日粮中添加双氢青蒿素对宫内发育迟缓断奶仔猪胰岛素水平和肝发育的影响

旨在研究宫内发育迟缓（IUGR）对断奶仔猪胰岛素水平和肝发育的影响,以及日粮添加80 mg·kg^-1双氢青蒿素（DHA）对其修复作用。本试验选取10头正常出生重（NBW）仔猪和20头IUGR仔猪,分为NBW组、IUGR组和IUGR-DHA组,每组10头仔猪。NBW组和IUGR组饲喂基础日粮,IUGR-DHA组饲喂基础日粮+80 mg·kg^-1 DHA。所有仔猪21日龄断奶后饲喂相应日粮至49日龄,试验期为29天。结果显示,与NBW组相比,IUGR组显著降低了血清空腹葡萄糖（FBG）和胰岛素生长因子1（IGF-1）含量以及肝重量（P<0.05）,显著提高了空腹胰岛素（FINS）含量和胰岛素抵抗（HOMA-IR）指数以及肝脏指数（P<0.05）。同时,IUGR组断奶仔猪肝组织形态结构受损,出现明显的空泡化,细胞器结构受损,线粒体和内质网明显肿胀,细胞核严重变形。与IUGR组相比,IUGR-DHA组显著升高了肝重量和IGF-1含量（P<0.05）,显著降低了血清FINS含量和HOMA-IR指数,且肝组织形态结构得到明显改善。与NBW组相比,IUGR断奶仔猪显著下调了肝中IGF1、胰岛素受体底物1（IRS1）、磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶（PI3K）和蛋白激酶B（AKT2）的mRNA相对表达量（P<0.05）。与IUGR组相比,IUGR-DHA组显著上调了断奶仔猪肝中IRS1和AKT2的mRNA相对表达量（P<0.05）。结果表明：DHA对IUGR导致的断奶仔猪胰岛素抵抗以及肝发育受损具有一定的修复作用。本研究为畜牧生产中对IUGR的早期治疗以及DHA的推广应用提供了一定的理论依据。     

Folic acid supplementation prevents the changes in hepatic promoter methylation status and gene expression in intrauterine growth‐retarded piglets during early weaning period

During intrauterine life, genome interacts with maternal signals to influence the mRNA expression levels of specific genes persistently by regulating DNA methylation status. The objective of this study was to examine the responses of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha and gamma (PPARα and PPARγ) promoter methylation, mRNA expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and metabolite concentrations of intrauterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) piglets to dietary folic acid supplementation. According to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 16 IUGR and 16 normal birth weight (NBW) piglets were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg of folic acid from weaning (day 14) to day 35 of age. Triglycerides in hepatic tissue and plasma were significantly elevated in control diets‐fed IUGR piglets compared with NBW piglets but were decreased by dietary folic acid supplementation. Hepatic mRNA expression levels of GR, PPARα, PPARγ, fatty acid synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in IUGR piglets fed a control diet were significantly higher than that in NBW piglets, and promoter methylation status of GR, PPARα and PPARγ in IUGR piglets was reduced significantly compared with NBW piglets. However, the changes in gene expression and DNA methylation status of IUGR piglets were reversed by dietary folic acid supplementation. Hepatic DNA methyltransferase activity was greater with dietary folic acid supplementation regardless of birth weight. Taken together, these results demonstrated that folic acid supplementation during early period of life could prevent the changes of promoter methylation status and gene expressions in the liver of IUGR piglets.     

