Evaluation of Improvest effects on production parameters of gilts from two different genetic sire lines.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of Improvest on the performance and carcass characteristics of gilts from two different genetic sire lines and the performance of Improvest gilts with castrated male pigs. It was hypothesized that performance parameters observed for Improvest gilts would be similar to barrows, thus narrowing the performance gaps between traditionally managed gilts and barrows. Pigs were from Large White/Landrace dams and either Duroc-Pietrain (DP) or Duroc (D) sires. Females within each genetic sire line were randomized by weight to receive the first dose of Improvest (IMP) on day 25 of the study or to serve as a nontreated control (DP IMP gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D IMP gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), DP CON gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D CON gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen). The second dose of Improvest was administered 6 wk later (i.e., day 67). Barrows did not receive Improvest (DP barrow [n = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen], D barrow [n = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen]). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were measured at 21 d intervals throughout the duration of the study. The targeted weight for pigs to be marketed was 133 ±â€…2.5 kg. Carcass characteristics and loin quality parameters were evaluated on a subset of pigs (n = 283). Improvest-treated gilts of both genetic lines had increased (P ≤ 0.05) ADG and ADFI compared to untreated gilts during the post-second dose intervals with values exceeding that of barrows from day 84 to marketing. Overall, DP IMP gilts had increased (P ≤ 0.05) G:F post-second dose compared to DP CON gilts and DP barrows, yet all other treatments were similar. As pigs were marketed at a similar weight, there was no difference in the final weight, however, DP IMP gilts and DP barrows reached market weight sooner (P ≤ 0.05) than DP CON gilts (109.9 and 111.8 vs. 114.3 ±â€…0.8 d). Backfat and loin weight were greater (P < 0.01) in IMP gilts versus CON gilts, while IMP gilts and barrows had similar values within each respective genetic sire line. There were no differences between treatments (P ≥ 0.08) for pH and instrumental color of the loins. When the pass rate of loins (Japanese color score ≥ 3.0 and marbling ≥ 2.0) was evaluated, IMP gilts were at intermediate values between CON gilts and barrows for each respective genetic sire line. Overall, Improvest within a genetic line improved gilt carcass measurements so that they were more similar to barrows.

The effect of timing of Improvest administration on growth performance and carcass characteristics in gilts.

Improvest (IMP; Zoetis Inc., Parsippany, NJ) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in gilts. Improvest is administered twice: the first dose should be administered no earlier than 9 wk of age and the second dose (D2) at least 4 wk after the first dose. The aim of this study was to determine how the timing of IMP before harvest affects growth performance and carcass characteristics in gilts. A total of 1,632 gilts were allocated to four groups (12 pens/treatment; 34 gilts/pen): 1) a control group did not receive IMP; 2) T-early gilts received IMP on day 7 (day 0 = 10 wk postweaning), and D2 on day 40 (i.e., 35 d prior to first removal for harvest); 3) T-medium gilts received IMP on day 21 and D2 on day 56 (i.e., 19 d prior to first removal for harvest); 4) T-late gilts received IMP on day 35 and D2 on day 70 (i.e., 5 d before first removal for harvest). Pigs were selected for harvest by visual observation on days 75, 89, 103, and 117: 1) the heaviest 7 gilts/pen for each treatment on day 75; 2) the heaviest 10 gilts/pen of each treatment at day 89; 3) the heaviest 10 gilts/pen of each treatment on day 103; and 4) the remaining 7 gilts/pen on day 117. Weights and feed disappearance were recorded every 2 wk and during harvest dates to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (Gain:Feed; G:F). Generalized linear mixed models of SAS were used to analyze all variables. The increase in ADFI over Control gilts was observed 15 d post D2 and continued through 77 d post D2, with advantages in ADG occurring between 15 and 35 d post D2. Control and IMP treated gilts had similar G:F 15 to 33 d post D2. The overall ADG and ADFI from day 0 to market, final live weights, and hot carcass weights were significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in IMP gilts compared to Control. When G:F based on live weight was averaged across all groups (i.e., from day 0 to market), T-early had the lowest (P ≤ 0.05) G:F compared to Control, T-medium, and T-late gilts, which did not differ. Carcasses from IMP gilts had increased (P < 0.01) backfat, but similar (P = 0.5) Longissimus muscle depth, compared to Control. Within a cohort of similar aged gilts finishing during the summer, this study indicates that the trajectory of growth is enhanced within a similar window post D2 of IMP. Gilts treated with IMP had heavier carcasses with increased backfat and similar Longissimus muscle depth.

