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 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 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 The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein(CP)diet with crystalline amino acids(CAA)supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein tur...Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein(CP)diet with crystalline amino acids(CAA)supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown.Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):control(CON;19.24%CP)and reduced CP with“optimal”AA profile(OPT;14.00%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on d 1,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Between d 14 and 18,a subset of 9 sows(CON=4,OPT=5)was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3]histidine(bolus injection)and[13C]bicarbonate(priming dose)first,then a constant 2-h[13C]bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-h primed constant[1-13C]lysine infusion.Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment,Lys oxidation rate,whole body protein turnover,and muscle protein breakdown.Results Over the 21-d lactation period,compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater efficiency of Lys(P<0.05),Lys mammary flux(P<0.01)and whole-body protein turnover efficiency(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate(P=0.069).Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON(P=0.197).Conclusion Feeding an improved AA balance diet increased efficiency of Lys and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown.These results imply that the lower maternal N retention observed in lactating sows fed improved AA balance diets in previous studies may be a result of greater partitioning of AA towards milk rather than greater body protein breakdown.展开更多
Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the ho...Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.展开更多
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-extracte...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<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.展开更多
Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the ext...Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.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
Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between...Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between the microbiome and sows with longevity in reproduction.Results In this study,we collected and sequenced rectal and vaginal swabs from 48 sows,nine of which completed up to four parities(U4P group),exhibiting reproductive longevity.We first identified predictors of sow longevity in the rectum(e.g.,Akkermansia)and vagina(e.g.,Lactobacillus)of the U4P group using RandomForest in the early breeding stage of the first parity.Interestingly,these bacteria in the U4P group showed decreased predicted KEGG gene abundance involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids.Then,we tracked the longitudinal changes of the micro-biome over four parities in the U4P sows.LEfSe analysis revealed parity-associated bacteria that existed in both the rectum and vagina(e.g.,Streptococcus in Parity 1,Lactobacillus in Parity 2,Veillonella in Parity 4).We also identi-fied patterns of bacterial change between the early breeding stage(d 0)and d 110,such as Streptococcus,which was decreased in all four parties.Furthermore,sows in the U4P group with longevity potential also showed better reproductive performance.Finally,we discovered bacterial predictors(e.g.,Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group)for the total number of piglets born throughout the four parities in both the rectum and vagina.Conclusions This study highlights how the rectal and vaginal microbiome in sows with longevity in reproduc-tion changes within four parities.The identification of parity-associated,pregnancy-related,and reproductive performance-correlated bacteria provides the foundation for targeted microbiome modulation to improve animal production.展开更多
Background Exogenous xylanase can increase utilization of fiber and energy when included in diets for pigs,and xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)may improve growth performance of pigs by modulating intestinal fermentation.How...Background Exogenous xylanase can increase utilization of fiber and energy when included in diets for pigs,and xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)may improve growth performance of pigs by modulating intestinal fermentation.However,it is unclear if a stimbiotic(i.e.,a combination of xylanase and XOS)has superior effects compared with a xylanase alone,and there is a lack of data demonstrating if xylanase fed to lactating sows influences growth performance of weanling