RESUMO
The overall well-being of organisms is widely recognized to be closely intertwined with their intestinal health. The intestinal mucosal layer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the proper functioning of the intestine, a fact observed not only in humans but also in animals like pigs. Any alterations to the mucosal layer of a pig's intestine can potentially disrupt its functionality, thereby impacting the animal's health and productivity. Mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis serves as a valuable tool in investigating the intricate dynamics of the proteome within the intestinal mucosa. Such studies hold promise in uncovering causal relationships between mucosal changes and overall health outcomes in pigs. It is anticipated that insights gathered from proteome studies will inform future strategies aimed at enhancing the health and productivity of pigs. However, the research field lacks a standardized and detailed method to extract proteins from pig intestinal mucosa and prepare proteins for proteome analysis. In the present study, we evaluated three alternative S-Trap-based protocols for analyzing ileal mucosal scrapings from pigs. Samples were either freeze-dried and treated as solid samples or ground in liquid nitrogen, categorized as either solid or liquid samples. In our analysis, a total of 2840 proteins were identified across all samples. Through statistical analysis and gene ontology examinations, we investigated potential differences between the three approaches. Even though our findings revealed no significant differences among the three methods, we propose the use of the protocol wherein samples are freeze-dried and treated as solid for protein extraction. This protocol stands out as the most convenient and practical option, offering ease of use and ensuring consistent and reliable results. By establishing a standardized approach, we aim to advance research efforts in understanding pig intestinal health. SIGNIFICANCE: The development of an optimized protocol for protein extraction of intestinal mucosal scrapings in pigs addresses a gap in the field and enhances future research on pig intestinal health. By use of the protocol and mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis, valuable insights for improving the health and productivity of pigs can be presented. Studying the complex dynamics of the proteome within the intestinal mucosa, potentially identifying links between mucosal changes and health outcomes, provides us with information about the critical connection between intestinal health and the overall well-being and productivity of pigs. By creating a standardized approach, consistent, reliable, and reproducible results can be obtained for this type of research.
Assuntos
Mucosa Intestinal , Proteoma , Proteômica , Animais , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Suínos , Proteômica/métodos , Proteoma/análise , Proteoma/metabolismo , Espectrometria de Massas/métodosRESUMO
Research on gut microbiota has generally focused on fecal samples, representing luminal content of the large intestine. However, nutrient uptake is restricted to the small intestine. Abundant immune cell populations at this anatomical site combined with diminished mucus secretion and looser junctions (partly to allow for more efficient fluid and nutrient absorption) also results in intimate host-microbe interactions despite more rapid transit. It is thus crucial to dissect key differences in both ecology and physiology between small and large intestine to better leverage the immense potential of human gut microbiota imprinting, including probiotic engraftment at biological sensible niches. Here, we provide a detailed review unfolding how the physiological and anatomical differences between the small and large intestine affect gut microbiota composition, function, and plasticity. This information is key to understanding how gut microbiota manipulation, including probiotic administration, may strain-dependently transform host-microbe interactions at defined locations.
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Colo , Probióticos , Humanos , Intestino Delgado , Transporte Biológico , FezesRESUMO
Current study evaluated the effect of a fine and coarsely ground insoluble dietary fibre source on the gastrointestinal development of suckling pigs. Oat hulls (OH) were selected as a model feedstuff, rich in cellulose, lignin, and insoluble dietary fibre. Three experimental supplemental diets were formulated: a finely ground, low fibre and nutrient dense diet served as control (CON). For the 2 high fibre diets, 15% heat-treated starch in CON was exchanged with OH, either finely (OH-f) or coarsely ground (OH-c). Litters of 10 primi- and multiparous sows (mean litter size 14.6 ± 0.84) were used. Within a litter, experimental diets were allotted to triplets of 4 piglets. From approximately 12 d of age, piglets' individual feed intakes were recorded 2 times per day when separated from their dam for 70 min. Piglets could suckle with their dam for the remainder of the day. On d 24 and 25, from the total pool of 120 piglets, seven healthy well-eating piglets per treatment were selected for post-mortem evaluation, resulting in 14 replicates per treatment. Consumption of OH-c and OH-f did not impede clinical health and production performance of piglets. The full stomach weights tended to be greater for OH-c compared to OH-f whereas CON was intermediate (P = 0.083). Supplementing OH significantly increased ileal villus height and caecal dry matter concentration (P < 0.05). For the colon, OH increased its length, contents weight, short-chain fatty acid concentration and reduced total bacterial count as well as γ-proteobacteria count and proportion (P < 0.05). The OH-c treatment specifically increased full gastrointestinal tract weight and caecum contents weight compared to piglets fed CON and OH-f. Furthermore, OH-c reduced colonic crypt depth when compared to OH-f (P = 0.018). In conclusion, supplementing OH to a diet for suckling piglets exerted subtle developmental effects on gastrointestinal morphology and colonic microbial community. These effects were largely independent from the particle size of the OH.
