Background This study investigated the potential impacts of increasing linoleic andα-linolenic acid intake during lactation and wean-to-breeding on subsequent reproduction of sows.A total of 309 sows(PIC Camborough L...Background This study investigated the potential impacts of increasing linoleic andα-linolenic acid intake during lactation and wean-to-breeding on subsequent reproduction of sows.A total of 309 sows(PIC Camborough L42)were balanced by parity(140 and 169 sows representing parity 1 to 2[P1-2]and 3 to 9[P3+],respectively)and assigned within parity to a 2×2 factorial arrangement.Factors included essential fatty acid(EFA)supplementation(control diets containing 1.2%linoleic and 0.15%α-linolenic acid or diets with 3.0%linoleic and 0.38%α-linolenic acid)and supplementation period(lactation or wean-to-breeding).Tallow(low EFA diets)or soybean oil(high EFA diets)were included at 4%in sorghum-soybean meal-wheat middlings-based diets to attain targeted EFA levels.Results High levels of EFA fed during lactation had no effect on feed intake or litter performance,but increased subsequent farrowing rate(P=0.027;82.1%vs.70.4%),tended to reduce the proportion of sows removed(P=0.070;12.4%vs.20.8%),decreased the number of total pigs born in the following litter(P=0.072;15.3 vs.16.2),and increased total pigs born alive per 100 sows weaned(P=0.062;1,122 vs.974),regardless of sow parity.Young sows(P1-2)consuming the high EFA diet during lactation displayed a shorter wean-to-estrus interval(P=0.035;4.2 vs.4.6),but P3+sows were unaffected.Increasing EFA intake for P3+sows,but not P1-2 sows,resulted in more sows bred by d 5(P=0.028;91.1%vs.81.7%)and more mummies in the subsequent litter(P=0.040;0.32 vs.0.16).Feeding increased EFA to P1-2 sows during the wean-to-breeding period decreased subsequent farrowing rate(P=0.042;72.0%vs.87.7%),and increased removal rate(P=0.003;28.8%vs.9.4%).Total pigs born alive per 100 sows weaned was reduced(P=0.007)in P1-2 sows when supplemented with EFA during wean-breeding(939 vs.1,149)but was not impacted in P3+sows(1,131 vs.982).Conclusions Supplemental EFA in lactation diets benefited subsequent reproduction of sows,regardless of parity.Increasing dietary levels of EFA during the wean-to-breeding period to younger sows negatively impacted subsequent reproduction.展开更多
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect and mechanism of quercetin on reproductive performance in perinatal sows.According to the similar principle of parity and body weight,24 perinatal sows were...The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect and mechanism of quercetin on reproductive performance in perinatal sows.According to the similar principle of parity and body weight,24 perinatal sows were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates,including normal control and three treatments fed by a basal diet supplemented with 0,0.025%,0.050%,and 0.075%quercetin,respectively.The feeding trial was conducted from 100 days of gestation to 28 days post-partum.Reproductive performance,colostrum composition,serum indexes of antioxidation,inflammation,hormones,and the diversity and relative abundance of fecal microflora were determined in perinatal sows.Compared with the control,quercetin significantly reduced the rate of constipation,serum content of malondialdehyde(MDA),prolactin(PRL),and progesterone(PROG),and significantly increased the content of serum estradiol(E2)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)in colostrum of perinatal sows(P<0.05).Meanwhile,0.025%quercetin significantly increased glutathione(GSH)content in serum(P<0.05),0.050%quercetin significantly reduced the rate of backfat loss(P<0.05),and 0.075%quercetin significantly increased immunoglobulin M(IgM)content in colostrum of perinatal sows(P<0.05).In addition,0.050%and 0.075%quercetin significantly shortened estrus interval(P<0.05)and significantly increased the content of IgA and IgG in colostrum(P<0.05)and dopamine(DA)content in serum of perinatal sows(P<0.05).Quercetin significantly decreased the content of nitric oxide(NO),IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and MCP-1 in serum(P<0.05)and significantly improved microflora abundance and diversity in feces of perinatal sows(P<0.05).In conclusion,dietary supplementation of quercetin reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and regulated intestinal microflora in perinatal sows,thus improved reproductive performance in perinatal sows.Under this experimental condition,the optimal supplementation with dietary quercetin was 0.075%in perinatal sows.展开更多
Background Organic acids(OA)and maternal nutritional strategies have been demonstrated to promote piglet health and development.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating OA-preserved ...Background Organic acids(OA)and maternal nutritional strategies have been demonstrated to promote piglet health and development.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating OA-preserved cereal grains into sow diets during late gestation and lactation,aiming to reduce the metabolic demands of lactation while optimising offspring development and growth until slaughter.The experiment compared OA-preserved wheat and barley to conventionally dried grains,focusing on sow and offspring performance,as well as their faecal microbiota during lactation.Forty sows were blocked based on parity,body weight and back fat thickness on d 100 of gestation and assigned to one of two diets:a dried grain lactation diet and a preserved grain lactation diet.Sow faecal samples were collected at farrowing for the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility(CATTD)of nutrients and microbial analysis.Offspring faecal samples were collected on d 10 postpartum and at weaning(d 26 postpartum)for microbial analysis.Results Sow body weight,back fat changes,gestation and lactation length,total piglets born,wean-to-oestrus interval,and lactation efficiency were unaffected by sow diet(P>0.05).However,sows offered the preserved grain diet exhibited improved CATTD of dry matter,nitrogen,gross energy,and neutral detergent fibre(P<0.05).While no maternal effect was observed on offspring growth during lactation(P>0.05),pigs from sows offered the preserved grain diet showed improved growth and feed efficiency from weaning until slaughter(d 168)compared to those from sows offered the dried grain diet(P<0.05).The preserved grain diet also reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria in sow faeces at farrowing and in their offspring on d 10 postpartum,and improved piglet faecal scores throughout lactation(P=0.05).At weaning,piglets from sows offered the preserved grain diet exhibited an increased abundance of Lactobacillus and reduced abundance of Alistipes in their faeces(P<0.05).Conclusion OA-preserved grains enhanced the CATTD of nutrients in sows,promoted healthier piglet faecal scores during lactation,and improved offspring growth performance post-weaning,potentially linked to beneficial changes observed in the faecal microbiota of sows and their offspring during lactation.展开更多
Background Feeding spray dried plasma(SDP)to weanling pigs improves growth,but there is a lack of research on how SDP impacts oxidative stress and inflammatory response in lactating sows,and performance of their pigle...Background Feeding spray dried plasma(SDP)to weanling pigs improves growth,but there is a lack of research on how SDP impacts oxidative stress and inflammatory response in lactating sows,and performance of their piglets after weaning.Therefore,an experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that sows fed a diet with SDP in late gestation and lactation have improved reproductive performance and reduced inflammation compared with sows fed no SDP.The second hypothesis was that pigs weaned from sows fed 0.5%SDP in lactation have reduced diarrhea incidence and improved growth performance during the initial 14 d of the nursery period regardless of dietary SDP.Results The percent of low vitality or starved pigs during lactation was less(P<0.05)from sows fed 0.5%dietary SDP compared with sows fed the diet without SDP.Dietary SDP did not influence oxidative stress markers in the plasma of sows,but serum cytokines increased(P<0.05)in sows fed the diet with 0.5%SDP compared with sows fed the diet without SDP.Pigs weaned from young sows fed no SDP or from mature sows fed 0 or 0.5%SDP had a greater gain to feed ratio when fed a phase 1 diet containing 6%SDP compared with pigs fed a diet without SDP,but the gain to feed ratio of pigs weaned from young sows fed 0.5%dietary SDP was not affected by dietary SDP in phase 1(interaction,P<0.05).Regardless of sow treatment,pigs fed a phase 1 diet with 6%SDP had greater(P<0.05)growth performance than pigs fed a phase 1 diet without SDP,and pigs fed the phase 1 diet with 6%SDP had reduced(P<0.05)diarrhea incidence in phase 1.Conclusions Feeding 0.5%dietary SDP to sows may reduce the number of mummified pigs and increase pig vitality during lactation,but adding 0.5%SDP to sow diets during lactation did not improve post-weaning performance of pigs fed a starter diet with 6%SDP.展开更多
Background Previous evidence suggests that methionine(Met)consumption can promote placental angiogenesis and improve fetal survival.To investigate the mechanisms by which increased levels of Met as hydroxyl-Met(OHMet)...Background Previous evidence suggests that methionine(Met)consumption can promote placental angiogenesis and improve fetal survival.To investigate the mechanisms by which increased levels of Met as hydroxyl-Met(OHMet)improve placental function,forty sows were divided into four groups and fed either a control diet,or diets supplemented with 0.15%OHMet,0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met(n=10).Placentas were collected immediately after expulsion,and extracted proteins were analyzed by tandem mass tag based quantitative proteomic analysis.Results We found that 0.15%OHMet consumption significantly increased placental vascular density compared with the control.Proteomic analysis identified 5,136 proteins,87 of these were differentially expressed(P<0.05,|fold change|>1.2).Enriched pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes for 0.15%OHMet vs.control and 0.15%OHMet vs.0.3%OHMet were glutathione metabolism;for 0.15%OHMet vs.0.3%Met,they were NOD-like receptor signaling and apoptosis.Further analysis revealed that 0.15%OHMet supplementation upregulated the protein expression of glutathione-S-transferase(GSTT1)in placentas and trophoblast cells compared with the control and 0.3%OHMet groups,upregulated thioredoxin(TXN)in placentas and trophoblast cells compared with the 0.3%OHMet and 0.3%Met groups,and decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in trophoblast cells compared with other groups.In contrast,sows fed 0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met diets increased placental interleukin 1βlevels compared with the control,and upregulated the protein expression of complex I-B9(NDUFA3)compared with the 0.15%OHMet group.Furthermore,homocysteine,an intermediate in the trans-sulphuration pathway of Met,damaged placental function by inhibiting the protein expression of TXN,leading to apoptosis and ROS production.Conclusion Although dietary 0.15%OHMet supplementation improved placental angiogenesis and increased antioxidative capacity,0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met supplementation impaired placental function by aggravating inflammation and oxidative stress,which is associated with cumulative homocysteine levels.展开更多
