bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSV-21 Pediococcus acidilactici survives an in vitro simulated digestion
Authors: Brown Rebecca , Zheng Rui , Jacobi Sheila K
Published: May 2024

In the swine industry, probiotics are recognized for optimizing growth performance and production efficiency by modulating host physiology, and the response across studies is not consistent. One area of focus is probiotic mitigation of post-weaning diarrhea, and further mechanistic understanding of probiotic and host physiology could help with consistent performance outcomes. An essential attribute of a probiotic is the ability to survive the harsh environments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The aim of this study was to determine if Pediococcus Acidilactici PECh3A (PA) that has been previously genome sequenced for determining gut physiology mechanisms can survive an in vitro simulated digestion. In the in vitro digestion PA concentrations that were investigated included 108, 109, and 1010 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The in vitro digestion (n = 4/concentration) consisted of 5 phases with incubation times simulating the GIT; initial inoculation (0 h), gastric (2 h), upper intestinal (4 h), lower intestinal (9 h) and extended lower intestinal phase (9 h). For the initial inoculation concentrations of PA were added into 25 mL of sterile milk replacer representing dietary requirements of a suckling pig. In the gastric phase pepsin was added and pH was adjusted to 2.5. In the upper intestinal phase bile and pancreatin were added, along with a pH adjustment to 6.8. In the lower intestinal phase, the multi-enzyme complex consisting of carbohydrase enzymes was added and pH adjusted to 4.8. There was no addition during the extended lower intestinal phase. At each sample collection at the end of a phase 1 mL was collected from each flask. For each sample, 100 µL were serially diluted, plated on deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) plates, and incubated at 37°C for 24h. Survivability was determined by counting CFUs and comparing the concentration with the initial CFU/mL at 0 h and reported as percent survival (%S). Data for the in vitro digestion were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split plot using the Repeated Measures Glimmix Procedure of SAS. Additional orthogonal contrasts were analyzed across PA concentrations. Data showed survival for 108,109, and 1010CFU/mL at all sample phases (108 - 44.24, 60.14, 58.36, 55.69%S; 109 - 40.56, 55.60, 49.35, 50.7%S; 1010 - 32.98, 52.55, 46.72, 43.71%S ± 2.98 respectively; phase P < 0.01 and concentration P < 0.01). There is evidence of a phase and concentration effect on survivability, but no interaction. A linear concentration response was observed across concentrations (54.61, 49.05, 43.99%S ± 1.23; P < 0.05) indicating that as concentration increases the survivability decreases. These findings indicate that PA PECh3A can survive a simulated GIT and potentially impact swine intestinal physiology.
PSVI-7 A traceable signature for a recovery microbiome composition after a dysbiosis caused by a sanitary challenge in pigs
Authors: Brandao Melo Antonio Diego Brandão , da Valini Graziela Alves Cunha , Gomes-Neto João Carlos , de Oliveira Marllon José Karpeggiane , Marçal Danilo Alves , Arnaut Pedro Righetti , França Ismael , Korth Nate , Pavlovikj Natasha , Htoo John K , Brand Henrique Gastmann , Benson Andrew K , Hauschild Luciano
Published: May 2024

Recent insights continue to point to a causal role of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in digestion, nutrient absorption, and host metabolism. The GI microbiome may be a frequent target of perturbation since some challenges (i.e., high density, temperature and air quality fluctuations, presence of endemic enteric pathogens) faced by pigs may altogether create a spectrum of contrasting sanitary conditions. Therefore, our study investigated the influence of increased dietary tryptophan, threonine, and methionine supplementation in pigs from “good” vs. “poor” sanitary conditions, on the GI microbiome over time. For that purpose, female growing pigs were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 30/treatment), consisting of two sanitary conditions (“good” vs. “poor”) and two diets [control (CN) vs. supplemented with specific amino acids (Trp, Thr, and Met+Cys:Lys ratios increased to 20% greater than CN]. Pigs allocated to the “good” sanitary condition treatment were sham-inoculated with pure BHI broth and the barn was cleaned twice a day and disinfected once a week. Whereas, “poor” sanitary condition comprised of all pigs being inoculated with 2 x 109 CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), in addition to spreading fecal material from a commercial farm under sanitary challenge, followed by leaving the barn uncleaned throughout the study (poor + ST). Fecal samples (n = 11) were collected at day post-challenge (DPC) 0, 10, and 21, and were sequenced for 16S rRNA data analysis of community diversity (alpha and beta) and taxonomic changes over time. Our results demonstrated that both alpha (Shannon and Simpson) and beta diversity metrics were significantly altered at DPC 21 by differentiating “good” vs “poor + ST” treatments, despite amino acids supplementation in the diet. Bacterial taxonomic analysis further captured community level alterations by a marked dysbiosis occurring on pigs allocated under “poor + ST” sanitary conditions. “ST + poor” sanitary conditions altered community structure as measured by co-occurrence networks, which was particularly pointed out at DPI 21. Specifically, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Intestinibacter, Rombustsia, Terrisporobacter, and Megasphaera were five taxa between others co-enriched in fecal samples from pigs allocated under “poor + ST” sanitary conditions at DPC 21. These putative SCFA-producing bacteria were positively straighter correlated between them (Figure 1), which suggests a traceable signature for a recovery microbiome composition after a dysbiosis. In conclusion, temporal changes in fecal swine microbiome of growing pigs may be reflective of sanitary status despite dietary supplementation of specific amino acids.
PSVI-11 Effects of S-Abscisic Acid administration on the antioxidative status and glucose absorption in the gut of rats
Authors: Shinzato Izuru , Kojo Hiroshi , Matsui Daisuke , Tonoue Tsuyoshi , Tsukahara Takamitsu
Published: May 2024