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Maternal diet during early gestation affects offspring phenotype, but it is unclear whether maternal diet during late gestation influences piglet metabolism. We evaluated the impact of two dietary protein levels in sow late gestation diet and piglet nursery diet on piglet metabolism. Diets met or exceeded the crude protein and amino acid requirements. Sows received either 12% (Lower, L) or 17% (Higher, H) crude protein (CP) during the last five weeks of gestation, and piglets received 16.5% (L) or 21% (H) CP from weaning at age 3.5 weeks. This resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four sow/piglet diet treatment groups: HH and LL (match), HL and LH (mismatch). Piglet hepatic tissues were sampled and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined by RNA sequencing. At age 4.5 weeks, 25 genes were downregulated and 22 genes were upregulated in the mismatch compared to match groups. Several genes involved in catabolic pathways were upregulated in the mismatch compared to match groups, as were genes involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation. The results show a distinct interaction effect between maternal and nursery diets, implying that sow late gestation diet could be used to optimize piglet metabolism.
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Dietary fibre (DF) is implicated in gastrointestinal health of weaned piglets, either through its physiochemical properties, through modulation of gut microbiota and (or) improved gut integrity. We aimed to study the effect of DF enriched supplemental diets fed to suckling piglets ('creep feed') on health and performance after weaning when challenged with an enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Seventy-two piglets originating from 28 litters had been fed four creep diets, that is a low-fibre control (CON); a diet containing 2% long-chain arabinoxylans from wheat (lc-AXOS) or 5% purified cellulose (CELL) or a diet containing the high fermentable and the low-fermentable fibre source (i.e. 2% lc-AXOS and 5% CELL). Upon weaning, piglets were individually housed and all fed the same diet. On days 7, 8 and 9, animals received an oral dose of ETEC (5 ml containing 107 to 108 CFU/ml). Besides growth performance, faecal and skin scores were recorded daily. Gut permeability was assessed by urinary excretion of Co-EDTA prior and post-ETEC challenge. Repeated measures in time were statistically evaluated with generalized linear mixed models. We used a binominal distribution for evaluating the faecal and skin scores. Feed intake and body weight gain did not differ between treatments (p > .05). Piglets on CELL decreased gain:feed ratio in week 2 + 3 week compared to CON (p = .035). Prior to ETEC challenge, gut permeability tended to increase for lc-AXOS (p = .092). Moreover, lc-AXOS as main effect increased intestinal permeability before ETEC challenge (p = .013), whereas the low-fermentable fibre lead to elevated intestinal permeability after ETEC challenge (p = .014). The incidence of diarrhoea was higher for lc-AXOS + CELL compared with lc-AXOS (p = .036), while skin condition was unaffected. In conclusion, neither the high fermentable nor the low-fermentable fibre source improved post-weaning growth or gastrointestinal health of the piglets.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli Enterotoxigênica , Infecções por Escherichia coli , Ração Animal/análise , Animais , Dieta/veterinária , Suplementos Nutricionais , Infecções por Escherichia coli/prevenção & controle , Infecções por Escherichia coli/veterinária , Suínos , DesmameRESUMO
Trained expert panels are used routinely in boar taint research, with varying protocols for training of panelists and scoring methods. We describe a standardized process for training and scoring, to contribute to standardize the olfactory detection of boar taint. Three experiments are described in which we (1) evaluate the importance of training and the effect of the previous sample, (2) determine detection thresholds on strips and in fat for our panel, and (3) test priming panelists before boar taint evaluation. For the final evaluation of boar taint, we propose a consistent three-person evaluation scoring on a 0-4 scale using a final mean score of 0.5 as the cut-off for boar taint. This gave an optimal sensitivity of 0.81 and a specificity of 0.56 compared to chemical cut-offs. Even limited training proved useful, but priming assessors with strips did not improve the evaluation of fat samples. Detection thresholds were higher in fat compared to strips, except for indole. We recommend panelists to always smell a non-tainted control sample after a tainted one as a 'reset' mechanism, before continuing. For longitudinal studies, we additionally advise to set up an expert panel with a fixed number of assessors performing each evaluation in duplicate.
