The initiation of lactation in sows and the mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome

The initiation of lactation was studied in 46 sows farrowing normally in a commercial piggery practising intensive swine husbandry. Eleven of these sows showed typical clinical symptoms of mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) syndrome, 12–48 h after parturition. Mammary secretion was collected from all sows at farrowing and analysed for lactose, protein, fat, Na⁺ and K⁺. The sows which subsequently developed MMA had significantly higher concentrations of lactose and significantly lower concentrations of protein and Na⁺ in colostrum, compared to normal sows.Analysis of milk from MMA sows showed an altered composition of milk (increased Na⁺ and decreased K⁺ and lactose concentrations). Results from this study suggest that an early initation of lactation resulting in the engorgement of the mammary glands predisposes the sows to MMA. Analysis of mammary secretion may be used to identify affected glands.     

Effects of dietary energy intake during gestation and lactation on milk yield and composition of first,second and fourth parity sows

Abstract

In order to determine the effects of a varied level of dietary energy intake during pregnancy and lactation on milk yield and composition, first, second and fourth parity sows (Large White × German Landrace) were provided with energy at a level of either: (i) 100% of ME requirement (MEreq) during pregnancy and lactation, (ii) 120% MEreq during pregnancy and 80% during lactation, and (iii) 80% MEreq during pregnancy and 120% during lactation. In spite of equal target levels feed analysis revealed that gestating first parity sows with 120/80 treatment combination and lactating sows of 80/120 treatment combination received 25, and 11 – 17% more digestible N than in the respective 100/100 treatment combination. Irrespective of this 120/80 sows responded with the highest milk DM, fat, and energy contents, and the lowest lactose concentrations whereas protein levels where not affected, irrespective of parity (p < 0.05). Milk yield of sows in 1st and 4th lactation was 85 and 106% of that in 2nd lactation, respectively. Average milk composition was 18.1% DM, 4.9% protein, 6.8% fat, 5.6% lactose, and 0.8% ash. Milk composition changes ceased at day 7 of lactation with a reduction of milk GE and protein, and an increase of lactose content. Concentrations of threonine, arginine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine, and tryptophan, as well as stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid were higher in colostrum than in milk at later lactation stages. In contrast, laurine, myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic acids were lower concentrated in colostrum. In conclusion, these results illustrate the importance of body reserve mobilization for milk production in sows and indicate that low energy supply during gestation cannot be compensated by higher energy supply during lactation.     

Joint analysis of additive,dominant and first‐order epistatic effects of four genes (IGF2, MC4R,PRKAG3 and LEPR) with known effects on fat content and fat distribution in pigs

LEPR, MC4R, IGF2 and PRKAG3 are genes with known effects on fat content and distribution in pig carcass and pork. In a study performed with Duroc × Landrace/Large White pigs, we have found that IGF2 has strong additive effects on several carcass conformational traits and on fatty acid composition in several anatomical locations. MC4R shows additive effects on saturated fatty acid content in several muscles. On the other side, almost no additive effect has been found for PRKAG3 and very few for LEPR. In this work, no dominant effect has been found for any of the four genes. Using a Bayesian Lasso approach, we have been able now to find first‐order epistatic (mainly dominant–additive) effects between LEPR and PRKAG3 for intramuscular fat content and for saturated fatty acid content in L. dorsii, B. femoralis, Ps. major and whole ham. The presence of interactions between genes in the shaping of traits of such importance as intramuscular fat content and composition highlights the complexity of heritable traits and the difficulty of gene‐assisted selection for such traits.     

