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The production management of lactating sows is a crucial aspect of pig farm operations, as their health directly impacts the farm's production efficiency. The feeding behavior of lactating sows can reflect their health and welfare status, and monitoring this behavior is essential for precise feeding and management. To address the issues of time-consuming and labor-intensive manual inspection of lactating sows' feeding behavior and the reliance on breeders' experience, we propose a method based on the improved YOLO (You Only Look Once) v5s algorithm and image segmentation for detecting the feeding behavior of lactating sows. Based on the YOLOv5s algorithm, the SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) attention module was added to enhance the algorithm's performance and reduce the probability of incorrect detection. Additionally, the loss function was replaced by WIoU (Weighted Intersection over Union) to accelerate the model's convergence speed and improve detection accuracy. The improved YOLOv5s-C3SE-WIoU model is designed to recognize pre-feeding postures and feed trough conditions by detecting images of lactating sows. Compared to the original YOLOv5s, the improved model achieves an 8.9% increase in mAP@0.5 and a 4.7% increase in mAP@0.5 to 0.95. This improvement satisfies the requirements for excellent detection performance, making it suitable for deployment in large-scale pig farms. From the model detection results, the trough remnant image within the detection rectangle was extracted. This image was further processed using image processing techniques to achieve trough remnant image segmentation and infer the remnant amount. Based on the detection model and residue inference method, video data of lactating sows' feeding behavior were processed to derive the relationship between feeding behavior, standing time, and residue amount. Using a standing duration of 2 s and a leftover-feed proportion threshold of 2% achieves the highest accuracy, enabling the identification of abnormal feeding behavior. We analyzed the pre-feeding postures and residual feed amounts of abnormal and normal groups of lactating sows. Our findings indicated that standing time was significantly lower and residual feed amount was higher in the abnormal groups compared to the normal groups. By combining standing time and residual feed amount information, accurate detection of the feeding status of lactating sows can be realized. This approach facilitates the accurate detection of abnormal feeding behaviors of lactating sows in large-scale pig farm environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Feeding bamboo powder is a kind of fiber raw material mainly composed of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). In this study, IDF-based rice husk meal and feeding bamboo powder were used to compare the effects of bamboo fiber on fecal microflora and the performance of lactating sows and their offspring piglets. Methods: Thirty healthy crossbred gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) at day 105 of gestation were randomly allocated into three groups: CON, TRE1 supplemented with 2% BBF1 (feeding bamboo powder), and TRE2 supplemented with 2% BBF2 (99% feeding bamboo powder +1% bamboo fiber polymer material). The reproductive performance, serum indexes, and fecal microbiota of sows and piglets were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with CON, the average feed intake of sows in TRE1 during the second week of lactation was significantly increased by 21.96% (p < 0.05), the average daily gain (ADG) per litter in TRE1 on 11-21 days and 3-21 days of lactation was significantly increased by 50.68 and 31.61%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the serum triglyceride content of sows in TRE1 on the 21st day of lactation was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis showed that dietary bamboo fiber significantly increased the fecal microbial richness index Ace, Chao, and Sobs of sows (p < 0.05) and tended to increase the Sobs index of suckling piglets on day 21 (p < 0.10). Compared with CON, BBF1 supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in feces of sows on days 7 and 21 after delivery (p < 0.05), while BBF2 decreased the genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group on days 7 (p < 0.10) and 21 (p < 0.05) after delivery. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium in the feces of piglets on the 21st day after delivery was significantly positively correlated with diarrhea rate and significantly negatively correlated with ADG per litter, day 21 litter weight, and 3- to 21-day survival rate. In contrast, Christensenellaceae_R-7_ group was significantly negatively correlated with diarrhea rate and positively correlated with ADG per litter. Discussion: These results indicated that maternal BBF1 supplementation improved the litter weight gain of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of diversity and structure of the fecal microbiota in the piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein (CP) diet with crystalline amino acids (CAA) supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown. Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets (10.80 MJ/kg net energy): control (CON; 19.24% CP) and reduced CP with “optimal” AA profile (OPT; 14.00% CP). Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on d 1, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Between d 14 and 18, a subset of 9 sows (CON = 4, OPT = 5) was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3]histidine (bolus injection) and [13C]bicarbonate (priming dose) first, then a constant 2-h [13C]bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-h primed constant [1-13C]lysine infusion. Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment, Lys oxidation rate, whole body protein turnover, and muscle protein breakdown. Results Over the 21-d lactation period, compared to CON, sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, sows fed OPT had greater efficiency of Lys (P < 0.05), Lys mammary flux (P < 0.01) and whole-body protein turnover efficiency (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate (P = 0.069). Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON (P = 0.197). Conclusion Feeding an improved AA balance diet increased efficiency of Lys and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown. These results imply that the lower maternal N retention observed in lactating sows fed improved AA balance diets in previous studies may be a result of greater partitioning of AA towards milk rather than greater body protein breakdown.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of a fatty acid-balanced oil, instead of soybean oil, on reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood indexes, milk composition in lactating sows, and fecal microbial composition in piglets. Methods Twenty-four sows (Landrace×Yorkshire, mean parity 4.96) were randomly allotted to two treatments with twelve pens per treatment and one sow per pen based on their backfat thickness and parity. The experiment began on day 107 of gestation and continued until weaning on day 21 of lactation, lasting for 28 days. The control group (CG) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 2% soybean oil and the experimental group (EG) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 2% fatty acid-balanced oil. Results The fatty acid-balanced oil supplementation increased (p

