Search Results (141)

This study evaluated the effects of dietary hydroxytyrosol (HT) addition on piglets during the nursery phase across two experiments. In the first, 72 weaned male piglets (~26 days old, 7.3 ± 0.5 kg) were assigned to one of four diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 50 mg HT/kg feed. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, histological and behavioral parameters, and meat lipid profiles were assessed. In the second study, the apparent digestibility of diets containing 0, 25, or 50 mg HT/kg feed was evaluated using 15 male piglets (21.5 ± 1.5 kg) through total excreta collection. Results revealed that HT influenced serum glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase, histological inflammation, and active behaviors. HT modified lipid profiles, reduced capric, lauric, linolenic, arachidonic, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic fatty acid concentrations, and increased the nervonic acid profile. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, energy, and protein increased with HT use up to 50 mg/kg of feed. These findings demonstrate that HT positively impacts piglet efficiency, changing the fatty acid profile with increased nervonic acid, highlighting its potential as a dietary additive for improving nursery pig production. Full article

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is a brush border enzyme secreted by enterocytes, playing a crucial role in maintaining gut mucosal defense. This study investigated the expression dynamics of IAP in the small intestine of pigs challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli) K88, compared to healthy controls. Five-week-old pigs (n = 8) were orally administered E. coli K88 at a concentration of 2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL, with a dose of 2 mL per pig at 0 and 24 h. Five days post-challenge, tissue samples from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected for mucosal morphometric analysis and evaluation of IAP expression via immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. The results revealed the presence of IAP on the apical surface of villi throughout the small intestine, along with significantly upregulated IAP expression in E. coli-challenged pigs compared to controls. These findings suggest that Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli can induce IAP expression, likely through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, thereby enhancing its enzymatic activity as part of the intestinal defense mechanism. This study provides insight into the protective role of IAP and highlights its potential as a biomarker for assessing gut health and diagnosing enteric infections in animals. Full article

Porcine circoviruses are significant pathogens that affect swine populations worldwide, with implications for animal health and productivity. While PCV2 is well-documented, particularly due to widespread vaccination programs, PCV3 is less understood, and its epidemiological impact is still under investigation. This study screened for PCV2 and PCV3 in pigs and wild boars across Portugal to assess their prevalence. Also, nucleotide sequence determination was performed to evaluate the genetic diversity of these viruses. Stool samples from 160 pigs belonging to different groups (quarantine, nursery, fattening and adult pigs), as well as organ samples from 120 hunted wild boars, were analyzed. Samples were collected from twelve of the eighteen mainland Portuguese districts with positive cases being detected in nine of them. Pigs had a lower prevalence of PCV2 (1.9%) than PCV3 (11.2%), but the opposite was true in wild boars (76.7% for PCV2 and 55.0% for PCV3). The lower PCV2 prevalence in pigs can be attributed to the PCV2 vaccination program implemented. Additionally, these viruses were significantly more prevalent in wild boars (90.8% were infected with at least one of the viruses) than in domestic pigs (only 12.5%). This significant difference highlights the impact of the controlled environment in pig farms on disease prevention in contrast to the higher exposure risks faced by wild boars in their natural habitat. Compared to a previous study from 2023, we observed a slight decrease in the percentage of positive cases for both PCV2 and PCV3. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences obtained by Sanger sequencing allowed us to conclude that the samples from domestic pigs belong to the PCV2a and PCV3c clades, in contrast to the PCV2-positive cases detected in domestic pigs in 2023 that were classified in the PCV2d genotype. Conversely, samples from wild boars belong to the PCV2d and PCV3a clades. These results reveal genotype differences between wild and domestic pigs and shifts from 2023 to 2024. Our findings provide some information about the circulation of these viruses and emphasize the importance of vaccination and continued monitoring for a deeper understanding of their epidemiology to mitigate potential risks to swine health and production. Full article

