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Early weaning in piglets can cause a series of negative effects. This causes serious losses to the livestock industry. N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine (D-GlcNAc) plays an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the intestine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D-GlcNAc on the growth performance and intestinal function of weaned piglets. Twenty-four weaned piglets ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc, 6.58 ± 0.15 kg, n = 8) at 21 d old were fed 3 diets supplemented with 0 (control), 1 and 3 g/kg D-GlcNAc. The intestinal organoid model was used to verify the regulatory mechanism of D-GlcNAc on intestinal epithelial cells. On the whole, supplementation of D-GlcNAc in the piglet diet has no significant effect on the growth performance and diarrhoea of weaned piglets (P > 0.05). The apparent digestibility of nutrients and mRNA abundance of nutrient transporters in the 1 g/kg D-GlcNAc group were increased significantly (P

A volatile herbal extract (VHE), consisting of 150 g/kg anethole, 15 g/kg bebaudioside A, 2.1 g/kg thymol, 2.0 g/kg eugenol and 2.3 g/kg cinnamic aldehyde, was fed to sows and their weaned offspring to evaluate its effect on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of weaned piglets. A total of 18 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments based on average parity (1.78) with nine replicates per treatment. The feeding period was 35 days, from d 7 before farrowing to d 7 after weaning. The lactation period was 21 d. A total of 96 piglets were randomly selected from each sow treatment group and allocated to 24 replicate pens with four pigs (mixed sex) per pen. The feeding period of weaned piglets was 35 days (phase 1, days 1-7; phase 2, days 8-21; phase 3, days 22-35). Dietary treatments in sows and weaned piglets consisted of a basal control diet with or without 500 mg/kg VHE. The data showed that VHE supplementation had no effect on the reproductive performance of sows, but improved the growth performance of weaned piglets, in which the increase of average daily gain during days 1-7 (P=0.006) and 1-35 (P=0.032) and feed efficiency during days 22-35 (P=0.026) and 1-35 (P=0.020) in weaned piglets were observed. Therefore, supplementing VHE to the diet of sows and their weaned offspring was beneficial to the growth performance of weaned piglets.

Streptococcus suis is an important swine pathogen responsible for economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. There is no effective commercial vaccine against S. suis. The use of autogenous (“bacterin”) vaccines to control S. suis outbreaks is a frequent preventive measure in the field, although scientific data on immunogenicity and reduction in mortality and morbidity are scarce. The goal of our study is to experimentally evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy against homologous challenge in weaned piglets of a S. suis serotype 2 bacterin-based vaccine formulated with six different commercial adjuvants (Alhydrogel®, Emulsigen®-D, Quil-A®, Montanide™ ISA 206 VG, Montanide™ ISA 61 VG, and Montanide™ ISA 201 VG). The vaccine formulated with Montanide™ ISA 61 VG induced a significant increase in anti-S. suis antibodies, including both IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses, protected against mortality and significantly reduced morbidity and severity of clinical signs. Vaccines formulated with Montanide ISA 206 VG or Montanide ISA 201 VG also induced a significant increase in anti-S. suis antibodies and showed partial protection and reduction of clinical signs severity. Vaccines formulated with Alhydrogel®, Emulsigen®-D, or Quil-A® induced a low and IgG1-shifted antibody response and failed to protect vaccinated piglets against a homologous challenge. In conclusion, the type of adjuvant used in the vaccine formulation significantly influenced the immune response and efficacy of the vaccine against a homologous challenge.

Con el objetivo de evaluar el desempeño productivo y los costos de producción por lechón destetado y cerdo finalizado en granjas porcinas con diferentes protocolos de vacunación al virus del PRRS en condiciones de campo, se analizaron los indicadores total de lechones nacidos, nacidos vivos, mortinatos, destetados, pesos al nacimiento y al destete, días de engorda y peso final así como, los costos por lechón destetado y cerdo finalizado, de dos granjas en régimen de semitecnificación: a) Protocolo 1 (P1), granja con vacunación a reproductoras y a lechones; y b) Protocolo 2 (P2), vacunación únicamente a cerdas reproductoras. Los indicadores productivos hasta el destete se evaluaron con un Diseño de Medidas repetidas en el tiempo y los de engorda con un Análisis de varianza con comparación de medias. Los costos se determinaron utilizando la fórmula general de costos. Fue posible observar diferencias en los lechones nacidos totales y momias (P

In livestock nutrition, natural feed additives are gaining increased attention as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters to improve animal performance. This study investigated the effects of dietary turmeric supplementation on the growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]) were used in a 6-week feeding trial. All piglets were allotted to two dietary treatments: corn-soybean meal basal diet without turmeric (control) and with 1% weight per weight (w/w) turmeric powder (turmeric). The results showed that dietary inclusion of turmeric with the basal diet improved final body weight and total average daily gain (p < 0.05). The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the fecal samples, including acetic, butyric, and propionic acids, were higher in the turmeric group (p < 0.05). The villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was higher in the ileum of turmeric-fed piglets (p = 0.04). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota indicated that, at the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most predominant taxa in all fecal samples. Bacteroidetes were significantly decreased in the turmeric group compared to the control group (p = 0.021). At the genus level, turmeric showed a decreased abundance of Prevotella (p = 0.021) and an increasing trend of Lactobacillus (p = 0.083). Among the total detected species, nine bacterial species showed significant differences between the two groups. The results of this study indicated that turmeric altered the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid production. This suggests that turmeric could be used as a potential alternative growth promoter for piglets.

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-22 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.131-134 A prerequisite for the successful pig breeding isthe achievement of high reproductive performance, which can be influenced by several environmental factors. Therefore, the aim of our research was to assess the impact of the season, microclimatic indicators and technology of housing of the lactating sows on the number of the weaned piglets in the litter. The experiment was performed on a production farm in Slovakia and a total of 800 litters were evaluated. The results have shown that the season had a statistically significant effect on the number of the weaned piglets ( p

At weaning, piglets undergo an immediate transition from mother’s milk to the feed mixture. Feed refusal and growth lag is, therefore, a frequent feeding disorder in newly weaned piglets. The present study aimed to determine whether newly weaned piglets adapt their feeding preferences towards feeders of different types/shapes and positions. A total of 120 piglets were included in the study. The analysis was carried out in low- and high-density groups, with 10 or 20 individuals per pen, respectively. Two different feeders were present in the weaning pen: a hopper (circular/central) and a trough (rectangular/sidewall). Piglet activity was video-recorded, and the number of piglets in each feeder was counted. The results showed nearly five times higher competition at the feeder in the high-density groups (p

Dietary fibre (DF) is implicated in gastrointestinal health of weaned piglets, either through its physiochemical properties, through modulation of gut microbiota and (or) improved gut integrity. We aimed to study the effect of DF enriched supplemental diets fed to suckling piglets (‘creep feed’) on health and performance after weaning when challenged with an enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Seventy-two piglets originating from 28 litters had been fed four creep diets, that is a low-fibre control (CON); a diet containing 2% long-chain arabinoxylans from wheat (lc-AXOS) or 5% purified cellulose (CELL) or a diet containing the high fermentable and the low-fermentable fibre source (i.e. 2% lc-AXOS and 5% CELL). Upon weaning, piglets were individually housed and all fed the same diet. On days 7, 8 and 9, animals received an oral dose of ETEC (5 ml containing 107 to 108 CFU/ml). Besides growth performance, faecal and skin scores were recorded daily. Gut permeability was assessed by urinary excretion of Co-EDTA prior and post-ETEC challenge. Repeated measures in time were statistically evaluated with generalized linear mixed models. We used a binominal distribution for evaluating the faecal and skin scores. Feed intake and body weight gain did not differ between treatments (p >.05). Piglets on CELL decreased gain:feed ratio in week 2 + 3 week compared to CON (p =.035). Prior to ETEC challenge, gut permeability tended to increase for lc-AXOS (p =.092). Moreover, lc-AXOS as main effect increased intestinal permeability before ETEC challenge (p =.013), whereas the low-fermentable fibre lead to elevated intestinal permeability after ETEC challenge (p =.014). The incidence of diarrhoea was higher for lc-AXOS + CELL compared with lc-AXOS (p =.036), while skin condition was unaffected. In conclusion, neither the high fermentable nor the low-fermentable fibre source improved post-weaning growth or gastrointestinal health of the piglets.