pigs.Therefore,two hypotheses were tested:1)xylanase and stimbiotic improve growth performance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of gross energy(GE)and total dietary fiber(TDF),digestible energy(DE),and intestinal health of weanling pigs and 2)offspring of sows fed xylanase in lactation have greater growth performance after weaning than offspring of sows fed no xylanase during lactation.Methods One hundred and twenty pigs were weaned from sows fed a diet without xylanase,and 120 pigs were weaned from sows fed a lactation diet containing 16,000 beechwood xylanase units per kg(initial weight:5.81±0.50 kg).Pigs were allotted to a 2×3 factorial with two sow groups(lactation diet without or with xylanase)and three dietary treatments(i.e.,control,control plus xylanase,or control plus stimbiotic).Results There were no interactions between sow treatment and post-weaning pig treatment,and sow treatment did not impact post-weaning growth or ATTD of GE and TDF in weaned pigs.From d 15 to 28 post-weaning,the ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE were greater(P<0.05)for pigs fed the diet with stimbiotic than if fed the xylanase diet or the control diet,and pigs fed the xylanase diet had greater(P<0.05)ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE than pigs fed the control diet.From d 29 to 42 post-weaning,pigs fed the diets with xylanase or stimbiotic had greater(P<0.05)ADG,ATTD of GE and TDF,and DE than pigs fed the control diet.Conclusions Pigs fed xylanase or stimbiotic had greater ATTD of GE and TDF,greater DE,and greater overall ADG,G:F,and final body weight on d 42 post-weaning than pigs fed the control diet,but feeding sows xylanase in lactation did not influence post-weaning growth performance.展开更多
Background Progressive oxidative stress easily occurs as a result of a gradual increase in the intensity of maternal metabolism due to rapid foetal development and increased intensity of lactation.However,studies on t...Background Progressive oxidative stress easily occurs as a result of a gradual increase in the intensity of maternal metabolism due to rapid foetal development and increased intensity of lactation.However,studies on the effects of processive oxidative stress on nutrient transport in the placenta have received little attention.The present study was conducted on sows at 85 days of gestation to study the effects of pterostilbene(PTE)on maternal oxidative stress status and placental nutrient transport.Results PTE increased the antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin content in mothers’blood and milk,reduced the level of inflammatory factors,and improved the nutrient content of milk.PTE also reduced sow backfat loss and the number of weak sons,and increased piglet weaning weight and total weaning litter weight.We subsequently found that PTE enhanced placental glucose and fatty acid transport and further affected glycolipid metabolism by increasing the expression of LAL,PYGM,and Gbe-1,which activated the PI3K phosphorylation pathway.Moreover,PTE addition altered the relative abundance of the Firmicutes,Proteobacteria,Parabacillus,and Bacteroidetes-like RF16 groups in sow faeces.PTE increased the levels of acetate,propionate,butyrate and isovalerate in the faeces.Conclusions These findings reveal that the addition of PTE during pregnancy and lactation mitigates the effects of processive oxidative stress on offspring development by altering maternal microbial and placental nutrient trans-port capacity.展开更多
Adjustment of the sowing date is a widely used measure in rice production for adapting to high-temperature conditions.However,the impact of a delayed sowing date(DS)on rice quality may vary by variety and ecological c...Adjustment of the sowing date is a widely used measure in rice production for adapting to high-temperature conditions.However,the impact of a delayed sowing date(DS)on rice quality may vary by variety and ecological conditions.In this study,we conducted experiments using four different sowing dates,the conventional sowing date 1(CS1),CS2(10 d later than CS1),DS1(30 d later than CS1),and DS2(30 d later than CS2),and three rice varieties,i.e.,Yixiangyou 2115,Fyou 498,and Chuanyou 6203.This experiment was conducted at four sites in the Sichuan Basin in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the infuence of DS on the pasting properties of rice,which are a proxy for the eating and cooking quality(ECQ).In DS1 and DS2,the rice had a signifcantly greater amylose content(AC)but a lower protein content(PC),peak viscosity(PKV),cool paste viscosity(CPV),and hot paste viscosity(HPV)than in CS1 and CS2.Moreover,except for CS2 and DS1 in 2018,DS1 and DS2 led to 2.15-11.19%reductions in breakdown viscosity(BDV)and 23.46-108.47%increases in setback viscosity(SBV).However,the