Enhancing Weaned Piglet Health and Performance: The Role of Autolyzed Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and ß-Glucans as a Blood Plasma Alternative in Diets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of the autolyzed yeast (AY) Saccharomyces cerevisiae with or without an immunomodulator (1,3/1,6 ß-glucans) as a total/partial substitute for blood plasma (BP) in the diet of post-weaning piglets; zootechnical performance, intestinal health and microbiota, immune responses and energy metabolism were assessed. A total of 240 castrated male and female piglets, with a mean age of 22 days and mean initial weight of 5.24 ± 0.82 kg, were randomly divided into blocks of four treatments with 12 replicates. The dietary inclusions were blood plasma (BP), autolyzed yeast (AY), autolyzed yeast + immunomodulator (AYI) and 50% BP and 50% AY (BPAY). In pre-initial phase II (29-35 days), piglets fed AY showed better feed conversion (FCR = 1.358) than the piglets in the BP (1.484), AYI (1.379) and BPAY (1.442) groups, i.e., 8.49% (0.126), 1.52% (0.021) and 4.50% (0.084), respectively (p = 0.0293). In the total period (21-42 days), better FCR was observed in the AYI (1.458) group, i.e., 4.64% (0.071), 1.15% (0.017) and 4.58% (0.070), than in the BP (1.529), AY (1.475) and BPAY (1.528) groups, respectively (p = 0.0150). In piglets fed AY (n = 3) and BPAY (n = 2), there was a reduction in the number of medications, i.e., 82.35% (-14n) and 88.23% (-15n), respectively (p = 0.0001), compared with that in the BP group (n = 17). In the AY group (73.83 mg/dL), AYI group (69.92 mg/dL), and BPAY group (69.58 mg/dL), piglets exhibited increases in triglyceride levels of 79.32%, 69.83%, and 69.00%, respectively, in comparison to those in the BP group, which had triglyceride levels of 41.17 mg/dL (p = 0.0400). The beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the AY group (79.96 ng/µL) was lower by 31.95%, 22.64%, and 5.89% compared to the BP group (117.50 ng/µL), AYI group (103.36 ng/µL), and BPAY group (84.67 ng/µL), respectively (p = 0.0072). In the AYI group, there was modulation of the microbiota, with an increase in the relative abundance of bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Collinsella and Bulleidia. AY, associated or not associated with an immunomodulator, is a potential substitute for BP in diets for piglets in the nursery phase, with positive effects on immune, metabolic, and intestinal microbial performance.

Euglena gracilis ß-Glucans (1,3): Enriching Colostrum of Sow for Enhanced Piglet Immunity.

The effects of supplementing the diet of sows with ßG-(1,3) derived from Euglena gracilis algae were assessed regarding quality and amount of colostrum as well as performance of piglets. A total of 120 sows (first (nulliparous) to sixth parity (multiparous)) from D85 of gestation until weaning were divided into two groups: the control diet group (n = 60) and the ßG-(1,3) diet group (n = 60). Sows receiving ßG-(1,3) exhibited an average increase of 870 g (24.9%) in colostrum production, leading to a 25.17% higher intake of colostrum by piglets. Furthermore, piglets in the ßG-(1,3) group showed significantly superior weight gain of 34 g (50%) compared to the control group 18 h after birth (p < 0.05). Sows fed with ßG-(1,3) produced colostrum with significantly higher concentrations of IgG (5.914 mg/mL, 16.16%) and IgM (0.378 mg/mL, 16.29%) than the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, serum concentrations of IgG (13.86 mg/mL, 51.25%), IgA (17.16 mg/mL, 120.19%), and IgM (13.23 mg/mL, 144.78%) were significantly higher in sows fed with ßG-(1,3) than in the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementing sows with ßG-(1,3) derived from the Euglena gracilis algae resulted in increased colostrum production and consumption, along with greater weight gain in piglets during the first 18 h after birth. Additionally, both the colostrum produced by the sows and the blood serum of the piglets exhibited higher concentrations of immunoglobulins.