The study aimed to isolate, identify, preserve and evaluate the quantitative level of the Lactobacillus strains from gut content and faeces of weaned piglets, 30-107 days old; to test the viability of these strains preserved at 4°C and room temperature. Lactobacillus strains were isolated, phenotypically identified and preserved from gut content and faeces of 20 weaned piglets. Identification was performed by morphological, cultural and biochemical character examination, using apiwebTM and ABIS online software. Lactobacillus spp. from intestinal content and faeces (106 – 109 CFU/g) and the viability of strains preserved at 4°C and at room temperature were also determined (from 38 days to 4 months). Twenty-six strains of L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, L. salivarius and L. delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii, from gut content and faeces of weaned piglets were isolated, phenotypic identified and preserved. Of these, L. fermentum, L. delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii and L. acidophilus biotype 2 isolates were technologically and ecologically suitable for continuing the testing of probiotic traits.

This article evaluated the effects of supplemental probiotic Bacillus subtilis (Bs) ATCC 6051a (1.6x109cfu/mL) in diets for weaned piglets on their performance and on the occurrence of diarrhoea. Sixty piglets, 30 ±3 days old with initial bodyweight of 8.41±0.92 kg, were allotted randomly to six pens of ten piglets. There were two replicates of each treatment, namely a control diet (C), a diet supplemented with 1% Bs (E1), and a diet supplemented with 3% Bs (E2). Feed was provided ad libitum as flour in two meals per day. Feed materials were examined for total numbers of fungi, aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TNG), Coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The addition of Bs did not influence (P >0.05) bodyweight (BW) or average daily weight gain (ADWG). However, across the experimental period ADWG was greater in E2 and E1 than in C (>1.12 and 1.08 times compared with C). Feed intake (ADFI) by pigs fed C was greater than pigs fed E1 and E2. Feed efficiency was higher in E1 and E2 than the C diet. Addition of 1% Bs decreased (P0.05) were detected between the treatments. The results suggested that E1 could positively affect growth performance and mitigate the occurrence of diarrhoea.

Incremental levels of the phytase, OptiPhos® Plus, were fed to 150 weaned piglets (five treatments of 30 pigs) to determine the effect on piglet performance, nutrient digestibility and bone mineralisation. Piglets were fed a basal diet from four to six weeks and a pre-starter diet from six to ten weeks of age. The basal diets contained reduced digestible phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) (1.5 g/kg digestible P, and Ca 5.5 g/kg and 5.6 g/kg for weaner and pre-starter, respectively) to provide a negative control. Phytase was added at 0, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed. Faecal samples were collected at nine weeks of age and analysed for P, Ca and crude protein (CP) content to calculated digestibility. Metacarpal bone IV mineralisation was assessed by ash content and the weight and length of the bone. Incremental increases of phytase improved final body weight (BW) (P

Objective Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary sucralose on diet preference and growth performance of weaned piglets, and a third experiment was a 28-d safety study to examine if high-dose sucralose could affect the health state of weaned piglets. Methods In experiment one, 48 piglets had free access to a corn-soybean based diet and the same diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg sucralose for 15 d. In experiment two, 180 piglets were blocked into 5 treatments with 6 replications. They were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 mg/kg sucralose for 28 days. In experiment three, 108 piglets were randomly assigned to 3 treatments and fed diets supplemented with 0, 150 (suitable level), and 1,500 (ten-fold suitable level) mg/kg sucralose for 28 d. Results The experiment 1 showed that piglets preferred (p < 0.05) diets containing sucralose during experimental period. In experiment 2, piglets fed a diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg sucralose had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) than pigs in the control group and other treatment groups during the experiment period. The concentrations of sucralose over 150 mg/kg may decrease feed intake. However, no difference in feed conversion ratio was observed. In experiment 3, piglets fed diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg sucralose had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) than that of pigs in the control group and 1500 mg/kg treatment groups during the experiment period. Clinical blood metabolites, organ index and histological morphology were not significantly different between sucralose treatments. Conclusion Sucralose can promote feed intake and thereby improve growth performance of weaned piglets. Moreover, inclusion of 1,500 mg/kg sucralose was demonstrated to have no observed adverse effects. Supplementing 150 mg/kg sucralose for weaned piglets is recommended in this study.

The present experiment investigated the effects of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) on growth performance, faecal microbiota, immune response and antioxidant capability in weaned piglets. Ninety 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly allocated into 5 treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 3 piglets per pen (n = 18). These five diets were formulated by adding 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg GOS to the basal diet, respectively. The experiment was lasted for 28 days. Body weight and feed intake were determined. Faeces samples were collected to detect the amount of microbiota. Blood samples were used to determine antioxidative and immune parameters. The results indicated that GOS supplementation improved the growth performance, increased the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria and decreased the number of Escherichia coli in a linear or quadratic dose-dependent manner. Dietary GOS decreased serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a quadratic dose-dependent manner, but increased anti-inflammatory cytokines in a linear or quadratic dose-dependent manner. Moreover, GOS supplementation promoted the activities of antioxidant enzyme in a linear or quadratic dose-dependent manner during the experiment. The levels of MDA quadratically decreased on d 28. These results suggested that GOS exhibited positive effects on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capability in weaned piglets.

Soybean meal is rich in soybean isoflavones, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer functions in humans and animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavones on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and antioxidative properties in pigs. A total of 72 weaned piglets (7.45 ± 0.13 kg; 36 males and 36 females) were allocated into three treatments and fed corn-soybean meal (C-SBM), corn-soy protein concentrate (C-SPC) or C-SPC supplemented with equal levels of the isoflavones found in the C-SBM diet (C-SPC + ISF) for a 72-day trial. Each treatment had six replicates and four piglets per replicate, half male and half female. On day 42, one male pig from each replicate was selected and euthanized to collect intestinal samples. The results showed that compared to pigs fed the C-SPC diet, pigs fed the C-SBM and C-SPC + ISF diets had higher BW on day 72 (P < 0.05); pigs fed the C-SBM diet had significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) during days 14 to 28 (P < 0.05), with C-SPC + ISF being intermediate; pigs fed the C-SBM diet tended to have higher ADG during days 42 to 72 (P = 0.063), while pigs fed the C-SPC + ISF diet had significantly higher ADG during days 42 to 72 (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to pigs fed the C-SPC diet, pigs fed the C-SBM diet tended to have greater villus height (P = 0.092), while pigs fed the C-SPC + ISF diet had significantly greater villus height (P < 0.05); pigs fed the C-SBM and C-SPC + ISF diets had significantly increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). Compared with the C-SPC diet, dietary C-SPC + ISF tended to increase plasma superoxide dismutase activity on days 28 (P = 0.085) and 42 (P = 0.075) and reduce plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content on day 42 (P = 0.089), as well as significantly decreased jejunal mucosa MDA content on day 42 (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in the expression of tight junction genes among the three groups was found (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that a long-term exposure to soybean isoflavones enhances the growth performance, protects the intestinal morphology and improves the antioxidative properties in pigs.

