Search Results (21)

The increasing use of hyperprolific sows has led to greater litter heterogeneity, highlighting the need for effective nutritional support for low-birth-weight piglets. This study explores the potential of using surplus goat transitional milk as a nutritional supplement for piglets, especially for those facing increased survival and developmental challenges during the early life stages. To this end, two experiments were carried out as follows: in the first, goat transitional milk was administered via an oro-esophageal feeding tube to all piglets in the litter; in the second, concentrated transitional milk was administered via an oral dispenser to whole litters composed of low-birth-weight piglets. Performance parameters, mortality, and serum IgG levels were measured. In Experiment 1, supplementation with goat colostrum showed a tendency to improve weight in piglets ≤ 1100 g, with no significant effect on temperature, serum IgG level, or mortality. In Experiment 2, supplementation with goat colostrum did not affect live weight, rectal temperature, or serum IgG levels at 10 and 21 days. However, there was a trend towards lower mortality at 21 days in the supplemented piglets. These results suggest that goat transitional milk may provide context-dependent benefits, with a potentially greater impact on vulnerable piglets in more difficult conditions. Furthermore, its use represents a sustainable strategy to valorize surplus milk from goat farms. Full article

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of postpartum day and parity season on the lactoferrin (LF), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and chemical composition of Murciano–Granadina goat colostrum during the first 96 h after kidding, and the use of the Brix refractometer to estimate IgG content. A herd of 3500 intensively managed Murciano–Granadina dairy goats (45–50 kg body weight) was used. Colostrum samples were collected from days 1 to 4 postpartum in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The colostrum composition was assessed using an automated infrared method; the LF and IgG concentrations were measured using an ELISA, and for the Brix percentage, we used a digital refractometer. Colostrum taken on the first postpartum day showed the highest concentrations of LF, IgG, proteins and non-fat solids (NFSs). As the postpartum days progressed, a rapid decrease in the LF, IgG, protein, and NFS contents and the Brix value was observed. In contrast, the lactose content increased steadily until the fourth postpartum day (p < 0.001). The season influenced milk yield, LF, IgG, protein, fat, and somatic cell content (p < 0.05). LF contents were significantly higher in the spring season, IgG contents were higher in autumn colostrum, and fat components were higher in the winter season. The colostrum Brix value showed a positive correlation with the ELISA colostrum LF (r = 0.716, p < 0.001) and IgG (r = 0.894, p < 0.001) determination; a 20 mg IgG/mL colostrum concentration corresponded to 18 °Brix. Our results corroborate the importance of feeding colostrum to newborns on the first day after birth, not only because of its high level of IgG but also because of its greater presence of the other bioactive protein compounds such as lactoferrin. Full article

Given the significant environmental consequences of current poultry feed practices and the heavy dependence of the European Union on imported soybeans, studying alternatives is crucial. This study evaluated the potential benefits of using locally sourced alternative plant-based ingredients and whole dry black soldier fly larvae in the diet of laying hens. The experiment involved 120 Isazul hens at 23 weeks old, which were divided into three groups with five replicates each (eight hens per replicate): a control diet (CON) based on soybean meal and cereals, an alternative diet (ALT) replacing the soybean meal with locally sourced plant-based resources (peas, distillers’ dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and the ALT diet supplemented with 5% whole dry black soldier fly larvae (ALT+DBSFL). Over 15 weeks, the hens were fed ad libitum, and the production performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical parameters were assessed across three experimental sub-periods. The results showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio across the diets (p > 0.05). The egg quality remained consistent across all the groups; however, the hens fed the ALT+DBSFL diet exhibited higher Haugh units in the first experimental sub-period (p < 0.05) and lower plasma cholesterol and triglycerides at 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that incorporating these alternative ingredients and whole DBSFL into layers’ diets does not compromise production performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters related to health status, supporting their potential as sustainable feed alternatives. Full article

