Search Results (865)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with H. illucens larval meal on the colonic immune homeostasis in weaned piglets in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-challenged pig housing. Seventy-two weaned piglets, aged 28 days, were randomly divided into three groups for dietary treatment: the basal diet (negative control, NC), the positive control diet (PC) supplemented with 1445 mg zinc/kg zinc oxide in the basal diet, and the H. illucens larval meal complete replacement of fishmeal in the basal diet (HILM), for 28 days in ETEC-challenged pig housing. The results showed that the relative transcript abundances of ZO-1, pBD2, PR39, and PG1–5 were increased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with those fed the NC diet. In addition, the HILM diet reduced (p < 0.05) the serum contents of IL-8 and increased (p < 0.05) the serum contents of IL-10 and IgG compared with the NC diet. In terms of the molecular mechanisms by which immune homeostasis is improved, the p-NF-κB/ NF-κB ratio and TLR2 protein expression in the colon were decreased (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with those fed the NC diet. Compared with the NC diet, the HILM diet reduced (p < 0.05) the protein expression of HDAC3 and HDAC7 in the colon of pigs. The SIRT1, acH3K9, and pH3S10 protein expressions in the colon were the greatest (p < 0.05) in pigs fed the HILM diet compared with the NC diet. HILM diets improved the colonic immune homeostasis in weaned piglets by enhancing the antimicrobial peptide expression, thereby mitigating ETEC challenges in pig housing. Mechanistically, HILM diets promote antimicrobial peptide expression through increased histone acetylation (acH3K9 and pH3S10). 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

Weaning is one of the most stressful stages in pig production, especially for Iberian piglets, which grow more slowly than other cosmopolitan breeds and therefore, have a lower weaning weight when raised in intensive systems. Stress at weaning, caused by separation from the sow, dietary change, and regrouping with unfamiliar piglets, can negatively impact welfare, immune function, and performance. Pre-weaning socialization, which allows piglets from different litters to interact before weaning, has been proposed as a strategy to reduce aggression and facilitate the adaptation to the post-weaning period. However, its physiological effects in Iberian pigs remain largely unknown. In this study, 8 Iberian sows and their litters were assigned to either a control group (CTRL) or a socialization group (SOC) where litters were mingled (socialized) two weeks before weaning. Salivary and serum biomarkers of stress, inflammation, immunity and metabolism were measured at weaning (pwD0) and 7 days post-weaning (pwD7), and growth performance was recorded until 60 days of age. Socialized piglets showed reduced salivary Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) activity at pwD0 and pwD7 and lower salivary chromogranin A (CgA) and serum Haptoglobin (Hp) levels at pwD7. In contrast, they presented higher concentrations in serum of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, glucose, and urea at pwD7 compared to controls. Attending to the sex effect, Butyryl-cholinesterase (BChE) serum concentration was higher in males and urea, and creatinine were higher in females. Growth rates were higher in socialized piglets in the first two weeks post-weaning but lower thereafter. These findings may suggest that pre-weaning socialization could reduce the stress associated with early post-weaning in Iberian piglets, thus potentially improving welfare and adaptation during this period. Full article

The present study evaluated the impact of precision feeding using Electronic Sow Feeders (ESFs) during lactation on the nutritional status of Iberian sows and the performance of their offspring under intensive farming conditions. Fifty-three second-parity Iberian sows were assigned to three feeding systems: ESFs (PF), feeding ball (FB), and conventional feeders (CON). Results showed that PF sows had a significantly lower feed disappearance, without affecting body weight and condition, when compared to FB and CON groups (p < 0.05). Although milk yield did not differ significantly among groups, PF piglets exhibited higher weaning weights and average daily weight gains (ADWG), particularly during the second half of lactation (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Metabolic profiling revealed an improved glucose and lipid homeostasis in PF sows, with lower Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs) levels and more favorable cholesterol profiles (p < 0.05 for all). No remarkable differences were observed in welfare biomarkers (salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase) among treatments. These findings suggest that precision feeding enhances feed efficiency, stabilizes maternal metabolism, and improves piglet growth in traditional swine breeds (“fatty pigs”) like the Iberian pig, offering a sustainable strategy for intensifying production without compromising animal welfare. Full article

Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) is a highly prevalent, predominantly endogenous condition that compromises tissue integrity and animal welfare across different life stages in pigs. Increasing evidence suggests that early-life SINS lesions may predispose pigs to tail damage later in life; however, longitudinal data remain scarce. This study investigated the association between SINS-related clinical signs in suckling piglets and weaners and subsequent tail integrity during fattening and at slaughter. In a longitudinal study, 352 piglets from two Italian farms producing Parma ham were followed from the suckling phase to slaughter. Although SINS signs were generally mild, pigs affected during the weaner phase showed a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing short tails during fattening. Furthermore, the probability of reduced tail length at slaughter increased from 33.5% to 65.8% in pigs with a history of SINS. Early-life SINS was significantly associated with impaired tail integrity both at the onset of fattening and at slaughter. These new findings highlight endogenous inflammation and necrosis in early life as important yet underrecognized welfare risk factors and suggest that SINS can be utilised as a point of care and early preventive strategies may substantially improve tail integrity and welfare outcomes at slaughter. Full article

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) levels and antibiotics in feed on the growth performance, body composition, nutrient digestion and absorption, gut health, and microbiota of weaned piglets. A total of 100 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, weaned at day 21) with an initial weight of 6.39 ± 0.03 kg were randomly assigned to four treatments and fed with 18% CP antibiotic-free diets, 18% CP with antibiotics diets, 24% CP antibiotic-free diets, and 24% CP with antibiotics diets for 0–14 d (S1). Furthermore, the piglets were fed with an identical diet (19% CP and without antibiotics) starting day 15 until they reached 25 kg (S2). Results indicated that the average daily gain (ADG) and gain feed ratio (G:F) during the S1 phase as well as BW at day 14, were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the 18% CP group compared with the 24% CP group. Similarly, piglets in the 18% CP group showed a significantly decreased body protein content and body water, protein deposition rates at the S1 phase, and significantly improved the body lipid content and deposition rate but not (p > 0.05) at the S2 phase. The 18% CP group demonstrated significantly increased (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, and Lysine in weaned piglets during the S1 phase, while Glycine concentration significantly decreased, and no significant (p > 0.05) effects were observed in the S2 phase. Furthermore, dietary antibiotic supplementation had no effect on (p > 0.05) piglet growth performance, body composition, nutrient digestion, and metabolism throughout the entire trial period. In the absence of antibiotics, compared to the 24% CP diet group, the piglets fed with an 18% CP diet significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the colon of weaned piglets upon reaching 25 kg BW (p < 0.05). Compared to the diet without added antibiotics, the addition of antibiotics to the diet significantly decreased the relative abundance of Pseudoramibacter in the colon of weaned piglets on day 14. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in intestinal morphology or gastrointestinal pH among the groups. In conclusion, lower dietary protein levels in the early post-weaning period reduced growth performance and promoted gut microbiota balance, and compensatory growth occurred after returning to higher protein levels two weeks after weaning. Full article