Timing of maternal nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation influences net umbilical uptake of glucose and amino acids in adolescent sheep.

Previous research demonstrated that maternal nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation influenced net umbilical uptakes of glucose and amino acids in sheep. However, it is unclear how the timing and duration of nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation influences net uterine, uteroplacental, and fetal flux of glucose and amino acids. On day 50 of gestation, 41 adolescent ewe lambs carrying singletons were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments: 1) 100% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 90 of gestation (CON; n = 7); 2) 60% of nutrient requirements (RES; n = 7) from days 50 to 90 of gestation; 3) 100% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 130 of gestation (CON-CON; n = 6); 4) 100% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 90 of gestation and 60% of nutrient requirements from days 90 to 130 of gestation (CON-RES; n = 7); 5) 60% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 90 of gestation and 100% of nutrient requirements from days 90 to 130 of gestation (RES-CON; n = 7); or 6) 60% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 130 of gestation (RES-RES; n = 7). On day 90 (n = 14) and day 130 (n = 27), intraoperative procedures were performed to evaluate uteroplacental blood flows, collect blood samples, and then ewes were euthanized. Net uterine, uteroplacental, and umbilical fluxes of glucose and amino acids were calculated by multiplying blood flow by the arterial-venous concentration difference. Data from days 90 and 130 were analyzed separately using ANOVA in SAS. Maternal nutrient restriction during mid-gestation increased (P = 0.04) net umbilical glucose uptake but, maternal nutrient restriction during late-gestation decreased (P = 0.02) net umbilical glucose uptake. Net umbilical essential amino acid uptake decreased (P = 0.03) with nutrient restriction during mid-gestation; however, net umbilical uptakes of Phe (P = 0.02), Thr (P = 0.05), Met (P = 0.09), and His (P = 0.08) increased or tended to increase after nutrient restriction during late-gestation. These data demonstrate that net umbilical glucose and amino acid uptakes were influenced by the timing of nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation. Elevated net umbilical glucose uptake after mid-gestational nutrient restriction was sustained throughout late-gestation, independent of late-gestational feeding level. Long-term adaptations in umbilical glucose uptake may have implications for prenatal and postnatal growth and development of the offspring.

Maternal undernutrition during gestation can lead to decreased fetal growth, decreased uteroplacental blood flow, and changes in nutrient supply to the fetus. However, it is unclear how the timing (mid-gestation vs. late-gestation) and duration (40 d vs. 80 d) of nutrient restriction influence nutrient supply to the fetus during mid- to late-gestation. Pregnant ewe lambs fed a pelleted diet to meet 100% of nutritional requirements or 60% of nutritional requirements during mid-gestation alone (days 50 to 90) or during mid- and late-gestation (days 50 to 130). At the end of mid-gestation and late-gestation, the net nutrient supply between the maternal, placental, and fetal compartments was measured. The results indicated that the timing of nutrient restriction influenced the net nutrient supply to the fetus but, the duration of nutrient restriction did not. Nutrient restriction during mid-gestation increased glucose to the fetus but nutrient restriction during late-gestation decreased glucose to the fetus. The opposite response occurred for fetal essential amino acid supply where nutrient restriction during mid-gestation decreased essential amino acid supply to the fetus but increased for several essential amino acids during late-gestational nutrient restriction. The timing of maternal undernutrition during mid- to late-gestation can affect the amount of nutrients delivered to the fetus and thus, could potentially impact postnatal growth and development.

Use of Cytopoint in the Allergic Dog.

