Improving the quality of chilled semen from Thai native chicken using phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation in semen extender.

This study aimed to determine phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation effect in semen extender on the quality and fertility ability of chilled Thai native rooster semen. Eighty-four ejaculates of semen from 26 Thai native roosters (Burmese × Vietnam crossbreed) were included. Semen was collected by applying dorsal-abdominal massage once a week, pooled, diluted to 500 million sperms per dose, and divided into 6 groups. The semen samples used for control group were diluted with modified Beltsville poultry semen extender (BPSE). For the treatment groups 2 to 6: semen samples were diluted with modified BPSE and enriched with phosphorus and vitamin B12 (Octafos Octa Memorial Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand) at concentrations 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10%. Semen fertility ability was tested in 6 replications by inseminating layer hens. Thirty-six Thai native hens were randomly assigned to 3 groups (control, 0.04, and 0.08%) of 12 hens and were inseminated with a dose of 0.2 mL on collecting day. Sperm motion characteristics (i.e., sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, and sperm kinetic parameters) were measured using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system (SCA, Proiser S.L., Valencia, Spain). Sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were also evaluated. The sperm motion characteristics were the highest in the 0.04% supplementation group on all days of collection, especially the VCL and VAP (P < 0.05). The viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity of spermatozoa were greater in the 0.04% supplementation group than in the control groups (P < 0.05). The 0.04% supplementation group had the lowest MDA concentration in all days of collection. The 0.04% supplementation group were higher both fertility (66.59 vs. 48.50%: P < 0.05) and hatching rates (58.80 vs. 43.18%: P < 0.05) than in the control group. In conclusion, 0.04% phosphorus and vitamin B12 concentrations supplementation in semen extender improved rooster semen quality and fertility in chilled rooster semen.

Dynamics of fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite profiles in colostrum and milk depending on the lactation stage and parity number of sows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of lactation stage and parity number on fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite profiles in sow colostrum and milk using a metabolomics approach. A total number of 63 colostrum, transient and mature milk were collected from primiparous and multiparous Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. Macrochemical, fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite compositions of samples were analyzed using infrared spectrometry, gas chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated significant impacts of lactation stage and parity number on colostrum and milk compositions. Chemometric analysis revealed significant influences of sow parity on the distinction in fatty acid profiles of mature milk while the distinction in non-volatile polar metabolite profiles was more evident in colostrum. Alterations in the concentration of linoleic (C18:2n6), lignoceric (C24:0), behenic (C22:0), caprylic (C8:0) and myristoleic (C14:1) acid together with those of creatine, creatinine phosphate, glutamate and glycolate were statistically suggested to be mainly affected by sow parity number. Variations in the concentration of these compounds reflected the physiological function of sow mammary gland influenced. This information could be applied for feed and feeding strategies in lactating sows and improving lactating performances.

Supplementing semen extenders with a combination of phosphorus and vitamin B12 Improves post-thawed cryopreserved rooster semen quality.

Semen cryopreservation is an important technique for preserving the genetic material of numerous species. However, frozen semen is highly susceptible to sperm DNA damage and reduced motility, resulting in decreased fertility. The standard method for cryopreservation and several approaches have not been elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effects of supplementing rooster semen extender with a combination of phosphorus and vitamin B12 on cryopreserved semen quality. Semen was collected weekly via dorso-abdominal massage from 57 Burmese × Vietnam-crossbred Thai native roosters aged 1-3 years. In total, 139 semen samples were collected, pooled, and diluted to 200 million sperm per dose. The pooled sample was divided into six experimental groups: a control group (0.00%) diluted with modified Beltville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE) and five treatment groups diluted with modified BPSE supplemented with phosphorus and vitamin B12 at concentrations 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10%, respectively. The semen samples were frozen and evaluated at 0, 15, and 30 min after thawing. Sperm kinematic parameters were determined using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Sperm quality was evaluated by measuring sperm viability, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. Statistical analyses were performed using a general linear mixed model (MIXED) in SAS. Factors in the statistical model were experimental groups, time after thawing, and interaction between experimental groups and time after thawing. Total and progressive motilities were greater in semen supplemented with 0.04% phosphorus and vitamin B12 compared with those in the control (p < 0.05). At 15 min post-thawing, VCL, VAP, and HPA in the 0.04% phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation group was greater than that in the control (p < 0.05). Phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation did not affect sperm kinematics at 0 and 30 min after thawing (p > 0.05). All the sperm parameters that were tested for the 0.04% phosphorus and vitamin B12 supplementation group in modified BPSE were the highest at all the timepoints after thawing. Thus, supplementing frozen semen extender with 0.04% phosphorus and vitamin B12 increased sperm motility, sperm kinematic parameters, and sperm quality.

