Addition of calcitic seaweed in the diet of sows positively affects the number of live-born piglets and milk parameters

This study was conducted to assess the effects of maternal dietary calcitic seaweed (CSW) on performance and blood metabolites of sows, and on performance, blood metabolites, intestinal microbiota, and parameters of gastrointestinal tract and bone of litters. On d 21 (post-insemination), non-pregnant sows were removed from the trial, remaining 19 sows in control group (without CSW) and 16 sows receiving CSW. Then, a total of 35 sows were allocated in a randomized block design with two treatments: control diet with calcitic limestone plus dicalcium phosphate (CTL) or CTL plus 0.4% CSW. In gestation, sows were fed twice a day (07:00 and 15:00 h) to reach an intake of 2.5 kg animal−1 day−1 divided into two equal meals. On parturition day, sows were offered only 0.5 kg feed animal−1. Throughout lactation, sows were fed three times a day (≅7 kg animal−1 day−1). All diets were provided as mash. Results suggested that sows fed CTL had litters with lower body weight at birth compared with those fed CSW. Sows fed CSW had 14.28% more live-born piglets and lower stillborns. Piglets from sows fed CSW showed greater calcium concentration on d 14 after birth than those from sows fed CTL. Sows fed CSW showed better milk chemical composition and an increase of 27.16% in milk production compared with those fed CTL. Piglets from sows fed CSW had an increase in cecum content in the Enterobacteriaceae count. This study showed that adding 0.4% CSW in the diet of pregnant and lactating sows as an organic calcium source positively influences the number of live-born piglets and the percentage of stillborns. In addition, milk composition and production are also improved without affecting piglets' biological response.(AU)

Causes of death of sows in three Brazilian pig farms / Causas de morte de matrizes suínas em três granjas brasileiras

Sow mortality is directly related to financial losses and productive efficiency in pig farms. Despite this, diseases associated with the death of sows are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death of sows in Brazilian pig farms. To perform this research, three Brazilian pig farms were visited, and necropsies were performed on all sows that had died spontaneously or were subjected to euthanasia. Tissue fragments were collected for histopathological and bacteriological examination. In addition, the clinical signs, productive stage, parity, and type of death (spontaneous or euthanasia) were recorded. A total of 138 necropsies were performed, and 132 had a conclusive diagnosis. The most frequent productive stages were gestation and lactation (33.3 and 31.9%, respectively), followed by parturient sows (17.4%), cull sows (9.4%), weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (4.3%), and unmated gilts (3.6%). The most affected organ systems were reproductive (28%), digestive (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9.1%), and hematopoietic (6.1%). The most frequently diagnosed conditions were uterine prolapse (16/132; 12.1%), gastric ulcer (13/132; 9.8%), suppurative arthritis (11/132; 8.3%), liver lobe torsion (11/132; 8.3%), heart failure (9/132; 6.8%), vaginal or vaginal and rectal prolapse (9/132; 6.8%), and pododermatitis (8/132; 6.1%). Although 58.2% of the deaths were due to one of these seven diseases, there was a great variability in diagnoses.(AU)

A mortalidade de porcas está diretamente relacionada a perdas financeiras e à eficiência produtiva das granjas. Apesar disso, as doenças associadas à morte de porcas são pouco conhecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as principais causas de morte de porcas em granjas suinícolas brasileiras. Para a realização desta pesquisa, três granjas brasileiras foram visitadas e necropsias foram realizadas em todas as porcas que morreram espontaneamente ou foram submetidas à eutanásia. Fragmentos de tecidos foram coletados para exame histopatológico e bacteriológico. Além disso, foram registrados os sinais clínicos, estágio reprodutivo, ordem de parto e tipo de morte (espontânea ou eutanásia). Um total de 138 necropsias foram realizadas e 132 tiveram um diagnóstico conclusivo. Os estágios produtivos mais frequentes foram gestação e lactação (33,3 e 31,9%, respectivamente), seguidos por porcas parturientes (17,4%), porcas de descarte (9,4%), intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) (4,3%) e leitoas vazias (3,6%). Os sistemas orgânicos mais afetados foram reprodutor (28%), digestivo (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9,1%) e hematopoiético (6,1%). As condições mais frequentemente diagnosticadas foram prolapso uterino (16/132; 12,1%), úlcera gástrica (13/132; 9,8%), artrite supurativa (11/132; 8,3%), torção do lobo hepático (11/132; 8,3%), insuficiência cardíaca (9/132; 6,8%), prolapso vaginal ou prolapso vaginal e retal (9/132; 6,8%) e pododermatite (8/132; 6,1%). Embora 58,2% dos óbitos tenham ocorrido por uma dessas sete doenças, houve grande variabilidade de diagnósticos.(AU)

Causes of death of sows in three Brazilian pig farms / Causas de morte de matrizes suínas em três granjas brasileiras

