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Simple Summary: In pig production, nursing piglets are frequently offered a highly palatable and easily digestible diet (creep feed). Creep feeding is believed to increase the weaning weight of piglets and to facilitate a smooth transition from sow's milk to the dry feed. However, the research results are conflicting, and this might be due to the fact that several factors can impact the positive aspects of creep feeding during lactation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of creep feeding on piglet pre- and post-weaning performance. Our results demonstrated that providing piglets with creep feed in lactation increases piglet body weight at weaning and post-weaning growth performance. We also identified that a minimum of 14 days of creep feed provision is necessary to realize a higher body weight at weaning. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effects of providing piglets with creep feed during lactation on piglet pre- and post-weaning performance. A total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Creep feeding in lactation improved pre-weaning piglet performance in 46% of the studies selected, while 58% of the included studies reported that creep feeding in lactation improved piglet performance during the nursery phase. Creep feeding increased the average piglet body weight (creep = 7.23 ± 0.30, no creep = 6.96 ± 0.31; p = 0.03) and litter weight (creep = 81.2 ± 4.18, no creep = 76.4 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) at weaning. The average piglet body weight and litter weight were positively associated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) with total creep feed intake. Creep feeding of piglets for more than 14 days increased (p = 0.003) the litter weight at weaning compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed. The present work strengthened the notion that creep feeding during lactation presents opportunities for improving weaning weights and post-weaning piglet performance compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the efficacy of meloxicam, flunixin, and ketoprofen in piglets undergoing routine castration and tail-docking. Six-day-old male piglets (8/group) received one of five randomized treatments: intramuscular saline (SAL PROC), meloxicam (MEL; 0.4 mg/kg), flunixin (FLU; 2.2 mg/kg), ketoprofen (KETO; 3.0 mg/kg) or sham (SAL SHAM; saline injection, no processing). Two hours post-dose, piglets were castrated and tail-docked. Plasma cortisol, interstitial fluid (ISF) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and activity levels via Actical® monitoring were used to estimate pain. SAL SHAM and FLU exhibited lower cortisol concentrations than SAL PROC at the time of processing (p = 0.003 and p = 0.049, respectively), and all NSAIDs exhibited lower PGE2 than SAL PROC at 3.69 hours (MEL p = 0.050; FLU p = 0.043 and KETO p = 0.031). While not statistically significant, PGE2 was higher in SAL PROC piglets vs. other treatment groups at most time points. There was also a high degree of variability between piglets, especially for SAL PROC. Activity levels were significantly decreased at multiple time points in SAL PROC and MEL piglets following processing. However, FLU and KETO piglets had increased activity levels closer to that of the SAL SHAM group, suggesting that these NSAIDs are more effective than MEL in providing analgesia. These results demonstrate that management strategies including administration of intramuscular flunixin or ketoprofen to reduce pain associated with processing will likely improve piglet health and welfare in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal-derived immunity is a critical component for the survival and success of offspring in pigs to protect from circulating pathogens such as Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV-2). The purpose of this study is to investigate the transfer of anti-PRRSV immunity to piglets from gilts that received modified-live virus (MLV) alone (treatment (TRT) 0), or in combination with one of two autogenous inactivated vaccines (AIVs, TRT 1+2). Piglets from these gilts were challenged with the autogenous PRRSV-2 strain at two weeks of age and their adaptive immune response (IR) was evaluated until 4 weeks post inoculation (wpi). The systemic humoral and cellular IR was analyzed in the pre-farrow gilts, and in piglets, pre-inoculation, and at 2 and 4 wpi. Both AIVs partially protected the piglets with reduced lung pathology and increased weight gain; TRT 1 also lowered piglet viremia, best explained by the AIV-induced production of neutralizing antibodies in gilts and their transfer to the piglets. In piglets, pre-inoculation, the main systemic IFN-γ producers were CD21α+ B cells. From 0 to 4 wpi, the role of these B cells declined and CD4 T cells became the primary systemic