RESUMO
Claw lesions have a multifactorial origin and may affect sow welfare and farm profitability. However, estimating the precise impact is hampered by several factors that interfere with the accuracy of claw lesion assessment. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of observer, scoring condition and claw cleanliness on claw lesion scoring in sows. The first experiment evaluated the impact of observer by calculating the inter- and intra-observer reliability during three test sessions using photographs. The second experiment evaluated the impact of observer, scoring condition (Feet First© chute of Zinpro Corp., "sow chute" vs. Mobile Claw Scoring Device, "MCSD"), and claw cleanliness (clean or soiled claws) on claw lesion scoring. For this experiment, 20 hybrid mid-gestating sows were hoisted up using the sow chute in which the MCSD was positioned. Lateral and medial claw digits of both hind claws were scored for heel horn erosion and separations along the heel/sole junction and white line. Scores were given by drawing a vertical bar on a 160â¯mm tagged visual analogue scale (tVAS); the severity of a claw lesion type was determined by measuring the distance from 0â¯mm. Four scores per sow were collected and analysed: clean clawsâ¯×â¯MCSD video recordings, soiled clawsâ¯×â¯MCSD video recordings, clean clawsâ¯×â¯visual scoring in a sow chute, and soiled clawsâ¯×â¯visual scoring in a sow chute. In both experiments, observer had an impact on the claw lesion scores. The inter-observer reliability was highest for overgrown dewclaws and lowest for the horizontal wall cracks (0.84 and 0.35, resp.). The highest intra-observer reliability was found for overgrown dewclaws and heel horn erosion (0.89) and lowest for vertical wall cracks (0.64). Furthermore, scoring condition and claw cleanliness influenced the scores in the second experiment and the limits of agreements were high (23.5-58.9â¯mm). The improved concordance correlation coefficient (iCCC) was highest for the heel horn erosion scores. In conclusion, the impact of observer seemed less relevant for claw lesion scoring; however, claw cleanliness and scoring condition were important and cannot be used interchangeably.
Assuntos
Doenças do Pé/veterinária , Casco e Garras/patologia , Doenças dos Suínos/patologia , Animais , Feminino , Doenças do Pé/patologia , Variações Dependentes do Observador , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , SuínosRESUMO
Claw lesions and lameness in sows are important problems in the industry as they impair sow welfare and result in economic losses. Available scoring techniques to detect claw lesions are all limited in terms of collecting data during all reproductive phases and recording all claws. The Mobile Claw Scoring Device (MCSD) was designed to address these limitations. After considering different practical situations and a design phase, two prototypes were constructed and tested. Improvements were incorporated into a final aluminium apparatus, consisting of two cameras with light-emitting diode (LED) lights mounted in a two-segment aluminium box and covered with laminated tempered glass plates. The operating system slides underneath the claws and takes video images. This final prototype was optimised and validated in an experiment with 20 hybrid sows, comparing scores for soiled claws using the MCSD against scores for clean claws using the Feet First© sow chute (as gold standard). Fifty percent of the scores differed between both scoring tools, with mainly medial claw digits deviating, but this seemed biologically irrelevant. The MCSD seems to be an appropriate alternative for on-farm claw scoring and is distinguishable from other claw scoring techniques; however, it needs further optimisation to improve the similarity between the two techniques.
