Effects of dietary crude protein content and resistant starch supplementation on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and microbial metabolites in weaned pigs.

A 4-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) content and resistant starch (RS) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and microbial metabolites of weaned pigs. A total of 96 pigs (7.06 ± 0.45 kg body weight) were assigned to 1 of 4 diets in a randomised complete block design involving a 2 (CP levels) × 2 (without or with RS) factorial arrangement to give 8 replicate pens and 3 pigs per pen. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded weekly, and the faecal consistency score was determined every morning. Blood was sampled on days 1, 14 and 28 from one pig per pen, and the same pig was euthanised on day 28 to collect ileal tissue and ileal and colon digesta. Data were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The average daily gain and gain:feed ratio were lower (p < 0.05) in pigs fed low crude protein (LCP) diets compared to those fed high CP (HCP) diets during week 3 and overall period. The analysed Lys, Met+Cys and Thr in feed were lower than calculated values, particularly in LCP diets, which may have affected performance. Pigs fed the LCP diets had longer (p < 0.05) ileal villi and higher villus height to crypt depth ratios than those fed the HCP diets, and RS supplementation increased (p < 0.05) ileal villus height. Interactions (p < 0.05) between dietary CP content and RS inclusion were observed for short-chain fatty acid concentration in the ileum and colon in phase 2. There was no difference in propionic acid (ileum) or butyric acid (colon) concentrations among pigs fed HCP diets, however, the butyric acid concentration increased in pigs fed the LCP diet when supplemented with RS. Reducing dietary CP lowered (p < 0.05) faecal score, plasma urea nitrogen and digesta ammonia content. Overall, feeding LCP diets reduced growth performance but improved gut morphology in weaned pigs. Feeding the LCP diet with RS supplementation modulated concentrations of ileal propionic acid and colonic butyric acid in weaned pigs.

Dose-response of inactivated yeast in diets of late gestating and lactating gilts on immunoglobulin transfer and offspring preweaning growth performance.

Fifty gilts (initial body weight [BW] 190.7 ±â€…4.2 kg) were recruited on day 85 of gestation and were used until day 19 of lactation to assess the dose-response of inactivated yeast via hydrolyzation (HY) inclusion on offspring growth and immunoglobulin (Ig) transfer prior to weaning. Gilts were assigned to one of the 5 experimental diets: a control with no HY (HY0) or inclusion of 0.25% (HY0.25), 0.5% (HY0.5), 1.0% (HY1.0), or 1.2% (HY1.2) HY. Gilts were weighed on days 85 and 110 of gestation and days 1 and 19 (weaning) after farrowing. Offspring were weighed on days 1 and 19 of age. On lactation day 1 (approximately 24 h after farrowing), colostrum, gilt plasma, and plasma from 2 median BW piglets were collected and on day 19, plasma from each gilt and 2 median BW piglets per litter were collected for determination of Ig concentrations. Contrast statements were used to assess the linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic effects of HY inclusion. The inclusion of HY had minimal effects on gilt BW or litter characteristics at birth (total number born and born alive, piglet birth weight). Lactation average daily feed intake of the gilts tended to increase then decrease with increasing HY inclusion (quadratic; P = 0.085). Piglet preweaning average daily gain (linear, quadratic, and quartic; P < 0.05) and BW at weaning (quadratic and quartic; P < 0.05) increased then decreased with increasing HY inclusion. On lactation day 1, colostrum and gilt plasma Ig concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.10) but piglet IgA and IgM decreased then increased with HY inclusion level (cubic; P < 0.05). On lactation day 19, piglet plasma IgG tended to increase with HY inclusion (linear; P = 0.099). In summary, increasing HY inclusion in late gestating and lactating gilt diets improved immune transfer in the first 24 h after birth and piglet preweaning growth rates and BW at weaning. Therefore, maternal feeding of HY could be used as a strategy to improve offspring immunocompetence and BW at weaning, with possible carryover benefits for the postweaning phase.

Abrupt weaning exposes piglets to various stressors that result in a period after weaning with little or no weight gain or feed intake and increased incidence of morbidity and mortality. Inactivated yeast via hydrolyzation (HY) is a functional feed additive that can improve the immune response in pigs. The low and variable feed intakes immediately after weaning render feed additives less useful in nursery pig diets, therefore, enhancing immunocompetence prior to weaning could be a strategy to improve offspring outcomes. This study tested 4 levels of HY (0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.2%) and control (0%) fed to gestating and lactating gilts from day 85 of gestation until day 19 of lactation when piglets were weaned. Plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations and preweaning offspring growth rates were assessed. It was found that piglet preweaning average daily gain and body weight at weaning were improved with increasing inclusion of HY in the maternal diet, which corresponded to increased plasma IgA and IgM concentrations for the offspring after birth. Greater body weight at weaning and greater plasma IgA and IgM concentration have the potential to attenuate the postweaning growth lag in addition to improving immunocompetence around weaning.

