Maternal Supplementation with Herbal Antioxidants during Pregnancy in Swine

The effects of a combined supplementation with herbal antioxidants during pregnancy on reproductive traits and piglet performance (number of live, dead, and mummified newborns and litter weight at birth and individual body weight at both birth and weaning) were assessed in a total of 1027 sows (504 treated and 523 control females) kept under commercial breeding conditions. The supplementation increased the number of live-born piglets (13.64 ± 0.11 vs. 12.96 ± 0.13 in the controls; p = 0.001) and the total litter weight, decreasing the incidence of low-weight piglets without affecting the number of stillbirths and mummified newborns. Such an effect was modulated by the number of parity and the supplementation, with supplementation increasing significantly the number of living newborns in the first, second, sixth, and seventh parities (0.87, 1.10, 1.49, and 2.51 additional piglets, respectively; p < 0.05). The evaluation of plasma vitamin concentration and biomarkers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity, TAC, and malondialdehyde concentration, MDA) performed in a subset of farrowing sows and their lighter and heavier piglets showed that plasma levels of both vitamins were significantly higher in the piglets than in their mothers (p < 0.05 for vitamin C and p < 0.005 for vitamin E), with antioxidant supplementation increasing significantly such concentrations. Concomitantly, there were no differences in maternal TAC but significantly higher values in piglets from supplemented sows (p < 0.05). On the other hand, supplementation decreased plasma MDA levels both in the sows and their piglets (p < 0.05). Finally, the piglets from supplemented mothers showed a trend for a higher weaning weight (p = 0.066) and, specifically, piglets with birth weights above 1 kg showed a 7.4% higher weaning weight (p = 0.024). Hence, the results of the present study, with high robustness and translational value by offering data from more than 1000 pregnancies under standard breeding conditions, supports that maternal supplementation with herbal antioxidants during pregnancy significantly improves reproductive efficiency, litter traits, and piglet performance.

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Comparative farrowing to weaning performance in Meishan and Large White pigs and their crosses

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1357729800008432 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 60 (2) ◽

pp. 269-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

G. J. Lee ◽

C. S. Haley

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Standard Deviation ◽

Litter Size ◽

Large White ◽

Weaning Weight ◽

Growth And Survival ◽

Probability Of Survival ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Litter Traits ◽

Breed Differences

AbstractGrowth and survival from birth to weaning were monitored during three generations of crossbreeding between British Large White (LW) and Chinese Meishan (MS) pigs. The design allowed comparisons between sow genotypes ranging from zero to all MS genes, which were mated toLWor MS boars, to produce progeny with proportions of 0·0 to 0·5 or 0·5 to 1·0 MS genes, respectively. Crossbreeding parameters of both maternal and direct piglet performance were estimated for the first two parities using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methods for litter traits (litter weight at birth, litter mean and within litter standard deviation of piglet weight at birth, proportion surviving to weaning, litter size and weight at weaning and litter mean piglet weight at weaning) and for traits of the piglet (birth weight, probability of survival and weaning weight). For litter traits, the estimated contribution of the additive maternal effect to the breed differences (MS-LW) was significant for litter mean piglet birth weight (–0·46 (s.e. 0·04) kg), survival to weaning (0·15 (s.e. 0·02)), litter size at weaning (1·6 (s.e. 0·16) piglets), litter weaning weight (–11·2 (s.e. 3·8) kg) and litter mean piglet weaning weight (2·54 (s.e. 0·24) kg). Adding litter size and litter mean piglet birth weight to the model removed the additive maternal contribution to the breed differences in survival, and litter size and reduced that for litter mean piglet weaning weight. The contribution of the direct additive effect to the breed difference (MS-LW) was significant for the within litter standard deviation in birth weight (0·018 (s.e. 0·006)), survival to weaning (0·12 (s.e. 0·02)) and litter size (1·12 (s.e. 0·64)) and weight (11·6 (s.e. 4·0) kg) at weaning, but not for piglet weight at birth or weaning. Fitting litter size and litter mean birth weight had comparatively little impact on the direct additive effects. There were significant maternal heterosis effects for litter weight at birth and litter size and weight at weaning, the estimated deviation of the F1 from the midpoint of the two purebreds 3·22 (s.e. 0·55) kg, 2·20 (s.e. 0·47) piglets, and 20·1 (s.e. 3·3) kg respectively, but none for survival or piglet weights. There were direct heterosis effects for litter weight and litter mean piglet weights, the estimated deviation of the Fjfrom the mid point of the two purebreds being 1·16 (s.e. 0·41) kg and 0·14 (s.e. 0·02) kg, for survival to weaning (0·04 (s.e. 0·02)) and for litter weight (11·2 (s.e. 2·5) kg) and litter mean piglet weight (0·96 (s.e. 0·17) kg) at weaning. Fitting litter size and litter mean piglet birth weight removed or reduced both maternal and direct heterosis effects. Individual piglet analyses gave similar results to analyses of the equivalent sow trait. It was concluded that in litters born to MS cows, the lower piglet survival and lower weaning weights were related to the larger litter sizes and lower piglet birth weights. For their birth weight, however, MS piglets have a greater ability to survive and thrive. The large direct and maternal heterosis effects observed for litter and mean piglet weight at weaning werepartly associated with the heavier birth weight of the crossbred piglet.

