饲粮添加发酵中药渣对母猪繁殖性能与子代生长性能的影响

为了探讨中药渣在母猪饲粮中添加的可行性,试验选用2~4胎次、预产期相近的健康二元母猪60头,随机分为对照组、中药渣组和发酵中药渣组,比较研究发酵前和发酵后中药渣对母猪繁殖性能和仔猪发育的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,发酵中药渣组产仔数、产活仔数和断奶平均日增重均有所增加,断奶窝增重和哺乳仔猪腹泻率显著增加,母猪背膘损失有所降低;中药渣组木乃伊数略有增加,仔猪腹泻率明显增加。由上可见,饲粮中添加发酵中药渣制剂虽然在短期内造成仔猪一定程度的腹泻,但可提高母猪繁殖性能和仔猪生长性能。     

饲粮中添加杜仲叶对断奶仔猪生长性能、抗氧化力和免疫功能的影响

在断奶仔猪饲粮中添加不同形式的杜仲叶,研究其对仔猪生长性能、腹泻率、抗氧化力及免疫功能的影响,以评估它们在养殖初期替代抗生素的能力。将断奶仔猪(杜×长×大)随机分成对照组、抗生素组(75 mg/kg金霉素)和三个杜仲叶组(杜仲叶提取物、发酵杜仲叶、杜仲叶干粉),每组10头,进行28天养殖试验。结果表明:与对照相比,杜仲叶提取物组仔猪平均日增重(ADG)显著提高并降低料重比(F/G)(P<0.05);与抗生素组相比,杜仲叶提取物组和杜仲叶发酵组ADG和F/G均无显著差异(P>0.05);各组之间平均日采食量(ADFI)差异不显著(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,抗生素组和杜仲叶提取物组仔猪腹泻率显著降低(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,抗生素组和三种杜仲叶组均降低仔猪血液丙二醛含量和提高总抗氧化力(P<0.01),而抗生素组、杜仲叶提取物组和杜仲叶发酵组还显著提高血液免疫球蛋白IgM含量(P<0.01),且表现出提高血液IgG含量的趋势(P=0.06)。与其他各组相比,杜仲叶提取物组可显著提高肝脏指数(P<0.05);肝脏重量、脾脏重量和脾脏指数在各组之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。饲粮中添加杜仲叶提取物可改善断奶仔猪的生长性能,降低腹泻率,提高仔猪抗氧化力和免疫功能,其效果优于发酵杜仲叶和杜仲叶干粉,并具备一定的抗生素替代潜力。     

不同精氨酸添加水平对哺乳仔猪生长性能的影响

为了研究日粮中不同精氨酸(Arg)水平对哺乳仔猪生长性能的影响,试验选用70头7日龄健康哺乳仔猪(长×大),按照所饲日粮精氨酸添加水平的不同(分别为0、0.2%、0.4%、0.6%和0.8%),随机分为5组,每组14头,单栏饲养,试验期为14 天,并分别于7、14和21日龄空腹称重,记录每周采食量;并在采食后1 h颈静脉采血,检测血浆中氨基酸、血浆尿素氮、胰岛素和生长激素浓度.结果表明:7～21日龄段,试验组血浆精氨酸浓度随日粮精氨酸添加水平增大而升高,与对照组相比,0.6%和0.8%精氨酸添加组血浆尿素氮水平分别降低(P<0.05)30%～40%,生长激素和胰岛素的浓度提高(P<0.05)24%～27%,平均日增重分别提高了(P<0.05)42.2%和41.4%;各组采食量在整个试验期内无显著差异.本试验结果表明7～21日龄,仔猪日粮中精氨酸适宜添加水平为0.6%.     

