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

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

Comparison of postweaning bovine respiratory disease treatment rates between non-vaccinated control beef calves and calves variably primed and boosted using commercially available bovine coronavirus vaccines.

Objective: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and overall postweaning treatment rates were compared among 3 groups of calves either differentially primed and boosted with commercially available bovine coronavirus (BCoV) vaccine or not vaccinated against BCoV. Animals: Commercial heifer and steer beef calves born in April and May 2022. Procedure: In June 2022, calves were randomly enrolled into 3 treatment groups. Those in 2 groups [V1 (n = 160) and V2 (n = 160)] were administered a mucosal priming dose of 1 of 2 commercial BCoV vaccines; those in the 3rd group [CTL (n = 151)] were unvaccinated against BCoV. The V1 and V2 groups were boosted by intramuscular injection pre-weaning with the same vaccine used for priming. Weaning occurred 3 wk after the last preweaning processing day. Ranch staff used a BRD case definition provided by their herd veterinarian to identify, treat, and record treatments for 45 d post-weaning. Results: Postweaning BRD treatment rates for V1, V2, and CTL were 7%, 9%, and 14%, respectively. The CTL calves had 2.2× greater odds of receiving treatment for BRD than V1 calves. There were no differences in odds of treatment between CTL and V2 calves or V1 and V2 calves. Conclusion: In a herd with previously diagnosed BCoV BRD cases, prime-boost vaccination of calves is associated with a difference in odds of BRD treatment post-weaning compared to not vaccinating calves against BCoV. Clinical relevance: Prime-boost vaccination with commercial BCoV vaccine may be an important management tool for herds with known BCoV BRD outbreaks.

Comparaison des taux de traitement des maladies respiratoires bovines après le sevrage entre des veaux de boucherie témoins non vaccinés et des veaux vaccinés amorce-rappel de manière variable à l'aide de vaccins contre le coronavirus bovin commercialement disponibles. Objectif: La maladie respiratoire bovine (BRD) et les taux globaux de traitement post-sevrage ont été comparés parmi 3 groupes de veaux soit vaccinés de manière différentielle et avec un rappel avec le vaccin contre le coronavirus bovin (BCoV) disponible commercialement, soit non vaccinés contre le BCoV. Animaux: Génisses et veaux de boucherie commerciaux nés en avril et mai 2022. Procédure: En juin 2022, les veaux ont été randomisés lors du recrutement dans 3 groupes de traitement. Ceux des 2 groupes [V1 (n = 160) et V2 (n = 160)] ont reçu une dose d'amorce par voie muqueuse de l'un des deux vaccins commerciaux BCoV; ceux du 3ème groupe [CTL (n = 151)] n'étaient pas vaccinés contre le BCoV. Les groupes V1 et V2 ont eu un rappel par injection intramusculaire avant le sevrage avec le même vaccin que celui utilisé pour l'amorçage. Le sevrage a eu lieu 3 semaines après le dernier jour de conditionnement pré-sevrage. Le personnel du ranch a utilisé une définition de cas de BRD fournie par le vétérinaire de leur troupeau pour identifier, traiter et enregistrer les traitements pendant 45 jours après le sevrage. Résultats: Les taux de traitement BRD post-sevrage pour V1, V2 et CTL étaient respectivement de 7 %, 9 % et 14 %. Les veaux CTL avaient 2,2 fois plus de chances de recevoir un traitement contre la BRD que les veaux V1. Il n'y avait aucune différence dans les probabilités de traitement entre les veaux CTL et V2 ou entre les veaux V1 et V2. Conclusion: Dans un troupeau avec des cas de BRD causés par le BCoV déjà diagnostiqués, la vaccination amorce-rappel des veaux est associée à une différence de probabilité de traitement par le BRD après le sevrage par rapport à la nonvaccination des veaux contre le BCoV. Pertinence clinique: La vaccination amorce-rappel avec le vaccin commercial BCoV peut être un outil de gestion important pour les troupeaux présentant des foyers connus de BCoV BRD.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Trace mineral concentrations in Canadian beef calves at weaning.

