• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.163-166
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• 2018

Objective: Microminipigs are a novel animal model with extensive applications in laboratory studies owing, in part, to their extremely small body sizes. In this study, the relationship between swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class II haplotype and body weight was evaluated in the Microminipig population. Methods: A total of 1,900 haplotypes, covering SLA class II haplotypes Lr-0.7, Lr-0.23, Lr-0.17, Lr-0.37, Lr-0.16, Lr-0.11, Lr-0.13, and Lr-0.18, were analyzed in 950 piglets. Birth weights and weights on postnatal day 50 were examined in piglets with eight different SLA class II haplotypes. Results: The mean birth weight of piglets with the Lr-0.23 haplotype (0.415 kg, n = 702) was significantly lower than that of piglets with Lr-0.17 (0.445 kg, n = 328) and Lr-0.37 (0.438 kg, n = 383) haplotypes. At postnatal day 50, the mean body weight of piglets with the Lr-0.23 haplotype (3.14 kg) was significantly lower than that of piglets with the Lr-0.13 haplotype (3.46 kg, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in daily gains (DGs) among the eight haplotypes. However, piglets with the Lr-0.11 and -0.18 haplotype combination or any heterozygous haplotype combinations containing Lr-0.23 had significantly lower DGs than those of piglets with the Lr-0.18, 0.37 haplotype combination. Conclusion: Piglets with the Lr-0.23 haplotype had relatively low body weights at birth and on postnatal day 50 and slightly lower DGs than those of piglets with other haplotypes. Therefore, the Lr-0.23 SLA class II haplotype may be a suitable marker for the selective breeding of Microminipigs with small body sizes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.10
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• pp.1469-1474
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• 2002

This study was designed to evaluate the influence of a single or double dose of Fe dextran with organic trace mineral supplementation on the performance of piglets from dams fed diets with either inorganic (ITM) or organic trace minerals (OTM). It also determined the effect of the source of the trace minerals on the reproductive performance of sows. The trace mineral premixes were prepared using metal proteinates and the corresponding inorganic salts for the OTM and the ITM, respectively. Each mineral premix provided 100 ppm Fe/175 ppm Fe, 35 ppm Cu/170 ppm Cu, 90 ppm Zn/120 ppm Zn, and 40 ppm Mn/35 ppm Mn when added at 0.20% in sows /weaned pigs' diets, respectively. The first dose of Fe dextran was administered to piglets at 3 d and the second dose at 10 d after birth. One dose of Fe dextran supplied 100 mg of Fe. A total of 16 gestating sows (Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire) in parities 2 to 4 were randomly allocated to four treatments: 1) diet with ITM/one dose of Fe dextran to piglets, 2) diet with ITM/two doses of Fe dextran to piglets, 3) diet with OTM/one dose of Fe dextran to piglets, and 4) diet with OTM/two doses of Fe dextran to piglets. The total born alive, weaned, body weight at birth and at weaning were not affected by the sow's dietary treatment. Although organic trace mineral supplementation tended to increase the milk Fe content (p<0.10) at 7 d postpartum, piglets in all treatments performed equally from birth to weaning. The double doses of Fe dextran neither improved the average daily gain (ADG) nor influenced the survival of piglets from birth to weaning (21 d). Results suggest that a single dose of Fe dextran given to suckling pigs is adequate to sustain their needs for growth throughout the lactation period (21 d). Furthermore, there was a 21% improvement in both the ADG and the average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.05) in weaned pigs fed diets with OTM. Cu and Fe in the liver (p<0.01), and Zn in both the bone (p<0.01) and the serum (p<0.01) were higher in piglets fed OTM than in those fed ITM. It would be concluded that single dose of Fe dextran administration with organic trace mineral supplementation show similar growth performance compared to 2 dose Fe dextran administration with inorganic mineral supplementation in young pigs.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.177-186
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• 1990