Assuntos
Casco e Garras/fisiologia , Animais , Desenho de Equipamento , Fazendas , Feminino , Doenças do Pé/patologia , Casco e Garras/patologia , Coxeadura Animal , Sistemas Automatizados de Assistência Junto ao Leito , Suínos , Doenças dos Suínos/patologiaRESUMO
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic strategy for embryo development and survival. The one-carbon metabolism can be disturbed by inadequate provision of dietary methyl donors. Because of the continuous selection for larger litters, it is relevant to explore if highly prolific sows might encounter periods of methyl donor deficiency throughout their reproductive cycles. This study, therefore, assesses the fluctuation(s) in methylation potential (MP) and aims to link possible methyl donor deficiencies to nutrient metabolism. In total, 15 hybrid sows were followed from weaning of the previous reproductive cycle (d-5) to weaning of the present cycle. Blood samples were taken at d-5, 0, 21, 42, 63, 84 and d108 of gestation, the day of parturition (d115), two weeks of lactation (d129) and at weaning (d143). Blood plasma samples were analysed for S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), free methionine, free glycine, acetylcarnitine and 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine. Serum samples were analysed for urea and creatinine. Generally, MP (i.e. ratio SAM:SAH) increased throughout gestation (p = 0.009), but strongly fluctuated in the period around parturition and weaning. From d108 to parturition, absolute plasma levels of SAM (p < 0.001), SAH (p = 0.031) and methionine (p = 0.001) increased. The first two weeks of lactation were characterised by an increase in MP (p = 0.039) due to a remaining high value of SAM and a distinct decrease in SAH (p = 0.008). During the last two weeks of lactation, MP decreased (p = 0.038) due to a decrease in SAM (p < 0.001) and a stable value for SAH. The methylation reactions seem to continue after weaning, a period crucial for the follicular and embryonic development of the subsequent litter. This study thus demonstrates that the methylation status fluctuates substantially throughout a sow's reproductive cycle, and further research is needed to identify the factors affecting methylation status.
Assuntos
Ração Animal/análise , Metilação de DNA/fisiologia , Dieta/veterinária , Nutrientes/metabolismo , Suínos/fisiologia , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal , Animais , Composição Corporal , Peso Corporal , Feminino , Nutrientes/sangue , Gravidez , Suínos/sangue , Suínos/embriologiaRESUMO
Lowering the CP level in piglet diets reduces the risk of postweaning diarrhea and N excretion to the environment. The question remains at what point CP becomes limiting. An experiment was designed with 2 standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys levels (10 and 11 g) and 6 CP levels (140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 g/kg) in a 2 × 6 factorial design (with 6 pens of 6 animals each per treatment). Linear and quadratic (QP) mixed models of performance in function of CP were fitted to study the effect of SID Lys and CP and their interaction. To determine optima, QP models and broken line models with linear (BLL) or quadratic (BLQ) ascending portions were fitted through the data. It was hypothesized 1) that the response to a decreasing digestible CP level could be described with broken line models and 2) that the break point of these models is dependent on the dietary SID Lys level. Decreasing the CP level decreased ADG (P < 0.001). For G:F, the effect of decreasing CP level depended on the SID Lys level (P of the interaction = 0.028 in the linear model and P = 0.002 in the QP model). According to the BLL model, with 11 g SID Lys in the diet, G:F started to decline with CP levels < 176 g CP [SID Lys:CP = 0.062, SID Lys:apparent total tract digestible (ATTD) CP = 0.077], and with 10 g SID Lys, CP levels < 165 g/kg (SID Lys:CP = 0.061, SID Lys:ATTD CP = 0.075) depressed performance. Serum creatinine levels showed a linear decrease with increasing SID Lys:CP levels (P < 0.001). Across both SID Lys levels, when fitting a BLL model, minimal serum urea levels were reached at an SID Lys:CP ratio of 0.064. This seems to be the point where CP and not Lys limits muscle deposition. The small difference in break point between serum urea level and performance suggests that the composition of nonessential AA may also be at stake. The effect of decreasing CP level depends on SID Lys, and using a maximal SID Lys:CP ratio may be useful for optimizing the AA profile of dietary CP. When the SID Lys:CP ratio exceeds 0.064 (SID Lys:ATTD CP > 0.079), protein and not individual AA limits growth in most piglets between 4 and 9 wk of age.