Changes in back fat thickness during late gestation predict colostrum yield in sows

Directing protein and energy sources towards lactation is crucial to optimise milk production in sows but how this influences colostrum yield (CY) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify associations between CY and the sow’s use of nutrient resources. We included 37 sows in the study that were all housed, fed and managed similarly. Parity, back fat change (ΔBF), CY and performance parameters were measured. We obtained sow serum samples 3 to 4 days before farrowing and at D1 of lactation following overnight fasting. These were analysed for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea, creatinine, (iso)butyrylcarnitine (C4) and immunoglobulins G (IgG) and A (IgA). The colostrum samples collected 3, 6 and 24 h after the birth of the first piglet were analysed for their nutrient and immunoglobulins content. The technical parameters associated with CY were parity group (a; parities 1 to 3=value 0 v. parities 4 to 7=value 1) and ΔBF D85-D109 of gestation (mm) (b): CY (g)=4290–842a–113b. (R²=0.41, P<0.001). The gestation length (P<0.001) and the ΔBF between D109 and D1 of lactation (P=0.050) were identified as possible underlying factors of the parity group. The metabolic parameters associated with CY were C4 at 3 to 4 days before farrowing (a), and 10logC4 (b) and 10logNEFA (c) at D1 of lactation: CY (g)=3582–1604a+1007b−922c (R²=0.39, P=0.001). The colostrum composition was independent of CY. The negative association between CY and ΔBF D85-D109 of gestation could not be further explained based on our data. Sows that were catabolic 1 week prior to farrowing seemed unable to produce colostrum to their full potential. This was especially the case for sows with parities 4 to 7, although they had a similar feed intake, litter birth weight and colostrum composition compared with parities 1 to 3 sows. In conclusion, this study showed that parity and the use of body fat and protein reserves during late gestation were associated with CY, indicating that proper management of the sow’s body condition during late gestation could optimise the intrinsic capacity of the sow’s CY.     

Novel SNPs and INDEL polymorphisms in the 3′UTR of DGAT1 gene: in silico analyses and a possible association

Diacylglycerol–O–acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene encodes the rate-limiting enzyme of triglyceride synthesis. A polymorphism in this gene, DGAT1 K232A, has been associated with milk production and composition in taurine breeds. However, this polymorphism is not a good tool for ascertaining the effects of this QTL in Bos indicus (Zebu), since the frequency of the DGAT1 232A allele is too low in these breeds. We sequenced the 3′-untranslated region of DGAT1 gene in a sample of bulls of the breeds Guzerá (Bos indicus) and Holstein (Bos taurus) and, using in silico analysis, we searched for genetic variation, evolutionary conservation, regulatory elements, and possible substitution effects. Six single nucleotide (SNPs) and one insertion-deletion (INDEL) polymorphisms were found in the Guzerá bulls. Additionally, we developed a preliminary association study, using this INDEL polymorphism as a genetic marker. A significant association was detected (P ≤ 0.05) between the INDEL (DGAT1 3′UTR INDEL) and the breeding values (BV) for protein, fat, and milk yields over a 305-day lactation period. The DGAT1 3′ UTR INDEL genotype I/I (I, for insertion) was associated with lower BVs (?38.77 kg for milk, ?1.86 kg for fat, and ?1.48 kg for protein yields), when compared to the genotype I/D (D, for deletion). I/D genotype was lower D/D genotype (?34.98 kg milk, ?1.73 kg fat, and ?1.09 kg protein yields). This study reports the first polymorphism of DGAT1 3′UTR in the Guzerá breed, as well as its association with BV for milk protein, fat, and milk yields.     

The effect of exogenous prolactin on lactation performance of first-litter sows given protein-deficient diets during the first pregnancy