Currently, the utilization of hyperprolific sows has stimulated the search for supplements aimed at enhancing piglet survival, as these sows yield more offspring than they can adequately feed with their colostrum production. In contrast, intensive goat farming often yields surplus colostrum, thus necessitating its removal, since kids are exclusively fed colostrum through lactation solely within the initial day of birth. The objective of this study was to examine and compare the fatty acid (FA) profiles of colostrum from sows and goats, together with possible influencing factors such as sow parity and the postpartum day of the goat, for possible use as an energy supplement for neonatal piglets. Swine colostrum was collected from sows with a 0–5 parity. In addition, samples of goat colostrum were collected on their first (D1) and second (D2) days of postpartum milking. The FA profiles of the colostrum were analyzed via gas chromatography. The parity value of the sows did not affect (p > 0.05) the FA colostrum composition. High proportions of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were found in both types of colostrum. Levels of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were significantly higher in D1 goat colostrum, whereas saturated FAs of less than 14 carbons (4:0, 6:0, 8:0, 10:0, and 12:0) were found in higher proportions in D2. These FAs play an important role in colostrum as they are a readily available source of energy and have also been attributed strong antibacterial activity. Therefore, goat colostrum, especially D2, could be used as an alternative energy supplement for newborn piglets, in particular for the weakest and smallest of the litter, which are the most in need. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation in dairy cows with two Se forms (organic and inorganic) and I at the maximum levels permitted in the European Union, with the aim to obtain naturally enriched milk and derived products. A total of 20 Holstein Friesian cows in lactation were fed 2 diets for 64 days: a control diet with a supply of 0.57 mg of inorganic Se and 0.57 mg of I per kg of ration in dry matter (DM), and an experimental diet (SeI) with a supply of 0.34 mg of inorganic Se, 0.23 mg of organic Se, and 5.68 mg of I per kg of ration in DM. The SeI diet did not modify the performance or, in general, the metabolic profile of cows. Se and I levels in milk were affected by diet type and time of measurement (p < 0.01). Thus, a marked increase of both microminerals was evident between the beginning and the end of the test, when the SeI diet was administered. For Se, this increase ranged from 1.95 to 3.29 μg/100 g of milk; and for I, from 19.69 to 110.06 μg/100 g of milk. The SeI diet increased (p < 0.01) the Se and I content in the cheese, reaching levels of 16.4 μg/100 g for Se and 269.7 μg/100 g for I. An increase in I was observed in yogurt from the SeI diet (p < 0.001). The supplementation of two forms of Se and I in the cows’ ration, at the levels evaluated, produced milk and dairy products enriched in these microelements without altering their quality parameters. However, a responsible intake of these products is necessary to avoid risks of deficiencies or excesses that could negatively affect the health of consumers. Full article

This study analyzes the influence of the incorporation of flaked linseed and fish oil in the diet on the resulting milk and cheese. Three dietary treatments were assayed in 350 milking Murciano-Granadina multiparous goats in full-lactation: a control diet and two experimental diets, one including flaked linseed (FL) at 3.88% of dry matter, and the other containing salmon oil (SO) at 2.64% of dry matter for three periods of 21 d. None of the dietary treatments affected the daily milk yield, cheese yield, or the physicochemical parameters of the milk and cheese. Regarding the fatty acid profile (FA), the milk and cheese from animals whose diets were supplemented with SO had a higher percentage of fatty acids than those obtained with the FL-supplemented diet, except for C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 n-6, trans-9, trans-12 C18:2, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, C18:3, and C19:0, which reached their highest levels in milk obtained with the diet supplemented with FL. The decrease in the percentage of C16:0 was greater in the milk derived from the FL diet than from the SO diet. The FL-supplemented diet improved the nutritional value of milk due to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The decrease in n-6/n-3 in the observed milk was more pronounced with the FL diet. No differences in the sensory profile were found for the milk and cheese derived from the different dietary treatments. Dietary n-3 treatments modified the fatty acid profile without making any sensory difference to milk and fresh cheese, accompanied by marginal modifications to the physicochemical profile. We conclude that dietary supplementation with flaked linseed or fish oil produces milk and cheese from Murciano-Granadina goats with a higher nutritional quality without modifying the sensory profile of the corresponding products obtained from animals that were fed a routine diet. Full article