Impact of insulin-like growth factor 1, immunoglobulin G and vitamin A in colostrum on growth of newborn Black Bengal goats and its crossbred.

The study aims to investigate the relationships between colostral concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and vitamin A (Vit A) and growth (body weight and average daily gain) in Black Bengal (BB) and its crossbred. The colostrum from dams (n = 16) was collected at parturition to measure the concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A. The kid weight at birth (W-0), day 14 (W-14) and day 28 (W-28) were measured and the average daily gain during day 1-14 (ADG1-14) and day 14-28 (ADG14-28) were calculated. The average concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum were 504.6 ± 74.9 ng/ml, 9.7 ± 0.6 mg/ml and 549.1 ± 72.5 µg/100 g, respectively. The average body weight of kids at birth, day 14 and 28 were 1.72 ± 0.08, 2.95 ± 0.11 and 3.94 ± 0.13 kg respectively. Kid's breed, IGF-1, IgG and Vit A had significant positive effects on ADG14-28 while parity, litter size and sex had no effect. The growth factors that were classified into 2 classes based upon the mean values of colostral contents in all kids showed that the kids receiving the higher concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum had higher body weight gain than those receiving the lower concentrations (92.1 ± 7.8 vs. 59.8 ± 5.7 g/day; p = 0.002, 88.3 ± 7.8 vs. 60.3 ± 6.1 g/day; p = 0.009 and 91.1 ± 6.8 vs. 56.7 ± 5.8 g/day; p < 0.001 respectively). It is concluded that IGF-1, IgG and Vit A concentrations in colostrum of dams were associated with increased kid's body weight gain at the end of first month in BB and BB crossbred goats.

Effects of Litter Size and Parity Number on Mammary Secretions Including, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Immunoglobulin G and Vitamin A of Black Bengal, Saanen and Their Crossbred Goats in Thailand.

The present study aims to investigate the composition including concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum and their effects by litter size and goat parity in 3 groups of goats; Black Bengal (BB), Saanen (SA) and their crossbred (BBSA). Thirty-eight goats were used (23 BB, 7 BBSA and 8 SA). The composition (fat, protein, lactose and total solid; TS) in colostrum (Day 0; D0) and milk (Day 4; D4 and Day 7; D7) were measured. The IGF-1, IgG concentrations were analysed in some samples collected at D0, D4 and D7 while Vit A was analysed only in colostrum. The results showed that colostrum components were similar among experimental groups. However, the colostral IGF-1 concentration of BBSA (983.0 ± 163.6 ng/mL) was higher than that of BB (340.7 ± 85.5 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and SA (417.1 ± 93.9 ng/mL, p < 0.01). The colostral IgG concentration of BB (8.2 ± 0.9 mg/mL) was lower than that of BBSA (12.9 ± 1.7 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and SA (12.9 ± 1.0 mg/mL, p < 0.01). Colostral Vit A concentration in BBSA (787.2 ± 152.6 µg/100 gm) was higher than that in BB (388.9 ± 84.3 µg/100 gm, p < 0.05) but was not different from SA (522.8 ± 96.9 µg/100 gm). Colostrum from all groups contained higher protein and TS but was lower in lactose concentration than milk. The IGF-1 and IgG concentrations in colostrum were much higher than in milk both D4 and D7 (p < 0.001). Additionally, litter size had no effects on colostrum contents but colostrum from goats with a higher parity number had higher IgG concentration. It is concluded that colostrum from BBSA may be superior when fed to BB newborn goats in terms of higher IGF-1, IgG and Vit A contents. Moreover, colostrum from goats with a high parity number contained more IgG content.

