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Maternal dietary supplementation with chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has been considered as a potential intervention to mitigate the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and improve postnatal growth. The present study investigated the effect of COS as a dietary supplement for sows during late gestation and lactation on their productivity, placental function, and the intestinal health of IUGR piglets. From day (d) 85 of late gestation to d 21 of lactation, 30 sows were randomly divided into either a control group (basal diet) or a COS group (basal diet + 100 mg kg−1 COS). At d 21 of lactation, eight normal and eight IUGR littermates from eight litters belong to control sows, as well as eight IUGR littermates from COS sows, were selected for further analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of stillbirths and mummies in COS groups (p < 0.05). Maternal dietary supplementation with COS also significantly up-regulated the expression levels of GLUT1 , GLUT3 , and VEGFA mRNA in the placenta of IUGR piglets compared to those in control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in MDA content and a significant increase in GSH content in the placenta of IUGR piglets from COS sows compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression levels of MUC2 and occludin mRNA as well as claudin1 protein significantly up-regulated in the jejunum of 21-day-old IUGR piglets from COS sows group compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, IL-10 mRNA expression level was significantly increased while MDA content was significantly reduced in the jejunum of 21-day-old IUGR piglets from COS sows group compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). The results indicated that maternal dietary COS supplementation during late gestation effectively reduced the incidence of stillbirths and mummies, potentially linked to enhanced placental function, reduced oxidative stress, and improved immune status. Furthermore, maternal dietary COS supplementation exhibited positive impact on intestinal digestive and absorptive function, intestinal barrier integrity, intestinal antioxidant capacity and immune status in 21-day-old suckling IUGR piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Progressive oxidative stress easily occurs as a result of a gradual increase in the intensity of maternal metabolism due to rapid foetal development and increased intensity of lactation. However, studies on the effects of processive oxidative stress on nutrient transport in the placenta have received little attention. The present study was conducted on sows at 85 days of gestation to study the effects of pterostilbene (PTE) on maternal oxidative stress status and placental nutrient transport. Results: PTE increased the antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin content in mothers' blood and milk, reduced the level of inflammatory factors, and improved the nutrient content of milk. PTE also reduced sow backfat loss and the number of weak sons, and increased piglet weaning weight and total weaning litter weight. We subsequently found that PTE enhanced placental glucose and fatty acid transport and further affected glycolipid metabolism by increasing the expression of LAL, PYGM, and Gbe-1, which activated the PI3K phosphorylation pathway. Moreover, PTE addition altered the relative abundance of the Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Parabacillus, and Bacteroidetes-like RF16 groups in sow faeces. PTE increased the levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate and isovalerate in the faeces. Conclusions: These findings reveal that the addition of PTE during pregnancy and lactation mitigates the effects of processive oxidative stress on offspring development by altering maternal microbial and placental nutrient transport capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The herd age structure, i.e., distribution of sows within a farm based on their parity number, and its management are essential to optimizing farm reproductive efficiency. The objective of this study is to define different types of herd age structure using data from 623 Spanish commercial sow farms. Additionally, this study aims to determine which type of herd age structure can enhance reproductive efficiency at the farm level. Results: Farms are classified into three groups according to the quadratic function fitted to the percentage of sows by parities. This classification unveils three types of herd structures: type 1 (HS1) exhibits a concave-downward trend, with a higher percentage of sows in intermediate parities (mean of 45.5% sows between the 3rd to 5th parity); type 2 (HS2) presents a trend curve that is close to a straight line, with a gradual decrease in the percentage of sows per parity (approximately 2% loss of sows census per parity); and type 3 (HS3) shows an upward concave trend curve, with an increase in the percentage of sows in later parities (19.0% of sows between 7th and ≥ 8th parity). Parametric tests assess productivity differences between the three types of herd structures (p < 0.01). HS1 farms have the best productive outcomes over a year, with 31.2 piglets weaned per sow and year (PWSY) and a farrowing rate of 87%, surpassing HS2 and HS3 farms (30.1 and 28.7 PWSY; 85.3% and 83.4% farrowing rates, respectively). HS1 also have the lowest percentage of sows returning to oestrus (11.8%) and the highest number of weaned piglets per litter (12.8), compared to HS2 (13.2% and 12.4 piglets weaned) and HS3 (15.1%, 11.9 piglets weaned). These differences show a medium effect size (η2 between 0.06 to < 0.14). Conclusions: This study shows the importance of herd age structure on sow-breeding farms as a factor of reproductive efficiency. The results endorse the proposed classification based on the curvature of the trend parabola obtained with the quadratic function to categorize herd structures into three groups. Additionally, these findings highlight the importance of considering the herd age structure in farm decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a recently discovered swine pathogen associated with reproductive disease. To date, clinical problems linked to PCV3 have been described in intensive rearing pig farms. The present case describes an Iberian semi-outdoors sow farm affected by PCV3 reproductive disease. Case presentation: The affected farm was composed of 420 self-replaced Iberian sows, working in 3-week batches (60 sows per batch). The farm was free from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and had been previously affected by porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) reproductive disease, which was successfully managed through sow vaccination. In spring 2022, reproductive disease was noticed with a high increase in the number of mummified foetuses and stillborn piglets from gilts as the most remarkable finding; multiparous sows were not affected. A first analysis with pooled stillborn tissues ruled out most swine reproductive pathogens and revealed detection of PCV3. To further elucidate PCV3 implication in the reproductive disease, a complete post-mortem examination of stillborn and mummified foetuses from two affected litters was conducted. Pooled tissue samples yielded high PCV3 loads by quantitative PCR. Grossly, one (out of 5) stillborn had an enlarged, flaccid heart. Histopathological evaluation revealed PCV3 lesions consisting of lymphohistiocytic and systemic periarteritis (3/5). The grossly affected heart had lymphohistiocytic myocarditis with fibrosis and lymphohistiocytic endocarditis. By in situ hybridization, high amounts of PCV3 genome were observed within histological lesions. Moreover, immunohistochemistry against PRRSV and PCV2 resulted negative in the same tissues. Conclusions: This is the first report of PCV3 reproductive disease in a semi-extensive production Iberian pig farm, affecting exclusively gilts. Moreover, this is the first description of grossly apparent myocarditis associated to PCV3 infection. Therefore, PCV3 should be considered within the differential diagnostic list of swine reproductive problems in non-intensive pig rearing production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Piglets encounter numerous challenges post-birth, and positive maternal influences can significantly aid their survival. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of dietary fiber (DF) consumption during pregnancy on the establishment of colonic flora and immunity in offspring. Methods: Sixty-eight multiparous sows were randomly assigned to either a control diet lacking fiber sources or a diet supplemented with a fiber mixture. The study evaluated the developmental status, intestinal microecology, and immune indices, including the expression of Toll-like receptors and nuclear factor kappa-B, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukins 6 and 10, and interferon γ, as well as the concentrations of complement components 3 and 4, and immunoglobulins G and M in the offspring. Key results: The findings revealed a significant reduction in Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor kappa-B messenger RNA levels in the colon and tumor necrosis factor α levels in the serum of 21-day-weaned piglets from the fiber group, indicating a decrease in inflammation. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the abundance of Roseburia and Lactobacillus in the colons of weaned piglets from the fiber-supplemented group, whereas Odoribacter showed a substantial decrease. This indicates that sows transfer beneficial microorganisms to their piglets, and fiber supplementation further enhances these positive microbial changes. Conclusion: This study highlights the positive impact on the microbiota profile and immunity of piglets of fiber supplementation in sow diets during pregnancy, using a 3% purified fiber mixture. These findings hold implications for the enhanced development of weaned piglets, providing valuable theoretical support. Piglets face many survival challenges after birth, and maternal beneficial influences can aid in their survival. This study found that supplementing a sow's diet during pregnancy with 3% purified fiber mixture could beneficially impact the piglets' microbiota profile and immunity. These results can provide some theoretical support for the subsequent better development of weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exogenous gonadotropin-controlled ovarian stimulation is the critical step in animal reproductive management, such as pig, sheep, bovine and other species. It helps synchronize ovulation or stimulate multiple ovulations. However, a number of evidence indicated an unexpected decrease in pregnancy outcomes following ovarian stimulation. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the pregnancy defect and develop a practical rescue strategy. Results: Compared with those in the control group, gilts that underwent ovarian stimulation showed a decrease in pregnancy rate, farrowing rate, and total number of piglets born. Stimulated gilts also showed an increase in estradiol (E2) levels. The supraphysiological E2 level was correlated with the decrease in the number of piglets born. Furthermore, we found that high levels of E2 impair uterine receptivity, as shown by the overproliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. In vitro mechanistic studies demonstrated that high levels of E2 hyperactivate FGF-FGFR-ERK signaling cascade in the uterine endometrium, and in turn induces overproliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. Of note, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) supplementation effectively inhibits ERK hyperphosphorylation and ameliorates endometrial epithelial overproliferation. Importantly, in vivo experiments indicated that dietary NAC supplementation, compared with ovarian stimulation group, improves the uterine receptivity in gilts, and significantly increases the pregnancy rate and total number of piglets born. Conclusions: Ovarian stimulation-induced supraphysiological levels of E2 impairs uterine receptivity by hyperactivating FGF-FGFR-ERK signaling cascade, thereby reducing pregnancy rate and litter size. Supplementing NAC to a conventional diet for gilts ameliorates hyperactivated ERK signaling and improves uterine receptivity, thus rescuing adverse pregnancy outcomes following ovarian stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the interaction of sow and engineering factors on shoulder lesion formation. Sows were randomly assigned to three farrowing crate designs: Traditional Stall Layout, Expanded Creep Stall Layout, and Expanded Sow & Creep Stall Layout. Each crate configuration was further differentiated by the inclusion of either one (1HL) or two (2HL) heat lamps. Digital and depth images were collected from an overhead time of flight depth camera (Kinect V2) every 5 s. Computer vision techniques were employed to analyze top-down digital images from the 21st to the 24th day of farrowing to detect and estimate lesion size. Additionally, the study incorporated an analysis of sow lying behaviors on the occurrence and size of lesions using depth images. Sow's environmental and phenotypic data - weight, parity, body condition score, total lying time and number of lying transitions in a day were investigated for impact on shoulder lesion. The results indicated that the interaction of smaller crate sizes and increased heat lamp usage significantly impacted lesion occurrence (p < 0.05). Also, higher parity and lighter weight sows showed higher lesion occurrence (p < 0.05). However, other factors, such as the number of heat lamps alone and detailed metrics of lying postures, did not show a significant impact on lesion occurrence. In contrast, none of the studied factors showed a significant impact on the size of shoulder lesions. This highlights the importance of allocating crate space with respect to heat lamp placement to the sows. Science4Impact Statement (S4IS): This manuscript evaluates shoulder lesions' presence and size in lactating sows housed within farrowing stalls. Shoulder lesions are one of the main causes of premature culling in sows and are a major concern for animal well-being. Understanding the impact of crate design and the number of heat lamps is important for the engineering design of the farrowing environment. • Crate size and heat lamp influence shoulder lesion occurrence in sows. • High-parity and low-weight sows are more prone to shoulder lesions. • Lying posture metrics did not show a significant link with lesion occurrence and size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of glycine and glutamate, as components of glutathione (GSH) precursors, was studied as a factor in determining the growth rate of weaning pigs, their digestion of nutrient supplements and their blood concentration levels. There were 180 crossbred weaning pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 7.94 ± 1.53 kg (five pigs per pen [two barrows and three gilts]; nine pens per treatment) that were randomly assigned to one of four diets. We used a basal diet as the control, TRT1 as the treatment with 0.10% precursor of GSH, TRT2 as the treatment with 0.20% precursor of GSH and TRT3 as the treatment with 0.30% precursor of GSH. The BW of weaning pigs exhibited a linear increase on days 7 (p < 0.001), 21 (p < 0.001) and 42 (p < 0.009) following the supplementation with the GSH precursor. Supplementation with GSH precursor led to a consistent and gradual increase in average daily gain (ADG) on days 8–21, 22–42 and overall, as indicated by a significant linear trend (p < 0.05). G: F was linearly increased (p < 0.05) on days 22–42 and overall with the increment in the precursor of GSH supplementation. However, GSH precursor supplementation did not have any impact on nutrient digestibility and blood profile in the treatment group. In summary, the administration of GSH precursor improved BW, ADG and G: F ratio while not affecting nutrient digestibility or blood profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The premise was tested that the additional genetic gain was achieved in the overall breeding objective in a pig breeding program using genomic selection (GS) compared to a conventional breeding program, however, some traits achieved larger gain than other traits. GS scenarios based on different reference population sizes were evaluated. The scenarios were compared using a deterministic simulation model to predict genetic gain in scenarios with and without using genomic information as an additional information source. All scenarios were compared based on selection accuracy and predicted genetic gain per round of selection for objective traits in both sire and dam lines. The results showed that GS scenarios increased overall response in the breeding objectives by 9% to 56% and 3.5% to 27% in the dam and sire lines, respectively. The difference in response resulted from differences in the size of the reference population. Although all traits achieved higher selection accuracy in GS, traits with limited phenotypic information at the time of selection or with low heritability, such as sow longevity, number of piglets born alive, pre‐ and post‐weaning survival, as well as meat and carcass quality traits achieved the largest additional response. This additional response came at the expense of smaller responses for traits that are easy to measure, such as back fat and average daily gain in GS compared to the conventional breeding program. Sow longevity and drip loss percentage did not change in a favourable direction in GS with a reference population of 500 pigs. With a reference population of 1000 pigs or onwards, sow longevity and drip loss percentage began to change in a favourable direction. Despite the smaller responses for average daily gain and back fat thickness in GS, the overall breeding objective achieved additional gain in GS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Getah virus (GETV) is a multi-host virus found in pigs, horses, and blue foxes. Clinically, GETV can cause fever, diarrhea, and reproductive disorders in pigs, representing significant threats to pig breeding. At present, few studies have examined the pathogenicity of GETV in pigs of different ages. Methods: In the present study, a new strain, named GETV-QJ, was isolated from clinically ill pigs, and whole genome sequencing analysis was performed. Besides the pathogenicity of piglets and pregnant sows of this strain was further studied. Results: the results illustrated that the strain belonged to group III. The strain had 93.6%-96.3% homology with other subtypes, and its homology with the same subtype strain ranged 96.5%-99%. Further studies on the pathogenicity of the virus indicated that this strain caused severe diarrhea, fever, and intestinal and lung damage in 7-day-old piglets, resulting in their death. The piglet survival rate was 0%. In pregnant sows, this strain did not cause fever, death, or abortion, but it induced viremia, which affected the farrowing performance of sows and led to reduced piglet survival. Discussion: In this study, we isolated a highly virulent group III and comprehensively established a pathogenic model of GETV in piglets and sows, providing a reference and guidance for the prevention and control of this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal boredom is a potentially prevalent, but underresearched animal welfare concern. To study the characteristics of boredom and its welfare consequences, we need to be sure that animals are actually bored and do not suffer from other negatively valenced states like apathy and depression. Animals' responses towards stimuli of different valence (positive, ambiguous, negative) have been suggested to help differentiating between these states. Apathetic animals are hypothesised to show a decreased interest in stimuli of all valences, whereas depressed animals are thought to be less interested in positive stimuli only, due to anhedonia, a key symptom of depression. In contrast, bored animals are hypothesised to show an increased interest in all types of stimuli, including negative ones. To ensure that the applied stimuli are indeed judged as positive, ambiguous or negative by the animals, we aimed to validate the valence of a range of stimuli in domesticated pigs, a species commonly kept under barren and monotonous conditions likely to induce boredom, as a basis for developing a task to distinguish between different negative states. Applying a within-subject design, 39 pigs (20 weaned piglets, 19 gilts) were individually exposed to twelve stimuli pre-classified as positive, ambiguous or negative in an approach-avoidance paradigm. The effects of stimulus, age (piglet, gilt) and their interaction on various approach and avoidance measures were analysed. Stimulus had a statistically significant effect on all measures and the observed pattern was according to pre-classification for many stimuli, but not all, resulting in a re-classification of the valence of five stimuli. The significant interaction between stimulus and age for some outcome measures indicates that age differences should be considered. Our study paves the ground for the selection of stimuli as well as outcome measures of future tasks aiming to differentiate between boredom, depression and apathy in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erysipelas still causes large economic losses to pig industry. Maternal immunity is critical to prevent erysipelas in young animals, thus, intensive vaccination protocols or practices focused on the improvement of the maternally derived immunity could provide substantial benefits. The present study evaluates potential changes in antibodies levels in sows and their offspring using two types of tests (commercial ELISA, Ingenasa or rSpaA415 ELISA) when two different vaccination programs (before farrowing or after farrowing) against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae were applied to sows from Iberian (A) or conventional Large White-Landrace (B) pig farms. The results showed a statistical correlation between titers found in sows and their one-week old piglets in both tests. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in farm B measured by the commercial ELISA test was significantly higher in pre-farrowing vaccinated sows compared to the post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0278). Additionally, using the rSpaA415 ELISA test, the overall mean of (log) antibody titers was significantly higher in pre-farrowing sows (p = 0.0056) compared to sows following post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0003) or non- vaccinated sows. None of the above-mentioned differences were found in farm A. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in piglets from the pre-farrowing vaccination protocol was significantly higher than piglets from the post-farrowing vaccination protocol in farm A (p = 0.0059; rSpaA415 ELISA) and farm B (p = 0.0168 and p = 0.0098 for the commercial and rSpaA415 ELISA data, respectively). Additionally, higher proportion of piglets from pre-farrowing vaccinated sows remained seropositive during the post-weaning period (days 42 to 84) compared to piglets from non-vaccinated or post-farrowing vaccinated groups in both farms A and B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of Porcine Proliferative Enteropathy (PPE), one of the most prevalent pig enteric diseases worldwide, but with sparse information about early infections in suckling piglets in the epidemiology of PPE. With that aim, this study evaluates the prevalence of L. intracellularis in 3-week-old piglets by analysing ileal digesta content and mucosal scrapings from 383 pigs from 16 farms (aprox., 25 pigs/batch) by real-time qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Results: Forty-nine samples yielded a qPCR positive result. Eleven samples from eight farms were confirmed as positive with concentrations of L. intracellularis from 3.5 log10 to 4.5 log10 bacteria/g of sample. Another 16 samples, eight farms, were classified as low positive (2.07–2.38 log10 bacteria/g) and 22 provided an uncertain result. Finally, 334 samples tested negative for L. intracellularis. At batch level, half of the farms included in the study had at least one positive sample and in 10 farms (62.5%) there was at least one low positive sample. The ddPCR was run in 50 of the 383 samples based on their PCR output (including low positive, uncertain and negative samples). Correlation analyses revealed a strong association between qPCR and the ddPCR results (ρ = 0.75; p < 0.001). The ddPCR allowed us to detect and confirm a positive result in the 19 samples classified as uncertain by the qPCR and detect L. intracellularis in 8 of 15 negatives by qPCR. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate that a number of piglets are already infected with L. intracellularis during the suckling period evidencing early infection in certain animals, adding information of PPE epidemiology and opening new research topics such as sow-piglet transmission. Study results also evidence the usefulness of a combination of qPCR and ddPCR to improve qPCR sensitivity but assuring high specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A Tonsil-Oral-Scrubbing (TOSc) method was developed to sample the sow's oropharyngeal and tonsillar area without snaring and has shown comparable porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) RNA detection rates with tonsil scraping in infected sows. This study investigated the effect of specific TOSc collection factors on the PRRSV RT-rtPCR results (detection rates and Ct values). Those factors include whether the sow was snared or not snared at TOSc collection ("snared" vs. "not snared"); whether the sow was laying down or standing at collection ("laying down" vs. "standing"); and type of collectors used for TOSc collection ("TOSc prototype" vs. "Spiral-headed AI catheter (SHAC)"). Volume of fluid was compared between "snared" and "not snared" groups, and collection time was compared between "laying down" and "standing" groups as well. Results: The effect for each factor was assessed in three independent studies following the same design: TOSc was collected twice from each studied sow, once with the baseline level for a factor ("not snared", or "standing", or "TOSc prototype"), and another time followed by the other level of the paired factor ("snared", "laying down", or "SHAC", correspondingly). Results showed that "not snared" TOSc had numerically higher PRRSV RNA detection rate (60.7% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.11), significantly lower median Ct values (31.9 vs. 32.3, p < 0.01), and significantly higher volume of fluid than "snared" samples (1.8 mL vs. 1.2 mL, p < 0.01); "laying down" TOSc samples did not differ statistically (60.7% vs. 60.7%) in the PRRSV RNA detection rate, obtained numerically lower median Ct values (30.9 vs. 31.3, p = 0.19), but took 40% less collection time compared to "standing" TOSc samples; samples collected using the "TOSc prototype" had numerically higher PRRSV RNA detection rate (91.7% vs. 88.3%, p = 0.27) and significantly lower median Ct values (32.8 vs. 34.5, p < 0.01) than that from "SHAC". Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study best practices for TOSc collection aiming higher detection rate of PRRSV RNA while minimizing time for collection were suggested to be sampling TOSc without snaring, when sows are laying down, and using a prototype TOSc collector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of electronic sow feeders on the production and economic yields of lactating sows. The results indicate remarkable technical and economic outputs compared with traditional feeders due to the weaning of heavier piglets with a lower amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet. Adequate nutritional management in maternities is one of the most challenging aspects of swine production. This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of precision feeding (electronic sow feeders, ESFs) on the production and economic yields of lactating sows and possible nutritional and metabolic differences when compared to a control group fed with traditional feeders. The first trial showed that sows fed with ESFs weaned heavier piglets than sows fed with traditional feeders. Feed intake during the lactation period was similar in the sows of both groups; consequently, the amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet was lower in the sows fed with ESFs, which is a remarkable economic output. The second trial confirmed these findings and showed that, despite similar feed intakes, the sows fed with ESFs had lower bodyweight losses during the lactation period, but there were no major differences in milk composition or metabolic traits of sows and piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, video monitoring of farrowing and automatic video evaluation using Deep Learning have become increasingly important in farm animal science research and open up new possibilities for addressing specific research questions like the determination of husbandry relevant indicators. A robust detection performance of newborn piglets is essential for reliably monitoring the farrowing process and to access important information about the welfare status of the sow and piglets. Although object detection algorithms are increasingly being used in various scenarios in the field of livestock farming, their usability for detecting newborn piglets has so far been limited. Challenges such as frequent animal occlusions, high overlapping rates or strong heterogeneous animal postures increase the complexity and place new demands on the detection model. Typically, new data is manually annotated to improve model performance, but the annotation effort is expensive and time-consuming. To address this problem, we propose a Noisy Student approach to automatically generate annotation information and train an improved piglet detection model. By using a teacher-student model relationship we transform the image structure and generate pseudo-labels for the object classes piglet and tail. As a result, we improve the initial detection performance of the teacher model from 0.561, 0.838, 0.672 to 0.901, 0.944, 0.922 for the performance metrics Recall, Precision and F1-score, respectively. The results of this study can be used in two ways. Firstly, the results contribute directly to the improvement of piglet detection in the context of birth monitoring systems and the evaluation of the farrowing progress. Secondly, the approach presented can be transferred to other research questions and species, thereby reducing the problem of cost-intensive annotation processes and increase training efficiency. In addition, we provide a unique dataset for the detection and evaluation of newborn piglets and sow body parts to support researchers in the task of monitoring the farrowing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the influence of biologically active preparations on the biochemical status of the body of sows is given in the article. Nanoaquachelate of Ge (G18Ge and G9Ge groups) and Quatronan-Se (Q-Se group) were used 4 days before and 10 days after farrowing, Glutam 1M was used 3 days after the farrowing (GM1, G18Ge and G9Ge groups). Based on the results obtained, it has been found that use of preparations in the period from 4 days after the farrowing to weaning contributes to lower cholesterol level in the G18Ge, G9Ge and Q-Se groups by 21.7%, 29.2 % and 33.3%, respectively. Also, significant changes have been observed in the in the concentration of protein, in all groups to which the studied drugs were administered before weaning it tended to decrease by 9.9; 7.6; 6.6 and 6.3%, respectively, while in the group C (control) the difference was only 1.6%. In addition, a study of the influence of preparations on the body of piglets through sow milk shows that the level of piglets’ survival in the GM1, G18Ge, G9Ge and Q-Se groups was higher than in the C group. The highest sur-vival has been observed in the G18Ge group and on the day of weaning was 90.2%.

Abstract Background Progressive oxidative stress easily occurs as a result of a gradual increase in the intensity of maternal metabolism due to rapid foetal development and increased intensity of lactation. However, studies on the effects of processive oxidative stress on nutrient transport in the placenta have received little attention. The present study was conducted on sows at 85 days of gestation to study the effects of pterostilbene (PTE) on maternal oxidative stress status and placental nutrient transport. Results PTE increased the antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin content in mothers’ blood and milk, reduced the level of inflammatory factors, and improved the nutrient content of milk. PTE also reduced sow backfat loss and the number of weak sons, and increased piglet weaning weight and total weaning litter weight. We subsequently found that PTE enhanced placental glucose and fatty acid transport and further affected glycolipid metabolism by increasing the expression of LAL, PYGM, and Gbe-1, which activated the PI3K phosphorylation pathway. Moreover, PTE addition altered the relative abundance of the Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Parabacillus, and Bacteroidetes-like RF16 groups in sow faeces. PTE increased the levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate and isovalerate in the faeces. Conclusions These findings reveal that the addition of PTE during pregnancy and lactation mitigates the effects of processive oxidative stress on offspring development by altering maternal microbial and placental nutrient transport capacity. Graphical Abstract

The flow cytometry method is used in many fields, not only scientific, but also clinical. In science, flow cytometry is used in immunology, molecular biology, microbiology or plant biology. In medicine, has its use, in the diagnosis of tumours, in reproductive and prenatal diagnosis, in transplants or in haematology. In our experimental work, we used this method to analyse colostrum and milk of sows. The aim of this study was to determine the number of somatic cells, the number of leukocytes and the number of T-lymphocytes. Colostrum samples were collected within 24 hours of delivery and then milk samples were collected at weekly intervals during 3 weeks. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the number of leukocytes (CD45+) in colostrum and milk. The most significant difference was noted between colostrum and milk in weeks 2 and 3 of the experiment (P < 0.0001), with the highest values found in colostrum. On the other hand, we found that the levels of helper T-cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+) gradually increased over time (P > 0.05), with the highest values observed in the third week after farrowing. We can conclude that flow cytometry can be successfully used for the examination of somatic cells in sows’ milk.

Serum from 88 pregnant sows and gilts was sampled 24 and 28 days after their first insemination or mating day. The oestrone sulphate (E1S) concentration in the samples was assessed with a commercially available radioimmunoassay kit modified for use with swine serum. The first aim was to test whether it was possible to predict litters of total number <10 piglets at term. The second aim was to compare the use of day 24 or day 28 samples, or of both, in this prediction. Day 24 E1S levels were positively correlated with litter size at term (R2 = 0.26; p < 0.001). E1S levels on day 28 were correlated with the levels on day 24 in the same animals but could not be used for prediction of large or small litters. The odds ratio for a small litter size was 0.16 (p < 0.01). This means that odds for a litter size <10 piglets decreased by 84% when E1S levels increased by 1.0 ng/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The administration of a gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) analog to pigs has proven to induce antibodies against endogenous GnRF. In gilts (young female pigs), the subsequent blocking of GnRF activity by specific antibodies results in a temporary suppression of ovarian activity and sexual maturation. One pre-clinical and two clinical studies were conducted to assess the ability of the GnRF analog to produce immunologically suppression of the ovarian function, preventing gilts from reaching puberty before harvest, at 27 weeks of age. Results: In the three studies, a significant reduction of size and weight of reproductive organs and gilts in oestrus was demonstrated in vaccinated gilts compared with intact gilts. A significant increase in anti-GnRF antibody levels in sera was observed after the 2nd dose, which lasted until the end of the study in each of the protocols used. Progesterone levels were significantly reduced from 6 to 8 weeks after 2nd vaccination in clinical studies 2 and 1 respectively, and from 6 weeks after 2nd vaccination in the pre-clinical study. Estradiol levels were below the limit of detection for clinical study 2 and significantly reduced in vaccinated gilts at the end of the pre-clinical study and the clinical study 1. Conclusions: Vaccination of gilts with a GnRF analog with two different protocols (1st dose from 10 to 14 weeks of age, and a 2nd dose 8 or 4 weeks later) was effective in reducing the development of puberty for at least 9 weeks post 2nd dose. These results confirm the flexibility of vaccination programs for veterinarians and producers which can be adapted to pig management practices in commercial farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress response of pig herds poses a significant challenge in the pig breeding industry, and investigating strategies to mitigate this stress is of paramount importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of supplemental feeding of Chinese herbal mixtures to perinatal sows on antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota of sows and their offspring piglets. A total of 60 healthy sows (Large white) at fourth parity were randomly assigned to five treatment groups. The control group received a basal diet, while the TRT1 group received a basal diet supplemented with 2kg/t Bazhen powder (BZP). The TRT2, TRT3, and TRT4 groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1kg/t, 2kg/t, and 3kg/t Qi-Zhu- Gui-Shao soothing liver and replenishing blood powder (QZGSP), respectively. The trial lasted for 5weeks, starting from day 100 of gestation until day 21 of delivery. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of 2kg/t and 3kg/t QZGSP significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of sows and their offspring piglets to different degrees, thereby effectively alleviating oxidative stress. Analysis of gut microbiota revealed that QZGSP influenced the composition of gut microbiota in both sows and their offspring piglets. Specifically, at the genus level, the abundance of Christensenellaceae&lowbar;R-7&lowbar;group in the gut microbiota of sows in the TRT4 group was significantly lower than that in the TRT1 group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the gut microbiota of sows in the TRT4 group was significantly higher than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, at the genus level, compared to those in the TRT1 group, piglets from the TRT4 group exhibited a significant decrease in relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Parabacteroides, and Methanobrevivacter (p < 0.05), but a significant increase in Phascolarctobacterium (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between relative abundance of Christensenellaceae&lowbar;R-7&lowbar;group and serum contents of T-AOC and CAT (p < 0.05), as well as a negative correlation with serum concentration MDA (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between relative abundance Lactobacillus and serum levels SOD (p < 0.01) and GSH-Px (p < 0.05). Therefore, supplementation of 3kg/t QZGSP in the periparturient sow diet significantly augmented antioxidant capacity in both sows and offspring piglets, while concurrently modulating the composition and structure of their intestinal microflora. The findings from this study demonstrate that QZGSP represents a beneficial feed additive for perinatal sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of a compound Chinese herbal medicine on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of piglets. A total of 60 sows in their 2nd to 3rd parity were randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates per group and five sows per replicate. The sows were fed experimental diets supplemented with 0, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of the compound Chinese herbal medicine. The preliminary trial period was seven days, and the formal experimental period lasted from 14 days before farrowing to 21 days after farrowing. The results showed that compared with the control group, the sows in the Chinese herbal medicine group 2 and Chinese herbal medicine group 3 had increased weaning backfat thickness (P<0.05), reduced backfat loss, and decreased estrus interval (P<0.05). The constipation rate and farrowing duration were reduced in all groups of sows fed with Chinese herbal medicine (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the healthy litter number of sows in Chinese herbal medicine group 2 and Chinese herbal medicine group 3 was increased (P<0.05), the stillbirth number of sows was decreased (P<0.05), and the weak litter number of sows in all Chinese herbal medicine groups was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the litter weight at birth of piglets in Chinese herbal medicine group 2 and Chinese herbal medicine group 3 was increased (P<0.05), the weaning weight, average daily gain and survival rate of piglets were increased (P<0.05), and the diarrhea rate and incidence of piglets in all Chinese herbal medicine groups were decreased (P<0.05). The results show that dietary supplementation of Chinese herbal preparations can reduce the constipation rate of sows, shorten the estrus interval, improve the litter performance of sows, improve the growth performance of piglets, reduce the morbidity of piglets and increase the survival rate of piglets. The appropriate supplemental level of Chinese herbal preparations is 0.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sow parturition, the process of giving birth to piglets, is a highly stressful process, with outcomes affecting farm economics as well as sow and piglet welfare. Protocols that assist with the identification of abnormal parturition are required for optimal production outcomes. The eye is an easily accessible and anatomically consistent body region, often used to aid medical diagnoses. A novel three-level ocular scoring system was devised and used to investigate the relationship between changes in ocular appearance and farrowing kinetics. It was determined that ocular appearance scoring can be used at farrowing to aid identification of sows experiencing an abnormal parturition, as changes are associated with increased straining and extended farrowing durations. This is a first step in developing a scale that may aid in predicting an extended parturition (>300 min), identifying sows that require assistance and so aiding staff management, sow welfare, and piglet survival. Protocols that enable prompt identification of sows in need of assistance during farrowing are important for optimal production outcomes. Change in the colour and appearance of the sclera of the eye can indicate increased stress. This warrants investigation into its use for the identification of sows in need of assistance at the time of parturition. To this end, a three-level ocular scoring system for the pig was devised and subsequently used in a preliminary investigation into the relationship between farrowing kinetics and visual changes in the sclera at farrowing. Data were collected and analysed from twenty randomly selected Large White × Landrace crossbred sows during farrowing. It was determined that sows with a severe ocular score were more likely to experience a prolonged farrowing duration (p = 0.013) and incur increased parturient straining of either total straining time (p = 0.011) or straining per piglet (p = 0.025). There was a significant association between ocular score and litter size (p = 0.043). Ocular score was not associated with sow parity (p = 0.728) and inter-piglet interval (p = 0.075). The proposed three-level scoring system successfully identified sows experiencing an abnormal parturition as defined by a prolonged farrowing duration and increased straining time. Findings from this study suggest the potential application of this simple ocular scoring tool for identifying sows experiencing an abnormal farrowing via in-person application or integration into remote monitoring systems in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few existing publications that describe transvaginal ultrasound-guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) in sows, and the impacts of the procedure for the welfare of the animals are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of OPU, performed following restraint in a claw-trimming chute, on the animal welfare and reproductive health of second parity hybrid sows. The study utilized a generalized randomized block design at a commercial sow pool. We assessed salivary cortisol levels before, during, and after the procedure to compare the physiological stress response between OPU and restraint chute procedures (control group). We found a significant increase in salivary cortisol caused by the physical restraint procedure, and that the salivary cortisol level at the end of the procedure did not differ between OPU and control groups (p = 0.51). Furthermore, we conducted a novel approach-aversion test for sows, designed to assess if a feed reward would motivate the animals to willingly participate in the OPU-procedure. The animals were trained daily to enter the chute to access a feed reward. Ten animals in each group failed to complete the training period and did not voluntarily enter the restraint chute on the experimental day. This indicates that even the short daily restraint procedure during the four-day long training period was aversive to some animals. There was no difference in aversion towards the restraint chute between OPU and control groups one day after the procedure. The reproductive performance of the animals was subsequently evaluated through oestrus synchronization and insemination of the sows after the experiment. There was no observed difference in the farrowing rate (p = 0.72) and total number of born piglets (p = 0.84) between OPU and control sows. On average, we retrieved 9.0 ± 5.9 oocytes during the OPU-sessions (N = 26). Our results show that a majority of the sows prioritize the motivation for feed over their aversion to the OPU procedure. However, the physical restraint procedure is unpleasant for the animals and elicits a temporary stress response. We suggest that transvaginal OPU may be used for the recovery of oocytes from live sows, but refinements are needed to avoid stress during the lifting procedure. Such modifications could also potentially reduce the observed inter-individual variations in oocyte recovery outcomes. • Physical restraint and OPU causes significant increase in cortisol levels. • Average oocyte retrieval during OPU was 9.0 ± 5.9. • Sows prioritized feed reward over aversion to OPU. • No difference in subsequent reproductive performance in OPU vs control groups. • Refinements are needed to reduce stress and increase efficiency of OPU in sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maternity Ring was developed as a free farrowing alternative to crates that preserved space whilst providing the sow with unrestricted movement. This experiment aimed to apply the Five Domains model to assess sow welfare in the Maternity Ring in comparison with the farrowing crate. Eighty-eight sows were housed in a farrowing crate (FC) and 83 in a Maternity Ring (MR), and measures collected focussed on nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state outcomes. MR sows consumed less feed than FC sows (total feed intake: 93.8  ±  3.06  kg vs. 111.2  ±  3.13  kg; p  <  0.001) but had reduced P2 backfat loss during lactation (0.0  ±  0.11 vs. 1.2  ±  0.11, p  <  0.001). Fewer frustrated and pain-related behaviours during farrowing were observed in MR sows (bar biting: FC 3.3  ±  2.12 vs. MR 0.5  ±  0.29 events, p  =  0.038, and back leg forward: FC 227  ±  50.7 vs. MR 127  ±  26.4 events, p  =  0.019), and a decreased proportion of MR sows had facial injuries after farrowing (10% CI [5, 20] vs. 67% CI [47, 95], p  <  0.001). More FC sows had udder damage at weaning (70% CI [48, 97] vs. 10% CI [6, 24], p  <  0.001), and their piglets were medicated more frequently when compared to those in MR (51% CI [40, 61] vs. 30% [21, 41], p  =  0.008). MR sows tended to have a higher reaction score to piglet processing (MR 2.0  ±  0.38 vs. FC 1.2  ±  0.27, p  =  0.094) and had more contact with piglets once the procedure was complete than FC sows (13.5  ±  2.55 vs. 6.9  ±  1.26 events, respectively, p  =  0.016). Whilst there was no difference in anticipation of a feeding event (p  >  0.05), MR sows displayed a reduced startle response to an aversive noise stimulus at day 18 (FC 2.8  ±  0.35, MR 0.7  ±  0.16, p  <  0.001). Using the Five Domains framework, sows housed in the MR during farrowing