. Though limits to digestion in and absorption from the small intestine can be demonstrated by infusing starch and glucose into the duodenum, enzymatic capacity does not appear to limit intestinal starch digestion since no plateau in the amount of starch disappearing from the small intestine is detected with typical diets. Yet, extent of digestion is incomplete. Other factors, such as time and surface exposure may limit small intestinal digestion of starch. Processing methods to reduce particle size or alter the protein matrix, which cements starch granules together, will increase the extent of digestion both in the rumen and in the small intestine. Performance data from growing cattle fed processed corn and sorghum grains indicate that starch was used 42% more efficiently if it was digested in the small intestine rather than in the rumen. Though total tract starch digestibility is of primary concern, results support the concept that energetic efficiency of growing ruminants is greater if starch is digested in the small intestine rather than in the rumen.     

妊娠母猪日粮添加复合膳食纤维对后代仔猪免疫应激下生长性能的影响

试验旨在研究妊娠母猪日粮添加复合膳食纤维对后代仔猪免疫应激情况下生长性能的影响。采用2×2双因素试验设计,选取丹系经产纯种母猪(3～6胎)24头随机分为四组,每组6头,试验组Ⅰ和试验组Ⅱ妊娠母猪日粮中添加0%复合膳食纤维,后代断奶仔猪分别注射生理盐水和脂多糖(LPS),试验组Ⅲ和试验组Ⅳ妊娠母猪日粮中添加3%复合膳食纤维(DFC),后代断奶仔猪分别注射生理盐水和LPS,母猪泌乳期及仔猪采食相同日粮。结果表明,试验组Ⅱ和试验组Ⅳ仔猪试验末体重、平均日采食量(ADFI)、平均日增重(ADG)及饲料转化率(FCR)均显著低于试验组Ⅰ和试验组Ⅲ(P0.05),试验组Ⅱ和试验组Ⅳ仔猪血清中免疫球蛋白G(IgG)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、干扰素(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)水平均显著高于试验组Ⅰ和试验组Ⅲ(P0.05)。母猪妊娠期添加DFC与注射LPS攻毒对仔猪ADG和血清TNF-α存在显著交互作用(P=0.046;P=0.029),试验组Ⅳ仔猪ADG显著高于试验组Ⅱ(P0.05),试验组Ⅳ仔猪血清TNF-α水平显著低于试验组Ⅱ(P0.05)。母猪妊娠期添加DFC可缓解LPS诱导的后代仔猪免疫应激。     

Effects of dietary fermentable carbohydrates on behavior and heat production in group-housed sows

The effects of dietary nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) on behavior and heat production in group-housed sows were studied. Twelve groups of six nonpregnant sows were fed one of four experimental diets that were similar in composition except for starch and NSP contents. Exchanging sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) for tapioca created the difference in dietary starch and NSP ratio. On a dry matter (DM) basis, diets contained 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS. Sows were group-housed. Intake of fermentable NSP (fNSP) for diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS averaged 7.06, 9.18, 11.61, and 13.73 g x kg(-0.75) d(-1), respectively. Sows were fed, once a day at 0800. Dry matter intake for diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS, averaged 38.05, 38.38, 38.53, and 38.35 g x kg(-075) x d(-1), respectively, and ME intake averaged 523, 518, 514, and 493 kJ x kg(-0.75) x d(-1), respectively. On average, sows spent 177 min/d on physical activity, of which 8.8% was spent on eating. Time spent in physical activity was affected by diet (P = 0.005). Sows fed 0 or 10% SBPS spent more time on physical activity than sows fed 20 or 30% SBPS (P = 0.002). Energy cost of physical activity averaged 464 kJ x kg(-0.75) x d(-1) (standard estimated mean of 31) and was similar for diets (P = 0.679). Total heat production (HP) and activity-related heat production (AHP) were affected by diet (P < 0.05). Sows tended to be quieter when fNSP intake increased (P = 0.063). The effect of fNSP intake on HP and AHP was not constant during the day. During the night period, fNSP intake did not affect HP and AHP (P > 0.10). During the day period, increased fNSP intake decreased HP (P = 0.006) and tended to decrease AHP (P = 0.062). During eating, increased fNSP intake increased HP (P = 0.012) and tended to increase AHP (P = 0.074). Despite similar DMI, sows fed 0 or 10% SBPS spent less time eating than sows fed 20 or 30% SBPS (P = 0.009). Feed consumption rate was higher (P = 0.003) in groups fed 0 or 10% SBPS than in groups fed 20 or 30% SBPS. Feed consumption rate decreased by 0.19 g DM x kg(-0.75). min(-1) (P = 0.003) for each gram of fNSP intake. The energy saving effect of physical activity on the NE value of fNSP from SBPS ranged between 2.3 and 3.7 kJ/g of fNSP intake. In conclusion, intake of fNSP from SBPS affected energy expenditure for physical activity (P = 0.063); however, this effect was not constant during the day.     

A review of the effect of energy intake on pregnancy rate and litter size-discussed in relation to group-housed non-lactating sows

The number of group-housed non-lactating sows is increasing rapidly in Europe as a consequence of changed legislation initiated by elevated public concern of animal welfare. Lower litter size and pregnancy rate in group compared to individually housed non-lactating sows have been observed in several on-farm experiments. The overall aim of this paper is to consider whether the variation in energy intake in a group of non-lactating sows can influence variation in litter size and pregnancy rate. A review of existing literature with main emphasis on publications after 1980 was carried out to clarify whether pregnancy rate and litter size may be influenced by energy intake. The studies reviewed indicate that low energy intake compared to high energy intake before mating may impair litter size in gilts and in sows that experienced severe weight loss during lactation. Furthermore, moderate energy intake compared to low energy intake in the first 3 days after mating may reduce litter size in the gilt but not in the sows. Both pregnancy rate and litter size might be influenced by very low energy intake in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. Based upon studies indicating that low ranking sows may consume considerably less than high ranking sows (e.g., 50-80%) in group-housed systems, it is suggested that the variation in feed intake in a group of restricted fed pregnant female pigs may be large enough to influence pregnancy rate and litter size.     

Fetal responses to different methods of electrocution of pregnant sows

The fetal stress responses in sows euthanized by electrical current during their second and last trimester of pregnancy (G1 and G2) were evaluated. Three methods of euthanasia of pregnant sows generally applicable to cases of epizootic or emergency slaughter were investigated: 1. conventional application of electrical current to the head and heart (HH); 2. application of electrical current to the head, heart and the uterus (HHU); 3. application of electrical current to the head, heart and from the upper body to the vagina (HHV). Fetuses were delivered by cesarean section at intervals of 3 to 4 minutes and remained attached to the sow by the umbilical cord. Fetal vitality, reflexes, heart rate, blood pressure, rectal body temperature, intracardial arteriovenous pCO2, pH and lactic acid were monitored for a period of 30 minutes. No method was found to kill the fetal pigs immediately. In fetuses at G1 there were no significant differences between the HH and HHU and HHV methods. Fetuses at G2 showed a significantly faster decrease in heart rate and blood pressure as well as a shorter period of time for the absence of fetal body movements and reflexes for the HHT method, compared to the other methods. Since it is not yet known to what extent the fetal pig experiences pain and suffering, the prolonged process of dying for the in utero fetus due to hypoxia which includes struggling and gasps is inconsistent with criteria for humane euthanasia and animal welfare.