Growth performance of Black Bengal, Saanen, and their crossbred F1 as affected by sex, litter size, and season of kidding.

The objective of the present study was to determine the factors that influenced growth performance of the goat kids of Black Bengal (BB), Saanen (SA), and their crossbred F1 (male Bengal × female Saanen [BBSA] and male Saanen × female Black Bengal [SABB]). Data for 674 kids were analyzed from 316 litters and 134 does. All kids were weekly measured on their characteristics (body weight, length, height at the withers, and chest girth) from birth to 11 weeks old. The kid's breed and sex, litter size, and season of kidding influenced birth weight and other characteristics through the experiment. The SA and BBSA kids showed similar performance, which were higher than BB and SABB kids. Male kids had higher performance than female kids, and kids from a single litter showed the highest performance. Kids born during rainy season showed lower performance than those born in hot and cool seasons. In conclusion, the crossbred BBSA is superior to SABB or BB to raise in tropical climate Moreover, sex, litter size, and kidding season also affected growth performance during the preweaning period up to 11 weeks old.

Validation of Brix refractometer to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in goat colostrum.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is high in goat colostrum, particularly in the first few hours after parturition, and this is important for the kid's immunity and growth. IgG levels vary depending on several factors, including breed, disease status, colostrum management, handling, and collection time postpartum. A handheld optical refractometer, an affordable instrument that is simple to use in the field, is used widely in dairy farms to measure total solids. However, it can also be applied to estimate colostrum IgG content on the basis of comparison with standard measurement methods, usually radial immunodiffusion. Studies comparing %Brix values in relation to IgG concentration measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in goats are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of a handheld optical Brix refractometer for the measurement of IgG concentration in goat colostrum, compare results with those using ELISA, and estimate the %Brix cutoff value equating to low-quality colostrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colostrum samples were collected on day 0 from 21 goats (nine Black Bengal, six Saanen, and six of their crossbred offspring) and were frozen. Subsequently, they were analyzed for IgG concentration using a goat-specific ELISA test and Brix percentage using a handheld refractometer. The optimum %Brix cutoff value for the evaluation of colostrum quality was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean IgG concentration and %Brix in colostrum were 10.60±0.64 mg/mL and 25.0±0.9, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.01) correlation between %Brix and IgG concentration. For an IgG concentration of 6.9 mg/dL, the cutoff value for %Brix was 18.5, equating to high specificity (100%) but low sensitivity (50%). A higher %Brix cutoff value of 21.5 showed high specificity (95%) and high sensitivity (100%). CONCLUSION: A Brix refractometer can be used to estimate goat colostrum quality with a proposed %Brix cutoff value of <18.5%-21.5% for poor-quality colostrum.

Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin Supplementation in Semen Extender on Chilled Boar Sperm Quality and Life Span.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation in semen extender on chilled boar sperm quality and life span. A total of 35 ejaculates of boar semen were included. The semen was diluted with Beltsville thawing solution extender supplemented with different concentrations of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin [0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5%] in the diluted semen. The semen samples were evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system to determine sperm motility and sperm kinetic parameters (i.e., the curvilinear velocity, VCL; straight line velocity, VSL; average path velocity, VAP; linearity, LIN; straightness, STR; amplitude of lateral head, ALH; wobble, WOB; and beat cross frequency, BCF). Additionally, sperm viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated after 4 (day 0), 72 (day 3), 120 (day 5), and 168 (day 7) h of storage using SYBR-14-ethidium homodimer-1 (EthD-1), EthD-1, JC-1, and the short hypo-osmotic swelling test, respectively. The analyses were carried out by using the general linear mixed model (MIXED) procedure of SAS. The statistical models for each data set included group, day after storage, and interaction between group and day after storage. The boar was included as a random effect. On day 0 after storage, progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, and plasma membrane integrity of boar sperm in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were greater than those in the 0.4 and 0.5% groups (P < 0.05). On day 3 after storage, total motility and progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, WOB, BCF, and plasma membrane integrity in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were significantly greater than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The total motility and progressive motility, VAP, and WOB in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were greater than those in the control group on day 5 after storage (P < 0.05). No effects of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation on acrosome integrity and mitochondria activity were found on days 3, 5, and 7 after storage. However, the motility and progressive motility and the values for all sperm kinetic parameters except ALH in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were greater than those in the control group on day 7 after storage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation in semen extender improved sperm motility, sperm activity, morphology, and life span in chilled boar sperm.