Weaning is a challenging stage of pig farming. Animals undergo environmental, social4 and dietary changes leading to weaning stress syndrome. In order to compensate for the5 detrimental effects of weaning stress, antibiotics and natural extracts are used as feed6 additives, sometimes without fully understanding the interactions between them or even7 with low concentrations of mycotoxins that are frequently present in feed. The aim of8 this study was to evaluate the effect of fosfomycin (FOS), Cynara scolymus extract9 (CSE), deoxynivalenol (DON) and their combined administration on intestinal health of10 weaned piglets. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with11 3 factors (FOS, CSE and DON treatments), 2 levels each (presence and absence) and 312 repeats. Weaned piglets (n = 24) were randomly divided in groups to receive the13 different treatments, namely DON administered in diet (50 μg/kg BW), FOS14 administered into the drinking water (30 mg/kg BW), CSE administered in diet (1515 mg/kg BW) and all their combinations. After 15 d, the animals were euthanized and16 gastrointestinal tract samples were immediately taken to evaluate gastrointestinal pH,17 Enterobacteriaceae to lactic acid bacteria (E:L) ratio, volatile fatty acid (VFA)18 concentrations, disaccharidase (lactase, sucrase and maltase) activity, histology19 (intestinal absorptive area [IAA] and goblet cells count) and mucus ability to adhere20 pathogenic E. coli. From our results, FOS and CSE treatments, individually or21 combined, produced a lower E:L ratio, an enhanced production of butyrate, increased22 disaccharidase activity (particularly maltase), and a greater IAA and goblet cells count23 along with an increase in pathogenic bacteria adherence to intestinal mucus.24 Deoxynivalenol did not show interactions with the other factors and its administration25 produced decreases on VFA, disaccharidase activity and goblet cells count. In conclusion, weaning piglets receiving diets containing FOS, CSE 26 or both exhibited27 evident beneficial intestinal effects compared to animals receiving diets free from these28 compounds. On the contrary, the presence of DON at sub-toxic concentrations produced29 detrimental effects on intestinal health. The knowledge of the physiological and30 pathological gut changes produced by these compounds contributes to understand their31 potential productive consequences. Fil: Martínez, Guadalupe. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina Fil: Dieguez, Susana Nelly. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina Fil: Fernández Paggi, María Belén. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Producción Animal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina Fil: Riccio, Maria Belen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina Fil: Pérez, Denisa Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina Fil: Rodriguez, Edgardo Mario. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva; Argentina Fil: Amanto, Fabian Andres. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Producción Animal; Argentina Fil: Tapia, Maria Ofelia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina Fil: Soraci, Alejandro Luis. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencia Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Toxicología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; Argentina

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with fermented Mao-tai lees (FML) on growth performance, plasma metabolites, and intestinal microbiota and metabolites of weaned piglets. A total of 128 Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire piglets (28-days old) were randomly assigned to one of four groups, feeding a basal diet (control group), a basal diet supplemented with 2, 4 or 6% FML, respectively, for 42days. The results showed that dietary 4% FML supplementation had higher (ppppEscherichia coli in the colon, and dietary 2 and 4% FML supplementation decreased (pppvia decreasing the abundances of specific pathogens and increasing the concentrations of microbial metabolites in the gut, which provides the theoretical basis and data support for the application of FML in pigs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of autolyzed yeast (AY) from fermentation of sugarcane on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters of weaned piglets of different weight categories. A total of 480 piglets were distributed in a 3 x 2 factorial design study, with three inclusion levels of AY (0, 4 and 8 g/kg) and two weight categories (light and heavy, 5.71 ± 0.21 kg and 6.99 ± 0.25 kg, respectively), i.e., 6 treatments with 8 replicates pen each. There was no significant interaction between weight category and linear or quadratic effect of AY levels on performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphometry, immunohistochemistry and microbiological parameters (P > 0.05). The dietary supply of AY for nursery piglets linearly decreased the monocytes concentration of the piglets at 63 days of age (P < 0.05). AY levels linearly increased the villus height, mucosal thickness, absorptive area and number of mitotic cells of the duodenum, as well as the villus height:crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness and number of mitotic cells of the jejunum (P < 0.05). Heavy piglets had higher ADFI in all evaluated periods, as well as higher values of villus height in the duodenum, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum and jejunum than light animals (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of autolyzed yeast positively influences health status, intestinal morphometry and immunohistochemistry of nursery piglets. Heavy weaned piglets have higher feed intake and greater intestinal morfometry than light animals.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Protural® (sodium benzoate) when used as a zootechnical additive in feed for weaned piglets and other growing Suidae at 4,000 mg/kg feedingstuff. Protural® consists of sodium benzoate without any carrier materials and is currently authorised for use in weaned piglets. This opinion concerns the renewal of the authorisation of Protural® for weaned piglets and the evaluation of the new use in other growing Suidae. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Protural® is safe under the current conditions of authorisation for the target species, consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment. Protural® was not considered as irritant to skin and eyes but a skin sensitiser. Based on dusting potential data, the FEEDAP Panel considered that the powder formulation of the additive represented a risk by inhalation. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of Protural® in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The efficacy data previously evaluated allowed the FEEDAP Panel to conclude that the additive has the potential to be efficacious at the level of 4,000 mg/kg feedingstuff in other growing Suidae. A conclusion cannot be reached for the efficacy in pigs for fattening.

Background In animals, weaning stress is the first and most critical stress. Weaning can negatively affect the growth performance of animals physically, psychologically, and pathologically. Our previous studies on the HT-29 cell line and early-weaned rats demonstrated that adequate sophorolipid (SPL) supplementation in feed could enhance the mucin-producing and wound healing capacities of the gut defense system by modulating gut microbiota. Methods We conducted an experiment with one hundred forty 21-day-old early weaned piglets (L x Y x D). They were allocated into 4 treatment and 7 replications (4 pigs per pen) according to their initial body weight. Body weight and feed intake were measured biweekly during experimental period. After 6 weeks, 28 pigs were randomly selected and sacrificed to collect plasma, jejunum, and cecal content samples. Results Dietary SPL supplementation at 5 and 10 mg/kg quadratically increased the average daily gain during the experimental period in the treatment groups when compared with the control group. The albumin levels of piglets fed with the SPL supplemented diet were downregulated to the normal range. Moreover, in feed, SPL supplementation at 5 and 10 mg/kg improved jejunal histological indices and gene expression levels related to mucin secretion and local inflammation markers. Consistent with these results, adequate SPL supplementation (5 and 10 mg/kg) increased the population of Prevotella, a beneficial bacterium, and its short-chain fatty acid production in the ceca of piglets. Conclusions The occurrence of diarrhea after weaning in piglets could be reduced by feeding a 10 ppm of SPL supplemented diet which improves the gut defense system by improving the microbial population and enhancing mucin layer integrity.