Intrauterine growth restriction in piglets has been a problem in the pig industry due to genetic selection based on hyperprolificacy. This has led to an increase in the number of underweight piglets and a worsening of the survival rate. The goal of this study was to enhance the knowledge of differences between normal and IUGR piglets a few hours after birth in terms of haematological variables, biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin levels. Two groups of 20 piglets each were assessed. The control group (N) was made up of piglets with weights greater than 1500 g, and the IUGR group consisted of piglets weighing 500–1000 g and with at least two IUGR features. Blood samples were collected 72 h after birth for analysis of the red and white blood cell parameters, reticulocyte indices, platelet indices, biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin levels. Alterations in red blood cells and reticulocytes, a lower lymphocyte count, hyperinsulinemia, and high oxidative stress were observed in IUGR piglets (p < 0.05). In contrast, differences were not observed (p > 0.05) in the serum immunoglobulin level. It can be concluded that the haematological and biochemical differences in IUGR piglets with respect to normal-weight piglets are present at birth indicating possible alterations in immunity, metabolism, and redox status; therefore, IUGR piglets could be more vulnerable to illness and future disorders, such as metabolic syndrome. Full article

Humanity’s growing demand for animal protein exceeds the capacity of traditional protein sources to support growing livestock production. Insects offer promising partial substitutes, converting low-nutritional quality materials into high-value biomass. Hence, the bioconversion ability of Tenebrio molitor larvae was assessed by using three types of agricultural by-products (broccoli by-product, tigernut pulp, and grape pomace) at different inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) in a carbohydrate-based diet. Ten diets were formulated to assess their impact on the growth, diet digestibility, and nutritional composition of the larvae. For each treatment, eight replicates were employed: five for the growth-performance-digestibility trial and three for the complementary test of uric acid determination. The growth was influenced by the type of diet administered. The broccoli by-product resulted in higher larvae weight and a better feed conversion ratio. However, diets based solely on a single by-product (100%) compromised the productivity and diet digestibility. The larvae changed their nutritional composition depending on the rearing substrate, although the amino acid profile remained consistent. In conclusion, the studied by-products have the potential for use in T. molitor rearing as part of the diet but not as the exclusive ingredients, indicating promising opportunities for using agricultural by-products in T. molitor rearing and production. Full article

In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the effect of body weight (BW) at first service on body status development and sow performance during first parity and lifetime efficiency. A total of 360 DanBred gilts were used, which we categorized into three groups according to their BW: (1) Small sows (<135 kg BW; n = 108); (2) Medium sows (135–150 kg BW; n = 155); (3) Large sows (>150 kg BW; n = 63). We studied the gilts from first insemination to first weaning, and then monitored until culling. Sow body status, litter size and weight, farrowing rate, weaning-to-conception interval, lifetime performance, and hormones linked to metabolism were recorded. Sows in the Small group had the lowest body weight, backfat thickness, and loin depth during gestation. Moreover, they had the smallest number of total piglets born and longest weaning-to-conception interval at first parity. The Small sows also had, on average, one less piglet born during their productive life, and they tended to have a higher culling rate over three parities. For immunoglobulins, insulin, cortisol, and IGF-I levels, no differences were found. In conclusion, achieving optimal body weight at first service is essential for maximizing the sow’s lifetime performance. Full article