Dietary Citrus Flavonoids Improved Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets via Immune Function Mediated by TLR2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

This study investigated the effects of citrus flavonoids (CF) and compared to antibiotics on piglet growth and gut health. Weaned piglets were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC), 20 mg/kg CF (CF1), 40 mg/kg CF (CF2), or 80 mg/kg CF (CF3). The CF group, especially CF3, exhibited improved growth performance; reduced diarrhea; significantly higher levels of serum growth factors, immunoglobulins, and anti-inflammatory cytokines; and significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory factors and markers of intestinal barrier damage (P < 0.05). The intestinal mucosa proteins ZO-1 and occludin increased, while NF-κB and TLR2 decreased, correlating with CF dosage (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CF promoted a favorable balance in the gut microbiota, with an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotella and decreased taxa Tenericutes and Clostridiales. Overall, CF enhanced piglet growth and gut health by modulating the TLR2/NF-κB pathway, offering a natural antibiotic alternative. The optimal dose of CF was 80 mg/kg.

Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis of Skeletal Muscle of Jiangquan Black Pig at Different Developmental Stages.

Skeletal muscle grows in response to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and its growth and development influence the quality of pork. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating the growth and development of skeletal muscle is of great significance to both animal husbandry and farm management. The Jiangquan black pig is an excellent pig breed based on the original Yimeng black pig, importing the genes of the Duroc pig for meat traits, and cultivated through years of scientific selection and breeding. In this study, full-length transcriptome sequencing was performed on three growth stages of Jiangquan black pigs, aiming to study the developmental changes in Jiangquan black pigs at different developmental stages at the molecular level and to screen the key genes affecting the growth of skeletal muscle in Jiangquan black pigs. We performed an enrichment analysis of genes showing differential expression and constructed a protein-protein interaction network with the aim of identifying core genes involved in the development of Jiangquan black pigs. Notably, genes such as TNNI2, TMOD4, PLDIM3, MYOZ1, and MYH1 may be potential regulators of muscle development in Jiangquan black pigs. Our results contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle development in this pig breed, which will facilitate molecular breeding efforts and the development of pig breeds to meet the needs of the livestock industry.

Effects of supplemental Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets.

In this study, we investigated the effects of supplemental Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. Ninety piglets weaned at 28 days of age were randomly allocated to three groups with five replicates per treatment. Piglets were fed the following diets for 28 days: (1) CON (control group), basal diet; (2) G500, CON + 500 mg/kg GCP; (3) G1000, CON + 1000 mg/kg GCP. The results showed that supplementation with 1000 mg/kg GCP increased the average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05). Serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid (DL-A) levels were lower in the G1000 group (P < 0.05). Dietary GCP 1000 mg/kg improved mucosal trypsin activity in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum and increased lipase and amylase activity in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the G1000 group, ZO-1, claudin 1 and occludin levels were increased in the jejunum mucosa, whereas interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-6 levels were decreased (P < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that dietary 1000 mg/kg GCP altered the jejunal microbial community, with increased relative abundances of beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, dietary GCP 1000 mg/kg can improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal immunity, barrier function and microbial community in weaned piglets.

Effects of Antrodia cinnamomea solid culture mycelium by-products on growth performance and immune response in weaning black piglets.

This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium by-product (ACBP) on growth performance and immune response in weaning piglets. Total available content and antioxidant capacity of ACBP were determined. Ninety-six black pigs were randomly distributed to 24 pens. Study compared four groups which were supplemented with ACBP at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% for 6 weeks after weaning at 4 weeks. Results showed that ACBP on total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoids contents were 13.68 mg GAE/g DW, 1.67 µg QE/g DW, and 15.6 mg/g, respectively. Weaning piglets fed 2.5% ACBP showed a significant decreased body weight gain compared with those supplemented with 5% ACBP, 10% ACBP, and control groups. Results showed that all ACBP groups increased the villi height of jejunum significantly. Incidence of diarrhea in 11 weeks with supplementation with 5% and 10% ACBP diets were lower than in control group. The 10% ACBP group showed significantly lower expression of immune response genes (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) than the 2.5% and 5% ACBP groups. Based on results, dietary supplementation with 10% ACBP did not significantly affect body weight but could decrease piglet diarrhea condition and expression of IL-1ß and IL-6 genes.