Sow mortality is directly related to financial losses and productive efficiency in pig farms. Despite this, diseases associated with the death of sows are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death of sows in Brazilian pig farms. To perform this research, three Brazilian pig farms were visited, and necropsies were performed on all sows that had died spontaneously or were subjected to euthanasia. Tissue fragments were collected for histopathological and bacteriological examination. In addition, the clinical signs, productive stage, parity, and type of death (spontaneous or euthanasia) were recorded. A total of 138 necropsies were performed, and 132 had a conclusive diagnosis. The most frequent productive stages were gestation and lactation (33.3 and 31.9%, respectively), followed by parturient sows (17.4%), cull sows (9.4%), weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (4.3%), and unmated gilts (3.6%). The most affected organ systems were reproductive (28%), digestive (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9.1%), and hematopoietic (6.1%). The most frequently diagnosed conditions were uterine prolapse (16/132; 12.1%), gastric ulcer (13/132; 9.8%), suppurative arthritis (11/132; 8.3%), liver lobe torsion (11/132; 8.3%), heart failure (9/132; 6.8%), vaginal or vaginal and rectal prolapse (9/132; 6.8%), and pododermatitis (8/132; 6.1%). Although 58.2% of the deaths were due to one of these seven diseases, there was a great variability in diagnoses.(AU)

A mortalidade de porcas está diretamente relacionada a perdas financeiras e à eficiência produtiva das granjas. Apesar disso, as doenças associadas à morte de porcas são pouco conhecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as principais causas de morte de porcas em granjas suinícolas brasileiras. Para a realização desta pesquisa, três granjas brasileiras foram visitadas e necropsias foram realizadas em todas as porcas que morreram espontaneamente ou foram submetidas à eutanásia. Fragmentos de tecidos foram coletados para exame histopatológico e bacteriológico. Além disso, foram registrados os sinais clínicos, estágio reprodutivo, ordem de parto e tipo de morte (espontânea ou eutanásia). Um total de 138 necropsias foram realizadas e 132 tiveram um diagnóstico conclusivo. Os estágios produtivos mais frequentes foram gestação e lactação (33,3 e 31,9%, respectivamente), seguidos por porcas parturientes (17,4%), porcas de descarte (9,4%), intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) (4,3%) e leitoas vazias (3,6%). Os sistemas orgânicos mais afetados foram reprodutor (28%), digestivo (25%), locomotor (22%), cardiovascular (9,1%) e hematopoiético (6,1%). As condições mais frequentemente diagnosticadas foram prolapso uterino (16/132; 12,1%), úlcera gástrica (13/132; 9,8%), artrite supurativa (11/132; 8,3%), torção do lobo hepático (11/132; 8,3%), insuficiência cardíaca (9/132; 6,8%), prolapso vaginal ou prolapso vaginal e retal (9/132; 6,8%) e pododermatite (8/132; 6,1%). Embora 58,2% dos óbitos tenham ocorrido por uma dessas sete doenças, houve grande variabilidade de diagnósticos.(AU)

Vinasse in the diet of lactating sows and its effect on litter

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of adding vinasse as an acidifier in sows diet during the lactating period and its effect on litter. A total of 14 agroceres females were used from the first day of lactation until weaning. The vinasse was obtained in a mill near the experimental facility and was stored in sterilized barrels. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into two treatments: control liquid diet and liquid diet with the inclusion of vinasse in each feed supply of the day. The diets were supplied four times a day, containing a mixture of ½ L of vinasse and ½ L of water. Feed leftovers were weighted daily. Feed intake was used to evaluate sows performance. The piglets were weighted every week after birth until weaning in order to obtain weight gain. Vinasse inclusion showed an increase (p < 0.05) in feed intake of lactating sows, improving diet palatability. Inclusion of acidifier in the diet did not show (p > 0.05) difference in weight gain of piglets. Vinasse consumption by sows did not influence litter performance. The inclusion of vinasse in the diet of lactating sows is beneficial because increases feed consumption.(AU)

Vinasse in the diet of lactating sows and its effect on litter

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of adding vinasse as an acidifier in sows diet during the lactating period and its effect on litter. A total of 14 agroceres females were used from the first day of lactation until weaning. The vinasse was obtained in a mill near the experimental facility and was stored in sterilized barrels. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into two treatments: control liquid diet and liquid diet with the inclusion of vinasse in each feed supply of the day. The diets were supplied four times a day, containing a mixture of ½ L of vinasse and ½ L of water. Feed leftovers were weighted daily. Feed intake was used to evaluate sows’ performance. The piglets were weighted every week after birth until weaning in order to obtain weight gain. Vinasse inclusion showed an increase (p 0.05) difference in weight gain of piglets. Vinasse consumption by sows did not influence litter performance. The inclusion of vinasse in the diet of lactating sows is beneficial because increases feed consumption.

Influence of transcervical infusion of seminal plasma on the farrowing rate and litter size in artificially inseminated sows / [Influência da infusão transcervical de plasma seminal na taxa de partos e tamanho da ninhada em porcos inseminados artificialmente]

Recent studies have focused on the use of seminal plasma to increase sow fertility after classical intracervical artificial insemination (AI). The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of seminal plasma infusion, prior to the application of conventional AI dose, on the fertility rate in sows. A total of 114 sows were treated with intrauterine infusion of 30ml seminal plasma (SP), while 114 control sows were infused by physiological solution (PS), immediately before the application of conventional AI dose. The experiment was conducted at one commercial pig farm in Serbia, which is comprised of 1,500 sows in the breeding herd. Intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma produced significantly (P<0.05) higher farrowing rate (93.8%) and significantly (P<0.01) more live-born piglets per litter (12.27), compared with the control sows (83.33% farrowing rate and 10.48 piglets). The present results show that intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma can be a useful tool for increasing the fertility rate in artificially inseminated sows, under the conditions of practical intensive pig production.(AU)