S-Abscisic Acid (S-ABA) is known to show various physiological functions in plants, but little information is available regarding the role of S-ABA in animals. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of S-ABA administration on the antioxidative status and the function of the gut in rats. In the Experiment 1, male 5-wk-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into the four groups. All groups were fed a common basal diet (MF, Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). After a week of acclimation, either saline (CON) or S-ABA at 0.002 (LOW), 0.02 (MID), or 0.2 (HIGH) mg/kg body weight (BW) was administered intragastrically for 14 d. On d 14, all rats were weighed and euthanized for collection of plasma and gut mucosal tissues. The plasma concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of glutathione in a reduced (GSH) and an oxidized (GSSG) form in the gut mucosa was determined. The BW gain during the experimental period was significantly greater for LOW, MID and HIGH than for CON (P < 0.01). The plasma SOD concentration did not differ among the treatments. The mucosal GSH was greater for LOW, MID and HIGH than for CON (P < 0.01). In the Experiment 2, male 4-week-old SD rats (n = 36) were randomly allotted into three groups. The control (CON) was fed the AIN-93G diet while the other two groups received the diet supplemented with either 1 ppm (LOW) or 5 ppm (HIGH) S-ABA. The experimental diets were fed for 56 d. On d 21, 4 rats per treatment were employed for the intraperitoneal glucose tolerant test (IPGTT). The remainder of the animals were euthanized on d 56 for determination of the content of GSH and GSSG in the gut mucosa, the glycogen content in the liver, and the serum insulin concentration. There was no significant difference in the BW gain during the experimental period. In the IPGTT, HIGH showed greater blood glucose concentrations than CON (P < 0.05) at 30 and 60 min after administration. Although there was no statistical significance, the mucosal GSH was numerically greater (P = 0.11) for HIGH than for CON or LOW. The liver glycogen or serum insulin did not differ among the treatments. Those results suggest that dietary S-ABA supplementation could improve the antioxidative status through stimulating the GSH production in the gut and consequently increase the absorption of glucose in animals. Although S-ABA was indicated to be beneficial in animals, further investigations are required to verify the practical benefits of feeding S-ABA to production animals.
PSVI-18 Low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein showed no immediate difference in blood metabolomics profile
Authors: van der Heide Marleen Elise , Soumeh Elham Assadi , Curtasu Mihai , Nørgaard Jan Værum , Madsen Johannes Gulmann
Published: May 2024

Improving feed efficiency (FE) of grower-finisher pigs is of great importance considering its impact on production economy, nutrient excretions as well as carbon-footprint. The biological background describing variation in FE between pen mates, is difficult to establish as feed intake (FI) and FE are not estimated on an individual level. In this study advanced feeding stations were used to estimate FI and further calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR) on individual level. The study aimed to investigate the possible difference in the blood metabolic profile between low and high FE grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein (CP). The study included 60 newly weaned gilts divided in two series, housed as 10 pigs/pen. The 30 pigs per series were distributed between three pens (10 pigs/pen) and were balanced by body weight and litter. Throughout the entire weaner period all pigs had ad libitum access to the same diet. Pigs were redistributed among the grower-finisher pens to balance FCR levels between dietary treatments (CP levels) and to reduce any carry over effect from the weaner to the grower-finisher pens. From 30-115 kg body weight (BW), pigs were fed either a low (L; 14.8% CP), standard (15.2% CP) or high (H; 15.8% CP) CP diet equal in energy, where BW, average weekly gain (AWG), and FCR were determined on weekly basis, while FI was estimated on daily basis. Three low FE (20% least) and three high FE (20% greatest) pigs were selected based on the final 4 wk of growth within station and CP level. On the final day of the experimental period all low-FE and high-FE pigs within each dietary treatment were euthanized and blood plasma was sampled and subjected to a nontargeted LC-MS metabolomics analysis. Growth performance and metabolite data were, respectively, analyzed in R and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 with FE and CP as fixed effects. High-FE and H-CP pigs continuously displayed numerically greater BW, while AWG and FCR were, respectively, numerically greater, and less in L-CP than H-CP group during last 2 wk of the experimental period. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed no grouping (P > 0.05) of metabolites and no specific pattern of the metabolic profile from either the two FE categories or the three dietary CP levels. Furthermore, no correlation (P >0.05) of metabolites to any other observation was found, and only little variation, measured by distance to model showing deviation of each pig to overall model, was observed. In conclusion, at first glance the metabolomics profile did not appear to present any specific pattern between low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs or between pigs exposed to different levels of dietary CP in the grower finisher period.
PSVI-12 Effects of sodium gluconate supplementation on growth performances of nursery piglets and growing pigs
Authors: Matsui Daisuke , Iwamae Keiichiro , Tonoue Tsuyoshi , Shinzato Izuru
Published: May 2024