Whole-genome SNP allele frequency differences between Tibetan and Large white pigs reveal genes associated with skeletal muscle growth.

BACKGROUND: The skeletal muscle growth rate and body size of Tibetan pigs (TIB) are lower than Large white pigs (LW). However, the underlying genetic basis attributing to these differences remains uncertain. To address this knowledge gap, the present study employed whole-genome sequencing of TIB (slow growth) and LW (fast growth) individuals, and integrated with existing NCBI sequencing datasets of TIB and LW individuals, enabling the identification of a comprehensive set of genetic variations for each breed. The specific and predominant SNPs in the TIB and LW populations were detected by using a cutoff value of 0.50 for SNP allele frequency and absolute allele frequency differences (△AF) between the TIB and LW populations. RESULTS: A total of 21,767,938 SNPs were retrieved from 44 TIB and 29 LW genomes. The analysis detected 2,893,106 (13.29%) and 813,310 (3.74%) specific and predominant SNPs in the TIB and LW populations, and annotated to 24,560 genes. Further GO analysis revealed 291 genes involved in biological processes related to striated and/or skeletal muscle differentiation, proliferation, hypertrophy, regulation of striated muscle cell differentiation and proliferation, and myoblast differentiation and fusion. These 291 genes included crucial regulators of muscle cell determination, proliferation, differentiation, and hypertrophy, such as members of the Myogenic regulatory factors (MRF) (MYOD, MYF5, MYOG, MYF6) and Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) (MEF2A, MEF2C, MEF2D) families, as well as muscle growth inhibitors (MSTN, ACVR1, and SMAD1); KEGG pathway analysis revealed 106 and 20 genes were found in muscle growth related positive and negative regulatory signaling pathways. Notably, genes critical for protein synthesis, such as MTOR, IGF1, IGF1R, IRS1, INSR, and RPS6KA6, were implicated in these pathways. CONCLUSION: This study employed an effective methodology to rigorously identify the potential genes associated with skeletal muscle development. A substantial number of SNPs and genes that potentially play roles in the divergence observed in skeletal muscle growth between the TIB and LW breeds were identified. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of skeletal muscle development and present opportunities for enhancing meat production through pig breeding.

Exploring Iberian ham triacylglycerols: Unraveling the influence of growing area, season, breed, and feeding patterns through innovative compositional data analysis.

This research examined the triacylglycerol composition of Iberian pig hams from Sevilla province, focusing on the influence of growing area, season, breed, age, montanera duration, and feeding types. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) tools and standard multivariate statistics were employed to analyse the original and CoDa-transformed data. ANOVA (ilr) and ANCOVA (log ratios) revealed significant effects of season, feeding type, and towns on triacylglycerol profiles, while montanera showed limited or no effect. Breeds and age were deemed irrelevant. Various discriminant analysis (DA) methods consistently distinguished samples from the 2004/2005 season and the cebo feeding type but struggled with other distinctions. PLS-R analysis indicated that bellota feeding was associated with triacylglycerols rich in oleic acid, while cebo was predominantly linked to those containing palmitic and stearic acids. The study challenges traditional assumptions about the effects of montanera, breeds, and age on Iberian pig hams and highlights the need for further investigation.

Effect of bone and analytical method on assessment of bone mineralization in response to dietary phosphorus, phytase, and vitamin D in finishing pigs.

A total of 882 pigs (PIC TR4 × [Fast LW × PIC L02]; initially 33.2 ±â€…0.31 kg) were used in a 112-d study to evaluate the effects of different bones and analytical methods on the assessment of bone mineralization response to changes in dietary P, phytase, and vitamin D in growing pigs. Pens of pigs (20 pigs per pen) were randomized to one of five dietary treatments with nine pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were designed to create differences in bone mineralization and included: 1) P at 80% of NRC (2012) standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P requirement, 2) NRC STTD P with no phytase, 3) NRC STTD P with phytase providing an assumed release of 0.14% STTD P from 2,000 FYT/kg, 4) high STTD P (128% of the NRC P) using monocalcium phosphate and phytase, and 5) diet 4 with additional vitamin D3 from 25(OH)D3. On day 112, one pig per pen was euthanized for bone, blood, and urine analysis. Additionally, 11 pigs identified as having poor body condition which indicated a history of low feed intake (unhealthy) were sampled. There were no differences between treatments for final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain to feed, or bone ash measurements (treatment × bone interaction) regardless of bone ash method. The response to treatment for bone density and bone mineral content was dependent upon the bone sampled (density interaction, P = 0.053; mineral interaction, P = 0.078). For 10th rib bone density, pigs fed high levels of P had increased (P < 0.05) bone density compared with pigs fed NRC levels with phytase, with pigs fed deficient P, NRC levels of P with no phytase, and high STTD P with extra 25(OH)D3 intermediate, with no differences for metacarpals, fibulas, or 2nd ribs. Pigs fed extra vitamin D from 25(OH)D3 had increased (P < 0.05) 10th rib bone mineral content compared with pigs fed deficient P and NRC levels of P with phytase, with pigs fed industry P and vitamin D, and NRC P with monocalcium intermediate. Healthy pigs had greater (P < 0.05) serum Ca, P, vitamin D concentrations, and defatted bone ash than those unhealthy, with no difference between the two health statuses for non-defatted bone ash. In summary, differences between bone ash procedures were more apparent than differences between diets. Differences in bone density and mineral content in response to dietary P and vitamin D were most apparent with 10th ribs.