Effects of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Hepatic Apoptosis-Related Gene Expressions between Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Normal Body Weight Piglets

Intrauterine growth retardation （IU- GR） causes significantly negative effects on the meth- ylation status of genes related to cell apoptosis com- pared with normal body weight （NBW） piglets. Thus, the objective of the present study was to exam- ine the effects of maternal dietary folic acid supple- mentation on genes expression profile for hepatic ap- optosis in IUGR and NBW piglets. Twenty four York- shire gilts were allocated randomly to one of the two diets ： control （ C, folic acid 1.3 mg/kg） or folic acid supplementation （ FS, folic acid 30 mg/kg） after mat- ing. Gene expressions in liver samples were deter- mined and revealed that the mRNA expressions of p53 ,BCL-2 associated X protein （Bax）, and Cyclin- dependent kinase inhibitor 1A （CDKN1A） were up-regulated in IUGR piglets compared with NBW pig- lets fed C diets,but could be reversed by maternal fo- lic acid supplementation. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）, Serine-protein Ki- nase-Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated （ATM） ,and Cad- herin-associated protein-beta-catenin 1 （ CTNNB1 ） were influenced by maternal folic acid supplementa- tion significantly, but were not influenced by birth weight. Expression of p53 binding protein-MDM-2 （ MDM-2 ） remained unchanged. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that maternal folic acid supple- mentation could exert positive effects on genes related to apoptosis in IUGR and NBW piglets, which might facilitate their postnatal health and growth perform- alice.     

Antioxidant capacity and concentration of redox-active trace mineral in fully weaned intra-uterine growth retardation piglets

Background: The redox status of intra-uterine growth retardation(IUGR) piglets post-weaning has been poorly studied.Methods: Newborns from twenty-four sows were weighted, weaned at 21 d and fed a starter diet until sampling.Sampling was done at 14 d post-weaning. A piglet was defined as IUGR when its birth weight was 2 SD below the mean birth weight of the total population. At weaning, eighteen piglets with nearly equal body weight from each category(i.e. IUGR or normal birth weight(NBW) piglets) were selected and then allocated to two treatments,consisted of six replicates with each pen having three piglets.Results: Compared with NBW group, IUGR significantly decreased average daily gain(P 0.001), average daily feed intake(P = 0.003), and feed efficiency(P 0.001) of piglets during the first two weeks post-weaning. IUGR decreased the activities of total antioxidant capacity(P = 0.019), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD, P = 0.023),and ceruloplasmin(P = 0.044) but increased the levels of malondialdehyde(P = 0.040) and protein carbonyl(P = 0.010) in plasma. Similarly, the decreased activities of T-SOD(P = 0.005), copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase(Cu/Zn-SOD, P = 0.002), and catalase(P = 0.049) was observed in the liver of IUGR piglets than these of NBW piglets. IUGR decreased hepatic Cu/Zn-SOD activity(P = 0.023) per unit of Cu/Zn-SOD protein in piglets when compared with NBW piglets. In addition, IUGR piglets exhibited the decreases in accumulation of copper in both plasma(P = 0.001) and liver(P = 0.014), as well as the concentrations of iron(P = 0.002) and zinc(P = 0.048) in liver. Compared with NBW, IUGR down-regulated m RNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD(P = 0.021) in the liver of piglets.Conclusions: The results indicated that IUGR impaired antioxidant capacity and resulted in oxidative damage in fully weaned piglets, which might be associated with the decreased levels of redox-active trace minerals. This study highlights the importance of redox status in IUGR offspring and provides a rationale for alleviating oxidative damage by dietary interventions aiming to supplement trace minerals and to restore redox balance in the future.     

Effects of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Hepatic Apoptosis-Related Gene Expressions between Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Normal Body Weight Piglets

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) causes significantly negative effects on the methylation status of genes related to cell apoptosis compared with normal body weight (NBW) piglets. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine the effects of maternal dietary folic acid supplementation on genes expression profile for hepatic apoptosis in IUGR and NBW piglets. Twenty four Yorkshire gilts were allocated randomly to one of the two diets: control (C, folic acid 1.3 mg/kg) or folic acid supplementation (FS, folic acid 30 mg/kg) after mating. Gene expressions in liver samples were determined and revealed that the mRNA expressions of p53, BCL-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) were upregulated in IUGR piglets compared with NBW piglets fed C diets, but could be reversed by maternal folic acid supplementation. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Serine-protein Kinase–Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM), and Cadherin-associated protein–beta-catenin 1 (CTNNB1) were influenced by maternal folic acid supplementation significantly, but were not influenced by birth weight. Expression of p53 binding protein–MDM-2 (MDM-2) remained unchanged. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that maternal folic acid supplementation could exert positive effects on genes related to apoptosis in IUGR and NBW piglets, which might facilitate their postnatal health and growth performance.     

