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Diarrheas are common risks faced by piglets during the weaning period. This study investigated the alleviating effects of artificial parasin I protein (API) on growth performance and intestinal health of weaned pigs upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge. Sixty piglets were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (CON) or basal diet supplemented with API at 0, 750, and 1500 mg/kg or antibiotics for 5 weeks. On d 15 and 25, piglets were challenged with ETEC K88 except for the CON group. Before the ETEC challenge (d 1–14), dietary API supplementation improved growth performance, and 750 mg API increased (P

Abstract Background At present, heat stress (HS) has become a key factor that impairs broiler breeding industry, which causes growth restriction and poor meat quality of broilers. Selenium (Se) is an excellent antioxidant and plays a unique role in meat quality improvement. Recent years, nano-selenium (NanoSe) has received tremendous attention in livestock production, due to its characteristic and good antibacterial performance in vitro. Here, we developed the heat stressed-broiler model to investigate the protective effects of NanoSe on growth performance and meat quality of broilers and compare whether there are differences with that of other Se sources (Sodium selenite, SS; Selenoyeast, SeY; Selenomethionine, SeMet). Results HS jeopardized the growth performance and caused poor meat quality of breast muscle in broilers, which were accompanied by lowered antioxidant capacity, increased glycolysis, increased anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, mitochondrial stress and abnormal mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. All Se sources supplementation exhibited protective effects, which increased the Se concentration and promoted the expression of selenoproteins, improved the mitochondrial homeostasis and the antioxidant capacity, and promoted the TCA cycle and the aerobic metabolism of pyruvate, thus improved the breast muscle meat quality of broilers exposed to HS. However, unlike the other three Se sources, the protective effect of NanoSe on meat quality of heat stressed-broilers was not ideal, which exhibited limited impact on the pH value, drip loss and cooking loss of the breast muscle. Compared with the other Se sources, broilers received NanoSe showed the lowest levels of slow MyHC, the highest levels of fast MyHC and glycogen, the highest mRNA levels of glycolysis-related genes (PFKM and PKM), the highest protein expression of HSP60 and CLPP, and the lowest enzyme activities of GSH-Px, citroyl synthetase (CS) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) in breast muscle. Consistent with the SS, the Se deposition in breast muscle of broilers received NanoSe was lower than that of broilers received SeY or SeMet. Besides, the regulatory efficiency of NanoSe on the expression of key selenoproteins (such as SELENOS) in breast muscle of heat stressed-broilers was also worse than that of other Se sources. Conclusion Through comparing the meat quality, Se deposition, muscle fiber type conversion, glycolysis, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitochondrial TCA cycle-related indicators of breast muscle in heat stressed broilers, we found that the protective effects of organic Se (SeY and SeMet) are better than that of inorganic Se (SS) and NanoSe. As a new Se source, though NanoSe showed some protective effect on breast muscle meat quality of heat stressed broilers, the protective effect of NanoSe is not ideal, compared with other Se sources.

Abstract Background Sows commonly experience insulin resistance in late gestation and lactation, causing lower feed intake and milk production, which can lead to higher mortality rates in newborn piglets. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is known to improve insulin resistance. However, whether supplementing LGG can improve insulin sensitivity in sows and enhance lactation performance, particularly the early survival of offspring remains unclear. Hence, we explored the effects and mechanisms of supplementing LGG during late gestation and lactation on sow insulin sensitivity, lactation performance, and offspring survival. In total, 20 sows were randomly allocated to an LGG (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Results In sows, LGG supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity during late gestation and lactation, increased feed intake, milk production and colostrum lactose levels in early lactation, and enhanced newborn piglet survival. Moreover, LGG treatment significantly reshaped the gut microbiota in sows, notably increasing microbiota diversity and enriching the relative abundance of insulin sensitivity-associated probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides. Serum metabolite and amino acid profiling in late-gestation sows also revealed decreased branched-chain amino acid and kynurenine serum levels following LGG supplementation. Further analyses highlighted a correlation between mitigated insulin resistance in late pregnancy and lactation by LGG and gut microbiota reshaping and changes in serum amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, maternal LGG enhanced immunity in newborn piglets, reduced inflammation, and facilitated the establishment of a gut microbiota. Conclusions We provide the first evidence that LGG mitigates insulin resistance in sows and enhances offspring survival by modulating the gut microbiota and amino acid metabolism.

Abstract Background Dietary fiber (DF) consumption was reported to improve insulin sensitivity, change the tryptophan metabolism, and alter the gut microbiota. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the effects of DF consumption on insulin sensitivity, tryptophan metabolism, and gut microbiota composition in sows during late pregnancy, and explore the relationship between tryptophan metabolites and insulin sensitivity regulated by DF supplementation. Results Twelve sows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups (six/group): the low-fiber (LF) group, which was fed a basal diet, and the high-fiber (HF) group, which was fed the basal diet supplemented with 22.60 g/kg inulin and 181.60 g/kg cellulose. During late pregnancy, meal test, glucose tolerance test, and insulin challenge test were used to investigate the insulin sensitivity of sows, using the percutaneous brachiocephalic vein catheterization technique. High DF consumption resulted in improved insulin sensitivity, especially during the second and third trimesters, and promoted serotonin production from tryptophan. Additionally, plasma serotonin concentration was positively correlated with the insulin sensitivity index during late pregnancy. Moreover, DF consumption elevated fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, altered fecal microbial diversity, and increased the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Alloprevotella, Parabacteroides, Roseburia, and Sphaerochaeta, which were positively correlated to plasma serotonin concentration. Conclusions DF consumption improved insulin sensitivity during late pregnancy in sows, which improved microbial diversity in fecal samples and increased fecal SCFA concentrations, resulting in a positive correlation with plasma serotonin level.

In the present study, the chronic heat stress (CHS) broiler model was developed to investigate the potential protection mechanism of organic selenium (selenomethionine, SeMet) on CHS-induced skeletal muscle growth retardation and poor meat quality. Four hundred Arbor Acres male broilers (680 ± 70 g, 21 d old) were grouped into 5 treatments with 8 replicates of 10 broilers per replicate. Broilers in the control group were raised in a thermoneutral environment (22 ± 2 °C) and fed with a basal diet. The other four treatments were exposed to hyperthermic conditions (33 ± 2 °C, 24 h in each day) and fed on the basal diet supplied with SeMet at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg Se/kg, respectively, for 21 d. Results showed that CHS reduced (P

Abstract Background Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) affects intestinal growth, morphology, and function, which leads to poor growth performance and high mortality. The present study explored whether maternal dietary methyl donor (MET) supplementation alleviates IUGR and enhances offspring’s growth performance by improving intestinal growth, function, and DNA methylation of the ileum in a porcine IUGR model. Methods Forty multiparous sows were allocated to the control or MET diet groups from mating until delivery. After farrowing, 8 pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight piglets from 8 litters were selected for sampling before suckling colostrum. Results The results showed that maternal MET supplementation tended to decrease the IUGR incidence and increased the average weaning weight of piglets. Moreover, maternal MET supplementation significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of isoleucine, cysteine, urea, and total amino acids in sows and newborn piglets. It also increased lactase and sucrase activity in the jejunum of newborn piglets. MET addition resulted in lower ileal methionine synthase activity and increased betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase activity in the ileum of newborn piglets. DNA methylation analysis of the ileum showed that MET supplementation increased the methylation level of DNA CpG sites in the ileum of newborn piglets. Down-regulated differentially methylated genes were enriched in folic acid binding, insulin receptor signaling pathway, and endothelial cell proliferation. In contrast, up-regulated methylated genes were enriched in growth hormone receptor signaling pathway and nitric oxide biosynthetic process. Conclusions Maternal MET supplementation can reduce the incidence of IUGR and increase the weaning litter weight of piglets, which may be associated with better intestinal function and methylation status.

Pectin is a proven prebiotic and widely used in human health products. This study aims to assess the impact of dietary pectin supplementation during gestation on sow vaginal microbiota and the offspring's intestinal composition. Thirty sows were randomly allocated to two groups and fed a standard diet (CON) or a standard diet supplemented with 3 g/kg pectin (PEC). Blood, feces, and vaginal swab samples from the sows and blood, intestines issue, and colonic content samples from the offspring were collected and analyzed. The results indicate that the relative abundance of vaginal Lactobacillus was notably enhanced in the PEC group and fecal β-glucuronidase (β-G) activity and plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) concentration were also significantly increased in the PEC group. Newborn piglets were found to host different microbial communities as well. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria dominated in the CON group, and Firmicutes was predominant in the PEC group. Newborn piglets in the PEC group had a lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration in their plasma. The expression of intestinal cytokines of offspring was improved as well. Villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) in the PEC group were extremely higher than those in the CON group. In conclusion, dietary pectin supplementation can be of benefit to both sows and newborn piglets.