Estudos recentes concentraram no uso de plasma seminal para aumentar a fertilidade de porcos após inseminação artificial intracervical clássica (AI). O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influência da infusão de plasma seminal, antes da aplicação da dose de AI convencional, na taxa de fertilidade de porcas. 114 porcas foram tratadas com infusão intrauterina de 30ml plasma seminal, e 114 porcas de controle receberam infusão de solução fisiológica (PS) imediatamente antes da aplicação da dose convencional de AI. O experimento foi realizado em uma fazenda de porcos comercial na Serbia, que é composta de 1.500 porcas no rebanho de reprodução. A infusão intrauterina de plasma seminal produziu uma taxa de fertilidade (93,8%) significativamente maior (P<0.05), e significativamente mais (P<0.01) leitões nascidos vivos por ninhada (12,27) comparado com as porcas de controle (83,33% taxa de fertilidade e 10,48 leitões). Os resultados mostram que infusão intrauterina com plasma seminal pode ser uma ferramenta útil para aumentar a taxa de fertilidade em porcas inseminadas artificialmente, sob as condições de prática de produção intensiva de porcos.(AU)

Meta-analysis of recommended digestible lysine levels for primiparous lactating sows / Meta-análise dos níveis de lisina digestível recomendados em dietas de porcas primíparas lactantes

A meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the recommended levels of digestible lysine and its influence on the productive performance of primiparous lactating sows. The database consisted of 26 publications, 138 diets and 3,820 sows was developed from articles on the association between, lysine, crude protein and lactating primiparous sows. The digestible lysine levels of the studies ranged from 0.22 to 1.43% with average values of 0.85% digestible lysine in the diet, with consumption of 41.25 g day-1. The digestible lysine intake of sows was positively correlated (P 0.05) with feed intake, essential amino acids, crude protein, metabolizable energy, body weight loss sows, milk production, number and weight of piglets at weaning. Digestible lysine intake showed negative correlation (P 0.05) with backfat thickness at weaning and weaning to oestrus interval. It was observed a quadratic effect (P 0.01) of body weight loss sow and daily weight gain of piglets and a quadratic effect (P 0.01) in the weight of piglets at weaning due to increased dietary lysine level. The level of 1.04% of digestible lysine indicates less weight loss sows. The greater weight of piglets at weaning and increased daily weight gain of piglets was verified with the addition of 1.30 and 1.07% digestible lysine in the diet, respectively.(AU)

Realizou-se a meta-análise com o objetivo de determinar o nível recomendado de lisina digestível e sua influência sobre o desempenho produtivo de porcas primíparas lactantes. A base de dados composta por 26 publicações, 138 dietas e 3.820 fêmeas foi desenvolvida a partir de artigos sobre a associação entre, lisina, proteína bruta e porcas primíparas lactantes. Os níveis de lisina digestível dos estudos variaram de 0,22 a 1,43% com valores médios de 0,85% de lisina digestível nas dietas, com consumo de 41,25 g dia-1. O consumo de lisina digestível das porcas apresentou correlação positiva (P 0,05) com o consumo de ração, aminoácidos essenciais, proteína bruta, energia metabolizável, perda de peso corporal da porca, produção de leite, número e peso de leitões ao desmame. O consumo de lisina indicou correlação negativa (P 0,05) para espessura de toucinho ao desmame e intervalo desmame-cio. Observou-se efeito quadrático (P 0,01) da perda de peso corporal da porca e ganho de peso diário dos leitões e efeito quadrático (P 0,01) do peso dos leitões ao desmame em função do aumento do nível de lisina da dieta. O nível de 1,04% de lisina digestível indica a menor perda de peso da porca. O maior peso dos leitões ao desmame e maior ganho de peso diário dos leitões é verificado com a inclusão de 1,30 e 1,07% de lisina digestível na dieta, respectivamente.(AU)

Evaporative cooling system for gestating and lactating sows: a systematic review / Sistema de resfriamento evaporativo para porcas gestantes e lactantes: uma revisão sistemática

Climatic characteristics of the production sites of pigs influence the yield of the system, with breeding sows being a category extremely sensitive to high temperatures, especially when their upper critical temperature is reached. This review evaluated the effects of the evaporative cooling system on environmental, physiological and performance parameters in breeding sows. By means of this review, a bibliographic search was performed using the following keywords: sow; swine; gilt and pig combined individually with the expression evaporative cooling. A total of 11 papers met the prerequisites determined to compose the systematic review and the studies involved gestating and lactating sows maintained in environments that presented ambient temperatures between 21.5 and 34.8 °C and relative humidity between 32.2 and 84.2%. The evaporative cooling system was used in order to cool the macro or micro environment. It can be concluded that the use of evaporative cooling system promotes increase in feed intake per lactating sow, decrease in weight loss in lactation, increase of weight of piglets at weaning, temperature reduction of the barns and decrease of the respiratory rate of the sows. For gestating sows, no changes in reproductive performance were reported.(AU)

