• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.14-20
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• 2020

The goal of this study was to determine an effective interval of playing a nursing sound stimulus. One hundred forty four lactating multiparous sows (Landrace; parity range: 2 to 7) and their litters (Landrace × Yorkshire) were divided into 3 block (48 each), each of which was randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups including control which had no call stimulus (n = 12 each). The call of nursing and suckling, plus a click sound, were used as a nursing sound stimulus that was played in the intervals of 35 min (T35), 40 min (T40) and 45 min (T45) right after the first parturition in each experimental group until the day of weaning. Nursing sound stimuli did not affect the sow feed intake and back fat thickness loss. No differences were detected among treatments in the percentages of sows returning to estrus within 5 days after weaning and sows without crushed piglets. However, the piglets' weaning weight and daily weight gain in T35 and T40 groups was greater (p < 0.01) than the controlled piglets. These results suggest that a nursing sound stimulus can improve the performance of suckling piglets, and that 35 or 40 min interval of playing a nursing sound could be the effective sound stimulus for nursing sows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1350-1357
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• 2017

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate whether the long-lasting, recurrent restricting of sows leads to the physiological and psychological reaction of discomfort. Methods: Sows (Large White) that had experienced restricting for about 0.5 or 3 years and agematched sows kept in a group housing system (loose sows) were compared. Pupillary light reflex parameters were measured at the weaning stage. Immediately after slaughter, blood samples were taken to measure serum cortisol levels, and the brain was dissected, gene expression in the hippo-campus, frontal cortex and hypothalamus was analyzed. Results: The serum cortisol levels were higher in the confined sows than in the loose sows. The full maturity, but not the young adolescent, confined sows had longer latency time in the onset of pupil constriction than their loose counterparts. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed an increased expression of interleukin 6 mRNA in the hippocampus and decreased expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in hippocampus and hypothalamus and to a lesser extent in the frontal cortex of the full maturity confined sows, compared with the full maturity loose sows. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicated that recurrent restricting stress in full maturity sows leads to the physiological and psychological reaction of discomfort.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2021

A total of twenty-four multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their litters were used in this 21-day experimental trial. Based on their body weight, sows were randomly allocated into one of three treatments with eight replicates. The dietary betaine supplementation contained three levels: (i) CON (Basal diet + 0% Bet), (ii) Bet 0.05% (CON + 0.05% Betaine), and (iii) Bet 0.15% (CON + 0.15% Betaine). The supplementation of betaine had no effect (p > 0.05) on body weight and feed intake of lactating sow. Moreover, no significant response was observed on backfat thickness, body condition score, and weaning of the estrus interval with the dietary supplementation of betaine. In addition, the litter weaning weight, litter weight gain, average litter daily gain, and survivability rate at birth showed no significant difference with the dietary betaine supplementation of the sow diet. Fecal scores of the lactating sows and suckling piglets were not affected (p > 0.05) with the dietary betaine supplementation compared with the control diet during the experimental periods. The findings of this study showed that betaine supplementation does not boost growth performance, feed intake, body conditions, and fecal score in lactating sows and suckling piglets fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.707-716
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• 2022