Abstract Background Two studies were designed to determine standard ileal crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) digestibility of soybean meal (SBM) from different origins fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows. Seven solvent-extracted SBMs from soybeans produced in the USA, Brazil, and China were selected. In Exp. 1, eight different diets were created: a nitrogen (N)-free diet and 7 experimental diets containing SBM from different origins as the only N source. Eight non-pregnant, multiparous sows were arranged in an 8 × 8 Latin square design (8 periods and 8 diets). In Exp. 2, the diet formula was the same as in Exp. 1. Eight gestating sows (parity 3) were assigned to 4 different diets in a replicated 4 × 3 Youden square design (three periods and four diets) in mid-gestation and again in late-gestation stages. Results When fed to non-pregnant and late-gestating sows, the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and most AAs from different SBM were not significantly different (P > 0.05). When fed to mid-gestating sows, the SID values for Arg, His, Lys, Phe, Cys, Gly, Ser, and Tyr in SBM 1 were lower than in SBM 4 and 5 (P

ABSTRACT: Growth performance and carcass traits may be retarded by low nutrient density diets. Organic chromium propionate (CrProp) can improve growth, carcass traits, and meat quality in farmed lambs, white broilers, and fish. Limited data regarding CrProp's impacts on yellow-feathered broilers are available. Eight hundred yellow-feathered male broilers (1-day old) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary groups and reared for 56 d. The trial was a 2 (dietary nutrient density) ×2 (CrProp) factorial arrangement with 4 diets: regular nutrient diet and low nutrient density (LND, reduction in metabolizable energy by 81 kcal and crude protein by 0.43%) diet supplemented with or without 200 mg/kg CrProp. Broilers were euthanized at d 56 after blood collection. The results indicated that the LND diet led to greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) from d 1 to 42 and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 22 to 42 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of CrProp improved body weight (BW) from d 1 to 56, average daily gain (ADG), and FCR during d 1 to 42 but reduced ADFI during d 1 to 21, as well as lowered abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05). Supplementation with CrProp to regular and LND diets reduced ADFI but improved FCR from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The LND diet lowered total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the jejunal mucosa. CrProp elevated T-AOC levels and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px, P < 0.05). Dietary CrProp upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of fatty acid transporter (FABP1) gene and peptide transporter (Pept1) gene. CrProp administration increased jejunal FABP1 expression and lowered cooking loss of breast meat (P < 0.05) in the LND group while reducing shear force (P = 0.009) of broilers treated by regular diet. In summary, CrProp administration to the LND diet can improve growth performance in the starter period and meat quality on d 56, possibly through upregulated nutrient transporter gene expression in the jejunum and enhanced antioxidant capability.

Novel antimicrobial strategies are necessary to tackle using antibiotics during the suckling and weaning period of piglets, often characterized by E. coli-induced diarrhea. In the last decades, acetate, propionate, and butyrate, all short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), have been proposed as an alternative to antibiotics. SCFAs are instrumental in promoting the proliferation of enterocytes, preserving intestinal integrity, and modulating the microbial community by suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria in pigs. The effect of individual SCFAs (proprionate, acetate and butyrate) on the regenerative capacity of intestinal cells was investigated via an optimized wound-healing assay in IPEC-J2 cells, a porcine jejunal epithelial cell line. IPEC-J2 cells proved a good model as they express the free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), an important SCFA receptor with a high affinity for proprionate. Our study demonstrated that propionate (p = 0.005) and acetate (p = 0.037) were more effective in closing the wound than butyrate (p = 0.190). This holds promise in using SCFA's per os as an alternative to antibiotics.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the dietary fiber pectin on the gut microbiota and health of parturient sows. A total of 30 parity 5–7, multiparous gestation sows (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups after mating: Con (control, basic diet) and Pec (pectin, 3%). The sows received the two diets during gestation, and all sows were fed the same standard basic diet during lactation. The results of β-diversity showed that the composition of the gut microbiota was different in the Con and Pec groups. Compared with the sows in the Con group, the Pec sows showed a higher abundance of the gut bacteria Clostridium and Romboutsia and a lower abundance of harmful bacteria (Micrococcaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Dorea, Actinomyces). On the other hand, the SCFA plasma concentration was increased in the Pec group, while pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) concentrations were decreased. In conclusion, the soluble dietary fiber pectin could improve the reproductive performance and health of sows by increasing the abundance of some commensal bacteria enhancing the metabolite SCFA levels and reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokine plasma levels.

Abstract Background The skeletal muscle of pigs is vulnerable to oxidative damage, resulting in growth retardation. Selenoproteins are important components of antioxidant systems for animals, which are generally regulated by dietary selenium (Se) level. Here, we developed the dietary oxidative stress (DOS)-inducing pig model to investigate the protective effects of selenoproteins on DOS-induced skeletal muscle growth retardation. Results Dietary oxidative stress caused porcine skeletal muscle oxidative damage and growth retardation, which is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and protein and lipid metabolism disorders. Supplementation with Se (0.3, 0.6 or 0.9 mg Se/kg) in form of hydroxy selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) linearly increased muscular Se deposition and exhibited protective effects via regulating the expression of selenotranscriptome and key selenoproteins, which was mainly reflected in lower ROS levels and higher antioxidant capacity in skeletal muscle, and the mitigation of mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress. What's more, selenoproteins inhibited DOS induced protein and lipid degradation and improved protein and lipid biosynthesis via regulating AKT/mTOR/S6K1 and AMPK/SREBP-1 signalling pathways in skeletal muscle. However, several parameters such as the activity of GSH-Px and T-SOD, the protein abundance of JNK2, CLPP, SELENOS and SELENOF did not show dose-dependent changes. Notably, several key selenoproteins such as MSRB1, SELENOW, SELENOM, SELENON and SELENOS play the unique roles during this protection. Conclusions Increased expression of selenoproteins by dietary OH-SeMet could synergistically alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress, recover protein and lipid biosynthesis, thus alleviate skeletal muscle growth retardation. Our study provides preventive measure for OS-dependent skeletal muscle retardation in livestock husbandry.

Abstract Background The feed intake of sows during lactation is often lower than their needs. High-fiber feed is usually used during gestation to increase the voluntary feed intake of sows during lactation. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of bulky diets on the appetites of sows during lactation have not been fully clarified. The current study was conducted to determine whether a high-fiber diet during gestation improves lactational feed intake (LFI) of sows by modulating gut microbiota. Methods We selected an appropriate high-fiber diet during gestation and utilized the fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) method to conduct research on the role of the gut microbiota in feed intake regulation of sows during lactation, as follows: high-fiber (HF) diet during gestation (n = 23), low-fiber (LF) diet during gestation (n = 23), and low-fiber diet + HF-FMT (LFM) during gestation (n = 23). Results Compared with the LF, sows in the HF and LFM groups had a higher LFI, while the sows also had higher peptide tyrosine tyrosine and glucagon-like peptide 1 on d 110 of gestation (G110 d). The litter weight gain of piglets during lactation and weaning weight of piglets from LFM group were higher than LF group. Sows given a HF diet had lower Proteobacteria, especially Escherichia-Shigella, on G110 d and higher Lactobacillus, especially Lactobacillus_mucosae_LM1 and Lactobacillus_amylovorus, on d 7 of lactation (L7 d). The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was reduced by HF-FMT in numerically compared with the LF. In addition, HF and HF-FMT both decreased the perinatal concentrations of proinflammatory factors, such as endotoxin (ET), lipocalin-2 (LCN-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The concentration of ET and LCN-2 and the abundance of Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella were negatively correlated with the LFI of sows. Conclusion The high abundance of Proteobacteria, especially Escherichia-Shigella of LF sows in late gestation, led to increased endotoxin levels, which result in inflammatory responses and adverse effects on the LFI of sows. Adding HF during gestation reverses this process by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus, especially Lactobacillus_mucosae_LM1 and Lactobacillus_amylovorus.