As características climáticas dos locais de produção de suínos influenciam na produtividade do sistema, sendo as fêmeas em reprodução uma categoria extremamente sensível a elevadas temperaturas, principalmente, quando é atingida sua temperatura critica superior. Por meio desta revisão, avaliou-se os efeitos do sistema de resfriamento evaporativo sobre parâmetros ambientais, fisiológicos e de desempenho em fêmeas suínas em reprodução. Uma pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada utilizando as palavras-chave: sow; swine; gilt e pig combinadas individualmente com a expressão evaporative cooling. Um total de 11 artigos atendeu aos pré-requisitos determinados para compor a revisão sistemática, sendo que os estudos envolveram fêmeas gestantes e lactantes mantidas em ambientes que apresentaram temperaturas entre 21,5 e 34,8 °C, e umidade relativa entre 32,2 e 84,2%. O sistema de resfriamento evaporativo foi usado de forma a resfriar o macro ou micro ambiente. Pode-se concluir que o uso do sistema de resfriamento evaporativo promove aumento do consumo de ração para porcas em lactação, diminuição da perda de peso na lactação, aumento do peso dos leitões ao desmame, redução da temperatura dos galpões e diminuição da frequência respiratória das porcas. Para porcas gestantes, não foram encontradas alterações no desempenho reprodutivo.(AU)

Ciclicidade pós-desmame e protocolos de inseminação artificial em fêmeas suínas / Post-weaning cyclicity and artificial insemination protocols in swine females

O prolongamento do intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) tem impacto sobre os protocolos de inseminação artificial (IA) e sobre a eficiência reprodutiva, devido ao acúmulo de dias não produtivos. Além de fatores estacionais e de manejo, protocolos baseados em hormonioterapia podem ser usados no controle da ciclicidade das fêmeas. A administração das gonadotrofinas coriônicas equina (eCG) e humana (hCG) após o desmame pode reduzir o IDE. A inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) é baseada na sincronização da ovulação, para que uma única IA seja executada por fêmea. Protocolos para leitoas exigem sincronização prévia do estro com análogos de progesterona seguida de um indutor de ovulação, como o hormônio luteinizante suíno (pLH) ou um agonista do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH). Os protocolos para porcas desmamadas podem ser conduzidos apenas com análogos de GnRH, aplicados por via intramuscular ou intravaginal. O uso da IATF associado às técnicas de IA intrauterina e IA homospérmica poderá resultar em substancial benefício econômico e genético devido à redução no número de espermatozoides em cada IA.(AU)

A prolonged WEI has an impact on artificial insemination (AI) management and reproductive efficiency due to the accumulation of non-productive days. Besides seasonal and management factors, hormone-based protocols can be used on the control of female cyclicity. Administration of equine and human chorionic gonadotrophins (eCG and hCG, respectively) after weaning can shorten the WEI. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is based on synchronization of the ovulation, allowing a single AI to be conducted per female. Protocols of FTAI for gilts require previous estrous synchronization with progesterone analogs followed by an ovulation inductor, such as the porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) or a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Protocols of FTAI for weaned sows can be conducted only using a GnRH agonist, applied either intramuscularly or intravaginally. The use of FTAI combined with both intrauterine and homospermic AI may result in substantial financial and genetic benefits due to the reduction in the number of spermatozoa per AI.(AU)

Reproductive performance of fixed-time artificial insemination in swine and factors for the technology success / Desempenho reprodutivo da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em suínos e fatores para o sucesso da tecnologia

Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is a reproductive technology that aids in obtaining an appropriate time to perform single artificial insemination (AI), thus reducing the number of inseminations per sow bred. FTAI protocols can either be based on estrus detection or day of weaning, aiming to synchronize ovulation using ovulation inducers. The protocols involving estrus detection usually employ porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) as an inducer and, in general, satisfactory reproductive performance is observed. For protocols based on weaning day, the main hormone used is analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone such as triptorelin and buserelin. Regardless of the protocol, the number of piglets born is usually not affected by FTAI. However, a possible compromise in the farrowing rate should be considered. The FTAI in gilts requires progestogen treatment for estrus synchronization, increasing the labor requirement and cost of protocol. Some of the benefits of FTAI are a reduced number of semen doses required, advantage of planning the breeding time and; consequently, optimizing labor involved. However, the limitations include a slight reduction in the fertility index due to the compromised farrowing rate in some cases, costs incurred by following the protocol, and difficulty in measuring all the conceptual benefits under commercial conditions. The aim of this review is to approach the reproductive performance of the current protocols of FTAI, considering the benefits and limitations of this technology in swine production.(AU)

A inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) surge como uma biotecnologia para definir o melhor momento para realizar uma única IA, reduzindo o número de células espermáticas por fêmea inseminada. Os protocolos de IATF podem se basear na detecção do estro ou na data de desmame e têm como objetivo sincronizar a ovulação a partir do uso de indutores da ovulação. Protocolos baseados na detecção de estro comumente utilizam o hormônio luteinizante suíno (pLH) como indutor e, de maneira geral, resultados satisfatórios têm sido observados quanto à performance reprodutiva. No caso dos protocolos baseados na data de desmame, os principais hormônios utilizados são os análogos do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina: triptorelina e buserelina. Independentemente do protocolo, o número de nascidos totais normalmente não é afetado pelo uso da IATF. Porém, um possível comprometimento na taxa de parto deve ser considerado. Já a aplicação da IATF em leitoas requer o fornecimento de um progestágeno, para sincronização do estro, aumentando o manejo e o custo do protocolo. A IATF pode proporcionar diversos benefícios para a indústria suinícola, uma vez que é possível reduzir o número de doses de sêmen produzidas, melhorar o planejamento de coberturas e, consequentemente, otimizar a mão de obra. No entanto, essa biotecnologia apresenta limitações devendo ser considerado a redução nos dados de fertilidade, uma vez que a taxa de parto pode ser comprometida em alguns casos e, o custo do protocolo e a dificuldade de estimar todos os benefícios conceituais da IATF quando aplicada sob condições comerciais. O objetivo dessa revisão é abordar o desempenho reprodutivo dos mais recentes protocolos de IATF, considerando os benefícios e as limitações dessa tecnologia na produção de suínos.(AU)

Ciclicidade pós-desmame e protocolos de inseminação artificial em fêmeas suínas / Post-weaning cyclicity and artificial insemination protocols in swine females

O prolongamento do intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) tem impacto sobre os protocolos de inseminação artificial (IA) e sobre a eficiência reprodutiva, devido ao acúmulo de dias não produtivos. Além de fatores estacionais e de manejo, protocolos baseados em hormonioterapia podem ser usados no controle da ciclicidade das fêmeas. A administração das gonadotrofinas coriônicas equina (eCG) e humana (hCG) após o desmame pode reduzir o IDE. A inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) é baseada na sincronização da ovulação, para que uma única IA seja executada por fêmea. Protocolos para leitoas exigem sincronização prévia do estro com análogos de progesterona seguida de um indutor de ovulação, como o hormônio luteinizante suíno (pLH) ou um agonista do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH). Os protocolos para porcas desmamadas podem ser conduzidos apenas com análogos de GnRH, aplicados por via intramuscular ou intravaginal. O uso da IATF associado às técnicas de IA intrauterina e IA homospérmica poderá resultar em substancial benefício econômico e genético devido à redução no número de espermatozoides em cada IA.

A prolonged WEI has an impact on artificial insemination (AI) management and reproductive efficiency due to the accumulation of non-productive days. Besides seasonal and management factors, hormone-based protocols can be used on the control of female cyclicity. Administration of equine and human chorionic gonadotrophins (eCG and hCG, respectively) after weaning can shorten the WEI. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is based on synchronization of the ovulation, allowing a single AI to be conducted per female. Protocols of FTAI for gilts require previous estrous synchronization with progesterone analogs followed by an ovulation inductor, such as the porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) or a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Protocols of FTAI for weaned sows can be conducted only using a GnRH agonist, applied either intramuscularly or intravaginally. The use of FTAI combined with both intrauterine and homospermic AI may result in substantial financial and genetic benefits due to the reduction in the number of spermatozoa per AI.

Phenotypic correlation of characteristics in the gilt performance test with an average number of live-born piglets through all achieved births, during the reproductive exploitation / Ligação fenotípica de características no teste de desempenho de leitões com um número médio de leitões nascidos vivos durante todos os nascimentos realizados, durante a exploração reprodutiva

Reproductive efficacy of sows dictates the level of profitability of the production itself, and the moment of testing and selection of gilts for breeding (as the parents of a future generation), represents a very important moment. Given the fact that the selection of gilts for breeding is partly based on the weight-gain in the test, in this study we examined the influence of a daily weight-gain of gilts in the test of the manifestation of important reproductive characteristics - the size of the litter of the first and the other parities, as well as the percentage of sows that gave birth in relation to previous breeding process. Data of the 11637 tested gilts that completed the performance test have been used for the test. The studied characteristics were: the weight-gain at the end of the test, the number of live-born piglets, the number of stillborn piglets and the number of grown-weaned piglets in the first litter and the total number of live-born piglets, the total number of stillborn piglets and the total number of grown-weaned piglets. The results obtained in this study showed the effect of weight-gain in the reproductive efficacy test in the number of the live-born piglets in the first and from the 2nd to the 9th parity, as well as the percentage of the sows included in the next breeding process. By including all selected independent variables that showed the adequate statistical significance in correlation with the dependent variable, the determination coefficient rises to a value of 0.098 which represents 9.80% of the influence on the dependent variable, that can be explained by the independent variable, which leads to the conclusion that the binding strength between the variable "average live" and all the independent variables: "the number of litters", the MLD depth" and "the back-fat thickness", is very weak, which is not a rare case in multiple regression.(AU)