日粮添加褐藻糖胶对断奶仔猪抗炎能力和肠道微生物多样性的影响

【目的】本试验旨在研究日粮添加海带提取物褐藻糖胶对断奶仔猪生长性能、营养物质消化率、机体免疫力和肠道微生物多样性的影响。【方法】试验选用36头初始体重为(7.43±0.12) kg的健康仔猪,按照随机区组设计分为3组,每组12头。日粮处理组分别为不含抗生素的基础日粮组、抗生素组和褐藻糖胶组;试验期为28d。评价褐藻糖胶对仔猪生长性能和营养物质消化率的影响;通过比色法和酶联免疫吸附法检测血清中与免疫相关的指标;通过16S rRNA扩增子高通量测序检测试验第0、14和28天肠道微生物多样性。【结果】日粮添加褐藻糖胶可降低试验0–14 d仔猪耗料增重比(P0.05),但对试验全期仔猪平均日增重和平均日采量无显著影响(P0.05)。与对照组相比,饲喂褐藻糖胶日粮后,仔猪的中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维表观消化率显著提高(P0.05);仔猪饲喂抗生素和褐藻糖胶日粮后,血清IL-22含量显著降低。试验第14天,抗生素组和褐藻糖胶处理组中Bacteroidetes数量呈上升趋势(P=0.07);试验第28天,抗生素组和褐藻糖胶处理组Actinobacteria丰度显著高于对照组(P0.05),且褐藻糖胶处理组Bacteroides属的菌群丰度显著高于对照组和抗生素组。【结论】日粮添加褐藻糖胶提高了断奶仔猪纤维养分消化率和拟杆菌属的丰富度和多样性,并且降低了促炎性细胞因子IL-22含量,这有助于缓解仔猪的断奶应激反应,建立稳定健康肠道菌群。     

小肽营养素对断奶仔猪生产性能及血液生化指标的影响

本试验将40头21 d断奶的三元杂交猪随机分为4组,用4组不同日粮组成及营养水平的饲料(I:基础日粮+2%喷雾干燥血浆蛋白粉(SDPP);Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组分别在基础日粮中添加1%,2%和3%小肽营养素)饲养21 d后称重、测定血液生化指标并进行统计分析.结果表明:添加小肽营养素对断奶仔猪的生产性能无显著影响;各处理组的血清总蛋白、血糖和血清尿素差异不显著,2%小肽组的球蛋白、免疫球蛋白含量显著高于其它组;小肽产品可以部分等蛋白取代断奶仔猪日粮中的血浆蛋白粉.通过了解小肽营养素替代喷雾干燥血浆蛋白粉对21 d断奶仔猪的生产性能和血液生化指标的影响,为肽类产品在断奶仔猪日粮中的应用提供了依据.     

益气健脾中药颗粒剂对早期断奶仔猪肠道菌群的影响

目的研究中药复方颗粒剂对断奶仔猪肠道微生态的影响。方法实验选用人工感染大肠埃希菌引起腹泻的28日龄断奶仔猪54头,随机平均分为3组,每组3个重复,Ⅰ组抗生素治疗组、Ⅱ组中药复方颗粒剂治疗组、Ⅲ组不用任何药物治疗的空白对照组。分别于用药后第14天时,每组随机抽取1头屠宰,无菌采集空肠,回肠和盲肠内容物,利用平板计数法测定各肠段大肠埃希菌、双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌数量。结果 Ⅰ组双歧杆菌、乳酸杆菌及大肠埃希菌的数量均显著小于Ⅲ组（P〈0.05）;Ⅱ组双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌的数量显著大于Ⅲ组（P〈0.05）,大肠埃希菌数量显著小于Ⅲ组（P〈0.05）; n组双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌的数量极显著大于Ⅰ组（P〈0.01）,Ⅱ组与Ⅰ组大肠埃希菌数量差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论该中药复方颗粒剂具有显著增加断奶仔猪肠道中双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌的数量,降低大肠埃希菌数量,减少腹泻频率的作用。     