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology,inflammatory response,and microbiota of intra-uterine growth retarded weanling piglets

Background: The focus of recent research has been directed toward the probiotic potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(BA) on the gut health of animals. However, little is known about BA's effects on piglets with intra-uterine growth retardation(IUGR). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of BA supplementation on the growth performance,intestinal morphology, inflammatory response, and microbiota of IUGR piglets.Methods: Eighteen litters of newborn piglets were selected at birth, with one normal birth weight(NBW) and two IUGR piglets in each litter(i.e., 18 NBW and 36 IUGR piglets in total). At weaning, the NBW piglet and one of the IUGR piglets were assigned to groups fed a control diet(i.e., the NBW-CON and IUGR-CON groups). The other IUGR piglet was assigned to a group fed the control diet supplemented with 2.0 g BA per kg of diet(i.e., IUGR-BA group). The piglets were thus distributed across three groups for a four-week period.Results: IUGR reduced the growth performance of the IUGR-CON piglets compared with the NBW-CON piglets. It was also associated with decreased vil us sizes, increased apoptosis rates, reduced goblet cel numbers, and an imbalance between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the smal intestine. Supplementation with BA improved the average daily weight gain and the feed efficiency of the IUGR-BA group compared with the IUGR-CON group(P 0.05). The IUGR-BA group exhibited increases in the ratio of jejunal vil us height to crypt depth, in ileal vil us height, and in ileal goblet cel density. They also exhibited decreases in the numbers of jejunal and ileal apoptotic cel s and ileal proliferative cel s(P 0.05). Supplementation with BA increased interleukin 10 content, but it decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha level in the smal intestines of the IUGR-BA piglets(P 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the IUGR-CON piglets, the IUGR-BA piglets had less Escherichia coli in their jejunal digesta, but more Lactobacil us and Bifidobacterium in their ileal digesta(P 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with BA improves morphology, decreases inflammatory response, and regulates microbiota in the smal intestines of IUGR piglets, which may contribute to improved growth performance during early life.     

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology,antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded suckling piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with _L‐methionine (_L‐Met), _DL‐methionine (_DL‐Met) and calcium salt of the methionine hydroxyl analog (MHA‐Ca) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets. Six normal birthweight (NBW) female piglets and 24 same‐sex IUGR piglets were selected at birth. Piglets were fed nutrient adequate basal diet supplemented with 0.08% _L‐alanine (NBW‐CON), 0.08% _L‐alanine (IUGR‐CON), 0.12% _L‐Met (IUGR‐LM), 0.12% _DL‐Met (IUGR‐DLM) and 0.16% MHA‐Ca (IUGR‐MHA‐Ca) from 7 to 21 days of age respectively (n = 6). The results indicated that IUGR decreased average daily milk (dry matter) intake and average daily gain and increased feed conversion ratio of suckling piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with the NBW‐CON piglets, IUGR also impaired villus morphology and reduced antioxidant capacity and immune homeostasis in the intestine of IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Supplementation with _L‐Met enhanced jejunal villus height (VH) and villus area and ileal VH of IUGR piglets compared with IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Similarly, _DL‐Met supplementation increased VH and the ratio of VH to crypt depth in the jejunum compared with IUGR‐CON pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with _L‐Met and _DL‐Met (0.12%) tended to increase reduced glutathione content and reduced glutathione: oxidized glutathione ratio and decrease protein carbonyl concentration in the jejunum of piglets when compared with the IUGR‐CON group (p < 0.10). However, supplementation with MHA‐Ca had no effect on the intestinal redox status of IUGR piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, supplementation with either _L‐Met or _DL‐Met has a beneficial effect on the intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of IUGR suckling piglets.     

Dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

The aim of present study was to evaluate whether diets supplemented with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) could alleviate intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) piglets and 12 piglets with IUGR were fed a basal diet (NBW-CON and IUCR-CON groups), and another 12 piglets with IUGR were fed the basal diet supplemented with DHA at 80 mg/kg (IUGR-DHA group) from 21 to 49 d of age. At 49 d of age, 8 piglets with similar body weight in each group were sacrificed. The jejunal and ileal samples were collected for further analysis. The results showed that IUGR impaired intestinal morphology, increased intestinal inflammatory response, raised enterocyte apoptosis and reduced enterocyte proliferation and activated transmembrane toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Dihydroartemisinin inclusion ameliorated intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, villus surface area and decreased villus width of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets supplemented with DHA exhibited higher apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression, and lower proliferation index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in the intestine (P < 0.05). Dihydroartemisinin supplementation attenuated the intestinal inflammation of piglets with IUGR, indicated by increased concentrations of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (P < 0.05). In addition, DHA supplementation down-regulated the related mRNA expressions of TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expressions of negative regulators of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathway in the intestine of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Piglets in the IUGR-DHA group showed lower protein expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB (pNF-κB) inhibitor α, nuclear pNF-κB, and higher protein expression of cytoplasmic pNF-κB in the intestine than those in the IUGR-CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DHA supplementation could improve intestinal morphology, regulate enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis, and alleviate intestinal inflammation through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with IUGR.     

Dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

The aim of present study was to evaluate whether diets supplemented with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) could alleviate intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) piglets and 12 piglets with IUGR were fed a basal diet (NBW-CON and IUCR-CON groups), and another 12 piglets with IUGR were fed the basal diet supplemented with DHA at 80 mg/kg (IUGR-DHA group) from 21 to 49 d of age. At 49 d of age, 8 piglets with similar body weight in each group were sacrificed. The jejunal and ileal samples were collected for further analysis. The results showed that IUGR impaired intestinal morphology, increased intestinal inflammatory response, raised enterocyte apoptosis and reduced enterocyte proliferation and activated transmembrane toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Dihydroartemisinin inclusion ameliorated intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, villus surface area and decreased villus width of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets supplemented with DHA exhibited higher apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression, and lower proliferation index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in the intestine (P < 0.05). Dihydroartemisinin supplementation attenuated the intestinal inflammation of piglets with IUGR, indicated by increased concentrations of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (P < 0.05). In addition, DHA supplementation down-regulated the related mRNA expressions of TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expressions of negative regulators of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathway in the intestine of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Piglets in the IUGR-DHA group showed lower protein expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB (pNF-κB) inhibitor α, nuclear pNF-κB, and higher protein expression of cytoplasmic pNF-κB in the intestine than those in the IUGR-CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DHA supplementation could improve intestinal morphology, regulate enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis, and alleviate intestinal inflammation through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with IUGR.     

叶酸对超早期断奶宫内发育迟缓仔猪肝脏结构和细胞凋亡相关基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加不同水平叶酸对超早期断奶宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)仔猪肝脏结构和细胞凋亡相关基因表达的影响。选取24头14日龄断奶、平均体重(2.79±0.34)kg的"杜×长×大"三元杂交仔公猪,随机分为3个处理,分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加0、5和10 mg/kg叶酸的试验饲粮,每个处理8个重复,每个重复1头猪。试验期21 d。结果表明:1)饲粮添加叶酸对35日龄仔猪血清葡萄糖浓度无显著影响(P>0.05),添加5和10 mg/kg叶酸分别显著(P<0.05)和极显著(P<0.01)降低了血清甘油三酯浓度。2)饲粮添加5 mg/kg叶酸能显著降低肝细胞直径(P<0.05)。3)饲粮添加5 mg/kg叶酸显著提高了肝脏B细胞淋巴瘤蛋白2(Bcl-2)的基因表达量(P<0.05),极显著降低了Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)和促凋亡相关基因肿瘤蛋白53(p53)的基因表达量(P<0.01);饲粮添加10 mg/kg叶酸,Bax和p53的基因表达量分别极显著(P<0.01)和显著(P<0.05)地降低了。4)饲粮添加叶酸对肝脏毛细血管扩张性共济失调症突变基因(ATM)、脱嘌呤嘧啶核酸内切酶1(APE-1)基因和一碳单位代谢关键酶编码基因的表达无显著影响(P>0.05)。结果提示,饲粮补充一定水平的叶酸有助于改善早期断奶IUGR仔猪35日龄时肝脏结构和细胞凋亡相关基因Bcl-2、Bax和p53的表达;本试验条件下,饲粮添加5 mg/kg叶酸效果较好。     