Assuntos
Ração Animal/análise , Dieta/veterinária , Proteínas Alimentares/administração & dosagem , Lisina/farmacologia , Nitrogênio/metabolismo , Suínos/metabolismo , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal/fisiologia , Animais , Nitrogênio da Ureia Sanguínea , Íleo/metabolismo , Modelos Lineares , Lisina/metabolismo , Proteínas/metabolismo , Suínos/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
Lameness and lesions to the skin and claws of sows in group housing are commonly occurring indicators of reduced welfare. Typically, these problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Group management type (dynamic versus static) and stage of gestation influence the behavior of the animals, which in turn influences the occurrence of these problems. The present study compared prevalence, incidence and mean scores of lameness and skin and claw lesions in static versus dynamic group housed sows at different stages of gestation during three consecutive reproductive cycles. A total of 10 Belgian sow herds were monitored; 5 in which dynamic groups and 5 in which static groups were utilized. All sows were visually assessed for lameness and skin lesions three times per cycle and the claws of the hind limbs were assessed once per cycle. Lameness and claw lesions were assessed using visual analogue scales. Static groups, in comparison with dynamic groups, demonstrated lower lameness scores (P<0.05) and decreased skin lesion prevalence (24.9 vs. 47.3%, P<0.05) at the end of gestation. There was no difference between treatment group regarding claw lesion prevalence with 75.5% of sows demonstrating claw lesions regardless of group management. Prevalences of lameness (22.4 vs. 8.9%, P<0.05) and skin lesions (46.6 vs. 4.4%, P<0.05) were highest during the group-housed phase compared to the individually housed phases. Although the prevalence of lameness and skin lesions did not differ three days after grouping versus at the end of the group-housing phase, their incidence peaked during the first three days after moving from the insemination stalls to the group. In conclusion, the first three days after grouping was the most risky period for lameness incidence, but there was no significant difference between static or dynamic group management.
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The aim of the present study was to explore whether marginal dietary zinc (Zn) concentrations affect claw quality measurements in weaned pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups: (1) 42 mg Zn/kg diet from ingredients only (unsupplemented, marginal dietary Zn concentration below Zn requirements of 80 mg Zn/kg feed); and (2) 106 mg Zn/kg diet, where Zn was added as ZnO (common commercial dietary Zn concentration). Claw conformation characteristics were measured at the start (day 0, 4 weeks of age) and at the end (day 36) of the study, and the histological claw characteristics of horn wall and heel horn were examined on samples collected at 9 weeks of age. Non-supplemented pigs had narrower claw widths (P= 0.028) and lower toe heights (P= 0.010) at 9 weeks. The length of the dorsal border tended to be lower for the non-supplemented piglets (P= 0.092). Claw volume and claw horn size were lower (P= 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively) for the non-supplemented pigs at 9 weeks of age. Horn growth and wear were lower for the non-supplemented pigs (P= 0.044 and P < 0.001, respectively), but net horn growth (horn growth minus wear) was not different (P= 0.406). No changes in the histological claw characteristics were observed. Differences in claw quality measurements were found between lateral and medial claw digits and between fore and hind claws. It was concluded that marginal dietary Zn concentration affected various claw quality measurements. Marginal dietary Zn concentrations may not be sufficient to maintain claw quality in pigs.
Assuntos
Casco e Garras/fisiologia , Sus scrofa/fisiologia , Zinco/metabolismo , Ração Animal/análise , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal , Animais , Dieta/veterinária , Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , Feminino , Casco e Garras/anatomia & histologia , Masculino , Distribuição Aleatória , Sus scrofa/anatomia & histologia , Desmame , Zinco/administração & dosagemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe anatomical and methodological factors influencing mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) and intra-site variability in healthy sows. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized validation. ANIMALS: Eight pregnant, healthy, mixed-parity sows (176-269 kg). METHODS: Repeated MNT measurements were taken: 1) with a hand-held probe and a limb-mounted actuator connected to a digital algometer; 2) at nine landmarks on the limbs and tail; and 3) at 1 and 3 minute intervals. Data were analysed using linear mixed regression models. RESULTS: The MNTs (±SEM) of the limbs were lower with the probe (14.7 ± 1.2 N) than with the actuator (21.3 ± 1.2 N; p < 0.001), in the pelvic versus the thoracic limbs (16.7 ± 1.2 versus 19.2 ± 1.2 N; p < 0.001), and in the lateral versus the dorsal metatarsi and metacarpi (17.6 ± 1.2 versus 18.4 ± 1.2 N; p = 0.002). MNTs were higher in all subsequent measurements compared with the first (p < 0.001) and in the morning compared with the afternoon (p = 0.04). We found no evidence of MNT differences based on interval between consecutive measurements (1 versus 3 minutes). Variability was lower in the thoracic limbs [mean back-transformed log10 coefficient of variation (CV) ± SE = 25.5 ± 1.5% versus 30.6 ± 1.5% in the pelvic limbs; p < 0.001], with the actuator (22.7 ± 1.5% versus 33.4 ± 1.5% with the probe; p < 0.001), and on the left (CV = 26.9 ± 1.5% versus 29.3 ± 1.5% on the right; p = 0.01). Tail data (probe only) were analysed separately: mean MNT (± SE) was 11.7 (±1.8); MNT increased in days 3-6 of testing compared with day 1 (p < 0.001). The mean CV (±SE) was 38.9% (±1.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MNTs and intra-site variability in healthy sows were affected by several factors, indicating that this methodology requires considerable attention to detail.