Background: The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein (CP) diet with crystalline amino acids (CAA) supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown. Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets (10.80 MJ/kg net energy): control (CON; 19.24% CP) and reduced CP with "optimal" AA profile (OPT; 14.00% CP). Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on d 1, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Between d 14 and 18, a subset of 9 sows (CON = 4, OPT = 5) was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3]histidine (bolus injection) and [13C]bicarbonate (priming dose) first, then a constant 2-h [13C]bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-h primed constant [1-13C]lysine infusion. Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment, Lys oxidation rate, whole body protein turnover, and muscle protein breakdown. Results: Over the 21-d lactation period, compared to CON, sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, sows fed OPT had greater efficiency of Lys (P < 0.05), Lys mammary flux (P < 0.01) and whole-body protein turnover efficiency (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate (P = 0.069). Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON (P = 0.197). Conclusion: Feeding an improved AA balance diet increased efficiency of Lys and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown. These results imply that the lower maternal N retention observed in lactating sows fed improved AA balance diets in previous studies may be a result of greater partitioning of AA towards milk rather than greater body protein breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin commonly found in feedstuffs, is known for its detrimental effects on the kidneys and liver, posing significant health risks to animals and humans. This study investigated the toxicokinetics, excretion patterns, and milk transmission of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in lactating sows. The sows were administered a single oral dose of 500 μg/kg BW (body weight), followed by the systematic sampling of plasma, feces, urine, and milk. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 5, 15, and 30 min, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, 88, 96, and 120 h post administration. Feces samples were collected at 6 h intervals for the first 12 h, then at 12 h intervals until 120 h, while urine samples were collected at 6 h intervals up to 120 h. Milk samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The concentration of OTA and its primary metabolite OTα were quantitatively analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed that the peak plasma concentrations of OTA (920.25 ± 88.46 μg/L) were observed at 9 h following administration. The terminal elimination half-life was recorded at 78.47 ± 7.68 h, with a volume of distribution of 0.16 ± 0.003 L/kg. Moreover, this study documented the excretion of OTA and OTα across a span of 120 h, revealing that feces and urine accounted for 18.70 ± 0.04% and 8.40 ± 0.002% of the total intake amounts, respectively (calculated based on substance amounts). Furthermore, this experiment detected OTA residues in the milk of lactating sows, with the milk-to-plasma (M/P) ratio initially increasing from 0.06 to 0.46 within the first 24 h following OTA ingestion. These findings offer an exhaustive temporal analysis of OTA's toxicokinetics in lactating sows, emphasizing its pervasive distribution and elimination through various bodily excreta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota profiles of gestating sows, along with the fecal microbiota and milk fatty acid contents of lactating sows and their correlations with reproductive performance at different parities. The results showed that the microbiota of third parity gestating sows contained a greater abundance of Prevotella compared to the other two parity groups, while lactating sows exhibiting higher reproductive performance at fifth parity exhibited a greater abundance of Lactobacillus species. The lactating sows with higher reproductive performance also exhibited higher total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and higher total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels relative to sows with lower reproductive performance at all three analyzed parities, especially sows at fifth parity produced the lowest total saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels, and showed the highest C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c concentrations. In correlational analyses, the abundance of Oligella, Lactobacillus, and Corynebacterium was highly positively correlated with C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, and C20:4n6. Overall, these results provide a rational basis for efforts to improve sow reproductive performance through the provision of precisely regulated nutrition. Key points: • Clear differences in the fecal microbiota were evident between sows of different parities. • Lactating sows with high reproductive performance showed distinct milk fatty acid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production management of lactating sows is a crucial aspect of pig farm operations, as their health directly impacts the farm’s production efficiency. The feeding behavior of lactating sows can reflect their health and welfare status, and monitoring this behavior is essential for precise feeding and management. To address the issues of time-consuming and labor-intensive manual inspection of lactating sows’ feeding behavior and the reliance on breeders’ experience, we propose a method based on the improved YOLO (You Only Look Once) v5s algorithm and image segmentation for detecting the feeding behavior of lactating sows. Based on the YOLOv5s algorithm, the SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) attention module was added to enhance the algorithm’s performance and reduce the probability of incorrect detection. Additionally, the loss function was replaced by WIoU (Weighted Intersection over Union) to accelerate the model’s convergence speed and improve detection accuracy. The improved YOLOv5s-C3SE-WIoU model is designed to recognize pre-feeding postures and feed trough conditions by detecting images of lactating sows. Compared to the original YOLOv5s, the improved model achieves an 8.9% increase in mAP@0.5 and a 4.7% increase in mAP@0.5 to 0.95. This improvement satisfies the requirements for excellent detection performance, making it suitable for deployment in large-scale pig farms. From the model detection results, the trough remnant image within the detection rectangle was extracted. This image was further processed using image processing techniques to achieve trough remnant image segmentation and infer the remnant amount. Based on the detection model and residue inference method, video data of lactating sows’ feeding behavior were processed to derive the relationship between feeding behavior, standing time, and residue amount. Using a standing duration of 2 s and a leftover-feed proportion threshold of 2% achieves the highest accuracy, enabling the identification of abnormal feeding behavior. We analyzed the pre-feeding postures and residual feed amounts of abnormal and normal groups of lactating sows. Our findings indicated that standing time was significantly lower and residual feed amount was higher in the abnormal groups compared to the normal groups. By combining standing time and residual feed amount information, accurate detection of the feeding status of lactating sows can be realized. This approach facilitates the accurate detection of abnormal feeding behaviors of lactating sows in large-scale pig farm environments.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the short-term effects of dietary selenium supplementation on lactating sows on the physiological response, litter performance, milk composition, and tissue selenium retention in piglets when selenium was provided by different sources and at different levels in a lactation diet. Methods A total of 48 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight, backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the four treatments with 12 sows per treatment using a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Inorganic or organic Se sources were added to the diet at 0.30 ppm and 0.50 ppm Se. Treatments were as follows: i) IS30, basal diet + inorganic Se 0.30 ppm; ii) IS50, basal diet + inorganic Se 0.50 ppm; iii) OS30, basal diet + organic Se 0.30 ppm; and iv) OS50: basal diet + organic Se 0.50 ppm. Results At Day 21 of lactation, a high tendency of litter weight (p = 0.08) and litter weight gain (p = 0.09) were observed when sows were fed an organic Se source. The milk Se concentration in the organic Se treatment was higher than that in the inorganic Se treatment at Day 21 of lactation (p

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin commonly found in feedstuffs, is known for its detrimental effects on the kidneys and liver, posing significant health risks to animals and humans. This study investigated the toxicokinetics, excretion patterns, and milk transmission of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in lactating sows. The sows were administered a single oral dose of 500 μg/kg BW (body weight), followed by the systematic sampling of plasma, feces, urine, and milk. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 5, 15, and 30 min, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, 88, 96, and 120 h post administration. Feces samples were collected at 6 h intervals for the first 12 h, then at 12 h intervals until 120 h, while urine samples were collected at 6 h intervals up to 120 h. Milk samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The concentration of OTA and its primary metabolite OTα were quantitatively analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed that the peak plasma concentrations of OTA (920.25 ± 88.46 μg/L) were observed at 9 h following administration. The terminal elimination half-life was recorded at 78.47 ± 7.68 h, with a volume of distribution of 0.16 ± 0.003 L/kg. Moreover, this study documented the excretion of OTA and OTα across a span of 120 h, revealing that feces and urine accounted for 18.70 ± 0.04% and 8.40 ± 0.002% of the total intake amounts, respectively (calculated based on substance amounts). Furthermore, this experiment detected OTA residues in the milk of lactating sows, with the milk-to-plasma (M/P) ratio initially increasing from 0.06 to 0.46 within the first 24 h following OTA ingestion. These findings offer an exhaustive temporal analysis of OTA’s toxicokinetics in lactating sows, emphasizing its pervasive distribution and elimination through various bodily excreta.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary semen vaccariae extracts (SVE) on the production performance, colostrum components, and relative gene expression related to mammogenesis of lactating sows. 48 pregnant sows were selected and randomly allocated into four groups, with six replicates and two sows per replicate. The first group was the control (CON), while the other groups received the same diet further supplemented with 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g SVE per kg (SV1, SV2 and SV3, respectively). Compared with the control group, (1) the average daily gain was increased (p