Objective: To describe the copper and selenium statuses of beef calves at weaning. Animal: Calves (n = 1998) were sampled from 106 Canadian cow-calf herds in the fall of 2021. Procedure: Serum samples from calves were tested for copper, selenium, and molybdenum concentrations. Results: Although the percentages of calves classified as selenium deficient (< 0.025 ppm) were relatively low (0.5% western Canada, 3% eastern Canada), 53% of calves from western Canada and 77% of calves from eastern Canada were classified as having less than adequate selenium concentrations (< 0.08 ppm). Copper deficiency (< 0.5 ppm) was common in calves from both western (17%) and eastern (14%) Canada. High molybdenum concentrations (> 0.10 ppm) were identified in 6% of calves from western Canada and 7% of calves from eastern Canada. Conclusion: Selenium concentrations were higher in calves from western Canada than from those in eastern Canada (P < 0.001). Copper and molybdenum concentrations were not significantly different between western and eastern Canada. Less-than-adequate serum copper was the most common deficiency identified in Canadian beef calves at weaning. Clinical relevance: Trace minerals are important for immune system function in calves at weaning. Selenium concentrations in calves at weaning were lower than in cows from the same herds collected at pregnancy testing 2 y earlier. Copper deficiency was also identified, though less frequently than for mature cows. Supplementation programs for calves should be customized based on testing and recognize both regional and age differences in risk.

Concentrations d'oligo-éléments minéraux chez les veaux de boucherie canadiens au sevrage. Objectif: Décrire les statuts en cuivre et en sélénium des veaux de boucherie au sevrage. Animal: Des veaux (n = 1998) ont été échantillonnés dans 106 troupeaux de type vache-veau canadiens à l'automne 2021. Procédure: Des échantillons de sérum de veaux ont été testés pour déterminer les concentrations de cuivre, de sélénium et de molybdène. Résultats: Même si les pourcentages de veaux classés comme déficients en sélénium (< 0,025 ppm) étaient relativement faibles (0,5 % dans l'ouest du Canada, 3 % dans l'est du Canada), 53 % des veaux de l'ouest du Canada et 77 % des veaux de l'est du Canada étaient classés comme ayant moins des concentrations de sélénium moins qu'adéquates (< 0,08 ppm). Une carence en cuivre (< 0,5 ppm) était courante chez les veaux de l'ouest (17 %) et de l'est (14 %) du Canada. Des concentrations élevées de molybdène (> 0,10 ppm) ont été identifiées chez 6 % des veaux de l'ouest du Canada et 7 % des veaux de l'est du Canada. Conclusion: Les concentrations de sélénium étaient plus élevées chez les veaux de l'ouest du Canada que chez ceux de l'est du Canada (P < 0,001). Les concentrations de cuivre et de molybdène n'étaient pas significativement différentes entre l'ouest et l'est du Canada. Un taux de cuivre sérique nettement insuffisamment était la carence la plus courante identifiée chez les veaux de boucherie canadiens au sevrage. Pertinence clinique: Les oligo-éléments sont importants pour le fonctionnement du système immunitaire des veaux au sevrage. Les concentrations de sélénium chez les veaux au sevrage étaient inférieures à celles des vaches des mêmes troupeaux collectées lors des tests de gestation deux ans plus tôt. Des carences en cuivre ont également été identifiées, quoique moins fréquemment que chez les vaches matures. Les programmes de supplémentation pour les veaux doivent être personnalisés en fonction des tests et reconnaître les différences de risque selon la région et l'âge.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Protecting the piglet gut microbiota against ETEC-mediated post-weaning diarrhoea using specific binding proteins.

Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets presents a widespread problem in industrial pig production and is often caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains. Current solutions, such as antibiotics and medicinal zinc oxide, are unsustainable and are increasingly being prohibited, resulting in a dire need for novel solutions. Thus, in this study, we propose and evaluate a protein-based feed additive, comprising two bivalent heavy chain variable domain (VHH) constructs (VHH-(GGGGS)3-VHH, BL1.2 and BL2.2) as an alternative solution to manage PWD. We demonstrate in vitro that these constructs bind to ETEC toxins and fimbriae, whilst they do no affect bacterial growth rate. Furthermore, in a pig study, we show that oral administration of these constructs after ETEC challenge reduced ETEC proliferation when compared to challenged control piglets (1-2 log10 units difference in gene copies and bacterial count/g faeces across day 2-7) and resulted in week 1 enrichment of three bacterial families (Prevotellaceae (estimate: 1.12 ± 0.25, q = 0.0054), Lactobacillaceae (estimate: 2.86 ± 0.52, q = 0.0012), and Ruminococcaceae (estimate: 0.66 ± 0.18, q = 0.049)) within the gut microbiota that appeared later in challenged control piglets, thus pointing to an earlier transition towards a more mature gut microbiota. These data suggest that such VHH constructs may find utility in industrial pig production as a feed additive for tackling ETEC and reducing the risk of PWD in piglet populations.