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Genetic Analysis Of Rabbit Litter Traits At Birth And Weaning

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v19i.2082 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 ◽

pp. 64-69

Author(s):

I. K Odubote ◽

B. Somade

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Genetic Analysis ◽

Litter Size ◽

Weaning Weight ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Phenotypic Correlations ◽

Litter Traits ◽

Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽

Selection For ◽

Size At Birth

Data on 260 litters were used to provide therefore to estimate the heritability and estimates of heritability, repeatability, genetic and phenotypic correlations for litter traits at birth and at weaning. Breed, sire within breed and doe within sire effects were found to be significant, (P<0.05) for litter size at birth and at weaning and for litter weight at birth and at weaning. Heritability estimates of 0.33±0.08, 0.38±0.02, 0.03±0.02 and 0.16±0.05 were obtained for litter birth weight, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weaning weight, respectively. Repeatability estimates were found to be generally moderate to high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were positive and significant (P<0.01). Selection for litter size at birth and litter birth weight are likely to result in improved litter size at weaning and litter weaning weight respectively.

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The Association of an SNP in the EXOC4 Gene and Reproductive Traits Suggests Its Use as a Breeding Marker in Pigs

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020521 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 521

Author(s):

Yingting He ◽

Xiaofeng Zhou ◽

Rongrong Zheng ◽

Yao Jiang ◽

Zhixiang Yao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Fragment Length Polymorphism ◽

Regulatory Element ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Specific Sequence ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Potential Binding ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

Teat Number ◽

Myeloid Zinc Finger

In mammals, the exocyst complex component 4 (EXOC4) gene has often been reported to be involved in vesicle transport. The SNP rs81471943 (C/T) is located in the intron of porcine EXOC4, while six quantitative trait loci (QTL) within 5–10 Mb around EXOC4 are associated with ovary weight, teat number, total offspring born alive, and corpus luteum number. However, the molecular mechanisms between EXOC4 and the reproductive performance of pigs remains to be elucidated. In this study, rs81471943 was genotyped from a total of 994 Duroc sows, and the genotype and allele frequency of SNP rs81471943 (C/T) were statistically analyzed. Then, the associations between SNP rs81471943 and four reproductive traits, including number of piglets born alive (NBA), litter weight at birth (LWB), number of piglets weaned (NW), and litter weight at weaning (LWW), were determined. Sanger sequencing and PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were utilized to identify the rs81471943 genotype. We found that the genotype frequency of CC was significantly higher than that of CT and TT, and CC was the most frequent genotype for NBA, LWB, NW, and LWW. Moreover, 5′-deletion and luciferase assays identified a positive transcription regulatory element in the EXOC4 promoter. After exploring the EXOC4 promoter, SNP −1781G/A linked with SNP rs81471943 (C/T) were identified by analysis of the transcription activity of the haplotypes, and SNP −1781 G/A may influence the potential binding of P53, E26 transformation specific sequence -like 1 transcription factor (ELK1), and myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1). These findings provide useful information for identifying a molecular marker of EXOC4-assisted selection in pig breeding.