To investigate the etiology, pathogenicity and virological properties of NYJ-1-87 strain of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) that was isolated from the diseased piglet in Korea, the virus at $10^{6.0}TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ was inoculated intranasally and subcutaneously into 30 to 35 days-old piglets. Results obtained through the experiments were summarized as follows. 1. Ten of the infected piglets were clinically observed for 15 days. On the 2nd day post-inoculation(pi), the signs of pyrexia, anorexia and convulsion were noted. On the 4th to 7th days pi, nervous signs of incoordination and intermittent spasm were shown in the most of piglets, and one out of 5 piglets infected intranasally was died with severe nervous signs at the 7th day pi. The signs became relieved on the 8th day pi and all of remainder were completely recovered on the 13th to 14th days pi. 2. In hematological study, prominent decrease in the number of total leukocyte and lymphocyte was shown in the ADV-infected piglets on the 6th day pi. On the 8th day pi, the cell numbers were slightly increased and returned to normal level on the 10th day pi. 3. Viral excretion of the ADV-inoculated piglets was examined by swabbing of nasal and oral cavities, and rectal feces. During the periods of the 3rd to 11th days pi, the virus was excreted intermittently from nasal and oral cavities, and rectal feces. The nasal excretions were shown the highest virus concentration of $10^{5.2}TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ at the 5th day pi. 4. Recovery of the inoculated virus from various organs of the piglets that were died or experimentally slaughtered was attempted, and the virus was isolated from the tissues of brain and tonsil by the cultured cell-inoculation method. The highest recovery rate was noted in the tonsil. By indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay using ADV-monoclonal antibody, the viral antigens were detected in tissues of spleen and liver as well as brain and tonsil on the 7th to 9th days pi. The virus was not isolated from blood and the tissues of lung and kidney throughout the experiments. 5. Titers of virus neutralizing antibody in the piglets experimentally infected with ADV became increased after the 6th to 9th days pi in both of intranasal and subcutaneous inoculation showing the highest titers of 64 to 128 on the 29th day pi. When the antibody levels were measured by radial immunodiffusion enzyme assay, the reactive diameter was enlarged to be positive after the 4th to 6th days pi in both of intranasal and subcutaneous inoculation showing the largest diameter of 13 to 14mm on the 29th day pi.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.10-22
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• 2022

We studied the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 (LSB) supplemented to lactating sows on reproductive traits and farrowing duration and to piglets from day 7 of life on post-weaning performance and IgG concentration. Ninety-six Landrace × Yorkshire sows started the trial 5 days before the expected farrowing date. Sows were distributed into 2 groups according to parity number and backfat thickness: control (CON: regular lactation diet) and LSB (CON + LSB at 2 × 10⁹ colony forming units [CFU]/kg of feed). Seven days after birth, litters were randomly selected from each group and supplemented creep feed with or without LSB at 2 × 10⁹ CFU/kg. At weaning, piglets from CON sows were shifted to a commercial farm and allocated to 14 pens in groups of 25 piglets/pen according to the creep feed supplemented during lactation. Piglets followed a 3-phase feeding program: creep, pre-starter and starter, with or without LSB at 2 × 10⁹ CFU/kg LSB in creep and pre-starter, and 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg LSB in starter. The piglets were vaccinated against classical swine fever on days 41 and 72 of life. One day before each vaccination and at the end of the trial, blood samples were collected from 15 randomly selected piglets per treatment and assessed for total IgG. Supplemented sows with non-supplemented litters displayed the lowest backfat thickness loss during lactation (p < 0.05). The LSB supplementation shortened farrowing duration (p < 0.05) and increased feed intake (p < 0.05) during the first week of lactation. The LSB-fed piglets were heavier at the end of creep (p < 0.05), pre-starter (p < 0.05), and the trial (p < 0.05); grew faster during creep (p < 0.05), starter (p < 0.05), and overall (p < 0.05); and displayed an improved feed conversion ratio during creep (p < 0.05). Total IgG content was higher at days 40 (p < 0.05) and 71 (p < 0.05) in LSB-fed piglets. We conclude that supplementing sows with Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 from late gestation until weaning shortens farrowing duration, increases feed intake, and minimizes backfat losses during lactation. When supplemented to piglet diet, post-weaning performance is improved. This improvement observed could be linked to a better immune status, as suggested by the higher IgG.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.1342-1346
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• 2006