Simple Summary: Pig production heavily depends on the reproductive performance of sows. The antioxidant capacity and hormone levels of lactating sows have an essential impact on their own health and the health of future generations. We investigate the effects of dietary probiotics and acidifiers on the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity and hormone levels, and gene expression in the mammary tissue of lactating sows. The results showed that the dietary probiotics and acidifiers improved the growth performance of piglets, decreased the serum malondialdehyde levels, increased the superoxide dismutase contents, and increased the relative expression levels of the prolactin receptor and fatty acid synthase. In conclusion, the basal diet mixed with 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers improved the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity, and hormone levels of lactating sows. This study provides a more theoretical basis for the dietary probiotics and acidifiers' application in the diet of lactating sows and for the sustainable and healthy development of pig farming. The aims of this study were to test the effects of dietary probiotics and acidifiers on the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity and hormone levels, and gene expression in the mammary tissue of lactating sows. Four treatments were administered with six replicates to 24 lactating sows. The control group (GC) received a basal diet, while the experimental groups received a basal diet with 200 mL/d probiotics (GP), 0.5% acidifiers (GA), and 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers (GM), respectively. Compared with the GC, (1) the average weight of the piglets on the 21st day of lactation in the GM was higher (p < 0.05); (2) the colostrum fat ratio increased significantly (p < 0.05); (3) the malondialdehyde levels in GP and GM were lower (p < 0.05) on the 11th day; (4) on the 1st, 11th, and 21st days, the prolactin in GP and GM increased (p < 0.05); (5) on the 21st day, the relative expression levels of the prolactin receptor and fatty acid synthase were increased (p < 0.05). In summary, the basal diet mixed with 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers could improve the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity, and hormone levels of lactating sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To precisely meet the nutritional requirements of sows during the stages of pregnancy and lactation, a precision feeding system was developed by using the intelligent sow feeder combined with a rule-based expert system and the Internet of Things (IoTs). The model of uncertain knowledge representation was established for inference by using the certainty factor. The daily feeding amount of each sow was calculated by the expert system. An improved pattern matching algorithm Reused Degree Model-RETE (RDM-RETE) was proposed for the decision of daily feeding amount, which sped up inference by optimizing the RETE network topology. A prediction model of daily feeding amount was established by a rule-based expert system and the precision feeding was achieved by an accurate control technology of variable volume. The experimental results demonstrated that the HASH-RDM-RETE algorithm could effectively reduce the network complexity and improve the inference efficiency. The feeding amount decided by the expert system was a logarithmic model, which was consistent with the feeding law of lactating sows. The inferential feeding amount was adopted as the predicted feed intake and the coefficient of correlation between predicted feed intake and actual feed intake was greater than or equal to 0.99. Each sow was fed at different feeding intervals and different feed amounts for each meal in a day. The feed intake was 26.84% higher than that of artificial feeding during lactation days (p<0.05). The piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) can be increased by 1.51 compared with that of relatively high levels in domestic pig farms. This system is stable in feeding and lowers the breeding cost that can be applied in precision feeding in swine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to development the alternative farrowing pen (AFP) and to investigate performance and behavior of lactating sows and their litter. A total of 64 multiparous sows were randomly divided into two groups and were allocated to farrowing crates (FCs) and AFPs. The AFPs contained a crate and support bars that could be folded to provide the sows with extra space on day 5 postpartum. Behavior was recorded by charge-coupled device cameras and digital video recorders, and the data were scanned every 2 min to obtain an instantaneous behavioral sample. Farrowing systems did not affect feed intake, back-fat thickness, litter size and piglet weight at birth and weaning (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no differences in the number of crushed piglets between the two farrowing systems (p > 0.05). However, the weaning-to-estrus interval was shorter in the sows of the AFPs than in thous of the FCs (p < 0.05). The sows spent most of their time lying down during the lactating period, at about 80% lateral recumbency and 10%–15% ventral recumbency. The only significant differences were in the feeding and drinking behavior between sows in the two farrowing systems (p < 0.05). The FC sows displayed more feeding and drinking behavior than the AFP sows, especially in the late lactating period (p < 0.05). Piglets in the FCs tended to spend more time walking than piglets in the AFPs (p < 0.05), whereas there were no differences in suckling and lying behavior between piglets in the two farrowing systems (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the AFPs with temporary crating until day 4 postpartum did not negatively affect performance and crushed piglet compared with the FCs. It also may improve animal welfare by allowing sows to move and turn around during the lactating period. Further research is needed to find suitable housing designs to enhance productivity and animal welfare.

An experiment was conducted to determine coefficients of standardized total tract digestibility (CSTTD) of P in canola meal (CM) fed to gestating and lactating sows without or with a multi-enzyme complex (MC). Eight sows cannulated on day 40 of gestation were assigned at random to the 4 dietary treatments in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The 4 diets included 2 cornstarch-based diets with 313 g/kg solvent-extracted CM as the only source of P, without or with MC, a casein-cornstarch diet to determine ileal endogenous amino acid losses (amino acid digestibility data reported elsewhere), and a P-free diet to determine the endogenous P losses. All diets contained 3 g/kg titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Gestating sows were fed 3.0 kg/day, whereas, during lactation, sows had ad libitum access to diets. Samples were collected over 3 phases; mid-gestation, late-gestation, and lactation. Each phase had 4 experimental periods lasting 8 days. In each period, after 5-day acclimation to the experimental diets, fecal samples were collected by grab sampling via rectal palpation on day 6. Results indicated no differences in total tract digestibility of nutrients between mid-gestation, late-gestation, and lactation. Enzyme supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and P, and CSTTD of P during lactation. The CSTTD of P in CM was 0.445 (without MC) and 0.504 (with MC) in mid-gestation, 0.455 (without MC) and 0.492 (with MC) in late-gestation, and 0.442 (without MC) and 0.489 (with MC) in lactation. In conclusion, the average CSTTD for P in CM fed to sows was 0.447 and MC significantly improved the CSTTD of P in CM during lactation. • Standardized P digestibility in canola meal fed to sows ranges from 0.44 to 0.46. • Digestibility of P does not differ among sows at different reproductive stages. • Multi-enzyme complex supplementation improved the P digestibility during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiment was conducted to study the effects of Mulberry Leaf (ML) powder on reproductive performance, serum and milk amino acid composition in sows. Fifty sows (D 85 at gestation) with parity 3 or 4 were randomly divided into 5 groups: C, M100, M200, M300 and M400, receiving 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g ML powder per sow per day. Blood and milk of sows at Days 1 and 21 of lactation were collected. Results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI) during lactation was higher in groups supplemented ML compared with control group (p < 0.01). Litter weight gain during lactation was higher in M400 than in groups M200 and C (p < 0.05), with no significant difference compared with M100 and M300. Serum glucose concentration in groups M400 and M300 was higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.01). Serum HDL‐C concentration in group M400 was significantly greater than those in groups M100 and M200 (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between group M400 and groups M300, control. Milk amino acid concentrations such as isoleucine, leucine, lysine and valine were all lower in group M400 than in control (p < 0.01). Serum methionine (Met) concentration was higher in M300 than in other groups (p < 0.01). Milk Met concentration in group C was higher than those of the sows in the group M400, with no significant difference compared with groups M100, M200 and M300 (p < 0.05). Serum Lys and Met concentrations were lower in M400 than in control group (p < 0.05). In summary, our results have revealed the ML supplementation at a high dose such as 300 g/day during later gestation and lactation showed benefit in regulating lipid and amino acid metabolism in sows and then improved growth performance of their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum creatinine (SCr) in humans has proven to be a reliable biomarker of body protein breakdown and/or muscle mass change. This study set out to investigate the potential of SCr to indicate a loss in sow muscle mass over lactation, validated against 3 methyl histidine (3MH) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), markers of dietary and/or body protein breakdown. A total of 40 sows were allocated to four treatment groups aimed to induce body weight changes by restrictively feeding sows using a stepwise percentage reduction model. Data were pooled and reallocated into three groups representing the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles based on body weight change over lactation in the range −22.3 to −4.1% (treatment 25), −4.0 to 6.2% (Treatment 50), and 6.3–15.2% (Treatment 75). Indirect measures for the prediction of protein (3MH, BUN) or fat change (caliper, P2) were taken on entry into the farrowing house, day 5 of lactation, and at weaning. Serum was collected on these days, and SCr, 3MH and BUN were analysed. Piglet weaning weight and average daily feed intake did not differ between treatments (p >.05). There were no changes (p >.05) in indirect measures of body composition (sow caliper score, P2) and analytes (SCr, 3MH, BUN) over lactation. By day 20, those sows in treatment 25 had higher (p <.05) 3MH concentrations whilst changes from day 5 to 20 were not different (p >.05) and did not correlate with SCr change (p >.05) but were highly correlated to BUN change (R2 = 0.691, p <.001). The data suggested that concentrations of SCr and BUN may have been the result of dietary and/or body protein breakdown and/or changes in muscle mass. In the current testing conditions, SCr was not a reliable marker of changes in muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on productive performance and immune responses of sows and their litters. Twelve sows (227.78 ± 2.16 kg average body weight; 2.0 average parity) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: a basal diet (CON) and the basal diet supplemented with 1% SDP. Sows were fed experimental diets from d 30 before farrowing to weaning of their piglets. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 1, 3, and 7 of lactation and from two randomly selected nursing pigs per litter on d 3 and 7 after birth, and d 1, 3, and 7 after weaning. Productive performance and immune responses of sows and their piglets were measured. There was a trend of less body weight loss in sows supplemented with SDP (p < 0.10) during the lactation period and a trend of greater (p < 0.10) average daily gain in SDP piglets compared to those in the CON group. Sows in the SDP group tended to have lower (p < 0.10) serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and cortisol on d 3 and lower serum concentration of TNF-α on d 7 compared with sows in CON group. In comparison with CON piglets, piglets from SDP sows tended to have lower (p < 0.10) serum concentrations of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and cortisol on d 7 after birth, lower (p < 0.10) serum TNF-α and C-reactive protein on d 3 and 7 after weaning, and greater (p < 0.10) average daily gain after weaning. Moreover, weaned pigs from sows fed SDP had significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of cortisol and TGF-β1 on d 3 and 7 postweaning, respectively, than CON piglets. In conclusion, SDP supplementation in sow diets from late gestation to weaning improved the productive performance of sows and their offspring; the beneficial effects of SDP may be mediated in part through modulation of immune responses of both sows and piglets.

