scholarly journals Comparison of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Status of Sows With Different Litter Sizes During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiali Chen ◽  
Fuchang Li ◽  
Weiren Yang ◽  
Shuzhen Jiang ◽  
Yang Li
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Large White ◽  
Performance Group

The experiment was conducted to compare the differences of gut microbiota and metabolic status of sows with different litter sizes on days 30 and 110 of gestation, and uncover the relationship between the composition of maternal gut microbiota during gestation and sow reproductive performance. Twenty-six Large White × Landrace crossbred multiparous sows (2nd parity) with similar back fat thickness and body weight were assigned to two groups [high-reproductive performance group (HP group) and low-reproductive performance group (LP group)] according to their litter sizes and fed a common gestation diet. Results showed that compared with LP sows, HP sows had significantly lower plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) on gestation d 30 (P < 0.05), but had significantly higher plasma levels of TG, non-esterified fatty acid, tumor necrosis factor-α, and immunoglobulin M on gestation d 110 (P < 0.05). Consistently, HP sows revealed increased alpha diversity and butyrate-producing genera, as well as fecal butyrate concentration, on gestation d 30; HP sows showed significantly different microbiota community structure with LP sows (P < 0.05) and had markedly higher abundance of Firmicutes (genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Terrisporobacter) which were positively related with litter size on gestation d 110 than LP sows (P < 0.05). In addition, plasma biochemical parameters, plasma cytokines, and fecal microbiota shifted dramatically from gestation d 30 to d 110. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that microbial abundances and community structures differed significantly between sows with different litter sizes and gestation stages, which was associated with changes in plasma biochemical parameters, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulin. Moreover, these findings revealed that there was a significant correlation between litter size and gut microbiota of sows, and provided a microbial perspective to improve sow reproductive performance in pig production.

scholarly journals Effects of cooling on the reproductive performance of gilts

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-361
Author(s):  
J.O. Oyedeji ◽  
G.O. Imagbenikaro
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Large White ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance

The study examined the effect of cooling on the reproductive performance of gilts using 27 Large White Experimental Gilts on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 systems of cooling, namely Wallow Cooling (WC), Sprinkler Cooling (SC) and Zero Cooling (ZC). Gilts were weighed at the commencement of the experiment and thereafter fed ad libitum from service to farrowing. Feed intake till farrow, feed cost, gilt weight at farrow, date of farrow, litter size and weight were recorded. The feed/piglet weight, feed intake/litter, feed cost/litter and birth weight/piglet were derived. The results showed that feed intake per litter and feed per piglet weight were highest for gilts placed on WC(P< 0.05), followed by SC and least for sow placed on ZC; gilt weight before farrow was highest for sow placed on SC (69.78±0.92), followed by ZC (69.33±0.94) and least for gilts placed on WC (67.33±0.87); litter sizes of gilts placed under the WC and SC systems were similar (5.6±0.41) while that under the ZC system was comparatively smaller (5.4±0.40);while the date of farrow was lowest in the ZC system (113.8±0.32) followed by SC (114.0±0.33) and highest under the WC (114.1±0.33). However, the feed intake per litter, feed per piglet weight, litter sizes of gilts, birth weight per piglet of gilts and the average date of farrow among gilts placed on WC, SC and ZC were not statistically different at 5% level of significance. Though, there is no significant difference in the performance among gilts placed on WC, SC and ZC, temperature regulation through provision of efficient cooling system in piggery would help to increase litter size, improve feed intake per litter and reduce the average cost of feeding gilt per day in maximizing reproductive performances in pigs.Keywords: Cooling, gilts, service, farrow, piggery, litter size, piglet and birth weight

scholarly journals Effect of parity on reproductive performance sows of different breeds

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-441
Author(s):  
R. Klimas ◽  
A. Klimienė ◽  
W. Sobotka ◽  
W. Kozera ◽  
P. Matusevičius
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Large White ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Piglet Survival

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of parity on reproductive performance by sows of different breeds. The sows were raised on three farms, and had seven or more litters of not fewer than seven piglets. A total of 1511 litters from various parities of Lithuanian White (N =721), Large White (N = 162) and Landrace (N = 628) sows were contained in the data that were used in this study. Multiparous sows had larger litters than primiparous sows. Piglet survival rate declined from parity 7. An increase in litter size was observed until parity 5 in Large White and until parity 6 in improved Lithuanian White (P <0.05). In comparison with parity 1, Landrace sows up to parity 5 showed not only increased prolificacy, but also increased number and litter weight of piglets at 21 days old, and the number and litter weight of weaned piglets (P <0.01). The current findings indicate that sows of these breeds can be used effectively in breeding herds until parity 5 and parity 6.Keywords: Landrace, Large White, Lithuanian White, litter size

scholarly journals The effect of parity and date of service on the reproductive performance of Polish Large White × Polish Landrace (PLW × PL) crossbred sows