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Effect of environmental factor on some litter traits of sows in the tropics Mexican

Revista Mvz Córdoba ◽

10.21897/rmvz.21 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 5102-5111

Author(s):

Jesús Ek M ◽

José Segura C ◽

Alejandro Alzina L

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Humid Tropics ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Lactation Length ◽

Litter Traits ◽

Parity Number ◽

Quadratic Effects ◽

The Tropics ◽

Season Interaction ◽

Size At Birth

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the effect of environmental factors on litter traits at birth and weaning, and their repeatabilities in four farms in the sub-humid tropics of Mexico. Materials and methods. Data from 46.249 to 50.316 litters for litter size at birth (LSB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), litter weight at birth (LWB), number of piglets weaned (NPW) and litter weight at weaning (LWW) were used. The statistical model for LSB, NBA and LWB included the effects of farm, farrowing year, farrowing season, parity number, simple interactions, random effects of sow and the error term. NPW and LWW were analyzed using the previous model plus the linear and quadratic effects of lactation length (LL). Results. The means for LSB, NBA, LWB, NPW and LWW were 11.7 piglets, 11.0 piglets, 16.1 kg, 10.3 piglets and 61.3 kg, respectively. All effects in the model affected the litter traits. Farrowing year x season interaction was significant for NPW, LWB and LWW. The dry season had the highest LSB, NBA y NPW. First parity sows had higher LSB and NBA means than for second parity sows. Parity increase until parity 4 to decrease thereafter. LL had a quadratic effect on NPW and LWW. Repeatability estimates for LSB, NBA, and LWB were 0.12, 0.12 and 0.14, respectively. Conclusions. All traits studied were influenced by the environmental factors studied. Repeatabilities for LSB, NBA and LWB were low. RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de factores ambientales sobre características de la camada al nacer y al destete, y sus repetibilidades en cuatro granjas en el trópico sub-húmedo de México. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron los datos de 50.316 a 46.249 camadas para el total de lechones nacidos (LSB), lechones nacidos vivos (NBA) y peso de la camada al nacimiento (LWB), lechones destetados (NPW) y peso de la camada al destete (LWW). El modelo estadístico para LSB, NBA y LWB incluyen los efectos de granja, año, época, número de parto, interacciones simples, efecto aleatorio de cerda y error. El modelo para NPW y LWW incluyó los factores anteriores y además, los efectos lineal y cuadrático de largo de lactación (LL). Resultados. Las medias para LSB, NBA, LWB, NPW y LWW fueron 11.7 lechones, 11.0 lechones, 16.1 kg, 10.3 lechones y 61.3 kg, respectivamente. Todos los factores estudiados afectaron las características de la camada. La interacción de año x época fue significativa para NPW, LWB y LWW. La época seca presentó las mayores medias de LSB, NBA y NPW. Las cerdas primer parto obtuvieron medias de LSB y NBA superiores que las cerdas del segundo parto. Las medias por número de parto incrementaron hasta el cuarto, para después disminuir. La LL obtuvo un efecto cuadrático sobre NPW y LWW. Las repetibilidades estimadas para LSB, NBA, y LWW fueron 0.12, 0.12 y 0.14, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Todos los factores ambientales estudiados afectaron las características de la camada al nacer y al destete. Las repetibilidades estimadas fueron bajas.

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Effects of maternal supplementation with fully oxidised β-carotene on the reproductive performance and immune response of sows, as well as the growth performance of nursing piglets

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114520002652 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 125 (1) ◽

pp. 62-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jun Chen ◽

Jiaming Chen ◽

Yinzhi Zhang ◽

Yantao Lv ◽

Hanzhen Qiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Status ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Perinatal Period ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Lactose Concentration ◽