Capsaicin and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Glycoside: Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Hyper-Prolific Sows.

This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85-114 days) of gestation (Gest) and lactation (Lact) on the reproductive performance of the sows and health of piglets through two experiments (Exp I and II). In Exp I, 120 sows were subjected to four treatments: T1-control (without [1,25-(OH)2D3] and supplemental CAP); T2-3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)2D3/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Lact/day; T3-7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4-1.75 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 3.5 µg CAP/Gest/day and 3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 7.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. In Exp II, 200 sows were randomly blocked, factorial 2 × 2 (without or with Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 and without or with CAP): T1-control (without Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 and CAP); T2-3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Lact/day; T3-7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4-3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 7 µg CAP/Gest/day; and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. The duration of delivery (3:48 vs. 4:57 h) and the percentage of stillbirths (5.37% vs. 7.61%) were improved (p < 0.05) in the group that received Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 (Exp II) compared to the control group. Moreover, the dystocia rate decreased (p < 0.05) in Exp II, which received Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 (4.21 vs. 27.63%), and in Exp I, which received the combination of Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + CAP (12 vs. 40%) compared to the respective control groups. Colostrum production was greater (p < 0.05) in sows that received Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 supplementation compared to the control group, consequently resulting in higher colostrum intake (p < 0.05) of the piglets (330 vs. 258 g/piglet). The additives reduced the incidence of diarrhea (p < 0.05) in piglets (Exp I and II). Thus, the use of additives improved the reproductive performance of sows and contributed to litter growth.

Correction: da Silva et al. Increased Sulphur Amino Acids Consumption as OH-Methionine or DL-Methionine Improves Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed under Hot Conditions. Animals 2022, 12, 2159.

In the original publication [...].

Phytogenics and encapsulated sodium butyrate can replace antibiotics as growth promoters for lightly weaned piglets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of essential oils plus dry herbs (PHYTO) and encapsulated sodium butyrate (BUT) supplementation compared with enramycin (ENR), as a growth promoter, on the performance, diarrhoea control and intestinal microbiota in lightly weaned piglets. Two hundred weaned piglets, 20 days old, 4.69 ± 0.56 kg, were submitted during the nursery phase (20 to 69 days of age) to four treatments: control (CTR)-without any additive supplementation; ENR (with 8 ppm of enramycin throughout), BUT (with 2000 ppm between 20 to 34 d, 1500 ppm between 34 to 48 d and 1000 ppm between 48 to 69 d), and PHYTO (150 ppm between 20 to 48 d). At 62 days old, forty piglets (10 replicates per treatment) were slaughtered to perform bacterial identification through 16S rRNA (V3-V4) sequencing of the caecal content. During the second phase of the trial (34 to 48 days), the BUT group showed higher DWG (P = 0.023) and BW (P = 0.039) than the CTR group, and all groups that received additives had better FCR than the CTR group (P = 0.001). In the last phase of the trial (48 to 69 days), the ENR group presented a better FCR (P = 0.054) than the CRT and other groups. In the total period (20 to 69 days), ENR and BUT showed better FCR (P = 0.006) than CRT. Diarrhoea incident data showed differences (P<0.05), favouring the BUT treatment compared to the CTR. Only the Megasphaeraceae and Streptococcaceae families showed differences (p<0.05) in relative abundance between CTR and PHYTO and between CTR and BUT, respectively. Differential abundances of the Megasphaera and Streptococcus genera were observed between CTR and PHYTO and CTR and BUT. Phytogenics and encapsulated sodium butyrate are able and effective for modulating the specific caecal microbiota, improving performance and controlling diarrhoea occurrence.

Increasing Doses of Bacterial Phytase (Citrobacter braakii) Improves Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Pigs in Growing and Finishing Phases.