The core intention to undertake this experiment for a period of 21 days is to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) supplemented diet on the performance and blood metabolites of sows and their litters. Sows weighing 208.5 ± 18.34kg and their neonates were used. From day 114 of gestation to 21st day of lactation(weaning), ten multiparous sows (n = 5/treatment) (Landrace × Yorkshire) were assigned randomly into one of two treatments: CON (basal diet) and TRT (CON + 0.05% SA). There was no significant difference in the body weight, backfat thickness, backfat loss, and body condition score in SA treated sows compared to sows fed the CON diet. However, the bodyweight of sow was dramatically reduced by an average of 16kg from farrowing to weaning time. The dietary inclusion of SA in the sow diet slightly improved the survival rate (p = 0.065) and showed a higher body weight (p = 0.009) in piglets. However, there was no significant difference in red blood cell, Fe, Hematocrit, and Hb concentrations between CON and TRT sows' groups, but the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was significantly reduced in sows from the TRT group compared with the CON group from the beginning to weaning. The outcome of this trial shows that dietary addition of SA on sows diet from early lactation could increase the birth weight and TIBC of neonates at the end of the trial.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.271-280
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Aspergillus niger-derived multi-enzyme complex supplementation to feedrestricted lactating sows on performances, milk yield, blood profiles, and manure excretion as compared with ad libitum-fed sows without supplementation of enzyme. Fifty multiparous lactating Berkshire sows were allotted to 5 treatments of 10 sows per treatment during a 28-d lactation period and litter per sow was standardized to 9 suckling piglets. Treatments were ad libitum-fed sows without enzyme and feed-restricted sows supplemented with four increasing levels (0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08%) of multi-enzyme complex derived from Aspergillus niger. Blood samples from all sows were collected to determine serum metabolite concentrations before the morning feeding on d 27 of lactation. Litter body weight and a piglet weight at weaning, and litter weight gain significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex, but there was no significant difference between ad libitum-fed sows without enzyme and feed-restricted sows supplemented with multi-enzyme complex. Body condition score and backfat depth at weaning significantly (P<0.05) increased as multi-enzyme complex level increased. Lactational backfat depth tended (P>0.05) to less decrease with increasing levels of enzyme complex. Serum inorganic phosphorus and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing levels of enzyme complex. Daily milk yield was not significantly different across treatments, but milk fat yield significantly (P<0.05) increased as multi-enzyme complex level increased. Manure output was significantly (P<0.01) higher for ad libitum-fed sows than for feed-restricted sows, but there was no significant difference among feed-restricted sows supplemented with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex. Fecal phosphorus amount significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex. Feed costs of sows per litter weight gain were reduced by 1.25% to 9.67% with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex as compared with ad libitum-fed sows without enzyme. The results indicated that multi-enzyme supplementation to feed-restricted lactating sows not only increased litter performances, but also was comparable to ad libitum-fed sows, resulting in reduced feed costs. Moreover, the reduction of fecal phosphorus amount with increasing levels of enzyme complex would contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.782-791
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of multiple cooling systems and different drinking water temperatures (DWT) on the performance of sows and their hair cortisol levels during heat stress. In this study, the effect of four different cooling systems: air conditioner (AC), cooling pad (CP), snout cooling (SC), and mist spray (MS), and two DWT, namely low water temperature (LWT) and high water temperature (HWT) on 48 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; 242.84 ± 2.89 kg) was tested. The experiment is based on the use of eight replicas during a 21-days test. Different behaviors were recorded under different cooling treatments in sows. As a result, behaviors such as drinking, standing, and position change were found to be lower in sows under the AC and CP treatments than in those under the SC and MS treatments. Lying behavior increased under the AC and CP systems as compared with that under the SC and MS, systems. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) in sows and weight at weaning in piglets was higher under the AC, CP, and LWT treatments than under the SC, MS and HWT treatments. Sows subjected to SC and MS treatment showed higher hair cortisol levels, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate during lactation than those under AC and CP treatments. Hair cortisol levels, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate were also higher under the HWT than under the LWT treatment. As per the results of this study, the LWT has no significant effect on any of the behavioral factors. Taken together, the use of AC and CP cooling treatment is highly recommended to improve the behavior and to reduce the stress levels in lactating sows.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.302-311
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• 2022

This study investigated the effect of a synergistic blend of free and buffered organic acid (FMP) on the performance of piglets born to sows supplemented with a blend of short- and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) during the late gestation and lactation period. A total of 150 multiparous sows (n = 50/treatment, Landrace × Yorkshire) were blocked (2.4 parity) and assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: CON - corn-soybean meal-based basal diet, SGG-Low - CON+ 1.5 kg/ton SGG, and SGG-High - CON + 3kg/ton SGG. During weaning, 600 piglets (6.72 ± 0.5kg) which weaned from sows supplemented with 3 levels of SGG were allocated to 2 weaner diets (Control and FMP - 3kg/ton) following 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Supplemental effects on performance were measured at d0-d21 and d 21-42, and the entire period. Pigs fed with FMP and born to sows supplemented with SGG-High gained more weight and ate more (p < 0.05) compared with those in the CON group in both phases, and with SGG-Low in the second phase. Over the entire post-weaning period, piglets born to sows supplemented with SGG-Low and SGG-High had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) (p < 0.05). Regardless of sow treatment, pigs fed with an FMP diet had higher ADG (p < 0.001), BW (p = 0.045), and a lower feed conversion ratio (p = 0.033). Also, feeding FMP diets reduced the fecal Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens counts at d42. The current study indicates that sows fed SGG supplement had a positive carry-over effect on the post-weaning growth rate, and FMP supplement enhances the growth performance and reduced the number of C. perfringens and E. coli. Thus, the application of 3 kg/ton of SGG in sows' diet and subsequent feeding of piglets with FMP would be an effective strategy to improve growth rate and reduce pathogenic bacteria in post-weaned piglets.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.11.1-11.9
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• 2014