infuence of DS on rice pasting properties varied by study site and rice variety.In 2019,DS1 and DS2 led to BDV reductions of 2.35-9.33,2.61-8.61,10.03-17.78,and 2.06-8.93%,and SBV increases of 2.32-60.93,63.74-144.24,55.46-91.63,and-8.28-65.37%at the Dayi,Anzhou,Nanbu,and Shehong(except for SBV in CS2 and DS1)sites,respectively.DS resulted in greater reductions in PKV,HPV,CPV,and BDV and greater increases in the AC and SBV for Yixiangyou 2115 than for Chuanyou 6203 and Fyou 498.The correlation analysis indicated that PKV and HPV were signifcantly and positively related to the mean,maximum,and minimum temperatures after heading.These temperatures must be greater than 25.9,31.2,and 22.3℃,respectively,to increase the relative BDV and reduce the relative SBV of rice,thereby enhancing ECQ.In conclusion,DS might contribute to a signifcant deterioration in ECQ in machine-transplanted rice in the Sichuan Basin.A mean temperature above 25.9℃ after heading is required to improve the ECQ of rice.展开更多
Background Oxidative stress(OS)is involved in low female fertility by altering multi-omics such as the transcriptome,miRome,and lncRNome in follicular cells and follicular fluid.However,the mechanism by which OS affec...Background Oxidative stress(OS)is involved in low female fertility by altering multi-omics such as the transcriptome,miRome,and lncRNome in follicular cells and follicular fluid.However,the mechanism by which OS affects multiomics dynamics remains largely unknown.Here,we report that OS induces lncRNome dynamics in sow granulosa cells(sGCs),which is partially dependent on the transcription factor activity of its effector,FoxO1.Results A total of 2,283 putative FoxO recognition elements(FREs)were identified in the promoters of 394 lncRNAs,accounting for 91.20%(394/432)of the lncRNAs regulated by OS.ChIP and reporter assays showed that the effector FoxO1 mediated OS regulation of lncRNA transcription in a transcription factor activity-dependent manner.InsGCs,OS induces the transcription and function(e.g.,apoptosis)of NORSF(non-coding RNA involved in sow fertility),a nuclear lncRNA involved in sGC function via FoxO1.Furthermore,FoxO1 has been identified as a transcriptional activator of NORSF in sGCs that interacts with the FRE motif of its promoter.Meanwhile,OS downregulates the transcription of CYP19A1,which encodes an essential enzyme for estrogen synthesis and 17β-estradiol(E2)release by sGCs via the FoxO1 and NORSF axis.Phenotypically,dysregulation of NORSF transcription caused by 2 novel adjacent transitions in the promoter leads to decreased sow fertility.Conclusion These results suggest a model of OS-stimulated lncRNome dynamics in sGCs and a new signaling pathway of OS that influences sGC function and sow fertility.展开更多
We subjected seeds and shoots of eelgrass Zostera marina to different combinations of sediment loosening(0(control),5,10 cm in depth)and sediment fertilization(0(control),40,80,120,160 g/m^(2))through a field experime...We subjected seeds and shoots of eelgrass Zostera marina to different combinations of sediment loosening(0(control),5,10 cm in depth)and sediment fertilization(0(control),40,80,120,160 g/m^(2))through a field experiment involving seed sowing and shoot transplantation from September 2020 to September 2021.Growth analysis revealed optimum ranges for sediment fertiliza-tion and sediment loosening were 88.8-93.8 g/m^(2)and 5.3-5.8 cm for Z.marina seed sowing,as well as 79.7-86.7 g/m^(2)and 5.9-6.5 cm for Z.marina shoot transplanting,respectively.The shoot densities of Z.marina exposed to these optimum range of sediment fer-tilization and sediment loosening were 1.1-1.3 times of those in the control group.Porewater nutrients are key environmental factors affecting seed germination and shoot growth of Z.marina.The results provide valuable insights for enhancing restoration effects of Z.marina.展开更多
Late sowing is a critical factor that hinders achieving high-yield,good-quality wheat under rice-wheat rotation.Understanding the physiological basis and regulatory pathways that lead to high yield and sound quality l...Late sowing is a critical factor that hinders achieving high-yield,good-quality wheat under rice-wheat rotation.Understanding the physiological basis and regulatory pathways that lead to high yield and sound quality late-sown wheat is crucial for developing effective cultivation strategies.A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing date,nitrogen(N)application rate,and planting density on wheat yield,grain quality,population characteristics,and the underlying physiological factors.The results revealed significant interactions among the sowing date,planting density,and N application in regulating both yield and quality.Late sowing reduced grain yield primarily by reducing the number of