Biological Similarity ◽

Maternal Supplementation ◽

Dietary Treatments ◽

The Impact ◽

Β Carotene

AbstractThe present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary fully oxidised β-carotene (OxBC, C40H60O15) supplementation during the perinatal period on immune status and productivity in a sow model. At day 85 of pregnancy, 150 sows were allocated to one of three dietary treatments with fifty sows per treatment. The three experimental diets were supplemented with 0, 4 or 8 mg/kg OxBC in the basal diet. The feeding trial was conducted from gestation day 85 until day 21 of lactation. Dietary OxBC supplementation greatly enhanced colostrum IgM, IgA and IgG levels, and the IgM and IgG content of 14-d milk. Dietary OxBC supplementation decreased the TNF-α and IL-8 levels in colostrum, as well as the TNF-α and IL-18 levels in 14-d milk. There was also a tendency towards an increase in the soluble CD14 level in 14-d milk. Although dietary treatments did not affect average daily feed intake nor backfat thickness loss during lactation, dietary OxBC supplementation tended to enhance litter weight and individual piglet weight at weaning. There was a trend towards increased lactose concentration in 14-d milk with increasing dietary OxBC. It is concluded that dietary supplementation with OxBC during the perinatal period enhances the lactose concentration of sow milk and the immune status of sows, which is reflected by improved cytokine status and immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum and milk, and thus tending to increase litter weight and individual piglet weight at weaning. The results also provide a scientific nutritional reference for perinatal mothers due to the biological similarity between pigs and humans.

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Phenotypic and genetic parameters for reproductive performance in a synthetic line of sheep

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600031920 ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 96 (1) ◽

pp. 107-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

T. G. Martin ◽

D. Nicholson ◽

C. Smith ◽

D. I. Sales

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Performance ◽

Genetic Parameters ◽

Genetic Correlations ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Direct Selection ◽

Sex Distribution ◽

Regression Methods ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Heritability Estimates ◽

Synthetic Line

SUMMARYData on 902 ewes (1755 records) bom over 7 years in the synthetic ABRO Dam Line were analysed by least squares. Reproductive traits of the ewe were not affected by whether she was a single or a twin or by the age of her dam. Ewe age had major effects on all reproductive traits. Litter weight traits were affected by the sex distribution and the age of the litter when weighed.Heritability estimates, both by half sib and regression methods, were low for litter size, low to moderate for litter weights, and higher for ewe and fleece weights. Genetic correlations among the litter-weight traits were high. Together with the heritability estimates, they indicated that selection on litter weight at birth (and perhaps other traits) might give a greater change in total litter weight at weaning, the main measure of ewe productivity and the objective in improvement, than would direct selection.

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Performance of purebred and crossbred rabbits in Australia: doe reproductive and pre-weaning litter traits

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar02002 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 53 (9) ◽

pp. 993 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

K. C. Prayaga ◽

S. J. Eady

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Average Birth Weight ◽

Successful Mating ◽

Litter Traits ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

Parity Number ◽

Breed Crosses ◽

Foundation Stock

Data from a rabbit breeding experiment were analysed to compare the doe reproductive and pre-weaning litter performance of 3 breeds of rabbits, namely New Zealand White (N), Californian (C), and Flemish Giant (F), and their crosses CN (C × N) and FN (F × N). The foundation stock of 152 rabbits was collected from 26 different sources in New South Wales, Australia. Data on reproductive traits, doe age at first successful mating (DA), doe weight at first successful mating (DW) arising from 104 does, conception rate (CR) from 808 matings, and kindling interval (KI) from 325 records of 119 does were analysed. Overall means for reproductive traits DA, DW, CR, and KI were 21 weeks, 3.6 kg, 0.75, and 7.4 weeks, respectively. DA, CR, and KI did not differ significantly among different breeds and their crosses. DW of C does was found to be significantly lighter than all other breed crosses in the study. Month–year of mating significantly affected DA, DW, and CR (P < 0.01), and as the parity number increased, there was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in KI. As age of the doe at mating increased there was a significant increase in DW (P < 0.01), CR (P < 0.05), and KI (P < 0.01). Data from 436 litters of 157 does were included in the analysis of pre-weaning litter traits. The overall means for the pre-weaning litter traits were: number born per litter (NB, 8.1), number born alive per litter (NBA, 6.9), number weaned per litter (NW, 3.3), total litter birth weight (TLBW, 453.7 g), live litter birth weight (LLBW, 397.1 g), litter weaning weight (LWW, 2.8 kg), and average birth weight of kits per litter (ABW, 58.1 g). Doe breed significantly affected NW (P < 0.05), TLBW (P <�0.01), LLBW (P < 0.05), LWW, and ABW (P < 0.01). N does and crossbred does (CN and FN) performed better than purebred F and C does for NW and LWW. A significant heterosis of 41.9% and 40.8% was observed in CN does for traits NW and LWW, respectively. ABW of F does was significantly higher than that of all other breed crosses in the study. Buck breed did not have any significant effect on any of the pre-weaning litter traits under study. Parity significantly affected NW (P < 0.05), TLBW (P < 0.01), LLBW (P < 0.05), and ABW (P < 0.01). First parity does produced litters with significantly lighter birth weights. The month–year of birth effect was significant for NW, LWW (P < 0.01), and ABW (P < 0.05).�The coefficients of variation for the doe reproductive traits and pre-weaning litter traits ranged between 12.1 and 59.5% and 16.1 and 93.3%, respectively. High phenotypic variances and coefficients of variation observed for traits NW and LWW indicate that good response could be realised through selection. Repeatability estimates for reproductive traits CR and KI were very low. Low to moderate repeatability estimates in the range 0.17–0.25 were observed for pre-weaning litter traits. Significant positive phenotypic correlations were observed between litter size and litter weight traits (0.30–0.97). A significant negative correlation was observed between ABW and NB (–0.56) and NBA (–0.36).