With the increasing of global mean surface air temperature, heat stress (HS) induced by extreme high temperature has become a key factor restricting the poultry industry. Liver is the main metabolic organ of broilers, HS induces liver damage and metabolic disorders, which impairs the health of broilers and affects food safety. As an essential trace element for animals, selenium (Se) involves in the formation of antioxidant system, and its biological functions are generally mediated by selenoproteins. However, the mechanism of Se against HS induced liver damage and metabolic disorders in broilers is inadequate. Therefore, we developed the chronic heat stress (CHS) broiler model and investigated the potential protection mechanism of organic Se (selenomethionine, SeMet) on CHS induced liver damage and metabolic disorders. In present study, CHS caused liver oxidative damage, and induced hepatic lipid accumulation and glycogen infiltration of broilers, which are accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Dietary SeMet supplementation increased the hepatic Se concentration and exhibited protective effects via promoting the expression of selenotranscriptome and several key selenoproteins (GPX4, TXNRD2, SELENOK, SELENOM, SELENOS, SELENOT, GPX1, DIO1, SELENOH, SELENOU and SELENOW). These key selenoproteins synergistically improved the antioxidant capacity, and mitigated the mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mitochondrial TCA cycle and ER stress, thus recovered the hepatic triglyceride and glycogen concentration. What's more, SeMet supplementation suppressed lipid and glycogen biosynthesis and promoted lipid and glycogen breakdown in liver of broilers exposed to CHS though regulating the AMPK signals. Overall, our present study reveals a potential mechanism that Se alleviates environment HS induced liver damage and glycogen and lipid metabolism disorders in broilers, which provides a preventive and/or treatment measure for environment HS-dependent hepatic metabolic disorders in poultry industry.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of supplementing Yeast−derived postbiotics (Y−dP) to the diet of sows during late pregnancy and lactation on fecal microbiota and short−chain fatty acids (SCFA) in sows and their offspring weaned piglets, as well as the relationship between gut microbiota and SCFA, serum cytokines, and sow reproductive performance. A total of 150 sows were divided into three groups: control diet (CON), CON + Y−dP 1.25 g/kg, and CON + Y−dP 2 g/kg. The results showed that supplementing 0.125% Y−dP to the diet of sows can increase the content of isobutyric acid (IBA) in the feces of pregnant sows and reduce the content of butyric acid (BA) in the feces of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The fecal microbiota of pregnant sows β diversity reduced and piglet fecal microbiota β diversity increased (p < 0.05). Y−dP significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of pregnant sows (p < 0.05), as well as the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, and Fusobacteriota in the feces of piglets (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidota in the feces of pregnant sows is positively correlated with propionic acid (PA) (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group was positively correlated with Acetic acid (AA), PA, Valerate acid (VA), and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the feces of pregnant sows (r > 0.5, p < 0.05), and Bacteroidota and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group were negatively correlated with the number of stillbirths (r < −0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Lactobacillus and Holdemanella in piglet feces was positively correlated with TVFA in feces and negatively correlated with IgA in serum (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Y−dP to the diet of sows from late gestation to lactation can increase the chao1 index and α diversity of fecal microorganisms in sows during lactation, increase the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of sows during pregnancy, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes in piglet feces, thereby improving intestinal health. These findings provide a reference for the application of Y−dP in sow production and a theoretical basis for Y−dP to improve sow production performance.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of different standardised ileal digestible lysine (SID-Lys) levels on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and carcase and meat traits of Yacha pigs. A total of 50 pigs were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with six replicate pens (2 pigs/pen) per treatment using a randomised complete block design. Five diets in mash form were formulated to contain SID-Lys at 0.57%, 0.62%, 0.67%, 0.72%, 0.77% of diet in phase 1 (15 ∼ 30 kg), at 0.40%, 0.48%, 0.56%, 0.64%, 0.72% of diet in phase 2 (30 ∼ 50 kg), and at 0.30%, 0.39%, 0.48%, 0.57%, 0.66% of diet in phase 3 (50 ∼ 90 kg), respectively. The results showed that the average daily gain and gain to feed ratio increased with increasing dietary Lys levels in phases 1 and 2 (p ≤ 0.05). Increasing dietary Lys levels increased linearly (p ≤ 0.05) apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein, and phosphorus in Phase 3 and also increased (p ≤ 0.05) concentration of serum glucose and tended to increase (p

Abstract Background Organic selenium supplementation during gestation improves the antioxidant status and reproductive performance of sows and increases the antioxidative capacity of the intestines of their offspring. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal basel diet (control) supplemented with an organic Se, 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA), or inorganic sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) during gestation on the antioxidant status and development of muscle in newborn and weaned piglets. Newborn piglets before colostrum intake and weaned piglets were selected for longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle collection and analysis. Results The results showed that maternal HMSeBA supplementation increased the muscle area and content of Se in the LD muscle of newborn piglets, improved gene expression of selenoproteins, and decreased oxidative status in the LD muscle of both newborn and weaned piglets compared with the control. The expression of muscle development-related genes of newborn piglets in the HMSeBA group was lower than in the control group, whereas the expression of MRF4 in weaned piglets was higher in the HMSeBA group than in the control and Na2SeO3 groups. In addition, HMSeBA supplementation decreased the mRNA expressions of myosin heavy chains (MyHC) IIx and MyHC IIb and the percentage of MyHC IIb; increased the expression of PGC-1α in the LD muscle of newborn piglets; increased the gene expression of MyHC IIa; and decreased the protein expression of slow MyHC and the activity of malate dehydrogenase in the LD muscle of weaned piglets compared with the control group. Conclusions Maternal HMSeBA supplementation during gestation can improve the antioxidative capacity of the muscle of their offspring and promote the maturity of muscle fibres in weaned offspring.

IntroductionPiglets are more susceptible to weaning stress syndrome when fed high levels of plant-based proteins that contain abundant food antigens and anti-nutritional factors. Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are a potential prebiotic that may improve the tolerance of weaned piglets to plant-based proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of XOS supplementation in high and low plant-based protein diets on growth performance, gut morphology, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets.MethodsA total of 128 weanling piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 7.63 ± 0.45 kg were randomly allocated to one of the four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two levels of plant-based proteins (d 1–14: 68.3 or 81.33%, d 15–28: 81.27 or 100%) and XOS complex (0 or 0.43%) over a 28-day trial.ResultsThe growth performance of piglets did not differ significantly among groups (P > 0.05). However, the diarrhea index of weaned piglets fed a high plant-based protein diet (HP) was significantly higher than that of those fed a low plant-based protein diet (LP) at days 1–14 and throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). XOS treatment tended to reduce the diarrhea index at days 1–14 (P = 0.062) and during the whole experiment period (P = 0.083). However, it significantly increased the digestibility of organic matter at days 15–28 (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary XOS supplementation increased ileal mucosa mRNA expression of occludin and ZO-1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the concentration of butyric acid (BA) in the cecal contents and in the concentrations of BA and valeric acid (VA) in colon contents were significantly elevated in the XOS groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, XOS optimized the gut flora by lowering the number of pathogenic bacteria such as p_Campylobacterota, thereby stabilizing the gut ecosystem.DiscussionIn conclusion, the HP diet aggravated diarrhea in weaned piglets while the XOS diet alleviated it by improving nutrient digestibility, protecting intestinal morphology, and optimizing the gut flora.