Lameness is defined as impaired movement or deviation from normal gait. The evaluation of bone mineralization can be an important component of a diagnostic investigation of lameness. Lameness in growing pigs can cause an increase in morbidity and mortality, which leads to economic losses and animal welfare concerns for producers. Calcium and P are the primary minerals in skeletal tissue and their deficiency is considered to be one of the causes of lameness. To evaluate bone mineralization, it is important to know the differences between methodologies used to determine bone ash and the expected differences between the bones analyzed. Furthermore, there has been limited data comparing bone mineralization and serum Ca and P concentrations between healthy pigs and those exhibiting clinical signs of illness (unhealthy). By removing the lipid in the bone (defatting) before the bone is ashed, variation across bones is decreased compared with not removing lipid before ashing (non-defatted). The reduction in variation across bones allows for more differences to be detected among dietary treatments and health statuses of pigs. The 10th rib is more sensitive to detect dietary differences using bone density than metacarpals, fibulas, and 2nd ribs. When comparing healthy vs. unhealthy pigs exhibiting clinical signs of illness, healthy pigs have increased defatted percentage bone ash and serum Ca, P, and vitamin D.

Dietary isoacids effects on growth, nitrogen, and energy digestibility, and fecal volatile fatty acids and microbial ecology in finishing pigs.

Isoacids are branched ketoacids which when fed to ruminants have been shown to enhance the growth of fiber-digesting organisms. Ninety finishing gilts were individually fed dietary treatments consisting of diet type: corn-soybean meal (CSBM), a diet containing 40% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), or a diet containing 40% sugar beet pulp (SBP); in combination with either no feed additive (CNT), the addition of 0.50% isobutyrate (IB), or the addition of a 0.88% mix of isobutyrate, isovalerate, and 2-methylbutyrate (MX). Gilts consumed an average of 2.171 kg/d over the 28-d trial. On d 26, fresh fecal samples were collected for determination of apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and nitrogen (N), determination of fecal volatile fatty acids (VFA), and evaluation of microbial ecology. There was no interaction between diet type and isoacid addition, and no main effect of isoacid or diet type on alpha or Shannon microbial diversity measures (P > 0.05). There was no interaction between isoacid addition and diet type, and no main effect of isoacid addition on microbial beta diversity (P > 0.05), but differences were observed in microbial beta diversity due to diet type (P ≤ 0.05). There was no interaction between diet type and isoacid addition observed in fecal VFA concentrations (P > 0.05), with only minor differences in fecal VFA concentrations noted due to isoacid addition (P ≤ 0.05). The interaction between diet type and isoacid addition on ATTD of dietary GE and N (P ≤ 0.01) was large because the addition of IB did not affect the ATTD of GE or N in pigs fed the CSBM diet, but increased ATTD of GE and N in pigs fed diets containing DDGS and decreased the ATTD of GE and N in pigs fed diets containing SBP. In contrast, adding a blend of isoacids (i.e., MX) reduced the ATTD of GE and N, regardless of diet type. There was no interaction between diet type and isoacid addition, and no effect of isoacid addition was observed on pig performance (P > 0.05). Diet type did not affect average daily gain (P > 0.05), but pigs fed diets containing DDGS or SBP consumed less feed (P = 0.01) and exhibited greater GF ratios compared to pigs fed the low-fiber CSBM diet (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, there was little to no effect of isoacid addition on microbial ecology, fecal VFA concentrations, ATTD of GE or N, or pig performance, but the improvement in ATTD of GE and N in pigs fed diets containing DDGS when IB was added warrants further investigation.