Background Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance.Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success,but it is unclear whether the effec...Background Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance.Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success,but it is unclear whether the effect of sow backfat thickness on litter size is associated with endometrial receptivity and whether melatonin treatment may have benefits.The present study seeks to answer these questions through in vitro and in vivo investigations.Results Excessive lipid deposition and lower melatonin levels in the uterus are detrimental to endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation in high backfat thickness sows.In cells treated with melatonin,the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis played a role in reducing lipid accumulation in porcine endometrial epithelium cells and improved endometrial receptivity.Furthermore,we found a reduction of lipids in the uterus after eight weeks of intraperitoneal administration of melatonin to HFD mice.Notably,melatonin treatment caused a significant reduction in the deposition of endometrial collagen,an increase in the number of glands,and repair of the pinopode structure,ultimately improving endometrial receptivity,promoting embryo implantation,and increasing the number of litter size of mice.Conclusions Collectively,the finding reveals the harmful effects of high backfat thickness sows on embryo implantation and highlight the role of melatonin and the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis in improving endometrial receptivity by enhancing metabolism and reducing the levels of uterine lipids in obese animals.展开更多
Background Maternal nutrition significantly influences offspring development.This study investigated the effects of maternal or post-weaning cinnamaldehyde(CA)supplementation in sows and their offspring on reproductiv...Background Maternal nutrition significantly influences offspring development.This study investigated the effects of maternal or post-weaning cinnamaldehyde(CA)supplementation in sows and their offspring on reproductive performance and health.Sixty sows,selected based on body condition score and parity,were randomly allocated to control or CA(500 mg/kg)diets from d 107 of gestation to d 24 of lactation.At weaning,128 piglets were assigned to four groups(n=8)based on weight and source litter for a 21-d experiment.The four groups were CON-CON(both sow and piglet on CON),CON-CA(sow on CON,piglet on CA),CA-CON(sow on CA,piglet on CON),and CA-CA(both sow and piglet on CA).Results Maternal CA supplementation tended to improve body weight(+15%,P=0.09)and average daily gain(+21%,P=0.07)of suckling piglets,along with increased levels of milk IgG(P=0.01)and IgM(P=0.02),colostrum crude fat(P=0.01),and plasma glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity(P=0.02)at farrowing.Moreover,maternal CA supplementation significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity,expressions of intestinal barrier and antiinflammatory genes,and gut microbiota structure of piglets at the end of suckling.Additionally,maternal CA supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of crude protein(P<0.01),gross energy(GE;P=0.03),and dry matter(P=0.01),improved jejunal sucrase activity(P<0.01),villus height(P=0.03),the ratio of villi height to crypt depth(P=0.02),and the expressions of intestinal barrier and anti-inflammatory genes in post-weaning piglets.Furthermore,post-weaning CA supplementation tended to decrease diarrhea scores of piglets during d 14–21 and increased the ATTD of GE(P=0.02),activities of jejunal sucrase(P=0.02),plasma catalase(P=0.01),and total superoxide dismutase(P<0.01)in piglets.Conclusion Maternal CA supplementation tended to increase the growth rate and weaning weight of suckling piglets,associated with improved antioxidant capacity and milk composition.Moreover,maternal CA supplementation or post-weaning CA supplementation improved nutrient digestibility,redox status,and intestinal function-related parameters of weaned piglets.展开更多
Background Embryo implantation in early gestation is crucial for reproductive success,while dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating sow fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study explor...Background Embryo implantation in early gestation is crucial for reproductive success,while dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating sow fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study explores the influence of dietary inulin on embryonic implantation using a sow model.Sows were fed a diet supplemented with 11 g/kg of inulin during early gestation and were slaughtered on gestation day 19(G19).Uterine fluid exosomes(UFEs)and endometrial tissues were collected for high-throughput sequencing and for analysis of the expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins,respectively.Furthermore,UFEs obtained from slaughtered sows were injected into G19 sows to investigate the effects on reproduction and angiogenesis.Results The results showed that inulin significantly increased the number of blood vessels in the endometrium and expression of the angiogenesis-related proteins MMP2 and ANGPT1 in G19 sows(P<0.05).Bioinformatics analysis revealed that inulin significantly downregulated miRNAs associated with angiogenesis inhibition in UFEs,while upregulating miRNAs related to trophoblast physiological activities and regulation of the uterine fluid microenvironment(P<0.05).Furthermore,intravenous injection of G19 sows with UFEs from sows fed a diet containing inulin had significantly promoted vascular formation in the endometrium and embryos,and increased the number of live embryos on gestation day 28(G28)(P<0.05).Additionally,the mRNA expression levels of MMP2,ANGPT1,and VEGF in the placentas of sows were significantly elevated on G28 and at farrowing in the UFEs injection group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dietary supplementation with inulin during early gestation in sows promoted embryo implantation by regulating angiogenesis at the maternal–fetal interface through the modulation of miRNA expression in UFEs.These findings provide a theoretical reference for the application of dietary fiber in sow nutrition.展开更多
Many advances in genetic selection, nutrition, housing and disease control have been incorporated into modern pork production since the 1950s resulting in highly prolific females and practices and technologies, which ...Many advances in genetic selection, nutrition, housing and disease control have been incorporated into modern pork production since the 1950s resulting in highly prolific females and practices and technologies, which significantly increased efficiency of reproduction in the breeding herd. The objective of this manuscript is to review the literature and current industry practices employed for reproductive management. In particular the authors focus on assisted reproduction technologies and their application for enhanced productivity. Modern maternal line genotypes have lower appetites and exceptional lean growth potential compared to females of 20 yr ago. Thus, nutrient requirements and management techniques and technologies, which affect gilt development and sow longevity, require continuous updating. Failure to detect estrus accurately has the greatest impact on farrowing rate and litter size. Yet, even accurate estrus detection will not compensate for the variability in the interval between onset of estrus and actual time of ovulation. However, administration of GnRH analogs in weaned sows and in gilts after withdrawal of altrenogest do overcome this variability and thereby synchronize ovulation, which makes fixed-time AI practical. Seasonal infertility, mediated by temperature and photoperiod, is a persistent problem. Training workers in the art of stockmanship is of increasing importance as consumers become more interested in humane animal care. Altrenogest, is used to synchronize the estrous cycle of gilts, to prolong gestation for 2-3 d to synchronize farrowing and to postpone post-weaning estrus. P.G. 600~ is used for induction of estrus in pre-pubertal gilts and as a treatment to overcome seasonal anestrous. Sperm cell numbers/dose of semen is significantly less for post cervical AI than for cervical AI. Real-time ultrasonography is used to determine pregnancy during wk 3-5. PGF2a effectively induces farrowing when administered within two d of normal gestation length. Ovulation synchronization, single fixed-time AI and induced parturition may lead to farrowing synchronization, which facilitates supervision and reduces stillbirths and piglet mortality. Attendance and assistance at farrowing is important especially to ensure adequate colostrum consumption by piglets immediately after birth. New performance terminologies are presented.展开更多
This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine （Arg） supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter per- formance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and compositio...This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine （Arg） supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter per- formance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and composition in multiparous sows. Thirty-one sows were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0.0 （control, n=10）, 0.5% （n=10）, or 1.0% （n=11） L-Arg-HCI, respectively. Experimental diets were provided to the sows from d 3 to 21 of lactation. Plasma and milk samples were collected at d 14 and 21 of lactation. The average daily gain （ADG） of piglets from sows fed diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI at d 3 to 14 of lactation, were higher than that of controls （P〈0.05）. Maternal supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI also increased ADG of piglets between d 3 and 21 of lactation than that of the controls （P〈0.05）. There was no significant effect of supplementation on average daily feed intake （ADFI）, body weight loss, and backfat thickness loss of lactating sows. Supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI had a trend towards increasing milk yields and milk fat contents （0.05〈P〈0.10）; milk protein and lactose were unchanged. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg- HCI increased plasma concentrations of prolactin and insulin in sows at d 14 and 21 of lactation, and plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid （NEFA）, insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, and nitric oxide （NO） in sows at d 21 of lactation, when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI increased IGF-1 and spermine in milk at d 14 of lactation, relative to the controls （P〈0.05）. Plasma Arg concentrations at d 14 and 21 of lactation, as well as plasma NO level and milk IGF-1 at d 21 of lactation, were increased, while plasma urea nitrogen （PUN） concentration at d 14 and 21 of lactation was decreased, by supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Collectively, dietary supplementation of multiparous sows with Arg, just during lactation, is beneficial for enhancing litter weight gain but the complete mechanism remains to be determined and may involve in the maternal endocrine changes and milk polyamines contents.展开更多