Many piglet-producing farms are facing poor reproductive performance, yet their characteristics remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to reproductive disorders based on information easily identifiable through an oral survey. Therefore, forty Austrian piglet producing farms (35–2000 sows) were surveyed using a questionnaire mainly addressing management, treatment and prophylaxis. Five key performance indicators (KPIs) were defined to assess farm productivity: farrowing rate, return-to-estrus rate, abortion rate, total piglets born per litter, and piglets weaned per litter. Farrowing rates were significantly higher in larger farms (r = 0.368; p = 0.019), PRRS-negative farms (r = 0.415; p = 0.008), and farms that did not clean the vulva before artificial insemination (r = 0.357; p = 0.024). Return-to-estrus rates were significantly higher in smaller farms (r = −0.431; p = 0.006), farms with more vaginal discharge after farrowing (r = 0.397; p = 0.011), those not using hormonal farrowing induction (r = 0.339; p = 0.033), and farms with older teaser boars (r = 0.385; p = 0.039). Larger farms had more piglets born per litter (r = 0.342; p = 0.031) and weaned more piglets (r = 0.391; p = 0.013). Weaned piglet numbers were also higher in farms with all-in/all-out implementation in farrowing pens (r = 0.353; p = 0.026), with restricted access of other animal species to the barn (r = 0.366; p = 0.028) and hormonal farrowing induction (r = 0.348; p = 0.028). Common well-established strategies for improving fertility performance like evaluation of body temperature after farrowing, antimicrobial, and hormonal treatments showed limited relevance. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify additional factors influencing reproductive performance of sows. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of the reproductive performance, milk composition, and blood profile of sows, as well as the performance of their offspring when their dietary soybean meal is partially replaced by black soldier fly Hermetia illucens larva meal (BSFLM). A total of 18 multiparous (Landrace × Yorkshire) Duroc mated sows were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments based on parity from gestation to lactation on day 21. Each treatment has six replications. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet based on corn-soybean meal; BSFLM1, basal diet soybean meal partially replaced with BSFLM (0.5% of diet); BSFLM2, basal diet soybean meal partially replaced with BSFLM (1.0% of diet). Our results revealed that sows fed with 0.5% of BSFLM had significantly increased (p < 0.05) BW at the initial and weaning period. Also, the BSFLM2 group sows showed significantly increased (p < 0.05) backfat thickness at weaning. Compared to CON, piglets born from the BSFLM group sows showed a tendency (p > 0.1) of having increased BW (at initial and at weaning) and ADG. Furthermore, sows fed with 0.5% BSFLM showed a tendency (p > 0.1) of having increased protein and fat % in milk at week 1. The serum concentration of IGF-1 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the BSFLM1 group sows compared to the BSFLM 2 group sows initially and it was equalized at weaning. In summary, partial replacement of soybean meals with 0.5% and 1% BSFLM could be beneficial for improving the reproductive traits, milk composition, and health status of sows and their offsprings. Full article

Weaned piglets have a fragile gastrointestinal tract and immature digestive function. Supplementation of Bacillus can enhance intestinal barrier function and improve nutrient digestion and absorption efficiency. It is an important nutritional regulation method to alleviate weaning stress, reduce the incidence of diarrhea and promote growth performance. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and their combination on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, nutrient apparent digestibility, intestinal morphology and barrier function of weaned piglets. A total of 128 weaned piglets weighing 6.68 kg (±0.35 kg) were selected, divided into 4 treatment groups, and fed with a basal diet (CTR), a Bacillus subtilis (BS1), a Bacillus pumilus (BS2) and a Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus pumilus (BS1 + BS2) for 42 days. Each group had 8 replicates with 4 piglets per replicate. One piglet was selected from each replicate and euthanized to collect intestinal samples. The results showed that compared with the CTR group, the BS1 + BS2 group significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) of weaned piglets on days 0–14 (p < 0.05), and the BS2 group significantly increased the ADG on days 0–42 (p < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the BS1 + BS2 group significantly reduced the full-time diarrhea rate (p < 0.05), and weaned piglets of the BS2 group significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea on days 0–14, 15–28, and 0–42 of the study, in comparison to the control (p < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the piglets in the BS1 + BS2 group significantly decreased the serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content on day 21 (p < 0.05), and the BS1, BS2, and BS1 + BS2 groups significantly decreased the serum TNF-α content on day 42 (p < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the BS1 + BS2 group significantly reduced the expression of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA in the ileum (p < 0.05). The BS1, BS2, and BS1 + BS2 groups significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α mRNA in the ileum, IL-8 mRNA in the jejunum, and TNF-α mRNA in the jejunum (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the CTR group, the BS2 and BS1 + BS2 groups significantly increased Claudin-1 mRNA expression in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the BS1 and BS2 groups significantly increased Occludin mRNA expression in the jejunum (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with Bacillus-based probiotics can significantly improve growth performance in weaned piglets, reduce diarrhea incidence, alleviate inflammation, and enhance intestinal barrier function. Full article

