Search Results (52)

This study was conducted to elucidate the molecular and metabolic differences in ileal development according to birth weight in neonatal piglets. A total of 126 neonatal piglets born from Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc crossbred sows were used, and the top 5% (H group, 1.77 ± 0.02 kg) and bottom 5% (L group, 0.72 ± 0.03 kg) of birth weights were selected for analysis. Ileal tissues were collected for transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and targeted metabolomic (GC–MS) analyses, and selected genes were validated using RT-qPCR. A total of 112 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, among which RFC3, PCNA, MCM3, MCM10, AURKA, AURKB, CCNB2, CCNA2, CCNF, and SI were significantly upregulated in the H group (p < 0.05). These genes were mainly involved in pathways related to DNA replication, cell division, and nutrient digestion and absorption. In addition, metabolomic analysis revealed that pyruvic acid concentrations were significantly higher in the H group (p < 0.05), indicating the activation of energy metabolic pathways. These results indicate that high-birth-weight piglets possess a genetic foundation for enhanced cellular proliferation and energy metabolism, and they further highlight potential molecular targets for improving growth performance and intestinal development in low-birth-weight piglets. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine (FCHM, Vaccaria segetali, Tetrapanax papyriferus, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort and Rhaponticum uniflorum) on the reproductive performance of Ningxiang sows. A total of 30 Ningxiang sows were randomly assigned to the control group (CON), CHM group, and FCHM group. The results indicated that dietary CHMs and FCHM supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the milk production, feed intake, reproductive performance protein content, and lactose content in the milk of sows and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the number of somatic cells in colostrum and in the number of low-birthweight piglets. Dietary FCHM supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of healthy piglets, birth litter weight, colostrum fat content, and feed intake. Moreover, malondialdehyde, porcine interleukin-1α, and porcine interleukin-6 in sow serum were decreased (p < 0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulin, prolactin and progesterone levels (p < 0.05) were increased, with FCHM supplementation. The colostrum metabolomics analyses showed that FCHM significantly enriched the oxytocin signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and pathways associated with milk composition synthesis. In conclusion, supplementing with FCHM improved the reproductive performance and milk metabolic biomarkers of sows and may serve as an effective feed additive to improve productivity. Full article

Neonatal piglet mortality remains a major challenge in hyper-prolific sow herds, particularly under tropical conditions where low ambient oxygen (18–21%) may exacerbate hypoxia during prolonged farrowing. This study evaluated whether restoring normoxia (21% O₂) immediately after birth improved piglet colostrum intake, blood glucose levels, and survival to 3 d. A total of 1837 piglets from 95 sows were weighed at birth and assigned by litter to exposure to either a normoxic chamber (FiO₂ = 0.21) or ambient-air control (FiO₂ = 0.16–0.18) for 15 min post-partum. Piglet colostrum intake, blood glucose content, and survival to 24-h and 3 d were analyzed using mixed-effects models. Compared with controls, oxygen-supplemented piglets showed higher postnatal oxygen saturation (94.2 ± 3.6 vs. 88.1 ± 3.5%), greater colostrum intake (348 ± 263 vs. 320 ± 233 g), higher blood glucose (97.7 ± 13.0 vs. 93.8 ± 13.1 mg/dL), and increased 3-day survival (86.1% vs. 80.8%; p < 0.01). The effect was most pronounced in piglets < 1.0 kg and >1.3 kg, reflecting improved recovery from transient hypoxia. Mean weaning weight increased by 0.3 kg, indicating sustained benefits in early growth. These findings demonstrate that short-term normoxic oxygen supplementation is a practical, cost-effective intervention that enhances growth, metabolic stability, and survival in neonatal piglets under tropical commercial farm conditions. Full article