A eficácia reprodutiva das porcas dita o nível de rentabilidade da própria produção, e o momento do teste e seleção de leitoas para reprodução (como os pais de uma geração futura) representa um momento muito importante. Dado o fato de que a seleção de leitoas para criação é parcialmente baseada no ganho de peso no teste, neste estudo examinamos a influência de um ganho de peso diário de leitoas no teste da manifestação de importantes características reprodutivas - o tamanho da ninhada da primeira e das outras paridades, assim como a porcentagem de porcas que deram à luz em relação ao processo de criação anterior. Os dados das 11637 leitoas testadas que completaram o teste de desempenho foram utilizados para o teste. As características estudadas foram: o ganho de peso ao final do teste, o número de leitões nascidos vivos, o número de leitões natimortos e o número de leitões desmamados na primeira ninhada e o número total de leitões nascidos vivos , o número total de leitões natimortos e o número total de leitões desmamados. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo mostraram o efeito do ganho de peso no teste de eficácia reprodutiva no número de leitões nascidos vivos na primeira e da segunda à nona paridade, bem como a porcentagem de porcas incluídas na próximo processo de criação. Ao incluir todas as variáveis independentes selecionadas que mostraram a significância estatística adequada em correlação com a variável dependente, o coeficiente de determinação sobe para um valor de 0.098 que representa 9.80% da influência sobre a variável dependente, que pode ser explicada pela variável independente, que leva à conclusão de que a força de ligação entre a variável "média viva" e todas as variáveis independentes: "o número de ninhadas", a profundidade MLD "e" a espessura de gordura "é muito fraca, o que não é raro caso em regressão múltipla.(AU)

Phenotypic correlation of characteristics in the gilt performance test with an average number of live-born piglets through all achieved births, during the reproductive exploitation / Ligação fenotípica de características no teste de desempenho de leitões com um número médio de leitões nascidos vivos durante todos os nascimentos realizados, durante a exploração reprodutiva

Reproductive efficacy of sows dictates the level of profitability of the production itself, and the moment of testing and selection of gilts for breeding (as the parents of a future generation), represents a very important moment. Given the fact that the selection of gilts for breeding is partly based on the weight-gain in the test, in this study we examined the influence of a daily weight-gain of gilts in the test of the manifestation of important reproductive characteristics - the size of the litter of the first and the other parities, as well as the percentage of sows that gave birth in relation to previous breeding process. Data of the 11637 tested gilts that completed the performance test have been used for the test. The studied characteristics were: the weight-gain at the end of the test, the number of live-born piglets, the number of stillborn piglets and the number of grown-weaned piglets in the first litter and the total number of live-born piglets, the total number of stillborn piglets and the total number of grown-weaned piglets. The results obtained in this study showed the effect of weight-gain in the reproductive efficacy test in the number of the live-born piglets in the first and from the 2nd to the 9th parity, as well as the percentage of the sows included in the next breeding process. By including all selected independent variables that showed the adequate statistical significance in correlation with the dependent variable, the determination coefficient rises to a value of 0.098 which represents 9.80% of the influence on the dependent variable, that can be explained by the independent variable, which leads to the conclusion that the binding strength between the variable "average live" and all the independent variables: "the number of litters", the MLD depth" and "the back-fat thickness", is very weak, which is not a rare case in multiple regression.(AU)

A eficácia reprodutiva das porcas dita o nível de rentabilidade da própria produção, e o momento do teste e seleção de leitoas para reprodução (como os pais de uma geração futura) representa um momento muito importante. Dado o fato de que a seleção de leitoas para criação é parcialmente baseada no ganho de peso no teste, neste estudo examinamos a influência de um ganho de peso diário de leitoas no teste da manifestação de importantes características reprodutivas - o tamanho da ninhada da primeira e das outras paridades, assim como a porcentagem de porcas que deram à luz em relação ao processo de criação anterior. Os dados das 11637 leitoas testadas que completaram o teste de desempenho foram utilizados para o teste. As características estudadas foram: o ganho de peso ao final do teste, o número de leitões nascidos vivos, o número de leitões natimortos e o número de leitões desmamados na primeira ninhada e o número total de leitões nascidos vivos , o número total de leitões natimortos e o número total de leitões desmamados. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo mostraram o efeito do ganho de peso no teste de eficácia reprodutiva no número de leitões nascidos vivos na primeira e da segunda à nona paridade, bem como a porcentagem de porcas incluídas na próximo processo de criação. Ao incluir todas as variáveis independentes selecionadas que mostraram a significância estatística adequada em correlação com a variável dependente, o coeficiente de determinação sobe para um valor de 0.098 que representa 9.80% da influência sobre a variável dependente, que pode ser explicada pela variável independente, que leva à conclusão de que a força de ligação entre a variável "média viva" e todas as variáveis independentes: "o número de ninhadas", a profundidade MLD "e" a espessura de gordura "é muito fraca, o que não é raro caso em regressão múltipla.(AU)

Consequências do uso de mães de leite no desempenho reprodutivo em fêmeas suínas / Consequences of the use of nurse sows in the reproductive performance in sows

A cadeia produtiva de suínos tem se tornado cada vez mais eficiente devido aos avanços no melhoramento genético, na nutrição, no emprego das biotecnologias da reprodução, dentre outros fatores. Esse melhoramento tornou as fêmeas suínas hiperprolíficas, capazes de produzir elevado número de leitões nascidos vivos, contudo, as mesmas nem sempre estão aptas a aleitar todos os leitões nascidos, principalmente pela incompatibilidade relacionada ao número de tetos. Deste modo, torna-se necessária a utilização de mães de leites, matrizes desmamadas que serão responsáveis por aleitar leitões oriundos de outras fêmeas. A utilização de mães de leite não é muito empregada no Brasil, contudo alguns trabalhos têm mostrado maior número de leitões nascidos totais e vivos no parto subsequente, sendo necessário mais estudos, a fim de se consolidar essas informações.(AU)