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The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of dietary glucose oxidase (GOx) supplementation on the reproductive performance, litter performance, total tract digestibility, and blood profile of lactating sows fed corn-wheat-based diet. A total of twenty multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were allocated into one of four treatments with five replicates per treatment. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON (Basal diet), GO1 (basal diet + 200 U GOx/kg), GO2 (basal diet + 300 U GOx/kg), GO3 (basal diet + 400 U Gox/kg). Dietary GOx supplementation did not affect lactating sow’s reproduction performance as well as body weight, backfat thickness, and body condition score during pre and post farrowing, and at weaning (p > 0.05). However, after farrowing to weaning period lactating sow’s fed GOx supplement has linearly (p = 0.0196) decreased the bodyweight loss. While, there were no effects (p > 0.05) observed on sows backfat thickness loss, average daily feed intake, and estrus interval among treatment groups. Dietary supplementation of GOx has linearly improved the body weight gain (p = 0.049) and average daily gain (p = 0.040) of suckling piglets. The total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen was linearly increased with the graded level of GOx supplement. Also, a linear effect was observed on the glucose and superoxide dismutase of blood profile with the dietary inclusion of GOx. In summary, our finding indicates that the dietary inclusion of GOx supplement with corn-wheat-based diet had a beneficial effect on the nutrient digestibility and blood profile of lactating sows and improved the growth performance of suckling piglets.

The aims of this study were to test the effects of dietary probiotics and acidifiers on the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity and hormone levels, and gene expression in the mammary tissue of lactating sows. Four treatments were administered with six replicates to 24 lactating sows. The control group (GC) received a basal diet, while the experimental groups received a basal diet with 200 mL/d probiotics (GP), 0.5% acidifiers (GA), and 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers (GM), respectively. Compared with the GC, (1) the average weight of the piglets on the 21st day of lactation in the GM was higher (p < 0.05); (2) the colostrum fat ratio increased significantly (p < 0.05); (3) the malondialdehyde levels in GP and GM were lower (p < 0.05) on the 11th day; (4) on the 1st, 11th, and 21st days, the prolactin in GP and GM increased (p < 0.05); (5) on the 21st day, the relative expression levels of the prolactin receptor and fatty acid synthase were increased (p < 0.05). In summary, the basal diet mixed with 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers could improve the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity, and hormone levels of lactating sows.

An experiment was carried out on Large White Yorkshire sows for a duration of 63 days at the Centre of Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy to elucidate the impact of higher feed energy levels through corn oil supplementation. Eighteen Large White Yorkshire pregnant sows were selected three weeks before the anticipated date of parturition and were divided into three uniform groups of six each and were allocated the treatments, T1{(Control ration (18% CP and 3280 kcal/kg ME as per ICAR, 2013)},T2{(Control ration +1 % Corn oil (w/w) (18 % CP and 3365 kcal ME/ kg feed)} and T3 {(Control ration + 2 % Corn oil (w/w) (18% CP and 3450 kcal ME/kg feed)}. The dry matter intake of the sows of the three groups was similar (p>0.05). At 42 days of lactation, the lactational loss in body weight of sows was statistically similar (p>0.05).

Abstract Background The environmental impact of pig farming need to be reduced, with phosphorus (P) being of particular interest. Specified dietary regimens and management systems contribute to meet environmental concerns and reduce economic constrains. However, pregnant and lactating sows represent vulnerable individuals, whose reproductive potential and metabolic health status relies on adequate supply of macro- and micronutrients. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether sows fed with a dietary P content that is below or above current recommendations are capable to maintain mineral homeostasis during the reproduction cycle and which endogenous mechanisms are retrieved therefore in kidney and jejunum. Nulliparous gilts were fed iso-energetic diets with recommended (M), reduced (L), or high (H) amounts of mineral P supplements throughout gestation and lactation periods. Blood metabolites and hormones referring to the P homeostasis were retrieved prior to term (110 days of gestation) and at weaning (28 days of lactation). Transcriptional responses in kidney cortex and jejunal mucosa were analyzed using RNA sequencing. Results The variable dietary P content neither led to an aberration on fertility traits such as total weaned piglets nor to an effect on the weight pattern throughout gestation and lactation. Serum parameters revealed a maintained P homeostasis as reflected by unaltered inorganic P and calcium levels in L and H fed groups. The serum calcitriol levels were increased in lactating L sows. The endocrine responses to the dietary challenge were reflected at the transcriptional level. L diets led to an increase in CYP27B1 expression in the kidney compared to the H group and to an altered gene expression associated with lipid metabolism in the kidney and immune response in the jejunum. Conclusions Our results suggest that current P requirements for gestating and lactating sows are sufficient and over supplementation of mineral P is not required. Shifts in renal and jejunal expression patterns between L and H groups indicate an affected intermediate metabolism, which long-term relevance needs to be further clarified.

Abstract Background Reduced protein diet manifested potential to mitigate heat production based on the concept of ideal amino acid profile. The hypothesis of this study was that lactating sows fed a low crude protein (LCP) diet with supplemental amino acid produce less heat compared to those fed a high crude protein (HCP) diet under both thermal neutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions. Methods Thirty-two lactating sows were allotted to HCP (193 g CP/kg) and LCP (140 g CP/kg) diets under thermal neutral (TN, 21 ± 1.5 °C) or cycling heat stress (HS, 32 ± 1.5 °C daytime and 24 ± 1.5 °C nighttime) conditions. Diets contained 0.90% SID lysine and 10.8 MJ/kg net energy. Positive pressure indirect calorimeters were used to measure gas exchange in individual sows with litters, and individual piglets on days 4, 8, 14 and 18. Sow and litter weights were recorded on days 1, 10 and 21. Results Sow total heat production (THP) was calculated by subtracting litter THP from sow + litter THP based on BW0.75. Sow BW and body protein (BP) loss was greater for LCP diet compared to HCP diet in peak lactation (P

The reproductive performance of lactating sows was investigated by using different feeding methods including conventional feeding (CF, 3 times/d) or free feeding (FF), and different dietary energy level including low energy (LE: 3,300) or high energy (HE: 3,400 kcal/kg) during the hot season. A total of twenty-eight crossbred (Yorkshire × Landrace) sows were distributed into four treatments as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Sows in the FF group showed lower body weight and backfat loss (p < 0.05) compared with the CF group. Backfat loss during lactation was lower (p < 0.05) in sows fed HE diet than in that fed LE diet. There were no significant differences in litter survival rate and weaning to estrus interval, but the litter weight at weaning was improved (p < 0.05) in FF and HE sows. Hence, it is concluded that using the free-feeding system or increased dietary energy density leads to improved sow performance during hot ambient temperature.