spikes and kernels.However,the latter was improved by increasing N application and the planting density,thus mitigating the yield losses caused by late sowing.Moreover,the grain protein content(GPC)and wet gluten content(WGC)increased with delayed sowing dates and higher N rates but decreased with increased planting densities.For wheat yields over 9,000 or 7,500 kg ha^(-1),the latest sowing date should not be later than Nov.4 or 15,respectively.In addition,specific criteria should be met,including a maximum of 1.5 and 1.0 million stems and tillers ha^(-1),a maximum leaf area index of 6.7 and 5.5,and a dry matter accumulation(DMA)at anthesis of 14,000 and 12,000 kg ha^(-1),respectively.For high-yield,good-quality late-sown wheat,the optimal combination is a 25%increase in the N rate(300 kg N ha^(-1))and a planting density of 2.25 million(N300D225)or 3.75 million(N300D375)plants ha^(-1)for 10-or 20-day delays in sowing,respectively.These combinations result in a higher leaf net photosynthetic rate,higher activities of leaf nitrate reductase,glutamine synthetase,grain glutamic pyruvic transaminase,and a lower sugar-N ratio during post-anthesis.展开更多
NORHA,a long non-coding RNA(lncRNA),serves as a key inducer of follicular atresia in sows by triggering granulosa cells(GCs)apoptosis.However,its regulation by N6-methyladenosine(m6A)-the most abundant RNA modificatio...NORHA,a long non-coding RNA(lncRNA),serves as a key inducer of follicular atresia in sows by triggering granulosa cells(GCs)apoptosis.However,its regulation by N6-methyladenosine(m6A)-the most abundant RNA modification-remains unresolved.This study identified NORHA as a functional target of the m6A reader HNRNPA2B1 in sow GCs(sGCs).Transcriptome-wide mapping of RNA modification sites revealed extensive m6A enrichment on NORHA,with HNRNPA2B1 binding directly to the transcript and enhancing its stability via modification of multiple m6A sites,including A261,A441,and A919.HNRNPA2B1 suppressed 17β-estradiol(E2)biosynthesis and promoted sGC apoptosis by activating the NORHA-FoxO1 axis.FoxO1 subsequently repressed expression of cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1(CYP19A1),which encodes the enzyme essential for E2 biosynthesis.Additionally,HNRNPA2B1 functioned as a critical mediator of METTL3-dependent m6A modification,modulating NORHA expression and activity in sGCs.This study highlights an important m6Adependent regulatory mechanism governing NORHA expression in sGCs.展开更多
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.
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financially supported by funds from the USDA-NIFA(award number 2014-67015-21832)。
文摘Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein(CP)diet with crystalline amino acids(CAA)supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown.Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):control(CON;19.24%CP)and reduced CP with“optimal”AA profile(OPT;14.00%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on d 1,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Between d 14 and 18,a subset of 9 sows(CON=4,OPT=5)was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3]histidine(bolus injection)and[13C]bicarbonate(priming dose)first,then a constant 2-h[13C]bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-h primed constant[1-13C]lysine infusion.Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment,Lys oxidation rate,whole body protein turnover,and muscle protein breakdown.Results Over the 21-d lactation period,compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater efficiency of Lys(P<0.05),Lys mammary flux(P<0.01)and whole-body protein turnover efficiency(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate(P=0.069).Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON(P=0.197).Conclusion Feeding an improved AA balance diet increased efficiency of Lys and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown.These results imply that the lower maternal N retention observed in lactating sows fed improved AA balance diets in previous studies may be a result of greater partitioning of AA towards milk rather than greater body protein breakdown.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,2018YFD0500400。
文摘Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2021YFD1300202)the nutritional value evaluation and parameter establishment of protein feedstuffs for sowsthe Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China(125D0203-16190295)the Major Scientific and Technological Special Project of Sichuan Province(No.2021ZDZX0009)。
文摘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<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFA1304204)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772579).
文摘Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.