Supplementationof L-glutamine (Gln) at 1.0% of DMI has shown to enhance immune function,alleviate stress and promote growth in weaned piglets. Branched-chain aminoacids (BCAA) particularly leucine are known to promote muscle growth. Thoseenhancements are critical for calves undergoing weaning particularly from ahigh volume of milk at an early age. In the present study we examined theeffects of a Gln supplement (1.0% of DMI) with or without BCAA on starterintake and growth performance of dairy calves weaned early (35 d of age) from ahigh milk volume (9.0 L/d). A separategroup of calves not receiving any amino acid supplement served as the control(CTL). All calves were partially weaned restrictingthe milk volume to 3.0 L/d at 35 d of age. The amino acids were fed mixing inmilk during the first week of weaning (35 to 42 d). While having 9.0 L of milk,calves consumed zero grain but had average daily gain (ADG) close to 0.9 kg/d. Eventhough milk volume restriction significantly increased starter intake, it wasassociated with a significant growth depression that was not alleviated by Glnor Gln plus BCAA during the first week of weaning. During the second week ofweaning, calves had ADG that was comparable to pre-weaning growth rates.Regardless of treatments, calves achieved 1.0 kg/d starter intake within 16 dafter partial weaning and thus weaned completely at 51 d of age. Calves supplemented with Gln or Gln plus BCAAwas related to significantly lower starter intake and body weight than CTL postweaning (49 to 70 d). In conclusion, supplementationof Gln (1% of DMI) alone or with BCAA was not successful in mitigating growthdepression associated with weaning. On the other hand, they negatively affectedstarter intake post-weaning suggesting a lasting impact on mechanisms governingfeed intake. The present study demonstrated that 1.0 kg/d starterintake can be achieved at 7 week of age by employing a step-wise weaning schemefor dairy calves fed a high volume of milk.

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of baicalin–zinc complex (BZN) on intestinal microorganisms in deoxynivalenol (DON)-challenged piglets and the association between intestinal microorganisms and host immunity and hormone secretion. Forty weaned piglets were randomly divided into four treatments with 10 piglets in each treatment: (1) control (Con) group (pigs fed basal diet); (2) DON group (pigs fed 4 mg DON/kg basal diet); (3) BZN group (pigs fed 0.5% BZN basal diet); and (4) DBZN group (pigs fed 4 mg DON/kg and 0.5% BZN basal diet). The experiment lasted for 14 days. The BZN supplementation in DON-contaminated diets changed the intestinal microbiota composition and increased intestinal microbial richness and diversity of piglets. The BZN supplementation in DON-contaminated diets also alleviated the inflammatory responses of piglets and modulated the secretion of hormones related to the growth axis. Moreover, microbiota composition was associated with inflammatory and hormone secretion. In conclusion, BZN alleviated inflammatory response and hormone secretion in piglets, which is associated with the intestinal microbiome.

To explore the feasibility of using fermented Chinese herbal mixture Zhihuasi Tk (Z. Tk) supplementation to increase the swine production, the protective effect of dietary supplementation with Z. Tk on the intestinal oxidative stress model and the regulation of both growth performance and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets were investigated in vitro. Our results showed that the addition of Z. Tk increased the cell viability, prevented the decrease of glutathione peroxidase, and significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and reduced the damage caused by H2O2 to the tight junction proteins of the porcine small intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2). Furthermore, weaned piglets supplemented with either 2 kg/ton zinc oxide (ZnO) or 4 kg/ton of Z. Tk in the diet increased body weight as well as average daily feed intake and daily gain, while the feed conversion rate and diarrhea rate decreased within 0–35 days. Results of the taxonomic structure of the intestinal microbiota showed that, in 21 days after weaning, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in experimental group was increased, while the abundance of beneficial bacteria such, as Lactobacillus, was increased by Z. Tk, showing inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria such as members of Proteobacteria. In summary, dietary supplementation with Z. Tk maintained the intestinal microbiota in a favorable state for the host to effectively reduce the abnormal changes in the intestinal microbial structure and improved growth performance of weaned piglets. Therefore, Z. Tk may potentially function as a substitute for ZnO in feed additives for weaned piglets in modern husbandry.

This experiment aims to explore the effects of compound enzyme preparation substituting chlortetracycline on growth performance, serum immune markers, and antioxidant capacity and intestinal health in weaned piglets. A total of twenty-four 28-day-old “Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire” weaned piglets with an average initial weight of 7.25 ± 0.25 kg were randomly divided into three groups according to their body weight, with eight replicates in each group and one pig in each replicate. The three dietary treatments were basal diet (CON), basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg compound enzyme preparation (cellulase 4,000 IU/g, α-amylase 1,000 IU/g, β-glucanase 150 IU/g, and neutral protease 3,000 IU/g, CE), and basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC). The animal experiment lasted for 28 days and was divided into two stages: the early stage (0–14 days) and the late stage (15–28 days). The results showed that (1) compared with the CON, the CE and CTC significantly increased the ADG of weaned piglets during the early and whole period of experiment (p < 0.05), decreased the F:G in the whole experiment period (p < 0.05), and diarrhea rate in the early stage (p < 0.01). (2) Compared with the CON, the apparent total tract digestibility of ADF and NDF was significantly increased in pigs fed the CE diet in the early and late stages of experiment (p < 0.05) with no significant difference compared with the CTC. (3) Compared with the CON, the concentrations of serum IgA and SOD in weaned piglets were significantly increased in the CE group in the early stage of the experiment (p < 0.05). (4) Compared with the CON group, the acetic acid, propionic acid, and total VFA contents in cecum and colon segments were elevated in the CE group (p < 0.05) with no significant difference compared with the CTC. (5) Compared with the CON group, the villus height of duodenum and jejunum and the ratio of villus height to recess depth of ileum were increased in the CE and CTC group (p < 0.05). (6) Compared with the CON group, the abundance of Lactobacillus significantly increased (p < 0.01) while the abundance of Escherichia coli decreased in the CE group and CTC group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, CE preparation instead of CTC can significantly improve the nutrient digestibility, the immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of pigs, which may contribute to the improved growth performance of piglets.

This study examined the effect of a water acidifier containing free and buffered short-chain fatty acids (SCFA-WA) on growth performance and microbiota of weaned piglets. In total, 192 male piglets, approximately 4 wk of age, were allocated to 24 pens (12 per treatment) with 8 piglets per pen. The piglets received either regular drinking water (negative control) or drinking water with the acidifier supplied at 2 L/1,000 L. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly on pen level. During the first 2 wk, daily visual assessment and scoring of the feces was conducted. Fecal samples of three piglets per pen were collected on days 14 and 42 for high-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota. Piglets offered SCFA-WA had significantly improved feed efficiency in the third week (P = 0.025) and over the whole study period (days 0 to 42, P = 0.042) compared with piglets in the negative control group, with a strong tendency observed during the first feeding phase (days 0 to 21, P = 0.055). Furthermore, the water acidifier group had a higher water intake than piglets provided with control water during the second feeding phase (days 21 to 42, P = 0.028) and over the whole study period (days 0 to 42, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference in body weight, average daily gain, or average daily feed intake (days 0 to 21, 21 to 42, 0 to 42). Furthermore, there was no overall significant difference in fecal scoring between the treatments. In terms of the fecal microbiota response, piglets offered the water acidifier showed a significantly higher relative abundance (RA) of genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and a lower RA of genus Streptococcus compared to the control. Furthermore, the redundancy analysis showed a positive association between improved feed efficiency and daily weight gain and RA of Butyricicoccus and Faecalibacterium. In conclusion, consumption of the water acidifier containing free and buffered SCFA modulated the microbiota and improved feed efficiency in piglets.

The study aimed to evaluate a commercial blend of functional oils based on liquid from the cashew nutshell and castor oil as a growth promoter in newly weaned piglets. A total of 225 piglets, castrated males and females with 28 days of age were randomly distributed in pens with 15 animals composing three treatments and five repetitions. The treatments were: control (without the inclusion of additives), probiotics, or functional oils. The performance was evaluated. At 50 days of age, a pool of fresh feces from 3 animals/repetition was collected to perform the sequencing of microbiota using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Supplementation with functional oils improved the piglets' daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (P Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. The functional oils were more effective in reducing pathogenic bacteria, such as Campylobacter and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, the use of functional oils optimized performance and effectively modulated the microbiota of newly weaned piglets.