and lactation have improved welfare than those in FC and can be thought of as being in a positive affective state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate genetic parameters for sow pelvic organ prolapse in purebred and crossbred herds. Pelvic organ prolapse was recorded as normal or prolapsed on the individual sow level across 32 purebred and 8 crossbred farms. In total, 75,162 purebred Landrace sows from a single maternal line were recorded between 2018 and 2023, while 18,988 commercial two-way crossbred (Landrace x Large White) sows were available between 2020 and 2023. There were 5,122,005 animals included in the pedigree. The prolapse in purebreds and crossbreds was considered two different traits in the model. Pedigrees of the crossbred sows were determined based on genotypes through parentage assignment. The average incidence rates were 1.81% and 3.93% for purebreds and crossbreds, respectively. The bivariate model incorporated fixed effects of parity group and region with random effects of contemporary group (farm and mating year and month at the first parity), additive genetic, and residual. Genetic parameter estimates were obtained using BLUPF90+ with the AIREML option. The estimated additive variance was larger in crossbreds than in purebreds. Estimates of heritability in the observed scale were 0.09 (0.006) for purebreds and 0.11 (0.014) for crossbreds, with a genetic correlation of 0.83 using a linear model. Results suggested that including data from crossbreds with higher incidence rate is beneficial and selection to reduce the prolapse incidence in purebred sow herds would also benefit commercial crossbred sow herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Claw lesions significantly contribute to lameness, greatly affecting sow welfare. This study investigated different factors that would impact the severity of claw lesions in the sows of Brazilian commercial herds. Methods: A total of 129 herds (n = 12,364 sows) were included in the study. Herds were in the Midwest, Southeast, or South regions of Brazil. Inventory sizes were stratified into 250-810 sows, 811-1,300 sows, 1,301-3,000 sows, and 3,001-10,000 sows. Herds belonged to Cooperative (Coop), Integrator, or Independent structures. The herd management was conducted either maintaining breeds from stock on-site (internal), or through purchase of commercially available genetics (external). Herds adopted either individual crates or group housing during gestation. Within each farm, one randomly selected group of sows was scored by the same evaluator (two independent experts evaluated a total of 129 herds) from 0 (none) to 3 (severe) for heel overgrowth and erosion (HOE), heel-sole crack (HSC), separation along the white line (WL), horizontal (CHW) and vertical (CVW) wall cracks, and overgrown toes (T), or dewclaws (DC) in the hind legs after parturition. The study assessed differences and similarities between herds using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (HAC) analysis. The effects of factors (i.e., production structure, management, housing during gestation, and region) were assessed using the partial least squares method (PLS). Results and discussion: Heel overgrowth and erosion had the highest prevalence, followed by WL and CHW, while the lowest scores were observed for T DC, and CVW. Herds were grouped in three clusters (i.e., Cl, C2, and C3). Heel overgrowth and erosion, HSC, WL, CHW, CVW, and T were decreased by 17, 25, 11, 25, 21, and 17%, respectively, in C3 compared to CI and 2 combined. Independent structure increased the L-lndex in all three clusters. Furthermore, individual housing increased the L-lndex regardless of the cluster. The results suggest that shifting toward larger, more technologically advanced herds could potentially benefit claw health. Additionally, adopting group gestation housing appears to mitigate the adverse effects on claw health, although further validation is necessary, as Brazil has only recently transitioned from individual housing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large White and Meishan sows differ in maternal ability and early piglet growth. We investigated the relationships between 100 maternal traits, grouped into 11 blocks according to the biological function they describe and litter growth over three successive periods after birth (D0–D1, D1–D3 and D3–D7; D0 starting at the onset of farrowing), as a measure of sow investment in early piglet production. Within- and between-breed variation was exploited to cover a maximum of the variability existing in pig maternal populations. The objective was to quantify the contribution of maternal traits, including functional traits and behavioural traits, to early litter growth. Multivariate analyses were used to depict correlations among traits. A partial least square multiblock analysis allowed quantifying the effect of maternal traits on early growth traits. Partial triadic analyses highlighted how sow behaviour changed with days, and whether it resulted in changes in litter growth. Several behavioural traits (standing activity, reactivity to different stimuli, postural activity) and functional traits (body reserves, udder quality) at farrowing contributed substantially to litter growth from D0 to D7. Sow aggression towards piglets and time spent standing at D0 were unfavourably correlated to D1–D3 litter growth. Time spent lying with udder exposed at D0 was favourably correlated to D1–D3 litter growth. The farrowing duration was negatively correlated to D0–D1 and D1–D3 litter growth. Furthermore, D3–D7 litter growth was positively correlated to feed intake in the same period. Several behavioural traits and some functional traits influence early litter growth. The contribution of sow behaviour was greater in the critical period around farrowing than in later days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sow mortality in the U.S. swine industry has increased in recent years, for which pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a major contributor, accounting for 21% of all sow mortality. Dysbiosis of microbial communities has been associated with disease and reproductive dysfunction in several species, and previous studies have shown changes in vaginal microbiota in sows with increased risk for POP during late gestation. However, there is insufficient knowledge surrounding the potential relationship between fecal microbiota and POP in sows. Therefore, the study objective was to identify differences in sow fecal microbiota and determine if fecal and vaginal microbial communities are correlated in relation to POP risk. Methods: Sows were evaluated for POP risk using an established perineal scoring system, with a perineal score (PS) of 1 (PS1) presuming little to no risk of POP to a PS of 3 (PS3) presuming high risk of POP. In the current study, 2,864 sows were scored during gestation week 15, and 1.0%, 2.7%, and 23.4% of PS1, PS2, and PS3 sows, respectively, subsequently experienced POP. Fecal swabs (n = 215) were collected between gestation days 108-115, DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing libraries were analyzed using mothur, phyloseq and SAS in reference to PS and POP outcome. Additionally, co-occurrence networks were constructed using CoNet to compare fecal and vaginal microbiota from the same cohort of sows and identify correlations between different taxa. Results: Differences in fecal community composition (PERMANOVA; P < 0.05), structure (alpha diversity measurements; P < 0.05), and 13 individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were revealed between PS1 and PS3 assigned sows. No differences in fecal microbiota were detected as a result of POP outcome. However, the abundances of several taxa were correlated across sample collection sites, suggesting the fecal and vaginal microbial communities may be related to one another. Discussion: Collectively, fewer differences in the fecal microbiota exist in sows with differing risk for POP compared to the vaginal microbiota, suggesting the vaginal microbiome may be more relevant in relation to POP outcome, although correlations between fecal and vaginal communities may provide insight for strategies to combat POP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The effects of second litter syndrome (SLS) on subsequent reproductive performance remain poorly understood. This study examined the impact of SLS on reproductive parameters such as piglets born alive (PBA), accumulative number of PBA (APBA), farrowing interval (FI), and risk of decreased PBA (DPBA) up to parity 5. Materials and Methods: Data on 5,464 litters were recorded from 1,507 sow cards collected on five swine farms in northern Vietnam. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze the effect of SLS on the PBA, APBA, and FI. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the effect of DPBA in parity n on the risk of DPBA in parity n + 1. Results: About 47.8% of the sows contracted SLS (720/1507). Only APBA1-2 was significantly decreased by SLS. The APBA3-5 in SLS sows was comparable to that in non-SLS sows (41.8 vs. 41.9). Non-DPBA2 upped the risk for DPBA3 by 3.6-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8-4.6). Moreover, non-DPBA3 increased the risk of DPBA4 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.1-3.7), and non-DPBA4 increased the risk of DPBA5 (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 2.3-4.7). The risks of developing DPBA4 and DPBA5 remained unchanged following SLS (p > 0.05). About 98.4% of sows underwent PBA fluctuations during their first five parities. Conclusion: SLS does not appear to detrimentally affect PBA, APBA, and FI in subsequent parities. Therefore, SLS sows do not necessarily have future low reproductive performance or be culled. Future investigations should explore the mechanism of alternate decrease/increase patterns in PBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (SYP) in feeds for sows on the growth of offspring (Exp. 1), for nursery pigs on their growth (Exp. 2), and for nursery and finishing pigs on their growth (Exp. 3). Methods: Exp. 1 had 80 sows at breeding assigned to 4 groups with SYP at 0, 0.050, 0.175, and 0.500 g/kg. Offspring were fed a common diet for 126 d. Exp. 2 had 144 barrows at 8 kg body weight (BW) allotted to CON (no SYP); YPC (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); and YPD (SYP at 1.25, 0.75, and 0 g/kg; d 0 to 7, d 8 to 21, and d 22 to 42, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (6 pigs/pen). Exp. 3 had 96 barrows at 8 kg BW allotted to CON (no SYP); YPN (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); YPF (SYP at 0.100 g/kg; d 43 to 119); and YPA (SYP at 0.175 and 0.100 g/kg; d 0 to 42 and d 43 to 119, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (3 pigs/pen). Results: In Exp. 1, increasing SYP increased (p<0.05, quadratic) the sow body score (maximum at 0.30% SYP), reduced (p<0.05, quadratic) the days-wean-to-estrus (minimum at 0.27% SYP), and increased (p<0.05) offspring BW at weaning and their average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) at d 126. In Exp. 2, ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F of YPC were the greatest (p<0.05). The ADG and ADFI of YPD were greater (p<0.05) than CON. Fecal score of YPC and YPD was smaller (p<0.05) than CON. In Exp. 3, YPA had the greatest (p<0.05) ADG and YPN and YPF had greater (p<0.05) ADG than CON. Conclusion: SYP enhanced sow performance, offspring growth, growth of nursery and growing pigs with the greater efficacy at 0.27 to 0.32 g/kg feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Litter size and piglet loss at birth significantly impact piglet production and are closely associated with sow parity. Understanding how these traits vary across different parities is crucial for effective herd management. This study investigates the patterns of the number of born alive piglets (NBA), number of piglet losses (NPL), and the proportion of piglet losses (PPL) at birth in Landrace sows under tropical conditions. Additionally, it aims to identify the most suitable model for describing these patterns. Methods: A dataset comprising 2,322 consecutive reproductive records from 258 Landrace sows, spanning parities from 1 to 9, was analyzed. Modeling approaches including 2nd and 3rd degree polynomial models, the Wood gamma function, and a longitudinal model were applied at the individual level to predict NBA, NPL, and PPL. The choice of the best-fitting model was determined based on the lowest mean and standard deviation of the difference between predicted and actual values, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Results: Sow parity significantly influenced NBA, NPL, and PPL (p<0.0001). NBA increased until the 4th parity and then declined. In contrast, NPL and PPL decreased until the 2nd parity and then steadily increased until the 8th parity. The 2nd and 3rd degree polynomials, and longitudinal models showed no significant differences in predicting NBA, NPL, and PPL (p>0.05). The 3rd degree polynomial model had the lowest prediction standard deviation and yielded the smallest AIC and BIC. Conclusion: The 3rd degree polynomial model offers the most suitable description of NBA, NPL, and PPL patterns. It holds promise for applications in genetic evaluations to enhance litter size and reduce piglet loss at birth in sows. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for sow parity effects in swine breeding programs, particularly in tropical conditions, to optimize piglet production and sow performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of mixed probiotic inclusion in a reduced crude protein (CP) diet on production performance, nutrient retention, gas emissions, faecal score and meat quality of finishing pigs. In total, 150 pigs (body weight [BW] of 49.9 ± 2.80 kg and 6‐week trial) were arbitrarily distributed to one of three dietary treatments (10 replications per treatment, five pigs including three gilts and two barrows per replication). The dietary treatments were Positive Control/standard diet, 17.5% CP (PC); Negative Control/reduced (2.5%) CP diet, 15% CP (NC); and NC + 0.1% probiotic mix (NCP). Pigs fed the NCP diet exhibited tendency to increase BW gain at Week 6, increased the average daily gain (ADG) of pigs during Weeks 3–6 and showed tendency to increase ADG during the overall period than the NC diet. The CP digestibility decreased at Week 6 and presented a tendency to decrease at Week 3 in pigs fed the NC diet compared with the PC diet. However, CP digestibility increased with the NCP diet at Weeks 3 and 6 compared with the NC diet. A tendency in the reduction of H2S emissions from pig's faeces at Weeks 3 and 6 was observed by the NCP diet compared with NC and PC diets. Pigs fed the NC diet showed a lower faecal score than the PC diet at Week 6. The NC diet resulted in lower cooking loss and drip loss to the PC diet. Moreover, longissimus muscle area showed tendency to increase, cooking loss exhibited tendency to decrease and drip loss decreased in the meat samples of pigs receiving the NCP diet compared with the NC diet alone. The NCP diet exhibited great promise in maintaining performance by enhancing the growth performance, digestibility, mitigating gas emissions and improving the quality of meat in finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of different doses of Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) on lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora of sows. Forty-five Landrace sows (3–6 parity) were randomly assigned to the following three treatments from 85 days of gestation to 21 days after farrowing: a control diet (CON, basal diet), a low-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.2% ATC, basal diet + 0.2% ATC), and a high-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.4% ATC, basal diet + 0.4% ATC). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 4.98%, increased milk fat, total solids, and freezing point depression on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05), increased serum concentration of Triiodothyronine, Thyroxin, and Estradiol on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 9.38% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased serum concentration of IgG, IgM, and IFN-γ, CD4 on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05) and increased serum concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement 3 (C3), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05), while the supplementation of 0.4% ATC reduced serum concentration of IL-2 on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC significantly increased serum concentration of catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the supplementation of ATC affected the relative abundance of the intestinal flora at different taxonomic levels in sows and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as in the norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014 group of sows, while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Phascolarctobacterium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. These data revealed that the supplementation of ATC during late gestation and lactation can improve lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and the gut microbiota. Compared with supplementation of 0.4% ATC, 0.2% ATC enhances the levels of thyroid-related hormones, specific antibodies, and cytokines in serum, promotes the diversity of beneficial gut microbiota, beneficial bacteria in the intestine, reduces the population of harmful bacteria, and thereby bolsters the immunity of sows. Hence, 0.2% ATC is deemed a more optimal concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production management of lactating sows is a crucial aspect of pig farm operations, as their health directly impacts the farm's production efficiency. The feeding behavior of lactating sows can reflect their health and welfare status, and monitoring this behavior is essential for precise feeding and management. To address the issues of time-consuming and labor-intensive manual inspection of lactating sows' feeding behavior and the reliance on breeders' experience, we propose a method based on the improved YOLO (You Only Look Once) v5s algorithm and image segmentation for detecting the feeding behavior of lactating sows. Based on the YOLOv5s algorithm, the SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) attention module was added to enhance the algorithm's performance and reduce the probability of incorrect detection. Additionally, the loss function was replaced by WIoU (Weighted Intersection over Union) to accelerate the model's convergence speed and improve detection accuracy. The improved YOLOv5s-C3SE-WIoU model is designed to recognize pre-feeding postures and feed trough conditions by detecting images of lactating sows. Compared to the original YOLOv5s, the improved model achieves an 8.9% increase in mAP@0.5 and a 4.7% increase in mAP@0.5 to 0.95. This improvement satisfies the requirements for excellent detection performance, making it suitable for deployment in large-scale pig farms. From the model detection results, the trough remnant image within the detection rectangle was extracted. This image was further processed using image processing techniques to achieve trough remnant image segmentation and infer the remnant amount. Based on the detection model and residue inference method, video data of lactating sows' feeding behavior were processed to derive the relationship between feeding behavior, standing time, and residue amount. Using a standing duration of 2 s and a leftover-feed proportion threshold of 2% achieves the highest accuracy, enabling the identification of abnormal feeding behavior. We analyzed the pre-feeding postures and residual feed amounts of abnormal and normal groups of lactating sows. Our findings indicated that standing time was significantly lower and residual feed amount was higher in the abnormal groups compared to the normal groups. By combining standing time and residual feed amount information, accurate detection of the feeding status of lactating sows can be realized. This approach facilitates the accurate detection of abnormal feeding behaviors of lactating sows in large-scale pig farm environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teat number is a vital reproductive trait in sows, crucial for providing immunity and nutrition to piglets during lactation. However, "missing heritability" in Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-based Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) has led to an increasing focus on structural variations in the genetic analysis of complex biological traits. Results: In this study, we generated a comprehensive CNV map in a population of French Yorkshire pigs (n = 644) and identified 429 CNVRs. Notably, 44% (189 CNVRs) of these were detected for the first time. Subsequently, we conducted GWAS for teat number in the French Yorkshire pig population using both 80K chip and its imputed data, as well as a GWAS analysis based on CNV regions (CNVR). Interestingly, 80K chip GWAS identified two SNPs located on Sus scrofa chromosome 5 (SSC5) that were simultaneously associated with Total Teat Number (TTN), Left Teat Number (LTN), and Right Teat Number (RTN). The leading SNP (WU_10.2_5_76130558) explained 3.33%, 2.69%, and 2.67% of the phenotypic variance for TTN, LTN, and RTN, respectively. Moreover, through imputed GWAS, we successfully identified 30 genetic variants associated with TTN located within the 73.22 -73.30 Mb region on SSC5. The two SNPs identified in the 80K chip GWAS were also located in this region. In addition, CNVR-based GWAS revealed three significant CNVRs associated with TTN. Finally, through gene annotation, we pinpointed two candidate genes, TRIM66 and PRICKLE1, which are related to diverse processes such as breast cancer and abnormal vertebral development. Conclusions: Our research provides an in-depth analysis of the complex genetic structure underlying teat number, contributing to the genetic enhancement of sows with improved reproductive performance and, ultimately, bolstering the economic benefits of swine production enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lameness affects animal mobility, causing pain and discomfort. Lameness in early stages often goes undetected due to a lack of observation, precision, and reliability. Automated and non-invasive systems offer precision and detection ease and may improve animal welfare. This study was conducted to create a repository of images and videos of sows with different locomotion scores. Our goal is to develop a computer vision model for automatically identifying specific points on the sow's body. The automatic identification and ability to track specific body areas, will allow us to conduct kinematic studies with the aim of facilitating the detection of lameness using deep learning. The video database was collected on a pig farm with a scenario built to allow filming of sows in locomotion with different lameness scores. Two stereo cameras were used to record 2D videos images. Thirteen locomotion experts assessed the videos using the Locomotion Score System developed by Zinpro Corporation. From this annotated repository, computational models were trained and tested using the open-source deep learning-based animal pose tracking framework SLEAP (Social LEAP Estimates Animal Poses). The top-performing models were constructed using the LEAP architecture to accurately track 6 (lateral view) and 10 (dorsal view) skeleton keypoints. The architecture achieved average precisions values of 0.90 and 0.72, average distances of 6.83 and 11.37 in pixel, and similarities of 0.94 and 0.86 for the lateral and dorsal views, respectively. These computational models are proposed as a Precision Livestock Farming tool and method for identifying and estimating postures in pigs automatically and objectively. The 2D video image repository with different pig locomotion scores can be used as a tool for teaching and research. Based on our skeleton keypoint classification results, an automatic system could be developed. This could contribute to the objective assessment of locomotion scores in sows, improving their welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effects of dexamethasone treatment on farrowing performance and piglet traits in the first 5 days of life in multiparous sows, a high-risk group for stillbirths and prolonged farrowing. In this study, 185 multiparous sows (parity 4.25 ± 0.14) were selected on the day of farrowing and divided into three treatments: CON - control, without dexamethasone treatment; DexaPF - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im per female) at the time of copious colostrum secretion (pre-farrowing); and