• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.908-913
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• 1999

This experiment was conducted in three trials to evaluate optimal ambient temperature for a novel milk replacer feeding system designed for early-weaned pigs, compared to commercial dry diets fed within a conventional hot nursery. A total of 165 PIC genotype pigs were weaned at $13.89{\pm}0.7$ days of age and allotted to one of two dietary treatments in three trials based on weight and litter origin. Each trial consisted of pigs fed dry diets (DD) and pigs fed milk replacer (MR) which was offered in one of 3 different ambient temperatures. Pigs fed milk replacer were housed in a specialized nursery building in which one half of each pen contained an enclosed hover that was thermostatically maintained at $32^{\circ}C$ while the exterior ambient temperature (where milk was fed) was set at either 17 (trial 1), 24 (trial 2) or $32^{\circ}C$ (trial 3). Pigs fed dry diets with the conventional nursery were maintained at $30^{\circ}C$ for each trial. From d 21 to d 49, all pigs were fed DD within a standardized hot nursery environment. During the first week (d 14-21), pigs fed MR showed increased ADG from 214% to 228% over control pigs fed DD (p<0.001), regardless of ambient temperature. As ambient temperature was increased from 17 to 24 to $32^{\circ}C$, ADG of MR-fed pigs was increased by 214%, 220% and 228% over those of pigs fed DD, respectively. ADFIs of MR-fed pigs at $17^{\circ}C$, $24^{\circ}C$, and $32^{\circ}C$ compared with pigs fed DD were increased by 108%, 139% and 164% from d 14 to d 21, respectively. Fed efficiency (G/F) of MR-fed pigs at $17^{\circ}C$, $24^{\circ}C$, and $32^{\circ}C$ compared with pigs fed DD were 199%, 162% and 139% of those of pigs fed DD, respectively. As ambient temperature increased, diarrhea scores showed a slight tendency to increase. The advantage of MR feeding was greater when the ambient temperature was higher, but G/F was impaired with increased ambient temperature. We conclude that ambient temperature within the specialized nursery influenced behavior, MR feed intake, and probably piglet energy expenditure. There were no differences between MR-fed and DD-fed pigs for ADG, ADFI and G/F in the subsequent growth period (d 21 to d 49, p>0.05). Maximal advantage of MR feeding was obtained at the intermediate ($24^{\circ}C$) ambient temperature during the overall period (p<0.05). Results from this experiment indicate that a milk replacer feeding system utilized in the early postweaning period can maximize pig growth performance, and that ADG, ADFI and G/F were affected by different ambient temperatures within MR-fed pigs. The high or low temperatures could not support the maximal growth of pigs fed MR.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1532-1539
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• 2014

Although growth rate is one of the main economic traits of concern in pig production, there is limited knowledge on its epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. In this study, we conducted methyl-CpG binding domain protein-enriched genome sequencing (MBD-seq) to compare genome-wide DNA methylation profile of small intestine and liver tissue between fast- and slow-growing weaning piglets. The genome-wide methylation pattern between the two different growing groups showed similar proportion of CpG (regions of DNA where a cytosine nucleotide occurs next to a guanine nucleotide in the linear sequence) coverage, genomic regions, and gene regions. Differentially methylated regions and genes were also identified for downstream analysis. In canonical pathway analysis using differentially methylated genes, pathways (triacylglycerol pathway, some cell cycle related pathways, and insulin receptor signaling pathway) expected to be related to growth rate were enriched in the two organ tissues. Differentially methylated genes were also organized in gene networks related to the cellular development, growth, and carbohydrate metabolism. Even though further study is required, the result of this study may contribute to the understanding of epigenetic regulation in pig growth.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.204-210
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• 2008