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis, an enteric disease that can affect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. Pigs play a potential role in the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. to humans, although infections are most often subclinical. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in swine farms located in Aragón, northeastern Spain. Fecal samples (n = 72) were collected from 10 breeding farms, encompassing various production stages (lactation, nursery, fattening, and/or wean-to-finish). Data regarding the type of production system (two- or three-stage), production stages, and farming facilities (the type of flooring and water source) associated with the parasite presence were also analyzed using a questionnaire. The results showed that Cryptosporidium spp. were more frequently detected in fecal samples originating from three-stage production systems (21.9%) compared to two-stage systems (12.5%). Samples from the fattening stage exhibited the highest positivity rate and estimated oocyst count (3.0 oocyst/microscopic field). Furthermore, the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. revealed the circulation of multiple species both among farms and within the same pig production flow, with Cryptosporidium scrofarum being the most prevalent species (7/72; 9.7%), followed by Cryptosporidium suis (1/72; 1.4%). These findings underscore the importance of the surveillance and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. for controlling infections in pigs, considering the potential for the zoonotic transmission of this parasite to humans. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of the replacement of AGPs by a probiotic in diets for piglets in the nursery stage. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON-basal diet (BD); ANT-BD+antibiotic; and PRO-BD+probiotic. From d 35–42 of age, the piglets that received ANT-BD showed a higher average daily weight gain (ADWG) (p = 0.0296), followed by those that received PRO and the control. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was higher (p = 0.0224) for PRO- and ANT-fed piglets when compared to CON. From d 43–56, the ADWG was the highest (p = 0.0207) in piglets fed ANT. The ADFI was also higher (p = 0.0258) in ANT and PRO. Final body weight (BW) was also influenced (p = 0.0291), whereas ANT-fed animals, followed by PRO, showed a higher BW compared to CON. For overall nursery performance, PRO showed the highest (p = 0.046) ADFI compared to all other treatments. Piglets fed PRO and ANT also showed the highest (p = 0.05) end weights. There was no significant difference in the fecal concentration of Escherichia coli. Concentrations for the sugar absorption test were higher on days 34 and 49 (p < 0.05). The inclusion of B. subtilis DSM 32315 does not replace the use of antibiotics with the same level of results but can provide benefits compared to diets without the use of antibiotics. Full article

The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids, digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients in 10 fishmeal (FM) samples were evaluated in weaned barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) using two experiments. In Experiment 1, 11 piglets (18.87 ± 0.10 kg) fitted with T-cannulas were randomly allocated to an 11 × 6 Latin-square design with 11 diets (1 nitrogen-free diet and 10 assay diets) and six periods. The AID and SID of all amino acids (AAs) except proline showed significant differences among all FM (p < 0.05). Importantly, the SID of amino acids was positively correlated with key antioxidant markers and immune parameters, and it was negatively correlated with oxidative stress markers (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2 and IL-6). In Experiment 2, 11 piglets (18.05 ± 1.15 kg) were assigned to an 11 × 5 Latin-square design with 11 diets (a 96.35% corn diet and 10 assay diets) and five consecutive periods. Significant variations were observed in the DE, ME, and ATTD of dry matter among different FM samples (p < 0.05). Moreover, predictive equations for estimating the SID of lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan, as well as DE and ME, were established using stepwise regression analysis based on the chemical composition of the FM. These findings demonstrate that the nutritional value of FM in nursery pig diets has been underestimated, and this study provides precise data and predictive methods for evaluating the nutritional quality of FM in precision nutrition. Full article

Intestinal diseases in nursery pigs harm health and performance and drive antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated whether early probiotic inoculation helps piglets to cope with weaning-related gut challenges. The probiotic, containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Enterococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, and Bifidobacterium breve, was given orally to newborn piglets daily until day 4 and then every other day until weaning at day 28 (at 4 × 10⁹ CFU/dose). The control piglets received a placebo. The results showed that the probiotic pigs had reduced fecal alpha-diversity on day 7 but greater Shannon diversity on day 28 (feces) and day 23 (intestinal contents) compared to those of the control pigs. Beta-diversity analysis showed microbial differences between the groups on day 35. Most zOTUs (zero-radius operational taxonomic units) found to significantly differentiate the two treatment groups were found pre weaning. Bifidobacterium breve, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, as well as Clostridium ramosum were significantly more abundant in the feces of the probiotic pigs more than once. The probiotic pigs had higher expression levels of mucin 2 (MUC2); solute carrier family 5, member 8 (SLC5A8); and interleukin 8 (IL-8) post weaning. In the early post-weaning period, the probiotic pigs had less diarrhea as well as lower cadaverine levels in digesta than the control pigs. In conclusion, early probiotic inoculation may induce lasting immunomodulation via microbial antigen changes, enhancing resilience during challenges, like weaning. Notably, the effects persisted beyond weaning and probiotic cessation. Full article