发酵中药渣对围产期母猪和哺乳仔猪血浆生化参数和抗氧化指标的影响

为了探讨发酵中药渣在妊娠母猪饲粮中添加的可行性,试验选用2~4胎次、预产期相近的二元妊娠母猪60头,随机分为对照组、中药渣组和发酵中药渣组,比较研究饲粮添加黄芪、当归、益母草和金银花等中药渣发酵前后对围产期母猪和哺乳仔猪血浆生化参数和抗氧化指标的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,中药渣组母猪产后14和21 d血浆ALT活性显著升高(P0.05),7日龄仔猪血浆ALP活性显著降低(P0.05);发酵中药渣组母猪产后7 d血浆ALT和CAT活性、产后14 d血浆ALP和GSH-Px活性以及产后21 d血浆ALT和CAT活性均显著升高(P0.05),产后14和21 d血浆MDA含量显著降低(P0.05),14日龄仔猪血浆MDA含量显著降低(P0.05)、T-AOC活性显著升高(P0.05),21日龄仔猪血浆CAT活性显著升高(P0.05)。证实了饲粮添加发酵中药渣可改变围产期母猪及哺乳仔猪的机体代谢、增强机体抗氧化能力。     

叶酸对哺乳仔猪生长性能及母猪血清生化指标的影响

选用带仔数至少为10头的健康长大二元母猪30头,随机分为5个处理,整个泌乳期(21 d)分别饲喂叶酸添加量为0、12.5、25、50和100 mg/kg的日粮,观察其对哺乳仔猪生长性能和泌乳母猪血清生化指标的影响.结果表明,叶酸可提高哺乳仔猪的平均个体日增重,并存在一定的量效关系;当叶酸添加量为125和25 mg/kg时可显著降低母猪血清尿素氮含量(P<0.05);叶酸可提高血清总蛋白含量;不同水平叶酸对泌乳母猪的糖代谢无影响;当叶酸添加量为12.5 mg/kg时可抑制胆固醇的吸收,当添加量为50和100 mg/kg时,则对胆固醇的吸收无影响.     

不同蛋白质水平日粮对梅花鹿IGF-1和GH基因表达的影响

本试验旨在探讨不同蛋白质水平日粮对梅花鹿胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)基因和生长激素GH基因m RNA表达量的影响,为科学配置梅花鹿饲料及鹿茸生长提供理论基础。选取27头4岁梅花鹿公鹿为试验对象,随机分成3组,分别饲喂不同蛋白质水平的日粮(Ⅰ:20%,Ⅱ:24%,Ⅲ:28%)。采用SYBR Green Real-time PCR方法检测不同蛋白质水平日粮对梅花鹿鹿茸组织IGF-1基因和GH基因的表达情况。结果表明:不同蛋白质水平日粮显著影响鹿茸组织IGF-1和GH基因的表达风度,随着蛋白质水平的增加,IGF-1基因在鹿茸组织上的表达量降低,Ⅰ组鹿茸表达量最高,显著高于Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组(p0.05),GH基因在Ⅲ组鹿茸表达量最高,显著高于Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组(p0.05)。     

蛋氨酸羟基类似物对肉鸡骨骼性能和基因表达的影响

本文以雄性罗斯肉鸡为材料,探讨饲粮添加不同蛋氨酸源:蛋氨酸(DLM)、蛋氨酸羟基类似物(HMTBA)和蛋氨酸羟基类似物钙盐(HMTB-Ca)对肉鸡骨骼性能和基因表达的影响。结果表明,HMTBA和HMTB-Ca能提高肉鸡终体重、日增重、血液GSH/GSSG比值、抗氧化酶(CAT)水平、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、骨骼长度、重量、骨骼指数(p<0.05)。不同蛋氨酸源对肉仔鸡采食量、料重比和灰分含量影响不显著(p>0.05),HMTBA组骨生长分化因子-5(GDF-5)表达量显著上升(p<0.05)。HMTB-Ca显著提高骨骼强度、钙磷含量,下调金属基质蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、金属基质蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)的表达水平(p<0.05)。由此可知,采食蛋氨酸羟基类似物及其钙盐饲粮,可提高肉鸡体增重,改善血液氧化还原状态,改善骨骼生长发育,其中HMTB-Ca对骨骼作用更显著。     

Effect of Dietary Supplementation With α-Galactosidase Preparation and Stachyose on Growth Performance,Nutrient Digestibility and Intestinal Bacterial Populations of Piglets