Two studies were conducted to demonstrate the effects of sodium gluconate (SG, trade name: SUMIFLORA) supplementation on growth performances of nursery piglets and growing pigs. In the first trial, 375 LWD crossbred piglets (200 barrows and 175 gilts) at 35 ± 5 d of age were used. After 1 wk of the acclimation period, the piglets were allotted into 5 treatments: the basal diet (control), the basal diet supplemented with either 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5% or 1.0% of SG. The piglets were reared for 6 wk. The trial consisted of a randomized block design with 5 replicates per treatment and 15 piglets per replicate. Throughout the 6 wks of the feeding period, the piglets fed 0.25% or 0.5% SG showed 12% greater body weight gain than controls (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in feed intake between the treatments. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved by 6% in the piglets fed 0.1% SG (P < 0.05) and by 10%, 11% and 9% in the piglets fed 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% SG, respectively (P < 0.01), compared with controls. In the second trial, 200 LWD crossbred pigs (100 barrows and 100 gilts) at around 60 d of age were used to evaluate 8 treatments: the basal diet (control), the basal diet supplemented with 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% or 5.0% of SG. The trial was divided into two blocks. The first block had control, 0.05% 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5% of SG, and the second block consisted of control, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 5.0% of SG, respectively. The trial was performed in a randomized block design with 5 replicates per treatment and 4 pigs per replicate. After 1 wk of the acclimation period, the pigs were reared for 8 wk. Throughout the feeding period, the average body weight gain was improved by 6%, 7% and 5% in the pigs fed 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5% SG, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in the pigs supplemented with 0.05%, 1.0%, 2.0% or 5.0% SG compared with control. There were no significant differences in feed intake between the treatments. The least FCR was observed in the pigs fed 0.25% SG with an improvement by 6% compared with control (P < 0.05). Those results indicated that 0.25% or 0.5% of SG supplementation may improve the growth performances of nursery piglets and growing pigs.
PSVI-17 Inclusion of glutathione precursor to diet of sows from d 114of lactation through to weaning d 21 improves serum hormone concentrations and piglet performance
Authors: Lee Kyejin , Cho Sungbo , Wahid Sumaya Tanzin , Kim In Ho
Published: May 2024

Glutathione (GSH) is a critical endogenous antioxidant found in all eukaryotic cells and has a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Greater GSH concentrations protect cellular damage, tissue degeneration, and disease progression in various models but very limited study exists in swine model. Thus, we aimed to examine the effect of GSH supplementation on lactating sows and their suckling performance. From d 114 of lactation to 21 d of weaning, a total of 40 multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire, parity 2.4) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The test treatments were: CON, a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors. Experimental data (reproductive performance, growth performance, and blood profile) was analyzed by the general linear model (GLM) procedure with individual sow and their progenies as an experimental unit. Orthogonal polynomial regression was conducted to determine the linear and quadratic effects of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors in pigs. Piglets born to sows fed GSH precursors showed linearly increased body weight and total average daily gain (P < 0.05) at the end of weaning d 21. Moreover, dietary GSH showed linearly increased (P < 0.05) GSH and GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio in sow blood at the end of lactation d 14 and d 21. Whereas, at the end of weaning serum cortisol concentration of sows was significantly reduced by GSH precursor supplementation. In conclusion, adding 0.3% of GSH supplement to lactating sow diet would be beneficial to enhance the immune status and performance of both sows and their progenies respectively.
PSVI-21 The effects of soybean meal concentration and Yucca schidigera extract supplementation on growth performance of nursery swine
Authors: Soto Jose A , Cemin Henrique S , Hart Morgan D , Hansen Sharlie A , Hansen Ernie L
Published: May 2024