Legislative restrictions on the use of most antibiotics for growth promotion have resulted in research needed to evaluate in-feed additives to improve diet digestibility to promote growth and feed efficiency. Thus, strategies to enhance energy and nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal volatile fatty acid concentrations, and microbial ecology in finishing pigs are desirable targets. The results of the experiment conducted herein do not indicate that supplementing diets with isoacids has a consistent positive or negative effect on microbial ecology, fecal volatile fatty acids, digestibility of energy and nutrients, or pig performance.

The contribution of biological sex to heat stress-mediated outcomes in growing pigs.

Heat stress (HS) negatively impacts a variety of production parameters in growing pigs; however, the impact of biological sex on the HS response is largely unknown. To address this, 48 crossbred barrows and gilts (36.8 ± 3.7 kg BW) were individually housed and assigned to one of three constant environmental conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TN) (20.8 ± 1.6 °C; 62.0 ± 4.7% relative humidity; n = 8/sex), (2) HS (39.4 ± 0.6 °C; 33.7 ± 6.3% relative humidity) for 1 d (HS1; n = 8/sex), or (3) or for 7 d (HS7; n = 8/sex). As expected, HS increased rectal temperature (Tr) following 1 d of HS (1.0 °C; P < 0.0001) and 7 d of HS (0.9 °C; P < 0.0001). By 7 d, heat-stressed gilts were cooler than barrows (0.4 °C; P = 0.016), despite identical heating conditions. There was a main effect of sex such that barrows had higher Tr than gilts (P = 0.031). Heat-stressed pigs on d 1 had marked reductions in feed intake and BW compared to TN (P < 0.0001). One day of HS resulted in negative gain to feed (G:F) in barrows and gilts and was reduced compared to TN (P < 0.0001). Notably, following 1 d of HS, the variability of G:F was greater in gilts than in barrows. Between 1 and 7 d of HS, G:F improved in barrows and gilts and were similar to TN pigs, even though HS barrows had higher Tr than gilts over this period. Heat stress for 1 and 7 d reduced empty gastrointestinal tract weight compared to TN (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, HS7 gilts had decreased gastrointestinal tract weight compared to HS1 gilts (2.43 vs 2.72 kg; P = 0.03), whereas it was similar between HS1 and HS7 barrows. Lastly, a greater proportion of gastrointestinal contents was in the stomach of HS1 pigs compared to TN and HS7 (P < 0.05), which is suggestive of decreased gastric emptying. Overall, HS barrows maintained an elevated Tr compared to HS gilts through the duration of the experiment but also maintained similar growth and production metrics compared to gilts, despite this higher temperature.

Autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate supplemented alone to diets promoted improvements in performance, intestinal health and nutrient transporter in weaned piglets.

This study investigated the effects of supplemental nucleotides, autolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and sodium butyrate in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood profile, intestinal morphology, mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, inflammatory markers, antioxidant profile, and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. One hundred eighty 21-day-old pigs (5.17 ± 0.57 kg) were assigned in a randomized block design to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: (1) CON: control, basal diet, (2) NUC: CON + nucleotides, (3) YSC: CON + lysed yeast S. cerevisiae, (4) ASB: CON + acidifier sodium butyrate. Pigs were fed for 24 days, phase 1 (21-32 days) and 2 (32-45 days). During phase 1, YSC and ASB improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) compared with CON. At the overall period, ASB improved ADG and YSC improved FC compared with CON. The NUC diet did not affect growth performance. The ASB increased ileal villus height compared to CON. The YSC and ASB reduced the number of Peyer's patches in the ileum compared with CON. The YSC increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SMCT2, MCT1, and PepT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), antioxidants (GPX), and IL1-ß in the jejunum compared with CON. The ASB increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SGLT1 and MCT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), and antioxidants (GPX and SOD) compared with CON. In conclusion, autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate promoted growth performance by improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, and antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum of nursery pigs whereas supplementation of nucleotides did not show such effects.

Reaction-norm animal model analysis of average daily gain heat tolerance in purebred Duroc pigs.

The present study aimed to genetically improve growth performance under high-heat environments by specifically designing a reaction-norm animal model (RNAM) for purebred Duroc pigs in Japan. A total of 54,750 records of average daily gain (ADG) measured for pigs reared at four farms in different prefectures were analyzed. Estimated maximum daily temperatures at the respective farm locations were used to calculate the average cumulative thermal load (TL). The TL values served as an indicator of high-heat environments for pigs. The plausible cumulative period length and threshold temperature for calculating TL were determined to be 8 weeks until just before shipping and 25°C, respectively. Variance components were estimated via RNAM analysis using TL as a linear covariate. The estimated additive genetic variances under both responsive and non-responsive to TL were found to be significant. Moreover, the estimated heritability of ADG ranged from 0.38 to 0.73 for TL values of 0-8. These results suggest that the RNAM developed holds the potential for improving the genetic ability of growth under high-heat environments in pigs.