A total of 70 colonies were isolated from the Korean human milk samples on the BCP plate count agar. These LAB isolates were subcultured in 10% reconstituted skim milk, and two strain thereof were finally selected for their highest acid productions. These strains were identified as Enterococcusfaecium based on 16S rDNA sequencing data, named as Enterococcus faecium KHM-11. Sugar utilization of E. faecium KHM-11 was investigated by API 50CH kit, and 19 different sugars including D-arabinose, L-arabinose, galactose, D-glucose, D-fructose, and D-mannose were utilized. For fermentation profiles, a yogurt inoculated by E. faecium KHM-11 after 15 hour, reached at pH 4.09, titratable acidity at 1.10% and average viable counts $1.30{\times}10^9\;CFU/mL$. Effects of the administration of yogurt 0.5% of piglet diet to piglets were investigated for growth rate, analysis of blood and incidence of diarrhea. 24 heads of piglets were divided into two groups: the experimental and the control of 12 animals each. The average growth rate in the yogurt-fed group was higher for 21.67%, compared with control (p<0.05). There were no differences in the concentrations of blood glucose, cholesterol, albumin and globulin between the two treatments. Incidence of diarrhea was no in pigs fed yogurt as compare to control.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.1656-1660
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• 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented fruits (FF) on the growth performance, Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus counts in faeces of the post-weaning piglets. A total of twenty-four 4 weeks old Landrace${\times}$ Large White${\times}$Duroc with initial body weight of 6 kg were used in this study. The piglets were housed individually in metabolic cage and randomly assigned to four groups with six piglets per group. The piglets were fed on basal diet without antibiotic (AF), basal diets with antibiotic (Ab), basal diet with 10% (w/w) fermented fruit (10% FF) and basal diet with 20% (w/w) fermented fruit (20% FF). Faecal samples were taken directly from the rectum of each piglet and cultured for Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus counts. In the growth performance, the piglets of Ab and 10%FF had significantly higher (p<0.05) average daily gain than those of 20%FF. However, no differences (p>0.05) were observed between AF, Ab and 10%FF. Studies showed that the use of fermented fruits (FF) could significantly (p<0.05) reduce Enterobacteriaceae population in piglets' faeces compared to the use of normal feed (AF) and antibiotic (Ab). However, the Lactobacillus population in the faeces was increased in those piglets fed with diets added with FF.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.927-932
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• 2005

A total of 130 Chinese Meishan piglets were scored for their genotypes at five gene loci and five microsatellite loci. The average gene heterozygosity was 0.3338 and the average microsatellite heterozygosity was 0.2954, and the heterozygosity of the overall ten loci was 0.3146. The data of birth weight (BW) and body weight on day 35 (W35) were collected, average daily gain (ADG) for each individual was computed as the slope from the regression of weight on age. There was no significant correlation between individual heterozygosity and birth weight (p>0.05). Significant regressions were observed between ADG and the heterozygosity of loci (p<0.01). Similar results were observed in W35 and loci heterozygosity (p<0.01). Heterozygosity at these ten loci explained 43.62% of the total variation in ADG and 45.48% in W35. Significant correlations existed not only in the function of gene loci but also in neutral microsatellite loci, so it indicated that associative overdominance affected piglet growth significantly.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.297-306
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• 2022

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) when added to sows' diet on their reproductive performance and growth performance and on the hematology parameters of the sows and their piglets. Sixteen multiparous sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were allotted into two treatment groups and fed basal diets (CON, piglets were injected with iron dextran) or the basal diet containing 0.1% ALA (ALA, piglets were not injected with iron dextran) from day 100 of gestation to day 28 of lactation. Supplementation of ALA had no effect on the body weight (BW), backfat thickness (BFT), or litter sizes of sows in the present experiment. However, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the sows was significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the ALA group. Supplementation of ALA had no effect on the growth performance or survival of suckling piglets but had a significant effect on the birth weight (p < 0.05). With regard to the blood profiles, serum concentrations of iron were unaffected in sows and piglets as compared to the control group. Red blood cell (RBC) counts were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in sows during late gestation to the time before farrowing period and in piglets at weaning. In summary, these results suggest that dietary supplementation of ALA can have positive effects by improving growth performance and blood RBC in sows and suckling piglets.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.830-836
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• 1999

we have screened the microorganisms from piglet intestines for the development of probiotics which have acid and bile tolerance and the growth inhibition of pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella. Among them, a strain which was identified as Lactobacillus salivarius was selected. It had around 50% of survival after 2h incubation in the artificial gastric juice and 76% of survival after 24h incubation in the presence of 0.3% bile salts, and also showed complete inhibition against both pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella after 24h coincubation. Also, its storage stability after lyophilization was improved by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.555-559
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• 2012