Impact of cow, buffalo, goat or camel milk consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response post weaning time.

Milk is a whitish liquid that is secreted from mammary glands; and considered as the primary source of nutrition for newborns since they are not able to digest solid food. However, it contains primary nutrients, as well as growth and immune factors. Early weaning is a critical issue that face women and their babies in developing countries. To avoid infant malnutrition, they tend to use other milk types instead of baby formula. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of cow, buffalo, goat or camel milk consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response in male and female Sprague Dawley rats post weaning time. The amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins in the tested milk types were evaluated. Animals were divided into 5 groups (control, cow, buffalo, goat and camel milk administrated groups) (10 rats/group); each animal was administrated by 3.4 ml/day. Rats were administered with milk for 6 weeks; at the end of the 5th week, five animals of each group were isolated and the remaining five animals were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and kept for another week to mount immune response. The effect of different milk types on rats' immune response towards SRBCs was evaluated through pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, ESR and CRP measurement; together, with the histopathological examination of spleen samples and hemagglutination assay. Camel milk consumption reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in spleen that resulted from SRBCs immunization; in addition to, B cell stimulation that was apparent from the high level of anti-SRBCs antibodies. Camel milk is recommended for newborn consumption, due to its high-water content, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin C, as well as low lactose and fat content.

A non-invasive tool to collect small intestine content in post weaning pigs: validation study.

The Capsule for Sampling (CapSa) is an ingestible capsule that collects small intestine content while transiting through the natural digestive pathway. In this study, 14 Swiss Large White pigs weighing less than 12 kg (Category < 12 kg) and 12 weighing between 12 and 20 kg (Category [12-20 kg]) were given two CapSas and monitored for three days. The animals were euthanized for post-mortem sampling, allowing us to directly obtain gut microbiota samples from the gastrointestinal tract. This post-mortem approach enabled a direct comparison between the microbial content from the gut and the samples collected via the CapSas, and it also facilitated precise identification of the CapSas' sampling sites within the gastrointestinal tract. For the category under 12 kg, only 2.3% of the administered CapSas were recovered from the feces. In contrast, in the 12-20 kg category, 62.5% of the CapSas were successfully retrieved from the feces within 48 h. Of these recovered CapSas, 73.3%-equating to 11 capsules from eight pigs-had a pH > 5.5 and were therefore selected for microbiome analysis. Bacterial composition of the CapSas was compared with that of the three segments of the small intestine, the large intestine and feces of the corresponding pig. The results were tested using a PERMANOVA model (Adonis) including sample type as a factor, and then pairwise comparisons were made. The bacterial composition found in the CapSas differed from that of the large intestine and feces (P < 0.01), while it did not differ from the first segment of the small intestine (P > 0.10). This study provides evidence that the CapSa effectively samples the intestinal microbiota from the upper section of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs. Furthermore, it was found that the collection of CapSas could only be successfully achieved in pigs classified within the heavier weight category.

Redox balance and immunity of piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge after treatment with hemp or fish oil, and vitamin E.

This study investigated the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative status and immune responses in weanling piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge. Suckling piglets (n = 24) were randomly selected from two litters for an oral supplementation (1 mL/day) with fish oil or hemp oil and vitamin E supplementation (60 mg natural vitamin E/mL oil) from day 10 to 28 of age. At day 29 and 30 of age, each piglet was orally inoculated with 6.7 × 108 and 3.96 × 108 CFU of F4 and F18 E. coli, respectively. Blood was sampled from all piglets on day 28 before E. coli challenge and on day 35 of age to investigate immunological and oxidative stress markers in plasma. One week after weaning and exposure to E. coli, a general reduction in the α-tocopherol concentration and activity of GPX1 was obtained. Vitamin E supplementation lowered the extent of lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidative status and immune responses after E. coli challenge. Hemp oil had the greatest effect on antioxidant enzyme activity. Provision of hemp oil and vitamin E to suckling piglets may reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea.