Colibacillosis in nursery pigs, caused by Escherichia coli (ETEC, EPEC, and STEC pathotypes), remains a major economic concern in the swine industry. This study evaluated the effects of in-feed or in-water chlortetracycline (CTC) administration on the fecal prevalence of virulence genes and pathotypes associated with colibacillosis. A total of 1296 weaned piglets (21 days old) were allocated to 48 pens (16 pens/treatment; 27 piglets/pen) and assigned randomly to no CTC, in-feed CTC, or in-water CTC groups. CTC was administered from days 0 to 14. Fecal samples from five piglets per pen on days 0, 14, and 28 were enriched, screened by 11-plex PCR, cultured for pathotypes, and tested for CTC susceptibility and tetracycline resistance genes. None of the 360 fecal samples or 3267 E. coli isolates were positive for bfpA or aggA. Prevalence of estB (96.9%) and astA (92.8%) was highest. ETEC was the dominant pathotype (41.2%), with astA (29%) and estB (21.9%) as predominant enterotoxin genes. CTC administration had no significant effect on fecal prevalence of virulence genes or pathotypes (p > 0.05). stx2 and STEC were detected only at day 28, all harboring stx2e. All pathotypes were CTC-resistant, with tetA as the predominant resistance gene. Full article

Gut health is crucial for pigs because it affects nutrient absorption, immune function, and growth performance. However, its definition remains unclear, particularly regarding measurable responses in scientific studies. This review critically analyzed studies assessing intestinal health in pigs during the nursery, growing, and finishing phases, focusing on the invasiveness of the applied techniques. Papers published between 2005 and 2023 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, resulting in 322 articles. Publications grew at an annual rate of 23%, with 84% of studies conducted in the nursery phase. In the database, 87% of intestinal health assessments were combined with growth performance measures. Semi-invasive methods, such as blood collection, were used in 65% of the studies. Non-invasive measures, such as fecal samples, were analyzed in 39% of the studies, whereas urine (7%) and saliva (0.6%) were used in only a small fraction of the studies. Invasive methods, including intestinal tissue collection, were employed in 89% of studies. Among these, 24% did not specify the euthanasia method or number of pigs euthanized. No significant association was found between invasive and non-invasive methods, limiting the ability to establish clear relationships. Future studies should integrate multiple levels of invasiveness to improve the understanding and reduce reliance on invasive techniques. Full article