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian Knecht ◽  
Kamil Duziński
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Industrial Scale ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Large White ◽  
Research Material ◽  
July August September

Abstract The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of the month of insemination on the reproductive performance of crossbred sows in moderate climates. The research material consisted of 309 primiparous and 625 multiparous (PLW×PL) sows kept on an industrial-scale farm. Analysis included 2457 litters obtained during a five-year period from 2006 to 2011. Statistically, the lowest number of piglets born alive and weaned was observed as a result of summer month insemination (July, August, September) compared to the winter months (February, March) (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). Inseminations in the first four months of the year resulted in a higher number of piglets born alive in second and following parities (P≤0.01). Statistically significant differences in litter size due to the month of insemination were observed for sows in parities 4 and 5-11 (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). The shortest farrowing interval was demonstrated for sows inseminated in November, the longest in January, March (P≤0.01) and April, July (P≤0.05). The results indicate that the insemination month of the sow may affect some reproductive parameters.

scholarly journals Effects of BF Gene Polymorphism on the Reproductive Performance of Hybrid Polish Landrace X Polish Large White Sows

2016 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-131
Author(s):  
Dorota Napierała ◽  
Maria Kawęcka ◽  
Eugenia Jacyno ◽  
Beata Matysiak ◽  
Anita Kołodziej-Skalska
Keyword(s):  
Gene Polymorphism ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Specific Primers ◽  
Large White ◽  
Potential Relationship ◽  
Pcr Rflp

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the potential relationship between variants of the BF gene and litter size in Polish Landrace x Polish Large White sows. To identify polymorphism within the BF gene, the PCR-RFLP method was applied, using specific primers and the SmaI enzyme. The researchers identified the presence of two alleles, T and C, with frequencies: 0.68 and 0.32, giving three genotypes with frequencies: 0.49, 0.37 and 0.14, respectively for TT, TC and CC. Analysis of relationships between the various genotypes of the BF gene and selected reproductive traits showed significant differences. Sows with TT genotype in the BF locus, gave birth to significantly more live piglets in the first litter (10.24) compared with sows with the CC genotype (7.13).

Studies in sow reproduction 1. The effect of nutrition between weaning and remating on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows

1972 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. H. Brooks ◽  
D. J. A. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Large White ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sow Reproduction

SUMMARYFollowing weaning of their first litter at 42 days post partum, 36 Landrace × (Landrace × Large White) sows were fasted for 24 hr then allocated to one of three feed levels, 1·8, 2·7 and 3·6 kg food/day, until the day after mating. During pregnancy all the sows received 1·8 kg food/day.The incidence of infertility and anoestrus was greatest for sows fed 1·8 kg/day and least for sows fed 3·6 kg·day. Sows fed 1·8 kg/day took significantly (P < 0·01) longer (21·6 + 3·0 days) to return to oestrus than sows fed 3·6 kg/day (9·2 ± 2·2 days). The mean litter size for sows fed 1·8, 2·7 and 3·6 kg food/day was 9·4 ± 0·9, 10·1 ± 0·8 and 11·5 ± 0·6 piglets respectively, but these differences were not significant.

scholarly journals Effect of parity number, year and season farrowing on reproductive performance in Large White pigs

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 313-316
Author(s):  
N. S. A. Niyazov ◽  
G. G. Cherepanov ◽  
K. S. Ostrenko
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Large White ◽  
Performance Traits ◽  
Parity Number ◽  
Least Squares Estimates