Diets, stress, and disease in the Etruscan society: Isotope analysis and infantile skeletal palaeopathology from Pontecagnano (Campania, southern Italy, 730-580 BCE).

Susceptibility to morbidity and mortality is increased in early life, yet proactive measures, such as breastfeeding and weaning practices, can be taken through specific investments from parents and wider society. The extent to which such biosocialcultural investment was achieved within 1st millennium BCE Etruscan society, of whom little written sources are available, is unkown. This research investigates life histories in non-adults and adults from Pontecagnano (southern Italy, 730-580 BCE) in order to track cross-sectional and longitudinal breastfeeding and weaning patterns and to characterize the diet more broadly. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of incrementally-sampled deciduous and permanent dentine (n = 15), bulk bone collagen (n = 38), and tooth enamel bioapatite (n = 21) reveal the diet was largely based on C3 staple crops with marginal contributions of animal protein. Millet was found to play a role for maternal diet and trajectories of breastfeeding and feeding for some infants and children at the site. The combination of multiple isotope systems and tissues demonstrates exclusive breastfeeding was pursued until 0.6 years, followed by progressive introduction of proteanocius supplementary foods during weaning that lasted between approximately 0.7 and 2.6 years. The combination of biochemical data with macroscopic skeletal lesions of infantile metabolic diseases and physiological stress markers showed high δ15Ndentine in the months prior to death consistent with the isotopic pattern of opposing covariance.

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

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

Molecular characterization of Escherichia coli virulence markers in neonatal and postweaning piglets from major pig-producing districts of Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Piggery production is highly constrained by diseases, with diarrhoea in piglets being a major cause of economic losses to smallholder farmers in Uganda. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is thought to be one of the major etiologies of this diarrhoea. A cross-sectional study was carried out in two high pig-producing districts of Uganda with the aim of determining the significance of piglet diarrhoea and the pathogenic determinants of causative E. coli. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 households with piglets were visited in each district for a questionnaire survey and faecal sample collection. The questionnaire-based data collected included; demographic data and pig management practices. E. coli were isolated from diarrheic (43) and non-diarrheic (172) piglets and were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against nine commonly used antimicrobial agents. The E. coli isolates were further screened for the presence of 11 enterotoxin and fimbrial virulence gene markers using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Data entry, cleaning, verification and descriptive statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel. Statistical analysis to determine any association between the presence of virulence markers and diarrhea in piglets was done using SPSS software (Version 23), with a p value of less than 0.05 taken as a statistically significant association. RESULTS: Escherichia coli were recovered from 81.4% (175/215) of the faecal samples. All the isolates were resistant to erythromycin, and most showed high resistance to tetracycline (71%), ampicillin (49%), and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (45%). More than half of the isolates (58.3%) carried at least one of the 11 virulence gene markers tested. EAST1 was the most prevalent virulence marker detected (35.4%), followed by STb (14.8%). Expression of more than one virulence gene marker was observed in 6.2% of the isolates, with the EAST1/STa combination being the most prevalent. Three adhesins; F17 (0.6%), F18 (6.3%) and AIDA-I (0.6%) were detected, with F18 being the most encountered. There was a statistically significant association between the occurrence of piglet diarrhoea and the presence of the AIDA-1 (p value = 0.037) or EAST1 (p value = 0.011) gene marker among the isolates. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The level of antimicrobial resistance among E. coli isolates expressing virulence markers were high in the sampled districts. The study established a significant association between presence of EAST1 and AIDA-I virulence markers and piglet diarrhea. Further studies should be carried out to elucidate the main adhesins borne by these organisms in Uganda and the actual role played by EAST1 in the pathogenesis of the infection since most isolates expressed this gene.