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with f -galactosidase preparation and stachyose on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal bacterial populations of piglets. In Experiment I 72 crossbred piglets were allotted to three treatments, i.e. 1) control (basal) diet, 2) f -Gal1 and 3) f -Gal5, the basal diet supplemented with 0.01% and 0.05% f -galactosidase preparation ( f -Gal), respectively. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not influenced by f -Gal supplementation. In Experiment II 72 crossbred weanling piglets were randomly assigned to four treatments with a complete factorial design, i.e. 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet with 0.01% f -Gal supplementation, 3) basal diet with 1% stachyose supplementation and 4) basal diet with 1% stachyose and 0.01% f -Gal supplementation. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were influenced by f -Gal and stachyose supplementation. The ileal digestibility of stachyose, raffinose, gross energy and crude protein was improved significantly by f -Gal supplementation. The microbial populations in the intestine were modified by both f -Gal and stachyose supplementation. The data suggested that stachyose supplementation had an adverse effect on the growth performance of piglets and f -Gal supplementation could ameliorate it, especially in younger pigs.     

Dietary N-Carbamylglutamate Supplementation Boosts Intestinal Mucosal Immunity in Escherichia coli Challenged Piglets

N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) has been shown to enhance performance in neonatal piglets. However, few studies have demonstrated the effect of NCG on the intestinal mucosal barrier. This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary NCG supplementation on intestinal mucosal immunity in neonatal piglets after an Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge. New-born piglets (4 d old) were assigned randomly to one of four treatments (n = 7), including (I) sham challenge, (II) sham challenge +50 mg/kg NCG, (III) E. coli challenge, and (IV) E. coli challenge +50 mg/kg NCG. On d 8, pigs in the E. coli challenge groups (III and IV) were orally challenged with 5 mL of E. coli K88 (10⁸ CFU/mL), whereas pigs in the sham challenge groups (I and II) were orally dosed with an equal volume of water. On d 13, all piglets were sacrificed, and samples were collected and examined. The results show that average daily gain in the E. coli challenged piglets (III and IV) was decreased (P_E.coli<0.05). However, it tended to be higher in the NCG treated piglets (II and IV). Ileum secretory IgA, as well as IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in ileal homogenates, were increased in E. coli challenged piglets (III and IV). Similarly, ileum SIgA and IL-10 levels, and CD4⁺ percentage in NCG treated piglets (II and IV) were higher than no-NCG treated piglets (P_NCG<0.05). However, the IL-2 level was only decreased in the piglets of E. coli challenge + NCG group (IV) compared with E. coli challenge group (III) (P<0.05). No change in the IL-2 level of the sham challenged piglets (III) was observed. In conclusion, dietary NCG supplementation has some beneficial effects on intestinal mucosal immunity in E. coli challenged piglets, which might be associated with stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine synthesis. Our findings have an important implication that NCG may be used to reduce diarrhea in neonatal piglets.     

Evaluation of microbially enhanced soybean meal as an alternative to fishmeal in weaned pig diets

An experimental, microbially enhanced soybean product (MEPRO) was evaluated as a replacement for fishmeal (FM). Assessment of feedstuffs should include estimation of digestibility as well as pig performance and in combination with dietary additives. Digestibility values determined in growing pigs may not apply to nursery pigs; thus, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in MEPRO and FM were determined using 30±1.6 kg BW ileal-cannulated barrows (n=6) and 9.8±1.2 kg BW barrows (n=37; serial slaughter). Experimental diets included MEPRO, FM and nitrogen free where FM and MEPRO were included as the sole protein source. The SID of AAs was 3% to 5% lower in MEPRO than FM when fed to 30 kg pigs. The SID of arginine and methionine was greater (P<0.05) in MEPRO than FM when fed to 10 kg pigs. The SID of AAs was 12% to 20% lower in FM when fed to 10 v. 30 kg pigs but only 3% to 9% lower in MEPRO. A total of 336 barrows and gilts were weaned at 21 days of age (initial BW=6.1±0.8 kg) and used in a performance trial. Pens of pigs were assigned to one of the six experimental diets (8 pens/diet in two blocks). Treatment diets were fed in Phase I (7 days) and Phase II (14 days) with all pigs fed a common Phase III diet (14 days). Experimental diets included (1) negative control (NEG) containing corn, soybean meal and whey, (2) NEG+acidifier, (3) NEG+FM (POS), (4) POS+acidifier (POS A+), (5) NEG+MEPRO (MEPRO) and (6) MEPRO+acidifier. The FM and MEPRO were included at 7.5% and 5.0% in Phase I and II diets, respectively. Diets were formulated to meet the standard nutrient requirements for weaned pigs. Pig BW and feed disappearance was measured weekly and fecal scores were measured daily for the first 14 days post-weaning as an indicator of post-weaning diarrhea syndrome (PWDS). Performance (BW, daily gain, feed intake and gain : feed) was not significantly different among treatments. Treatment for PWDS occurred on different days in each block. Analysis of fecal score was completed separately by block. Pigs fed the NEG diets had higher (P=0.02) fecal scores than pigs fed the POS diets on days 2 and 3 (block 1) and higher (P<0.05) than pigs fed MEPRO or POS diets and diets with dietary acidifier on days 6 and 3 (block 2). The MEPRO holds promise as an alternative to FM in nursery pig diets.     