Olive pulp (Olea europaea) inclusion in the diet of Iberian sows (Sus scrofa) is interesting due to fiber and bioactive compounds content and because both productions are located in the same area. The aim of this trial was to study the effect of olive pulp inclusion at 100 g/kg in Iberian sow’s diet on performance, immunoglobulin and serum parameters, antioxidant status, and fecal microbiota. Forty multiparous Iberian sows (body weight (BW) = 149.6 ± 20.2 kg) were assigned either a control diet (CON) or an experimental diet (PUL) with olive pulp at 100 g/kg. The BW and backfat thickness in sows were measured at post-insemination days 42 and 107, and litter performance was measured on the farrowing day. Blood and fecal samples were collected at gestation day 107. In piglets, blood was sampled when they were 10 days old for immunoglobulin analysis. Albumin, total protein, triglyceride, creatinine, urea, glucose, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity in serum were higher (p < 0.05) in PUL sows than in CON sows. The Enterobacteriaceae, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp. fecal counts were increased (p < 0.05) with olive pulp supplementation compared with the CON sow group. Olive pulp added to gestating Iberian sow’s diet at 100 g/kg has beneficial effects on the fecal microbiota and antioxidant status, without penalizing other gestation parameters. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of agro-industrial byproduct-based diets on the productive parameters, digestibility, insect composition, and gut microbiota of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae. Three formulations corresponding to three different levels of starch and protein were tested: one formulation based on bread remains and brewer’s yeast, representing a diet of high starch (61.1%) and low crude protein (18.5%) (HS-LP); and two formulations in which an additional four byproducts (courgette (Cucurbita pepo) remains, tigernut (Cyperus scelentus) pulp, brewer’s spent grains, and rice straw) were incorporated in different proportions, consistent with a diet of both moderate starch (29.8%) and crude protein (21.0%) (MS-MP); and another corresponding to a diet of low starch (20.0%) and high crude protein (26.3%) (LS-HP). A total of 1920 young larvae (average weight = 0.65 mg per larva) were used in this study. The larvae were randomly distributed into 16 replicates per treatment (boxes of 22.5 cm × 14.0 cm × 4.75 cm). Ten replicates for the growth performance–digestibility trial and six replicates for the complementary trial to determine uric acid levels in the frass were assigned per treatment. For growth performance, the diets were administered ad libitum during the experiment. The average number of days for the larvae to start pupating was lower in those reared on the HS-LP and LS-HP diets (88.90 and 91.00 days, respectively) than those on the MS-MP diet (120.09 days) (p < 0.001). The final individual weight was higher (p < 0.001) in larvae of the LS-HP group (168.69 mg) compared to those of the other groups (100.29 and 112.99 mg for HS-LP and MS-MP, respectively). However, the feed conversion ratio was better (p < 0.001) in the HS-LP group with the lowest value (1.39 g/g), with dry matter digestibility being the highest for the same diet (70.38%) (p < 0.001). Mealworms reared on LS-HP and MS-MP diets had a higher crude protein content than those reared on the HS-LP diet (p = 0.039). The most abundant phyla in the gut microbiota of larvae were Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, with their abundance depending on the rearing substrate. The representation of Tenericutes phylum was higher (p < 0.05) in the mealworms reared on MS-MP and HS-LP diets, whereas Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were higher in abundance (p < 0.001) in the insects reared on LS-HP. In conclusion, the larval growth, digestibility, insect composition, and gut microbiota of Tenebrio molitor were found to depend on the composition of the administered diet, and the results suggest great potential for the use of agro-industrial byproducts in their rearing and production. Full article