Soybean meal (SBM) is the primary plant-protein source for swine in the USA. However, SBM might not be suitable to be fed at high levels, particularly in the early post-weaning period. To offset these effects, pigs are gradually transitioning to diets with greater concentrations of SBM. Whereas, greater SBM concentrations can be detrimental, peer-reviewed studies have indicated that pigs fed diets with 30% SBM and supplemented with 125 ppm Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) from d 0-14 post-wean performed similarly to pigs fed diets with 15 and 20% SBM, from d 0-7 and d 7-14 post wean, respectively. Suggesting that pigs can be fed greater SBM concentrations without compromising performance. To confirm these findings, a total of 972 pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 5.4 kg) were used in a 38-d experiment. Pens of 27 pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 9 replications per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of SBM concentration (15 or 31%) and YSE (0 or 125 ppm; DeOdorase Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY). Pigs were fed a nursery program comprised of two phases. Phase 1 from d 0 to 21 (experimental feeding period) and Phase 2 from d 22 to -38 (common period). Phase 1 diets were formulated to contain 1.38% SID Lys and 2,600 kcal/kg NE. Phase 2 diets were formulated to contain 1.30% SID Lys and 2,565 kcal/kg NE. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) in a randomized complete block design with pen serving as the experimental unit and initial BW serving as blocking factor. No significant SBM × YSE interactions (P > 0.10) were observed in growth performance in this study (Table 1). From d 0 to 21, pigs fed diets supplemented with YSE increased (P = 0.006) average daily feed intake (ADFI), which numerically improved (P = 0.16) average daily gain (ADG) and thus (P = 0.12) BW, despite SBM concentration. From d 21 to 38, pigs previously fed diets supplemented with YSE, maintained a marginally higher (P = 0.08) ADFI, which numerically increased (P = 0.12) ADG, resulting in marginally higher (P = 0.08) BW, despite SBM concentration. From d 0 to 38, pigs fed diets supplemented with YSE increased (P = 0.03) ADFI, which numerically improved (P = 0.10) ADG, resulting in marginally greater (P = 0.08) BW, despite SBM concentration. In conclusion, whereas pigs fed with greater SBM concentrations did not compromise performance, diet supplementation with YSE increased ADFI during the experimental and common periods, resulting in improved growth performance.
PSVI-19 No apparent association between the microbiome in the distal part of the small intestine and feed efficiency in grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein
Authors: van der Heide Marleen Elise , Gökgöz Nilay Büdeyri , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Nørgaard Jan Værum , Madsen Johannes Gulmann
Published: May 2024

Improving feed efficiency (FE) of grower-finisher pigs is important considering its production, environmental and climate impact. The biological background describing variation in FE between pen mates, is difficult to establish as feed intake (FI) and FE is not estimated on an individual level. In this study advanced feeding stations were used to estimate FI and further calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR) on individual level. The study aimed to investigate the possible association between FCR and microbiome (alpha and beta diversity; observed features and Shannon index, and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity and Jaccard Distance) in the distal part of the small intestine (SI) in grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein (CP). The study included 60 newly weaned gilts divided in two series, housed as 10 pigs/pen. The 30 pigs per series were distributed between three pens (10 pigs/pen) and were balanced by body weight (BW) and litter with ad libitum access to the same diet. Pigs were redistributed among the grower-finisher pens to balance FCR levels between dietary treatments (CP levels) and to reduce any carry over effect from the weaner to the grower-finisher pens. From 30-115 kg BW, pigs were fed either a low (L; 14.8% CP), standard (Std; 15.2% CP) or high (H; 15.8% CP) CP diet equal in energy, where BW, average weekly gain (AWG), and FCR were determined on weekly basis, while FI was estimated on daily basis. Three low FE (20% least) and three high FE (20% greatest) pigs were selected based on the final 4 wk of growth within station and CP level. All low-FE and high-FE pigs within each dietary treatment were euthanized around 115 kg BW and content and mucosa scrabe from the distal part of the SI was sampled and subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Data were analyzed in R using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with FE, CP, and their interaction as explanatory variables, start BW of weaner and grower phase as covariables, and series as random effect. High-FE and H-CP pigs continuously displayed numerically greater BW, while AWG and FCR were, respectively, numerically greater, and less in L-CP than H-CP group during last 2 wk of the experimental period. While FE and CP individually had no significant impact [Pr(> Chisq] > 0.05), their interaction could be important in explaining the variation (Chisq = 6.42, Df = 2, Pr(>Chisq) = 0.04) as expressed by observed features. But a pairwise comparison with a Benjamini–Hochberg correction showed no difference between groups. Concerning the Shannon index, no significance was found between groups, and no difference with respect to beta diversity was observed. In conclusion, the microbiome as expressed by alpha and beta diversity did not explain the variation between low and high FE in grower-finisher pigs.
PSVI-13 Formulated botanical preparation improves passive immunity from sows to piglets
Authors: van de Ligt Chris P A , Ravichandran S , Wall Emma H
Published: May 2024

The medicinal plant turmeric increases immunoglobulin production in livestock and rodents. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (TCB) on colostrum and milk quality of sows and health of piglets. Twenty-four sows (Parity 2+) were assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (n = 8 sows/treatment): 1) unsupplemented control (CON); 2) 100 ppm of TCB (TCB-100), and 3) 150 ppm of TCB (TCB-150). Supplementation was from 87 d of gestation until weaning (d 28). During gestation and lactation, individually housed sows were fed fortified corn and soybean meal diets at 2.5 kg/d and 2.5 + 0.25 * piglet kg/d, respectively, with ad libitum access to water. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from the sow within 24 h of farrowing for IgG and IgA analysis, and milk samples were collected weekly for IgA analysis. Piglet blood samples were collected at weaning (d 28) for IgG and IgA analysis and at 4-wk post weaning for IgA analysis. Data were subjected to a one-way ANOVA (or two-way in the case of repeated measures), with tests for linear trend of the dose response. Serum IgG and IgA in sows at farrowing were linearly increased with TCB supplementation (Table). Similarly, colostrum IgG, and colostrum and milk IgA were linearly increased with TCB, with greatest concentration in TCB-150 relative to CON (Table). Serum IgG in piglets was not affected by sow supplementation, but serum IgA was linearly increased. Interestingly, the increase in serum IgA persisted through 4-wk post-weaning. Diarrhea frequency in piglets 1 to 4 wk post-weaning was linearly decreased with TCB supplementation (Table). A follow-up study with a similar design was conducted with supplementation of TCB-150 starting at 108 d of gestation to represent a commercial application in lactating diets only. Sow serum IgG and IgA at farrowing were measured, and both were significantly increased with TCB-150 (Table). In conclusion, supplementation of TCB at 150 ppm improves colostrum and milk quality, and passive immunity from sows to piglets. Furthermore, enteric health of the piglets was improved. Additional experiments to determine the implications of this response on sow and piglet health and performance in commercial conditions are warranted.
PSVI-9 Effect of botanical extracts in diets with nutritional or pharmacological levels of copper and zinc on growth performance and fecal dry matter in nursery pigs
Authors: Kim Ty , Woodworth Jason C , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Van de Ligt Chris P A , Wall Emma H
Published: May 2024