Induction of parturition by double administration of prostaglandin F2α in sows reduces the variation of gestation length without affecting the colostrum yield and piglet performance.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether double intra-vulvo submucosal administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) could improve farrowing synchronization compared to single administration, and the effects of the induction of farrowing on colostrum yield and piglet performances. In total, 91 sows were randomly assigned to one of three groups: i) treatment with a single or ii) double administration of PGF2α or iii) control group without any treatment. A synthetic analogue of PGF2α was administrated via the intra-vulvo submucosal route on day 114 of gestation, at 0800 hr (single administration) or at 0800 and 1400 hr (double administration). The animals were monitored during the farrowing process. The time interval from the first administration of PGF2α to the onset of parturition was compared between groups. The proportion of sows that farrowed within 32 hr of induced parturition was higher in the double administration group than in the single administration group (100 vs. 84.4%, P=0.046). The duration of farrowing was higher in single administration sows than in control (241.1 vs. 169.5 min, P=0.004) and tended to be higher than in double administration sows (241.1 vs. 190.3 min, P=0.088). Birth interval of piglets born after double administration of PGF2α was shorter than those born after a single administration (14.6 and 20.1 min, P=0.024). In sows, the induction of parturition using a double administration of PGF2α reduces variation in gestation length and significantly increases the proportion of sows with an early response to PGF2α.

Administration of carbetocin after the first piglet was born reduced farrowing duration but compromised colostrum intake in newborn piglets.

Carbetocin is an oxytocin-like compound with long acting properties that has recently been introduced to both human and domestic animal obstetrics. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of carbetocin administration after the first piglet was born on farrowing duration, birth interval, colostrum consumption and vitality index in newborn piglets. In total, 186 sows and their offspring (n = 2611 piglets) were distributed into three groups: 1) CONTROL: sows were allowed to farrow naturally (n = 66); 2) OXY: sows were administered oxytocin 20 IU intramuscularly after the first piglet was born (n = 62); and 3) CARBE: sows were administered carbetocin 0.6 µg/kg intramuscularly after the first piglet was born (n = 58). The reproductive data of sows including farrowing duration, total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of piglets born alive per litter (BA), proportion of stillborn piglets per litter (SB) and proportion of mummified fetuses per litter (MF) were recorded. Piglet vitality index including skin colour, integrity of the umbilical cord, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, screaming score, udder stimulation score, movement capacity and number of completed circles around enclosure were determined. Birth weights of the piglets were measured immediately at birth and again at 24 h thereafter to determine the individual colostrum intake of the piglets. On average, the farrowing duration, birth interval and BA were 188.0 ±â€¯95.7 min, 12.5 ±â€¯18.3 min, and 12.3 ±â€¯2.9 piglets per litter, respectively. The farrowing duration of the sows was reduced in CARBE group (151.2 ±â€¯11.9 min) compared to OXY (180.2 ±â€¯11.5 min, P = 0.003) and CONTROL (227.7 ±â€¯11.2 min, P < 0.001) groups. Birth interval of piglets in all categories of birth weight in the CARBE group was shorter than those in the CONTROL group (P < 0.05). However, the colostrum yield of sows in CARBE group (2398 ±â€¯133 g) was lower than CONTROL and OXY groups (3371 ±â€¯125 g and 3549 ±â€¯128 g, respectively; P < 0.001). Similarly, colostrum intake of piglets in the CONTROL and OXY groups was higher than in the CARBE group (276.4 ±â€¯11.0 g, 286.4 ±â€¯13.6 g and 225.3 ±â€¯14.0 g, respectively; P < 0.05). The percentage of stillborn piglets in CARBE was higher than OXY (8.7 ±â€¯1.1% vs 5.3 ±â€¯1.1%, P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly compared to CONTROL (7.5 ±â€¯1.1%, P > 0.05). The piglet movement capacity in CONTROL was lower than CARBE group (1.36 vs 1.48, P < 0.05) but was not different compared to OXY group (1.40, P > 0.05). In conclusion, administration of carbetocin after the birth of the first piglet reduced the farrowing duration of sows, but increased the number of stillborn piglets and reduced the colostrum yield of sows.