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a by-product from processing corn to produce bio-ethanol, and it contains almost three times higher protein, fat, and fiber than corn. Intake of higher amount of nutrients originated from corn in lactating sows may contribute to changes in milk composition and thus alter the growth of suckling piglets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate effect of supplementing DDGS in the diet of lactating sows on variation in the body weight of piglets. A total of 50 sows with parities of 3 to 5 were usedand allottedinto one of four treatments which included 0 (CON), 10% (DDGS10), 20% (DDGS20), or 30% (DDGS30) DDGS in the diet. Diets were fed to sows during the whole lactation period. Individual body weights of piglets were measured within 24 h after farrowing and at weaning. No significant differences were observed inthe coefficient of variation (CV) for body weight of piglets within a litter after farrowing and at weaning among the treatments (p>0.05). There was, however, a tendency of decreases in the CV for body weight of piglets within a litter at weaning compared with that after farrowingin the DDGS10 and DDGS20 treatments. At weaning, the percentage of the number of piglets weighing less than 4.5 kg in DDGS20 (4.86%, 7 out of 144; p<0.05) or DDGS30 (5.04%, 6 out of 119; p=0.059) was lower than that in CON (12.41%; 17 out of 137) although this pattern was not observed in DDGS10. In conclusion, addition of DDGS in lactating sow diets improved piglet performance by reducing the number piglets weighing less than 4.5 kg.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.273-283
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• 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of anise flavor on the performance of lactating sows and suckling pigs at different weaning ages. A total of 120 sows (Landrace ${\times}$ Yorkshire) were used in this experiment. Sows were fed with a commercial lactation diet (60 sows) or diet with flavor (60 sows) during days 100 to 114 of gestation period and the whole lactation period. Piglets were allotted to 2 dietary treatments based on their initial body weight (BW) using a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 levels of anise flavor (0 or 0.5 g/kg) and weaning periods (weaned at 21 day or 28 day after birth). Sows fed with flavor supplemented diets had higher (p < 0.05) back fat and average daily feed intake (ADFI) at weaning, lower (p < 0.05) back fat loss than those fed with non-flavor diets. Sows weaned at 28 day had higher (p < 0.05) weaning back fat and lower (p < 0.05) back fat loss than those weaned on 21 day. During weaning, piglet average daily gain (ADG), ADFI, digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) and fecal score were affected by anise flavor, respectively. In conclusion, dietary flavor supplementation could increase feed intake of lactating sows, improve growth performance and reduce weaning stress of piglets, especially effective in the early weanling piglets. Meanwhile, interactive effects were observed about the piglet performance between weaning ages and anise flavor supplementation after weaning.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.340-351
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• 2019

Hot environments can affect feed intake and lactation, and the subsequent unavailability of important micronutrients to the newborn piglet can impair piglet growth, reduce the viability of newborn piglets and limit their subsequent performance. This work addresses the effects of hot environments (summer season) upon the reproductive performance of sows during gestation and lactation as well as on the serum levels of vitamins and the concentration of immunoglobulins in their litters in comparison with the winter season. Fourteen sows were evaluated over 100 ± 2 days of gestation in each season. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was used as an indirect measure of heat stress during gestation. The reproductive performance, milk yield, and body condition of the sows were recorded. The concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin A in piglets and in sow serum, colostrum, milk and feed were determined by HPLC; immunoglobulins were assessed by an ELISA. The THI index indicated that animals were subject to heat stress only in during the summer. Although the effect was not significant, there were a lower number of piglets at birth and at weaning and the milk yield in summer compared with winter. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the body condition of sows between seasons. Season had an effect (p < 0.05) on the vitamin A concentration of postpartum sow serum (0.29 ㎍/mL in winter vs 0.21 ㎍/mL in summer) and on the vitamin E concentration before birth (2.00 ㎍/mL in winter vs 0.90 ㎍/mL in summer). Vitamin E in milk was higher (p < 0.05) in winter than in summer (2.23 vs 1.81 ㎍/mL). Serum levels of vitamins A and E in piglets at birth were lower (p < 0.05) in winter than in summer. The concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in colostrum and milk were similar between seasons (p > 0.05), but the IgA in piglet serum was higher in winter than in summer (p < 0.05). High temperatures produced heat stress in sows, which affected certain aspects of production that can be translated into economic losses for this sector.