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funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFE0124400)the Specific university discipline construction project (2023B10564001)+1 种基金grants administered by the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the USDAa core grant (P20GM121293, proteogenomics core)。
文摘Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between the microbiome and sows with longevity in reproduction.Results In this study,we collected and sequenced rectal and vaginal swabs from 48 sows,nine of which completed up to four parities(U4P group),exhibiting reproductive longevity.We first identified predictors of sow longevity in the rectum(e.g.,Akkermansia)and vagina(e.g.,Lactobacillus)of the U4P group using RandomForest in the early breeding stage of the first parity.Interestingly,these bacteria in the U4P group showed decreased predicted KEGG gene abundance involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids.Then,we tracked the longitudinal changes of the micro-biome over four parities in the U4P sows.LEfSe analysis revealed parity-associated bacteria that existed in both the rectum and vagina(e.g.,Streptococcus in Parity 1,Lactobacillus in Parity 2,Veillonella in Parity 4).We also identi-fied patterns of bacterial change between the early breeding stage(d 0)and d 110,such as Streptococcus,which was decreased in all four parties.Furthermore,sows in the U4P group with longevity potential also showed better reproductive performance.Finally,we discovered bacterial predictors(e.g.,Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group)for the total number of piglets born throughout the four parities in both the rectum and vagina.Conclusions This study highlights how the rectal and vaginal microbiome in sows with longevity in reproduc-tion changes within four parities.The identification of parity-associated,pregnancy-related,and reproductive performance-correlated bacteria provides the foundation for targeted microbiome modulation to improve animal production.
基金financial support for this research by AB Vista,Marlborough,UK,is greatly appreciated.
文摘Background Exogenous xylanase can increase utilization of fiber and energy when included in diets for pigs,and xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)may improve growth performance of pigs by modulating intestinal fermentation.However,it is unclear if a stimbiotic(i.e.,a combination of xylanase and XOS)has superior effects compared with a xylanase alone,and there is a lack of data demonstrating if xylanase fed to lactating sows influences growth performance of weanling pigs.Therefore,two hypotheses were tested:1)xylanase and stimbiotic improve growth performance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of gross energy(GE)and total dietary fiber(TDF),digestible energy(DE),and intestinal health of weanling pigs and 2)offspring of sows fed xylanase in lactation have greater growth performance after weaning than offspring of sows fed no xylanase during lactation.Methods One hundred and twenty pigs were weaned from sows fed a diet without xylanase,and 120 pigs were weaned from sows fed a lactation diet containing 16,000 beechwood xylanase units per kg(initial weight:5.81±0.50 kg).Pigs were allotted to a 2×3 factorial with two sow groups(lactation diet without or with xylanase)and three dietary treatments(i.e.,control,control plus xylanase,or control plus stimbiotic).Results There were no interactions between sow treatment and post-weaning pig treatment,and sow treatment did not impact post-weaning growth or ATTD of GE and TDF in weaned pigs.From d 15 to 28 post-weaning,the ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE were greater(P<0.05)for pigs fed the diet with stimbiotic than if fed the xylanase diet or the control diet,and pigs fed the xylanase diet had greater(P<0.05)ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE than pigs fed the control diet.From d 29 to 42 post-weaning,pigs fed the diets with xylanase or stimbiotic had greater(P<0.05)ADG,ATTD of GE and TDF,and DE than pigs fed the control diet.Conclusions Pigs fed xylanase or stimbiotic had greater ATTD of GE and TDF,greater DE,and greater overall ADG,G:F,and final body weight on d 42 post-weaning than pigs fed the control diet,but feeding sows xylanase in lactation did not influence post-weaning growth performance.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(YQ2022C014)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32302768).