The effects of increasing doses of bacterial phytase (Citrobacter braakii) on performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs was evaluated. A total of 120 barrows weighing 25.16 ± 2.80 kg and 68 days old were submitted to five treatments: positive control diet (PC) containing inorganic phosphorus (P) and limestone (Ca); negative control (NC) with reductions in P (by 0.13%) and Ca (by 0.11%); and three NC diets supplemented with 1500 (NC15), 3000 (NC30) and 4500 (NC45) units of phytase (FYT)/kg. The daily weight gain (DWG) in growth phase I (68-91 days) was higher in the PC, NC15 and NC30, compared to the NC (1.06, 1.06, 1.06 vs. 0.95, respectively). The DWG in finishing phase II (141-156 days) was higher in the NC15 (1.20 kg) and NC30 (1.14 kg) than in the NC45 (0.94 kg). The final weights (LW156) in the NC15 (122.95 kg LW) were higher than NC (116.47 kg LW) and NC45 (114.43 kg LW). Over the entire period, a quadratic effect (2012 FYT) was observed for the DWG. The increasing levels of phytase in corn and soybean meal-based diets improved the DWG and carcass traits; however, the addition of more than 3000 FYT/kg of feed should be carefully studied to determine enzyme viability.

Increased Sulphur Amino Acids Consumption as OH-Methionine or DL-Methionine Improves Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed under Hot Conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of DL-Methionine (DL-Met) or OH-Methionine (OH-Met) when supplemented beyond the usually accepted requirements in sulfur amino acids (SAA) on the performance and carcass traits of growing-finishing pigs. Two hundred mixed sex pigs were distributed in a randomized block (body weight and sex), under a 2 × 2 factorial design with two methionine sources, DL-methionine, or OH-Methionine and two methionine doses (100% SAA or 120% of the SAA level present in the control). Diets were formulated to meet amino acids recommendations of the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine (2017), except for SAA, which varied with the methionine doses. Daily feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. Moreover, the carcasses were measured electronically for fat thickness (FT), longissimus dorsi muscle depth (LD), and lean meat (%). During the growing phase II (92 till 122 days of age), daily feed intake (p < 0.001) and daily weight gain (p < 0.05) increased with the high SAA levels. High SAA levels also provided greater daily weight gain during the entire period of the trial (0.90 versus 0.86 kg; p < 0.05) No significant interaction was observed between the methionine source and the SAA level for any carcass traits. However, animals that received OH-Met had greater (p < 0.05) loin depth (58.37 versus 55.21 mm) and those that received higher doses of methionine presented heavier (p < 0.05) carcass weight (78.16 versus 74.70 kg), and more (p < 0.05) lean meat weight (43.69 versus 41.90 kg). Taken together, these results demonstrated that supplementation of high sulfur amino acids levels under hot conditions provided heavier carcasses and more lean meat.

Impact of zinc oxide, benzoic acid and probiotics on the performance and cecal microbiota of piglets.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal health remains a key factor in animal production because it is essential for digestion, absorption and bacterial fermentation. Feed additives have been used to attenuate the weaning stress such as Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and benzoic acid (C7H6O2). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of of benzoic acid and probiotics (BA + P) on performance, diarrhea and cecal microbiota of piglets in the nursery phase (23 to 65 days). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty weaned piglets with an initial weight of 6.335 ± 0.698 kg and 23 days of age were submitted to four treatments: supplementation with 2500 ppm of Zinc oxide (ZnO), supplementation with a commercial blend of benzoic acid and probiotics (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415; Vevogut P®) (BA + P), supplementation with Zinc oxide plus benzoic acid and probiotics (ZnO + BA + P), and controls receiving only the basal diet without any supplementation. At 65 days of age, 32 piglets (n = 8 per treatment) were slaughtered for the evaluation of the cecal microbiota. Supplementation with ZnO and BA + P were associated with better feed conversion (P < 0.05) in the early stage (23 to 49 days) and with an improvement in all performance parameters over the entire experimental period. The occurrence of diarrhea was lower (P < 0.05) in the BA + P group. The 4 most abundant phyla along with unclassified bacteria represented 93% of all sequences. Firmicutes dominated the cecal microbiota of all groups, followed by Bacteroidetes. Richness represented by the observed number of genera and by the Chao index were statistically lower in ZnO and ZnO + BA + P supplemented animals compared to controls. The beta diversity analysis that compares similarities between bacterial communities demonstrated formation of two distinct clusters containing samples with and without supplementation with ZnO, confirming a strong influence of ZnO on the intestinal microbiota. CONCLUSION: The use of Benzoic acid with probiotics yields similar performance results with lower impact on the gut microbiota compared to ZnO, and it should be considered as a potential alternative in swine production.