Effects of porcine somatotropin administration on the responses to dietary lysine and a near-ideal blend of amino acids on the amino acid composition of whole-body protein and amino acid accretion rate in growing pigs.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of porcine somatotropin (pST) on the responses to a near-ideal blend of AA on the AA composition of empty, whole-empty body (WEB) protein and WEB essential AA accretion rate in pigs from 22 to 60 kg BW. Forty Hampshire × Yorkshire gilts were individually penned and assigned to a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of four diets with and without pST injection. A fortified corn-soybean meal basal diet was formulated to contain 1.50% total Lys with Thr, Met, and Trp added to obtain a near-ideal blend of these AA relative to Lys. In three additional diets, Lys was reduced to 1.25%, 1.00%, and 0.75% by diluting the basal diet with cornstarch, cellulose, and sand such that the diets also contained the same ratios of AA. Pigs that received pST were administered a daily i.m. injection of 2 mg of pST. At 60 kg BW, the WEB (carcass, head, viscera, blood, nails, and hair) was ground and analyzed for proximate and AA composition. Administration of pST increased (P < 0.001) accretion rates of WEB protein and essential AA. Increasing dietary essential AA increased (quadratic, P < 0.03) accretion rate of WEB protein, His, Leu, Trp, and Val in pST-treated pigs, but not in untreated pigs. Lysine composition in the accreted WEB protein was not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary Lys. The efficiency of Lys utilization for WEB Lys accretion was linearly affected (P < 0.01) by dietary Lys. These results indicated that the dietary Lys needed to achieve maximum WEB Lys accretion is markedly increased by pST administration.

This study evaluated the effects of two factors, porcine somatotropin and graded levels of amino acids, on the total accumulation and the accretion rate of amino acids across a broad range of protein deposition rates in growing pigs. Treatments included 1) with or without a daily injection of porcine somatotropin and 2) graded levels of total dietary lysine from 0.75% to 1.50%. As expected, both the administration of porcine somatotropin and increased dietary lysine increased both the amount and the rate of amino acid accretion. However, the amount and rate of amino acid accretion from increased dietary amino acids were markedly greater in pigs treated with porcine somatotropin. Thus, the extent to which the genetic potential for protein deposition is achieved depends on both the anabolic capacity of the pig and the amino acid concentration of the diet provided.

Effects of a manganese complex with lysine and glutamic acid on growth performance, manganese deposition, and emission, antioxidant capacity and metacarpal strength in weaned piglets.

The present study sought to assess the effects of manganese complexes with lysine and glutamic acid (Mn-LG) as manganese (Mn) sources on growth performance, trace element deposition, antioxidant capacity, and metacarpal strength in weaned piglets. The study involved 288 healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets that were weaned at 25 to 28 d of age and weighed 8.66 ±â€…0.96 kg. These piglets were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (Mn-LG-0, receiving a basal diet without Mn supplementation), a Mn sulfate group (basal diet supplemented with 40 mg·kg-1 diet of Mn, Mn-S-40 group), and four Mn-LG groups (Mn-LG-20, Mn-LG-40, Mn-LG-60, Mn-LG-80, supplemented with 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg·kg-1 Mn from Mn-LG in the basal diet). Grouping began at weaning on the 0th day of the experiment. The corn-soybean-based basal diet during the early (days 0 to 14) and late (days 15 to 42) phases of the experiment contained 20.88 and 30.12 mg·kg-1 Mn, respectively. Blood samples were collected on days 14 and 42, and pigs were sacrificed for sample collection on day 42. The results indicated no significant differences in average daily gain, average daily feed intake, or feed-to-gain ratio among the groups (P > 0.05). The diarrhea rates of all Mn-LG groups and the Mn-S-40 group were significantly lower in the 0 to 14 d and during the entire experimental period than in the Mn-LG-0 group (P < 0.001). The Mn-LG-40 group exhibited a significant increase in liver Mn concentration and serum Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity on day 42 (P < 0.01), as well as a significant decrease in fecal Mn concentration (P < 0.05), compared to those of the Mn-S-40 group. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected in the serum, liver, and fecal Mn concentrations, as well as in the serum and liver Mn-SOD activity, across the different Mn-LG groups. The serum and fecal Mn concentrations and serum Mn-SOD activity increased linearly or quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing Mn-LG supplementation. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in kidney, heart, or metacarpal bone Mn concentrations or in bone strength indices. In summary, compared with the Mn-LG-0 diet, dietary supplementation with Mn-LG enhanced serum Mn deposition and Mn-SOD activity and decreased the incidence of diarrhea. Additionally, the fecal Mn concentration was lower in the Mn-LG group than in the inorganic group at equivalent dosages.