Twenty-four sows were used to study the effects of dietary protein restriction during pregnancy and exogenous porcine prolactin (pPRL) during late pregnancy and throughout lactation on lactation performance. Eight sows were given a protein-adequate diet containing 179 g crude protein (CP)kg⁻¹ during their first pregnancy while the remaining 16 sows received the same amount of a diet containing 80 g CP kg⁻¹. Eight of the sows given 80 g CP kg⁻¹ during pregnancy were injected with 15 mg pPRL i.m. twice daily at 08:00 and 20:00 between day (d) 102.1 (±0.3) of pregnancy and weaning after their first lactation. Pregnant sows offered the low protein diet gained significantly less body weight during gestation and tended to eat less in the subsequent lactation than sows given the protein-adequate diet. Dietary protein had no significant effect on birth weight, milk yield, milk composition or growth rate of the litter during lactation. Neither dietary protein intake during pregnancy nor exogenous prolactin affected the concentrations of plasma glucose, serum insulin, urea or non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) during lactation. The concentration of lactose in plasma during lactation was unaffected by treatment, but at d 105 of pregnancy, plasma lactose levels were greater in sows which had received exogenous prolactin (32.4 vs. 6.2 mg l⁻¹, P < 0.05). The concentrations of RNA and DNA in mammary tissue biopsies were unaffected by either dietary protein or pPRL. The concentration of RNA and DNA increased between d 70 and 90 from 0.66 to 2.77 mg g⁻¹ and from 0.54 to 1.19 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Thereafter, RNA increased to 4.40 mg g⁻¹ at d 14 of lactation whilst DNA concentration remained at a similar level of 0.90 mg g⁻¹.Milk yield of sows between d 5 and 8 and between d 19 and 22 of lactation was reduced from 8.36 to 7.00 kg day⁻¹ and from 10.74 to 8.22 kg day⁻¹, respectively, in sows given pPRL. The protein content of colostrum from sows treated with pPRL was reduced from 164 to 104 g kg⁻¹ whereas the fat content increased from 47 to 127 g kg⁻¹. These results indicate that the administration of exogenous pPRL during late pregnancy and throughout lactation initiated lactogenesis prematurely and reduced subsequent milk yield during established lactation.     

Polymorphisms in MC4R gene and correlations with economic traits in cattle

MC4R contributes to the control of food intake and energy expenditure, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MC4R gene have clearly been associated with backfat depth, feed intake and growth rate in pig. Our objectives were to scan the complete coding region by sequencing in samples from eight cattle breeds, to estimate the frequency of the SNPs in the MC4R gene and to determine if individual genotypes were associated with several economic traits. Five polymorphisms were detected at position 19 (C/A), 20 (A/T), 83(T/C), 128 (G/A), and 1069 (G/C), and the last one was significantly associated with backfat thickness value (P < 0.01, n = 245). The linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that the SNP markers C19A, A20T, T83C and G128A were completely linked (r ² = 1).     

Effects of single and combined genotypes of MC4R and POU1F1 genes on two production traits in Langshan chicken

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of single and combined genotypes of MC4R and POU1F1 genes in Chinese well-known indigenous chicken (Langshan chicken) population. Genetic variants within MC4R gene and POU1F1 gene were screened through PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods. A C/T mutation at nt 944 in MC4R gene (NC_006089.2:g. 944C>T) and a G/A mutation at nt 3109 in POU1F1 gene (NC_006088.2:g. 3109 G>A) were identified. Associations between the mutations of the two genes with two production traits were analyzed. The results showed that, at MC4R locus, individuals with BB and AB genotypes had highly significantly higher body weight at 16 weeks (p < 0.01) than did those with the AA genotype. And, individuals within AA and AB genotypes had significantly higher egg numbers at 300 days (p < 0.05). At POU1F1 locus, individuals with CD genotype had higher body weight at 16 weeks and egg numbers at 300 days (p < 0.05). Furthermore, combined genotypes from these two loci were found to be associated with egg numbers at 300 days (p < 0.05). The individuals within combined genotype AB/CD had higher egg production. Therefore, variations identified within the MC4R and POU1F1genes are suitable for future use in identifying chickens with the genetic potential of higher body weight and reproductive traits, at least in the population of Langshan chickens.     

Effects of L-carnitine on reproductive performance,milk composition,placental development and IGF concentrations in blood plasma and placental chorions in sows