Elucidating the modulatory role of dietary hydroxyproline on the integrity and functional performance of the intestinal barrier in early-weaned piglets: A comprehensive analysis of its interplay with the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Piglets receive far less hydroxyproline (Hyp) from a diet after weaning than they obtained from sow's milk prior to weaning, suggesting that Hyp may play a protective role in preserving intestinal mucosal homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Hyp on intestinal barrier function and its associated gut microbiota and metabolites in early-weaned piglets. Eighty weaned piglets were divided into four groups and fed diets containing different Hyp levels (0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, or 2 %) for 21 days. Samples, including intestinal contents, tissues, and blood, were collected on day 7 for analysis of microbial composition, intestinal barrier function, and metabolites. We demonstrated that dietary supplementation with 2 % Hyp improved the feed conversion ratio and reduced the incidence of diarrhea in early-weaned piglets compared to the control group. Concurrently, Hyp enhanced intestinal barrier function by facilitating tight junction protein (zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin) expression and mucin production in the jejunal, ileal, and colonic mucosas. It also improved mucosal immunity (by increasing the amount of secretory IgA (sIgA) and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes and decreasing NF-κB phosphorylation) and increased antioxidant capacity (by raising total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione levels) in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, Hyp supplementation resulted in an increase in the levels of glycine, glutathione, and glycine-conjugated bile acids, while decreasing the concentrations of cortisol and methionine sulfoxide in plasma. Intriguingly, piglets fed diet containing Hyp exhibited a remarkable increase in the abundance of probiotic Enterococcus faecium within their colonic contents. This elevation occurred alongside an attenuation of pro-inflammatory responses and an enhancement in intestinal barrier integrity. Further, these changes were accompanied by a rise in anti-inflammatory metabolites, specifically glycochenodeoxycholic acid and guanosine, along with a suppression of pro-inflammatory lipid peroxidation products, including (12Z)-9,10-dihydroxyoctadec-12-enoic acid (9,10-DHOME) and 13-L-hydroperoxylinoleic acid (13(S)-HPODE). In summary, Hyp holds the capacity to enhance the intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets; this effect is correlated with changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of Hyp in maintaining gut homeostasis, highlighting its potential as a dietary supplement for promoting intestinal health in early-weaned piglets.

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

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

Progression of swine fecal microbiota during early stages of life and its association with performance: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: It is vital to understand healthy gut microbiota composition throughout early life stages when environments are changing, and immunity is developing. There are limited large-scale longitudinal studies classifying healthy succession of swine microbiota. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the microbiota composition of fecal samples collected from piglets within a few days after birth until one-week post-weaning, and (b) investigate the associations of early fecal microbiota with pig growth performance in nursery and later growing stages. Fecal samples were collected from nine cohorts of 40 pigs (n = 360) from distinct farrowing sources in Ontario and Quebec, Canada at four timepoints from birth to one-week post-weaning, with pig body weight was recorded at each fecal sampling. RESULTS: Microbiota was dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroides and Proteobacteria. There were notable differences in genera abundance between pigs from different provinces and farming systems. Over the early life stage, the genera Bacteroides, Escherichia/Shigella, and Clostridium cluster XIVa were abundant preweaning, while Prevotella dominated post-weaning. Hierarchical clustering identified three major stages of microbiota development, each associated with distinct composition. Stage one occurs from birth to 7 days, stage two from 7 days after birth until weaning, and stage three from weaning to one-week post-weaning. Three enterotypes were identified in stage two that showed differences in growth before weaning, and in the grower production stage. Piglets with a microbiota enterotype characterized by higher abundance of Prevotella and unclassified Ruminococcaceae had lower growth performance in the pre-weaning stage, and the growing stage. CONCLUSION: These findings help identify the timing of microbiota shifts across early swine life which may be the optimal time for external intervention to shift the microbiota to a beneficial state. The project findings should help decrease antimicrobial use, increase animal welfare, and have positive economic impacts.

Prostaglandin F2α treatment does not hasten ovulation in weaned sows.