In terms of selection, pig farmers have aimed to maximize profitability for decades by increasing litter sizes through choosing gilts with seven or more pairs of teats. This has resulted in sows with numerically large litters, an increase in within-litter birth weight variation, and more piglets with a low birth weight. For newborns, the amount of colostrum consumed within the first 24 h after birth is particularly important for thermoregulation, passive immunity and adequate growth during lactation. The colostrum must be consumed early, for at least the first 6 h after birth. Only after consuming the mother’s colostrum, i.e., within 24 to 48 h after birth, is performing cross-fostering (CF) recommended, whereby light piglets are placed with another sow. Alternatively, farmers can choose a one- or two-step CF technique with nurse sows. If there are surplus piglets and substitute mothers are not available, the option of artificially rearing the piglets with liquid (milk replacer) and, later, solid feed remains, which is nevertheless a suboptimal method compared to CF. One way or another, all breeder interventions and different management strategies for large litters are associated with reduced piglet welfare. Full article

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is correlated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier function disruption, increasing susceptibility to enteric diseases. These alterations underscore the critical need to identify key regulators of gut homeostasis, among which bile acids are increasingly recognized as pivotal for barrier integrity, microbial ecology, and host metabolism. Methods: Eight pairs of LBW (the initial BW was 0.850 ± 0.053 kg) and normal-birth-weight (NBW; 1.488 ± 0.083 kg) piglets were compared to evaluate cecal morphology and bile acid profiles. Subsequently, sixteen LBW piglets and eight NBW piglets were allocated into three groups: NBW (1.563 ± 0.052 kg), LBW control (LBW-CON; 0.950 ± 0.120 kg), and LBW with bile acid supplementation (LBW-bile powder; 0.925 ± 0.116 kg). Piglets in the LBW-bile powder group received 25 mg/kg BW of bile powder (hyodeoxycholic acid-enriched) by daily oral gavage for 14 days. Results: LBW piglets exhibited retarded cecal development and lower abundance of hyocholic acid species (p = 0.006). Importantly, bile powder supplementation significantly improved cecal length (p = 0.009) and mucosal thickness (p = 0.020) compared with LBW-CON piglets. Microbial analysis showed that the microbial dysbiosis index was restored to near-normal levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed impaired extracellular matrix structure and mucus secretion in LBW piglets. Notably, bile powder supplementation markedly upregulated the protein expression of WNT8B (p < 0.001) and the bile acid receptors (i.e., GPBAR1 and FXR), alongside enhanced tight junctions and the goblet cell marker mucin-2 expression (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that specific bile acid supplementation improves gut barrier function and partially supports cecal development in LBW piglets. Full article