Recent studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation of sows during pregnancy and lactation enhances their reproductive performance, but the underlying mechanisms are still needed to be further confirmed. This study was conducted to investigate the function of L-carnitine on placental development, milk nutrient content and release of hormones in sows. In this experiment, 40 multiparous crossbred sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were allotted to two groups fed diets with or without a supplemental 50 mg/kg L-carnitine. The experimental diets were fed from d 1 post-coitus until d 21 post-partum. L-carnitine-treated sow had fewer weak piglets (p < 0.05) and a greater percentage of oestrus by 5 after 5-d post-partum (p < 0.05) than control sows. The percentage fat from colostrum was greater in L-carnitine-treated sow than control sows (p < 0.05). L-carnitine-treated sows had greater plasma concentrations of triglyceride and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and lesser plasma concentrations of glucose and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-3) on day 60 of pregnancy (p < 0.05). A clearer structure of chorions, better-developed capillaries and absence of necrosis were observed in L-carnitine-treated sows compared with control sows. The protein abundance of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in placental chorions was greater in L-carnitine-treated sows compared with control sows (p < 0.05). This study suggests that sows fed an L-carnitine supplemented diet during pregnancy improved reproductive performance through enhancement of placental development and by increasing IGF concentrations in blood plasma and placental chorions.     

The role of common and rare MC4R variants and FTO polymorphisms in extreme form of obesity

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is an important regulator of food intake and number of studies report genetic variations influencing the risk of obesity. Here we explored the role of common genetic variation from MC4R locus comparing with SNPs from gene FTO locus, as well as the frequency and functionality of rare MC4R mutations in cohort of 380 severely obese individuals (BMI > 39 kg/m²) and 380 lean subjects from the Genome Database of Latvian Population (LGDB). We found correlation for two SNPs—rs11642015 and rs62048402 in the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) with obesity but no association was detected for rs17782313 located in the MC4R locus in these severely obese individuals. We sequenced the whole gene MC4R coding region in all study subjects and found five previously known heterozygous non-synonymous substitutions V103I, I121T, S127L, V166I and I251L. Expression in mammalian cells showed that the S127L, V166I and double V103I/S127L mutant receptors had significantly decreased quantity at the cell surface compared to the wild type MC4R. We carried out detailed functional analysis of V166I that demonstrated that, despite low abundance in plasma membrane, the V166I variant has lower EC₅₀ value upon αMSH activation than the wild type receptor, while the level of AGRP inhibition was decreased, implying that V166I cause hyperactive satiety signalling. Overall, this study suggest that S127L may be the most frequent functional MC4R mutation leading to the severe obesity in general population and provides new insight into the functionality of population based variants of the MC4R.     

Investigation of porcine FABP3 and LEPR gene polymorphisms and mRNA expression for variation in intramuscular fat content

Porcine chromosome 6 (SSC6) has been reported to have QTL affecting intramuscular fat content (IMF) in multiple populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of FABP3 and LEPR genetic variations as well as their mRNA expression on the IMF trait in a three-generation of Korean native pig and Yorkshire crossed animals. Several polymorphisms of the FABP3 (HinfI, HaeIII and HinfI*) were significantly associated with moisture, tenderness and flavor score (P < 0.05), and were used to construct haploytpes: haplotype 1 (-TCT-) increased the marbling and intramuscular fat content, however, haplotype 2 (-CCT-) decreased tenderness. The LEPR AvaII polymorphism showed significant association with moisture, intramuscular fat, cholesterol and flavor score (P < 0.05). The linkage analyses with six microsatellites mapped FABP3 gene in the interval between the markers Sw1129 and S0228 (Sw1129—11.7 cM—FABP3—9.1 cM—S0228), and the LEPR gene between the markers S0121 and Sw322 (S0121—7.5 cM—LEPR—28.5 cM—Sw322). QTL mapping suggested a significant QTL affecting Moisture (83 cM) and IMF (84 cM) located close to marker S0228. The gene expression results showed that in the loin muscle, both of the FABP3 and LEPR genes showed significantly higher expression in pigs with higher IMF%, however, in the backfat, only FABP3 showed differential expression between these two groups of pigs (significantly higher expression in pigs with lower IMF%) (P < 0.05). In the liver, both of these two genes did not show any difference between the high and low IMF% groups.     