Background:Zearalenone(ZEA)is a resorcylic acid lactone derivative derived from various Fusarium species that are widely found in food and feeds.The molecular structure of ZEA resembles that of the mammalian hormone 1...Background:Zearalenone(ZEA)is a resorcylic acid lactone derivative derived from various Fusarium species that are widely found in food and feeds.The molecular structure of ZEA resembles that of the mammalian hormone 17β-oestradiol,thus zearalenone and its metabolites are known to compete with endogenous hormones for estrogen receptors binding sites and to activate transcription of oestrogen-responsive genes.However,the effect of long-term low-dose ZEA exposure on the reproductive response to Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture for first-parity gilts has not yet been investigated.This study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of ZEA as an estrogen receptor selective modulator and the alleviating effects of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G cultures as ZEA biodegraders in pregnant sows during their first parity.Results:A total of 80 first-parity gilts(Yorkshire×Landrace)were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments during gestation:CO(positive control);MO(negative control,246μg ZEA/kg diet);COA(CO+B.subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2×10^(9)CFU/kg diet);MOA(MO+B.subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2×10^(9)CFU/kg diet).There were 20 replications per treatment with one gilt per replicate.Feeding low-dose ZEA naturally contaminated diets disordered most of reproductive hormones secretion and affected estrogen receptor-αand estrogen receptor-βconcentrations in serum and specific organs and led to moderate histopathological changes of gilts,but did not cause significant detrimental effects on reproductive performance.The addition of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture to the diet can effectively relieve the competence of ZEA to estrogen receptor and the disturbance of reproductive hormones secretion,and then ameliorate toxicosis of ZEA in gilts.Conclusions:Collectively,our study investigated the effects of feeding low-dose ZEA on reproduction in pregnant sows during their first parity.Feeding low-dose ZEA could modulate estrogen receptor-αand-βconcentrations in specific organs,cause disturbance of reproductive hormones and vulva swelling,and damage organ histopathology and up-regulate apoptosis in sow models.Diet with Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G alleviated negative effects of the ZEA on gilts to some extent.展开更多
A total of 335 lactating sows （Landrace x Large White） were used in two experiments to determine the optimum ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine （SID-Lys） to metabolizable energy （ME） for mixed parity ...A total of 335 lactating sows （Landrace x Large White） were used in two experiments to determine the optimum ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine （SID-Lys） to metabolizable energy （ME） for mixed parity sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 185 sows （weighing an average of 256.2 ± 6.5 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.3） were allocated to one of six experimental diets in a completely randomized block design within parity groups （1, 2, and 3＋）. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3.06, 3.16, 3.20, 3.25, 3.30 or 3.40 Mcal/kg of ME and each diet was fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. All diets provided a similar SID-lysine level （0.86%）. As a result, the diets provided a SID-Lys：ME ratio of 2.81, 2.72, 2.69, 2.65, 2.61 or 2.53 g/Mcal ME. Sow feed intake was significantly （P 〈 0.01） affected by the energy content of the diet as well as by sow parity. Using regression analysis, feed intake was shown to be maximized at 3.25, 3.21, 3.21 and 3.21 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 1, 2, 3＋ sows and the entire cohort of sows respectively （quadratic; P 〈 0.01）. In addition, the result of feed intake can be expressed as 2.65, 2.69, 2.69 and 2.68 g/Mcal based on analysis of SID-Lys：ME ratio. Litter weight gain was affected by dietary treatment for parity 3＋ sows and the entire cohort （P 〈 0.01）. Based on regression analysis, litter weight gain was maximized at 3.25 and 3.24 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 3＋ （quadratic; P 〈 0.01） and the entire cohort （quadratic; P 〈 0.01）. Similarly, the result of litter weight gain could be expressed as 2.65 and 2.66 g/Mcal of SID- Lys：ME ratio. Therefore, 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME was selected for Exp. 2 in which 150 sows （weighing 254.6 ± 7.3 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.4） were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomized block design within parity （1, 2, and 3＋）. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0 or 3.3 g/Mcal of SID-Lys：ME ratio with all diets providing 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME. The diets were fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. Sow body weight loss was affected by dietary treatment （parity 3＋ sows, P = 0.02; entire cohort, P 〈 0.01） and by sow parity （P 〈 0.01）. Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were affected by dietary treatment for parity 1, 2, 3＋ sows and the entire cohort （P 〈 0.01） as well as by sow parity （P 〈 0.01）. Plasma urea nitrogen （P 〈 0.01）, creatinine （P 〈 0.01） and non-esterifide fatty acids （P = 0.04） were decreased as the SID-Lys：ME ratio of the diet increased. Insulin-like growth factor-1 （P = 0.02）, estradiol （P 〈 0.01） and luteinizing hormone （P = 0.02） were increased as the SID-Lys：ME ratio in diet increased. Based on a broken-line model, the estimated SID-Lys： ME ratio to maximize litter weight gain was estimated to be 3.05 g/Mcal.展开更多
Background:The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1)lowering dietary crude protein(CP)increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation,and 2)excessive dietary le...Background:The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1)lowering dietary crude protein(CP)increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation,and 2)excessive dietary leucine(Leu)supplementation in a low CP diet decreases dietary energetic efficiency and increases metabolic heat associated with lactation.Methods:Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 3 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):1)control(CON;18.75%CP),2)reduced CP with a near ideal or optimal AA profile(OPT;13.75%CP)and 3)diet OPT with excessive Leu(OPTLEU;14.25%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on day 1,4,8,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Energy balance was measured on sows during early(day 4 to 8)and peak(day 14 to18)lactation,and milk was sampled on day 8 and 18.Results:Over 21-day lactation,sows fed OPT lost body weight and body lipid(P<0.05).In peak lactation,sows fed OPT had higher milk energy output(P<0.05)than CON.Sows fed OPTLEU tended(P=0.07)to have less milk energy output than OPT and did not differ from CON.Maternal energy retention was lower(P<0.05)in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows,and did not differ between OPTLEU and OPT sows.Sows fed OPT had higher(P<0.05)apparent energy efficiency for milk production compared to CON.Heat production associated with lactation was lower(P<0.05)or tended to be lower(P=0.082),respectively,in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows.Conclusion:The OPT diet,in peak lactation,improved dietary energy utilization for lactation due to less urinary energy and metabolic heat loss,and triggered dietary energy deposition into milk at the expense of maternal lipid mobilization.Leucine supplementation above requirement may reduce dietary energy utilization for lactation by decreasing the energy partitioning towards milk,partially explaining the effectiveness of OPT diet over CON diets.展开更多
Background Branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs),including L-leucine(L-Leu),L-isoleucine(L-Ile),L-valine(L-Val),and L-arginine(L-Arg),play a crucial role in mammary gland development,secretion of milk and regulation of th...Background Branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs),including L-leucine(L-Leu),L-isoleucine(L-Ile),L-valine(L-Val),and L-arginine(L-Arg),play a crucial role in mammary gland development,secretion of milk and regulation of the catabolic state and immune response of lactating sows.Furthermore,it has recently been suggested that free amino acids(AAs)can also act as microbial modulators.This study aimed at evaluating whether the supplementation of lactating sows with BCAAs(9,4.5 and 9 g/d/sow of L-Val,L-Ile and L-Leu,respectively)and/or L-Arg(22.5 g/d/sow),above the estimated nutritional requirement,could influence the physiological and immunological parameters,microbial profile,colostrum and milk composition and performance of sows and their offspring.Results At d 41,piglets born from the sows supplemented with the AAs were heavier(P=0.03).The BCAAs increased glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sows’serum at d 27,tended to increase immunoglobulin A(IgA)and IgM in the colostrum(P=0.06),increased the IgA(P=0.004)in the milk at d 20 and tended to increase lymphocyte%in the sows’blood at d 27(P=0.07).Furthermore,the BCAAs tended to reduce the Chao1 and Shannon microbial indices(P<0.10)in the sows’faeces.The BCAA group was discriminated by Prevotellaceae_UCG-004,Erysipelatoclostridiaceae UCG-004,the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Treponemaberlinense.Arginine reduced piglet mortality pre-(d 7,d 14)and post-weaning(d 41)(P<0.05).Furthermore,Arg increased the IgM in the sow serum at d 10(P=0.05),glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sow serum at d 27 and the monocyte percentage in the piglet blood at d 27(P=0.025)and their jejunal expression of NFKB2(P=0.035)while it reduced the expression of GPX-2(P=0.024).The faecal microbiota of the sows in Arg group was discriminated by Bacteroidales.The combination of BCAAs and Arg tended to increase spermine at d 27(P=0.099),tended to increase the Igs(IgA and IgG,P<0.10)at d 20 in the milk,favoured the faecal colonisation of Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and improved piglet growth.Conclusion Feeding Arg and BCAAs above the estimated requirements for milk production may be a strategy to improve sow productive performance in terms of piglet average daily gain(ADG),immune competence and survivability via modulation of the metabolism,colostrum and milk compositions and intestinal microbiota of the sows.The synergistic effect between these AAs,noticeable by the increase of Igs and spermine in the milk and in the improvement of the performance of the piglets,deserves additional investigation.展开更多