Pig production has become increasingly efficient due to advances in genetic breeding, nutrition, the use of reproductive biotechnologies, among other factors. This improvement made the hyperprolific swine females to be able to produce a high number of live-born piglets, however, it is not always able to suckle all the piglets born, mainly due to the incompatibility related to the number of teats. Thus, it is necessary to use nurse sow, weaned sows that will be responsible for suckling piglets from other females. The use of nurse sows is not widely used in Brazil, but some studies have shown a higher number of piglets born total and alive in the subsequent farrow, and further study is needed in order to consolidate this information.(AU)

Consequências do uso de mães de leite no desempenho reprodutivo em fêmeas suínas / Consequences of the use of nurse sows in the reproductive performance in sows

A cadeia produtiva de suínos tem se tornado cada vez mais eficiente devido aos avanços no melhoramento genético, na nutrição, no emprego das biotecnologias da reprodução, dentre outros fatores. Esse melhoramento tornou as fêmeas suínas hiperprolíficas, capazes de produzir elevado número de leitões nascidos vivos, contudo, as mesmas nem sempre estão aptas a aleitar todos os leitões nascidos, principalmente pela incompatibilidade relacionada ao número de tetos. Deste modo, torna-se necessária a utilização de mães de leites, matrizes desmamadas que serão responsáveis por aleitar leitões oriundos de outras fêmeas. A utilização de mães de leite não é muito empregada no Brasil, contudo alguns trabalhos têm mostrado maior número de leitões nascidos totais e vivos no parto subsequente, sendo necessário mais estudos, a fim de se consolidar essas informações.

Pig production has become increasingly efficient due to advances in genetic breeding, nutrition, the use of reproductive biotechnologies, among other factors. This improvement made the hyperprolific swine females to be able to produce a high number of live-born piglets, however, it is not always able to suckle all the piglets born, mainly due to the incompatibility related to the number of teats. Thus, it is necessary to use nurse sow, weaned sows that will be responsible for suckling piglets from other females. The use of nurse sows is not widely used in Brazil, but some studies have shown a higher number of piglets born total and alive in the subsequent farrow, and further study is needed in order to consolidate this information.

Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of non-Helicobacter pylori species in the gastric mucosa of naturally infected pigs

Infection by Helicobacter spp. has been associated with gastritis and ulcers in pigs and humans. Association between Helicobacter species and lesions can contribute to determine specific pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to describe ultrastructural aspects of Helicobacter spp. and identify Helicobacter species by PCR assay. Gastric samples from 13 naturally infected sows were analyzed. From these, 12 were positive for Helicobacter spp. 16S rRNA gene and seven were identified as H. suis. The species was not identified in five samples and all samples were negative for urease gene. The sequencing of rRNA gene of five samples showed similarity with H. suis and H. heilmannii type I. Seven samples positive for Helicobacter genus generated no sequenceable fragments. On ultrastructural study, three samples showed helical bacteria measuring 4 to 6 μm long, 0.5 to 0.8 μm width, 4 to 8 spirals and 2 to 6 bipolar flagella. Two samples showed bacteria measuring 9 to 10 μm in length, 0.5 μm width, 22 to 24 spirals and no flagella, characterizing Helicobacter non-H. pylori, but these samples were negative for H. suis. In conclusion, the results indicate that adult pigs are commonly infected by helical bacteria presenting different ultrastructural characteristics, suggesting that mixed infection is frequent.

Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of non-Helicobacter pylori species in the gastric mucosa of naturally infected pigs

Infection by Helicobacter spp. has been associated with gastritis and ulcers in pigs and humans. Association between Helicobacter species and lesions can contribute to determine specific pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to describe ultrastructural aspects of Helicobacter spp. and identify Helicobacter species by PCR assay. Gastric samples from 13 naturally infected sows were analyzed. From these, 12 were positive for Helicobacter spp. 16S rRNA gene and seven were identified as H. suis. The species was not identified in five samples and all samples were negative for urease gene. The sequencing of rRNA gene of five samples showed similarity with H. suis and H. heilmannii type I. Seven samples positive for Helicobacter genus generated no sequenceable fragments. On ultrastructural study, three samples showed helical bacteria measuring 4 to 6 μm long, 0.5 to 0.8 μm width, 4 to 8 spirals and 2 to 6 bipolar flagella. Two samples showed bacteria measuring 9 to 10 μm in length, 0.5 μm width, 22 to 24 spirals and no flagella, characterizing Helicobacter non-H. pylori, but these samples were negative for H. suis. In conclusion, the results indicate that adult pigs are commonly infected by helical bacteria presenting different ultrastructural characteristics, suggesting that mixed infection is frequent.(AU)

Insertion of an intrauterine catheter for post-cervical artificial insemination in gilts: a case report / Introdução do cateter intrauterino para inseminação artificial pós-cervical em leitoas: um relato de caso