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Limiar da Dor , Suínos , Animais , Feminino , Estimulação Física , Gravidez , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
Fluctuations in Zn metabolism throughout gestation and lactation might affect Zn requirements. However, scientific data on Zn requirements for breeding sows are limited. The objective of the present study was to assess the Zn status of primiparous and multiparous sows using different Zn status biomarkers, to identify periods of critical Zn status throughout the reproductive cycle at different parities. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting before feeding in the morning from five primiparous and ten multiparous sows at fixed time intervals during gestation (days - 5, 0 (insemination), 21, 42, 63 and 84), around parturition (days 108, 112, 115 (parturition) and 118) and during lactation (days 122, 129 and 143 (weaning)). At parturition, blood samples were collected from two randomly selected piglets per sow before colostrum intake. Plasma was analysed for Zn and Cu contents, whereas serum was analysed for alkaline phosphatase, metallothionein and albumin concentrations. Independently of parity, all biomarkers fluctuated differently during gestation and lactation (P< 0·050). This reflects their different roles in Zn metabolism, and suggests that the choice of a Zn status biomarker necessitates careful consideration. Low average plasma Zn concentration at the end of gestation and throughout lactation seem to be replenished towards weaning.
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Lactação/sangue , Prenhez/sangue , Reprodução , Desmame , Zinco/sangue , Albuminas/metabolismo , Fosfatase Alcalina/sangue , Animais , Biomarcadores/sangue , Colostro , Feminino , Metalotioneína/sangue , Paridade , Parto , Gravidez , Fenômenos Reprodutivos Fisiológicos , Suínos , Zinco/metabolismoRESUMO
This study investigated whether the immunocompetence of piglets at weaning was modulated by including different sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the maternal diet. From day 73 of gestation until weaning at 4 weeks, 32 pregnant sows were fed a palm oil-based diet (control group) or a diet including 1% linseed oil (C18:3n-3), 1% echium oil (C18:3n-3, C18:4n-3, C18:3n-6) or 1% fish oil (C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3). It was hypothesized that each diet would differently affect immune function through effects such as specific eicosanoid production. Piglets were fed a conventional diet without added n-3 PUFA from weaning until day 35 post-weaning. At weaning and 21 days post-weaning, four piglets per litter were immunized with bovine thyroglobulin. Blood samples were taken from weaning until day 35 post-weaning to determine thyroglobulin-specific antibodies, serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration and fatty acid composition. The fatty acid composition of the maternal diets was reflected in the plasma and red blood cells of the weaned piglets. The onset of the thyroglobulin-specific IgM response differed between dietary groups, with a delay in response for piglets from sows fed the fish oil diet. No significant dietary effects were observed on the thyroglobulin-specific IgG and IgA titres or on SAA concentrations in the piglet serum. Including n-3 PUFA in the maternal diet at the concentrations used in the present study had no major effects on the adaptive and innate immunity of the piglets after weaning.
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Imunidade Adaptativa/efeitos dos fármacos , Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3/metabolismo , Imunidade Inata/efeitos dos fármacos , Sus scrofa/fisiologia , Ração Animal/análise , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais Recém-Nascidos/imunologia , Animais Recém-Nascidos/fisiologia , Dieta/veterinária , Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3/administração & dosagem , Feminino , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Materna/efeitos dos fármacos , Gravidez , Sus scrofa/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Sus scrofa/imunologia , DesmameRESUMO
Because research indicates that responses on dietary restrictions may depend on the gender of pigs, we examined the interaction between the lysine level in different feeding periods and the performance and carcass quality of barrows in a 2 × 2 factorial trial. In total 192 barrows were divided over 32 pens of six animals, and each pen was assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (1) high lysine levels in the growing (25-42 kg body weight [BW]), early finishing (42-73 kg BW) and in the late finishing period (73-110 kg BW) (Group HH); (2) high lysine levels in the growing and early finishing period, and low lysine level in the late finishing period (Group HL); (3) low lysine levels in the growing and early finishing period, and high lysine level in the late finishing period (Group LH); and (4) low lysine levels in all periods (Group LL). To obtain the high lysine diets, L-lysine, as well as L-threonine, DL-methionine and L-tryptophan, were added to the low-lysine diets. The low-lysine diets contained 20% (in growing) or 30% (in finishing) lysine less than the high-lysine diets. Feeding Diet LH increased the daily gain and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio in the subsequent late finishing phase (p < 0.05). Between start and slaughter, Group LL showed lower daily gain and a higher feed-to-gain ratio than the three other groups (p < 0.05). Carcass yield and lean meat percentage depended on sufficient amino acid (AA) provision in the late finishing feed (p < 0.05). Lowering the AA concentrations in the diet decreased the amount of lysine needed per kg gain and per kg lean gain (p < 0.05). An interaction between AA levels in the different phases and lean gain was observed, with Group LL showing lower lean gain than the other three groups (p < 0.05). This study shows that strategic provision of a sufficient amount of AAs either in the growing and early finishing period or in the late finishing period largely counteracts the negative effects of AA restriction in other feeding phases. Barrows can show compensatory growth after a period of AA restriction. The results of the present study show that a sufficient level of lysine in the late finishing feed rather than in the growing and early finishing feed is important for obtaining good carcass quality.