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental magnesium （Mg） on the performance of gilts and parity 3 sows and their piglets. Fifty-six grits （Trial 1） and 56 sows （Trial 2） were assign...The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental magnesium （Mg） on the performance of gilts and parity 3 sows and their piglets. Fifty-six grits （Trial 1） and 56 sows （Trial 2） were assigned to one of 4 treatments according to their mating weight, respectively. The treatments comprised corn-soybean meal based gestation and lactation diets （0.21% magnesium） supplemented with 0, 0.015, 0.03, or 0.045% Mg from mating until weaning. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly （P 〈 0.05） reduced the weaning to estrus interval in both gilts and sows. There were significant effects （P 〈 0.05） of supplemental magnesium on the total number of piglets born, born alive and weaned in sows. In late gestation and lactation, the digestibility of crude fiber （quadratic effects, P 〈 0.05）, and crude protein （P 〈 0.05）, were significantly influenced by magnesium in gilts and sows, respectively. There were differences among the 4 groups in terms of the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude fiber in sows （P 〈 0.0S） during both early and late gestation. The apparent digestibility of gross energy was increased for sows in late gestation （P 〈 0.05）, and lactation （quadratic effects, P 〈 0.0S）. At farrowing and weaning, serum prolactin levels and alkaline phosphate activities linearly increased in sows as the Mg supplementation increased （P 〈 0.0.5）. Serum Mg of sows at farrowing and serum urea nitrogen of sows at weaning was significantly influenced by Mg supplementation （P 〈 0.05）. The Mg concentration in sow colostrum and the serum of their piglets were increased by supplemental magnesium （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, growth hormone levels were linearly elevated （P 〈 0.05） in the serum of piglets suckling sows. Our data demonstrated that supplemental magnesium has the potential to improve the reproduction performance of sows, and the suitable supplemental dose ranged from 0.015% to 0.03%.展开更多
Background The mechanism by which Meishan(MS)sows are superior to white crossbred sows in ovarian follicle development remains unclear.Given gut microbiota could regulate female ovarian function and reproductive capac...Background The mechanism by which Meishan(MS)sows are superior to white crossbred sows in ovarian follicle development remains unclear.Given gut microbiota could regulate female ovarian function and reproductive capacity,this study aimed to determine the role of gut microbiota-ovary axis on follicular development in sows.Methods We compared the ovarian follicular development,gut microbiota,plasma metabolome,and follicular fluid metabolome between MS and Landrace×Yorkshire(L×Y)sows.A H_(2)O_(2)-induced cell apoptosis model was used to evaluate the effects of multi-omics identified metabolites on the apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro.Results Compared with L×Y sows,MS sows have greater ovary weight and improved follicular development,including the greater counts of large follicles of diameter≥5 mm,secondary follicles,and antral follicles,but lesser atretic follicles.The ovarian granulosa cells in MS sows had alleviated apoptosis,which was indicated by the increased BCL-2,decreased caspases-3,and decreased cleaved caspases-3 than in L×Y sows.The ovarian follicular fluid of MS sows had higher concentrations of estradiol,progesterone,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,and insulin like growth factor 1 than L×Y sows.Gut microbiota of MS sows formed a distinct cluster and had improved alpha diversity,including increased Shannon and decreased Simpson than those of L×Y sows.Corresponding to the enhanced function of carbohydrate metabolism and elevated short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in feces,the differential metabolites in plasma between MS and L×Y sows are also mainly enriched in pathways of fatty acid metabolism.There were significant correlations among SCFAs with follicular development,ovarian granulosa cells apoptosis,and follicular fluid hormones,respectively.Noteworthily,compared with L×Y sows,MS sows had higher follicular fluid SCFAs concentrations which could ameliorate H_(2)O_(2)-induced porcine granulosa cells apoptosis in vitro.Conclusion MS sows have more secondary and antral follicles,but fewer atretic follicles and apoptotic ovarian granulosa cells,as well as harbored a distinctive gut microbiota than L×Y sows.Gut microbiota may participate in regulating ovarian follicular development via SCFAs affecting granulosa cells apoptosis in sows.展开更多
Background： Zearalenone （ZEN） is an estrogenic mycotoxin that is primarily produced by Fusarium fungi and has been proven to affect the reproductive capacity of many species to varying degrees. The present experime...Background： Zearalenone （ZEN） is an estrogenic mycotoxin that is primarily produced by Fusarium fungi and has been proven to affect the reproductive capacity of many species to varying degrees. The present experiment was designed to study the maternal persistent effects of zearalenone toxicity in gestating sows on growth and muscle development of their offsprings, and the alleviation of zearalenone toxicity by modified halloysite nanotubes （MHNTs）. Methods： Eighteen sows were fed with one of three dietary treatments that included the following： （1） a control diet, （2） a contaminated grain diet （with 50 % moldy corn, 2.77 mg/kg ZEN）, and （3） a contaminated grain diet （with 50 % moldy corn, 2.76 mg/kg ZEN） ＋ 1% MHNTs. Each sow was exclusively fed its experimental diets from 35 to 70 d of gestation at a total of 2 kg daily. Muscle samples were collected from six piglets per treatment at birth, weaning and finishing. Results： The results showed that feeding the sows with the ZEN-contaminated diets from 35 to 70 d of gestation decreased the ADG, ADFI and G：F of their offsprings （P 〈 0.05）. The muscle fiber numbers in the newborn, weaning and growing-finishing pigs and the muscle fiber diameters at birth and weaning were also decreased by maternal ZEN exposure （P 〈 0.05）. The expressions of IGF-I, IGF-II, Myf-5 and Mstn at birth and IGF-II, Pax7, Myf-5 and MyoD1 at weaning were altered by feeding gestating sows with ZEN-contaminated diets （P 〈 0.05）. The MHNTs reduced most of the ZEN-induced toxic effects： the ADG and ADFI on growth performance, the muscle fiber numbers at weaning and finishing and the muscle fiber diameters at weaning （P 〈 0.05）. The expression levels of IGF-II and Mstn in newborn piglets and IGF-II and Myf-5 in weaning piglets were also prevented by adding 1% MHNTs （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： The present study demonstrated that the offsprings of sows fed with ZEN-contaminated diets from 35 to 70 day of gestation exhibited weakening on growth performance, physiological changes in their muscle fibers and alterations of mRNA expression in their muscle tissues, and also indicated that MHNTs prevented most of the ZEN- induced weakening in the muscle tissues.展开更多
Effects of added fat in sow diets on the sows’reproductive performance and offspring growth performance are influenced by multiple factors such as genetics,nutrition,parity,ambient temperatures,and farm management.In...Effects of added fat in sow diets on the sows’reproductive performance and offspring growth performance are influenced by multiple factors such as genetics,nutrition,parity,ambient temperatures,and farm management.Individual studies cannot cover all these factors.With the view to address this challenge,we searched all studies that were published from 1986 to 2020,and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the fat effect.In total,19 papers were collected and analyzed.Fat supplementation in sow diets during late gestation and lactation decreased average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.05)and tended to increase average daily energy intake(ADEI,P=0.11).It had no impact on litter weights at birth(P=0.40)or weaning(P=0.46).It increased total numbers of piglets at birth(P=0.07),but had no effect on liveborn per litter(P=0.90)or survival rate(P=0.48)of piglets to weaning.Fat supplementation had no significant effect on sow body weight loss(P=0.67)or backfat thickness changes(P=0.66),but sows fed diets with added fat had increased milk fat concentration(P=0.03)and shorter wean to estrus intervals(WEI,P=0.01).In specific circumstances,fat supplementation tended to improve growth performance of piglets with low litter weights at birth(P=0.14),or when the sows lost large amounts of body weight during lactation(P=0.11).The level of supplemented fat was 10%and higher would decrease liveborn per litter at neutral temperature(P=0.10).The meta-analysis revealed that fat supplementation to sows diet during late gestation and lactation can be beneficial for sow reproductive performance and litter growth performance.展开更多
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence ofa phytogenic feed additive （PFA） to late-gestation （d 90） and lactation sows on their reproduction performance. Sixty Large White × Landrace prim...The objective of this study was to investigate the influence ofa phytogenic feed additive （PFA） to late-gestation （d 90） and lactation sows on their reproduction performance. Sixty Large White × Landrace primiparous sows were divided into four groups （fifteen sows per group）. The control group was fed with basal diet, the others were fed with basal diet supplemented with 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% PFA, respectively. Compared with the control, the sows in 0.04% PFA group had higher feed intake during lactation and higher litter weaning weight （P 〈 0.05）. At farrowing, glucose level in 0.04% PFA sows was higher than the control and sows in 0.02% PFA had the highest IgG content among the treatments （P 〈 0.05）. On day 7 of lactation, serum urea nitrogen contents were lower in response to PFA supplementation compared to the control （P 〈 0.05）. At the same time, sows fed the 0.06% PFA diet increased the lysozyme activity （P 〈 0.05）. The levels of milk lactose and IgG were increased in 0.02% and 0.04% PFA groups （P 〈 0.05）. In conclusion, feeding PFA improved sows and litter performance, serum metabolite concentrations, lgG level and lysozyme activity at postpartum and milk quality.展开更多
[ Objective] To study the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid （GABA） on performance of lactating sows during heat stress. [ Metbod] A total of 14 sows at the same parity and with close expected date of childbirth and...[ Objective] To study the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid （GABA） on performance of lactating sows during heat stress. [ Metbod] A total of 14 sows at the same parity and with close expected date of childbirth and similar body we：,ght were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. They were fed a common basal diet and a GABA （300 mg/kg） supplementary diet, respectively. The trial lasted for 21 d. [ Result ] The daily feed intake, lactation yield and average daily gain of piglets in the experimental group were increased by 9.4%, 28.5% and 10.7%, respectively. The backfat of lactating sows was decreased less, and the same with the weaning-oestrus interval. The survival ratio of piglets was increased by 4.5%. Compared with the control group, the content of lactose and fat increased significantly, but other components almost did not change. [Conclusien] Supplementing GABA in diet can improve the performance of lactating sows and promote the growth of piglets effectively.展开更多