Candidate gene expression affects intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition in pigs

The objective of this study was to correlate the expression pattern of candidate genes with the intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle of Duroc × Shanzhu commercial crossbred pigs. Animals of both sexes were slaughtered at a body weight of about 90 kg. The IMF content and fatty acid composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were measured and correlated with candidate genes mRNA expression (AdPLA, ADRB3, LEPR, MC4R, PPARγ, PPARα, LPL, PEPCK, and SCD). Females presented higher IMF content (p < 0.05) than males. The total saturated fatty acid (SFA) in males was greater (p < 0.01), whereas the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (p < 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (p < 0.05) were lower than in females. The expressions of AdPLA, MC4R, PEPCK, and SCD correlated with the IMF content (p < 0.05). AdPLA showed a positive association with MUFA and a negative association with SFA (p < 0.05). LEPR and MC4R were both positively and significantly associated with C18:3 and C20:0 (p < 0.05). PPARα and PPARγ were negatively correlated with SFA, and PPARγ was positively associated with MUFA (p < 0.05). LPL was positively associated with MUFA and negatively associated with SFA (p < 0.05). PEPCK was negatively correlated with PUFA (p < 0.05). SCD was positively associated with MUFA (p < 0.05). The revealed correlations may confirm that these candidate genes are important for fat deposition and fatty acid composition in pigs, and the evaluation and use of these genes may be useful for improving porcine meat quality.     

Dietary supplementation with maize distillers dried grains with solubles during late gestation and lactation: Effects on sow and litter performance,and on colostrum and milk composition

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) during late gestation and lactation on sow and piglet performance, and on colostrum and milk composition. Thirty-six second- and third-parity (2.43 parity) sows (Yorkshire) were allotted to 1 of 3 groups and fed diets containing 0 (control), 200 or 400 g DDGS/kg during the last 20 d of gestation and throughout a 21 d of lactation. Experimental diets contained 12.9 MJ metabolizable energy/kg and 9.7 g lysine/kg. The colostrum and milk samples were obtained on d 0 (farrowing) and d 21 (weaning). There were no differences (P>0.05) in the sows’ average gestation lengths, weaning-to-estrus interval, average daily feed intake, and the lactation backfat and body weight change between dietary treatments. There were no dietary effects (P>0.05) of DDGS on the numbers of total, born alive piglets, average birth weights, piglets per litter at weaning or piglets average daily gain during lactation. No differences (P>0.05) were observed in total solids, protein, fat and lactose among the sows fed the DDGS diets compared with the control. The composition of total solids and protein of sows colostrum and milk were higher at farrowing (d 0) than at weaning (d 21) (P<0.001). However, the fat and lactose content of sows colostrum and milk were increased (P<0.001) from d 0 (farrowing) to d 21 (weaning). In conclusion, the results suggest that 400 g DDGS/kg (87 g lysine/kg) supplemented with 5.2 g lysine/kg included in late gestation and lactation diets is sufficient to replace all the dietary soybean meal without significantly affecting sow and litter performance or colostrum and milk composition.     

Ovine insulin induced-gene-2: molecular characterization,polymorphisms and association with milk traits

The aim was to characterize the INSIG-2 gene in Sarda sheep and to highlight associations between polymorphisms and milk traits. Two-hundred ewes, in their third or fourth lactation who lambed a single lamb between 20th and 30th of November, were chosen. Monthly individual milk yield was recorded and from each ewe a sample of milk was taken to analyze fat and protein content. PCR–RFLP and DNA sequencing were carried out to detect polymorphisms. Five exons have been characterized and five mutations have been found G88A, 436TCAGdel, A471G, C1071T and T1737G all in the intronic regions. The ovine sequence and related variations were deposited in GenBank with accession number JX843812.1. The animals carrying AA genotype at position 88 showed a lower milk fat concentration than those with the AG or GG genotype (P < 0.05). A lower milk fat concentration was registered also in the animals with the TCAG deletion in position 436 (P < 0.05) and in the animals carrying AA genotype at position 471 compared to those with the AG or GG genotype (P < 0.05). Moreover, the animals carrying CC genotype at position 1071 had a greater milk yield than those with CT or TT genotype (P < 0.05) while ewes with TT genotype showed a higher milk protein concentration compared to the others (P < 0.05). A total of 11 haplotypes were detected but no significant associations with milk traits were found. In conclusion for the first time the complete coding sequence of INSIG-2 gene and its association with milk trait has been reported in this study.     