DexaFO - treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg im per female) when the first piglet was born (farrowing onset). All sows and their litters were monitored for farrowing duration, obstetric interventions, colostrum yield and intake, newborn piglet traits, and piglet performance until 5 d of age. A subsample of 106 females (∼35 per treatment) had their blood glucose concentration checked hourly shortly after the first piglet was born until the end of farrowing. Additionally, blood samples from 42 litters were collected for immunocrit evaluation. The results showed no differences regarding farrowing duration (CON = 258.02 ± 13.81 min; DexaPF = 251.29 ± 13.60 min; DexaFO = 294.92 ± 13.89 min; P = 0.06) and obstetric intervention rates among treatments (CON = 36.58 ± 6.78 %; DexaPF = 42.16 ± 6.89 %; DexaFO = 48.05 ± 7.08 %; P = 0.45). The blood glucose concentration during farrowing was higher in DexaPF (94.56 ± 1.57 mg/dL; P < 0.001) than in CON (73.50 ± 1.72 mg/dL) and DexaFO (87.94 ± 1.80 mg/dL). No differences were observed regarding total piglets born and born alive, stillborn, newborn piglet vitality, colostrum intake, immunocrit, colostrum yield, and glycemia and rectal temperature at 24 h of age (P ≥ 0.13). Regarding meconium staining, higher percentages of piglets born without meconium staining were observed in DexaFO (54.77 ± 5.21 %; P = 0.02) compared with CON (48.58 ± 5.26 %), and no difference was observed for the DexaPF group (53.23 ± 5.21 %). In addition, a higher unbroken umbilical cord rate was observed in DexaFO (92.41 ± 1.31 %; P < 0.01) than the CON or DexaPF (86.91 ± 1.97 % and 89.31 ± 1.67 %, respectively). However, the treatments did not affect piglet performance (weight gain and survival) until 5 d of age (P ≥ 0.15). In summary, dexamethasone treatment in periparturient multiparous sows did not improve farrowing performance and key production parameters, such as the piglet weight gain and survival up to 5 d of age. • Dexamethasone treatment did not affect the farrowing duration in multiparous sows. • Peripartum dexamethasone treatment had not reduced the obstetric intervention rate. • Increased glycemia was observed in dexamethasone-treated sows during parturition. • The incidence of stillborn piglets remained unaffected by dexamethasone treatments. • Piglet performance up to 5 days of age was not affected by dexamethasone treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Plant extracts (PEs) are a complex mixture of compounds that have been reported to possess multiple biological functions, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities. PEs have become a viable alternative to antibiotics in animal diets, including sows. The present study showed that dietary Lonicera flos and Sucutellaria baicalensis mixed extract (LSE) supplementation improved the reproductive performance, immune status, reproductive hormone levels, and colostrum immunoglobulin contents in sows. This study can provide a reference for the rational utilization and application of honeysuckle and Scutellaria scutellaria in the sow diet. The present study aimed to determine the effects of dietary Lonicera flos and Sucutellaria baicalensis mixed extract (LSE) supplementation during the late-pregnancy period on the reproductive performance, umbilical cord blood hematological parameters, umbilical cord serum biochemical parameters, immune indices, hormone levels, colostrum ingredients, and immunoglobulin contents of sows. A total of 40 hybrid pregnant sows were randomly assigned to the control group (CON; sows fed a basal diet) and LSE group (LSE; sows fed a basal diet supplemented with 500 g/t PE). The results indicated that dietary LSE supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of alive and healthy piglets and the litter weight at birth, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the platelet counts in umbilical cord blood. Dietary LSE supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH), and the content of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in umbilical cord serum. Moreover, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the colostrum were increased with PE supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary LSE supplementation in late-pregnancy sows could improve reproductive performance and colostrum quality, and could also regulate the levels of reproductive hormone in umbilical cord serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International interest in loose-housed farrowing is growing and there are ongoing discussions within the European Union (EU) on new legal requirements. However, there is a lack of empirical data on loose-housed farrowing pen sizes and sow dimensions in commercial production. The aim of this study was to map and describe sow size and loose-housing farrowing pen size on commercial piglet-producing farms in Sweden. The study included 146 sows and 51 pen types on 35 medium sized to large Swedish piglet-producing farms (ranging from 106 to 1300 sows in production). Sow length ranged from 129 to 238 cm (mean ± SD 191.3 ± 19.3 cm) and sow height from 74 to 133 cm (86.7 ± 7.7 cm). Floor space occupied by the sow when lying down (length x height) ranged from 1.0 to 3.2 m2 (1.7 ± 0.3 m2). Pen length ranged from 259 to 415 cm (315.1 ± 24.3 cm), pen width from 188 to 245 cm (207.0 ± 10.7 cm), total pen area from 5.7 to 8.9 m2 (6.5 ± 0.5 m2), piglet corner area from 0.5 to 1.8 m2 (1.1 ± 0.4 m2) and area available for the sow (total area - piglet corner area) from 3.9 to 6.4 m2 (5.4 ± 0.6 m2). These results show that there is substantial variation in sow, pen and piglet corner size on commercial piglet-producing farms in Sweden. This poses a risk of mismatches between sow and pen size (pens too short in relation to sow dimensions), especially for older sows. These findings are of practical significance for animal welfare and production and emphasise the importance of designing loose-housed pens adapted to future sow, litter and piglet size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a significant swine pathogen, yet the immune response components contributing to protection remain incompletely understood. Broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies (bNAs) may play a crucial role in preventing reinfections by heterologous viruses, although their occurrence is considered low under both field and experimental conditions. This study aimed to assess the frequency of sows exhibiting bNAs against PRRSV under field conditions and to analyze the epidemiological factors influencing the occurrence of these elite neutralizers. Blood samples were collected from breeding sows across eleven unrelated pig farms, with samples categorized by parity. Serum obtained was utilized in virus neutralization assays (VNs) against six PRRSV field isolates and two MLV strains. Results: Approximately 7% of the sows exhibited neutralization activity against all viruses in the panel, with a geometric mean of the titer (GMT) of NAs at or exceeding 4 log2. Exclusion of the PRRSV-2 isolate from the panel increased the proportion of elite neutralizers to around 15%. Farm-specific analysis revealed significant variations in both GMT of NAs and proportion of elite neutralizers. PRRSV unstable farms and those with a PRRS outbreak in the last 12 months displayed higher GMT of NAs compared to stable farms without recent outbreaks. The GMT of NAs showed a gradual, albeit moderate, increase with the parity of the sows. Parity's impact on bNA response was consistently observed in stable farms but not necessarily in unstable farms or those with recent outbreaks. Finally, the results indicated that vaccinated animals had higher NA titers against the vaccine virus used in the farm than against field viruses. Conclusion: bNAs against heterologous isolates induced by PRRSV infection under field conditions are generally low, often falling below titers necessary for protection against reproductive failure. However, a subset of sows (approximately 15%) can be considered elite neutralizers, efficiently recognizing various PRRSV strains. Repeated exposures to PRRSV play a crucial role in eliciting these bNAs, with a higher frequency observed in unstable farms and those with recent outbreaks. In stable farms, parity only marginally influences bNA titers, highlighting its limited role compared to the impact of PRRSV exposure history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most sows will experience negative energy balance during lactation resulting in impaired follicular development. This study aimed to treat 28-day lactating sows with altrenogest (ALT) to suppress follicle enlargement during lactation, and to assess the estrus and reproductive performance post-weaning. Methods: In this study, we conducted two trials. In trial 1, we monitored the follicular development of lactating sows including 10 primiparous sows and 10 multiparous sows during the whole lactation to confirm the ALT administration time. In trial 2, a total of 42 primiparous and 111 multiparous sows were allocated to three treatments: Ctrl (control group, n = 51): no treatment; TAI (timed artificial insemination group, n = 51): sows were injected with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) after weaning 24 h and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) when they expressed estrus; and AT-TAI (ALT treatment-timed artificial insemination group, n = 51): base on the process of TAI group, the sows were fed with 20 mg ALT per day before weaning 10 days. All sows were artificially inseminated twice at 12 h and 36 h after estrus. The follicle size changes and serum hormone levels were explored in this process. Results: Although the follicle size of multiparous sows was larger than primiparous sows during the whole lactation (P < 0.05), similar change trends of follicle size were observed in primiparous and multiparous sows. Meanwhile, the FSH, LH and E2 levels of multiparous sows were higher than primiparous sows. The ALT treatment significantly inhibits the increase in follicle size (P < 0.05) and reduces the serum levels of FSH, LH and E2 (P > 0.05). Additionally, ALT treatment increases estrus concentration and the preovulatory follicle size (P < 0.05), meanwhile, it delays the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI, P < 0.001). However, the estrus rate, pregnancy rate, total pigs born and born alive did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Conclusions: There were significant differences in the size of follicles in the lactation between primiparous and multiparous sows. ALT treatment during the last ten days of lactation concentrated estrus expression leading to higher work efficiency of breeder in batch production, however, with no improvement in reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sows commonly experience insulin resistance in late gestation and lactation, causing lower feed intake and milk production, which can lead to higher mortality rates in newborn piglets. The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is known to improve insulin resistance. However, whether supplementing LGG can improve insulin sensitivity in sows and enhance lactation performance, particularly the early survival of offspring remains unclear. Hence, we explored the effects and mechanisms of supplementing LGG during late gestation and lactation on sow insulin sensitivity, lactation performance, and offspring survival. In total, 20 sows were randomly allocated to an LGG (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Results: In sows, LGG supplementation significantly improved insulin sensitivity during late gestation and lactation, increased feed intake, milk production and colostrum lactose levels in early lactation, and enhanced newborn piglet survival. Moreover, LGG treatment significantly reshaped the gut microbiota in sows, notably increasing microbiota diversity and enriching the relative abundance of insulin sensitivity-associated probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides. Serum metabolite and amino acid profiling in late-gestation sows also revealed decreased branched-chain amino acid and kynurenine serum levels following LGG supplementation. Further analyses highlighted a correlation between mitigated insulin resistance in late pregnancy and lactation by LGG and gut microbiota reshaping and changes in serum amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, maternal LGG enhanced immunity in newborn piglets, reduced inflammation, and facilitated the establishment of a gut microbiota. Conclusions: We provide the first evidence that LGG mitigates insulin resistance in sows and enhances offspring survival by modulating the gut microbiota and amino acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging risk of resistance to antimicrobials has brought about the need to document animal production in the European Union. The required documentation of treatment data on-farm may withhold viable information, which can be analysed if made accessible in a digital format. The aim of the study was to use a digital system for the documentation of treatments and to investigate relationships between treatments, performance parameters and breeds. Data were collected between August 2020 and September 2022 on a combined pig farm in northern Germany. A digital tool was used to obtain data on treatments, while sows' performance information and breed data were drawn from the sow planner of the farm. Treatment indices were generated for the sows (TIS, treatment index sow) and the sows' litters (treatment index litter, TIL). During the time of data collection, 17 % (n = 113) of the farrowing events (n = 661) took place with farrowing-related treatments (FRTs), and 43.5 % (n = 94) of the sows had to receive FRT at least once. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the dependent variables TIS, TIL and FRT and the performance parameters piglets born alive, stillborn piglets and weaned piglets. The explanatory variables parity, season, year, the interaction of season and year, and the breed of the sow (crossbred Large White × Landrace and purebred Large White), as well as the random effect of the sow nested in the breed of the sow, were included in the models for all dependent variables. Additionally, the breed of the boar (Duroc, Pietrain), TIS, TIL and FRT were investigated in the models of the performance parameters. The following effects were all significant (p<0.05). Parity had an effect on TIS, piglets born alive and stillborn piglets. Sows with parity of 1 had the highest least-squares mean (LSM) = 0.42 (standard error (SE) = 0.04) for TIS, which decreased over parities of 2–3, 4–5 and 6–7 (LSM = 0.16, SE = 0.04) and increased for parity of ≥8 (LSM = 0.34, SE = 0.05). While sows with parity of 1 produced the lowest numbers and sows with parities of 4–5 the highest numbers of piglets born alive, the number of stillborn piglets increased with parity number, with the lowest numbers for parity of 1 and the highest numbers for parity of ≥8. Overall, the performance of the farm improved in the second year of data collection with less FRT, more weaned piglets and fewer stillborn piglets. Crossbred sows produced more piglets born alive and weaned piglets but also more stillborn piglets. The use of Pietrain boars led to more piglets being born alive. FRT and high treatment indices of the sow related with an increase in stillborn piglets and high treatment indices of the sow resulted in fewer piglets born alive. In conclusion, digitalized treatment data allow for analyses of the herd's health status, and relations between production performance and treatments can be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian activity and the size of oocytes in ovarian follicles of sexually mature Landrace-Yorkshire gilts in relation to the seasons of the year. The size and weight of the ovaries, the number of follicles and corpora lutea (CL) according to individual size categories were evaluated on 240 gilts slaughtered at an abattoir during the four seasons of the year. Our evaluation of the ovary size showed that they were the largest in autumn when their mean length reached 25.8 ± 3.4 mm, whereas in winter their mean length was 24.2 ± 2.9 mm (P < 0.05). During the autumn months, the largest number of follicles in the ovaries of the gilts was recorded, with a predominance of follicles up to 3 mm (mean number 17.9 ± 7.5). The smallest number of corpora lutea was observed in winter (mean number 6.1 ± 1.1) and the largest in spring (mean number 12.1 ± 2.6). The oocytes, from follicles of up to 3 mm size, were the smallest in spring (mean size 16.99 103 ± 3.42 103 µm2). In total, the largest oocytes were aspirated from 4--6 mm follicles in autumn (mean size 19.60 103 ± 5.37 103 ± µm2). The findings of the study indicate that the ovarian activity and growth of oocytes in gilts are affected by the seasons of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Modern sows face increased nutritional challenges due to inadequate feeding programs causing excessive maternal tissue loss and reproductive failure. Rapid genetic improvements in reproductive performance should be nutritionally supported; however, current feeding programs have limitations to support the needs of modern sows. Litter size at birth and the birthweight of piglets have increased, increasing the nutrient needs for sows during gestation and lactation. This review also addresses physiological challenges facing modern sows including high oxidative stress, pelvic organ prolapse, and lameness as well as negative impacts on colostrum and milk quality. To mitigate these challenges, there is growing interest in investigating the functional roles of select bioactive compounds as feed additives. Such bioactive compounds have been utilized to reduce disease and illness related to physical stressors, improve colostrum and milk quality, and support sow intestinal health. This review demonstrates that the feeding of modern sows poses unique challenges for nutritionists and the rapid genetic improvements to reproductive performance warrants updated feeding programs and selective use of bioactive compounds. The objectives of this review are to identify the nutritional challenges faced by modern sows and present potential solutions to mitigate excessive maternal tissue loss and reproductive failure as it relates to recent genetic improvements. Current feeding programs have limitations to support the rapid genetic improvements in reproductive performance for modern sows. Since 2012, both litter size at birth and fetal weight have increased by 2.26 pigs per litter and 0.22 kg per piglet, respectively, thereby increasing the nutrient needs for sows during gestation and lactation. Prediction models generated in this review predict that modern sows would need 31% more lysine during gestation when compared with current feeding programs. Physiological challenges facing modern sows are also addressed in this review. High oxidative stress, pelvic organ prolapse, and lameness can directly affect the sow, whereas these physiological challenges can have negative impacts on colostrum and milk quality. In response, there is growing interest in investigating the functional roles of select bioactive compounds as feed additives to mitigate the severity of these challenges. Selenium sources, catechins, and select plant extracts have been utilized to reduce oxidative stress, calcium chloride and phytase have been used to mitigate pelvic organ prolapse and lameness, algae and yeast derivatives have been used to improve colostrum and milk quality, and fiber sources and probiotics have been commonly utilized to improve sow intestinal health. Collectively, this review demonstrates the unique challenges associated with managing the feeding programs for modern sows and the opportunities for revision of the amino acid requirements as well as the use of select bioactive compounds to improve reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Today, sows produce larger litter sizes than they did several years ago. Modern hyperprolific sows with greater parity numbers experience longer farrowing durations and require more farrowing assistance compared to those with lower parity numbers. Among reproductive hormones, oxytocin plays a critical role during parturition and is often given to sows during farrowing to shorten its duration. Oxytocin is a uterotonic hormone originating from the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland, and it is important for the expulsion of fetuses. Aging is a well-known factor that affects productivity and increases farrowing duration in modern prolific sows. In the current study, we demonstrated a decrease in the immunolocalization of oxytocin receptors in the uterine tissue of older sows, supporting a previous study that showed weaker uterine contractions in sows with a greater parity number, which possibly affects the duration of farrowing. This study investigated the gross morphology of reproductive organs and oxytocin receptor distribution across different parities in hyperprolific sows. A total of thirty-two reproductive organs from Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on parity numbers: 1 (n = 10), 2–5 (n = 12), and ≥6 (n = 10). All sows were culled due to management problems, and none had reproductive disorders. A gross morphology examination of the ovaries, uterus, and the rest of the reproductive tract was conducted. Using immunohistochemistry, the levels of oxytocin receptor were evaluated in five layers of the uterus, the epithelial, superficial glandular, deep glandular, and circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of the myometrium, and were quantified using an H-score. On average, the age and body weight of sows and the total number of piglets born per litter were 799.8 ± 327.8 days, 213.2 ± 31.7 kg, and 15.5 ± 4.8, respectively. The numbers of ovulations in sows in parity number 1 (19.9 ± 2.4) were lower than those in sows in parity numbers 2–5 (29.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.004) and ≥6 (27.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.022). The uterine weights of sows in parity number 1 (902.9 ± 112.5 g) were lower than those of parity numbers 2–5 (1442.1 ± 111.8 g, p = 0.001) and ≥6 (1394.3 ± 125.1 g, p = 0.004). The length of the uterus in sows with parity number 1 (277.9 ± 26.1 cm) was shorter than those in sows with parity numbers 2–5 (354.6 ± 25.9 cm, p = 0.033) and tended to be shorter than those in sows with parity numbers ≥ 6 (346.6 ± 29.0 cm, p = 0.068). The immunolocalization of oxytocin receptors could be detected in various parts of the porcine endometrium and myometrium. Among the five tissue layers of the uterus, the H-score of oxytocin receptors in the deep uterine glands was greater than in the superficial uterine glands (p = 0.023) and the circular muscle layer of the myometrium (p = 0.011), but it did not differ from the epithelial layer of the endometrium (p = 0.428) or the longitudinal muscle layer of the myometrium (p = 0.081). Sows with parity numbers ≥ 6 had a lower oxytocin receptor H-score than those with parity numbers 1 (p < 0.001) and 2–5 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, these data emphasize the notable variations in several reproductive parameters and the levels of oxytocin receptor within the uterus of hyperprolific sows. Across the majority of uterine tissue layers, there was a marked decrease in the H-score of the oxytocin receptor in the older sows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensification and complexity of pig production systems may require different strategies for animal welfare improvement. We aimed to identify welfare issues of gestation sows and areas for improvement by comparing four production systems, including the smallholder pen-based system (SPS: 26 farms), smallholder stall-based system (SSS:14 farms), semi-intensive stall-based system (SES: 15 farms), and intensive stall-based system (ISS: 10 farms). Ten significant animal-based measures in the Welfare Quality® protocol were used for welfare assessment at the individual level. Stall-housed sows in SES and ISS faced more welfare problems where sows presented a higher prevalence of poor body condition (P < 0.001), wounds on body (P = 0.003), fear of humans (P < 0.001), and stereotypies (P < 0.001) than pen-housed sows in the SPS. Sows in the SPS presented the highest prevalence of panting (P < 0.001). Welfare improvement should be focused on minimizing the adverse effects of hot weather on sows in the SPS and SSS and redesigning a more welfare-friendly housing system that prevents sows from the risk of wounds on body and enables them to perform motivated behaviors in the SES and ISS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]