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate alterations in the immunological status of the small intestine after dietary inclusion of probiotic and zinc in pre and post-weaned piglets. Methods: For the present study, 18 healthy Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets, irrespective of sex, were divided into three different age groups [pre-weaning (20 days old, n = 3), weaning (30 days old, n = 3) and post-weaning (60 days old, n = 3)]. The piglets were weaned at 28 days of age. They were divided into control group (C) fed with basal diet and treatment group (T) fed with combined probiotic and zinc oral supplement along with the basal diet. A probiotic mixture consisted of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum (1.25x109cfu/d for 10 days) along with zinc supplement (ZnO @ 2000 ppm/d for 10 days) administered orally to the treatment group of piglets. Result: The relative expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 genes was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the treatment group of piglets as compared to the control group. However, the expression of IL-8, IL-12p40 and IL-18 genes were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) after oral administration of probiotic and zinc to the piglets.

The effects of the use of fish meal in the nutrition of weaning piglets were observed. The trial included 80 weaned piglets of the same genotype (Large White x Danish Landrace) distributed in two feeding treatments. In the first period of the experiment, animals were fed during 10 feeding days, with a prestarter mixture containing 21.1/20.8% of the crude protein. The second period lasted for 25 days and piglets were fed with mixture containing also 21.0/21.1% of the crude protein. And in the final period of the experiment, which lasted 22 feeding days, the meals were formulated to contain 19.5/19.9% of the crude protein. The control group was fed with standard farm mixtures, while the trial group were fed with mixtures containing 4/3/2% of fish meal. The obtained results showed that the use of fish meal resulted in better average daily gain and feed conversion in starter period (27-51 day).

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:43:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 This research aims to evaluate the effects of different types and strategies of environmental enrichment for weaned pigs on behavior. Forty weaned piglets aged 21 to 28 days were distributed in a completely randomized design in five treatments: without enrichment object, full-time cognitive enrichment, intermittent cognitive enrichment, alternate cognitive and sensory enrichment every 24 hours, and alternate cognitive and sensory enrichment every 48 hours. Behavioral observations were made for 15 days considering pig as experimental unit. Pigs of control and continuous cognitive enrichment treatments were submitted to human approach test, novel arena test, and novel object test. Pigs kept in an unstimulated environment show a higher frequency of unwanted behaviors compared to pigs in other treatments regardless of enrichment type. Pigs with alternation of enrichment type every 24 hours showed a longer interaction time with enrichment objects. Enrichment objects in rearing environment during nursery phase reduced undesirable behaviors and reactivity to unknown situations. Strategies such as alternating the type of enrichment every 24 or 48 hours are effective in maintaining the novelty and the animals’ interest. Department of Animal Sciences Faculty of Agrarian Sciences - Ferderal University Of Grande Dourados, Dourados Department Of Animal Production São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department Of Animal Nutrition And Pastures Federal Rural University of Rio De Janeiro (Ufrrj) Animal Science Institute Department Of Animal Production São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Aim Weaning stress can cause serious damage to piglet's health. Chlortetracycline (CTC) is widely used to ameliorate weaning stress and prevent infectious diseases in weaned piglets. However, antibiotics as growth promoters have to be limited because of increased antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CTC on growth performance and intestinal functions in order to provide evidence for seeking antibiotic substitutes in weaned piglets. Methods and results A total of 20 weaned piglets were fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg CTC. CTC decreased the crypt depth and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, whilst failing to affect growth performance and serum biochemical parameters and cytokines. 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that CTC supplementation had no effect on the diversity and composition of colonic microbiota. Conclusion We speculated that gut microbiota is no longer sensitive to a low concentration of CTC due to the long-term use and low bioavailability of CTC in weaned piglets.

Because the use of antibiotics is forbidden, piglets experience a considerable weanling stress, resulting in increased incidence of diarrhea and death. Macleaya cordata extract or benzoic acid have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities that makes them potential antibiotic alternatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of feed supplemented with Macleaya cordata extract and benzoic acid on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microflora in weaned piglets. Twenty-four weaned piglets [Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)] 28 days of age and weighing 8.41 ± 0.13 kg were randomly divided in equal numbers (n = 8) into three groups fed a basal diet (CON), CON + 20 mg/kg flavomycin + 50 mg/kg quinocetone (AGP), or CON + 50 mg/kg Macleaya cordata extract + 1,000 mg/kg benzoic acid (MB). Compared with the CON diet, dietary MB or AGP increased the final weight and average daily gain, and reduced feed efficiency and the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON diet, MB supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD activity) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)-10 IgA and IgM were higher (P < 0.05) in MB-fed piglets than in CON-fed piglets. Piglets fed the MB diet had greater villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VC) in the duodenum, villus height in the ileum, and lower crypt depth in the jejunum than did piglets given the CON diet (P < 0.5). Piglets in the MB group had increased concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids in the ileum or cecum compared with the CON and AGP groups (P < 0.05). Streptococcus proportion was lower in the MB than in the AGP group. Dietary MB increased the Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia-Shigella populations compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The study results indicate that MB can be used to replace AGP as a feed supplement for weaned piglets.

Background: The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of early exposure to topsoil on the muscle fiber characteristics and transcription related myogenesis, intramuscular fat metabolism, muscle fiber types, and mTOR signaling pathway of weaned pigs.Methods: A Total of 180 piglets were separately assigned to No soil, Antibacterial soil, and Normal soil group (each group, n=60), and were fed ad libitum with common antibiotic-free corn-soybean meal diets until day-31. Ten pigs from each group with similar body weight were selected to be slaughtered, and the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were collected for histological analysis and measurements of genes and proteins expression levels.Result: In the present study, the muscle fiber diameter and the area of Normal soil and Antibacterial soil group were significantly higher than No soil group (P < 0.05). The Normal soil significantly upregulated the gene expression of MyoG compared to No soil and Antibacterial soil groups (P < 0.05). The gene expression of CD36 and CPT-1 of Normal soil group was significantly lower than No soil group (P < 0.05), while HSL expression of Normal soil group was significantly higher than Antibacterial and No soil groups (P < 0.05). The MyHC I of Normal soil group was significantly higher than No soil group (P < 0.05), but the expression MyHC IIa was lower than No soil group (P < 0.05). The protein expression expressed the similar result with gene expression. In addition, the Normal soil significantly increased the AMPK and mTOR phosphorylation compared to No soil and Antibacterial soil groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: These data suggest that early exposure to topsoil regulates the muscle fiber growth, modulates the expression pattern related to myogenesis, muscle fiber type, intramuscular fat metabolism, and increases the phosphorylation of mTOR and AMPK pathways.

Yucca schidigera extract (YE) can decrease ammonia concentration in livestock housing, which could be associated with the inhibition of urease. The aim of this study was to investigate the other possible reasons of dietary YE supplementation reducing nitrogen emission in weaned piglets. A total of 14 crossbred weaned barrows were allotted into two groups fed the diets supplementing 0 and 120 mg/kg YE for 14 days. The YE administration decreased F/G ratio and hindgut NH3 -N production in weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Dietary YE supplementation decreased serum urea nitrogen levels, and increased nutrient digestibility, which could be related to the improvement of morphology, digestive and absorptive enzyme activities, and nutrient transporter mRNA expression in jejunal mucosa of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, mucins and apoptosis-related genes was also improved by YE treatment in jejunal mucosa of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary YE supplementation regulated the microbiota structure and volatile fatty acid content in distal intestine of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). These results suggest that YE administration can decrease hindgut NH3 -N production in weaned piglets, which is associated with the increased nutrient utilization and gut-barrier function.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a Gram-positive bacterium mostly used in the dairy industry for yogurt and cheese. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and performance by supplementing at a dietary level of 0.1% in diets for weaned piglets. Eighty healthy weaned piglets (initial body weight: 7.56 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into two feeding groups with four replicates in each group (n = 10 animals per replicate); piglets were fed with basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing 0.1% Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LAC). The results showed that dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii improved growth performance and increased serum HDL and insulin levels in piglets on the 28th day of the experimental time (p < 0.05). The gut microbe analysis revealed that Lactobacillus delbrueckii significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, but increased the relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii also significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus at the genus level of the bacterial community in the ileum, but decreased the relative abundance of unclassified Clostridiales. Moreover, Lactobacillus delbrueckii improved mucosal morphology by obtaining higher intestinal villus height (p < 0.05), significantly increasing the concentrations of butyrate, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in colonic chyme of piglets, but decreasing the intestinal pH at the duodenum and ileum on the 28th day of the experimental time. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii in the diet of weaned piglets can improve intestinal morphology and modulate the microbiota community to promote growth performance.