IntroductionSeveral studies have evaluated the effects of tributyrin on sow reproductive performance; however, none of these studies have investigated the effects of tributyrin on sow gut microbiota and its potential interactions with immune systems and milk composition. Therefore, we speculated that tributyrin, the combination of butyrate and mono-butyrin without odor, would reach the hindgut and affect the intestinal microbiota composition and play a better role in regulating sow reproductive performance, gut flora, and health.MethodsThirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the tributyrin group (TB), which received basal diet supplemented with 0.05% tributyrin. The experimental period lasted for 35 days from late pregnancy to lactation.ResultsThe results showed that TB supplementation significantly shortened the total parturition time and reduced the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets. On day 20 of lactation, the milk fat and protein levels increased by 9 and 4%, respectively. TB supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of dry material, gross energy, and crude fat in the sow diet, but had no significant effect on crude protein digestibility. Furthermore, TB supplementation increased the levels of IL-10, IL-6, and IgA in the blood of weaned piglets, but had no effect on maternal immunity. Analysis of the fecal microbial composition revealed that the addition of TB during late gestation and lactation increased the microbiota diversity in sows and piglets. At the phylum level, sows in the TB group had a slight increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota and a decrease in Firmicutes. At the order level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillales was increased in piglets and sows, and the TB group showed increased relative abundance of Enterobacterales and significantly decreased relative abundance of Oscillospirales in piglets. At family level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Christensenellaceae increased in sows, and the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae increased in piglets. At genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased in sows and piglets, but the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum and Eubacterium_fissicatena_group decreased in piglets in the TB group.DiscussionIn conclusion, tributyrin supplementation shortened the farrowing duration and reduced the diarrhea rate of piglets by improving the inflammatory response and composition of gut microbiota in piglets and sows.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a widespread and harmful disease, and is closely linked to acute endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Previous reports have shown that acute ER stress can suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis and even leads to hypoglycemia. However, the mechanism is still unclear. MAPK phosphatase 3 (MKP-3) is a positive regulator for gluconeogenesis. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the role of MKP-3 in the suppression of gluconeogenesis by acute ER stress, as well as the regulatory role of acute ER stress on the expression of MKP-3. Results showed that acute ER stress induced by tunicamycin significantly suppressed gluconeogenesis in both hepatocytes and mouse liver, reduced glucose production level in hepatocytes, and decreased fasting blood glucose level in mice. Additionally, the protein level of MKP-3 was reduced by acute ER stress in both hepatocytes and mouse liver. Mkp-3 deficiency eliminated the inhibitory effect of acute ER stress on gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. Moreover, the reduction effect of acute ER stress on blood glucose level and hepatic glucose 6-phosphatase (G6pc) expression was not observed in the liver-specific Mkp-3 knockout mice. Furthermore, activation of protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) decreased the MKP-3 protein level, while inactivation of PERK abolished the reduction effect of acute ER stress on the MKP-3 protein level in hepatocytes. Taken together, our study suggested that acute ER stress could suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis by stimulating MKP-3 degradation via PERK, at least partially. Thus, MKP-3 might be a therapeutic target for DILI-related hypoglycemia.

Appropriate protein sources are vital for the growth, development and health of neonates. Twenty–four 2–day–old piglets were randomly divided into three groups and fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets. The experimental diets included a milk replacer with 17.70% whey protein concentrate (WPC group), a milk replacer with 6% spray–dried porcine plasma isonitrogenously substituting WPC (SDPP group), and a milk replacer with 5.13% soy protein isolate isonitrogenously substituting WPC (SPI group). Neonatal piglets were fed milk replacer from postnatal day 2 (PND 2) to day 20 (PND 20). The growth performance, intestinal morphology, activities of digestive enzymes, plasma biochemical parameters, immunity–related genes, short–chain fatty acids (SCFA) and intestinal microbiota in the colonic chyme were determined. The results showed that SDPP–fed piglets had higher final BW (p = 0.05), ADG (p = 0.05) and F/G (p = 0.07) compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets, and SDPP–fed piglets had a lower diarrhea index (p < 0.01) from PND 2 to PND 8. SDPP–fed piglets had an increased ileal villus height (p = 0.04) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VCR) (p = 0.02), and increased activities of sucrase (p < 0.01), lactase (p = 0.02) and trypsin (p = 0.08) in the jejunum, compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets. Furthermore, SPI–fed piglets had an increased mRNA expression of IL-6 (p < 0.01) and concentration of plasma urea (p = 0.08). The results from LEfSe analysis showed that SDPP–fed piglets had a higher abundance of beneficial Butyricicoccus compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets, in which higher abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Marinifilaceae, Fusobacterium and Enterococcus were observed. Moreover, SDPP–fed piglets had an increased concentration of butyric acid (p = 0.08) in the colonic chyme compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets. These results suggest that neonatal piglets fed milk replacer with SDPP partially substituting WPC had improved growth performance and intestinal morphology and function, associated with higher digestive enzyme activity and fewer pathogenic bacteria.

As global warming continues, the phenomenon of heat stress (HS) in broilers occurs frequently. The alleviating effect of different selenium (Se) sources on HS-induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorders in broilers remains unclear. This study compared the protective effects of four Se sources (sodium selenite; selenium yeast; selenomethionine; nano-Se) on HS-induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorder and the corresponding response of selenotranscriptome in the liver of broilers. The results showed that HS-induced liver injury and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder, which were reflected in the increased activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), the increased concentration of triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), the increased activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), and the decreased activity of hepatic lipase (HL) in the liver. The hepatic lipid metabolism disorder was accompanied by the increased mRNA expression of lipid synthesis related-genes, the decreased expression of lipidolysis-related genes, and the increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress biomarkers (PERK, IRE1, ATF6, GRP78). The dietary supplementation of four Se sources exhibited similar protective effects. Four Se sources increased liver Se concentration and promoted the expression of selenotranscriptome and several key selenoproteins, enhanced liver antioxidant capacity and alleviated HS-induced ER stress, and thus resisted the hepatic lipid metabolism disorders of broilers exposed to HS. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of four Se sources (0.3 mg/kg) exhibited similar protective effects on HS-induced hepatic lipid metabolism disorders of broilers, and the protective effect is connected to the relieving of ER stress.

This experiment evaluated the impacts of essential oils (EO) and protease (PRO), independently or in combination, on growth performance, antioxidation, inflammation and intestinal function of weaned pigs. One hundred and sixty weaned pigs (21 d of age, BW of 6.74 ± 0.20 kg) were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 8 replicate pens of 5 pigs per pen. Dietary treatments included the following: 1) control diet (CON), 2) CON with 300 mg/kg essential oils (EO), 3) CON with 500 mg/kg protease (PRO), 4) CON with 300 mg/kg essential oil and 500 mg/kg protease (EO + PRO). On d 8, one pig from each pen was selected for sampling. The remaining pigs were fed for an additional week and growth performance was monitored during this period. Dietary treatments had no marked effects (P > 0.05) on the growth performance of pigs. However, pigs receiving EO diet had higher (P

IntroductionThe effects of maternal addition of yeast cultures on offspring gut development and intestinal microorganisms are not yet known, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal addition of yeast cultures to the diet of sows during late gestation and lactation on growth performance, antioxidant properties and intestinal microorganisms of offspring weaned piglets.Methods40 Landrace × Yorkshire sows (3–7 of parity) with similar backfat were randomly divided into two treatment groups: control diet (CON) and control diet +2.0 g/kg yeast culture (XPC), and the trial started on day 90 of gestation and ended on day 21 of lactation.ResultsThe results showed that maternal addition of yeast culture significantly increased weaned piglet weight and mean daily gain (p 0.05). Compared with the control group, the XPC group significantly increased the relative abundance of colonic chyme Bacteroidetes (p

Abstract Background Dietary fiber (DF) is often eschewed in swine diet due to its anti-nutritional effects, but DF is attracting growing attention for its reproductive benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DF intake level on oocyte maturation and uterine development, to determine the optimal DF intake for gilts, and gain microbial and metabolomic insight into the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods Seventy-six Landrace × Yorkshire (LY) crossbred replacement gilts of similar age (92.6 ± 0.6 d; mean ± standard deviation [SD]) and body weight (BW, 33.8 ± 3.9 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups (n = 19); a basal diet without extra DF intake (DF 1.0), and 3 dietary groups ingesting an extra 50% (DF 1.5), 75% (DF 1.75), and 100% (DF 2.0) dietary fiber mixture consisting of inulin and cellulose (1:4). Oocyte maturation and uterine development were assessed on 19 d of the 2nd oestrous cycle. Microbial diversity of faecal samples was analysed by high-throughput pyrosequencing (16S rRNA) and blood samples were subjected to untargeted metabolomics. Results The rates of oocytes showing first polar bodies after in vitro maturation for 44 h and uterine development increased linearly with increasing DF intake; DF 1.75 gilts had a 19.8% faster oocyte maturation rate and a 48.9 cm longer uterus than DF 1.0 gilts (P 0.1%) increased linearly or quadratically with increasing DF intake. Untargeted metabolic analysis revealed significant changes in serum metabolites that were closely associated with microbiota, including serotonin, a gut-derived signal that stimulates oocyte maturation. Conclusions The findings provide evidence of the benefits of increased DF intake by supplementing inulin and cellulose on oocyte maturation and uterine development in gilts, and new microbial and metabolomic insight into the mechanisms mediating the effects of DF on reproductive performance of replacement gilts.