This study evaluated the efficiency of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) to hasten ovulation in weaned sows. In experiment I, weaned sows detected in estrus (0 h) received: no hormone (Control; n = 56); 0.5 mg PGF IM at 0 h and 2 h (PGF0; n = 56); or 0.5 mg PGF IM at 24 h and 26 h (PGF24; n = 55). In experiment II, weaned sows that did not express estrus signs until 72 h after weaning (0 h) were assigned to: no hormone (Control; n = 45); 10 µg buserelin acetate IM at 0 h (Buserelin; n = 43); 0.5 mg PGF IM at 34 h and 36 h (PGF; n = 44); or 10 µg buserelin acetate IM at 0 h plus 0.5 mg PGF IM at 34 h and 36 h (Buserelin + PGF; n = 45). In experiment I, no effect of PGF on the interval treatment onset to ovulation was observed (P > 0.05), and no treatment effect was observed on the relative or cumulative proportion of females that ovulated post-treatment onset (P > 0.05). In experiment II, treatment onset to ovulation interval was shorter for Buserelin group than for PGF group (P < 0.05), and a higher cumulative percentage of Buserelin treated sows ovulated up to 48 h compared to PGF and Control groups (P < 0.01), with no differences from Buserelin + PGF. Treatments did not affect total number of piglets born in both experiments (P > 0.05). In conclusion, PGF did not hasten ovulation timing or affect litter size in weaned sows.

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

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

Exploring the effects of Hippo signaling pathway on rumen epithelial proliferation.

BACKGROUND: The current understanding to the mechanism of rumen development is limited. We hypothesized that the Hippo signaling pathway controlled the proliferation of rumen epithelium (RE) during postnatal development. In the present study, we firstly tested the changes of the Hippo signaling pathway in the RE during an early growing period from d5 to d25, and then we expanded the time range to the whole preweaning period (d10-38) and one week post weaning (d45). An in vitro experiment was also carried out to verify the function of Hippo signaling pathway during RE cell proliferation. RESULTS: In the RE of lambs from d5 to d25, the expression of baculoviral IAP repeat containing (BIRC3/5) was increased, while the expressions of large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2), TEA domain transcription factor 3 (TEAD3), axin 1 (AXIN1), and MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) were decreased with rumen growth. From d10 to d38, the RE expressions of BIRC3/5 were increased, while the expressions of LATS2 and MYC were decreased, which were similar with the changes in RE from d5 to d25. From d38 to d45, different changes were observed, with the expressions of LATS1/2, MOB kinase activator 1B (MOB1B), and TEAD1 increased, while the expressions of MST1 and BIRC5 decreased. Correlation analysis showed that during the preweaning period, the RE expressions of BIRC3/5 were positively correlated with rumen development variables, while LAST2 was negatively correlated with rumen development variables. The in vitro experiment validated the changes of LATS2 and BIRC3/5 in the proliferating RE cells, which supported their roles in RE proliferation during preweaning period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the LATS2-YAP1-BIRC3/5 axis participates in the RE cell proliferation and promotes rumen growth during the preweaning period.

Baby Food Pouches, Baby-Led Weaning, and Iron Status in New Zealand Infants: An Observational Study.

Iron deficiency in infants can impact development, and there are concerns that the use of baby food pouches and baby-led weaning may impair iron status. First Foods New Zealand (FFNZ) was an observational study of 625 New Zealand infants aged 6.9 to 10.1 months. Feeding methods were defined based on parental reports of infant feeding at "around 6 months of age": "frequent" baby food pouch use (five+ times per week) and "full baby-led weaning" (the infant primarily self-feeds). Iron status was assessed using a venepuncture blood sample. The estimated prevalence of suboptimal iron status was 23%, but neither feeding method significantly predicted body iron concentrations nor the odds of iron sufficiency after controlling for potential confounding factors including infant formula intake. Adjusted ORs for iron sufficiency were 1.50 (95% CI: 0.67-3.39) for frequent pouch users compared to non-pouch users and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.45-1.87) for baby-led weaning compared to traditional spoon-feeding. Contrary to concerns, there was no evidence that baby food pouch use or baby-led weaning, as currently practiced in New Zealand, were associated with poorer iron status in this age group. However, notable levels of suboptimal iron status, regardless of the feeding method, emphasise the ongoing need for paying attention to infant iron nutrition.

Non-encapsulated, encapsulated, and lyophilized probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri SW23 influenced the growth and gut health in calves.