Porcine circoviruses (PCVs), encompassing porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), and porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4), have been documented in China and represent a significant threat to the swine industry. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data regarding the infection characteristics of PCVs across different age groups within intensive pig farming operations. In this investigation, a systematic cross-sectional methodology was employed to collect 415 testicular processing fluid samples and 1583 serum samples from 30 breeding farms and 27 fattening farms in China. All samples underwent analysis using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Among the testicular fluid samples from suckling pigs, the detection rates for PCV1, PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 were 56.9%, 31.1%, 75.4%, and 2.2%, respectively. The lowest mean cycle threshold (Ct) values for PCV1 and PCV3 were observed in testicular fluid as opposed to serum samples. At the individual level, the detection rate of PCV1 was significantly higher in fattening pigs (28.7%) and sows (28.7%) compared to nursery pigs (8.5%). The detection rate of PCV2 was highest in fattening pigs (43.1%) and lowest in sows (19.2%). The infection profile of PCV3 contrasted markedly with that of PCV2, exhibiting the lowest prevalence in fattening pigs (8.1%) and the highest in sows (46.1%). PCV4 was infrequently detected across all age groups, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% to 1.7%. Furthermore, the incidence of mixed infections involving the four PCV types was observed to be 12.7% in nursery pigs, 16.8% in fattening pigs, and 22.4% in sows. Notably, no strong correlation was identified between any two co-detected PCV types across all pig age categories. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the infection dynamics of PCVs across different pig age groups. Additionally, this research offers critical reference information for devising strategies to prevent PCV infections in intensive pig farming operations in China. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of no tail docking on the performance, health, and behavior of piglets raised under commercial conditions in Brazil. The study included 768 weaned piglets from the Pietrain synthetic line, randomly divided into two groups: DT = the final third part of the tail-docked (n = 384) and NTD = non-tail-docked (n = 384). Tail docking was performed on day two using an electrocautery clipper for piglets from the DT group, and both groups were subjected to standard environmental enrichment with branched chains. In cases of tail biting, a contingency plan was adopted to mitigate this problem by enriching the pen with a sisal rope. Behavioral measurements were performed using scan sampling. Tail biting, reactivity to humans, and health were assessed using a methodology adapted from the Welfare Quality Protocol^®. The piglets were weighed at 140 days of age and inspected according to the parameters established by the Pig Genealogical Registration Service to be used as reproduction animals. The off-test rate was calculated based on the total number of piglets approved for animal use relative to the total number evaluated. During the nursery stage, the NDT piglets showed a trend toward significance (p = 0.07) toward a higher occurrence of tail biting than the DT piglets and exhibited a higher incidence of severe lesions. They also engaged more frequently (p < 0.05) in exploratory behavior, interacting with branched chains and sisal rope, than the DT piglets. During the finishing phase, tail biting was observed only in the NDT piglets (p = 0.001). The NDT piglets that did not require the contingency plan exhibited lower fear responses (p = 0.02) during human interactions in the nursery phase than the DT piglets. Conversely, the NDT piglets that required a contingency plan showed higher fear levels (p < 0.001). Productivity performance was not affected (p > 0.05), and new cases of tail biting ceased after the contingency plan was implemented. The number of animals that died or were removed did not differ between the treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, managing piglets with intact tails on commercial farms presents a significant welfare challenge. By contrast, docking the final third of the tail, in accordance with regulations, was associated with fewer negative welfare outcomes, even when best management practices were applied. Full article

The weaning period is a critical phase for nursery pigs that is characterized by rapid growth and alterations in the intestinal microbiome associated with nutrient utilization. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of halquinol, when used as an antibiotic (ABO), on the growth performance, diarrhea incidence, coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD), fecal volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microbiota in pigs. A total of 210 healthy weaned pigs with an average initial weight of 6.9 kg and aged 28 ± 2 days were assigned to five treatments (six pens/treatment) in a complete randomized design, including a control group (T1, CON; feed with no ABO), a colistin group (T2, CLT; feed containing 120 ppm colistin), and three halquinol groups (T3 to T5, HAL; feed containing 180, 240, and 360 ppm halquinol, respectively). The experiment period lasted for 10 days. Field recordings, observation, and feces collection were performed on D1, D5, and D10. CATTD and VFA assessments were conducted on D10. The composition of the fecal microbiota was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina Miseq platform. The results demonstrated that the in-feed ABO groups exhibited a significantly lower ADFI (p < 0.01). Pigs fed the T3 and T4 diets had the lowest FCR (p < 0.01) on D5 and D10 and, thus, had reduced ADFI (p < 0.01). A quadratic contrast was found in ADFI and FCR on D5 and D10, indicating a negative correlation with HAL concentration (p < 0.01). Pigs fed CLT and HAL had significantly reduced levels of coliform (p < 0.01) and E. coli (p < 0.01). Moreover, pigs receiving ABO also had a lower fecal score compared to those on the CON diet (p < 0.01). Dietary in-feed ABO had no effect on all the parameters of the CATTD on D10 (p > 0.05), except for fat digestibility in pigs that received T4 (p < 0.01). Pigs fed the T4 and T5 diets had higher propionate concentrations and lower A/P ratios than pigs fed T1, T2, and T3 (p < 0.01). The microbial diversity shifted quickly through the early weaning period. The relative abundance of beneficial Enterococcus microbes increased in pigs fed in-feed ABO, whereas the relative prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia and Klebsiella, decreased. Escherichia and Bacteroides were negatively correlated with carbohydrate digestibility and butyric and valeric acid production (p < 0.05). Overall, the appropriate HAL dosage was 240 ppm (T4), and this antimicrobial can potentially be characterized as an in-feed colistin replacer that improves feed efficiency and fat digestion, enhancing VFA production, alleviating post-weaning diarrhea, and protecting ABO-resistant piglets. Full article