Dietary fiber is a substance that cannot be digested by endogenous digestive enzymes but can be digested by the cellulolytic enzymes produced by intestinal microorganisms. In the past, dietary fiber was considered an anti-nutrient component in diets because it could resist digestion by endogenous enzymes secreted by the intestine and has a negative effect on the digestion of energy-producing nutrients. However, due to its functional properties, potential health benefits to animals, and innate fermentability, it has attracted increasing attention in recent years. There are a plethora of studies on dietary fiber. Evidence suggests that dietary fiber can provide energy for pigs through intestinal microbial fermentation and improve sow welfare, reproductive performance, intestinal flora, and immunity. This is a brief overview of the composition and classification of dietary fiber, the mechanism of action and effects of dietary fiber on reproductive performance, intestinal microorganisms, and the immune index of the sow. This review also provides scientific guidance for the application of dietary fiber in sow production.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone predominantly released in the liver, has emerged as a critical endocrine signal of dietary protein intake, but its role in the control of estrous cyclicity by dietary protein remains uncertain. To investigated the role of FGF21 and hypothalamic changes in the regulation of estrous cyclicity by dietary protein intake, female adult Sprague-Dawley rats with normal estrous cycles were fed diets with protein contents of 4% (P4), 8% (P8), 13% (P13), 18% (P18), and 23% (P23). FGF21 liver-specific knockout or wild-type mice were fed P18 or P4 diets to examine the role of liver FGF21 in the control of estrous cyclicity. Dietary protein restriction resulted in no negative effects on estrous cyclicity or ovarian follicular development when the protein content was greater than 8%. Protein restriction at 4% resulted in decreased bodyweight, compromised Kiss-1 expression in the hypothalamus, disturbed estrous cyclicity, and inhibited uterine and ovarian follicular development. The disturbed estrous cyclicity in rats that received the P4 diet was reversed after feeding with the P18 diet. Liver Fgf21 mRNA expressions and serum FGF21 levels were significantly increased as dietary protein content decreased, and loss of hepatic FGF21 delayed the onset of cyclicity disruption in rats fed with the P4 diet, possibly due to the regulation of insulin-like growth factor-1. Collectively, severe dietary protein restriction results in the cessation of estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicle development, and hepatic FGF21 and hypothalamic Kiss-1 were partially required for this process.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma protein (SDPP) or spray-dried chicken plasma protein (SDCP) supplementation in diets without the inclusion of antibiotics and zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, fecal score, and fecal microbiota in early-weaned piglets. A total of 192 healthy weaning piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 21 d old) were blocked by BW (6.53 ± 0.60 kg) and randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: negative control (NC, basal diet), positive control (PC), basal diet + ZnO at 2 g/kg and antibiotics at 0.8 g/kg), SDPP (containing 5% SDPP), and SDCP (containing 5% SDCP). The experiment lasted 14 d. The SDPP group had higher (P

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement effects of milk powder (MK) and fish meal (FM) by enzymatic soybean (ESB) in diets on growth performance, immunological parameters, SCFAs production and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. Methods A total of 128 piglets with initial body weight at 6.95 ± 0.46 kg, were randomly assigned into 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates per treatment and 4 piglets per replicate for a period of 14 d. Piglets were offered iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diets as follows: CON diet with MK and FM as high quality protein sources, ESB plus FM diet with ESB replacing MK, ESB plus MK diet with ESB replacing FM, and ESB diet with ESB replacing both MK and FM. Results No significant differences were observed in growth performance among all treatments (P > 0.05). However, piglets fed ESB plus FM or ESB diet had increased diarrhea index (P

ABSTRACT: In this study, we compared the impacts of Bacillus subtilis PB6 (BS) and bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, expression of tight connection protein, and cecal microbiota community of male ducks through a 42-d trial. Three-hundred and sixty male Cherry Valley meat-type ducklings (1-day-old) were distributed into 3 groups of 6 replicates: CON group (control, basal diet), BMD group (basal diet + 45 mg/kg BMD, active ingredient dose in the feed), and BS group (basal diet + 2 × 107 CFU/kg BS in the feed). Results showed that supplementing the diet with BS reduced the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during d 15 to 42 and d 1 to 42 compared with the CON group (P = 0.032). It also reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) during d 15 to 42 and d 1 to 42 (P < 0.05) relative to the other groups. The ileal villus height (VH) and villus height /crypt depth ratio (V/C) were increased (P < 0.05) in both the BS and BMD groups, and the jejunal VH and V/C ratio were increased in the BS group (P < 0.05). Relative to the CON, BS supplementation was associated with numerical augmentation of goblet cells in the jejunal mucosa and upregulation of jejunal zonula occludens (ZO-1) and ileal mucin2 (P < 0.05) mRNA levels. Analysis showed a negative correlation between FCR (d 0–42) and VH, V/C, and the number of goblet cells in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Additionally, BMD or BS supplementation altered the alpha diversity of colonic microbiota (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that Butyricimonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Tannerellaceae were positively associated with the acetic acid and butyrate concentrations (P < 0.05). Taken together, the supplementation of BS in the diet of male ducks was conducive to reducing FCR by meliorating intestinal morphology, upregulating ZO-1 and mucin2 mRNA levels, regulating the abundance of microbiota, and metabolites, and having a greater effect than BMD supplementation.

Abnormally raised circulating bile acids (BA) during pregnancy threat fetal and offspring health. Our previous study has identified sulfated progesterone metabolites (PMSs) in part account for dysregulation of maternal BA homeostasis during pregnancy, however, limited intervention strategies to remedy increased serum BA through PMSs during pregnancy are available. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of manipulating BA homeostasis and progesterone metabolism through steering gut microbiota. A total of 19 pregnant sows were randomly treated with standard diet or vancomycin-supplemented diet, to investigate the intercorrelation of PMSs, intestinal microbiota, and maternal BA metabolism from day 60 of gestation (G60) until farrowing (L0). Pregnant mice orally gavaged with epiallopregnanolone sulfate (PM5S) or vehicle and nonpregnant mice were sampled and further analyzed to verify the effect of PM5S on maternal BA metabolism. The present study revealed that oral vancomycin reduced maternal fasting serum total BA (TBA) levels and postprandial serum TBA levels at day 90 of gestation (G90). BA profile analysis showed the decreased TBA after vancomycin treatment was attributed to the decrease of primary BA and secondary BA, especially hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA). By using newly developed UPLC-MS/MS methods, we found vancomycin increased fecal excretion of allopregnanolone sulfate (PM4S) and PM5S during late gestation and thus maintaining the relative stability of serum PM4S and PM5S, which play an important role in BA metabolism. Further study in mice showed that pregnant mice have higher serum and liver TBA levels compared with nonpregnant mice, and PM5S administration induced higher gallbladder TBA levels and TBA pool in pregnant mice. In addition, after oral vancomycin, the continuously decreased Parabacteroides genus, potentially enriched with genes encoding steroids sulfatase, may explain the increased fecal PMSs excretion in pregnant sows. Taken together, our study provides the evidence that pregnancy-induced elevation of BA levels in sow is likely regulated by manipulation of gut microbiota, which offer new insights into the prevention and treatment of disrupted BA homeostasis during pregnancy by targeting specific microbiota.

The dietary inclusion of phytogenic feed additives to improve the performance and health of sows is considered to be safe, effective and environmentally friendly, thus gaining growing popularity among new strategies. This study was designed with three trials aimed to determine the effective supplemental levels of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicera japonica mixed extracts (SLE) in sow diets based on production performance and explore its related mechanisms of action based on serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity, and immune profile of sows and nursing piglets. Trials 1 and 2 were conducted to determine the effective dose and ratio of SLE by supplementation of various proportions and doses of SLE to sows diets from the late pregnancy to weaning, with litter performance at farrowing and weaning and disease conditions being evaluated. Trial 3 was conducted to further explore the mechanisms of action of SLE as evaluated by serum immunity and antioxidants indices in late gestation and lactation sows. The results of trials 1 and 2 showed that dietary supplementation of 1.0 g/kg SLE (50% S. baicalensis extract, 30% L. japonica extract, and 20% wheat bran fiber as carrier) enhanced the number of piglets born alive, litter birth weight, litter weight gain, and average daily feed intake of sows during lactation, while decreased diarrhea of suckling piglets. In Trial 3, compared with the control group, dietary SLE supplementation increased (P < 0.05) sow serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), prolactin (PRL) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities at the farrowing, and increased (P < 0.05) sow serum prolactin, leptin, and insulin concentrations at d 14 of lactation. Fat concentrations in sow colostrum and in milk on day 14 of lactation, both IgA and IgG concentrations in colostrum, and both IL-10 and IgA concentrations in piglet serum at d 14 of lactation were all increased (P < 0.05) following dietary SLE supplementation. Altogether, dietary supplementation with the appropriate levels of SLE promoted health and growth of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of maternal metabolism and transmission of antibodies.