文摘Background This study investigated the potential impacts of increasing linoleic andα-linolenic acid intake during lactation and wean-to-breeding on subsequent reproduction of sows.A total of 309 sows(PIC Camborough L42)were balanced by parity(140 and 169 sows representing parity 1 to 2[P1-2]and 3 to 9[P3+],respectively)and assigned within parity to a 2×2 factorial arrangement.Factors included essential fatty acid(EFA)supplementation(control diets containing 1.2%linoleic and 0.15%α-linolenic acid or diets with 3.0%linoleic and 0.38%α-linolenic acid)and supplementation period(lactation or wean-to-breeding).Tallow(low EFA diets)or soybean oil(high EFA diets)were included at 4%in sorghum-soybean meal-wheat middlings-based diets to attain targeted EFA levels.Results High levels of EFA fed during lactation had no effect on feed intake or litter performance,but increased subsequent farrowing rate(P=0.027;82.1%vs.70.4%),tended to reduce the proportion of sows removed(P=0.070;12.4%vs.20.8%),decreased the number of total pigs born in the following litter(P=0.072;15.3 vs.16.2),and increased total pigs born alive per 100 sows weaned(P=0.062;1,122 vs.974),regardless of sow parity.Young sows(P1-2)consuming the high EFA diet during lactation displayed a shorter wean-to-estrus interval(P=0.035;4.2 vs.4.6),but P3+sows were unaffected.Increasing EFA intake for P3+sows,but not P1-2 sows,resulted in more sows bred by d 5(P=0.028;91.1%vs.81.7%)and more mummies in the subsequent litter(P=0.040;0.32 vs.0.16).Feeding increased EFA to P1-2 sows during the wean-to-breeding period decreased subsequent farrowing rate(P=0.042;72.0%vs.87.7%),and increased removal rate(P=0.003;28.8%vs.9.4%).Total pigs born alive per 100 sows weaned was reduced(P=0.007)in P1-2 sows when supplemented with EFA during wean-breeding(939 vs.1,149)but was not impacted in P3+sows(1,131 vs.982).Conclusions Supplemental EFA in lactation diets benefited subsequent reproduction of sows,regardless of parity.Increasing dietary levels of EFA during the wean-to-breeding period to younger sows negatively impacted subsequent reproduction.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072749)。
文摘The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect and mechanism of quercetin on reproductive performance in perinatal sows.According to the similar principle of parity and body weight,24 perinatal sows were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates,including normal control and three treatments fed by a basal diet supplemented with 0,0.025%,0.050%,and 0.075%quercetin,respectively.The feeding trial was conducted from 100 days of gestation to 28 days post-partum.Reproductive performance,colostrum composition,serum indexes of antioxidation,inflammation,hormones,and the diversity and relative abundance of fecal microflora were determined in perinatal sows.Compared with the control,quercetin significantly reduced the rate of constipation,serum content of malondialdehyde(MDA),prolactin(PRL),and progesterone(PROG),and significantly increased the content of serum estradiol(E2)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)in colostrum of perinatal sows(P<0.05).Meanwhile,0.025%quercetin significantly increased glutathione(GSH)content in serum(P<0.05),0.050%quercetin significantly reduced the rate of backfat loss(P<0.05),and 0.075%quercetin significantly increased immunoglobulin M(IgM)content in colostrum of perinatal sows(P<0.05).In addition,0.050%and 0.075%quercetin significantly shortened estrus interval(P<0.05)and significantly increased the content of IgA and IgG in colostrum(P<0.05)and dopamine(DA)content in serum of perinatal sows(P<0.05).Quercetin significantly decreased the content of nitric oxide(NO),IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and MCP-1 in serum(P<0.05)and significantly improved microflora abundance and diversity in feces of perinatal sows(P<0.05).In conclusion,dietary supplementation of quercetin reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and regulated intestinal microflora in perinatal sows,thus improved reproductive performance in perinatal sows.Under this experimental condition,the optimal supplementation with dietary quercetin was 0.075%in perinatal sows.
基金funded by the Science Foundation Ireland(BiOrbic,Dublin,Ireland)and Adesco Nutricines(Dungarvan,Waterford,Ireland)under grant number 16/RC/3889。
文摘Background Organic acids(OA)and maternal nutritional strategies have been demonstrated to promote piglet health and development.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating OA-preserved cereal grains into sow diets during late gestation and lactation,aiming to reduce the metabolic demands of lactation while optimising offspring development and growth until slaughter.The experiment compared OA-preserved wheat and barley to conventionally dried grains,focusing on sow and offspring performance,as well as their faecal microbiota during lactation.Forty sows were blocked based on parity,body weight and back fat thickness on d 100 of gestation and assigned to one of two diets:a dried grain lactation diet and a preserved grain lactation diet.Sow faecal samples were collected at farrowing for the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility(CATTD)of nutrients and microbial analysis.Offspring faecal samples were collected on d 10 postpartum and at weaning(d 26 postpartum)for microbial analysis.Results Sow body weight,back fat changes,gestation and lactation length,total piglets born,wean-to-oestrus interval,and lactation efficiency were unaffected by sow diet(P>0.05).However,sows offered the preserved grain diet exhibited improved CATTD of dry matter,nitrogen,gross energy,and neutral detergent fibre(P<0.05).While no maternal effect was observed on offspring growth during lactation(P>0.05),pigs from sows offered the preserved grain diet showed improved growth and feed efficiency from weaning until slaughter(d 168)compared to those from sows offered the dried grain diet(P<0.05).The preserved grain diet also reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria in sow faeces at farrowing and in their offspring on d 10 postpartum,and improved piglet faecal scores throughout lactation(P=0.05).At weaning,piglets from sows offered the preserved grain diet exhibited an increased abundance of Lactobacillus and reduced abundance of Alistipes in their faeces(P<0.05).Conclusion OA-preserved grains enhanced the CATTD of nutrients in sows,promoted healthier piglet faecal scores during lactation,and improved offspring growth performance post-weaning,potentially linked to beneficial changes observed in the faecal microbiota of sows and their offspring during lactation.
基金support from APC LLC,Ankeny,IA,USA,is greatly appreciated.
文摘Background Feeding spray dried plasma(SDP)to weanling pigs improves growth,but there is a lack of research on how SDP impacts oxidative stress and inflammatory response in lactating sows,and performance of their piglets after weaning.Therefore,an experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that sows fed a diet with SDP in late gestation and lactation have improved reproductive performance and reduced inflammation compared with sows fed no SDP.The second hypothesis was that pigs weaned from sows fed 0.5%SDP in lactation have reduced diarrhea incidence and improved growth performance during the initial 14 d of the nursery period regardless of dietary SDP.Results The percent of low vitality or starved pigs during lactation was less(P<0.05)from sows fed 0.5%dietary SDP compared with sows fed the diet without SDP.Dietary SDP did not influence oxidative stress markers in the plasma of sows,but serum cytokines increased(P<0.05)in sows fed the diet with 0.5%SDP compared with sows fed the diet without SDP.Pigs weaned from young sows fed no SDP or from mature sows fed 0 or 0.5%SDP had a greater gain to feed ratio when fed a phase 1 diet containing 6%SDP compared with pigs fed a diet without SDP,but the gain to feed ratio of pigs weaned from young sows fed 0.5%dietary SDP was not affected by dietary SDP in phase 1(interaction,P<0.05).Regardless of sow treatment,pigs fed a phase 1 diet with 6%SDP had greater(P<0.05)growth performance than pigs fed a phase 1 diet without SDP,and pigs fed the phase 1 diet with 6%SDP had reduced(P<0.05)diarrhea incidence in phase 1.Conclusions Feeding 0.5%dietary SDP to sows may reduce the number of mummified pigs and increase pig vitality during lactation,but adding 0.5%SDP to sow diets during lactation did not improve post-weaning performance of pigs fed a starter diet with 6%SDP.
基金financially supported by the Adisseo Innovation Research Center for Nutrition and Health(060–2222319005)Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan(2023NSFSC1135)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972603)。
文摘Background Previous evidence suggests that methionine(Met)consumption can promote placental angiogenesis and improve fetal survival.To investigate the mechanisms by which increased levels of Met as hydroxyl-Met(OHMet)improve placental function,forty sows were divided into four groups and fed either a control diet,or diets supplemented with 0.15%OHMet,0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met(n=10).Placentas were collected immediately after expulsion,and extracted proteins were analyzed by tandem mass tag based quantitative proteomic analysis.Results We found that 0.15%OHMet consumption significantly increased placental vascular density compared with the control.Proteomic analysis identified 5,136 proteins,87 of these were differentially expressed(P<0.05,|fold change|>1.2).Enriched pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes for 0.15%OHMet vs.control and 0.15%OHMet vs.0.3%OHMet were glutathione metabolism;for 0.15%OHMet vs.0.3%Met,they were NOD-like receptor signaling and apoptosis.Further analysis revealed that 0.15%OHMet supplementation upregulated the protein expression of glutathione-S-transferase(GSTT1)in placentas and trophoblast cells compared with the control and 0.3%OHMet groups,upregulated thioredoxin(TXN)in placentas and trophoblast cells compared with the 0.3%OHMet and 0.3%Met groups,and decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in trophoblast cells compared with other groups.In contrast,sows fed 0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met diets increased placental interleukin 1βlevels compared with the control,and upregulated the protein expression of complex I-B9(NDUFA3)compared with the 0.15%OHMet group.Furthermore,homocysteine,an intermediate in the trans-sulphuration pathway of Met,damaged placental function by inhibiting the protein expression of TXN,leading to apoptosis and ROS production.Conclusion Although dietary 0.15%OHMet supplementation improved placental angiogenesis and increased antioxidative capacity,0.3%OHMet or 0.3%Met supplementation impaired placental function by aggravating inflammation and oxidative stress,which is associated with cumulative homocysteine levels.