The Intestinal system of nursery pigs is not fully matured and is easily disturbed by dietary composition and nutritional content. Probiotic-fermented feed has emerged as a beneficial dietary form for nursery pigs and is widely utilized in the livestock and poultry industries. However, there are limited reports regarding the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented feed on intestinal health and growth performance in nursery pigs. In this study, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum NX69-fermented soybean by multi-omics approaches on intestinal health and growth performance in nursery pigs. The results demonstrated that NX69-fermented soybean meal increased small intestinal villus height, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (V/C), and the number of goblet cells per unit length. Additionally, it enhanced the mRNA of intestinal mucosal barrier factors ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin in nursery pigs. Further research revealed that NX69-fermented soybean meal increased the diversity of the intestinal microbiota structure, elevated the abundance of core microbiota such as Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae, and Megasphaera in the cecum, and increased the abundance of genera such as Megasphaera, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus, which are known to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum. Correlation analysis indicated that the core microbiota were positively correlated with intestinal physical barriers, including villus length and the V/C ratio, as well as with the mRNA level of intestinal mucosal barrier factors ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin. Furthermore, they were positively correlated with differential metabolites such as Ginkgetin, Formiminoglutamic acid, Naringenin, and Hydroxyisocaproic acid. These findings suggest that NX69-fermented soybean meal can enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier in nursery pigs by increasing the abundance of core microbiota that produce SCFAs and then promoting intestinal health and improving growth performance, indicating promising application prospects. Full article

The use of electronic sow feeders (ESFs) during lactation has been associated with weaning of heavier piglets when compared to traditional feeders, with a lower amount of sow feed per kg of weaned piglet, improved welfare of the sow, and no negative effects on body condition or metabolic traits at weaning or subsequent reproductive yields. However, there have been no studies assessing the possible effects of ESF use on the lifelong development of the progeny. This study reveals that piglets weaned from sows fed with ESFs were heavier than those from sows fed with traditional feeders (5.91 ± 1.45 vs. 5.58 ± 1.23 kg, p < 0.005), with a lower amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet (2.41 ± 0.42 vs. 1.88 ± 0.28 kg, p < 0.0005). Subsequent differences in body weight increased due to a higher average daily weight gain during both the periods of nursery (0.332 ± 0.92 vs. 0.312 ± 0.80 kg/day, p < 0.01) and growing–finishing (0.921 ± 0.11 vs. 0.871 ± 0.09 kg/day, p < 0.001). Finally, the weights of the carcasses and primal pork pieces (ham, shoulder, loin, and belly) were also higher in pigs from sows fed with ESFs (p < 0.001 for all). Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pigs’ weaning weight (WW) on their growth performance and blood immunological, antioxidant, and gut permeability parameters in the early nursery period. At weaning, a total of 48 pigs, weaned at 20.7 ± 0.74 d of age, were allotted to two WW categories—HWW, with a WW over 5.5 kg (average 6.79 ± 0.53 kg), and LWW, with a WW of less than 5.5 kg (average 4.43 ± 0.56 kg)—for a 14 d postweaning period. The WW did not affect the average daily gain (ADG) in d 0–7 postweaning or the plasma malondialdehyde levels over the entire period. HWW pigs had a higher body weight and ADG than LWW pigs (p < 0.05) in the overall period, with greater plasma immunoglobulin G (p < 0.05) and A (p = 0.06, tendency) levels at d 7 postweaning and superoxide dismutase activity at d 14 postweaning (p = 0.05, tendency), with positive correlations with the WW (p < 0.05). HWW pigs had lower plasma diamine oxidase (p < 0.05) and d-lactate (p = 0.06, tendency) levels at d 14 postweaning, with a negative correlation with the WW (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although there was no effect of the WW on growth rate in the first week postweaning and oxidative stress in the early nursery period, HWW pigs exhibited greater growth performance, immunoglobulin levels, and antioxidant capacity but lower gut permeability than LWW pigs in the early nursery period. Full article