This research explored the effects of a manganese complex containing lysine and glutamic acid (Mn-LG) on various health parameters in weaned piglets. Utilizing samples of 288 piglets, the study investigated how Mn-LG supplementation influences growth performance, Mn deposition and emission, antioxidant capacity, and metacarpal strength. Key findings include an increase in serum Mn levels and Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity, a reduction in diarrhea incidence, and no significant effects in bone strength indices in piglets receiving Mn-LG. Additionally, the fecal Mn concentration was notably lower in the Mn-LG group than in the group receiving inorganic Mn at equivalent dosages.

Effect of sex and milk replacer with or without supplemental carnitine and arginine on growth characteristics, carcass, and meat quality of artificially reared low-birth weight pigs.

This study compared milk replacer either remaining unsupplemented (CON) or supplemented with 0.5 g L-carnitine plus 16.7 g L-arginine/kg (CarArg) and fed to 48 low-birth weight (L-BtW) artificially reared piglets (24 per group) from days 7 to 28 of age. Eight farrowing series were needed to complete the study. On day 28, the lightest piglets were slaughtered, and the heaviest pigs were weaned. The heaviest pigs were weaned on day 28 and offered free access to a starter (weaning to 25 kg body weight [BW]), grower (25 to 60 kg BW), and finisher diet (60 to 96 kg BW on day 170 of age). After euthanization on days 28 and 170, blood was sampled for assessment of serum metabolite and hormone concentrations, and the semitendinosus muscle (STM) was weighed, and later subjected to enzyme activity analysis and assessment of myofiber characteristics. In the 170-d-old pigs carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. Growth data were analyzed accordingtoatwo-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with dietary treatment and farrowing series as fixed effects, while remaining data were analyzed with dietary treatment, sex, their interaction, and farrowing series as main factors. Dietary treatments affected (P ≤ 0.049) muscle enzyme activity at both day 28, with greater citrate synthase (CS) and LDH activities and lower HAD:CS ratio in STM light portion, and lower LDH:CS ratio in STM dark portion, and 170 of age with lower HAD:CS ratio. In the starter period, CarArg pigs had greater average daily gain (P = 0.021) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.010). At slaughter, these pigs had lower (P = 0.013) glucose and greater (P = 0.022) urea serum concentrations. However, supplementing the milk replacer with carnitine and arginine had no long-term effects on growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of L-BtW pigs. In addition, muscle morphology and myofiber-related properties remained unaffected by the supplementation.

Breeding efforts to increase litter size in modern sows have inadvertently reduced the average birth weight of piglets, resulting in a higher number of piglets born with low-birth weight. These piglets are indeed vulnerable from birth and display relatively poor growth potential from a very early stage. For this reason, artificial rearing strategies are potentially a management option to improve the growth of these runt piglets. With an artificial rearing system, it is possible to provide specialized diets already during the suckling period, with inclusion of specific nutrients in certain concentrations suggested to improve the growth of runt piglets. Using an artificial rearing system allows for the provision of specialized diets during the suckling phase, which includes specific nutrients aimed at enhancing the growth of underdeveloped piglets. However, in the current experiment, the particular nutrients and their dosages did not significantly improve growth or other characteristics compared to the control group.

Effects of dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia Coli F4.

We evaluated the effects of supplementing yeast mannan-reach-fraction on growth performance, jejunal morphology and lymphoid tissue characteristics in weaned piglets challenged with E. Coli F4. A total of 20 crossbred piglets were used. At weaning, piglets were assigned at random to one of four groups: piglets challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (C-MRF, n = 5); piglets challenged and fed the basal diet (C-BD, n = 5); piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet supplemented with yeast mannan-rich fraction (NC-MRF, n = 5), and piglets not challenged and fed the basal diet (NC-BD). Each dietary treatment had five replicates. On days 4, 5 and 10, piglets were orally challenged with 108 CFU/mL of E. Coli F4. C-MRF piglets had higher BW (p = 0.002; interactive effect) than C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.02; interactive effect) ADG in comparison with C-BD piglets. C-MRF piglets had higher (p = 0.04; interactive effect) ADFI than C-BD piglets. The diameter of lymphoid follicles was larger (p = 0.010; interactive effect) in the tonsils of C-MRF piglets than C-BD piglets. Lymphoid cells proliferation was greater in the mesenteric lymphnodes and ileum (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) of C-MRF piglets. A reduction (p > 0.05) in E. Coli adherence in the ileum of piglets fed MRF was observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that dietary yeast mannan-rich fraction supplementation was effective in protecting weaned piglets against E. Coli F4 challenge.