This study examines certain identifiable non-genetic sources of variation (parity number, year and season farrowing) for their effects on Large White sow litter performance traits, such as litter size, mortality and weight of piglets at birth and at weaning. The population used for the present study is from a pig farm managed by Tavriys’ki svyni, LLC, located in Skadovsky district (Kherson Oblast, Ukraine). Reproductive performance records on 280 Large White (LW) sows were used. A total of 633 litters were farrowed from January 2007 to July 2017. The litter records included information on the total number of piglets born (TNB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), number of stillborn piglets (NSB), frequency of stillborn piglets (FSB), average weight of piglets at birth (AWPB), litter size at weaning (NW), piglet pre-weaning mortality (PWM) and average weight of piglets at weaning (AWPW). To determine the effect of parity number, year and month farrowing on reproductive performance traits, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results obtained showed significant influence of parity number on most of the reproductive parameters studied, apart from AWPB, PWM and AWPW. The total litter size at birth was the lowest in primiparous sows and in cases second-parity sows, but significantly exceeded the overall average population estimation during the fourth-sixth parities farrowing. The least squares estimates of the mortality rate of piglets at birth were significantly lower than in second parity sows, however they significantly increased in sows at eighth parity. The year of the sow's farrowing had the most significant influence on the weight of piglets at birth and at weaning. Moreover, a clear upward trend can be noted in relation to the weight of piglets at birth, which is accompanied by a gradual increase of the corresponding least squares estimates during 2007-2015. Late summer and early autumn (August-October) are the seasons when the litter size traits in the LW sows consistently show the lowest values, indicating a ‘seasonal infertility period’. Thus, all the analysis performed in the present work shows that in the LW sows, as in other pig breeds, the parity number, year and season farrowing influence the reproductive and developmental processes.

Studies in sow reproduction. 2. The effect of lactation length on the subsequent reproductive performance of the sow

1975 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. A. Cole ◽  
M. A. Varley ◽  
P. E. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Large White ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Average Litter Size ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sow Reproduction

SUMMARYForty litters were weaned from their Landrace × Landrace × Large White dams at 2-day intervals to give a range of lactation lengths from 4 to 42 days. A significant (P<0·001) negative curvilinear relationship was observed between lactation length and the interval from weaning to first oestrus. This period was increased by 4·2 days with the reduction of lactation from 42 to 4 days. The relationship between lactation length and the interval from farrowing to remating was significant (P<0·001) and positively linear over the whole range of observations. A decrease of 1 day in lactation length reduced this interval by 0·91 days. Very short lactations were associated with reduced litter size at the following farrowing; sows weaned after lactation lengths between 4 and 21 days had an average litter size of 9–6 piglets born per litter in the next parity, whereas sows weaned following lactation lengths between 21 and 42 days had an average of 12·7 piglets born in the next parity (P<0·01).

scholarly journals 43 Correlates of reproductive tract anatomy and uterine histomorphometrics with fertility in swine

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
J. D'Ambrosio ◽  
M. Malopolska ◽  
R. Tuz ◽  
T. Schwarz ◽  
L. Ekanayake ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Endometrial Thickness ◽  
Reproductive Value ◽  
Size Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Large White

Economic potential of the swine industry hinges upon the reproductive performance of sows, which may be enhanced by improving uterine capacity, a component trait of litter size and piglet productivity. Previous attempts at characterising morphological traits indicative of high uterine volume have not been completely successful, resulting in the continued need for a reliable method of predicting reproductive value to improve production efficiency of the sow. Hence, the main objective of this study was to scrutinize macro- and micro-morphology of the sow’s reproductive tract for quantitative correlations with fertility indices. Reproductive records from Polish Landrace×Polish Large White sows (mean±s.e.m. parity: 4.3±0.6, range: 2–8) were used to examine the associations between fertility and ovarian/uterine morphology (n=34) or uterine histomorphometry (n=10) posthumously. Simple linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between anatomical or histological parameters and various measures of reproductive performance. Several measures related to the ovary, including right and left ovarian weight (r=0.50, P=0.005, and r=0.49, P=0.006, respectively), were positively correlated with the litter size, whereas left ovarian number of corpora lutea (r=−0.38, P=0.04) was negatively correlated with the mean litter size. Analysis of histomorphological characteristics of the uterine wall collected during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle revealed correlations between mean litter size and myometrial vascular content (r=0.75, P=0.03), the proportion of myometrial stroma (r=−0.68, P=0.03), and the variability of endometrial thickness (r=−0.72, P=0.02) in sows. Eight ovarian, vaginal, and uterine characteristics were significantly correlated with mean lifetime numbers of live born and stillborn piglets/litter or the last litter size before slaughter. In conclusion, several anatomical and histomorphological metrics that relate to reproductive performance of swine may be used to inform production protocols and as a tool for selection of elite breeding sows, warranting future research into noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques for obtaining such measures.