Bacteriophage cocktail and multi-strain probiotics in the feed for weanling pigs: effects on intestine morphology and targeted intestinal coliforms and Clostridium

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of bacteriophage cocktail, probiotics and a combination of these two supplements on performance and gut health of weanling pigs. In Experiment 1, 150 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to three treatments on the basis of BW. The dietary treatments included a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail. Pigs fed 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg bacteriophage product had greater (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG), apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter from day 22 to 35, ileal Lactobacillus spp., villus height (duodenum and jejunum), and fewer coliforms (ileum) and Clostridium spp. (ileum). In Experiment 2, 200 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to four treatments. Dietary treatments included basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 3.0 g/kg fermented probiotic product (P), 1.0 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail (B) and combination of 1.0 g/kg bacteriophage cocktail and 3.0 g/kg fermented probiotic product. Pigs fed bacteriophage cocktail diets had greater (P<0.05) overall ADG, gain to feed ratio (G:F), fecal score from day 8 to day 21, and pigs fed bacteriophage cocktail diets had fewer coliforms (ileum) Clostridium spp. (ileum and cecum). Probiotics significantly increased G:F, colonization of Lactobacillus spp. in ileum. At day 35, bacteriophage treatment group showed greater (P<0.05) villus height of the duodenum, but a deeper crypt in duodenum. The present results indicate that the bacteriophage cocktail had a potential to enhance the performance and gut health of weanling pigs, however their combination with probiotics did not show an interaction.     

Effect of boron as an antidote on dry matter intake, nutrient utilization and fluorine balance in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) exposed to high fluoride ration

It is well known that excessive accumulation of fluorides can exert toxic effects on various tissues and organs so as to severely damage the health and production of animals. The aim of this study was to determine beneficial effect of boron on nutrient utilization in buffalo calves exposed to high fluoride (F) ration. For this purpose, we used three groups of four male Murrah buffalo calves (body weight 98-100 kg, aged 6-8 month) each. Control animal was given only basal diet and concentrate mixture. However, treatment I animals were fed basal diet, concentrate mixture, and F [as NaF, 60 ppm of dry matter (DM)]. The treatment II animals were fed basal diet, concentrate mixture, F (as NaF, 60 ppm of DM), and B (as sodium tetraborate, 140 ppm of DM). After 90 days of experimental feeding, a metabolism trial of 7 days duration was conducted to study the treatment effect on nutrient utilization of proximate nutrients, absorption, excretion, and retention of N, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Cu, and F. Dietary F significantly (p < 0.05) depressed the dry matter intake and increased the apparent digestibility, absorption, and retention of F. However, boron supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the apparent digestibility, absorption, and retention of F and improved the dry matter intake, fecal excretion, and percent of absorbed F excreted via urine. Apparent digestibility of proximate nutrients (viz. DM, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract) was unaffected on either F or F+B treatment. However, absorption and excretion of N, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu were affected significantly (p < 0.05) on F or F+B treatment. These findings suggest that fluoride-containing diet for short duration has effect on nutrient utilization, and boron at 140-ppm dose level, in general, antagonized the absorption and retention of F and also improved the feed intake in buffalo calves.     