IFN-γ producers. In the lungs, CD8 T cells were the primary and CD4 T cells were the secondary IFN-γ producers, including a novel subset of porcine CD8α−CCR7− CD4 T cells, potentially terminally differentiated CD4 TEMRA cells. In summary, this study demonstrates that maternal AIV vaccination can improve protection of pre-weaning piglets against PRRSV-2; it shows the importance of transferring neutralizing antibodies to piglets, and it introduces two novel immune cell subsets in pigs—IFN-γ producing CD21α+ B cells and CD8α−CCR7− CD4 T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction of farrowing with prostaglandins is a way of increasing farrowing supervision and to provide adequate care for piglets in the first hours of life. However, some studies observed negative effects associated with induction, including decreased piglet viability, reduced birth weight and decreased colostrum yield. Furthermore, the farrowing response of sows to prostaglandins treatment varies among studies, largely influenced by the induction protocol applied. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of farrowing induction with prostaglandins on stillbirth rate, birth weight, pre-weaning mortality, weaning weight, farrowing duration and colostrum and milk characteristics as well as the farrowing response to prostaglandin treatment. The interval from farrowing induction to onset of farrowing (IFIOF) was 31 h, and a twice application of prostaglandin increased by 37% the proportion of sows farrowing during the next working day. Prostaglandins had no effect on farrowing duration (P > 0.05). Piglet birth weight and weaning weight were only decreased (P < 0.05) when farrowing was induced ≥3 days before the expected farrowing date (based on herd average or in gestational length of the control group). Induction three or two days before the expected farrowing date had no effect on stillbirth rate; conversely, stillbirth rate was reduced by 28% (P < 0.05) when induction was performed one day before the expected farrowing date. Farrowing induction had no influence on pre-weaning mortality. The present study strengthened the observations that farrowing induction with prostaglandins is a valuable tool to reduce gestational length variation and to synchronize farrowing during the working day, allowing better assistance to sows and piglets. To obtain the maximum benefit of farrowing induction, it is recommended that induction should be performed one or two days before the expected farrowing date. • Farrowing induction ≥3 days prior the due date impairs offspring performance. • Farrowing induced ≤2 days before due date does not adversely affect sow or litter performance. • Farrow induction one day prior to the due date reduces stillbirth rate. • Split or double dose of prostaglandins, 6 h apart, increases farrowing synchrony. • Farrowing induction with prostaglandins does not affect duration of farrowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterotonics are widely used in the pig industry but their effects have not been investigated critically. The objective was to evaluate the effects of oxytocin and carbetocin on farrowing duration, birth interval, farrowing assistance, stillbirth rate, and piglet viability traits by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. The search for studies was performed during January 2020 using the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The literature search was conducted using the key words: oxytocin, pig, farrowing, stillbirth, piglet, dose, and carbetocin. Studies which evaluated the effects of oxytocin or carbetocin on farrowing duration, birth interval, stillbirth rate, and farrowing assistance were included in the review. Of 1215 articles, 23 (1.9%) were selected for fulfilling the criteria for inclusion in the present study. A high variety of doses was observed among studies. Oxytocin increased (30%; P < 0.05) the stillborn proportion in the litters compared to control sows. Both oxytocin and carbetocin increased the need of farrowing assistance by 137% (P < 0.01) and 40% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to control. The use of oxytocin reduced the farrowing duration by 18% and the birth interval by 17%, while carbetocin reduced the same responses by 27 and 23%, respectively (P < 0.01). When used judiciously, uterotonics are a valuable tool to shorten farrowing duration of hyperprolific sows. However, the treatment is not exempt of deleterious effects for piglets and sows. Therefore, the criteria to use these drugs should be based on individual cases and not as part of hormonal protocols for all parturient sows. • Farrowing duration is decreased by oxytocin and carbetocin. • Birth interval is decreased by oxytocin and carbetocin. • Oxytocin increases the stillborn amount. • Oxytocin and carbetocin increases the need of farrowing assistance. • There