Mammary metabolism and colostrogenesis in sows during late gestation and the colostral period.

The aims of this study were to investigate 1) the effect of high dietary fiber (DF; 19.3% to 21.7%) supplemented to late gestating sows on mammary uptake and metabolism of energy substrates as well as colostrum production and 2) the ontogeny of colostral fat and lactose synthesis using mammary carbon balance, and colostral protein using IgG as a biomarker. Sows were fed either a control diet (CON) consisting of a standard gestation diet (14.6% DF) until day 108 of gestation and a transition diet (16.8% DF) from day 109 of gestation until farrowing or a high DF treatment where part of the daily ration was replaced with a high DF supplement (FIB). The FIB sows received 19.3% and 21.7% DF in the last 2 wk prior to farrowing. Sows were surgically implanted with permanent indwelling catheters at day 75 ± 2 of gestation and blood samples were collected at 6 different time points in late gestation and at 11 different time points within 24 h after the onset of farrowing. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 12, and 24 h after the onset of farrowing. Arterial concentration of acetate (P = 0.05) and colostral fat content (P = 0.009) were greater in FIB sows compared with CON sows. Plasma IgG dropped from day -10 relative to farrowing (P < 0.001), suggesting an uptake by the mammary glands. Mammary plasma flow (P = 0.007) and net mammary uptake of glucose (P = 0.04) increased during farrowing while dietary treatment had no effect on net mammary uptake of other energy substrates during late gestation and farrowing. The net mammary uptake of carbon from glucogenic precursors did not equate to the sum of carbons secreted in colostral lactose and released as CO2, indicating that carbons from ketogenic precursors were likely used for colostral fat and for oxidation. Mammary nonprotein carbon uptake matched the mammary output, indicating that the majority of colostral fat and lactose were produced after the onset of farrowing. In conclusion, high DF included in the diet for late gestating sows increased colostral fat content by 49% but this substantial dietary response could not be explained by the increased carbon uptake from short chain fatty acids during the colostral period. The nonprotein carbon balance of mammary glands during farrowing suggests that the majority of colostral fat and lactose were produced after the onset of farrowing, whereas the drop in plasma IgG in late gestation suggests that the mammary glands take up this colostral component prior to farrowing.

l-arginine supplementation in sow diet during late gestation decrease stillborn piglet, increase piglet birth weight and increase immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum.