Allergic dermatitis is the most common type of skin disease in dogs. Of all dogs, 20 to 30% present with some type of allergic dermatitis. Pruritus is one of the most important signs of allergic dermatitis and is often the most challenging to control. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) has been found to be one of the main initiators of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis. Cytopoint®, a caninized monoclonal anti-IL-31 antibody, has been shown to be effective for the treatment of dogs against allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. US label indication. A recent retrospective study reported that Cytopoint achieved treatment success in 87.8% of the cases with allergic dermatitis. No prospective cohort studies have been performed investigating the effects of Cytopoint in dogs with allergic dermatitis using the dosing protocol prescribed on the product label in the United States. In this study, our objectives were to assess the efficacy of Cytopoint for treatment of canine allergic dermatitis of variable etiologies and management of the associated pruritus, and add to the body of evidence available to the veterinarian as they make treatment recommendations. Dogs included in this study had moderate to severe pruritus according to the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS; ≥ 50 mm) and a history of likely continuation of pruritus at the time of presentation. On day 0, investigators recorded the initial body weight and every patient received one dose of Cytopoint (minimum 2 mg/kg SQ) and an isoxazoline product for parasite control. Treatment success for this study was defined as a ≥20 mm reduction in PVAS from Day 0. On Day 7, 94% of the dogs had achieved treatment success. On Day 28, 98% had achieved treatment success and cumulatively by day 56, 100% of the dogs achieved treatment success. This prospective study provides evidence that Cytopoint effectively treats dogs with allergic dermatitis of different types and the associated pruritus.

Mid- to late-gestational maternal nutrient restriction followed by realimentation alters development and lipid composition of liver and skeletal muscles in ovine fetuses.

Maternal nutrient restriction during gestation adversely affects offspring growth and development of liver and skeletal muscle tissues. Realimentation following nutrient restriction may alleviate these negative impacts on development but may alter metabolism and tissue composition. Forty-eight ewes, pregnant with singletons, were fed to meet 100% National Research Council (NRC) recommendations starting at the beginning of gestation. On day 50 of gestation, seven ewes were euthanized (BASE), and fetal liver, skeletal muscles, and blood samples were collected. The remaining animals were fed either 100% of NRC recommendations (CON) or 60% NRC recommendations (RES), a subset were euthanized at day 90 of gestation (n = 7/treatment), and fetal samples were collected. Remaining ewes were maintained on the current diet (CON-CON, n = 6; RES-RES, n = 7) or switched to the alternate diet (CON-RES, RES-CON; n = 7/treatment). On day 130 of gestation, the remaining ewes were euthanized, and fetal samples were collected. At day 130 of gestation, maternal nutrient restriction during late-gestation (RES-RES and CON-RES) decreased fetal liver weight (P < 0.01) and cross-sectional area in triceps brachii (P = 0.01; TB), longissimus dorsi (P = 0.02; LM), and semitendinosus (P = 0.05; STN) muscles. Maternal nutrient restriction during mid-gestation increased hepatocyte vacuole size at day 130 of gestation. Late-gestational maternal nutrient restriction increased mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-1 (P < 0.01), glycogen synthase 2 (P = 0.01; GYS2), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (P < 0.01; PDHK1) in the liver and IGF receptor 1 (P = 0.05) in the LM. Lipid concentration in the LM was decreased by late-gestational nutrient restriction (P = 0.01) and increased by mid-gestational nutrient restriction in STN (P = 0.03) and TB (P < 0.01). Principal component analysis of lipidomics data demonstrated clustering of principal components by day of gestation and elastic net regression identified 50, 44, and 29 lipids that classified the treatments in the fetal liver, LM, and blood, respectively. In conclusion, restricting maternal nutrition impacts fetal liver and muscle morphology, gene expression, and lipid metabolism, whereas realimentation attenuated some of these effects. Therefore, realimentation may be a viable strategy to reduce the impacts of nutrient restriction, but can lead to alterations in lipid metabolism in sheep.

Effects of Nutrient Restriction During Midgestation to Late Gestation on Maternal and Fetal Postruminal Carbohydrase Activities in Sheep.