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of non-encapsulated, air-dried microencapsulated, and lyophilized microencapsulated probiotics in indigenous cattle calves (Bos indicus). Twenty-four (5-7 days old) indigenous cattle calves were selected and assigned into four groups, with six calves in each as follows: control (CON), fed milk and basal diet alone, and treatment groups supplemented with non-encapsulated (NEC), air-dried microencapsulated (AEC) and lyophilized microencapsulated (LEC) probiotic L. reuteri SW23 at 108 CFU/head/day in skim milk as a carrier provided for 60 days. The animals were divided into four groups, adopting a complete randomized design, and the effects were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Probiotics supplementation increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (kg), average daily gain, and structural growth measurements in calves of all treatment groups. Dry matter intake (g/d), feed conversion efficiency, and fecal counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were also increased in the treatment groups compared to CON. The fecal consistency index was highest in CON (0.70 ± 0.03), followed by NEC (0.68 ± 0.01), AEC (0.66 ± 0.02), and LEC (0.65 ± 0.02). Fecal pH and ammonia levels were reduced (p < 0.05) in the probiotic-fed groups compared to CON, with a concomitant increase in fecal lactate, acetate, and propionate levels. In addition, cell-mediated and humoral immunity were significantly increased in supplemented groups as compared to CON. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the probiotics in microencapsulated/non-encapsulated forms to neonatal calves had a variety of positive effects on their health, including better performance, improved gut health, and a lower fecal consistency index. Moreover, among all supplemented groups, the lyophilized microencapsulated group outperformed air-dried microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated groups in terms of ADG, DMI, and gut health.

Essential oil supplementation in milk replacers: short- and long-term impacts on feed efficiency, the faecal microbiota and the plasma metabolome in dairy calves.

Early supplementation with oregano essential oil (EO) in milk replacer (MR) may improve growth, immune responses, the microbiota and the metabolome in dairy calves during pre-weaning and in adulthood. Sixteen female dairy calves (3 days of age) were divided in two groups (n = 8/group): the control group (no EO) and the EO group (0.23 ml of EO in MR during 45 days). After weaning, calves were kept in a feedlot and fed ad libitum. The animals were weighed, and blood and faecal samples were collected on days 3 (T0), 45 (T1) and 370 (T2) to measure the biochemical profile and characterise peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CD21+ and WC1+), the metabolome and microbiota composition. The EO group only had greater average daily weight gain during the suckling (EO supplementation) period (P = 0.030). The EO group showed higher average CD14+ population (monocytes) values, a lower abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Faecalibacterium, Blautia and Alloprevotella and increased abundances of Allistipes and Akkermansia. The modification of some metabolites in plasma, such as butyric acid, 3-indole-propionic acid and succinic acid, particularly at T1, are consistent with intestinal microbiota changes. The data suggest that early EO supplementation increases feed efficiency only during the suckling period with notable changes in the microbiota and plasma metabolome; however, not all of these changes can be considered desirable from a gut health point of view. Additional research studies is required to demonstrate that EOs are a viable natural alternative to antibiotics for improving calf growth performance and health.

Quantification of play behaviour in calves using automated ultra-wideband location data and its association with age, weaning and health status.

Play behaviour can act as an indicator of positive animal welfare. Previous attempts to predict play behaviour in farmed calves are limited because of the classification methods used, which lead to overestimation, and the short time periods that calves are observed. The study aimed to automatically classify and quantify play behaviour in farmed calves using location data from ultra-wide band sensors and to investigate factors associated with play behaviour. Location data were collected from 46 calves in three cohorts for a period of 18 weeks. Behavioural observations from video footage were merged with location data to obtain a total of 101.36 h of labelled data. An AdaBoost ensemble learning algorithm was implemented to classify play behaviour. To account for overestimation, generally seen in low-prevalence behaviours, an adjusted count technique was applied to the outputs of the classifier. Two generalized linear mixed models were fitted to investigate factors (e.g. age, health) associated with duration of play and number of play instances per day. Our algorithm identified play behaviour with > 94% accuracy when evaluated on the test set with no animals used for training, and 16% overestimation, which was computed based on the predicted number of samples of play versus the number of samples labelled as play on the test set. The instances and duration of play behaviour per day significantly decreased with age and sickness, whilst play behaviour significantly increased during and after weaning. The instances of play also significantly decreased as mean temperature increased. We suggest that the quantification method that we used could be used to detect and monitor other low prevalence behaviours (e.g. social grooming) from location data, including indicators of positive welfare.