Abstract Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1) lowering dietary crude protein (CP) increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation, and 2) excessive dietary leucine (Leu) supplementation in a low CP diet decreases dietary energetic efficiency and increases metabolic heat associated with lactation. Methods Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 3 isocaloric diets (10.80 MJ/kg net energy): 1) control (CON; 18.75% CP), 2) reduced CP with a near ideal or optimal AA profile (OPT; 13.75% CP) and 3) diet OPT with excessive Leu (OPTLEU; 14.25% CP). Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on day 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Energy balance was measured on sows during early (day 4 to 8) and peak (day 14 to18) lactation, and milk was sampled on day 8 and 18. Results Over 21-day lactation, sows fed OPT lost body weight and body lipid (P

Over the last decades, permanent crating of farrowing and lactating sows has led to serious public concerns with regard to sow welfare. As one alternative, it has been suggested to restrict crating to the period when suckling piglets are at the highest risk to die. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate live-born piglet mortality with regard to different confinement periods (CFP) as well as farrowing pen types. On three research farms (A, B and C), four confinement periods were compared: In CFP 0 (control), sows were not confined at all, sows in CFP 3 were crated after the end of farrowing for three days. In CFP 4, sows were confined one day before the due date of farrowing until three days after parturition and sows in CFP 6 were crated one day before expected farrowing until five days after parturition. Furthermore, five different pen types designed for temporary crating (PT; 5.5–7.3 m2) were compared. In total, production data from 638 litters were analysed. For each piglet found dead (n = 1 580), the cause of death was determined by the farm personnel and verified by necropsy (all three farms) and additional video analysis (farms A and B only). Data were analysed using logistic mixed models with CFP 0 and pen type Fluegel as reference categories (CFP 0 was control and this pen type was present on all three farms and the largest number of litters was born in this pen type). Live-born piglet mortality was lower in temporarily crated sows than in sows without confinement (CFP 0; P

Introduction: Feeding bamboo powder is a kind of fiber raw material mainly composed of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). In this study, IDF-based rice husk meal and feeding bamboo powder were used to compare the effects of bamboo fiber on fecal microflora and the performance of lactating sows and their offspring piglets., Methods: Thirty healthy crossbred gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) at day 105 of gestation were randomly allocated into three groups: CON, TRE1 supplemented with 2% BBF1 (feeding bamboo powder), and TRE2 supplemented with 2% BBF2 (99% feeding bamboo powder +1% bamboo fiber polymer material). The reproductive performance, serum indexes, and fecal microbiota of sows and piglets were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with CON, the average feed intake of sows in TRE1 during the second week of lactation was significantly increased by 21.96% ( p  < 0.05), the average daily gain (ADG) per litter in TRE1 on 11-21 days and 3-21 days of lactation was significantly increased by 50.68 and 31.61%, respectively ( p  < 0.05), and the serum triglyceride content of sows in TRE1 on the 21st day of lactation was significantly increased ( p  < 0.05). The 16S rRNA analysis showed that dietary bamboo fiber significantly increased the fecal microbial richness index Ace, Chao, and Sobs of sows ( p  < 0.05) and tended to increase the Sobs index of suckling piglets on day 21 ( p  < 0.10). Compared with CON, BBF1 supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Christensenellaceae&#95;R-7&#95;group in feces of sows on days 7 and 21 after delivery ( p  < 0.05), while BBF2 decreased the genera Christensenellaceae&#95;R-7&#95;group on days 7 ( p  < 0.10) and 21 ( p  < 0.05) after delivery. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium in the feces of piglets on the 21st day after delivery was significantly positively correlated with diarrhea rate and significantly negatively correlated with ADG per litter, day 21 litter weight, and 3- to 21-day survival rate. In contrast, Christensenellaceae&#95;R-7&#95;group was significantly negatively correlated with diarrhea rate and positively correlated with ADG per litter., Discussion: These results indicated that maternal BBF1 supplementation improved the litter weight gain of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of diversity and structure of the fecal microbiota in the piglets., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Dai, Lin, Jin, Huang, Wang, Ma, Yu, Fan, Nong and Zuo.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that a novel phytase based on Citrobacter braakii increases Ca and P digestibility and influences concentrations of cytokines and bone biomarkers in the serum of gestating and lactating sows. In both experiments, a positive control (PC) diet that met Ca and P requirements was formulated, and a negative control (NC) diet was formulated to be deficient in Ca and P. Two additional diets were formulated by adding 1000 or 2000 phytase units (FYT)/kg of the novel phytase to the NC diet. An additional diet was formulated by adding 1000 FYT/kg of a commercial phytase to the NC diet, and a P-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous loss of P. In experiment 1, 72 gestating sows (day of gestation = 90) were allotted to the six diets and housed individually in metabolism crates. Feces and urine were quantitatively collected for 4 days after 5 day of adaptation. On day 90 and 105 of gestation, blood samples were collected from sows. Results indicated that sows fed diets containing phytase had greater (P < 0.01) P digestibility compared with sows fed diets without phytase, but no difference was observed for P digestibility among the three diets containing phytase. Carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) was greater (P < 0.05) in sows fed the NC diet compared with sows fed the PC diet or diets containing phytase indicating increased bone tissue breakdown in sows fed the NC diet. In experiment 2, 66 lactating sows were allotted to the six diets on day 5 post-farrowing, and feces were collected for 4 days via grab-sampling after 5 days of adaptation. At the start and conclusion of the experiment, blood samples were collected from sows. Results indicated that sows fed diets containing phytase had greater (P < 0.01) digestibility of dry matter, Ca, and P compared with sows fed diets without phytase, but no difference was observed among the three diets containing phytase. Interleukin-1β in serum from sows fed 2000 FYT/kg of the novel phytase or the PC diet tended to be less (P < 0.10) compared with that of sows fed the NC diet. Sows fed the NC diet tended to have greater (P < 0.10) CTX-I compared with sows fed the PC diet or the diet containing the commercial phytase. In conclusion, phytase increased P digestibility in both gestating and lactating sows and reduced CTX-I in serum. When 2000 FYT/kg of the novel phytase or 1000 FYT/kg of the commercial phytase were added to the diet, serum concentration of interleukin 6 was also reduced, which may be a result of decreased anti-nutritional effects associated with phytate. • Microbial phytase increased digestibility of P in gestating and lactating sows. • Phytase reduced serum concentration of interleukin 6 on day 14 in lactating sows. • Phytase tended to reduce a biomarker for bone resorption in serum of lactating sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the litter performance of multiparous sows had different feeding frequencies during summer season. A total of 60 crossbred multiparous sows was allotted to one of two treatments based on body weight (BW) according to a completely randomized design. Two different feeding frequencies based on NRC (National Research Council) were applied as conventional feeding (T1; 2 kg per meal at 06:00, 11:00, and 17:00) and night feeding (T2; 1.5 kg per meal at 06:00, 11:00, 17:00, and 2 kg at 22:00). Sows in T2 treatment had lower (p < 0.05) BW changes during lactation. The backfat thickness change of sows was decreased in T2 treatment during lactation (p < 0.05). The daily feed intake differed significantly between T1 and T2 with increased feed intake of the T2 group at 5.47 kg/d to 5.14 kg/d in the T1 group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in total weight of weaned piglets between T1 (70.50 kg) and T2 (74.34 kg). A greater total litter weight gain was observed in sows in T2 treatment. Night feeding is suggested for lactating sows with significant beneficial effects on litter growth during summer season.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of a fatty acid-balanced oil, instead of soybean oil, on reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood indexes, milk composition in lactating sows, and fecal microbial composition in piglets., Methods: Twenty-four sows (Landrace×Yorkshire, mean parity 4.96) were randomly allotted to two treatments with twelve pens per treatment and one sow per pen based on their backfat thickness and parity. The experiment began on day 107 of gestation and continued until weaning on day 21 of lactation, lasting for 28 days. The control group (CG) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 2% soybean oil and the experimental group (EG) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 2% fatty acid-balanced oil., Results: The fatty acid-balanced oil supplementation increased (p<0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy in sows. The lower (p<0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin levels of sows were observed in the EG on day 21 of lactation. Dietary supplementation with the fatty acid-balanced oil decreased the fat content, increased the immunoglobulin G level, and changed (p<0.05) some fatty acid content in milk. Moreover, the fatty acid-balanced oil supplementation changed (p<0.05) the fecal microbial composition of piglets, where the average relative abundance of Spirochaetota was decreased (p<0.05) by 0.55% at the phylum level, and the average relative abundance of some potentially pathogenic fecal microorganism was decreased (p<0.05) at the species level., Conclusion: The fatty acid-balanced oil improved nutrient digestibility, changed the serum biochemical indices and milk composition of sows, and ameliorated the fecal microbial composition of piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary spray-dried plasma (SDP) on the gut microbiota of lactating sows and their piglets. A total of 12 sows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. The treatments were a sow diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON), and a CON diet with an added 1% SDP. The sows were fed the dietary treatments from d 30 before farrowing to weaning (d 28). The fecal samples of three sows from each treatment and two of their randomly selected piglets were collected to verify their fecal microbiota. There were no differences in the alpha diversity and distinct clustering of the microbial communities in the sows and their piglets when SDP was added to the sow diets from late gestation to weaning. The fecal microbiota of the lactating sows and their piglets showed a higher relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidota and genus Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus and showed a lower relative abundance of the phylum Bacillota and genus Bacteroides , Escherichia/Shigella , and Clostridium in the sows fed the SDP diet than those fed the CON diet. Overall, these results show that the addition of SDP to the sow diet during lactation altered the gut environment with positive microbial composition changes. These results were similar in the nursing piglets, suggesting that the control of the sow diets during lactation may contribute to the intestinal health and growth in piglets after weaning.