This study evaluated effects of Termin-8^®, a formaldehyde, propionic acid, and terpene-based feed sanitizer, on the performance, health, and gut microbiome of sows and nursing piglets. One hundred and seven mixed-parity sows were allocated to control diets (n = 53) or diets containing 0.55% sanitizer (n = 54) from day 80 of gestation until approximately day 19 postpartum. Performance metrics, scours, and fecal microbiome composition via 16S rRNA sequencing were assessed. Feed sanitizer supplementation had no significant effects on sow body weight, backfat depth, feed intake, wean-to-estrus interval, litter size or weight at weaning, or piglet diarrhea incidence. However, stillborn pig weight was significantly reduced in the sanitized group (p = 0.010). Gut microbiome changed drastically from gestation to weaning in both groups (R² > 0.20, p < 0.001), but the taxa and functions that fluctuated largely differed in each group. At weaning, both groups exhibited significantly different microbiome compositions (R² = 0.06, p < 0.001). Feed sanitizer in sows did not influence the piglet microbiome. Supplementing formaldehyde-based feed sanitizer to sow diets did not significantly impact overall performance or health but moderately influenced sow gut microbiome composition, warranting further investigation into its potential functional implications. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pineapple pomace as a functional feed additive on growth performance, fecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and odor substance emissions in weaned piglets. The experiment utilized 90 weaned three-way crossbred piglets (Duroc–Yorkshire–Guoshou Black Pig) at 28 days of age, randomly divided into three groups of 10 pigs each: the control group (CON, basal diet), the fish meal group (FM, basal diet + 2% imported fish meal), and the pineapple pomace group (PPC, basal diet + 2% pineapple pomace compound). The results indicated the PPC group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) than the CON group. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the PPC group significantly increased fecal microbiota species richness and diversity (p < 0.01) while enriching beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and butyrate-producing bacteria such as Blautia. Concurrently, acetic acid and butyric acid levels in feces were significantly elevated in the PPC group (p < 0.05), with butyric acid production markedly higher than in the FM group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the levels of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), such as isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, PPC supplementation led to a significant decrease in fecal levels of indole and 3-methylindole (skatole) (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary inclusion of 2% pineapple pomace improves growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets by modulating the fecal microbiota, promoting beneficial SCFA production, and inhibiting protein putrefaction. These findings support PPC as an effective and sustainable alternative to fish meal, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly feeding strategies in pig production. Full article

The growth and development of skeletal structures in young animals are important for their overall health and productivity. Deciphering variations in bone growth among pig breeds can optimize breeding strategies and improve animal welfare. This study explored differences in the bone growth and development of different pig breeds at the early growth stages. A total of 120 newborn piglets from Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc piglets, from 30 sows (litter sizes 9–11), were selected to assess their bone growth and development at four different ages (including at 1, 10, 21, and 24 days old). The results showed that the bone length and weight of femur, tibia, rib, and lumbar vertebrae among different pig breeds increased with age. Compared to Duroc piglets, XB and TB piglets exhibited a shorter bone length and lighter bone weight of those four bones at different ages (p < 0.05). XB piglets showed shorter bone length of femur, tibia, and lumbar vertebrae at weaning (21 days old), and a lighter bone weight and lower bone mineral content of those three bones at weaning and three days after weaning (24 days old) compared to TB piglets (p < 0.05). Bone breaking load increased with age, with Duroc piglets exhibiting higher bone breaking load at 10 days old (p < 0.05). Bone mineral density, ash content, and Ca and P deposition varied by breed and age, and TB piglets had a higher bone mineral density at 21 days old compared to XB piglets. In summary, Chinese native piglets have slower bone growth than Duroc piglets, but TB piglets exhibit higher mineral deposition compared to XB piglets. Full article