Despite lower birth weight, Meishan piglets exhibit a notably higher pre-weaning survival rate compared to Western commercial breeds. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low birth weight (LBW) on intestinal barrier function in Meishan neonates. Six pairs of neonatal piglets (one normal birth weight, NBW: 0.85 ± 0.06 kg; one LBW: 0.65 ± 0.02 kg) from the same sow were euthanized at birth prior to suckling. Morphological parameters, goblet cell density, antioxidant enzyme activities, cytokine gene expression, and tight junction protein levels in the small intestine (SI) were assessed. Results showed that LBW piglets had a significantly higher SI length-to-body weight ratio (p < 0.05), along with reduced villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01). Notably, microvillus structure remained intact despite the presence of mitochondrial swelling. LBW piglets also exhibited decreased goblet cell numbers, lower antioxidant capacity, dysregulated expression of cytokines (CD8, IFNγ, IL4, IL2), and reduced levels of mucin 2, ZO-1, and occludin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although LBW Meishan piglets showed impairments in multiple aspects of intestinal barrier function, the structural integrity of the microvillus was preserved, which may contribute to their higher survival rate and represents a key adaptive advantage over commercial pig breeds. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) emulsions enriched with hemp-derived phytocannabinoids, with or without monolaurin, on neonatal piglet growth, health, and behavior. Trial 1 used an augmented factorial design with 75 sows and 1063 piglets to compare a baseline MCT emulsion (MCTE) with a phytocannabinoid-supplemented emulsion (MCTE-P) at low or high doses against toltrazuril control. All MCT emulsions improved key performance indicators such as weight gain and survival rates compared to the control group. In particular, live-born piglets at 24 h in the MCTE-P groups showed significantly greater body weight gain and colostrum intake compared with controls (p < 0.05). While overall pre-weaning mortality rates were similar across groups, the incidence of diarrhea- and starvation-related deaths was significantly lower in MCTE-P piglets (p < 0.05). Based on these results, Trial 2 involved 36 sows and 509 piglets assigned to three groups: low-dose MCTE-P (the optimal regimen from Trial 1), low-dose MCTE-P supplemented with monolaurin (MCTE-PM), and a toltrazuril control. Both MCTE-P and MCTE-PM improved average daily gain at weaning relative to the control group. MCTE-PM showed the lowest pre-weaning mortality (14.3%) and diarrhea-related deaths (0.86%), compared with 29.4% and 10.4% in controls, respectively (p < 0.05). Hematological analyses indicated that eosinophil percentages were lowest in the MCTE-PM group (p < 0.05), while serum total protein and globulin concentrations remained elevated in emulsion-treated piglets (p < 0.001). Behavioral assessments of 108 low-birth-weight piglets showed prolonged latency to first suckling in emulsion-treated groups, while teat competition and facial lesion scores, reflecting aggressive interactions, were reduced compared with controls. Overall, these findings demonstrate that MCT emulsions supplemented with phytocannabinoids and monolaurin improved growth and survival in neonatal piglets, especially those of low to medium birth weight, and highlight their potential as nutraceutical alternatives to antibiotic prophylaxis in swine production. Full article

Glycine has the greatest rate of deposition in whole-body proteins among all amino acids in neonates, but its provision from sow’s milk meets only 20% of the requirement of suckling piglets. The results of our recent studies indicate that piglets with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have a reduced ability to synthesize glycine. The present study determined the role of glycine in the growth of sow-reared IUGR piglets. In Experiment 1, 56 newborn piglets (postnatal day 0) with a low birth weight (<1.10 kg) were selected from 14 litters, providing 4 IUGR piglets/litter that were allotted randomly into one of four treatment groups (14 piglets/group). Piglets received oral administration of either 0, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 g glycine/kg body weight (BW) twice daily (i.e., 0, 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 g glycine/kg BW/day) between 0 and 14 days of age. L-Alanine was used as the isonitrogenous control. The BWs of all piglets were recorded each week during the experiment. Two weeks after the initiation of glycine supplementation, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analyses. In Experiment 2, rates of muscle protein synthesis in tissues were determined on day 14 using the ³H-phenylalanine flooding dose technique. Compared with piglets in the control group, oral administration of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g glycine/kg BW/day did not affect their milk intake (p > 0.05) but increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of glycine in plasma by 1.52-, 1.94-, and 2.34-fold, respectively, and body weight by 20%, 37%, and 34%, respectively. The dose of 0.4 g glycine/kg BW/day was the most cost-effective. Consistent with its growth-promoting effect, glycine supplementation stimulated (p < 0.05) the phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70^S6K) as well as protein synthesis in skeletal muscle, compared with the control group. Collectively, oral administration of glycine activated the MTOR signaling pathway in skeletal muscle and enhanced the growth performance of IUGR piglets. These results indicate that endogenous synthesis of glycine is inadequate to meet the needs of IUGR piglets during the suckling period and that oral supplementation with glycine to these compromized neonates can improve their growth performance. Full article