文摘Background Progressive oxidative stress easily occurs as a result of a gradual increase in the intensity of maternal metabolism due to rapid foetal development and increased intensity of lactation.However,studies on the effects of processive oxidative stress on nutrient transport in the placenta have received little attention.The present study was conducted on sows at 85 days of gestation to study the effects of pterostilbene(PTE)on maternal oxidative stress status and placental nutrient transport.Results PTE increased the antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin content in mothers’blood and milk,reduced the level of inflammatory factors,and improved the nutrient content of milk.PTE also reduced sow backfat loss and the number of weak sons,and increased piglet weaning weight and total weaning litter weight.We subsequently found that PTE enhanced placental glucose and fatty acid transport and further affected glycolipid metabolism by increasing the expression of LAL,PYGM,and Gbe-1,which activated the PI3K phosphorylation pathway.Moreover,PTE addition altered the relative abundance of the Firmicutes,Proteobacteria,Parabacillus,and Bacteroidetes-like RF16 groups in sow faeces.PTE increased the levels of acetate,propionate,butyrate and isovalerate in the faeces.Conclusions These findings reveal that the addition of PTE during pregnancy and lactation mitigates the effects of processive oxidative stress on offspring development by altering maternal microbial and placental nutrient trans-port capacity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U20A2022 and 32372217)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD2300700)the Free Exploration Program of State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Sichuan Basin,China(SKL-ZY202216)。
文摘Adjustment of the sowing date is a widely used measure in rice production for adapting to high-temperature conditions.However,the impact of a delayed sowing date(DS)on rice quality may vary by variety and ecological conditions.In this study,we conducted experiments using four different sowing dates,the conventional sowing date 1(CS1),CS2(10 d later than CS1),DS1(30 d later than CS1),and DS2(30 d later than CS2),and three rice varieties,i.e.,Yixiangyou 2115,Fyou 498,and Chuanyou 6203.This experiment was conducted at four sites in the Sichuan Basin in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the infuence of DS on the pasting properties of rice,which are a proxy for the eating and cooking quality(ECQ).In DS1 and DS2,the rice had a signifcantly greater amylose content(AC)but a lower protein content(PC),peak viscosity(PKV),cool paste viscosity(CPV),and hot paste viscosity(HPV)than in CS1 and CS2.Moreover,except for CS2 and DS1 in 2018,DS1 and DS2 led to 2.15-11.19%reductions in breakdown viscosity(BDV)and 23.46-108.47%increases in setback viscosity(SBV).However,the infuence of DS on rice pasting properties varied by study site and rice variety.In 2019,DS1 and DS2 led to BDV reductions of 2.35-9.33,2.61-8.61,10.03-17.78,and 2.06-8.93%,and SBV increases of 2.32-60.93,63.74-144.24,55.46-91.63,and-8.28-65.37%at the Dayi,Anzhou,Nanbu,and Shehong(except for SBV in CS2 and DS1)sites,respectively.DS resulted in greater reductions in PKV,HPV,CPV,and BDV and greater increases in the AC and SBV for Yixiangyou 2115 than for Chuanyou 6203 and Fyou 498.The correlation analysis indicated that PKV and HPV were signifcantly and positively related to the mean,maximum,and minimum temperatures after heading.These temperatures must be greater than 25.9,31.2,and 22.3℃,respectively,to increase the relative BDV and reduce the relative SBV of rice,thereby enhancing ECQ.In conclusion,DS might contribute to a signifcant deterioration in ECQ in machine-transplanted rice in the Sichuan Basin.A mean temperature above 25.9℃ after heading is required to improve the ECQ of rice.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD1600903)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272842)。
文摘Background Oxidative stress(OS)is involved in low female fertility by altering multi-omics such as the transcriptome,miRome,and lncRNome in follicular cells and follicular fluid.However,the mechanism by which OS affects multiomics dynamics remains largely unknown.Here,we report that OS induces lncRNome dynamics in sow granulosa cells(sGCs),which is partially dependent on the transcription factor activity of its effector,FoxO1.Results A total of 2,283 putative FoxO recognition elements(FREs)were identified in the promoters of 394 lncRNAs,accounting for 91.20%(394/432)of the lncRNAs regulated by OS.ChIP and reporter assays showed that the effector FoxO1 mediated OS regulation of lncRNA transcription in a transcription factor activity-dependent manner.InsGCs,OS induces the transcription and function(e.g.,apoptosis)of NORSF(non-coding RNA involved in sow fertility),a nuclear lncRNA involved in sGC function via FoxO1.Furthermore,FoxO1 has been identified as a transcriptional activator of NORSF in sGCs that interacts with the FRE motif of its promoter.Meanwhile,OS downregulates the transcription of CYP19A1,which encodes an essential enzyme for estrogen synthesis and 17β-estradiol(E2)release by sGCs via the FoxO1 and NORSF axis.Phenotypically,dysregulation of NORSF transcription caused by 2 novel adjacent transitions in the promoter leads to decreased sow fertility.Conclusion These results suggest a model of OS-stimulated lncRNome dynamics in sGCs and a new signaling pathway of OS that influences sGC function and sow fertility.