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) supplementation has been explored as a nutritional strategy to mitigate the negative effects of protein restriction. This study aims to evaluate the effects of supplementing a low-protein diet with AKG on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and fecal nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets. A total of 60 weaned piglets (initial body weight: 7.53 kg; age: 28 days old) were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments with five replicates per group, for a 42-day experimental period. The treatments consisted of a control diet (CT), a low-protein diet (LP), and a low-protein diet supplemented with 1000 g/t AKG (AKG). Fecal samples were collected on days 40–42 to determine the apparent digestibility of nutrients. The results showed that the feed conversion rate (FCR) in LP-group piglets were significantly higher than that of the CT group (p = 0.028), while the crude protein (CP) digestibility was significantly lower in the LP group compared with the CT group (p = 0.038). However, supplementing the low-protein diet with 1000 g/t AKG effectively mitigated these negative effects. Pigs in the AKG group had reduced incidence of diarrhea between days 1 and 14 compared to CT group (p = 0.041). These findings suggest that incorporating 1000 g/t AKG into low-protein diets may reduce post-weaning diarrhea and improve growth performance of piglets. Full article

The restriction of antibiotics and therapeutic zinc oxide in piglet diets has increased challenges related to gut health and post-weaning performance. This study assessed the effects of a diet supplemented with organic acids and the probiotic Clostridium butyricum on intestinal integrity, fecal microbiota composition, and performance parameters in weaned piglets. Forty piglets were selected at weaning, and fecal samples were collected on day 0 and day 14 of supplementation. Gene expression of tight junction proteins (zonulin, occludin) and inflammatory markers (calprotectin, IFN-γ, TGF-β) was analyzed by PCR. Bacterial DNA quantification was used to evaluate microbiota changes. In addition, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality were recorded across three feeding phases: CONTROL, TRANSITION, and 0M. No significant changes were found in tight junction protein expression post-weaning, but reductions in IFN-γ and TGF-β suggest improved immune modulation. Piglets in the TRANSITION and 0M groups showed higher ADG (CONTROL = 292.28 g/day; TRANSITION = 300.09 g/day; 0M = 307.45 g/day) and reduced mortality (CONTROL = 6.48%; TRANSITION = 5.10%; 0M = 5.08%) compared to CONTROL. These findings indicate that targeted dietary supplementation can support gut health and performance in weaned piglets, offering a promising alternative to medicated feed under current regulatory constraints. Further research is guaranteed to refine these strategies for broader application in sustainable pig production. Full article

Early-life socialization (comingling with other litters before weaning) may affect social behaviors in pigs, but whether the impacts are sex-dependent is unknown. We assessed the effects of early-life socialization on interactions and behavioral responses of female and male pigs in a controlled test setting. Piglets (N = 12 litters) were either comingled from 14 days of age till weaning (Socialized, SOC) or not (Control, CON). Pigs (n= 96) were weaned at 28 days of age and regrouped in mixed-sex groups of eight. At 40 days of age, pigs were individually placed in an arena with one pen mate and one unfamiliar pig of the same sex kept behind fences. Behaviors (exploring the environment, exploring the fences, social contact, aggression, etc.) were observed for 8 min. Generalized linear mixed models with treatment and sex as fixed and pen as random effects were used. Overall, males spent more time exploring the fences of conspecifics than females. Although aggression was displayed by only a small minority of pigs overall, it was more frequently directed towards unfamiliar pigs. Despite this low prevalence, SOC pigs (10.4%) were significantly less likely to show aggression towards strangers than CON pigs (27.7%) (p = 0.0217), with this effect observed irrespective of sex. Critically, a time-dependent treatment-by-sex interaction emerged for the time spent exploring the pen mate’s fence. While the interaction was only a trend over the full 8 min (p = 0.0889), it became statistically significant during the latter 4 min of the test (p = 0.049). This interaction was observed, with SOC-males spending more time on this behavior than SOC-females and all CON pigs, potentially indicating a time-specific and possible shift in social preference. General exploratory and locomotor behaviors (including walking, standing, and general exploration of the environment) were not or only minimally influenced by treatment or sex. In conclusion, early socialization has a significant impact on reducing aggression towards unfamiliar conspecifics. However, the effects on social preference and interactions appear sex-dependent, possibly indicating an enhanced preference for familiar pen mates in males under specific testing conditions. Full article