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Genome-Wide Association Study for Reproductive Traits in a Duroc Pig Population

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9100732 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 732 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zhang ◽

Chen ◽

Ye ◽

He ◽

Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Association Study ◽

Candidate Genes ◽

Litter Size ◽

Production Efficiency ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

In the pig industry, reproductive traits constantly influence the production efficiency. To identify markers and candidate genes underlying porcine reproductive traits, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed in a Duroc pig population. In total, 1067 pigs were genotyped using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips, and four reproductive traits, including litter size at birth (LSB), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter size at weaning (LSW), and litter weight at weaning (LWW), were examined. The results showed that 20 potential SNPs reached the level of suggestive significance and were associated with these traits of interest. Several important candidate genes, including TXN2, KCNA1, ENSSSCG00000003546, ZDHHC18, MAP2K6, BICC1, FAM135B, EPHB2, SEMA4D, ST3GAL1, KCTD3, FAM110A, TMEM132D, TBX3, and FAM110A, were identified and might compose the underlying genetic architecture of porcine reproductive traits. These findings help to understand the genetic basis of porcine reproductive traits and provide important information for molecular breeding in pigs.

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Estimates of genetic parameters and genetic trends for reproductive traits and weaning weight in Tabapuã cattle1,2

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.2527/jas.2015-9212 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 93 (11) ◽

pp. 5175-5185 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

P. A. Bernardes ◽

D. A. Grossi ◽

R. P. Savegnago ◽

M. E. Buzanskas ◽

I. Urbinati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Parameters ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Weaning Weight ◽

Genetic Trends

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A genetic analysis of litter traits in Bauscat and Giza White rabbits

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s0003356100036710 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 123-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

M. H. Khalil ◽

J. B. Owen ◽

E. A. Afifi

Keyword(s):

Genetic Analysis ◽

Litter Size ◽

Litter Weight ◽

Phenotypic Correlations ◽

Large Litter ◽

Litter Traits ◽

Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽

Size At Birth

AbstractAn analysis of doe productivity traits was carried out on 884 litter records including 52 sires and 210 daughters (paternal half sisters) of Bauscat (B) and Giza White (G) rabbits. Traits examined included litter size and weight at birth and at weaning, pre-weaning mortality and mean weight of young at weaning. Year-of-kindling affected most litter traits but no pattern of parity effects on litter size and pre-weaning mortality was observed. Litter weight and mean weight of young at weaning generally increased linearly as parity advanced. Litter size and weight and mean weight of young tended to increase as month of kindling advanced from October to March, and to decrease again during April and May. Pre-weaning mortality decreased as month of kindling advanced up to March and increased thereafter during April and May. The sire of the doe affected all litter traits studied, with the exception of litter size at birth and pre-weaning mortality in the B breed. Estimates of heritability for most of the litter traits were moderate or high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among litter size traits and between litter size and litter weight traits were positive and relatively moderate or large. Litter weight traits were positively correlated both genetically and phenotypically. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between litter size traits and mean weight of young at weaning were negative and relatively moderate or large.

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