The effects of Rhodotorula benthica culture (RBC) and antibiotics (AB) on the growth performance, nutrients digestibility, morphological indicators, and colonic microbiota of weaning piglets were explored. Ninety-six (Duroc × Landrace × Large) weaned piglets (21-day-old) weighing 7.7 ± 0.83 kg, were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments. They were fed with basal diet (CON), basal diet + 25 mg/kg bacitracin zinc + 5 mg/kg colistin sulfate (AB), 5 g/kg reduction in soybean meal of basal diet + 5 g/kg RBC (RBC1), or 10 g/kg reduction in soybean meal of basal diet + 10 g/kg RBC (RBC2). The results showed that dietary RBC1 improved the body gain/feed intake (G/F) of weaned piglets than the CON diet, and the RBC2 diet improved the average daily gain and G/F than CON and AB diets from days 15 to 28 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of RBC2 improved the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy in weaned piglets compared to controls from days 15 to 28 (P < 0.05). Dietary AB, RBC1, and RBC2 enhanced the ileal villus height (VH) and VH/crypt depth (CD), and these two indicators were greater in the RBC2-treated piglets than in the AB- and RBC1-treated piglets (P < 0.05). The activity of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) was enhanced by dietary AB, RBC1, and RBC2 (P < 0.05). Serum glutathione (GSH) concentration was elevated by dietary RBC1 and RBC2 (P < 0.05). According to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, AB- and RBC2-treated piglets had a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lachnospiraceae in the colon digesta, and more abundant Lactobacillus was found in RBC1-treated piglets, as compared to the CON group. Additionally, RBC2 supplementation increased the α diversity [Chao1, PD-whole-tree, and observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs)] compared to the CON group. Taken together, the dietary RBC improved the growth performance of weaned piglets. In addition, 10 g/kg of RBC2 in the diet achieved better effects on higher ADG, ileal villi morphology, and stronger antioxidant capacity than dietary AB and RBC1 in weaning piglets.

Sperm and seminal plasma are rich in leucine, and leucine can promote the protein synthesis. This property makes it an interesting amino acid to increase sperm quality of human and livestock spermatogenesis. The goal of this study was to explore the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on testicular development and semen quality in boars from weaning to 10 months of age. 30 pure-bred, weaned Duroc boars (8.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CON; fed the basal diet) and leucine group (LEU; fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.2% leucine); then, their body weight and testicular volume were recorded every 4 weeks. Testes were collected for histological and genes expression analysis from 150-day-old boars. Semen was collected and analyzed. Amino acids contents of blood plasma, seminal plasma, sperm, and testes were determined. Dietary supplementation with leucine increased the testicular volume and weight of boars, compared with CON. Sperm viability, sperm count per ejaculation, and average curve speed of sperm in leucine-supplemented boars were increased. Furthermore, leucine supplementation increased the blood plasma and seminal plasma leucine concentrations, and enhanced the gene expressions of branch chain amino acid transaminase, protein kinase B, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and cyclinb1 in the testes. Interestingly, the expressions of the p-mTOR and mTOR proteins in the testes were also upregulated. Thus, dietary leucine supplementation increased leucine absorption and utilization in the testes, promoted testicular development, and improved semen quality of boars, partly through the mTOR signaling pathway.

Dietary oxidized fat contains harmful materials such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA). Excessive oxidized fat intake during pregnancy and lactation not only leads to maternal body injury but also damages offspring health. Our previous study demonstrated that vitamin D (VD) had antioxidative capability in sows. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal VD and inulin supplementation in oxidized oil diet on the growth performance and oxidative stress of their offspring. Sixty 5-month-old C57BL/6N female mice were randomly divided into five groups: Control group (basal diet, n = 12), OF group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet, n = 12), OFV group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet + 7000 IU/kg VD, n = 12), OFI group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet + 5% inulin, n = 12) and OFVI group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet + 7000 IU/kg VD + 5% inulin, n = 12). Mice were fed with the respective diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were then slaughtered on day 21 of age at weaning. Results showed that a maternal oxidized oil diet impaired body weight and liver weight gain of offspring during lactation compared to the control group, while maternal VD, inulin or VD and inulin mixture supplementation reversed this effect. In addition, the activity of T-AOC in the liver of offspring was lower in the OF group than that in the control group, but could be restored by maternal VD and inulin mixture supplementation. Furthermore, the gene expression of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as Il-6, Tnfα and Il-10, in offspring liver were downregulated by a maternal oxidized oil diet compared with the control group, but they were restored by maternal VD or VD and inulin mixture supplementation. The expressions of Vdr and Cyp27a1 were decreased by a maternal oxidized oil diet compared with the control group, while they could be increased by VD or VD and inulin mixture supplementation. Conclusion: maternal oxidized oil diet intake could impair the growth performance by inducing oxidative stress, but this can be relieved by maternal VD and inulin supplementation.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary multi-enzyme (multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex, MCPC) supplementation on digestibility, growth performance, bone mineralization, and carcass yield and traits in growing–finishing pigs fed diets with adequate or deficient net energy (NE), amino acids (AA), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. A total of 576 crossbred [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] barrows (~25 kg) were fed one of the six diets till live weight approached 130 kg. Basal diets included a positive control (PC), negative control 1 (NC1) and 2 (NC2), while another three diets were prepared by adding MCPC to the three basal diets. The final body weight was lower (p < 0.05) in NC2 than in NC1 and PC treatments, while overall feed intake and feed-gain ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in NC1 and NC2 than in PC treatment. The NC2 treatment showed lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight but higher (p < 0.05) lean meat percentage than the PC treatment. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and AA was decreased (p < 0.05) or tended (p < 0.10) to decrease in NC1 and/or NC2 diets compared with a PC diet. MCPC supplementation improved (p < 0.05) AID of Ca, P and AA (Lys, Leu, Val, Phe, Gly, Tyr and Pro), apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, CP, bone strength, Ca, and P retention. In conclusion, MCPC supplementation improved nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization, and growth performance of fattening pigs, regardless of the nutritional level of the basal diet.

Abstract Background Replacement gilts are typically fed ad libitum, whereas emerging evidence from human and rodent studies has revealed that time-restricted access to food has health benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of meal frequency on the metabolic status and ovarian follicular development in gilts. Methods A total of 36 gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an age of 150±3 d and a body weight of 77.6±3.8 kg were randomly allocated into one of three groups (n = 12 in each group), and based on the group allocation, the gilts were fed at a frequency of one meal (T1), two meals (T2), or six meals per day (T6) for 14 consecutive weeks. The effects of the meal frequency on growth preference, nutrient utilization, short-chain fatty acid production by gut microbial, the post-meal dynamics in the metabolic status, reproductive hormone secretions, and ovarian follicular development in the gilts were measured. Results The gilts in the T1 group presented a higher average daily gain (+ 48 g/d, P

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which can be induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and multiple factors, is associated with numerous intestinal diseases. The organic selenium source 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA), has been proved to decrease intestinal inflammation and autophagy by improving the expression of selenoproteins. However, it remains unclear whether HMSeBA could alleviate intestinal ER stress by decreasing excessive production of ROS products. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal HMSeBA supplementation on the regulation of intestinal ER stress of their offspring and the regulatory mechanism. Sows were supplemented with HMSeBA during gestation and jejunal epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells were treatment with HMSeBA. Results showed that maternal HMSeBA supplementation significantly upregulated mRNA level of selenoprotein S (SELS) in the jejunum of newborn and weaned piglets compared with the control group, while decreased the gene expression and protein abundance of ER stress markers in the jejunum of LPS challenged weaned piglets. In addition, HMSeBA treatment significantly increased the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SELS, while decreased ROS level and the expression of ER stress markers induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in IPEC-J2 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of GPX4 did not enhance the ERS signal induced by H2O2, but the lack of GPX4 would cause further deterioration of ER stress signal in the absence of SELS. In conclusion, maternal HMSeBA supplementation might alleviate ROS induced intestinal ER stress by improving the expression of SELS and GPX4 in their offspring. Thus, maternal HMSeBA supplementation might be benefit for the intestinal health of their offspring.