Dietary dimethylglycine sodium salt supplementation improves growth performance,redox status,and skeletal muscle function of intrauterine growth-restricted weaned piglets

Few studies have focused on the role of dimethylglycine sodium (DMG-Na) salt in protecting the redox status of skeletal muscle, although it is reported to be beneficial in animal husbandry. This study investigated the beneficial effects of DMG-Na salt on the growth performance, longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) redox status, and mitochondrial function in weaning piglets that were intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR). Ten normal birth weight (NBW) newborn piglets (1.53 ± 0.04 kg) and 20 IUGR newborn piglets (0.76 ± 0.06 kg) from 10 sows were obtained. All piglets were weaned at 21 d of age and allocated to the three groups with 10 replicates per group: NBW weaned piglets fed a common basal diet (N); IUGR weaned piglets fed a common basal diet (I); IUGR weaned piglets fed a common basal diet supplemented with 0.1% DMG-Na (ID). They were slaughtered at 49 d of age to collect the serum and LM samples. Compared with the N group, the growth performance, LM structure, serum, and, within the LM, mitochondrial redox status, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, energy metabolites, redox status-related, cell adhesion-related, and mitochondrial function-related gene expression, and protein expression deteriorated in group I (P < 0.05). The ID group showed improved growth performance, LM structure, serum, and, within the LM, mitochondrial redox status, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, energy metabolites, redox status-related, cell adhesion-related, and mitochondrial function-related gene expression, and protein expression compared with those in the I group (P < 0.05). The above results indicated that the DMG-Na salt treatment could improve the LM redox status and mitochondrial function in IUGR weaned piglets via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1α network, thus improving their growth performance.     

宫内发育迟缓仔猪小肠形态和屏障功能相关基因的表达特征

为了研究宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)仔猪小肠形态和屏障功能相关基因的表达特征,选取24窝"长白×大白"杂交新生仔猪,每窝选取1头IUGR仔猪和1头正常出生体重(NBW)仔猪,分别于7、21和28日龄屠宰8头IUGR仔猪和8头NBW仔猪,采集小肠样品进行分析.结果表明:1)与NBW仔猪相比,IUGR仔猪7日龄时空肠绒毛高度、...     

Effects of Bacillus subtilis on jejunal integrity,redox status,and microbial composition of intrauterine growth restriction suckling piglets

The present study used intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets as an animal model to determine the effect of Bacillus subtilis on intestinal integrity, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota in the jejunum of suckling piglets. In total, 8 normal birth weight (NBW) newborn piglets (1.62 ± 0.10 kg) and 16 newborn IUGR piglets (0.90 ± 0.08 kg) were selected and assigned to three groups. Piglets were orally gavaged with 10-mL sterile saline (NBW and IUGR groups), and IUGR piglets were orally gavaged with 10-mL/d bacterial fluid (B. subtilis diluted in sterile saline, gavage in the dose of 2 × 10⁹ colony-forming units per kg of body weight; IBS group; n = 8). IUGR induced jejunal barrier dysfunction and redox status imbalance of piglets, and changed the abundances of bacteria in the jejunum. Treatment with B. subtilis increased (P < 0.05) the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) in the jejunum, decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, and enhanced (P < 0.05) the gene expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. Treatment with B. subtilis decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of protein carbonyl (PC) and increased (P < 0.05) the activities of catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. Treatment with B. subtilis also increased (P < 0.05) gene expressions of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), CAT, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), as well as the protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), SOD1, and Nrf2 in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. Treatment with B. subtilis also improved the abundances and the community structure of bacteria in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. These results suggested that IUGR damaged the jejunal barrier function and antioxidant capacity of suckling piglets, and altered the abundances of bacteria in the jejunum. Treatment with B. subtilis improved the intestinal integrity and antioxidant capacity while also improved the abundances and structure of bacteria in the jejunum of suckling piglets.     