山药对环江香猪营养物质消化代谢的影响

为了探讨山药对环江香猪营养物质消化代谢的影响,本研究选用体重为4.55±0.63 kg的环江香猪10头,随机分为2组,每组5头,单笼饲养,分别饲喂山药日粮和基础日粮,试验期为7 d。试验开始和结束时分别称取试验猪体重,记录日采食量;试验第5～7 d收集粪样,用TiO2指示剂法测定常规营养成分的消化率;试验第7 d采血分离血浆,分别用全自动生化分析仪和氨基酸分析仪测定生化指标和氨基酸浓度。结果表明,与对照组相比,试验组平均日增重、粗蛋白、粗脂肪和干物质消化率均有所提高(P>0.05);血浆尿素氮和血氨浓度均显著降低、总蛋白浓度显著升高(P<0.05),白蛋白和葡萄糖浓度及碱性磷酸酶活性均有所升高(P>0.05);血浆丙氨酸、甘氨酸、天冬氨酸、谷氨酸、苏氨酸和总氨基酸浓度均显著升高(P<0.05)。上述结果提示,山药可改善环江香猪的消化代谢功能,这为开发环江香猪的绿色环保饲料提供了一定的科学依据。     

Effect of fermented liquid diet prepared with Lactobacillus plantarum LQ80 on the immune response in weaning pigs

Probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria directly influence the host's health and have beneficial effects such as decreasing the number of enteric pathogens, regulating intestinal immune responses and preventing diseases. Among domestic animals, probiotics have been expected to be an alternative to antibiotics added in the diet; and fermented liquid diet (FLD) containing probiotics has great potential as a diet for reducing the use of antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of FLD, prepared using Lactobacillus plantarum LQ80 (LQ80), on the immune response of weaning pigs. Ten weaning piglets were divided into two groups and were fed the FLD (n = 5) or a non-fermented liquid diet (NFLD) (n = 5) for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the total immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in the sera of the FLD-fed piglets were significantly higher than those of the NFLD-fed piglets (P < 0.05). In contrast, the total immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the feces and saliva were not significantly affected by FLD feeding. However, the mean fecal IgA levels of FLD-fed piglets at day 28 were higher than those at 14 and 21 days (P < 0.05). Blood cells from the FLD-fed piglets showed a low level of interferon-γ secretion and mitogen-induced proliferation compared to that of the NFLD-fed piglets. Furthermore, the levels of interluekin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α, which are proinflammatory cytokines, in the blood cells of the FLD-fed piglets were lower than those of the NFLD-fed piglets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the FLD used in this study could alter the immune responses of weaning piglets by stimulation of the systemic or mucosal antibody response, without unnecessary inflammatory reactions. This indicates, that the FLD feed prepared with the use of LQ80 may be a candidate feed, with regard to enhancing immune responses and preventing diseases in weaning piglets.     

The epidemiology of clostridium perfringens type a on Ontario swine farms, with special reference to cpb2-positive isolates

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: There is poor understanding of most aspects of Clostridium perfringens type A as a possible cause of neonatal diarrhea in piglets, and the prevalence and types of C. perfringens present on Ontario swine farms is unknown. To study the prevalence of fecal C. perfringens and selected toxin genes, 48 Ontario swine farms were visited between August 2010 and May 2011, and 354 fecal samples were collected from suckling pigs, lactating sows, weanling pigs, grower-finisher pigs, and gestating sows, as well as from manure pits. The fecal samples were cultured quantitatively, and toxin genes were detected by real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In mixed multivariable linear analysis, log10 C. perfringens in fecal samples from suckling pigs were higher than that of weanling pigs, grower-finisher pigs, and manure pit samples (P <0.05). In mixed multivariable logistic analysis, the C. perfringens isolates recovered from lactating sows (OR = 0.069, P <0.001), gestating sows (OR = 0.020, P <0.001), grower-finishers (OR = 0.017, P <0.001), and manure pits (OR = 0.11, P <0.001) were less likely to be positive for the consensus beta2 toxin gene cpb2 compared to the isolates from suckling pigs. The prevalence of cpb2 in the isolates recovered from weanlings did not differ significantly from suckling pigs. C. perfringens isolates that were positive for cpb2 were more likely to carry the atypical cpb2 gene (atyp-cpb2) (OR = 19, P <0.001) compared to isolates that were negative for cpb2. Multivariable analysis did not identify farm factors affecting the presence of consensus cpb2 and atyp-cpb2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides baseline data on the prevalence of C. perfringens and associated toxin genes in healthy pigs at different stages of production on Ontario swine farms. The study suggests that if C. perfringens type A are involved in neonatal enteritis, there may be strains with specific characteristics that cannot be identified by the existing genotyping system.     