Gender effects on pork quality and calpain-1 and calpastatin gene expression in male pig muscle.

Studies that investigate the expression of genes related to the tenderness of meat from entire and immunocastrated male pigs have not yet been performed. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between gender (entire male and immunocastrated) and the meat quality of pigs, as well as to quantify the expression of calpain-1 and the calpastatin gene. Regarding carcass measurements and meat quality, boars presented lower values of muscle depth (P = 0.028), subcutaneous fat thickness (P = 0.046), L* value (P = 0.004) and cook loss (P = 0.008) than the immunocastrated pigs. The boars presented greater calpain-1 gene expression (P = 0.006) and lower calpastatin gene expression (P = 0.003) than immunocastrated pigs. This study shows that combined with other factors the gene expression can contribute to a tender meat from boars due to their higher calpain-1 expression and lower calpastatin expression than those of immunocastrated male pigs.

A survey of current levels of trace minerals and vitamins used in commercial diets by the Brazilian pork industry-a comparative study.

This study identified the levels of trace minerals and vitamins used in commercial diets by the Brazilian pork industry and compared these levels against the Brazilian reference tables and those from the North American pork industry. Animal feed companies (n = 15) and cooperatives/agro-industries (n = 15) from the Brazilian pork sector participated in this study. Levels of vitamin A, D, E, and K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12, choline, vitamin C, cobalt, copper, chromium, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc were collected. Data were compiled by feeding phase to determine descriptive statistics. Ratios were calculated comparing the observed levels to those from the Brazilian reference tables and those from the North American pork industry. Average levels of trace minerals and vitamins used by the Brazilian pork industry were between 40% and 240% higher than the recommendations of the Brazilian reference tables. Compared to the North American pork industry, Brazilian levels for trace minerals were overall higher but for water-soluble vitamins they were significantly lower. Large between-companies variations were observed for most of the studied nutrients, especially for water-soluble vitamins. In conclusion, the Brazilian pork industry adds a significant margin of safety for trace minerals and vitamins supplementation. The large between-companies variations, especially for water-soluble vitamins, reflect the limited knowledge available on precise levels of supplementation for trace nutrients for pigs.

Increasing doses of phytase from Citrobacter braakii in diets with reduced inorganic phosphorus and calcium improve growth performance and lean meat of growing and finishing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing doses of bacterial phytase (RONOZYME HiPhos) on performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing pigs. The study included 120 castrated males with initial weight of 23.21 ± 1.91 kg and 68 days of age, distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments and eight replicates with three animals each. The pigs were fed five corn-soybean meal-based diets: positive control (PC), supplemented with inorganic phosphorus and calcium; negative control (NC), with 0.13% reduction in available phosphorus and 0.11% in calcium; and three NC diets supplemented with 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 phytase units (FYT)/kg in the feed. Compared with the NC diets without phytase, diets with 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 FYT/kg inclusion increased the daily weight gain by +12% (quadratic, p<0.05) during the growing I period; +2.9, +2.9, and +10.5% (linear, p<0.01), respectively, during the growing II period; and +4.1, +5.1, and +8.2% (linear, p<0.001), respectively, over the entire experimental period. The daily feed intake increased by 0, +2.8, and +4.3% (linear, p<0.05), respectively, considering the entire experimental period; and the final live weight increased by +3.2, +4.2, and +6.1% (linear, p<0.001), respectively. The phytase treatments did not influence feed conversion ratio, carcass weight and yield, backfat thickness, loin depth and carcass lean meat. According to the European Carcass Classification (SEUROP), however, the animals fed the PC diet and the three phytase levels had more carcasses classified as E (between 55-60% lean meat) when compared to carcasses of pigs fed the NC. Supplementing increasing levels of phytase to a corn- and soybean meal-based diet with inorganic P and Ca reduction improved daily weight gain and feed intake of growing pigs, and such effects were maintained until slaughter age.