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-35-PIG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272847,U22A20516)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFF1000602)the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(No.2022ZDLNY01–04)。
文摘Background Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance.Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success,but it is unclear whether the effect of sow backfat thickness on litter size is associated with endometrial receptivity and whether melatonin treatment may have benefits.The present study seeks to answer these questions through in vitro and in vivo investigations.Results Excessive lipid deposition and lower melatonin levels in the uterus are detrimental to endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation in high backfat thickness sows.In cells treated with melatonin,the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis played a role in reducing lipid accumulation in porcine endometrial epithelium cells and improved endometrial receptivity.Furthermore,we found a reduction of lipids in the uterus after eight weeks of intraperitoneal administration of melatonin to HFD mice.Notably,melatonin treatment caused a significant reduction in the deposition of endometrial collagen,an increase in the number of glands,and repair of the pinopode structure,ultimately improving endometrial receptivity,promoting embryo implantation,and increasing the number of litter size of mice.Conclusions Collectively,the finding reveals the harmful effects of high backfat thickness sows on embryo implantation and highlight the role of melatonin and the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis in improving endometrial receptivity by enhancing metabolism and reducing the levels of uterine lipids in obese animals.
基金supported by the project of the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-35)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1300802)。
文摘Background Maternal nutrition significantly influences offspring development.This study investigated the effects of maternal or post-weaning cinnamaldehyde(CA)supplementation in sows and their offspring on reproductive performance and health.Sixty sows,selected based on body condition score and parity,were randomly allocated to control or CA(500 mg/kg)diets from d 107 of gestation to d 24 of lactation.At weaning,128 piglets were assigned to four groups(n=8)based on weight and source litter for a 21-d experiment.The four groups were CON-CON(both sow and piglet on CON),CON-CA(sow on CON,piglet on CA),CA-CON(sow on CA,piglet on CON),and CA-CA(both sow and piglet on CA).Results Maternal CA supplementation tended to improve body weight(+15%,P=0.09)and average daily gain(+21%,P=0.07)of suckling piglets,along with increased levels of milk IgG(P=0.01)and IgM(P=0.02),colostrum crude fat(P=0.01),and plasma glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity(P=0.02)at farrowing.Moreover,maternal CA supplementation significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity,expressions of intestinal barrier and antiinflammatory genes,and gut microbiota structure of piglets at the end of suckling.Additionally,maternal CA supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of crude protein(P<0.01),gross energy(GE;P=0.03),and dry matter(P=0.01),improved jejunal sucrase activity(P<0.01),villus height(P=0.03),the ratio of villi height to crypt depth(P=0.02),and the expressions of intestinal barrier and anti-inflammatory genes in post-weaning piglets.Furthermore,post-weaning CA supplementation tended to decrease diarrhea scores of piglets during d 14–21 and increased the ATTD of GE(P=0.02),activities of jejunal sucrase(P=0.02),plasma catalase(P=0.01),and total superoxide dismutase(P<0.01)in piglets.Conclusion Maternal CA supplementation tended to increase the growth rate and weaning weight of suckling piglets,associated with improved antioxidant capacity and milk composition.Moreover,maternal CA supplementation or post-weaning CA supplementation improved nutrient digestibility,redox status,and intestinal function-related parameters of weaned piglets.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32102554)Sichuan Province “145” Breeding Tackle Project (2021YFYZ0008)China Agriculture Research System (CARS-35).
文摘Background Embryo implantation in early gestation is crucial for reproductive success,while dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating sow fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study explores the influence of dietary inulin on embryonic implantation using a sow model.Sows were fed a diet supplemented with 11 g/kg of inulin during early gestation and were slaughtered on gestation day 19(G19).Uterine fluid exosomes(UFEs)and endometrial tissues were collected for high-throughput sequencing and for analysis of the expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins,respectively.Furthermore,UFEs obtained from slaughtered sows were injected into G19 sows to investigate the effects on reproduction and angiogenesis.Results The results showed that inulin significantly increased the number of blood vessels in the endometrium and expression of the angiogenesis-related proteins MMP2 and ANGPT1 in G19 sows(P<0.05).Bioinformatics analysis revealed that inulin significantly downregulated miRNAs associated with angiogenesis inhibition in UFEs,while upregulating miRNAs related to trophoblast physiological activities and regulation of the uterine fluid microenvironment(P<0.05).Furthermore,intravenous injection of G19 sows with UFEs from sows fed a diet containing inulin had significantly promoted vascular formation in the endometrium and embryos,and increased the number of live embryos on gestation day 28(G28)(P<0.05).Additionally,the mRNA expression levels of MMP2,ANGPT1,and VEGF in the placentas of sows were significantly elevated on G28 and at farrowing in the UFEs injection group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dietary supplementation with inulin during early gestation in sows promoted embryo implantation by regulating angiogenesis at the maternal–fetal interface through the modulation of miRNA expression in UFEs.These findings provide a theoretical reference for the application of dietary fiber in sow nutrition.
文摘Many advances in genetic selection, nutrition, housing and disease control have been incorporated into modern pork production since the 1950s resulting in highly prolific females and practices and technologies, which significantly increased efficiency of reproduction in the breeding herd. The objective of this manuscript is to review the literature and current industry practices employed for reproductive management. In particular the authors focus on assisted reproduction technologies and their application for enhanced productivity. Modern maternal line genotypes have lower appetites and exceptional lean growth potential compared to females of 20 yr ago. Thus, nutrient requirements and management techniques and technologies, which affect gilt development and sow longevity, require continuous updating. Failure to detect estrus accurately has the greatest impact on farrowing rate and litter size. Yet, even accurate estrus detection will not compensate for the variability in the interval between onset of estrus and actual time of ovulation. However, administration of GnRH analogs in weaned sows and in gilts after withdrawal of altrenogest do overcome this variability and thereby synchronize ovulation, which makes fixed-time AI practical. Seasonal infertility, mediated by temperature and photoperiod, is a persistent problem. Training workers in the art of stockmanship is of increasing importance as consumers become more interested in humane animal care. Altrenogest, is used to synchronize the estrous cycle of gilts, to prolong gestation for 2-3 d to synchronize farrowing and to postpone post-weaning estrus. P.G. 600~ is used for induction of estrus in pre-pubertal gilts and as a treatment to overcome seasonal anestrous. Sperm cell numbers/dose of semen is significantly less for post cervical AI than for cervical AI. Real-time ultrasonography is used to determine pregnancy during wk 3-5. PGF2a effectively induces farrowing when administered within two d of normal gestation length. Ovulation synchronization, single fixed-time AI and induced parturition may lead to farrowing synchronization, which facilitates supervision and reduces stillbirths and piglet mortality. Attendance and assistance at farrowing is important especially to ensure adequate colostrum consumption by piglets immediately after birth. New performance terminologies are presented.