A total of 340 barrows (DNA 200 × 400, initially 6.1 kg) were used in a 38-d growth study to determine the effect of botanical extracts of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera Start, Selko, Indianapolis, IN) in diets with or without pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu on growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM) of nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age, randomly allotted to pens based on initial body weight (BW), and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a CRD with 5 pigs/pen and 17 pens/treatment. Diets were fed in three phases from d 0 to 10, d 10 to 21, and d 21 to 38 and treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of CCG (none or 100 mg/kg) and nutritional or pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu. Zinc levels were 110 or 3,000, 2,000, and 110 mg/kg of Zn (ZnO) in phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and Cu levels were 16.5 or 250 mg/kg of Cu (CuSO4). On d 0, there was an unintentional minor main effect of CCG (P = 0.008) on BW. As a result, d 0 BW was used as a covariate for all other growth performance responses. From d 0 to 21 and d 0 to 38, there was a CCG × Zn/Cu interaction for average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.05; Table) where CCG numerically increased ADG and ADFI in pigs not fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu; but reduced ADG and ADFI when pigs were fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu. Overall gain to feed ratio (G:F) tended to increase (P < 0.10) in pigs fed diets with pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu. For fecal dry matter, there was a Zn/Cu × day interaction (P = 0.001) in which there was no difference in fecal DM on d 10 (P > 0.10), but pigs fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu had decreased fecal DM (P < 0.001) on d 21. Fecal DM was increased (P < 0.001) on d 10 compared with d 21. In summary, feeding pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu resulted in increased ADG and ADFI. CCG numerically increased ADG and ADFI in pigs fed nutritional levels of Zn/Cu and numerically decreased ADG and ADFI in pigs fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu. There was no impact of CCG or Zn and Cu level on fecal DM on d 10. However, feeding pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu resulted in decreased fecal DM at d 21.
PSVI-8 Effect of botanical extracts and calcium gluconate fed during lactation on sow and litter performance
Authors: van de Ligt Chris P A , Nielsen S , Tillman N S , Wall Emma H
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two levels of botanical extracts and botanical extracts in combination with calcium gluconate on sow and pig performance. A total of 541 sows (average parity 2.6, range 0-8) were used in 9 weekly farrow groups. Sows were housed in individual farrow stalls 5 d before the expected farrow date where treatments diets were fed until weaning at 21 d post farrowing. Sows were fed a fortified corn, soybean meal, and corn DDGS diet meeting or exceeding NRC 2012 nutrient requirements for lactating sows. The two test ingredients were 1) botanical extracts contained a proprietary formulation of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (Fytera Care, Selko USA, Indianapolis, IN), and 2) calcium gluconate replaced corn in the diet. A general gestation diet void of test ingredients was fed before housing and after weaning. Dietary treatments were: 1) basal lactation diet (CON), 2) 150 ppm botanical extracts (150TCB), 3) 200 ppm botanical extracts (200TCB), and 4) 150 botanical extracts and 1000 ppm calcium gluconate (150TCB+CaG). During lactation, sows were allowed ad libitum access to water and feed. Pigs had unlimited access to sow and water. Pigs were cross-fostered within dietary treatments within 24 h of birth to meet a minimum of 75% and maximum of 2 pigs in excess of functional teats of the sow. Excess pigs were fostered to non-treatment nurse sows. Pig mortalities were recorded daily. Weaned sows were observed for 14 d for estrus detection. Statistical analyses included a two-way ANOVA with fixed effect of dietary treatment, random effect of farrow room, and parity as a covariate. Treatment contrasts were analyzed by Student’s t-test. Sow performance measures did not significantly differ between treatments (Table). Pig mortality was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced for both 150TCB and 200TCB compared with CON and 150TCB+CaG treatments. Other pig performance measures were not significantly affected. However, treatment contrasts showed a greater (P < 0.05) pig weaning weight for 200TCB compared with the CON. Analyzing data by parity class of 0, 1-5, 6-8 showed that piglet mortality was affected significantly (P < 0.02) in parities 1-5 and 6-8 but not in parity 0. Pig weaning weight tended (P < 0.06) to be affected in parity 0, but not in higher parity sows. Treatment contrasts showed a greater weaning weight for pigs on the 150AFP and 150TCB+CaG treatments versus CON. In conclusion, feeding botanical extracts at 150 and 200 ppm decreased pig mortality and the addition of calcium gluconate negated the improvement in mortality.
PSVI-10 Effect of sulfate or hydroxychloride forms of zinc, manganese, and copper on growth performance, weight variation, and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs
Authors: Cordoba Hilario M , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Van de Ligt Chris P A
Published: May 2024