The effects of food level during lactation and early gestation on the reproductive performance of mature sows

1993 ◽  
Vol 57 (03) ◽  
pp. 437-445
Author(s):  
P. E. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Food Level ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
Large White ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Early Gestation

AbstractSeventy-six Large White × Landrace sows from parities 2 to 6 were allocated to one of four treatments at day 110 of gestation on a parity and live-weight basis. The four treatments involved food levels of either 3 or 6 kg/day during a 28-day lactation followed by either 1·75 or 3·50 kg/day during the first 28 days of gestation. Litter size suckled was standardized at 10 piglets wherever possible. Live weight and backfat changes were monitored in all sows and litter growth and survival rates were recorded. Post weaning all sows were given daily boar contact and mated twice at the first observed oestrus. A single blood sample was collected from each sow at days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of gestation for determination of plasma progesterone concentration. Data on litter size and piglet birth weights were collected at the subsequent parturition. Sows low-fed during lactation lost significantly more live weight (31·2v.5·8 kg,P&lt; 0·01) and P2 backfat (3·6v.1·9 mm,P&lt; 0·05) in lactation than did high-fed sows. Underfeeding the lactating sow also significantly reduced the weaning weight of the litter (62·3v.68·7 kg for low-v.high-fed sows,P&lt; 0·05), but did not significantly change either creep food intake by the litter or pre-weaning mortality rate. Parity 2 sows weaned significantly heavier piglets and litters than did sows from parities 3 to 6 (7·48 and 74·9 kgv.6·72 and 63·8 kg respectively,P&lt; 0·01). Food level in lactation did not significantly influence the length of the rebreeding interval (6·3v.7·3 days for high-v.low-fed sows) and although there was a two-fold difference in the proportion of sows failing to exhibit oestrus post weaning (0·08v.0·16 for high-v.low-fed sows) this difference was also not significant. Lactation food level did not significantly influence either sow live-weight or backfat change in gestation, plasma progesterone concentrations during early gestation or subsequent litter size. However, sows low-fed in lactation did tend to produce fewer piglets in the subsequent litter (9·54v.10·75 piglets born alive for low- and high-fed sows respectively,P= 0·062). Post-weaning reproductive performance was significantly affected by sow live weight (P&lt; 0·05) and backfat (P&lt; 0·01) at parturition, and live weight (P&lt; 0·01) and backfat (P&lt; 0·05) at weaning, but not by changes in these parameters during lactation. Food level in early gestation did not significantly influence either plasma progesterone concentrations, the size of the subsequent litter (10·09v.20·29 piglets born alive for high- and low-fed sows respectively) or mean piglet birth weight (1·27v.2·22 kg for high- and low-fed sows respectively). It is concluded that (1) both lactation food level and parity may alter pre-weaning piglet growth, and (2) the effects of lactation food level on the subsequent reproductive performance of mature sows appear to be different from those seen in parity 1 sows.

scholarly journals Effects of Fermented Radix puerariae Residue on Nutrient Digestibility and Reproductive Performance of Sows

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenfu Luo ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhao ◽  
Liming Zeng ◽  
Jie Yin ◽  
Qinghua Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acid ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Large White ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Radix Puerariae ◽  
Maternal Supplementation

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented Radix puerariae residue (FRPR) on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents of sows. A total of 36 landrace × large white multiparous sows were randomly arranged into three treatments, representing supplementation with 0, 2, and 4% FRPR to a corn-soybean meal and wheat bran-based diet during the whole gestation period. The results showed that dietary FRPR had no effects on litter size and the number of total alive piglets (P &gt; 0.05), and that the number of weaned piglets and weaning weight of litter were increased in sows with 4% FRPR treatment compared with control treatment (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary 4% FRPR significantly decreased constipation rate, improved the ATTD of dry matter and organics, and fecal contents of acetate, propionate, and total SCFAs (P &lt; 0.05). In the offspring piglets, serum concentrations of total protein, alkaline phosphatase, IgG, IL-10, and TGF-β were increased, but blood urea nitrogen content was decreased with 4% FRPR treatment (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in all determined indexes except for fecal acetic acid and total SCFAs between control and 2% FRPR treatment (P &gt; 0.05). These findings indicated that FRPR used in the diets of sows showed positive effects on fecal characteristics, utilization of nutrients, and reproductive performance. Maternal supplementation with 4% FRPR is recommended for improving immune responses, weaning litter size, and litter weight of offspring piglets, which provide useful information for the application of residues of R. puerariae.

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