基金the financial supports provided by the China Agriculture Research System (CARS36)the Hundred Outstanding Talents Training Program at Guangdong Province, China+2 种基金the Special Program for Guangdong Research Institutions’ Innovation and Construction, China (2012B060600005)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (2015A030310332)the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province, China (2013B050800016)
文摘This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine （Arg） supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter per- formance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and composition in multiparous sows. Thirty-one sows were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0.0 （control, n=10）, 0.5% （n=10）, or 1.0% （n=11） L-Arg-HCI, respectively. Experimental diets were provided to the sows from d 3 to 21 of lactation. Plasma and milk samples were collected at d 14 and 21 of lactation. The average daily gain （ADG） of piglets from sows fed diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI at d 3 to 14 of lactation, were higher than that of controls （P〈0.05）. Maternal supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI also increased ADG of piglets between d 3 and 21 of lactation than that of the controls （P〈0.05）. There was no significant effect of supplementation on average daily feed intake （ADFI）, body weight loss, and backfat thickness loss of lactating sows. Supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI had a trend towards increasing milk yields and milk fat contents （0.05〈P〈0.10）; milk protein and lactose were unchanged. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg- HCI increased plasma concentrations of prolactin and insulin in sows at d 14 and 21 of lactation, and plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid （NEFA）, insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, and nitric oxide （NO） in sows at d 21 of lactation, when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI increased IGF-1 and spermine in milk at d 14 of lactation, relative to the controls （P〈0.05）. Plasma Arg concentrations at d 14 and 21 of lactation, as well as plasma NO level and milk IGF-1 at d 21 of lactation, were increased, while plasma urea nitrogen （PUN） concentration at d 14 and 21 of lactation was decreased, by supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Collectively, dietary supplementation of multiparous sows with Arg, just during lactation, is beneficial for enhancing litter weight gain but the complete mechanism remains to be determined and may involve in the maternal endocrine changes and milk polyamines contents.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No. 31772637, 31301981)a Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest (201403047)
文摘Background:Zearalenone(ZEA)is a resorcylic acid lactone derivative derived from various Fusarium species that are widely found in food and feeds.The molecular structure of ZEA resembles that of the mammalian hormone 17β-oestradiol,thus zearalenone and its metabolites are known to compete with endogenous hormones for estrogen receptors binding sites and to activate transcription of oestrogen-responsive genes.However,the effect of long-term low-dose ZEA exposure on the reproductive response to Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture for first-parity gilts has not yet been investigated.This study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of ZEA as an estrogen receptor selective modulator and the alleviating effects of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G cultures as ZEA biodegraders in pregnant sows during their first parity.Results:A total of 80 first-parity gilts(Yorkshire×Landrace)were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments during gestation:CO(positive control);MO(negative control,246μg ZEA/kg diet);COA(CO+B.subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2×10^(9)CFU/kg diet);MOA(MO+B.subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2×10^(9)CFU/kg diet).There were 20 replications per treatment with one gilt per replicate.Feeding low-dose ZEA naturally contaminated diets disordered most of reproductive hormones secretion and affected estrogen receptor-αand estrogen receptor-βconcentrations in serum and specific organs and led to moderate histopathological changes of gilts,but did not cause significant detrimental effects on reproductive performance.The addition of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture to the diet can effectively relieve the competence of ZEA to estrogen receptor and the disturbance of reproductive hormones secretion,and then ameliorate toxicosis of ZEA in gilts.Conclusions:Collectively,our study investigated the effects of feeding low-dose ZEA on reproduction in pregnant sows during their first parity.Feeding low-dose ZEA could modulate estrogen receptor-αand-βconcentrations in specific organs,cause disturbance of reproductive hormones and vulva swelling,and damage organ histopathology and up-regulate apoptosis in sow models.Diet with Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G alleviated negative effects of the ZEA on gilts to some extent.
基金the Special Public Sector Fund in Agriculture(200903006)the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition(2004DA125184-0810) of China+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC3080078931072040)Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China(2006BAD12B05-102009IM03310005)
文摘A total of 335 lactating sows （Landrace x Large White） were used in two experiments to determine the optimum ratio of standardized ileal digestible lysine （SID-Lys） to metabolizable energy （ME） for mixed parity sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 185 sows （weighing an average of 256.2 ± 6.5 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.3） were allocated to one of six experimental diets in a completely randomized block design within parity groups （1, 2, and 3＋）. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 3.06, 3.16, 3.20, 3.25, 3.30 or 3.40 Mcal/kg of ME and each diet was fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. All diets provided a similar SID-lysine level （0.86%）. As a result, the diets provided a SID-Lys：ME ratio of 2.81, 2.72, 2.69, 2.65, 2.61 or 2.53 g/Mcal ME. Sow feed intake was significantly （P 〈 0.01） affected by the energy content of the diet as well as by sow parity. Using regression analysis, feed intake was shown to be maximized at 3.25, 3.21, 3.21 and 3.21 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 1, 2, 3＋ sows and the entire cohort of sows respectively （quadratic; P 〈 0.01）. In addition, the result of feed intake can be expressed as 2.65, 2.69, 2.69 and 2.68 g/Mcal based on analysis of SID-Lys：ME ratio. Litter weight gain was affected by dietary treatment for parity 3＋ sows and the entire cohort （P 〈 0.01）. Based on regression analysis, litter weight gain was maximized at 3.25 and 3.24 Mcal/kg of ME for parity 3＋ （quadratic; P 〈 0.01） and the entire cohort （quadratic; P 〈 0.01）. Similarly, the result of litter weight gain could be expressed as 2.65 and 2.66 g/Mcal of SID- Lys：ME ratio. Therefore, 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME was selected for Exp. 2 in which 150 sows （weighing 254.6 ± 7.3 kg and having an average parity of 3.4 ± 0.4） were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomized block design within parity （1, 2, and 3＋）. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0 or 3.3 g/Mcal of SID-Lys：ME ratio with all diets providing 3.25 Mcal/kg of ME. The diets were fed to the sows throughout a 28 day lactation. Sow body weight loss was affected by dietary treatment （parity 3＋ sows, P = 0.02; entire cohort, P 〈 0.01） and by sow parity （P 〈 0.01）. Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were affected by dietary treatment for parity 1, 2, 3＋ sows and the entire cohort （P 〈 0.01） as well as by sow parity （P 〈 0.01）. Plasma urea nitrogen （P 〈 0.01）, creatinine （P 〈 0.01） and non-esterifide fatty acids （P = 0.04） were decreased as the SID-Lys：ME ratio of the diet increased. Insulin-like growth factor-1 （P = 0.02）, estradiol （P 〈 0.01） and luteinizing hormone （P = 0.02） were increased as the SID-Lys：ME ratio in diet increased. Based on a broken-line model, the estimated SID-Lys： ME ratio to maximize litter weight gain was estimated to be 3.05 g/Mcal.
基金This study was financially supported by USDA-NIFA(award number 2014–67015-21832).
文摘Background:The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1)lowering dietary crude protein(CP)increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation,and 2)excessive dietary leucine(Leu)supplementation in a low CP diet decreases dietary energetic efficiency and increases metabolic heat associated with lactation.Methods:Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 3 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):1)control(CON;18.75%CP),2)reduced CP with a near ideal or optimal AA profile(OPT;13.75%CP)and 3)diet OPT with excessive Leu(OPTLEU;14.25%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on day 1,4,8,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Energy balance was measured on sows during early(day 4 to 8)and peak(day 14 to18)lactation,and milk was sampled on day 8 and 18.Results:Over 21-day lactation,sows fed OPT lost body weight and body lipid(P<0.05).In peak lactation,sows fed OPT had higher milk energy output(P<0.05)than CON.Sows fed OPTLEU tended(P=0.07)to have less milk energy output than OPT and did not differ from CON.Maternal energy retention was lower(P<0.05)in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows,and did not differ between OPTLEU and OPT sows.Sows fed OPT had higher(P<0.05)apparent energy efficiency for milk production compared to CON.Heat production associated with lactation was lower(P<0.05)or tended to be lower(P=0.082),respectively,in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows.Conclusion:The OPT diet,in peak lactation,improved dietary energy utilization for lactation due to less urinary energy and metabolic heat loss,and triggered dietary energy deposition into milk at the expense of maternal lipid mobilization.Leucine supplementation above requirement may reduce dietary energy utilization for lactation by decreasing the energy partitioning towards milk,partially explaining the effectiveness of OPT diet over CON diets.
文摘Background Branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs),including L-leucine(L-Leu),L-isoleucine(L-Ile),L-valine(L-Val),and L-arginine(L-Arg),play a crucial role in mammary gland development,secretion of milk and regulation of the catabolic state and immune response of lactating sows.Furthermore,it has recently been suggested that free amino acids(AAs)can also act as microbial modulators.This study aimed at evaluating whether the supplementation of lactating sows with BCAAs(9,4.5 and 9 g/d/sow of L-Val,L-Ile and L-Leu,respectively)and/or L-Arg(22.5 g/d/sow),above the estimated nutritional requirement,could influence the physiological and immunological parameters,microbial profile,colostrum and milk composition and performance of sows and their offspring.Results At d 41,piglets born from the sows supplemented with the AAs were heavier(P=0.03).The BCAAs increased glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sows’serum at d 27,tended to increase immunoglobulin A(IgA)and IgM in the colostrum(P=0.06),increased the IgA(P=0.004)in the milk at d 20 and tended to increase lymphocyte%in the sows’blood at d 27(P=0.07).Furthermore,the BCAAs tended to reduce the Chao1 and Shannon microbial indices(P<0.10)in the sows’faeces.The BCAA group was discriminated by Prevotellaceae_UCG-004,Erysipelatoclostridiaceae UCG-004,the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Treponemaberlinense.Arginine reduced piglet mortality pre-(d 7,d 14)and post-weaning(d 41)(P<0.05).Furthermore,Arg increased the IgM in the sow serum at d 10(P=0.05),glucose and prolactin(P<0.05)in the sow serum at d 27 and the monocyte percentage in the piglet blood at d 27(P=0.025)and their jejunal expression of NFKB2(P=0.035)while it reduced the expression of GPX-2(P=0.024).The faecal microbiota of the sows in Arg group was discriminated by Bacteroidales.The combination of BCAAs and Arg tended to increase spermine at d 27(P=0.099),tended to increase the Igs(IgA and IgG,P<0.10)at d 20 in the milk,favoured the faecal colonisation of Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and improved piglet growth.Conclusion Feeding Arg and BCAAs above the estimated requirements for milk production may be a strategy to improve sow productive performance in terms of piglet average daily gain(ADG),immune competence and survivability via modulation of the metabolism,colostrum and milk compositions and intestinal microbiota of the sows.The synergistic effect between these AAs,noticeable by the increase of Igs and spermine in the milk and in the improvement of the performance of the piglets,deserves additional investigation.