A total of 1,026 grow-finish pigs (337 × 1050, PIC; initially 26.0 ± 0.33 kg) were used in a 124-d trial to compare sulfate and hydrochloride forms of Zn, Mn, and Cu on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and weight variation, of grow-finish pigs. Pigs were housed in mixed gender pens with 27 pigs per pen and 19 pens per treatment. The treatments were structured as a completely randomized design and consisted of a control diet containing 150, 16, and 110 mg/kg of Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively, from sulfate sources or provided by hydroxychloride sources. Experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-corn-dried distiller grains with solubles based and fed in meal form in phase 1 from 26 to 50 kg, phase 2 from 50 to 75 kg, phase 3 from 75 to 100 kg, and phase 4 from 100 to 136 kg. In the grower period (26 to 78 kg), pigs fed sulfate sources of Mn, Zn, and Cu had improved (P = 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared with pigs fed hydroxychloride forms (Table). In the finisher period (78 to 136 kg), pigs fed hydroxychloride mineral sources had improved (P = 0.041) average daily gain (ADG) compared with pigs fed sulfate sources. For pig body weight variability, there was no evidence of differences (P > 0.10) in the coefficient of variation between treatments. Pigs fed hydroxychloride mineral sources tended to have greater hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.054) when marketed at the end of the study compared with pigs fed sulfate sources, but no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) were found in the first marketing and overall HCW or any other carcass trait at either marketing event. In conclusion, these data suggest there were no differences in overall pig growth performance or body weight (BW) variability, but pigs fed hydroxychloride sources of Zn, Mn, and Cu tended to have heavier HCW at the final marketing event.
PSVI-14 Changes in zinc oxide concentration in feed and effects of probiotic addition to weaning to finishing pig diet by microbiome analysis
Authors: Cho Sungbo , Lee Kyejin , Biswas Sarbani , Kim In Ho
Published: May 2024

To analyze the implications of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) with probiotic administration on productivity, fecal index, meat quality characteristics, odorous substances, and microbiome analysis in weaning-finishing pigs, 200 weaned piglets (3 barrows and 2 gilts) were radomly assigned (average body weight = 6.65 ± 0.66 kg) into four treatments with ten repetitions per treatment. The treatments consisted of varying ZnO content (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm) and probiotic percentages (0.1% or 0.3%), as follows: TRT1 (75 ppm ZnO), TRT2 (75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic), TRT3 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO), and TRT4 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic). In comparison with the TRT1 treatment group, the TRT2 and TRT4 treatment groups had greater (P < 0.05) body weight at wk 12, 18, and 22 of the trial and greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain at wk 12, 18, 22, and the overall period (P < 0.05). Additionally, pigs fed ZnO with the probiotic included a diet that reduced (P < 0.05) NH3 and H2S at wk 18 and 22, and CO2 at wk 22, in the TRT2 and TRT4 groups compared with the TRT1 group. However, the fecal score and meat quality exhibited no substantial change (P > 0.05). By incorporating probiotics into the pig diet along with ZnO supplementation, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in alpha diversity and beta diversity, as well as a higher relative abundance of phyla and genera of Firmicutes was found. Furthermore, based on taxonomic analysis, the dietary treatment group (TRT 4) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in beneficial bacteria (Prevotella, Lactobacillus) while simultaneously reducing (P < 0.05) pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium_sunsu_strico_1, Campylobacteria, Olsenella) compared with the TRT1 treatment group. An improvement in diversity and expansion of the identified taxonomic groups has been associated with healthier gut health. The results indicated that the effects of ZnO with probiotics on the improvement of performance and reduced gas emissions in pigs may be associated with the modulatory effect on the gut microbiome. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into using decreased ZnO with probiotic inclusion as a novel feeding strategy to improve pig gut health and overall performance.
PSVI-15 Assessing the implications of a silymarin-enriched diet on the performance and blood absorption rate of broiler and laying hen
Authors: Lee Kyejin , Cho Sungbo , Biswas Sarbani , Kim In Ho
Published: May 2024