Enterococcus faecium HDRsEf1 (HDRsEf1) was identified to reduce the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets, but the mechanism has not been elucidated yet. Based on the fact that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating inflammatory responses, the effects of HDRsEf1 on microbiota across the intestinal tract in weaned piglets were investigated. Microbiota from the luminal contents and the mucosa of the ileum, cecum, and colon of HDRsEf1-treated piglets were explored by 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. It was demonstrated that microbiota in different gut niches responded specifically to HDRsEf1, with major alterations occurring in the ileum and cecum. The total bacterial load of microbiota in ileal luminal contents and the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in the ileal mucosa was significantly down-regulated by HDRsEf1 administration, while the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (including Clostridiaceae-1, Rumencoccidae, and Erysipelotrichaceae) in cecal luminal contents was significantly up-regulated. Moreover, the utilization of HDRsEf1 improved intestinal morphological development and reduced the inflammatory response, which were negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in the ileal mucosa and butyrate-producing bacteria in cecal luminal contents, respectively. Collectively, this study suggests that the administration of HDRsEf1 alters gut microbiota, thereby alleviating inflammation and improving intestinal morphological development in weaned piglets.

Being in a confined environment causes chronic stress in gestating sows, which is detrimental for sow health, welfare and, consequently, offspring physiology. This study assessed the health and welfare of gestating sows housed in a group housing system compared to individual gestation stalls. After pregnancy was confirmed, experimental sows were divided randomly into two groups: the group housing system (GS), with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system, or individual stall (IS). The behavior of sows housed in the GS or IS was then compared, throughout pregnancy, GS sows displayed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, and less sitting behavior (p &lt, 0.05). IS sows showed higher stress hormone levels than GS sows. In particular, at 41 days of gestation, the concentration of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenaline (A) in IS sows was significantly higher than that of GS sows, and the A level of IS sows remained significantly higher at 71 days of gestation (p &lt, 0.01). The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) test was carried out in the weaned piglets of the studied sows. Compared with the offspring of gestating sows housed in GS (PG) or IS (PS), PG experienced a shorter period of high temperature and showed a quicker return to the normal state (p &lt, 0.05). Additionally, their lower levels of stress hormone (p &lt, 0.01) suggest that PG did not suffer from as much stress as PS. These findings suggested that gestating sows housed in GS were more able to carry out their natural behaviors and, therefore, had lower levels of stress and improved welfare. In addition, PG also showed better disease resistance and resilience. These results will provide a research basis for the welfare and breeding of gestating sows.

In order to evaluate the pathogenicity of Senecavirus A (SVA) to weaned piglets preliminarily, 28-day-old weaned piglets were challenged with SVA by intramuscular injection. The clinical manifestations, antibody levels, and tissue viral load of infected piglets were detected. The results indicated that the piglets challenged with SVA CH/FuJ/2017 showed drowsiness, lameness, oral blisters, diarrhea, and other clinical signs. Lesions on the hooves were observed. Red spots or plaques were initially observed on the hoof and then developed into blisters that cracked and gradually formed scab. The symptoms and signs were relieved after 8 days post-infection (dpi). The sentinel piglet, feeding together with the challenged piglets, showed similar clinical signs with the challenged piglets after 3 dpi. Monitoring of antibody levels showed that anti-SVA antibody could be detected at 5 dpi by competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) method, and neutralizing antibody could be detected after 7 dpi. Analysis of viral tissue distribution and viral load indicated that SVA could replicate in the liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and lymph node. In all, Senecavirus disease was successfully replicated by SVA CH/FuJ/2017 isolate, which verified the clinical manifestations of SVA infection in weaned piglets, and provided a foundation for further SVA pathogenesis and vaccine development.

In order to pursue faster growth and development of weaned piglets, increased dietary protein (CP) levels were favoured by the pig industry and the feed industry. The digestive organs of piglets were not fully developed at weaning, and the digestive absorption capacity of protein was limited. High-protein diets can cause allergic reactions in piglets, destroy intestinal structural integrity, reduce immunity, and cause intestinal flora imbalance. Undigested proteins were prone to produce toxic substances, such as ammonia and biogenic amines, after fermentation in the hindgut, which negatively affects the health of the intestine and eventually causes reduced growth performance and diarrhoea in piglets. This review revealed the mechanism of diarrhoea caused by high-protein diets in weaned piglets and provided ideas for preventing diarrhoea in weaned piglets.

The intestinal microbiota plays several important roles in pig health and growth. The aim of the current study was to characterize the changes in the fecal microbiota diversity and composition of weaned piglets following an oral challenge with an ETEC: F4 strain and/or a treatment with colistin sulfate (CS). Twenty-eight piglets were used in this experiment and were divided into four groups: challenged untreated, challenged treated, unchallenged treated, and unchallenged untreated. Rectal swab samples were collected at five sampling times throughout the study. Total genomic DNA was used to assess the fecal microbiota diversity and composition using the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The relative abundance, the composition, and the community structure of piglet fecal microbiota was highly affected by the ETEC: F4 challenge throughout the experiment, while the oral treatment with CS, a narrow spectrum antibiotic, resulted in a significant decrease of E. coli/Shigella populations during the treatment period only. This study was the first to identify some gut microbiota subgroups (e.g., Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae) that are associated with healthy piglets as compared to ETEC: F4 challenged animals. These key findings might contribute to the development of alternative strategies to reduce the use of antimicrobials in the control of post-weaning diarrhea in pigs.

Low-temperature is one of the most significant risks for the animal industry. In light of this, the present study aimed to explore the effects of low-temperature on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, myofiber types and mitochondrial function in weaned piglets. A total of sixteen 21-day-old male Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) piglets were randomly divided into a control group (CON, 26 ± 1 °C) and a low-temperature group (LT, 15 ± 1 °C), with eight duplicate piglets in each group. The trial period lasted for 21 days. We showed that LT not only increased the ADFI (p &lt, 0.05), as well as increasing the diarrhea incidence and diarrhea index of weaned piglets in the early stage of the experiment (p &lt, 0.01), but it also decreased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM) and dry matter (DM) (p &lt, 0.05). Meanwhile, in the LT group, the mRNA expression of MyHC IIa (p &lt, 0.05) in longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) and MyHC I (p &lt, 0.01) in psoas muscle (PM) were increased, while the mRNA expression of MyHC IIx in PM was decreased (p &lt, 0.05). In addition, LT increased the mRNA expression of mitochondrial function-related genes citrate synthase (CS) and succinate dehydrogenase-b (SDHB) in LM, as well as increased the mRNA expression of CS (p &lt, 0.05) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1b (CPT-1b) (p &lt, 0.01) in PM. Furthermore, LT increased the T-AOC activity in serum and LM (p &lt, 0.01), as well as increased the T-SOD activity in PM (p &lt, 0.05). Taken together, these findings showed that low-temperature could negatively affect the growth performance and nutrient digestibility, but resulted in a shift toward oxidative muscle fibers, which may occur through mitochondrial function regulation.