The fetal growth is rapid during the last trimester of gestation in sows and hence sow nutrition during this period is important for fetal growth and development. During the last decade, studies reported that l-arginine HCl supplementation during gestation increased sow and piglet performances. However, clinical studies concerning the association between l-arginine HCL supplementation and some neonatal piglet characteristics as well as colostrum and milk yield of sow are still lacking. The present study aims to determine the effect of l-arginine HCl supplementation in sow diet during late gestation on piglet characteristics at birth, colostrum consumption (CC), concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in colostrum, milk yield, average daily gain at d 7 and 21 and piglet mortality at d 7 and 21 of life. In total, 166 sows were allocated into four groups, i.e., CON (n = 66), ARG-0.5 (n = 42), ARG-1.0 (n = 41) and ALA (n = 17). The sows in each group were fed with a conventional gestation diet (CON) or the same diet supplemented with 0.5% l-arginine HCl (ARG-0.5), 1.0% l-arginine HCl (ARG-1.0) or 1.7% l-alanine (ALA, isonitrogenous with ARG-1.0). The feeding protocol was carried out from 85 days of gestation until farrowing. The proportion of live-born piglets, piglet birth weight (BWB), within-litter variation of BWB, proportion of piglets with BWB above 1.35 kg, proportion of growth-restricted piglets (defined as BWB below 1.0 kg), blood oxygen saturation (SatO2) and heart rate were determined in 2292 newborn piglets from 166 litters. Colostrum consumption of each individual piglets and the colostral concentration of IgG was determined. The milk yield between d 0-7 and 7-21 and relative backfat loss were estimated in each individual sow. The piglet mortality and body weight was determined at d 7 and 21 of life. On average, the number of piglet born alive per litter was 12.4. The proportion of stillborn piglets, piglets with BWB above 1.35 kg and growth-restricted piglets were 6.9%, 62.7% and 14.0%, respectively. Piglet preweaning mortality at d 7 and 21 were 8.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Compared to the ALA group, ARG-0.5 increased the proportion of live-born piglets per litter (+9.8%, P < 0.001), reduced stillborn (-8.3%, P < 0.001) and tended to increase the proportion of piglets with BWB above 1.35 kg (+6.4%, P = 0.08). Compared to the CON group, ARG-0.5 increased BWB (+7.0%, P < 0.001), increased SatO2 (+3%, P < 0.001) and reduced heart rate (-20%, P < 0.001) and tended to reduce the relative backfat loss (-4.4%, P = 0.06). No difference between ARG-1.0 and ARG-0.5 was observed among these traits. Other traits including within-litter variation of BWB, growth-restricted piglets, average daily gain, piglets preweaning mortality and CC and milk yield were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). The colostral concentration of IgG at 1 h after onset of farrowing in ARG-1.0 sows (116 mg/ml) was higher than CON, ARG-0.5 and ALA sows (85, 74 and 78 mg/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusions, dietary l-arginine HCl supplementation in late gestating sows favourably increased proportion of live-born piglets, BWB, SatO2 and IgG concentration in the sow colostrum.

Effects of mono-component xylanase supplementation on nutrient digestibility and performance of lactating sows fed a coarsely ground diet.

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of supplementing a mono-component xylanase to a coarsely ground lactation diet (feed fraction particle size above 2 mm was more than 17%) based on wheat, barley, and soybean meal on nutrient digestibility and performance of lactating sows. A total of 30 cross-bred (Danish Landrace × Yorkshire) multiparous sows (parity 2 to 5) were used. Sows were fed a standard gestation diet from mating until day 108 of gestation, and then stratified for BW (295.4 ± 26.1 kg average BW) and parity to receive one of two dietary treatments (n = 15 per treatment), a lactation diet without (control diet) or with supplemented enzyme (enzyme diet). The enzyme applied was a mono-component xylanase dosed at 200 enzyme unit (FXU) per kg of feed, which corresponds to 200 g per ton of feed. The diets were fed until weaning at day 28 of lactation. On day 2 of lactation, litter size of each sow was adjusted to 14 piglets within treatment. Reproductive performance of the sows, growth of the piglets, yield and composition of sow milk, plasma metabolites and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients were measured. Supplementation of xylanase had no effect (P > 0.05) on total born and live born piglets or stillbirth rate (%) at parturition. Initial parameters on day 2 of lactation including sow BW and back fat thickness, litter size, piglet weight, and litter weight were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. Piglet weight gain, litter weight gain, litter size, and daily milk yield did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. The ADFI was increased by 4.5% (P < 0.01), and BW loss during the whole lactation was reduced from -13.6 to -5.2 kg (P = 0.04) with xylanase addition when compared to control sows. The ATTD of GE (83.9 vs. 82.9, P < 0.01), DM (84.2 vs. 83.4, P < 0.01), N (83.4 vs. 81.7, P = 0.02), OM (86.5 vs. 85.7, P < 0.01) and total nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP; 59.4 vs. 56.7, P = 0.02) were all increased by xylanase supplementation. Milk composition and plasma metabolites were not affected (P > 0.05), except that plasma triglycerides content was increased by xylanase addition (0.23 vs. 0.20 mM, P = 0.04). In conclusion, supplementing a mono-component xylanase to a coarsely ground lactating diet based on wheat, barley, and soybean meal improved sow feed intake and nutrient digestibility, thereby reducing sow BW loss throughout lactation, whereas milk yield and piglet performance were not affected.

Factors influencing piglet pre-weaning mortality in 47 commercial swine herds in Thailand.