基金The financial support from the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(No.15059102, 2014JD017,2012QJ102,2012QJ105)National "Twelfth Five-Year" Science& Technology Pillar Program(No.2011BAD26B02)National Department Public Benefit Research Foundation(201403047)
文摘The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental magnesium （Mg） on the performance of gilts and parity 3 sows and their piglets. Fifty-six grits （Trial 1） and 56 sows （Trial 2） were assigned to one of 4 treatments according to their mating weight, respectively. The treatments comprised corn-soybean meal based gestation and lactation diets （0.21% magnesium） supplemented with 0, 0.015, 0.03, or 0.045% Mg from mating until weaning. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly （P 〈 0.05） reduced the weaning to estrus interval in both gilts and sows. There were significant effects （P 〈 0.05） of supplemental magnesium on the total number of piglets born, born alive and weaned in sows. In late gestation and lactation, the digestibility of crude fiber （quadratic effects, P 〈 0.05）, and crude protein （P 〈 0.05）, were significantly influenced by magnesium in gilts and sows, respectively. There were differences among the 4 groups in terms of the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude fiber in sows （P 〈 0.0S） during both early and late gestation. The apparent digestibility of gross energy was increased for sows in late gestation （P 〈 0.05）, and lactation （quadratic effects, P 〈 0.0S）. At farrowing and weaning, serum prolactin levels and alkaline phosphate activities linearly increased in sows as the Mg supplementation increased （P 〈 0.0.5）. Serum Mg of sows at farrowing and serum urea nitrogen of sows at weaning was significantly influenced by Mg supplementation （P 〈 0.05）. The Mg concentration in sow colostrum and the serum of their piglets were increased by supplemental magnesium （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, growth hormone levels were linearly elevated （P 〈 0.05） in the serum of piglets suckling sows. Our data demonstrated that supplemental magnesium has the potential to improve the reproduction performance of sows, and the suitable supplemental dose ranged from 0.015% to 0.03%.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32230099 and 31925037)Hubei Hongshan Laboratory(2021hszd018).
文摘Background The mechanism by which Meishan(MS)sows are superior to white crossbred sows in ovarian follicle development remains unclear.Given gut microbiota could regulate female ovarian function and reproductive capacity,this study aimed to determine the role of gut microbiota-ovary axis on follicular development in sows.Methods We compared the ovarian follicular development,gut microbiota,plasma metabolome,and follicular fluid metabolome between MS and Landrace×Yorkshire(L×Y)sows.A H_(2)O_(2)-induced cell apoptosis model was used to evaluate the effects of multi-omics identified metabolites on the apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro.Results Compared with L×Y sows,MS sows have greater ovary weight and improved follicular development,including the greater counts of large follicles of diameter≥5 mm,secondary follicles,and antral follicles,but lesser atretic follicles.The ovarian granulosa cells in MS sows had alleviated apoptosis,which was indicated by the increased BCL-2,decreased caspases-3,and decreased cleaved caspases-3 than in L×Y sows.The ovarian follicular fluid of MS sows had higher concentrations of estradiol,progesterone,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,and insulin like growth factor 1 than L×Y sows.Gut microbiota of MS sows formed a distinct cluster and had improved alpha diversity,including increased Shannon and decreased Simpson than those of L×Y sows.Corresponding to the enhanced function of carbohydrate metabolism and elevated short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in feces,the differential metabolites in plasma between MS and L×Y sows are also mainly enriched in pathways of fatty acid metabolism.There were significant correlations among SCFAs with follicular development,ovarian granulosa cells apoptosis,and follicular fluid hormones,respectively.Noteworthily,compared with L×Y sows,MS sows had higher follicular fluid SCFAs concentrations which could ameliorate H_(2)O_(2)-induced porcine granulosa cells apoptosis in vitro.Conclusion MS sows have more secondary and antral follicles,but fewer atretic follicles and apoptotic ovarian granulosa cells,as well as harbored a distinctive gut microbiota than L×Y sows.Gut microbiota may participate in regulating ovarian follicular development via SCFAs affecting granulosa cells apoptosis in sows.
基金supported by National Basic Research Program (2012CB124703)the China Agriculture Research System (CARS-36)Program for Innovative Research Team of Universities in Heilongjiang Province (2012TD003)
文摘Background： Zearalenone （ZEN） is an estrogenic mycotoxin that is primarily produced by Fusarium fungi and has been proven to affect the reproductive capacity of many species to varying degrees. The present experiment was designed to study the maternal persistent effects of zearalenone toxicity in gestating sows on growth and muscle development of their offsprings, and the alleviation of zearalenone toxicity by modified halloysite nanotubes （MHNTs）. Methods： Eighteen sows were fed with one of three dietary treatments that included the following： （1） a control diet, （2） a contaminated grain diet （with 50 % moldy corn, 2.77 mg/kg ZEN）, and （3） a contaminated grain diet （with 50 % moldy corn, 2.76 mg/kg ZEN） ＋ 1% MHNTs. Each sow was exclusively fed its experimental diets from 35 to 70 d of gestation at a total of 2 kg daily. Muscle samples were collected from six piglets per treatment at birth, weaning and finishing. Results： The results showed that feeding the sows with the ZEN-contaminated diets from 35 to 70 d of gestation decreased the ADG, ADFI and G：F of their offsprings （P 〈 0.05）. The muscle fiber numbers in the newborn, weaning and growing-finishing pigs and the muscle fiber diameters at birth and weaning were also decreased by maternal ZEN exposure （P 〈 0.05）. The expressions of IGF-I, IGF-II, Myf-5 and Mstn at birth and IGF-II, Pax7, Myf-5 and MyoD1 at weaning were altered by feeding gestating sows with ZEN-contaminated diets （P 〈 0.05）. The MHNTs reduced most of the ZEN-induced toxic effects： the ADG and ADFI on growth performance, the muscle fiber numbers at weaning and finishing and the muscle fiber diameters at weaning （P 〈 0.05）. The expression levels of IGF-II and Mstn in newborn piglets and IGF-II and Myf-5 in weaning piglets were also prevented by adding 1% MHNTs （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： The present study demonstrated that the offsprings of sows fed with ZEN-contaminated diets from 35 to 70 day of gestation exhibited weakening on growth performance, physiological changes in their muscle fibers and alterations of mRNA expression in their muscle tissues, and also indicated that MHNTs prevented most of the ZEN- induced weakening in the muscle tissues.
基金funded by The National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0700201)。
文摘Effects of added fat in sow diets on the sows’reproductive performance and offspring growth performance are influenced by multiple factors such as genetics,nutrition,parity,ambient temperatures,and farm management.Individual studies cannot cover all these factors.With the view to address this challenge,we searched all studies that were published from 1986 to 2020,and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the fat effect.In total,19 papers were collected and analyzed.Fat supplementation in sow diets during late gestation and lactation decreased average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.05)and tended to increase average daily energy intake(ADEI,P=0.11).It had no impact on litter weights at birth(P=0.40)or weaning(P=0.46).It increased total numbers of piglets at birth(P=0.07),but had no effect on liveborn per litter(P=0.90)or survival rate(P=0.48)of piglets to weaning.Fat supplementation had no significant effect on sow body weight loss(P=0.67)or backfat thickness changes(P=0.66),but sows fed diets with added fat had increased milk fat concentration(P=0.03)and shorter wean to estrus intervals(WEI,P=0.01).In specific circumstances,fat supplementation tended to improve growth performance of piglets with low litter weights at birth(P=0.14),or when the sows lost large amounts of body weight during lactation(P=0.11).The level of supplemented fat was 10%and higher would decrease liveborn per litter at neutral temperature(P=0.10).The meta-analysis revealed that fat supplementation to sows diet during late gestation and lactation can be beneficial for sow reproductive performance and litter growth performance.
文摘The objective of this study was to investigate the influence ofa phytogenic feed additive （PFA） to late-gestation （d 90） and lactation sows on their reproduction performance. Sixty Large White × Landrace primiparous sows were divided into four groups （fifteen sows per group）. The control group was fed with basal diet, the others were fed with basal diet supplemented with 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% PFA, respectively. Compared with the control, the sows in 0.04% PFA group had higher feed intake during lactation and higher litter weaning weight （P 〈 0.05）. At farrowing, glucose level in 0.04% PFA sows was higher than the control and sows in 0.02% PFA had the highest IgG content among the treatments （P 〈 0.05）. On day 7 of lactation, serum urea nitrogen contents were lower in response to PFA supplementation compared to the control （P 〈 0.05）. At the same time, sows fed the 0.06% PFA diet increased the lysozyme activity （P 〈 0.05）. The levels of milk lactose and IgG were increased in 0.02% and 0.04% PFA groups （P 〈 0.05）. In conclusion, feeding PFA improved sows and litter performance, serum metabolite concentrations, lgG level and lysozyme activity at postpartum and milk quality.
基金supported by National Natural ScienceFoundation of China (30700579)State Key Laboratory ofAnimal Nutrition (2004DA125184F0807)
文摘[ Objective] To study the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid （GABA） on performance of lactating sows during heat stress. [ Metbod] A total of 14 sows at the same parity and with close expected date of childbirth and similar body we：,ght were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. They were fed a common basal diet and a GABA （300 mg/kg） supplementary diet, respectively. The trial lasted for 21 d. [ Result ] The daily feed intake, lactation yield and average daily gain of piglets in the experimental group were increased by 9.4%, 28.5% and 10.7%, respectively. The backfat of lactating sows was decreased less, and the same with the weaning-oestrus interval. The survival ratio of piglets was increased by 4.5%. Compared with the control group, the content of lactose and fat increased significantly, but other components almost did not change. [Conclusien] Supplementing GABA in diet can improve the performance of lactating sows and promote the growth of piglets effectively.