The additive Biosprint® contains viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MUCL 39885 and is authorised as a feed additive in sows, dairy cows, horses, piglets (weaned), cattle for fattening, minor ruminants for fattening and minor ruminants for dairy products. The applicant has requested to extend the use of the additive to all pigs (other than sows and weaned piglets) and other minor porcine species at a minimum inclusion level of 3 × 109 CFU/kg feed. S. cerevisiae is considered by EFSA to have qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status and consequently is considered safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. The additive is considered as a potential skin and eye irritant and a skin and respiratory sensitiser. In previous evaluations, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in sows and weaned piglets. In the current application, these conclusions are extrapolated to all pigs (other than sows and weaned piglets) and to other minor porcine species.

Background: Development of alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in the swine industry have been the focused of many pig gut microbiota studies to improve animal health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PRO), prebiotic lactulose (PRE), and their synbiotic combination (SYN) on weaned pig gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in weaned piglets challenged with Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Results: Our data showed that prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics improved the intestinal health in weaned piglets. No significant differences were observed in species richness and species diversity in weaned piglets fed prebiotics, probiotics and their synbiotic combination. However, beta diversity analysis revealed distinct clustering of the microbiota of according to dietary treatment and by oral challenge of STEC. At the phylum level, Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was lower in the dietary treatment groups than the control group. Oral supplementation of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics enriched the abundance of Prevotella and Roseburia. Succinivibrio was elevated in PRO group; however, Phascolarctobacterium was depleted with STEC challenge regardless of dietary treatment. Overall, our data showed that administration of synbiotics in piglets improved intestinal health through gut microbiota modulation. Conclusions: Our data indicated that prebiotics, probiotics and their synbiotic combination could promote intestinal health through gut microbiota modulation in weaned piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of niacin on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal mucosal immunity, and colonic microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 96 weaned piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d old, 6.65 ± 0.02 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups (8 replicate pens per treatment, each pen containing 4 males, n = 32/treatment) for 14 d. Piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 20.4 mg/kg niacin (NA) or an antagonist for the niacin receptor GPR109A (MPN). The results showed that NA or MPN had no effect on ADG, ADFI, G/F or diarrhea incidence compared with the CON diet. However, compared with piglets in the NA group, piglets in the MPN group had lower ADG (p = 0.042) and G/F (p = 0.055). In comparison with the control and MPN group, niacin supplementation increased the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p &lt, 0.05), while decreasing the crypt depth in the duodenum (p &lt, 0.05). Proteomics analysis of cytokines showed that niacin supplementation increased the expression of duodenal transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), jejunal interleukin-10 (IL-10) and ileal interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p &lt, 0.05), and reduced the expression of ileal interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p &lt, 0.05) compared with the control diet. Piglets in the MPN group had significantly increased expression of ileal IL-6, and jejunal IL-8 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (p &lt, 0.05) compared with those in the control group. Piglets in the MPN group had lower jejunal IL-10 level and higher jejunal IL-8 level than those in the NA group (p &lt, 0.05). The mRNA abundance of duodenal IL-8 and ileal granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genes were increased (p &lt, 0.05), and that of ileal IL-10 transcript was decreased (p &lt, 0.05) in the MPN group compared with both the control and NA groups. Additionally, niacin increased the relative abundance of Dorea in the colon as compared with the control and MPN group (p &lt, 0.05), while decreasing that of Peptococcus compared with the control group (p &lt, 0.05) and increasing that of Lactobacillus compared with MPN supplementation (p &lt, 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that niacin supplementation efficiently ensured intestinal morphology and attenuated intestinal inflammation of weaned piglets. The protective effects of niacin on gut health may be associated with increased Lactobacillus and Dorea abundance and butyrate content and decreased abundances of Peptococcus.

Background:Moutan cortex radicis (MCR), as a common traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used as an antipyretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent in China.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary MCR supplementation on the antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of the pigs and to explore whether MCR exerts positive effects on intestinal health via regulating nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and intestinal microbiota.Methods: MCR powder was identified by LC-MS analysis. Selected 32 weaned piglets (21 d of age, 6.37 ± 0.10 kg average BW) were assigned (8 pens/diet, 1 pig/pen) to 4 groups and fed with a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 0, 2,000, 4,000, and 8,000 mg/kg MCR for 21 d. After the piglets were sacrificed, antioxidant indices, histomorphology examination, and inflammatory signaling pathway expression were assessed. The 16s RNA sequencing was used to analyze the effects of MCR on the intestinal microbiota structure of piglets.Results: Supplemental 4,000 mg/kg MCR significantly increased (P < 0.05) the average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), total antioxidative capability, colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations, and the crypt depth in the jejunum but decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression levels of interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inhibiting kappa-B kinase β (IKKβ), inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (IκBα), and NF-κB in the jejunum and ileum. Microbiota sequencing identified that MCR supplementation significantly increased the microbial richness indices (Chao1, ACE, and observed species, P < 0.05) and the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05), decreased the relative abundances of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, unidentified_Lachnospiraceae, and Enterococcus (P < 0.05) and had no significant effects on the diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson, P > 0.05). Microbial metabolic phenotypes analysis also showed that the richness of aerobic bacteria and facultative anaerobic bacteria, oxidative stress tolerance, and biofilm forming were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the richness of anaerobic bacteria and pathogenic potential of gut microbiota were reduced (P < 0.05) by MCR treatment. Regression analysis showed that the optimal MCR supplemental level for growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of weaned piglets was 3,420 ~ 4,237 mg/kg.Conclusions: MCR supplementation improved growth performance and serum antioxidant capacity, and alleviated intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the IKKβ/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway and affecting intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets.

The present study determined the effects of dietary xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) supplementation on the morphology of jejunum and ileum epithelium, fecal microbiota composition, metabolic activity, and expression of genes related to colon barrier function. A total of 150 piglets were randomly assigned to one of five groups: a blank control group (receiving a basal diet), three XOS groups (receiving the basal diet supplemented with 100, 250, and 500 g/t XOS, respectively), as well as a positive control group, used as a matter of comparison, that received the basal diet supplemented with 0.04 kg/t virginiamycin, 0.2 kg/t colistin, and 3,000 mg/kg ZnO. The trial was carried out for 56 days. The results showed that the lowest dose tested (100 g/t XOS) increased (P < 0.05) the ileal villus height, the relative amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., and the concentration of acetic acid and short-chain fatty acid in feces when compared with the blank control group. In conclusion, dietary 100 g/t XOS supplementation modifies the intestinal ecosystem in weaned piglets in an apparently overall beneficial way.