Nutrient composition and concentrations of immunoglobulins in milk of sows supplemented with L-carnitine

Recent studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation of sows increases growth of their piglets during the suckling period. In this study, the composition of the milk of sows supplemented with L-carnitine was determined to find out whether an altered milk composition could account for the increased growth rates of the piglets. Milk of 13 control sows and 14 sows supplemented with L-carnitine (125 mg/d during pregnancy, 250 mg/d during lactation) was collected 5-8 h after birth (colostrum) and on days 10 and 20 of lactation. Concentrations of fat and lactose and the energy content in milk at day 10 and 20 did not differ between both groups of sows. Sows supplemented with L-carnitine had a higher concentration of protein in colostrum (p < 0.05) while concentrations of fat, lactose, immunoglobulins G, M and A as well as the energy content in colostrum did not differ between both groups of sows. These findings show that milk composition does not play a major role for the increased postnatal growth of piglets from sows supplemented with L-carnitine observed in recent studies.     

The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Chromium Picolinate throughout Gestation on Productive Performance, Cr Concentration, Serum Parameters, and Colostrum Composition in Sows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental chromium as chromium picolinate (CrPic) on productive performance, chromium (Cr) concentration, serum parameters, and colostrum composition in sows. Thirty Yorkshire sows were bred with semen from a pool of Landrace boars. The sows were equally grouped and treated with either a diet containing 0 (control) or 400 ppb dietary Cr supplementation throughout gestation. The sows received the same basal diet based on corn-DDGS meal. Supplemental CrPic increased (P?<?0.05) the sow body mass gain from the insemination to the day 110 of gestation in sows. No differences (P?>?0.50) were observed in the gestation interval, sow mass, and backfat at insemination, after farrowing, at weaning and lactation loss. The number of piglets born alive, piglets per litter at weaning, and litter weaned mass were increased (P?<?0.05) for those supplemented with CrPic compared with the control. However, the total number of piglets born, total born litter mass, average piglet birth body mass, born alive litter mass, and average born alive piglet mass did not differ among the treatments (P?>?0.05). The placental masses of sows were similar among treatments (P?>?0.05). Dietary supplementation with CrPic throughout gestation in sows showed increased (P?<?0.01) concentration of Cr in the colostrum or serum at days 70 and 110. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with CrPic throughout gestation in sows decreased (P?<?0.05) the serum insulin concentration, the glucose or serum urea nitrogen concentration at days 70 and 110. However, no differences (P?>?0.05) were observed in total protein concentration among treatments. No differences (P?>?0.05) were observed in total solids, protein, fat or lactose among sows fed the diets supplemented with CrPic compared with the control. This exciting finding provides evidence for an increase in mass gain and live-born piglets in sows supplemented with CrPic throughout gestation.     

Supplementing sow diets with palm oil during late gestation and lactation: effects on milk production,sow hormonal profiles and growth and development of her offspring