Selenium (Se) is assumed to promote the follicle development by attenuating oxidative stress. The current study was developed to evaluate the effects of dietary 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA) supplementation on the follicle development in vivo and on the function of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in vitro. Thirty-six gilts were randomly assigned to fed control diet (CON), Na2SeO3 diet (0.3 mg Se/kg) or HMSeBA diet (0.3 mg Se/kg). The results showed that HMSeBA and Na2SeO3 supplementation both increased the total selenium content in liver and serum compared with control, while HMSeBA increased the total selenium content in liver compared with Na2SeO3 group. HMSeBA tended to increase the total selenium content in ovary compared with control. HMSeBA and Na2SeO3 supplementation both increased the weight of uteri in gilts at the third estrus. Moreover, HMSeBA supplementation down-regulated the gene expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and bone morpho-genetic protein-15 (BMP-15) in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). HMSeBA supplementation decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum, liver and ovary, increased activity of T-AOC in liver, TXNRD in ovary and GPX in serum, liver and ovary, while up-regulated the liver GPX2, SOD1 and TXNRD1, ovarian GPX1 gene expression. In vitro, HMSeBA treatment promoted GCs' proliferation and secretion of estradiol (E2). HMSeBA treatment increased the activity of T-AOC, T-SOD, GPX, TXNRD and decreased MDA content in GCs in vitro. Meanwhile, HMSeBA treatment up-regulated SOD2 and GPX1 gene expression in GCs in vitro. In conclusion, HMSeBA supplementation is more conducive to promoting follicle development by antioxidant pathway.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplementation in gestation diet on fetal growth and placental development and function and explore the possible mechanism of DF improving sow reproductive performance. A total of 16 Large White × Landrace crossbred gilts were randomly allotted to two groups and fed a semi-purified basal diet [non-fiber (NF) group, 0.1% total DF] or a basal diet supplemented with 8.33 g/kg inulin and 200 g/kg cellulose [Fiber (F) group] during the gestation period. On day 106 of gestation, five sows per group were chosen and slaughtered for sample collection. Results showed that DF supplementation during gestation increased the total fetal weight and placental weight on day 106 of gestation; elevated serum serotonin concentration; increased concentrations of serotonin and short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), as well as tryptophan hydroxylase 1 expression, in colon; elevated serotonin and progesterone concentrations and up-regulated the serotonin transporter, cytochrome P450 11A1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 expressions in the placenta. Besides, the sows in the F group had microbial community structures distinct from those in the NF group. Supplementation of DF in gestation diet increased the Coprococcus 3 abundance that was positively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration, while significantly decreasing the Family XIII AD3011 group abundance which was negatively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration. Above all, DF supplementation in the gestation diet could increase placental serotonin levels by promoting maternal serotonin synthesis in the colon and the transport from the mother to the placenta in sows, and then improve placental development and function, finally promoting fetal growth. Our findings provided insight into the mechanisms of DF improving sow reproductive performance.

Although fiber-rich diets have been positively associated with sperm quality, there have not been any studies that have examined the effects of dietary fiber and its metabolites on sperm quality in young or pre-pubescent animals. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of dietary fiber supplementation on semen quality and the underlying mechanisms in a boar model. Sixty purebred Yorkshire weaning boars were randomly divided into the four groups (T1–T4). Groups T1, T2, and T3 boars were fed diets with different levels of fiber until reaching 160 days of age and were then fed the same diet, while group T4 boars were fed a basal diet supplemented with butyrate and probiotics. Compared with T1 boars, sperm motility and effective sperm number were significantly higher among T3 boars. Meanwhile, at 240 days of age, the acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents in the sera of T3 and T4 boars were significantly higher than those in T1 boars. The abundance of microbiota in T2 and T3 boars was significantly higher than that in T1 boars (P < 0.01). Moreover, dietary fiber supplementation increased “beneficial gut microbes” such as UCG-005, Rumenococcus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Lactobacillus and decreased the relative abundance of “harmful microbes” such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Romboutsia and Turicibacter. Collectively, the findings of this study indicate that dietary fiber supplementation improves gut microbiota and promotes SCFA production, thereby enhancing spermatogenesis and semen quality. Moreover, the effects of dietary fiber are superior to those of derived metabolites.

Dietary yeast culture supplementation can contribute to the performance and health of sows and piglets, but few studies have focused on the relationships between the effects of yeast culture and gut microbiota. This study investigated the effect of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation from late gestation to weaning on the reproductive performance of lactating sows and their faecal microbiota. One hundred and six purebred Landrace sows, of parities two to six were selected and randomly assigned to a control (CON) and yeast culture supplementation (YC) groups based on parity and back fat thickness. The YC sows were individually fed with yeast culture at a dose of 24 g/d from day 90 of gestation to parturition and 40 g/d during lactational period. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 110 of gestation and at weaning at day 21 of lactation for plasma hormone and immunoglobulin analysis. Colostrum and milk on day 20 of lactation were collected for composition analysis. Faecal samples from sows on day 110 of gestation and day 20 of lactation were collected for short-chain fatty acid and faecal microbial analysis. Results showed that the farrowing performance of YC sows did not differ significantly from the CON group (P > 0.05). The average daily feed intake by the YC group during the lactation period was significantly increased by 9.98% (P = 0.004), the weaning-to-oestrus interval was shortened by 0.96 d (P = 0.046) and average daily weight gain of piglets increased by 7.14% (P = 0.036) compared with the CON group. Yeast culture supplementation also significantly improved the average daily milk yield in the first week of lactation (P = 0.035), lactose content in colostrum (P = 0.046), protein (P = 0.033) and DM (P

This study examined the effects of soluble fiber (SF) supplementation (0.8%), containing 17.4% rhamnose, 4.1% fucose, 11.1% arabinose, 30.6% xylose, and 16.4% galactose during the prepubescent phase on the subsequent performance from the second to fifth parities. After the first parity, 56 and 55 post-weaning sows in the control (CON) and SF groups had their reproductive performance monitored in succeeding parities. Circulating concentrations of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) were greater in the SF group than in the CON group at 205 d of age and the first post-weaning day (p < 0.05). The SF treatment at the prepubescent phase resulted in an enhanced reproductive performance from parities three to five. In Parity three, the SF sows had 1.32 total born (p = 0.044), 1.43 born alive (p = 0.023) and 1.40 born effective, which was significantly more than in the CON group (p = 0.022). In Parity four, the SF sows had 1.1 total born (p = 0.058), 1.28 born alive (p = 0.019), and 1.06 born effective, significantly more than in the CON group (p = 0.049). In Parity five, the SF gilts had 1.43 total born (p = 0.075), 1.53 born alive (p = 0.067) and 1.65 born effective, significantly more than in the CON group (p = 0.020). No effects were observed for the removal of sows and backfat thickness at the mating in each parity between groups (p > 0.05). Collectively, gilts that received an extra 0.8% SF during the prepubescent phase increased their subsequent litter size as breeding sows. These results showed that nutritional decisions at the replacement phase could influence lifetime fertility.

Various studies have evaluated the relationship between cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and reproductive performance. This study aimed at investigating the effects of maternal D3 supplementation during gestation on reproductive performance and antioxidant capacities of gilts and their offsprings. Twenty-three Landrace × Yorkshire gilts were randomly allocated into two groups and fed on one of the following two diets during gestation: control diet or D3 supplemented diet. It was found that D3 supplementation had a tendency to increase the number of total born and born alive piglets. Moreover, it elevated serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in gilts and newborn piglets. Besides, D3 supplementation improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the blood of gilts, umbilical cord and newborn piglets and piglets’ liver, while serum malondialdehyde concentrations of gilts and umbilical cord were reduced in the D3 group. In addition, D3 supplementation upregulated the expression of antioxidant related genes in the placenta and piglets’ liver. In conclusion, D3 supplementation during gestation might improve antioxidant capacities in gilts, placenta and in newborn piglets. Therefore, D3 supplementation has the potential to enhance the reproductive performance of gilts.HIGHLIGHTS D3 supplementation has a significant role in the nutrition of gilts. Maternal D3 supplementation during gestation increased the number of born and born alive piglets. Maternal D3 supplementation during gestation improved the antioxidant capacities of gilts, placenta and newborn piglets.