A high-protein neonatal formula induces a temporary reduction of adiposity and changes later adipocyte physiology

The high-protein content of formula offered to low-birth weight babies is suspected to increase the risk of obesity later in life. This study assesses the immediate and subsequent effects of a protein intake in excess during suckling on hormonal and metabolic status and adipose tissue features in a porcine model of intrauterine growth restriction. Piglets were fed milk replacers formulated to provide an adequate (AP) or a high (HP) protein supply from day 2 to day 28. A subset of piglets was killed at day 28. After weaning, the remaining piglets had free access to the same solid high-fat diet until day 160. From day 2 to day 28, HP piglets had a greater daily weight gain (P < 0.05). Relative weight of perirenal adipose tissue (PAT), adipocyte mean diameters, activities of lipogenic enzymes in PAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), and leptinemia were lower (P < 0.05) in HP piglets than in AP piglets. Genes related to glucose utilization and lipid anabolism in PAT and SCAT were (P < 0.05) or tended (P < 0.1) to be downregulated in HP piglets. At day 160, adipocytes were enlarged, whereas lipogenic rates in adipocytes were reduced (P < 0.05) in SCAT of HP compared with AP pigs. Percent body fat, mRNA levels of genes controlling lipid metabolism, and plasma concentrations of hormones and metabolites were similar in HP and AP pigs. In conclusion, a HP neonatal formula induced a temporary reduction of adiposity and changed adipocyte physiology at peripubertal age.     

Effects of dietary iron levels on growth performance, hematological status, liver mineral concentration, fecal microflora, and diarrhea incidence in weanling pigs

An experiment was conducted in weanling pigs (Landrace x Yorkshire x Duroc) to evaluate the effects of dietary iron levels on growth performance, hematological status, liver mineral concentration, fecal microflora, and diarrhea incidence. One hundred and forty-four piglets (initial BW 5.96 +/- 0.93 kg) were randomly allotted to one of the four dietary treatments on the basis of their body weights. The basal diets for each phase (phase 1: days 0 to 14; phase 2: days 15 to 28) were formulated to contain minimal Fe and then supplemented with gradient levels of Fe (0, 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg) from ferrous sulfate. Feces were collected on days 14 and 28 and used for the analysis of microbial count and trace minerals. Eight piglets from each treatment (two piglets per pen) were bled at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days to determine their hematological and plasma Fe status. In addition, two piglets from each pen (eight piglets per treatment) were killed at days 14 and 28 to determine liver mineral concentrations. Pigs fed supplemental 250 ppm Fe showed lowest overall average daily gain (linear, p = 0.036). Diarrhea incidence was linearly increased (p < 0.001) with supplemental Fe level. On days 14, coliform population in normal feces was increased (p = 0.036) linearly with supplemental Fe level, and there were higher (p = 0.043) coliform population and lower (p < 0.001) Bifidobacterium spp. in the diarrhea feces. Supplemental Fe linearly (p < 0.05) improved the total red blood cells, hemoglobin, plasma, and liver (p = 0.109) Fe status of pigs and also increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.001) the fecal excretion of Fe on days 14 and 28. It is concluded that increasing the dietary iron levels in piglets improved their hematological status and liver Fe content; however, higher dietary Fe levels might also be associated with the increased diarrhea incidence.