The aim of this case report was to characterize the insertion of an intrauterine catheter (IC) in gilts to perform post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI). Attempts to insert ICs through the cervixes of gilts were performed using either a standard sow foam tip catheter (SFC; n = 25) or a standard gilt foam tip catheter (GFC; n = 25). The percentage of passage, depth and degree of difficulty for insertion were evaluated. The average depth of IC insertion was 10.1 ± 1.3 cm for SFC and 10.0 ± 1.2 cm for GFC. For both catheters, insertion depths of greater than 10 cm were achieved in the first insemination in 44% of gilts. Insertion depths of greater than 6 cm were observed in 72% and 60% of attempts using SFC and GFC, respectively. A high level of difficulty for IC insertion was observed, mainly while using GFC. In conclusion, the routine application of PCAI in gilts on swine farms remains limited by the low success rate for intrauterine catheter insertion. In further studies, we suggest evaluating reproductive performance using low insertion depths for PCAI in gilts, and assessing the use of sow foam tip catheter as a guide to introduce the IC.(AU)

O objetivo deste relato de caso foi caracterizar a inserção de um cateter intrauterino (IC) em leitoas para realização da inseminação pós-cervical (PCAI). Tentativas de inserir o IC através da cérvix em leitoas foram realizadas usando um cateter de ponta de espuma padrão utilizado para porcas (SFC; n=25) e um cateter de ponta de espuma padrão utilizado para leitoas (GFC; n=25). O percentual de passagem, profundidade e grau de dificuldade para a inserção do IC através da cérvix foram avaliados. A profundidade média de inserção do IC foi 10,1 ± 1,3 cm para SFC e 10,0 ± 1,2 cm para GFC. Para ambos cateteres, profundidades maiores que 10 cm para a inserção do IC na primeira inseminação foram possíveis em 44% das leitoas. Inserções maiores que 6 cm foram observadas em 72% e 60% das tentativas utilizando SFC e GFC, respectivamente. Alto nível de dificuldade para a inserção do IC foi observada, principalmente para GFC. A aplicação da PCAI em leitoas, na rotina prática em granjas de suínos, permanece limitada pela baixa taxa de sucesso para a inserção do IC. Em estudos futuros, sugerimos o uso de menor profundidade de inserção para realizar a PCAI em leitoas e o uso de cateteres de porcas como guia para introduzir o cateter intrauterino.(AU)

Feeding frequencies and their effect on behavior of nursing sows

An experiment to relate behavior activities with reference to feeding was carried on 16 lactating sows and their litters after one week of farrowing. Two types of diets were fed to the sows. The control group (C) animals were fed with standard ration containing 18% crude protein (CP). The ration for kitchen waste fed group (K) was prepared by substituting the CP of standard ration by food leftover kitchen wastes to the extent of 40%. The sows were randomly distributed into four groups based on frequency of feeding either once (C1, K1) or twice (C2, K2). All the sows were housed individually. The behavior data of sows were collected on ethogram data sheet using scan sampling method. Instantaneous sampling time recording rule was followed to record the listed activities at regular interval during the study period. The sows activities were recorded for 15 days after one week of farrowing. The activities were recorded for 4 hours split between morning and evening, one hour before and one hour after offering of feeds to the sows (8:30 to 9:30 am, 10:30 to 11:30 am, 3:00 to 4:00 pm and 4:30 to 5:30 pm). Nine behavioral parameters were recorded and categorized into 3 major attributes viz., feeding and nursing behavior, active self-care behavior and inactive resting behavior. The sows weaned their litters at the end of 8 weeks. The data on litter size at birth and at weaning was used to compare the nursing behavior with productivity of sows. The increased frequency of feeding made sows spend significantly more time (P<0.01) in eating while reducing their inactive resting time. Thus reduced frequency of feeding to once per day is more beneficial in terms of keeping pigs undisturbed and also this reduces the labour requirement for feeding purpose. (AU)

Feeding frequencies and their effect on behavior of nursing sows

An experiment to relate behavior activities with reference to feeding was carried on 16 lactating sows and their litters after one week of farrowing. Two types of diets were fed to the sows. The control group (C) animals were fed with standard ration containing 18% crude protein (CP). The ration for kitchen waste fed group (K) was prepared by substituting the CP of standard ration by food leftover kitchen wastes to the extent of 40%. The sows were randomly distributed into four groups based on frequency of feeding either once (C1, K1) or twice (C2, K2). All the sows were housed individually. The behavior data of sows were collected on ethogram data sheet using scan sampling method. Instantaneous sampling time recording rule was followed to record the listed activities at regular interval during the study period. The sows activities were recorded for 15 days after one week of farrowing. The activities were recorded for 4 hours split between morning and evening, one hour before and one hour after offering of feeds to the sows (8:30 to 9:30 am, 10:30 to 11:30 am, 3:00 to 4:00 pm and 4:30 to 5:30 pm). Nine behavioral parameters were recorded and categorized into 3 major attributes viz., feeding and nursing behavior, active self-care behavior and inactive resting behavior. The sows weaned their litters at the end of 8 weeks. The data on litter size at birth and at weaning was used to compare the nursing behavior with productivity of sows. The increased frequency of feeding made sows spend significantly more time (P<0.01) in eating while reducing their inactive resting time. Thus reduced frequency of feeding to once per day is more beneficial in terms of keeping pigs undisturbed and also this reduces the labour requirement for feeding purpose.