is no dose standardization in the use of oxytocin or carbetocin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Glycemia, measured in the ear vein, is negatively correlated with farrowing duration. • The fasting period negatively affect sows' glycemia. • Glycemia tend to rise in sows that star to farrow with low glycemia. Monitoring and maintaining adequate glycemia is pivotal to an optimal farrowing process benefiting sows and newborn piglets. The present observational study was performed to (1) evaluate if the peripheral glycemia (measured on ear vein) of sows at the onset of farrowing is related to farrowing traits and to (2) identify and quantify factors associated with peripheral glycemia and the interactions with farrowing kinetics. To this end, datasets with farm characteristics and sow farrowing data from four different farms were used. All sows were closely monitored during farrowing starting from the birth of the first piglet to the expulsion of the placenta. Farrowing duration (FD) was defined as the time elapsed between the birth of the first-born and the last-born piglet in the litter. Fasting period, defined as the time from the last meal until onset of farrowing, was recorded. Glycemia was assessed with a portable glucometer. The measurement was performed immediately after the birth of the first piglets, considered as the initial glycemia (IGly) and at the end of farrowing, considered as the final glycemia (FGly). The data were screened for correlations. Traits that were correlated with the glycemia at p < 0.2 were included in a multivariate regression model. The use of oxytocin, manual assistance, and IGly were negatively associated with farrowing duration (p < 0.05), whereas total piglets born and parity were positively associated to farrowing duration (p < 0.05). Fasting period was negatively associated with IGly (p < 0.05). Further, sows were classified based on their IGly in three groups according to quartile distribution. High group: initial glycemia ≥ 4.72mMol/L; Intermediate group: initial glycemia ≥ 4mMol/L and ≤ 4.71mMol/L; Low group: initial glycemia ≤ 3.99mMol/L. Sows in categories of high and intermediate IGly did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05) in their average FGly (5.06 ± 0.13 mMol/L and 4.64 ± 0.12 mMol/L, respectively). IGly can be used as a tool to identify sows more prone to prolonged FD. The results demonstrate that glucose metabolism varies with farrowing traits and is dependent on the glycemia at the onset of farrowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sows are highly motivated to engage in nest-building behavior prior to farrowing. Studies have shown that providing nesting material to farrowing sows reduces the occurrence of redirected nest-building behaviors, improves farrowing traits and maternal behavior, and decreases pre-weaning mortality. However, in some studies, access to nesting material had no effect on farrowing traits and piglet performance. Further, sow response to nest materials are largely variable among studies, mainly influenced by the type and quantity of nesting material provided and farrowing system. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to evaluate the effects of the provision of nesting materials on farrowing performance, maternal behavior, and piglet performance. A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nest-building behavior was enhanced when nesting material was provided. The systematic review indicates that sows supplied with nesting material had reduced pre-farrowing redirected nest-building behavior and reduced postural changes during farrowing. Sows provided with nesting material had increased nursing bouts and had better response to piglet distress call. An increase (P = 0.03) in the number of piglets born alive were observed for sows provided with nesting material. Provision of nesting materials reduced (P < 0.05) piglet birth interval and pre-weaning mortality. The use of straw or lucerne hay as nest materials reduced (P < 0.05) stillbirth rate and pre-weaning mortality. The use of man-made materials (e.g., hessian, jute, or burlap sacks) tended to reduce stillbirth rate (P = 0.06). Provision of nesting materials had no effect (P > 0.05) on weaning weight. The present study strengthened the hypothesis that provision of nesting material to sows prior to farrowing increases sow maternal care traits and piglet performance. • Provide nesting material is essential to increase pre-partal sows-welfare. • Nesting materials reduce stereotypes and postural changes during pre and -farrowing. • Nesting material increase born alive and maternal carefulness after farrowing. • Provide nesting material reduces piglets birth-interval and pre-weaning mortality. • Straw or lucerne reduces stillbirth and man-made materials tend to reduce stillbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]