Chronic heat stress (CHS) compromised the immunity and spleen immunological function of pigs, which may associate with antioxidant suppression and splenocyte apoptosis and splenic inflammation. Selenium (Se) exhibited antioxidant function and immunomodulatory through selenoprotein. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of dietary hydroxy-selenomethionine (Selisso®, SeO) on chronic heat stress (CHS)-induced porcine splenic oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. Growing pigs were raised in the thermoneutral environment (22 ± 2 °C) with the basal diet (BD), or raised in hyperthermal conditions (33 ± 2 °C) with BD supplied with 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg Se/kg SeO for 28 d, respectively. The results showed that dietary SeO supplementation recovered the spleen mass and enhanced the splenic antioxidant capacity of CHS growing pigs. Meanwhile, SeO activated the Nrf2/Keap1 signal, downregulated p38, caspase 3 and Bax, inhibited the activation of NFκb and STAT3, and enhanced the protein expression level of GPX1, GPX3, GPX4, SELENOS and SELENOF. In summary, SeO supplementation mitigates the CHS-induced splenic oxidative damages, apoptosis and inflammation in pigs, and the processes are associated with the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 signal and the suppression of NFκb, p38(MAPK) and STAT signal. It seems that the antioxidant-related selenoproteins (GPXs) and functional selenoproteins (SELENOS and SELENOF) play important roles in the alleviation processes.

To study the effects of energy and dietary fiber on breast development in gilts and its possible mechanisms, 32 gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allocated into a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive a diet with low or high energy [LE: 33.37 MJ/d digestible energy (DE); HE: 41.87 MJ/d DE] and low or high fiber (LF: 0.3 kg/d dietary fiber, HF: 0.6 kg/d dietary fiber). The weight of breast tissue was recorded. The mammary glands were collected for further analyses. The high energy intake increased the relative weight of breast tissue (p < 0.05) and the content of breast fat (p < 0.05). At the same time, the oil red staining of breast slices also showed an increase in breast fat content in high-energy treatment. High energy intake increased the DNA concentration in breast tissues (p < 0.05). In addition, high energy intake increased the concentration of triglycerides, free fatty acids, and total cholesterol in the blood of gilts (p < 0.05), and the supplementation of high fiber tended to reduce free fatty acids, total cholesterol, and estradiol (p < 0.1). Proteomic analysis suggested that there were notable differences in the cytoskeleton, intracellular non–membrane-bounded organelle, apoptosis, receptor activity, and endopeptidase inhibitor activity in molecular function between the energy and fiber effects (p < 0.05). High fiber intake also decreased the mRNA expression of 5-HT7, Bax, and caspase-3 in the breast tissue of gilts (p < 0.05), which further confirmed the importance of fiber in regulating breast development in gilt. Our results indicate that increasing gilt energy intake improved breast weight and fat deposition and increased breast cell apoptosis. Increased fiber intake reduced breast fat deposition and breast cell apoptosis at high energy intake in gilts. These results provide a potential strategy for dietary intervention against high energy intake in gilts and even in humans.

Testicular development is imperative to spermatogenesis, and pre-puberty is the key period for testis development. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of fibre supplementation on testis development and its possible mechanism in a growing boar model. Thirty Yorkshire boars were randomly divided into a control group (Control) and a fibre group (Fibre) from day 0 to 90 after weaning, with three pigs per pen and five pens per treatment. Blood and testes were collected for analysis. Dietary fibre supplementation had no significant effect on growth performance, testicular volume, or libido but increased the semen production of boars. Boars fed with fibre had lower serum cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to those on the Control diet; however, testicular CHO, triglyceride (TG), and LDL concentration in the Fibre group were significantly higher than the Control group (P < 0.01). Testicular histological analysis showed that seminiferous tubules and testicular germ cells of 120-day-old boars were densely arranged in the Fibre group, and the number of Leydig cells was significantly higher than that of the Control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the diet supplemented with fibre significantly decreased leptin, leptin receptor (Leptor), and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations in boar serum (P < 0.05), whereas follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of AMH, AMHR2, and SYCP3 genes related to proliferation and differentiation, and hormone-related genes STAR and SOCS3, were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). OCCLUDIN expression was up-regulated, whereas CDH2 expression was down-regulated. In conclusion, increased fibre intake during the pre-puberty period in growing boar is crucial for Leydig cell proliferation, up-regulating the expression of genes related to hormone synthesis and thereby promoting the secretion of testosterone and semen production.

Growing evidence suggests that dietary fiber enhances short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing gut microbes, improving lung immunity against invading pathogens via the gut–lung axis. This study investigated the effects of dietary fiber on lung immune stress after challenge with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) containing killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thirty-six healthy hybrid Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire male piglets (9.7 ± 1.07 kg, 35 ± 3 days) were randomly fed a low fiber (LF) diet formulated with semipurified corn starch, soy protein concentrate, and fishmeal or a high fiber (HF) diet composed of 1,000 g LF diet plus 20 g inulin, and 100 g cellulose. Piglets were housed individually in the metabolism cages with eighteen replicates per group, with one pig per cage. All the piglets received similar levels of digestible energy and lysine and had similar weight gain. After dietary treatment for 28 days, nine piglets per group were intravenously administered CFA (0.4 mg/kg) or an equivalent amount of sterile saline in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. In piglets fed the LF diet, CFA caused lung damage and elevated serum C-reactive protein and relative mRNA expression of genes related to lung inflammation (NLRP3, Casp1, ASC, IL1β, IL18, Bax). Compared with the LF diet, the HF diet increased bacterial diversity and Deferribacteres (p = 0.01) in the phylum level and unidentified_Ruminococcaceae (p = 0.03) and Catenisphaera (p < 0.01) in the genus level. The HF diet improved increased short-chain fatty acids in feces, blood, cecal, and colonic digesta; reduced lung damage; and promoted lung recovery. Overall, dietary fiber deprivation enhanced the risk of piglets to lung immune stress, demonstrating the importance of dietary fiber in gut–lung health.

This study investigated the effects of dietary choline levels during gestation on reproductive performance of sows. In addition, the plasma metabolome and gut microbiota of sows was studied. A total of 260 multiparous sows were allocated to five dietary treatment groups with increasing choline concentrations (1,050, 1,450, 1,850, 2,250, and 2,650 mg/kg) in a randomized complete block design. The sows were fed experimental diets from breeding until farrowing and a common lactating diet during lactation. The results showed that the backfat (BF) gain of sows during gestation, individual birth weight for total piglets born, piglets born alive, average piglet weight at weaning increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas the within-litter birth weight variation coefficient (CV) of piglets born alive and suckling piglet mortality decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary choline level increased. A quadratic effect of dietary choline level was observed for the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows during lactation (P < 0.05). ADFI was maximized when the dietary choline concentration reached 1,910 mg/kg. Plasma H2O2 concentration at day 30 of gestation in the 1,050 mg/kg group was greater than that in the 1,850 and 2,650 mg/kg groups (P < 0.05). Plasma metabolomics identified 46 metabolites among the three groups. Specifically, plasma concentrations of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), dopamine, and L-proline increased while 1-methylhistidine concentration decreased as dietary choline levels increased. In addition, bacterial observed species and richness (Chao 1 and ACE) at day 110 of gestation decreased as dietary choline levels increased (P < 0.05). For the gut microbiota composition, the enhanced dietary choline level decreased the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria (P < 0.05) and increased the abundance of phylum Actinobacteria (P < 0.05) at day 30 of gestation. Compared with the 1,050 mg/kg group, the abundance of genus Terrisporobacter was less in the 1,850 mg/kg group, and genera Bacillus and Cellulomonas were greater in the 2,650 mg/kg group. In summary, increasing dietary choline levels improved the birth weight, uniformity of neonatal piglets and litter performance during lactation. This may be associated with better antioxidant capability, metabolic status, and gut microbiota of sows during gestation.