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 effect of low birth weight (LBW) on piglet development has been widely demonstrated. However, the reasons for the significant decline in the growth performance of LBW piglets after weaning remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon. At 21 days of age, 24 normal-birth-weight (NBW) piglets and 24 LBW piglets were selected and divided into four groups—NBW control, NBW weaning, LBW control, and LBW weaning—with 12 replicates per group (1 piglet per replicate). Control groups were euthanized on the same day, while weaning groups were weaned and sampled 3 days later. The results showed that the body weight of NBW piglets increased, whereas that of LBW piglets decreased, after 3 days of weaning. Compared with NBW piglets, LBW piglets exhibited higher serum cortisol concentrations and lower villus height (p < 0.05). Weaning stress significantly increased serum cortisol and C-reactive protein concentrations in NBW piglets (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in LBW piglets. However, weaning stress significantly increased serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations (p < 0.05) in LBW piglets but not in NBW piglets. Additionally, weaning stress reduced the mRNA expressions of Occludin, Claudin-1, and Claudin-2 in the jejunum of NBW piglets (p < 0.05), as well as Occludin in the jejunum of LBW piglets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, weaning stress reduced the mRNA expressions of IL-6, TLR9, MyD88, TRIF and p65 NF-κB in the jejunum of NBW piglets (p < 0.05). In LBW piglets, weaning stress decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-2, TNF-α, NLRP3, TLR9, and NOD2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, compared to NBW piglets, LBW piglets are more susceptible to weaning stress-induced protein metabolic disorders and intestinal barrier dysfunction, ultimately leading to impaired immune function and reduced growth performance. The results underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for piglets based on birth weight to mitigate weaning stress impacts. Full article

Low birth weight (LBW) in various species leads to a pronounced skeletal muscle phenotype and can serve as a model to study muscle formation and draw conclusions for normal and pathological development. We aimed to elucidate in detail how the differentiation of muscular stem cells and their progeny are disturbed in piglets born with LBW. We isolated primary muscle cells from LBW piglets and their normal siblings with two different approaches: (1) single cells from two functionally divergent subpopulations (previously named “fast” and “slow”) and (2) cells derived from isolated, intact myofibers. Subsequently, we analyzed their proliferative and differentiative capacity by determining proliferation rate, migration behavior, myotube formation, and myogenic gene and protein expression. LBW led to a decreased proliferation rate and migration potential in cells from the subpopulation fast group. Cells from LBW piglets were generally able to differentiate, but they formed smaller myotubes with less incorporated nuclei, leading to a diminished fusion rate. Myogenic gene expression was also significantly altered due to pig birth weight. Overall, early postnatal muscle development in LBW was disturbed at several crucial steps involving the establishment of a reserve stem cell pool, movement of cells towards existing myofibers, and the ability to form nascent myofibers. Full article

This study aimed to determine the impact of supplementations of copper, vitamins A and D (ADCU), and a bovine colostrum extract (BC) on the micronutrient status, antioxidant status, and intestinal microbiota of piglets until the post-weaning period. Twenty-three sows were fed conventional gestation and lactation diets, and twenty-four sows were fed conventional diets supplemented with ADCU. For each litter, all piglets received one of four treatments during lactation: no supplementation; ADCU; BC; and ADCU + BC. Within each litter, one low (LW) and one high birth weight (HW) piglet were euthanized before and after weaning to collect liver and intestinal samples. Serum vitamin D, liver retinol, and liver Cu were greater in ADCU piglets (p < 0.01), mostly before weaning. After weaning, liver Cu decreased markedly with a drop of 75% in all treatments, despite high levels of Cu in their post-weaning diets. The antioxidant status of piglets was not globally altered by treatments (p > 0.05). For microbiota composition, sow supplementation increased (p < 0.01) richness in bacterial species in the piglet colon, either before or shortly after weaning. Short-chain fatty acids in caecal digesta were increased by sow supplementation in LW piglets before weaning at 16 days of age (p < 0.05). In conclusion, oral supplementations to piglets increased postnatal micronutrient statuses during lactation, but this did not generally persist after weaning. Treatments to sows or piglets did not improve the response of piglets to oxidative stress, but supplementation to sows favoured gut microbiota diversity, particularly in LW piglets. Full article