The present study aims to determine the occurrence of piglet pre-weaning mortality in commercial swine herds in Thailand in relation to piglet, sow, and environmental factors. Data were collected from the database of the computerized recording system from 47 commercial swine herds in Thailand. The raw data were carefully scrutinized for accuracy. Litters with a lactation length < 16 days or >28 days were excluded. In total, 199,918 litters from 74,088 sows were included in the analyses. Piglet pre-weaning mortality at the individual sow level was calculated as piglet pre-weaning mortality (%) = (number of littermate pigs - number of piglets at weaning) / number of littermate pigs. Litters were classified according to sow parity numbers (1, 2-5, and 6-9), average birth weight of the piglets (0.80-1.29, 1.30-1.79, 1.80-2.50 kg), number of littermate pigs (5-7, 8-10, 11-12, and 13-15 piglets), and size of the herd (small, medium, and large). Pearson correlations were conducted to analyze the associations between piglet pre-weaning mortality and reproductive parameters. Additionally, a general linear model procedure was performed to analyze the various factors influencing piglet pre-weaning mortality. On average, piglet pre-weaning mortality was 11.2% (median = 9.1%) and varied among herds from 4.8 to 19.2%. Among all the litters, 62.1, 18.1, and 19.8% of the litters had a piglet pre-weaning mortality rate of 0-10, 11-20, and greater than 20%, respectively. As the number of littermate pigs increased, piglet pre-weaning mortality also increased (r = 0.390, P < 0.001). Litters with 13-16 littermate pigs had a higher piglet pre-weaning mortality than litters with 5-7, 8-10, and 11-12 littermate pigs (20.8, 7.8, 7.2, and 11.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Piglet pre-weaning mortality in large-sized herds was higher than that in small- and medium-sized herds (13.6, 10.6, and 11.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Interestingly, in all categories of herd size, piglet pre-weaning mortality was increased almost two times when the number of littermates increased from 11-12 to 13-16 piglets. Furthermore, piglets with birth weights of 0.80-1.29 kg in large-sized herds had a higher risk of mortality than those in small- and medium-sized herds (15.3, 10.9, and 12.2%, respectively, P < 0.001). In conclusion, in commercial swine herds in the tropics, piglet pre-weaning mortality averaged 11.2% and varied among herds from 4.8 to 19.2%. The litters with 13-16 littermate pigs had piglet pre-weaning mortality of up to 20.8%. Piglets with low birth weight (0.80-1.29 kg) had a higher risk of pre-weaning mortality. Management strategies for reducing piglet pre-weaning mortality in tropical climates should be emphasized in litters with a high number of littermate pigs, low piglet birth weights, and large herd sizes.

Influences of climatic parameters on piglet preweaning mortality in Thailand.

The objective of the present study was to determine the influences of temperature, humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on piglet preweaning mortality in a conventional open-housing system commercial swine herd in Thailand. The analyzed data included 11,157 litters from 3574 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. The daily temperature, humidity, and THI data were collected from a meteorological station near the herd. The associations between temperature, humidity, and THI for periods before and after farrowings and piglet preweaning mortality were analyzed. Piglet preweaning mortality (log transformation) and the proportion of litters with piglet preweaning mortality greater than 20% were analyzed by using general linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models (GLIMMIX), respectively. On average, the piglet preweaning mortality and the proportion of litters with piglet preweaning mortality greater than 20% were 14.5% (14.2 to 14.8% CI) and 26.4% (25.5 to 27.2% CI), respectively. Piglet preweaning mortality was positively correlated with the mean temperature (r = 0.028, P = 0.003), humidity (r = 0.038, P < 0.001), and THI (r = 0.036, P < 0.001) during 0-7 days postpartum. In primiparous sows, piglet preweaning mortality increased from 12.1 to 18.5% (+ 6.4%, P < 0.001) when the mean temperature during 0-7 days postpartum increased from < 25.0 to ≥ 29 °C. However, the influence of the temperature during 0-7 days postpartum was insignificant in multiparous sows (P = 0.569, P = 0.593, and P = 0.539 in sows parity numbers 2, 3-5, and 6-9, respectively). Likewise, piglet preweaning mortality increased from 10.7 to 16.7% (+ 6.0%, P = 0.012) when humidity during 0-7 days postpartum increased from < 60 to ≥ 80% in primiparous sows but it was insignificant in sows parity numbers 3-5 (P = 0.095) and 6-9 (P = 0.219). Moreover, the proportion of the litters with piglet preweaning mortality greater than 20% in primiparous sows increased from 18.3 to 32.4% (+ 14.1%, P = 0.017) when the THI during 0-7 days postpartum increased from < 73 to ≥ 81. In conclusion, the negative influences of temperature, humidity, and THI on piglet preweaning mortality were more evident in primiparous than multiparous sows. These findings implied that strategies to reduce temperature for postpartum sows in the open-housing system in Thailand are inadequate, and the proper management of postpartum primiparous sows should be emphasized.