This experiment was executed to assess the impacts of silymarin on different aspects of broiler and laying hen, including growth, digestibility, excreta score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash, meat quality, and blood absorption rate. In Experiment 1: 1-d-old Ross 308 broilers (mixed sex; n = 576) were arbitrarily assigned with an average body weight of 42 ± 0.3 g for a 32-d trial. The broilers were sorted into eight repetition pens with 18 birds per pen and four research treatments (basal diet as the control and basal diet included 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06% micelle silymarin). Experiment 2: 61-wk-old Hy-line brown laying hens (n = 16) were divided into 2 treatment groups (TRT1, basal diet + powdered silymarin 4%; TRT2, basal diet + micelle silymarin 4%), with 8 numbers per repetition. Feeding broilers with a graded dose of micelle silymarin (MS) increased body weight gain linearly during d 1–9, 9–21, 21–32, and overall (P = 0.021, 0.011, 0.019, and 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, there was a linear increase in feed intake (P = 0.017) during d 1–9, and the enhancement of dry matter utilization (linear, P = 0.011) was exhibited as the amount of MS inclusion in the diet increased. Tibia ash content enhanced linearly (P = 0.038), and meat quality traits also revealed a linear improvement in breast muscle color (yellowness) (P = 0.045) and linear decrease (P = 0.004) in pH level with the increasing levels of MS in the broiler diet. Nonetheless, both the excreta score and the footpad lesion score showed no significant alteration (P > 0.05). Moreover, a greater absorption rate of silymarin was observed in the blood of laying hens 2 h (P < 0.0001) and 4 h (P < 0.0001) after feeding with micelle-type silymarin as compared with powdered-type silymarin. Briefly, MS can be a favorable supplement for poultry production as it can increase the growth, digestibility, toe ash, and meat quality of broilers and the blood absorption rate of laying hens.
PSIII-9 Field fertility following the practice of post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) at multiple North American swine units
Authors: Didion Bradley A , Kleve-Feld Michael
Published: May 2024

On a global scale, greater than 95% of sows are bred using artificial insemination (AI). As with most technologies, efficiencies improve over time and in the case of swine AI the industry is moving towards fewer sperm per dose in conjunction with a post-cervical deposition (PCAI). Nevertheless, little information is available stating the fertility of farms actively using PCAI. The objective of this research is to provide a retrospective report on the field fertility of multiple farms in North America utilizing PCAI. As a reference, information is provided for contemporary farms utilizing conventional AI (intra-cervical deposition in conjunction with a greater total sperm count per dose). Semen doses produced for PCAI (1.5 billion total cells in 40 mL volume) sourced from one boar stud located in Tennessee and are packaged as pooled semen in NUTRIXcell + extender. Semen was held overnight at 18°C and delivered to seven farms the next day. Semen doses produced for conventional AI (CONAI) also sourced from a single boar stud located in Michigan; packaged as pooled semen at 2.75 billion total cells in a 70 mL volume using the NUTRIXcell + extender and shipped to six farms the same day as semen production. Both PCAI and CONAI were used on 100% of gilts and multiparous sows in respective systems. Field fertility, reported as farrow rate (FAR) and mean total born (TB), is reported below for both PCAI (Table 1) and CONAI (Table 2) following use per individual farms during January 2022 to September 2023. Results suggest that PCAI can maintain acceptable levels of fertility and should enable cost savings in conjunction with increased dissemination of superior genetics.
PSIII-13 Putative metabolites for sow lifetime opportunity and production traits
Authors: Rempel Lea A , Lee Robert
Published: May 2024

Identifying females with favorable lifetime born alive (opportunity) and weaned (wn; production) traits requires extended observation. Estimate of lifetime (4 parities) difference in the economic margin over genetic cost between a high producing female (48 pigs weaned; wn) and a low producing female (31 wn) is approximately $1,000. Determining metabolic compounds present from females with favorable or unfavorable longevity traits may provide profiles that could be assessed in younger females prior to entry within the breeding system to indicate their potential productivity. Females within the USMARC breeding system were retained through four parities then harvested between 12 to 15 d following their post-weaning estrus. Liver, skeletal muscle, and subcutaneous adipose tissues were collected and stored at -80° C for later analyses. Females were categorically identified by the level of opportunity (born alive; ba) and production (wn) over their lifetime. Females with consistent opportunity and production traits at each parity were categorized as high (H; 61 ba), medium (M; 50 ba), or low (L; 39 ba) opportunity and H (50 wn), M (42 wn), or L (34 wn) production resulting in six categories (HH, HL, MH, ML, LH, LL). Tissue extracts were subjected to positive mode UPLC-MS and numerous features were detected. Using Progenesis Q software features were annotated and those with a fold-change ≥ 2.0 and P < 0.05 by category were then tested using a mixed model in SAS to determine LS Mean differences of raw abundances among the six categories. Of those compounds tested in SAS, a significance threshold was set at P < 0.01 as a false discovery adjustment. Within liver 877 compounds were analyzed with 152 yielding a significant (P < 0.01) categorical effect. Of those, 43 compounds predominantly identified either HH or LL from other categories. Within skeletal muscle 359 compounds were subjected to mixed models, 221 compounds had significance for a category effect, and 105 compounds were predominantly different for HH or LL from all other categories. Within adipose tissue, 406 compounds were submitted to mixed model testing, 186 compounds had a categorical effect with 44 compounds predominantly different for HH or LL categories. Annotation of these compounds suggest differences in metabolites associated with, but not limited to, bacteria by-products (pradmicin, adifolin, lactobacillic acid), alkyloids, sapogenins, amino acids (lysine, tyrosine), minerals (calcium, copper), lipids (sphingomyelin), and fatty acids (mono-, di-, tri-acylglycerol). Future confirmation and evaluation of these metabolites in young pre-breeding females will need to be done. Establishing a metabolic profile panel that could discern young pre-breeding gilts with a likelihood of becoming a LL female will improve economic productivity and animal welfare concerns.
PSIII-8 Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in endometrium of gilts during early gestation
Authors: Hickman-Brown Kyle J , Smith Molly S , McAnally Brooke E , Cain Joe , Seo Heewon , Stenhouse Claire , Bazer Fuller W , Johnson Greg , Wiegert Jeffrey , Poole Rebecca K
Published: May 2024