基金supported by the National Key Re-search and Development Program of China(No.2023 YFD2401102)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42076100)the Joint Research Center for Conservation,Restoration&Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology of Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co.,Ltd.(No.H20240008).
文摘We subjected seeds and shoots of eelgrass Zostera marina to different combinations of sediment loosening(0(control),5,10 cm in depth)and sediment fertilization(0(control),40,80,120,160 g/m^(2))through a field experiment involving seed sowing and shoot transplantation from September 2020 to September 2021.Growth analysis revealed optimum ranges for sediment fertiliza-tion and sediment loosening were 88.8-93.8 g/m^(2)and 5.3-5.8 cm for Z.marina seed sowing,as well as 79.7-86.7 g/m^(2)and 5.9-6.5 cm for Z.marina shoot transplanting,respectively.The shoot densities of Z.marina exposed to these optimum range of sediment fer-tilization and sediment loosening were 1.1-1.3 times of those in the control group.Porewater nutrients are key environmental factors affecting seed germination and shoot growth of Z.marina.The results provide valuable insights for enhancing restoration effects of Z.marina.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272215)the Key R&D Program of Jiangsu Province,China(BE2021361-1)the Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production by Province and Ministry(CIC-MCP),Nanjing Agricultural University,China。
文摘Late sowing is a critical factor that hinders achieving high-yield,good-quality wheat under rice-wheat rotation.Understanding the physiological basis and regulatory pathways that lead to high yield and sound quality late-sown wheat is crucial for developing effective cultivation strategies.A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing date,nitrogen(N)application rate,and planting density on wheat yield,grain quality,population characteristics,and the underlying physiological factors.The results revealed significant interactions among the sowing date,planting density,and N application in regulating both yield and quality.Late sowing reduced grain yield primarily by reducing the number of spikes and kernels.However,the latter was improved by increasing N application and the planting density,thus mitigating the yield losses caused by late sowing.Moreover,the grain protein content(GPC)and wet gluten content(WGC)increased with delayed sowing dates and higher N rates but decreased with increased planting densities.For wheat yields over 9,000 or 7,500 kg ha^(-1),the latest sowing date should not be later than Nov.4 or 15,respectively.In addition,specific criteria should be met,including a maximum of 1.5 and 1.0 million stems and tillers ha^(-1),a maximum leaf area index of 6.7 and 5.5,and a dry matter accumulation(DMA)at anthesis of 14,000 and 12,000 kg ha^(-1),respectively.For high-yield,good-quality late-sown wheat,the optimal combination is a 25%increase in the N rate(300 kg N ha^(-1))and a planting density of 2.25 million(N300D225)or 3.75 million(N300D375)plants ha^(-1)for 10-or 20-day delays in sowing,respectively.These combinations result in a higher leaf net photosynthetic rate,higher activities of leaf nitrate reductase,glutamine synthetase,grain glutamic pyruvic transaminase,and a lower sugar-N ratio during post-anthesis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072693)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(KYLH2025010)Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(KYCX24-0994)。
文摘NORHA,a long non-coding RNA(lncRNA),serves as a key inducer of follicular atresia in sows by triggering granulosa cells(GCs)apoptosis.However,its regulation by N6-methyladenosine(m6A)-the most abundant RNA modification-remains unresolved.This study identified NORHA as a functional target of the m6A reader HNRNPA2B1 in sow GCs(sGCs).Transcriptome-wide mapping of RNA modification sites revealed extensive m6A enrichment on NORHA,with HNRNPA2B1 binding directly to the transcript and enhancing its stability via modification of multiple m6A sites,including A261,A441,and A919.HNRNPA2B1 suppressed 17β-estradiol(E2)biosynthesis and promoted sGC apoptosis by activating the NORHA-FoxO1 axis.FoxO1 subsequently repressed expression of cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1(CYP19A1),which encodes the enzyme essential for E2 biosynthesis.Additionally,HNRNPA2B1 functioned as a critical mediator of METTL3-dependent m6A modification,modulating NORHA expression and activity in sGCs.This study highlights an important m6Adependent regulatory mechanism governing NORHA expression in sGCs.