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the performance of lactating sows and piglets as well as the immunity of piglets suckling from sows fed CLA. Eighteen multiparous Duroc sows with an average body weight (BW) of $232.0{\pm}6.38kg$ were randomly selected and assigned to two dietary treatments (n = 9 for each treatment), control (no CLA addition) and 1% CLA supplementation. For the control diet, CLA was replaced with soybean oil. Experimental diets were fed to sows during a 28-day lactation period. Litter size for each sow was standardized to nine piglets by cross-fostering within 24 hours after birth. Sow milk and blood samples were taken from sows and piglets after 21 and 27 days of lactation, respectively. Loss of BW was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows fed control diet compared to sows fed CLA diet. Piglet weights at weaning and weight gain during suckling were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows fed CLA compared to sows fed control diet. Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in sows fed CLA than in sows fed soybean oil. IgG concentrations of the groups supplemented with CLA increased by 49% in sow serum (p < 0.0001), 23% in milk (p < 0.05), and 35% in piglet serum (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Sows fed CLA showed an increase of 10% in milk yield compared with sows fed soybean oil (p < 0.05), even though there was no difference in daily feed intake between the treatments. Milk fat content was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in sows fed CLA than in sows fed soybean oil. Solid-not-fat yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows supplemented with CLA than in sows fed control diet and also protein-to-fat ratio in milk was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows fed CLA compared with the control group. The results show that CLA supplementation to sows increased milk yield without losing BW during lactation, whereas soybean oil supplementation resulted in severe BW loss.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2024

This study explored the effect of increased feed intake during the late gestation on the reproductive performance of sows, and fecal score in sows and piglets. A total of 21 crossbred [Landrace × Yorkshire] multiparous sows were randomly distributed into three treatments with seven replicates per treatment. Treatments: CON, 2.4 kg/day; TRT1, 3.2 kg/day; TRT2 , 3.6 kg/day. Body weight and body condition score of sow in different stages were not altered (p > 0.05) due to extra feed in late gestation. A linearly higher (p < 0.05) difference in backfat thickness during farrowing was found in this study. Average daily feed intake was increased (p < 0.05) linearly with extra feed in this experiment. The weaning body weight of piglets was increased (p < 0.05) with extra feed in the sow. The fecal score of sows and their piglets was similar (p > 0.05) in different levels of feed intake. In conclusion, extra feed to gestation sow showed a beneficial effect on improving the weaning piglet's body weight. Although there is a small improvement in the body weight of weaning pigs of sow fed 3.6 kg feed/day in the late gestation period, it is unlikely to be profitable enough to justify the additional waste of feed.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1860-1868
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• 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of optimal trace mineral levels on the physiological responses, reproductive performance, litter performance, blood profiles and milk composition in gestating sows. Methods: A total of 59 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with similar body weight (BW), backfat thickness (BF), and parity were assigned to one of four treatments with 14 or 15 sows per treatment using a completely randomized design. The treatments were 100% (M1), 300% (M3), 600% (M6), and 900% (M9) of the National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Swine. During lactation period, all the sows were fed the same commercial lactation diet. Results: No significant differences were observed in the BW, BF, reproductive performance, milk composition, or growth performance of the piglets. On day 70 of gestation, the serum zinc concentration showed a quadratic response to M6 treatment (quadratic, p<0.05). Moreover, as the dietary mineral levels increased, the zinc concentration increased linearly at 110 days of gestation (linear, p<0.05). Furthermore, copper and iron concentrations in the serum of sows at 24 h postpartum decreased linearly when high levels of dietary minerals were provided (linear, p<0.05). In the serum of piglets, serum zinc concentrations decreased linearly (linear, p<0.05), and iron concentration showed a quadratic response (quadratic, p<0.05) with an increase in trace mineral premix levels in gestation diets. Conclusion: The current trace mineral requirements of NRC (2012) are suitable for gestating sows, and the addition of dietary mineral levels in the gestating diet did not show any improvements during the gestation and lactation periods.