Interactions between the innate immune system and reproductive tissues via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a pivotal role in maintaining the health and fertility status of mammalian species. TLRs are pattern recognition receptors used by the innate immune system to regulate inflammation, infections, and to indicate the presence of pathogenic activity within a tissue. Recent studies have identified several TLRs present in pigs that can detect a variety of molecules. Previous data from our group has demonstrated shifts in bacterial communities within the uterus during early gestation in gilts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify and compare expression of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR6 in endometria of gilts. These TLRs were chosen because they are located on the cell surface and recognize invading microbes. Crossbred gilts (n = 21) free of physical, health or reproductive-related issues were euthanized and hysterectomized during the preimplantation (d 11) and peri-implantation (d 15) stages of pregnancy (Pregnant d 11, n = 10; Pregnant d 15, n = 11). Samples of endometrial mucosa were collected and snap-frozen in sterile 1.5 mL tubes and stored at -80°C until analyzed. The mean relative expression of TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-5, and TLR-6 mRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR. Statistical analysis was completed using one-way ANOVA and student’s t-test for pairwise comparison in JMP 17.0 (SAS Institute; Cary, NC). All TLRs were expressed in the endometrium. Expression of TLR-4 was greater on d 11 than d 15 (1.39 ± 0.14 vs. 0.45 ± 0.13, respectively; P < 0.01), and there was a trend for expression of TLR-2 to be greater on d 11 than d 15 (1.89 ± 0.37 vs. 0.90 ± 0.35, respectively; 0.05 < P < 0.1). Expression of TLR2, TLR5, and TLR6 did not differ between d 11 and d 15 (P > 0.05). The results indicate that TLRs are not only expressed in the porcine endometrium, but they differ in expression during early gestation. Conceptus signaling and inflammation during elongation and implantation and/ or shifts in bacterial communities within the uterus may be responsible. Additionally, future work examining bacterial shifts and TLR expression during mid and late gestation may offer further insight.
PSIII-12 Influence of early gestational heat stress on biomarkers of mammary gland development in replacement gilts genomically selected for thermotolerance or thermosensitivity
Authors: Musa Jacob , Byrd MaryKate , Casey Theresa M , Brito Luiz F F , Suarez-Trujillo Aridany , Schinckel Allan P , Maltecca Christian , Tiezzi Francesco , Johnson Jay S
Published: May 2024

Heat stress (HS) alters physiological and metabolic processes in lactating sows leading to decreased milk production, which is a major factor limiting growth and survivability of piglets. While genomic selection for thermotolerance may be a viable solution to alleviate the negative effects of HS on pig welfare, it may be linked to a reduction in milk production and subsequently, litter growth performance. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the effects of genomic selection for thermotolerance and its interaction with early gestational HS on biomarkers of mammary gland development in replacement gilts. We hypothesized that HS exposure as well as genomic selection for thermotolerance would negatively affect mammary epithelial proliferation rate. A total of 36 Landrace (33%) × Large White (67%) crossbred gilts divergently selected for thermotolerance (TOL; n = 18) or thermosensitivity (SEN; n = 18) were balanced by body weight, bred to a single Duroc sire, and then exposed to either thermoneutral (TN; constant 17 to 22°C) or cyclical HS (26 to 36°C) conditions until d 65 of gestation. From d 66 of gestation until farrowing, all pregnant gilts were exposed to TN conditions. Of the 36 total gilts bred, only 28 became pregnant yielding 15 HS gilts (n = 8 SEN and 7 TOL) and 13 TN gilts (n = 7 SEN and 6 TOL). On d 105 of gestation, a mammary biopsy was taken from all gilts, mammary tissue was placed into 10% buffered formalin, and KI67 immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify proliferating mammary epithelial cells (MEC). Proliferating and non-proliferating MEC populations were counted using ImageJ tool. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 with individual gilt as the experimental unit. Overall, early gestational HS decreased (P < 0.01; 16.53 ± 2.12%) the percent of proliferating MEC relative to those kept under TN conditions (26.42 ± 2.39%). However, no effect of genomic line divergence was detected with any comparison (P > 0.05). In conclusion, early gestation HS, but not genomic selection for thermotolerance, had a negative impact on biomarkers of mammary gland development in replacement gilts. These data may suggest that early gestation HS could have a reductive effect on milk production capacity, which may negatively affect litter growth.