The supplementing of sow diets with lipids during pregnancy and lactation has been shown to reduce sow condition loss and improve piglet performance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental palm oil (PO) on sow performance, plasma metabolites and hormones, milk profiles and pre-weaning piglet development. A commercial sow ration (C) or an experimental diet supplemented with 10% extra energy in the form of PO, were provided from day 90 of gestation until weaning (24 to 28 days postpartum) in two groups of eight multiparous sows. Gestation length of PO sows increased by 1 day (P<0.05). Maternal BW changes were similar throughout the trial, but loss of backfat during lactation was reduced in PO animals (C: −3.6±0.8 mm; PO: −0.1±0.8 mm; P<0.01). Milk fat was increased by PO supplementation (C day 3: 8.0±0.3% fat; PO day 3: 9.1±0.3% fat; C day 7: 7.8±0.5% fat; PO day 7: 9.9±0.5% fat; P<0.05) and hence milk energy yield of PO sows was also elevated (P<0.05). The proportion of saturated fatty acids was greater in colostrum from PO sows (C: 29.19±0.31 g/100 g of fat; PO: 30.77±0.36 g/100 g of fat; P<0.01). Blood samples taken on 105 days of gestation, within 24 h of farrowing, day 7 of lactation and at weaning (28±3 days post-farrowing) showed there were no differences in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, non-esterified fatty acids, insulin or IGF-1 throughout the trial. However, circulating plasma concentrations of both glucose and leptin were elevated during lactation in PO sows (P<0.05 and P<0.005, respectively) and thyroxine was greater at weaning in PO sows (P<0.05). Piglet weight and body composition were similar at birth, as were piglet growth rates throughout the pre-weaning period. A period of 7 days after birth, C piglets contained more body fat, as indicated by their lower fat-free mass per kg (C: 66.4±0.8 arbitrary units/kg; PO: 69.7±0.8 arbitrary unit/kg; P<0.01), but by day 14 of life this situation was reversed (C: 65.8±0.6 arbitrary units/kg; PO: 63.6±0.6 arbitrary units/kg; P<0.05). Following weaning, PO sows exhibited an increased ratio of male to female offspring at their subsequent farrowing (C: 1.0±0.3; PO: 2.2±0.2; P<0.05). We conclude that supplementation of sow diets with PO during late gestation and lactation appears to increase sow milk fat content and hence energy supply to piglets. Furthermore, elevated glucose concentrations in the sow during lactation may be suggestive of impaired glucose homoeostasis.     

Dietary enzymatically-treated Artemisia annua L. supplementation could alleviate oxidative injury and improve reproductive performance of sows reared under high ambient temperature

The medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. is well known for its antimalarial compound artemisinin and the antioxidant capacity of its active ingredients. However, low bioavailability of Artemisia annua L. limits its therapeutic potential, fermentation of Artemisia annua L. can improve its bioavailability. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of enzymatically-treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) on reproductive performance, antioxidant status, milk composition of heat-stressed sows and intestinal barrier integrity of their preweaning offspring. 135 multiparous sows of average parity 4.65 (Landrace × large white) at day 85 of pregnancy were randomly distributed into 3 treatments. Sows in the control group were housed at control rooms (temperature: 27.12 ± 0.18 °C, temperature-humidity index (THI): 70.90 ± 0.80) and fed the basal diet. Sows in the HS, HS + EA groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 or 1.0 g/kg EA respectively, and reared at heat stress rooms (temperature: 30.11 ± 0.16 °C, THI: 72.70 ± 0.60). Heat stress increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reduced the activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) of sows and piglets, and seriously compromised the antioxidant capacity of the sows and the intestinal integrity of their offspring. However, dietary supplementation of 1.0 g/kg EA reduced the MDA content, increased the activities of T-SOD and T-AOC in serum, colostrum, and milk of heat-stressed sows, and increased colostrum yield and 14-d milk fat content. EA supplementation also increased piglet weaning weight and the activities of T-SOD and T-AOC in serum. In addition, the abundances of intestinal tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin were up-regulated in piglets in EA-supplemented group. In conclusion, dietary EA supplementation at 1.0 g/kg can alleviate the oxidative stress in heat-stressed sows, improve the antioxidant capacity in both sows and their offspring, and promote the intestinal barrier integrity in their offspring. EA may be a potent dietary supplement that ameliorates oxidative stress in livestock production by improving the antioxidant capacity.     

FABP3, FABP4 and ANXA9 SNP genotypes in relation to breeding values for milk production traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows

The aim of this study is to estimate the associations between the ANXA9, FABP3, and FABP4 genotypes and the breeding value for milk production traits (yields of milk, protein, and fat, as well as protein and fat percentage) in 975 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles were determined. Statistically significant relations between the ANXA9 SNP and the breeding value for fat content, as well as the FABP4 SNP and the breeding value for protein content were found. The results indicated that selection for the ANXA9 GG and FABP4 GG animals might contribute to an decreased fat content and increased protein content in milk, respectively, in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Although verification in the further studies is needed.