The study aimed to analyze 12 microsatellite markers located in the areas of quantitative trait loci related to litter size in 82 sows, including 45 Polish Large White and 37 Polish Landrace sows, kept on a farm in southwest Poland. Breeding documentation provided data on the total number of piglets born per litter and the numbers of live-born, stillborn and weaned piglets, the corresponding percentage values were also calculated. DNA isolation was performed from 15–20 hairs taken from live animals, and the markers used in the research were divided into four multiplexes. The influence of genotype at a given locus on the reproductive traits was analyzed only for genotypes represented by at least five animals. The results of the analyses for all the sows (treated as the maternal component and not as distinct breeds) showed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences between the genotypes and the values of the analyzed traits for markers S0008, SW160, SW245, SW714, SW1125 and SW2411. Among these markers, the breed-dependent analysis also showed significant differences in the Polish Large White breed for markers S0008, SW160 and SW1125, and in the Polish Landrace breed for SW245. Additionally, the breed-dependent analysis found significant differences in markers SW903 and SW1808 for the Polish Large White sows, and S0064, SW472 and SW903 in Polish Landrace sows. SW903 was the only marker for which differences in the analyzed reproductive traits differed between genotypes in both breeds (still analyzed separately), although in terms of different traits. The above results indicate the usefulness of microsatellite markers in researching the differentiation of litter size indicators. Although both breeds belong to the maternal component, they showed significant differences in terms of markers. This may suggest difficulties in finding universal (that is, working well for various breeds of the maternal component) markers, indicating the need to look for breed-specific markers, something that calls for further research into numerous animals.

La gale du porc, due à Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis, est l’une des principales dermatoses porcines, présente dans de nombreux élevages. Elle provoque d’importantes pertes économiques dans plusieurs pays et son éradication passe par une amélioration des conditions d’hygiène. En l’absence de données récentes sur la prévalence de cette infestation au Cameroun, la recherche des parasites par raclages cutanés a été réalisée dans 52 élevages de la région de l’Ouest (département de la Mifi). En avril-août 2015, puis en avril-août 2016, 359 raclages cutanés sur 103 truies, 39 verrats et 217 porcelets sevrés ont permis d’identifier S. scabiei var. suis dans 23,1 % des élevages (12/52 ; soit 40 porcheries exemptes de gale) avec une prévalence moyenne de 19,5 % (70/359), sans différence de sexe ni d’âge. Les porcheries les plus infestées étaient celles où l’hygiène était la plus défectueuse. Des programmes d’éducation sanitaire doivent être mis en place pour sensibiliser les éleveurs à l’importance du respect des règles d’hygiène dans la lutte contre la gale porcine.

Two trials were conducted with 48 newly weaned piglets (28 d old) each 8.6 ± 0.05 kg to study how Laminaria japonica plants (LJ) affect zootechnical performance, feed conversion and the apparent to...

Приведены данные по изучению эффективности применения антиоксиданта дигидрокверцетина Экостимул2 и пребиотика арабиногалактана. Включение в рацион поросятотъёмышей дигидрокверцетина (50 мг/гол/день) и арабиногалактана (5 г/гол/день) положительно повлияло на гематологические показатели крови, биохимические показатели сыворотки крови, антиоксидантную защиту и продуктивность поросят. После завершения эксперимента живая масса поросят в опытной группе была на 10,6 выше, чем в контрольной. Совместное применение дигидрокверцетина и арабиногалактана положительно сказалось и на сохранности поголовья, которая в опытной группе составила 100, в контрольной группе 90. Количество лейкоцитов в крови поросят опытной группы было ниже на 8,0, а эритроцитов выше на 1,5 по сравнению с этими показателями у поросят контрольной группы, что отразилось на содержании гемоглобина и гематокрита крови. У поросят, получавших кормовые добавки, кислотное число, перекисное число и СЖК было ниже, чем у контрольных животных на 19,8, 20,5 и 19,7 соответственно. С этими показателями корреспондируется антиокислительная активность сыворотки крови, которая при применении кормовых добавок была выше на 26,5, чем в контроле. Кормовые добавки профилактировали гипербилирубинемию. В результате концентрация общего билирубина в плазме крови поросят опытной группы была ниже на 13,9, активность АлАТ и АсАТ в сыворотке их крови также была ниже на 18,7 и 17,6, чем в контроле. В сыворотке крови у поросят опытной группы содержание холестерина было выше на 1,8 мМ/л, чем в контроле, что характеризует состояние холестеринообразовательной функции печени. Содержание же глюкозы в крови у них было в пределах физиологической нормы и находилось на уровне 5,44 мМ/л, в то время как у поросят контрольной группы её содержание составляло 6,67 мМ/л (выше физиологической нормы) и могло свидетельствовать о повышенной функции коры надпочечников и, в связи с этим, наличии глюконеогенеза.The data on studying of the use effectiveness of the antioxidant dihydroquercetin Ecostimul2 and the prebiotic arabinogalactan are presented. The inclusion of dihydroquercetin (50 mg/goal/day) and arabinogalactan (5 g/goal/day) in the diet of weaned piglets had a positive effect on blood hematological parameters, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant protection and piglet productivity. After the experiment the live weight of piglets in the experimental group was 10.6 higher than in the control one. The combined use of dihydroquercetin and arabinogalactan positively affected the safety of the livestock which in the experimental group was 100, in the control group 90. The number of leukocytes in the blood of the piglets of the experimental group was 8.0 lower and the erythrocytes were higher by 1.5 compared to these indicators in the piglets of the control group which was reflected in the content of hemoglobin and blood hematocrit. In piglets receiving feed additives the acid number, peroxide number, and FFA were lower than in control animals by 19.8, 20.5, and 19.7 respectively. These indicators correspond to the antioxidant activity of blood serum which was 26.5 higher when using feed additives than in the control. Feed additives prevented hyperbilirubinemia. As a result the concentration of total bilirubin in the blood plasma of piglets of the experimental group was 13.9 lower, the activity of AlAT and ASAT in their blood serum was also lower by 18.7 and 17.6 than in the control. The cholesterol content in the blood serum of piglets from the experimental group was 1.8 mol/L higher than in the control which characterizes the state of the cholesterolforming function of the liver. The glucose content in their blood was within the physiological norm and was at the level of 5.44 mol/L while in the piglets of the control group its content was 6.67 mol/L (higher than the physiological norm) and could indicate an increased function of the adrenal cortex and in connection with this the presence of gluconeogenesis.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:49:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-09-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Dietary supplementation of nucleotides (NU) and glutamic acid (GA) have been suggested for post-weaned pigs because of their potential role as performance enhancers. During this phase, both additives may become essential for newly weaned piglets acting mainly for energy generation and forming molecular basis that are important for intestinal renewal. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary NU and GA on growth performance and intestinal replacement time of 13C in weaned piglets. In both experiments pigs were assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, based on two levels of NU (0 and 0.1%) and two levels of GA (0 and 1%). The energy source of the maternal diet was based on corn (rich in 13C) whereas piglets’ post-weaning diets were based on rice (poor in 13C). In the first experiment, 84 piglets were weaned at 21 days of age and growth performance was monitored during three experimental phases (0–15d, 16–27d and 28–35d). In the second experiment, in order to assess the intestinal replacement time of 13C in weaned piglets, the differences between the natural 13C abundance in maternal diet and piglets post-weaning diets were used. At day 0 (weaning), three piglets were slaughtered and used as an initial 13C ratio for duodenum and jejunum. At days 3, 6, 9, 14, 21, 34 and 49, three more piglets by treatment were slaughtered. Exponential regression analysis from each treatment was used to determine the incorporation of 13C in small intestine tissues between supplemented and control groups (without NU and GA) to determine the 13C replacement time. In the first study, dietary NU improved G:F (p < 0.05) from day 28–35, whereas dietary GA improved G:F (p < 0.05) from day 0–15, day 28–35 and for the overall experimental period (day 0–35). In the second study, NU supplementation and the interaction of NU × GA improved the replacement time of 13C in the duodenum mucosa (21.12 ± 2.14 days and 21.85 ± 2.13 days, respectively) compared to control (24.95 days). The use of dietary NU and GA during the post-weaning period improves performance but only NU accelerates the replacement time of 13C on duodenal mucosa during the post-weaning period in pigs. São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science University of São Paulo (USP) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) School of Agriculture, Dourados Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science FAPESP: 2013/18619-7 FAPESP: 2013/25616-4