High piglet mortality constitutes a welfare challenge in Danish organic pig production with almost one in three piglets dying before weaning. Piglet characteristics such as birth weight, rectal temperature and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affect piglet survival. Due to differences in breeding goals, these characteristics may be expected to differ between sow hybrids. Thus, the aims of the present study were (1) to investigate piglet characteristics in two highly prolific sow hybrids and (2) to study to which extent the aforementioned characteristics affect piglet mortality. Forty-nine sows (22 DanBred and 27 Topigs Norsvin) were followed in their first two parities. Sows were housed outdoors and gave birth in huts. On day 1 postpartum (pp) piglets were individually marked, weighed, their rectal temperature was recorded and they were scored for IUGR. Weight and rectal temperature were recorded again 3 days pp. Principal component analyses were conducted to explore relationships among variables. Early piglet death grouped with IUGR, lower rectal temperature and weight on day 1 pp. Late mortality grouped with increasing litter size and DanBred hybrid. Whilst, Topigs Norsvin hybrid grouped with increasing rectal temperature day 3 pp, longer crown to rump length, higher weight and more teats on the sow. Results of the statistical analyses showed that Topigs Norsvin piglets were heavier 1 and 3 days pp (p < 0.001) compared to DanBred piglets. Furthermore, Topigs Norsvin piglets had a higher rectal temperature than DanBred on day 1 pp (p = 0.023). The risk of IUGR depended on an interaction between sow hybrid and parity (p = 0.023). DanBred sows gave birth to more piglets (18.2 ± 0.6) than Topigs Norsvin sows (15.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.003), however, DanBred sows had fewer teats than Topigs Norsvin sows. Weight on day 1 pp affected both the odds of stillbirth (p < 0.001) and live born death (p < 0.001). Lower rectal temperature day 1 pp (p < 0.001) increased the odds of live born death. In conclusion, the investigated hybrids differed in several piglet characteristics related to piglet mortality. Use of sows giving birth to heavier and fewer piglets in the litter may thus be a useful tool to reduce piglet mortality in pig production with outdoor farrowing.

Abstract Background Lactose synthesis rate is an important factor in milk production and quality in mammals. Understanding the lactose synthesis mechanism is crucial for the improvement of milk quantity and quality. However, research on the temporal gene changes regarding lactose synthesis during the whole lactation is still limited. The objective of this study was to determine gene expression profiles related to lactose synthesis in sows during lactation, and further identify the critical steps or key factors in the lactose synthesis pathway. Methods To determine the temporal change of factors related to lactose synthesis in sows, milk from eight multiparous Yorkshire sows (parity 3 to 6) was collected at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, day 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, and 21 after birth of the first piglet. Lactose content, prolactin and progesterone concentration, and gene or protein expression related to lactose synthesis were measured. Results The lactose yield increased gradually from D2 to D21 and reached a maximum at D14 (3-fold from D2) during lactation (P

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase and energy level on reproductive performance of multiparous sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 30 multiparous sows were randomly allotted to three treatments (0400 and 800 units β-mannanase). In Exp. 2, 60 multiparous sows were fed diets containing 3250 or 3350 kcal ME/kg diet and 0 or 400 units of β-mannanase in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. A linear reduction in sow body weight (BW) loss during lactation was observed with increasing levels of β-mannanase. The BW change during lactation was significantly lower in sows fed high-energy diets or dietary β-mannanase. β-mannanase supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and mannose. Diets supplemented with β-mannanase or high-energy diet increased milk fat level. Furthermore, high-energy diet increased lactose level in milk. Collectively, our data indicate that dietary inclusion of β-mannanase has the potential to improve digestibility of nutrients and reduce sow BW loss during lactation.

Background: Reduced protein diet manifested potential to mitigate heat production based on the concept of ideal amino acid profile. The hypothesis of this study was that lactating sows fed a low crude protein (LCP) diet with supplemental amino acid produce less heat compared to those fed a high crude protein (HCP) diet under both thermal neutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions. Methods: Thirty-two lactating sows were allotted to HCP (193 g CP/kg) and LCP (140 g CP/kg) diets under thermal neutral (TN, 21 ± 1.5 °C) or cycling heat stress (HS, 32 ± 1.5 °C daytime and 24 ± 1.5 °C nighttime) conditions. Diets contained 0.90% SID lysine and 10.8 MJ/kg net energy. Positive pressure indirect calorimeters were used to measure gas exchange in individual sows with litters, and individual piglets on days 4, 8, 14 and 18. Sow and litter weights were recorded on days 1, 10 and 21. Results: Sow total heat production (THP) was calculated by subtracting litter THP from sow + litter THP based on BW0.75. Sow BW and body protein (BP) loss was greater for LCP diet compared to HCP diet in peak lactation (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and throughout the entire lactation period (P < 0.05 and P = 0.056, respectively) under HS conditions. Heat-stressed sows fed HCP diet had higher (P < 0.05) rectal temperature at 13:00 (P < 0.05) and 19:00 (P < 0.01), and higher respiration rate at 07:00 (P < 0.05), 13:00 (P < 0.05) and 19:00 (P < 0.05) compared to TN sows fed HCP diet. In sows fed LCP diet, those under HS tended to have higher (P = 0.098) rectal temperature at 13:00 and had higher (P < 0.05) respiration rate at 07:00, 13:00 and 19:00 compared to TN sows. The relationship between daily THP and days in lactation of sows fed LCP diet was quadratic (P < 0.05), with an ascending trend until day 14 and a descending trend from days 14 to 18. Sows fed LCP diet had lower daily THP at day 18 (P < 0.001) compared to those fed the HCP diet under HS conditions. Conclusion: Reduction in THP in sows fed LCP diet was largely associated with THP on day 18 of lactation under HS conditions. Feeding LCP diets alleviated the increased body temperature in sows under HS conditions throughout lactation, which was accompanied by a reduction in respiration rate. Total heat production is associated with days in lactation, in particular under HS conditions with THP appearing to peak between days 14 and 18. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1) lowering dietary crude protein (CP) increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation, and 2) excessive dietary leucine (Leu) supplementation in a low CP diet decreases dietary energetic efficiency and increases metabolic heat associated with lactation. Methods: Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 3 isocaloric diets (10.80 MJ/kg net energy): 1) control (CON; 18.75% CP), 2) reduced CP with a near ideal or optimal AA profile (OPT; 13.75% CP) and 3) diet OPT with excessive Leu (OPTLEU; 14.25% CP). Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on day 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Energy balance was measured on sows during early (day 4 to 8) and peak (day 14 to18) lactation, and milk was sampled on day 8 and 18. Results: Over 21-day lactation, sows fed OPT lost body weight and body lipid (P < 0.05). In peak lactation, sows fed OPT had higher milk energy output (P < 0.05) than CON. Sows fed OPTLEU tended (P = 0.07) to have less milk energy output than OPT and did not differ from CON. Maternal energy retention was lower (P < 0.05) in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows, and did not differ between OPTLEU and OPT sows. Sows fed OPT had higher (P < 0.05) apparent energy efficiency for milk production compared to CON. Heat production associated with lactation was lower (P < 0.05) or tended to be lower (P = 0.082), respectively, in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows. Conclusion: The OPT diet, in peak lactation, improved dietary energy utilization for lactation due to less urinary energy and metabolic heat loss, and triggered dietary energy deposition into milk at the expense of maternal lipid mobilization. Leucine supplementation above requirement may reduce dietary energy utilization for lactation by decreasing the energy partitioning towards milk, partially explaining the effectiveness of OPT diet over CON diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study investigated the litter performance of multiparous sows fed 3% and 6% densified diets at farrowing to weaning during summer with mean maximum room temperature of 30.5°C. Methods A total of 60 crossbred multiparous sows were allotted to one of three treatments based on body weight according to a completely randomized design. Three different nutrient levels based on NRC were applied as standard diet (ST; metabolizable energy, 3,300 kcal/kg), high nutrient level 1 (HE1; ST+3% higher energy and 16.59% protein) and high nutrient level 2 (HE2; ST+6% higher energy and 17.04% protein). Results There was no variation in the body weight change. However, backfat thickness change tended to reduce in HE1 in comparison to ST treatment. Dietary treatments had no effects on feed intake, daily energy intake and weaning-to-estrus interval in lactating sows. Litter size, litter weight at weaning and average daily gain of piglets were significantly greater in sows in HE1 compared with ST, however, no difference was observed between HE2 and ST. Increasing the nutrient levels had no effects on the blood urea nitrogen, glucose, triglyceride, and creatinine at post-farrowing and weaning time. The concentration of follicle stimulating hormone, cortisol and insulin were not affected by dietary treatments either in post-farrowing or weaning time. The concentration of blood luteinizing hormone of sows in ST treatment was numerically less than sows in HE2 treatment at weaning. Milk and colostrum compositions such as protein, fat and lactose were not affected by the treatments. Conclusion An energy level of 3,400 kcal/kg (14.23 MJ/kg) with 166 g/kg crude protein is suggested as the optimal level of dietary nutrients for heat stressed lactating sows with significant beneficial effects on litter size.