Managing variability in decision making in swine growing-finishing units.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of data collected from pig farms may be useful to understand factors affecting pig health and productive performance. However, obtaining these data and drawing conclusions from them can be done at different levels and presents several challenges. In the present study, information from 688 batches of growing-finishing (GF) pigs (average initial and final body weight of 19.1 and 108.5 kg respectively) from 404 GF farms integrated in 7 companies was obtained between July 2008 and July 2010 in Spain by survey. Management and facility factors associated with feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were studied by multiple linear regression analysis in each single company (A to G) and in an overall database (OD). Factors studied were geographic location of the farm, trimester the pigs entered the farm, breed of sire and sex segregation in pens (BREGENSEG), use of circovirus vaccine, number of origins the pigs were obtained from, age of the farm, percentage of slatted floor, type of feeder, drinker and ventilation, number of phases and form of feed, antibiotic administration system, water source, and number and initial weight of pigs. RESULTS: In two or more companies studied and/or in OD, the trimester when pigs were placed in the farm, BREGENSEG, number of origins of the pigs, age of the farm and initial body weight were factors associated with FCR. Regarding mortality, trimester of placement, number of origins of the pigs, water source in the farm, number of pigs placed and the initial body weight were relevant factors. Age of the farm, antibiotic administration system, and water source were only provided by some of the studied companies and were not included in the OD model, however, when analyzed in particular companies these three variables had an important effect and may be variables of interest in companies that do not record them. CONCLUSIONS: Analysing data collected from farms at different levels helps better understand factors associated with productive performance of pig herds. Out of the studied factors trimester of placement and number of origins of the pigs were the most relevant factors associated with FCR and mortality.

[Action of ß-glucan in pigs experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites]. / Ação da ß-glucana em suínos infectados experimentalmente com taquizoítos do Toxoplasma gondii.

The present study tested the action of Beta-glucan in swine experimentally infected with tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. The experiment design used 8 mixed breed pigs (21 days) divided into three groups: G1 (Beta-glucan treated and infected, n = 3), G2 (untreated and infected, n = 3), and G3 (untreated uninfected, n = 2). The G1 animals were treated with 1g of Beta-glucan by intramuscularly route at days 0, 14, and 28 before experimental infection, while the other groups (G2 and G3) received only saline. The G1 and G2 were infected with viable tachyzoites (107) of the RH strain at day 35 of experiment. The parasitemy was determined by mouse bioassay and PCR from whole blood of each swine, obtained at days 3, 7, 14, 21, 31, 39, 47 e 69 post infections. The antibody levels of serum, aqueous and vitreous humor were measured by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA); a title >/= 64 was considered as positive. There were differences in the hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasmatic proteins, and eosinophils values between groups (P< 0.05). The swine of G1 and G2 serum converted 7 days post infection, and the highest title observed was 1024 in two pigs. Samples of aqueous and vitreous humor did not show antibodies against T. gondii. Parasite was detected of whole blood on days 3, 14, 31, 39, and 47 in two animals from G1, and three animals from G2. There were no differences between PCR and mouse bioassay. Animals from G3 remained without parasitemy by both PCR and bioassay throughout the experiment. The use of Beta-glucan, as was used here, was not protective for pigs against T. gondii tachyzoites acute infection. Additionally, the lineage of RH strain showed nonpersistent for pigs (muscles and retina) 69 days after infection.