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Ração Animal/análise , Composição Corporal/efeitos dos fármacos , Dieta/veterinária , Lisina/farmacologia , Suínos/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal , Animais , Lisina/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Fatores Sexuais , Suínos/fisiologiaRESUMO
Oral feed-based passive immunization can be a promising strategy to prolong maternal lactogenic immunity against postweaning infections. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-caused postweaning diarrhea in piglets is one such infection that may be prevented by oral passive immunization and might avert recurrent economic losses to the pig farming industry. As a proof of principle, we designed anti-ETEC antibodies by fusing variable domains of llama heavy chain-only antibodies (VHHs) against ETEC to the Fc part of a porcine immunoglobulin (IgG or IgA) and expressed them in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. In this way, four VHH-IgG and four VHH-IgA antibodies were produced to levels of about 3% and 0.2% of seed weight, respectively. Cotransformation of VHH-IgA with the porcine joining chain and secretory component led to the production of light-chain devoid, assembled multivalent dimeric, and secretory IgA-like antibodies. In vitro analysis of all of the antibody-producing seed extracts showed inhibition of bacterial binding to porcine gut villous enterocytes. However, in the piglet feed-challenge experiment, only the piglets receiving feed containing the VHH-IgA-based antibodies (dose 20 mg/d per pig) were protected. Piglets receiving the VHH-IgA-based antibodies in the feed showed a progressive decline in shedding of bacteria, significantly lower immune responses corroborating reduced exposure to the ETEC pathogen, and a significantly higher weight gain compared with the piglets receiving VHH-IgG producing (dose 80 mg/d per pig) or wild-type seeds. These results stress the importance of the antibody format in oral passive immunization and encourage future expression of these antibodies in crop seeds.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli Enterotoxigênica , Infecções por Escherichia coli/veterinária , Imunização Passiva/veterinária , Sementes/metabolismo , Doenças dos Suínos/microbiologia , Doenças dos Suínos/prevenção & controle , Administração Oral , Animais , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/metabolismo , Arabidopsis , Sequência de Bases , Enterócitos/microbiologia , Infecções por Escherichia coli/prevenção & controle , Imunoglobulina A/química , Imunoglobulina A/metabolismo , Imunoglobulina G/química , Imunoglobulina G/metabolismo , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Análise de Sequência de DNA , SuínosRESUMO
Helicobacter suis is a zoonotically important bacterium, that has been associated with gastritis and ulcerative lesions of the pars oesophagea of the stomach in pigs. Its exact role in these pathologies, however, still remains controversial. Therefore, a total of 29 medicated early weaned piglets were inoculated intragastrically or orally, with a total of 2 × 10(9) viable H. suis bacteria and the effect on gastric pathology and weight gain was determined. Twenty-three medicated early weaned piglets were inoculated with a sterile culture medium and used as sham-inoculated controls. The animals were euthanized between 28 and 42 days after inoculation. Infected animals showed a more severe gastritis compared to the control group. There was also a significant reduction of approximately 60 g per day (10%) in weight gain in H. suis inoculated animals compared to the sham-inoculated control animals. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that a pure in vitro culture of H. suis not only causes gastritis but also a marked decrease of the daily weight gain in experimentally infected pigs.