Newborn traits associated with pre-weaning growth and survival in piglets.

OBJECTIVE: Piglet pre-weaning mortality is an important variable indicating the efficacy of farrowing management and animal well-being during lactation. The present study determined the association of newborn traits measured soon after birth with piglet pre-weaning mortality and growth. METHODS: In total, 805 piglets born from 57 multiparous sows were investigated. Their blood oxygen saturation, blood glucose and rectal temperature at 24 h after birth (RT24h) were monitored. Birth order, sex, skin color, integrity of the umbilical cord, attempts to stand and birth intervention were monitored. Piglets were weighed at day 0, 7, and 21 to evaluate average daily gain (ADG). RESULTS: Piglet pre-weaning mortality for lactation period was 12.6% and cumulative mortality during the first 7 days of age was 8.6%. A higher proportion of piglets with pale skin color died compared to piglets with normal skin color (26.7% vs 7.7%, p<0.001). A higher (p<0.001) proportion of piglets that attempted to stand after 5 min (38.5%) died compared to piglets that attempted to stand within 1 min (6.3%) after birth. Piglet body weight at birth (BWB), blood glucose and the number of piglets born alive (BA) were correlated with ADG (p<0.05). Piglets with BWB <1.30 kg had higher (p<0.001) mortality rate than piglets with BWB≥1.80 kg (19.0% vs 3.3%) and piglets with BWB 1.30 to 1.79 kg (4.0%). Piglet with RT24h <37.0°C had higher (p<0.001) mortality rate (86.2%) than piglets with RT24h >38.5°C (3.9%). CONCLUSION: Low BWB and low RT24h compromise piglet survival during the lactation period in the tropical conditions. Piglets in the litters with a high BA, low BWB and low blood glucose have reduced ADG.

Piglet preweaning mortality in a commercial swine herd in Thailand.

In the modern swine industry, the number of piglets born alive per litter is dramatically increasing due to genetic improvement of litter traits. However, knowledge on post-partum management is inadequate to reduce piglet preweaning mortality. The present study aimed to investigate piglet preweaning mortality in a commercial swine herd in Thailand in relation to the number of littermate pigs and piglet birth weight. Data included 11,154 litters from 3574 sows farrowed from January 2009 to December 2012. Littermate pig was defined as the number of piglets after cross-fostering. Number of littermate pigs was classified as 1-7, 8-10, 11-12, and 13-15 piglets per litter. Mean birth weight of the piglets was classified as low (<1.30 kg), medium (1.30-1.79 kg), and high (≥1.80 kg). Piglet preweaning mortality was calculated, logged transformed, and analyzed by general linear mixed models. On average, piglet preweaning mortality was 14.5 % (median = 10.0 %). Piglet preweaning mortality in the litter with 13-15 littermate pigs (24.1 %) was significantly higher than the litter with 1-7 (11.9 %, P < 0.001), 8-10 (11.8 %, P < 0.001), and 11-12 (14.6 %, P < 0.001) littermate pigs. The litters with a low piglet birth weight had a higher piglet preweaning mortality rate (18.8 %) than the litters with a medium (15.7 %, P < 0.001) and a high piglet birth weight (12.1 %, P < 0.001). In conclusion, to reduce piglet preweaning mortality in commercial swine herds, special care needs to be taken in litters with more than 13 littermate pigs and with piglets with birth weight below 1.30 kg.