饲粮添加硬脂酰乳酸钠对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标及养分表观消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究硬脂酰乳酸钠(SSL)对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标及养分表观消化率的影响。试验选择25日龄的断奶仔猪336头,按体重随机分为6组,每组7个重复,每个重复8头猪。各组仔猪饲粮中SSL添加水平分别为0(对照)、250、500、750、1 000和2 000 mg/kg,试验分2个阶段,每阶段21 d。试验测定仔猪生长性能,谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、总胆固醇等血清生化指标及能量、干物质、氮和粗脂肪表观消化率。结果表明:与对照组相比,1)饲粮中添加500、750和1 000 mg/kg SSL能显著降低仔猪第2阶段料重比(P0.05),添加1000 mg/kg SSL显著降低全期料重比(P0.05);2)饲粮中添加SSL有降低试验第42天仔猪血清谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性,增加血清高密度蛋白胆固醇含量及高密度蛋白胆固醇/低密度蛋白胆固醇值的趋势,且当添加水平为2 000 mg/kg时差异达到显著水平(P0.05);3)饲粮中添加SSL能显著提高粗脂肪表观消化率(P0.05),并且有提高氮及能量表观消化率的趋势,当添加水平为2 000 mg/kg时差异达到显著水平(P0.05)。结果提示,饲粮添加SSL能降低仔猪料重比,提高饲料养分尤其是粗脂肪的表观消化率。     

Effects of Piper sarmentosum extract on the growth performance,antioxidant capability and immune response in weaned piglets

The biological properties of Piper sarmentosum render it a potential substitute for antibiotics in livestock feed. This study evaluated the effects of P. sarmentosum extract (PSE) on the growth performance, antioxidant capability and immune response of weaned piglets. Eighty 21‐d‐old weaned piglets were selected and randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments with five replicates of four pigs each. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with 0 (T0), 50 (T50), 100 (T100) or 200 (T200) mg/kg PSE. The feeding trial lasted 4 weeks. The results revealed that the T50 group had the highest average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the feeding trial (p < 0.05). Additionally, the T50 group had higher (p < 0.05) serum glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH‐Px) and lower (p < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than the T0 group at 4 weeks post‐weaning (p < 0.05). Serum levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) decreased, while serum levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) increased by PSE supplementation at 4 weeks post‐weaning (p < 0.05). PSE supplementation upregulated the mRNA expression of IL‐4, IL‐10 and TGF‐β and downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the ileal mucosal layer of piglets (p < 0.05). In summary, our study findings revealed that PSE supplementation improved the antioxidant capability, and reduced inflammation, which may be beneficial to weaned piglet health.     

Intrauterine growth restriction alters growth performance,plasma hormones,and small intestinal microbial communities in growing-finishing pigs