Fifty-eight litters (16 from primiparous gilts and 42 from multiparous sows) were used, with a total number of 750 piglets involved in the study. Birth weight was stratified into three groups: low (<1.02 kg; LBW), normal (1.02–1.62 kg; NBW), and high (>1.62 kg; HBW). A creep feeding diet was offered to piglets in a creep feeder in 29 litters from day 7 until their weaning. Piglet mortality was recorded daily. Traceability was ensured up to the point of carcass splitting and subsequent meat analysis. Each carcass was eviscerated and weighed individually. Sixty-nine piglets were selected for the microbiome analysis (35 from the control group and 34 from the creep feeding group). Feces samples from the rectum were obtained at three time points (three days prior weaning, a week after weaning, and before the slaughtering of the pigs). Mortality during lactation was influenced by birth weight, with LBW piglets exhibiting a six-fold higher mortality rate than HBW. Creep feeding did not impact piglet mortality. Heavier piglets demonstrated greater weight gain when subjected to creep feeding, while the growth potential of lighter piglets was reduced. Variation in creep feeding consumption based on birth weight also affected microbiome composition, with high-birth-weight piglets displaying higher alpha diversity than low- and normal-birth-weight piglets seven days after lactation. Alpha diversity is indicative of gut health, with higher values suggesting greater stability and adaptability to different feed sources. In conclusion, the immediate impacts of creep feeding appear to be most prominent during lactation and potentially early postweaning. These short-term effects are modulated by birth weight, with HBW piglets demonstrating the greatest benefits from the implementation of creep-feeding practices. Full article

This observational study explored the early-life challenges of intra-uterine growth restricted (IUGR), low birth body weight (LBW), and normal birth body weight (NBW) piglets. The aim was to understand the impact of birth weight and intra-uterine growth restriction phenotype on neonatal survival and behavior. Based on weight and phenotype, piglets were classified as IUGR (n = 32), LBW (n = 34), and NBW (n = 29) immediately after birth. The piglets were litter- and sex-matched. Vitality scores were assigned based on motor activity and breathing and complemented with an assessment of umbilical cord condition, rectal temperature, crown–rump length (CRL), time to reach the udder, time to suckle, colostrum intake, and weight gain over 24 h. Beyond the lower birth weight, reduced CRL, and higher mortality rate, IUGR piglets faced several other challenges compared with LBW and NBW piglets. Growth-impaired piglets often struggled to engage in early feeding behaviors and displayed consistently lower rectal temperatures at 1, 3 and 24 h after birth. IUGR piglets showed inadequate colostrum intake and weight loss, which were also observed for LBW counterparts. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in vitality scores and umbilical cord conditions across the groups. In conclusion, our findings underscore the impact of intra-uterine growth restriction on neonatal piglets, emphasizing the need for specialized care strategies to improve survival and health outcomes in IUGR. Full article

The Jinhua pig is well known in China due to its delicious meat. However, because of large litter size, low birth weight always happens. This experiment used this breed as a model to research bacterial evidence leading to growth restriction and provide a possible solution linked to probiotics. In this experiment, the differences in organs indexes, colonic morphology, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, microbiome, and transcriptome were detected between piglets in the standard-birth-weight group (SG) and low-birth-weight group (LG) to find potential evidence leading to low birth weight. We found that LG piglets had a lower liver index (p < 0.05), deeper colonic crypt depth (p < 0.05), fewer goblet cells (p < 0.05), and more inflammatory factor infiltration. In addition, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in B-cell immunity and glucose metabolism, and LG piglets had lower concentrations of SCFAs, especially butyrate and isobutyrate (p < 0.05). Finally, most of the significantly differentially abundant microbes were fewer in LG piglets, which affected DEG expressions and SCFA concentrations further resulting in worse energy metabolism and immunity. In conclusion, colonic disrupted microbiota may cause worse glucose metabolism, immunity, and SCFA production in LG piglets, and beneficial microbes colonized in SG piglets may benefit these harmful changes. Full article