A total of 70 male growing non-castrated pigs (Large White), with a 23.07 ± 2.87 kg average body weight (BW), were randomly allocated to three treatments in a 103 day trial: a CONTROL diet and two experimental diets, ALLIUM (5 g/kg of Allium spp. extract) and OLIVE (100 g/kg of olive pulp). Animals were slaughtered at 115 kg live body weight. Meat and fat quality were analyzed. Animals fed ALLIUM and OLIVE had higher water holding capacity (WHC) than those fed the control diet. No significant differences were observed between groups for cooking loss, drip losses and color CIELab. No antioxidant effect was observed on an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) test. Animals fed OLIVE presented a more unsaturated fatty acid profile than CONTROL and ALLIUM. Meat from ALLIUM group and OLIVE showed her values of brightness and meat odor than CONTROL. Mean scores of sensory analyses (color, odor, flavor and juiciness) of cooked samples were similar for the three treatments, with the meat samples from the ALLIUM and OLIVE treatments being less hard. Consumers did not reflect a preference for any of the treatments. Both by-products could be used for pork production. Full article

This work studied the effects of the inclusion of Clostridium butyricum on feed, alone or with carob meal or citrus pulp, on the digestive and metabolic status of weaned piglets. A total of 30 male piglets (weaned at 21 days) is used. There are five dietary treatments: negative without ZnO at high doses (C−), a positive control supplemented with ZnO at 2500 ppm of Zn (C+), supplemented with Clostridium butyricum as a probiotic (PRO), and supplemented with probiotic and 5% carob meal (PROC) or 5% citrus pulp (PROP). During the experiment (27 days), the piglets were periodically weighed and sampled for a serum biochemical, fecal microbiological, intestine histological, and digestive status analysis. The body weight, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM), and fecal microbiology were not affected by the treatments (p ≥ 0.05). However, the apparent fecal digestibility of DM was lower for the C− treatment than for C+ (p < 0.05), and the total concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in feces with C+ was lower than that for the PROC treatment (p < 0.05). The treatments with the probiotic had a higher molar proportion of butyric acid in feces than C+, and it was found that C− reached an intermediate value (p < 0.01). No general effects of diet were found on the histological measures performed on the jejunum and ileum, and in the serum biochemical analysis (p ≥ 0.05), only the concentration of interleukin-8 was lower for the PROC treatment compared to the C−, C+, and PRO treatments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the intestinal wellness of piglets could be improved with the supplementation of Clostridium butyricum by increasing butyric acid, and this effect was not altered with the inclusion of carob meal or citrus pulp. More studies under commercial conditions are needed, as the effects might be different in more challenging environmental circumstances. Full article

A total of 192 Iberian × Duroc pigs kept under intensive conditions were used to investigate the effects of feeding crude glycerin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters. Animals were blocked by initial body weight (96.0 ± 11.3 kg) and allotted to pens (16 pigs per pen). Pens were assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatments (four pens per treatment). Dietary treatments contained 0, 5, or 10% of crude glycerin proportionally substituting for wheat (G0, G5, and G10, respectively). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isoaminoacidic. No significant effect of crude glycerin was observed on average daily gain, average feed intake, or feed conversion ratio. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was no different between treatments. Total serum protein, albumin, glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 were not affected by glycerin inclusion. In conclusion, crude glycerin up to 100 g/kg can be included in the diets of finishing Iberian crossbred pigs without any negative effect on growth performance, digestibility, or serum metabolic parameters. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of crude glycerin in post-weaning diets for piglets on growth performance and digestibility. The study was carried out with a total of 360 piglets over a 39 day period. Animals were blocked by body weight (7.7 ± 0.86 kg) and allotted randomly to one of three dietary treatments containing 0, 2.5 or 5% glycerin (G0, G2.5 and G5, respectively). Considering the whole period, glycerin did not affect the average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to decrease or decreased linearly as the amount of glycerin increased, respectively (p = 0.060 and p = 0.039). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry and organic matter (DM, OM) increased linearly with increasing glycerin in both periods (p ≤ 0.05). At the end of the study, there were no differences between treatments for any of the hormones measured. In conclusion, the FCR and digestibility of DM and OM were improved although the ADFI tended to be lower when glycerin was included at 5%. Consequently, crude glycerin could be used as an alternative ingredient to partially replace sweet whey and wheat in post-weaning diets. Full article