Background: The interaction of the gut microbiota with key metabolic and physiological processes may be associated with poor growth outcomes in animals born with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR).Results: Growth performance, plasma hormone concentrations, and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed in IUGR pigs and in normal birth weight(NBW) pigs when the NBW pigs reached 25, 50, and 100 kg of body weight(BW). Compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had lower initial, weaned, and final BW, and lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake in all the considered time points. In the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide(PP), but lower insulin concentration than NBW pigs, while the situation was reversed in the 50 kg BW group. As compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had higher microbial alpha diversity in the jejunum and ileum;in the 50 and 100 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs had higher Firmicutes abundance but lower Proteobacteria abundance in the jejunum, and lower Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum;in the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs showed higher unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the ileum;and in 25 and 50 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs showed lower Ochrobactrum abundance in the jejunum.Spearman's correlation revealed that Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with growth performance, while unclassified Ruminococcaceae was positively correlated. Predictive metagenomic analysis detected significantly different expression of genes in the intestinal microbiota between IUGR and NBW pigs, suggesting different metabolic capabilities between the two groups.Conclusions: Growing-finishing IUGR pigs showed lower growth performance, higher microbial alpha diversity, and differences in plasma hormone concentrations compared to NBW pigs. Alterations in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, and Ochrobactrum in the small intestine may be associated with IUGR, and may therefore serve as a future target for gut microbiota intervention in growing-finishing IUGR pigs.     

Effect of ginseng polysaccharides on the immunity and growth of piglets by dietary supplementation during late pregnancy and lactating sows

There are many reports that dietary supplementation with plant polysaccharides in pigs might promote their growth, but little is known about the maternal effect of ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) on piglets’ growth by dietary supplementation to pregnant and lactating sows. In the current study, the effects of dietary supplementation with GPS on the immunity of sows and growth of their piglets were investigated. Results showed no significant difference among the four groups in the total number of piglets, live piglets, weak piglets and birth weight of piglets, indicating the GPS‐treatment has no adverse effect on reproduction. Furthermore, the weaning weight of the GPS‐treated groups was higher than that of control group (P < 0.05); among them, the addition of 200 mg/kg dose has the best effect. Interestingly, GPS increased the total immunoglobulin G concentration in milk and serum of sows (P < 0.05). The concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interferon‐γ in milk and serum of sows were also increased in the experimental groups relative to the control (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, maternal supplementation of GPS significantly increased IL‐2 and TNF‐α concentration in the piglets’ serum of the experimental groups relative to control (P < 0.05). GPS (200 mg/kg) significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in milk and serum (P < 0.05), while the concentrations of malondialdehyde were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The present results indicated that GPS supplementation during late pregnancy and lactation improved immunity‐related bio‐molecular levels in sow serum and milk, which may be further beneficial to piglet health and growth through biological transmission effects.     

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

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

Regulation of hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α expression but not adiponectin by dietary protein in finishing pigs

Soy protein regulates adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) in some species, but the effect of dietary soy protein on adiponectin and PPARα in the pig has not been studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether soya bean meal reduction or replacement influences serum adiponectin, adiponectin mRNA, serum metabolites and the expression of PPARα and other genes involved in lipid deposition. Thirty‐three pigs (11 pigs per treatment) were subjected to one of three dietary treatments: (i) reduced crude protein (CP) diet containing soya bean meal (RCP‐Soy), (ii) high CP diet containing soya bean meal (HCP‐Soy) or (iii) high CP diet with corn gluten meal replacing soya bean meal (HCP‐CGM) for 35 days. Dietary treatment had no effect on overall growth performance, feed intake or measures of body composition. There was no effect of dietary treatment on serum adiponectin or leptin. Dietary treatment did not affect the abundance of the mRNAs for adiponectin, PPARα, PPARγ2, lipoprotein lipase or fatty acid synthase in adipose tissue. The mRNA expression of PPARα, PPARγ2, lipoprotein lipase or fatty acid synthetase in loin muscle was not affected by dietary treatment. In liver tissue, the relative abundance of PPARα mRNA was greater (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HCP‐Soy diets when compared to pigs fed RCP‐Soy or HCP‐CGM diets. Hepatic mRNA expression of acyl‐CoA oxidase or fatty acid synthase was not affected by dietary treatment. Western blot analysis indicated that hepatic PPARα protein levels were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the RCP‐Soy diets when compared to pigs fed the HCP‐Soy diets. These data suggest that increasing the soy protein content of swine diets increases hepatic expression of PPARα without associated changes in body composition.