Access to bedding and outdoor runs for growing-finishing pigs: is it possible to improve welfare without increasing environmental impacts?

Providing bedding or access to an outdoor run are husbandry aspects intended to improve pig welfare, which is currently financially supported through animal welfare schemes in several European countries. However, they may significantly affect the environment through changes in feed efficiency and manure management. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to compare farms differing in animal welfare relevant husbandry aspects regarding (1) the welfare of growing-finishing pigs and (2) environmental impact categories such as global warming (GW), acidification (AC), and freshwater (FE) and marine eutrophication (ME), by employing an attributional Life Cycle Assessment. We collected data on 50 farms with growing-finishing pigs in seven European countries. Ten animal-based welfare indicators were aggregated into three pig welfare indices using principal component analysis. Cluster analysis of farms based on husbandry aspects resulted in three clusters: NOBED (31 farms without bedding or outdoor run), BED (11 farms with bedding only) and BEDOUT (eight farms with bedding and outdoor run). Pigs on farms with bedding (BED and BEDOUT) manipulated enrichment more often (P < 0.001), pen fixtures less frequently (P = 0.003) and showed fewer oral stereotypies (P < 0.001) than pigs on NOBED farms. There were fewer pigs with a short(er) tail on farms with than without bedding (P < 0.001). Acidification of BEDOUT and BED farms was significantly higher (compared to NOBED farms P = 0.002) due to higher ammonia emissions related to farmyard manure. Also, BEDOUT farms had higher ME than NOBED farms (P = 0.035). There were no significant differences regarding GW and FE between husbandry clusters, due to the large variability within clusters regarding feed composition and conversion. Therefore, both husbandry aspects associated with improved animal welfare have a significant influence on some environmental impacts, such as acidification and marine eutrophication. Nevertheless, the large variation within clusters suggests that trade-offs may be minimised through e.g. AC and ME.

Fecal microbiota profiles of growing pigs and their relation to growth performance.

The early gut microbiota composition is fundamentally important for piglet health, affecting long-term microbiome development and immunity. In this study, the gut microbiota of postparturient dams was compared with that of their offspring in three Finnish pig farms at three growth phases. The differences in fecal microbiota of three study development groups (Good, Poorly, and PrematureDeath) were analyzed at birth (initial exposure phase), weaning (transitional phase), and before slaughter (stable phase). Dam Lactobacillaceae abundance was lower than in piglets at birth. Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus amylovorus were dominantly expressed in dams and their offspring. Altogether 17 piglets (68%) were identified with Lactobacillaceae at the initial exposure phase, divided unevenly among the development groups: 85% of Good, 37.5% of Poorly, and 75% of PrematureDeath pigs. The development group Good was identified with the highest microbial diversity, whereas the development group PrematureDeath had the lowest diversity. After weaning, the abundance and versatility of Lactobacillaceae in piglets diminished, shifting towards the microbiome of the dam. In conclusion, the fecal microbiota of pigs tends to develop towards a similar alpha and beta diversity despite development group and rearing environment.

Effects of dietary iron supplementation on reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary iron supplementation from different sources on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of piglets. A total of 87 sows with similar farrowing time were blocked by body weight at day 85 of gestation, and assigned to one of three dietary treatments (n = 29 per treatment): basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.2% ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), and basal diet supplemented with 0.2% iron sucrose, respectively, with 30% iron in both FeSO4 and iron sucrose. Compared with the control (CON) group, iron sucrose supplementation reduced the rate of stillbirth and invalid of neonatal piglets (P < 0.05), and the number of mummified fetuses was 0. Moreover, it also improved the coat color of newborn piglets (P < 0.05). At the same time, the iron sucrose could also achieve 100% estrus rate of sows. Compared with the CON group, FeSO4 and iron sucrose supplementation increased the serum iron content of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, iron sucrose increased serum transferrin level of weaned piglets (P < 0.05) and the survival rate of piglets (P < 0.05). In general, both iron sucrose and FeSO4 could affect the blood iron status of weaned piglets, while iron sucrose also had a positive effect on the healthy development of newborn and weaned piglets, and was more effective than FeSO4 in improving the performance of sows and piglets.

Sows need more iron to meet the requirements for their and offspring's growth during pregnancy and lactation. Exogenous iron supplementation may improve the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of piglets, but different sources of iron have different effects. This study facilitates the understanding of the effects of iron sucrose and ferrous sulfate on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of piglets.