This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine (Arg) supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter performance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and composition in multiparous sows. Thirty-one sows were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0.0 (control, n=10), 0.5% (n=10), or 1.0% (n=11) L-Arg-HCI, respectively. Experimental diets were provided to the sows from d 3 to 21 of lactation. Plasma and milk samples were collected at d 14 and 21 of lactation. The average daily gain (ADG) of piglets from sows fed diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI at d 3 to 14 of lactation, were higher than that of controls (P

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in solvent extracted canola meal (CM) fed to gestating and lactating sows without or with a multi-enzyme complex. Eight sows cannulated on day 40 of gestation were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The 4 diets included 2 cornstarch-based diets with 31.3% CM as the only source of AA, without or with a multi-enzyme complex, a casein-cornstarch diet to determine ileal endogenous AA losses, and a phosphorus-free diet (phosphorus digestibility data reported elsewhere). All diets contained 0.3% titanium dioxide. Gestating sows were fed 3.0 kg/d of the respective experimental diets, whereas, during lactation, sows had ad libitum access to experimental diets. Ileal digesta samples were collected in midgestation, late gestation, and lactation. In each period, after 6-d acclimation to the experimental diets, on days 7 and 8, ileal digesta samples were collected continuously for 12 h. Results indicated that sows in lactation had greater apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP and all AA (P < 0.05) compared with sows in gestation. Enzyme supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the AID of histidine, lysine, methionine, valine, and alanine, and a tendency (P < 0.10) for improvement in AID was observed for arginine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and cysteine during lactation, but not during gestation. However, the SID of most AA was not affected by collection phase, but enzyme supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the SID of arginine, histidine, lysine, methionine, and valine during lactation. The SID of indispensable AA in CM fed to gestating and lactating sows were as follows: arginine, 89.2 and 91.3%; histidine, 93.1 and 94.0%; isoleucine, 85.9 and 87.0%; leucine, 89.2 and 89.2%; lysine, 87.0 and 87.7%; methionine, 92.2 and 93.2%; phenylalanine, 89.2 and 87.8%; threonine, 84.3 and 82.7%; tryptophan, 88.1 and 91.5%; valine, 85.9 and 84.3%. In conclusion, the SID of AA in CM fed to lactating sows may be improved if a mixture of carbohydrases is included in the diet, but under the conditions of this experiment, the carbohydrase mixture did not affect SID of AA in CM fed to gestating sows in midgestation or late gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the litter performance of lactating sows fed nutrient‐dense diets with or without dextrose at farrowing to weaning, during the summer with an average room temperature of 28.4°C. A total of 60 (13 first parity, 13 second parity, 19 third parity, and 15 forth parity) cross‐bred sows were assigned to three treatments. The three treatments were: standard diet (ST), high nutrient diet (HN; ST + 3% higher energy and 18.0% protein), and high nutrient diet plus dextrose (HND; 3% higher energy, 18.0% protein, and 5% dextrose). BW loss was reduced in the HND sows compared with the ST sows during lactation. The HN and HND sows had a higher piglet and litter weight at weaning. Also, the HND sows had the highest post‐prandial insulin levels at weaning and the shortest weaning‐to‐service interval (WSI). Serum LH was higher in the HND sows than the ST sows. The milk fat level was higher in the HND sows compared with the ST sows, but similar to the HN sows. In conclusion, these results suggest that it is possible to increase the blood insulin response by supplementing dextrose to a high nutrient diet, thus, improving WSI interval and litter growth during heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were used to test the hypothesis that feeding a reduced protein diet with a near ideal AA (NIAA) profile increases the biological utilization efficiency of N and essential AA (EAA) for milk production in part as a result of reduced dietary Leu concentration. Sows were fed 1 of 3 isocaloric diets containing the following concentration of CP (% as-fed, analyzed): 18.74 (Control: CON), 13.78 (Optimal: OPT), and 14.25 (Optimal + Leu: OPTLEU). The OPT and OPTLEU diets contained the same concentration of crystalline AA (CAA) to meet requirements of the limiting AA. Crystalline Leu was added to OPTLEU to contain the same SID Leu concentration as that of CON. Sows were weighed on days 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets on days 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Nitrogen retention was measured for 48 or 72 h between days 4 and 8 (early) and days 14 and 18 (peak) of lactation. Sow BW change and ADFI did not differ between diets. Litter growth rate (LGR) during early lactation did not differ between diets. At peak lactation, LGR was higher in sows fed OPT compared with CON (P < 0.05) and lower in sows fed OPTLEU compared with OPT (P < 0.05). In early and peak lactation, total N retention, and milk N output efficiency were greater in OPT (P < 0.01) and OPTLEU (P < 0.05) than CON. Compared with CON, overall biological efficiency of N, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe, and Trp were greater (P < 0.05), whereas those of Lys, Met, Thr, and Val did not differ in sows fed OPT and OPTLEU, except for Leu which did not differ between OPTLEU and CON. Compared with OPT, only Leu and Met efficiency were lower (P < 0.01) and tended to be lower (P = 0.10), respectively, in sows fed OPTLEU. Reducing CP with a NIAA profile to attain the minimum Leu requirement maintained overall lactation performance, improved utilization efficiency of N, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe + Tyr, and Trp for milk production, and maximized efficiency of Ile, Leu, Lys, Met + Cys, Phe + Tyr, Thr, Trp, and Val. Addition of Leu did not reduce N and EAA utilization efficiency. This study provides revised and novel maximum biological efficiency value (MBEV) for Ile (65.4), Leu (75.1), Lys (63.2), Met + Cys (78.2), Phe + Tyr (69.5), Thr (71.0), Trp (70.1), and Val (57.0). These MBEV can be used to more accurately predict the requirement for those AA during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were used to test the hypothesis that feeding a reduced protein diet with a near ideal AA (NIAA) profile increases the biological utilization efficiency of N and essential AA (EAA) for milk production in part as a result of reduced dietary Leu concentration. Sows were fed 1 of 3 isocaloric diets containing the following concentration of CP (% as-fed, analyzed): 18.74 (Control: CON), 13.78 (Optimal: OPT), and 14.25 (Optimal + Leu: OPTLEU). The OPT and OPTLEU diets contained the same concentration of crystalline AA (CAA) to meet requirements of the limiting AA. Crystalline Leu was added to OPTLEU to contain the same SID Leu concentration as that of CON. Sows were weighed on days 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets on days 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Nitrogen retention was measured for 48 or 72 h between days 4 and 8 (early) and days 14 and 18 (peak) of lactation. Sow BW change and ADFI did not differ between diets. Litter growth rate (LGR) during early lactation did not differ between diets. At peak lactation, LGR was higher in sows fed OPT compared with CON (P < 0.05) and lower in sows fed OPTLEU compared with OPT (P < 0.05). In early and peak lactation, total N retention, and milk N output efficiency were greater in OPT (P < 0.01) and OPTLEU (P < 0.05) than CON. Compared with CON, overall biological efficiency of N, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe, and Trp were greater (P < 0.05), whereas those of Lys, Met, Thr, and Val did not differ in sows fed OPT and OPTLEU, except for Leu which did not differ between OPTLEU and CON. Compared with OPT, only Leu and Met efficiency were lower (P < 0.01) and tended to be lower (P = 0.10), respectively, in sows fed OPTLEU. Reducing CP with a NIAA profile to attain the minimum Leu requirement maintained overall lactation performance, improved utilization efficiency of N, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe + Tyr, and Trp for milk production, and maximized efficiency of Ile, Leu, Lys, Met + Cys, Phe + Tyr, Thr, Trp, and Val. Addition of Leu did not reduce N and EAA utilization efficiency. This study provides revised and novel maximum biological efficiency value (MBEV) for Ile (65.4), Leu (75.1), Lys (63.2), Met + Cys (78.2), Phe + Tyr (69.5), Thr (71.0), Trp (70.1), and Val (57.0). These MBEV can be used to more accurately predict the requirement for those AA during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative strategies in free-range pig production are needed to improve the environmental performance of the system. Based on previous studies, inclusion of trees was hypothesized to improve the system's nitrogen efficiency. We investigated sow elimination behavior, feces load, and localization as well as soil mineral nitrogen load in pasture-based individual paddocks with and without access to two rows of poplar (Populus sp.) trees. In contrast to what was expected, sows showed no preference for eliminating in the zone with poplars but clearly avoided defecating near the hut, feed, and water. Soil mineral nitrogen load showed a heterogeneous pattern as also found in previous studies. In comparison to grass, our results indicated that the poplars had an increased winter uptake of nitrate from deeper soil layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nitrate leaching from outdoor pig production is a long-standing environmental problem for surface and groundwater pollution. In this study, the effects of inclusion of poplar trees in paddocks for lactating sows on nitrogen (N) balances were studied for an organic pig farm in Denmark. Vegetation conditions, soil water and nitrate dynamics were measured in poplar and grass zones of paddocks belonging to main treatments: access to trees (AT), no access to trees (NAT) and a control without trees (NT), during the hydrological year April 2015 to April 2016. Soil water drainage for each zone, simulated by two simulation models (CoupModel and Daisy), was used to estimate nitrate leaching from the zones in each paddock. N balances (input minus output) for the treatments were computed and compared. The results showed that, in terms of annual water balance and regardless of treatment, simulated evapotranspiration of poplar was 560–569 and 489–498 mm for CoupModel and Daisy , respectively, and corresponding evapotranspiration of grass-clover was 250 and 400 mm, against precipitation of 1076 mm. Simulated drainage below the root zone varied as 620–723 mm for Daisy and 568–958 mm for CoupModel , the higher end of the latter being probably overestimated. Annual nitrate leaching ranged from 32 kg N ha−1 in the poplar zone of NAT up to 289 kg N ha−1 in the control grass zone of NT. The poplar zone showed significantly lower nitrate leaching, by 75–80%, compared to the grass zone. For the control NT treatment, nitrate leaching was approximately 50% higher in the grass zone closest to the hut compared to the grass zone further away. NT treatment also had the largest surface N balance of 468 kg N ha−1 compared to 436 and 397 kg N ha−1 for AT and NAT, respectively. When N losses by leaching and volatilisation were included, soil N balances were 118, 157 and 113 kg N ha−1 for AT, NAT and NT, respectively. Overall, the two simulation models were found useful tools for analyses of water balance for complex agroforestry systems. The findings collectively suggest that it is possible to decrease nitrate leaching from outdoor pig production on sandy soils by inclusion of poplar trees. Additional measures are nevertheless needed to reduce N losses on a mean area basis in paddocks with 20% tree cover. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A combined production of poplars and pigs was hypothesised to lower nitrate leaching. • Mean annual nitrate leaching ranged from 32 up to 289 kg N ha−1 depending on treatment. • Poplar zone showed 75–80% lower nitrate leaching compared to grass-clover zone. • Additional measures are needed to reduce nitrate losses on a mean area basis. • CoupModel and Daisy were found useful for water balance analyses of agroforestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was to evaluate the impact of rapeseed meal (RSM), canola meal (CM), and their mixture substitute for soybean meal on performance of lactating sows and their offspring. In total, 16 Yorkshire×Landrace sows with initial BW 258.87±5.36 kg were used in this trial. The experimental period lasted 30 days. The sows were allotted to one of four dietary treatments (4 sows per treatment): 1) corn-soybean meal (SBM) basal diets; 2) basal diets containing 8% RSM; 3) basal diets containing 8% CM; 4) basal diets containing RSM (4%) and CM (4%) mixture (RSCM). Sows fed with RSM and RSCM diets had a higher (P<0.05) body weight loss than sows fed SBM diet. The parity, litter number, piglet survival rate, weaning pig number, backfat, ADFI and estrus interval were not influenced by dietary treatments (P>0.05). The ADG of piglets from sows fed SBM was higher (P<0.05) than sows fed RSM at 1 week. After farrowing, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter in sows fed with SBM diet was higher (P<0.05) than the RSCM group. The ATTD of energy in SBM and CM treatments was higher (P<0.05) than that in RSM and RSCM treatments. On the weaning day, the ATTD of nitrogen and energy in SBM treatment was highest (P<0.05) than other treatments. In conclusion, inclusion of 8% rapeseed meal, canola meal, and their mixture substitute for soybean meal had negative effects on reproductive performance of lactating sows and their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method for lactating sow image segmentation from the overhead views of commercial pens is proposed. The method includes two main steps. The first step is the segmentation of the lactating sows from the top-view images using a fully convolutional network (FCN). The second step is the refinement of the coarse output of the FCN using the probability map from the final layer of the FCN and Otsu's thresholding from the hue, saturation, and value colour information. Our segmentation model was trained using 3811 images which were randomly selected from the images of seven pens, and tested on 1085 images which were randomly selected from the images of the remaining 21 pens. The present method provided improved segmentation results compared with SDS, Otsu, MoG, and traditional FCNs. Our method attained a 96.6% mean accuracy rate and 93.0% mean intersection over union. The experiment revealed that our method was suitable for accurate and fast-image segmentation for lactating sows, laying a foundation for the precision husbandry of individual lactating sows. Highlights • This paper proposes a high accurate image segmentation method for lactating sows. • A fully convolutional network (FCN) is applied to produce the coarse output. • The probability map from the final layer of the FCN is used for refined output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavone (SI) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) mixture on the colostrum components, serum antioxidant, immune and hormone levels of lactating sows. A total of 72 healthy Yorkshire × Landrace lactating sows, were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates and three lactating sows for each replicate. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg SI and APS mixture in the form of powder, respectively. Compared with the control group, (a) the total lactation yield of the 200 mg/kg group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 21 days, (b) there was no significant difference in colostrum composition, (c) TG, CHO and MDA content in each treatment group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), (d) IgA, GH, IGF-1, TNF-α and SOD contents in the 200 mg/kg group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The SI and APS mixture could improve the average daily feed intake, lactation yield, serum antioxidant activities, immune function, and hormone levels of lactating sows, and the optimum dosage in this study was 200 mg/kg.