To examine the effects of nutrient restriction during midgestation to late gestation on maternal and fetal digestive enzyme activities, 41 singleton ewes (48.3 ±â€…0.6 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments: 100% (control; CON; n = 20) or 60% of nutrient requirements (restricted; RES; n = 21) from day 50 until day 90 (midgestation). At day 90, 14 ewes (CON, n = 7; RES, n = 7) were euthanized. The remaining ewes were subjected to treatments of nutrient restriction or remained on a control diet from day 90 until day 130 (late gestation): CON-CON (n = 6), CON-RES (n = 7), RES-CON (n = 7), and RES-RES (n = 7) and were euthanized on day 130. The fetal and maternal pancreas and small intestines were weighed, subsampled, and assayed for digestive enzyme activity. One unit (U) of enzyme activity is equal to 1 µmol of product produced per minute for amylase, glucoamylase, lactase, and trypsin and 0.5 µmol of product produced per minute for maltase and isomaltase. Nutrient restriction during midgestation and late gestation decreased (P < 0.05) maternal pancreatic and small intestinal mass but did not affect fetal pancreatic or small intestinal mass. Maternal nutrient restriction during late gestation decreased (P = 0.03) fetal pancreatic trypsin content (U/pancreas) and tended to decrease (P < 0.08) fetal pancreatic trypsin concentration (U/g), specific activity (U/g protein), and content relative to BW (U/kg of BW). Nutrient restriction of gestating ewes decreased the total content of α-amylase (P = 0.04) and tended to decrease total content of trypsin (P = 0.06) and protein (P = 0.06) in the maternal pancreas on day 90. Nutrient restriction during midgestation on day 90 and during late gestation on day 130 decreased (P = 0.04) maternal pancreatic α-amylase-specific activity. Sucrase activity was undetected in the fetal and maternal small intestine. Nutrient restriction during late gestation increased (P = 0.01) maternal small intestinal maltase and lactase concentration and tended to increase (P = 0.06) isomaltase concentration. Realimentation during late gestation after nutrient restriction during midgestation increased lactase concentration (P = 0.04) and specific activity (P = 0.05) in the fetal small intestine. Fetal small intestinal maltase, isomaltase, and glucoamylase did not respond to maternal nutrient restriction. These data indicate that some maternal and fetal digestive enzyme activities may change in response to maternal nutrient restriction.

Nuclear and membrane progesterone receptors expression in placenta from early to late pregnancy in sheep: Effects of restricted nutrition and realimentation.

Nutrient restriction and/or realimentation may affect several placental functions, such as expression of selected regulatory factors, blood flow and other processes in sheep and other species. To determine the effects of the plane of nutrition, nulliparous white face ewes (6-8 months) carrying singletons on day 50 of gestation were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments receiving 100% of National Research Council recommendations (control; C) or 60% of C (restricted; R). Two groups remained on C or R diets from day 50 until day 130. From day 90-130 another group of C fed ewes was switched to the R diet, and another group of R fed ewes was switched to the C diet. This resulted in 7 groups (n = 5-6 ewes/group): C (day 50, 90 and 130), R (day 90 and 130), CR (day 130) and RC (day 130). At these time points, placental tissues were collected for the evaluation of progesterone receptor (PGR) protein expression (whole tissue), and mRNA expression in maternal (caruncular, CAR) and fetal (cotyledon, COT) (separated tissues). Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (SAS 9.4). Protein for PGRAB and PGRB isoforms was detected using immunohistochemistry in all placental tissues, but the pattern of expression differed depending on pregnancy stage and placental compartment (e.g., CAR vs COT). PGRAB protein expression, quantified using image analysis, was greater (P < 0.04) on day 50 than 90 or 130, and was not affected by plane of nutrition. In CAR and COT, PGRAB mRNA expression was greater (P < 0.05) on day 50 than 90 or 130. PGRB mRNA expression was greater (P < 0.03) in CAR on day 50 than 90 and 130, and was greatest (P < 0.02) in COT on day 50, less on day 130, and least on day 90. For the membrane progesterone receptors, PAQR7 (membrane PGR alpha) mRNA expression was greater (P < 0.05) on days 50 and 90 than 130 in CAR, and greater (P < 0.01) on days 50 than 90 and 130 in COT; PAQR8 (membrane PGR beta) was similar throughout pregnancy in CAR and COT, and PAQR5 (membrane PGR gamma) was greatest (P < 0.0001) on day 130 in COT, but similar throughout pregnancy in CAR. Plane of nutrition affected (P < 0.05) mRNA expression for all genes in CAR and COT throughout pregnancy. These data indicate that expression of PGR in ovine placenta is dependent on stage of pregnancy and plane of nutrition in sheep. The mechanisms of how diet and stage of pregnancy influences placental PGR expression and function remains to be elucidated.