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is a major cause of diarrhea in neonatal and post-weaning piglets. To determine the most common fimbrial antigens of ETEC in piglets with diarrhea, two investigations were carried out on intensive pig farms in Hubei province, central China. In 2002-2003, 227 fecal samples from neonatal and post-weaning piglets with diarrhea were tested for the presence of the fimbrial antigen K88 and K99 of ETEC by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-three (10.1%) of 227 fecal samples were found to contain fimbrial antigen K88, which was identified as K88ac variant; and 13 (5.7%) samples containing K99. In 2004, another 179 fecal samples from diarrheic piglets, 1 day to 6 weeks of age, were tested for prevalence of fimbrial antigen K88, K99 and 987P. Forty-seven (26.3%) of the 179 samples carried at least one of the ETEC fimbrial antigens. K88 antigen was detected in 20.1%. In the 36 samples known to carry fimbrial antigen K88, 32 (88.9%) contained K88ad; and 4 (11.1%) contained K88ac; none of them carried K88ab. Fimbrial antigens K99 and 987P were detected in 1.1% and 6.1%, respectively. Our data indicate that K88 is the most common fimbrial antigen of ETEC associated with diarrhea in piglets in Central China.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.834-842
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• 2017

Objective: An experiment was to evaluate the interplay of dietary lipid sources and feeding regime in the transition from sow milk to solid food of abruptly weaned piglets. Methods: Soon after weaning, 144 piglets were selected and were trained over a 15 day period to experience gradually reducing dietary fat content from 12% to 6% for lard (L), soybean oil (S), and coconut oil (C) and their feeding behavior and diet preference then tested in a behavior observation experiment. Another 324 weaned piglets were used in three consecutive feeding experiments to measure the effect of different dietary fats on performance and feed choice in the four weeks after abrupt weaning. The lipid sources were used as supplements in a 3% crude fat corn/soya basal diet, with 6% of each being included to form diets 9C, 9S, and 9L respectively, and their effects on performance measured. Combinations of these diets were then further compared in fixed blends or free choice selection experiments. Results: Piglets pre-trained to experience reducing lipid inclusion showed different subsequent preferences according to lipid source, with a preference for lard at 9%, soybean oil at 3%, and coconut oil at 6% inclusion rate (p<0.001). Following abrupt weaning, whilst after 4 weeks those fed 9C had the heaviest body weights (18.13 kg, p = 0.006). Piglets fed a fixed 1:1 blend of 9C+9S had a poorer feed conversion ratio (FCR = 1.80) than those fed a blend of 9C+9L (FCR = 1.4). The 9C and 9L combination groups showed better performance in both fixed blend and free choice feeding regimes. Conclusion: After abrupt weaning, they still have dependence on high oleic acid lipids as found in sow milk. A feeding regime offering free choice combination of lipids might give the possibility for piglets to cope better with the transition at weaning, but further research is needed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1166-1172
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• 2016

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of liquid DL-methionine hydroxy analog free acid (DL-MHA) on growth performance and gastrointestinal conditions of piglets. One hundred and eighty crossbred barrow piglets (Large White${\times}$Landrace, body weight: $12.48{\pm}0.33kg$) were divided into three groups with ten replications of six piglets each. Piglets received DL-MHA in diet at a concentration of 0 (control group), 0.15%, or 0.24%. The results indicated that increasing the standardized ileal digestible (SID) of sulfur amino acids (SAA) to lysine (SID SAA:Lys) ratio by supplementation of DL-MHA tended to increase (quadratic; p<0.10) weight gain and ADG, and showed slightly greater (linear; p<0.10) gain:feed ratio. The pH in the diet and cecum linearly decreased (p<0.01), whereas pH in colon had a quadratic response (p<0.01) with increasing supplementation of DL-MHA. By greater supplementation of DL-MHA, the population of Lactobacillus spp. in rectum was likely to increase (quadratic; p<0.10), but Escherichia coli population in the diet was reduced (quadratic; p<0.05). Acetic acid concentration and total short-chain fatty acids in cecum linearly increased (p<0.05), whereas valeric acid in cecum quadratically increased (p<0.05) with increasing DL-MHA levels. Moreover, the villous height of the jejunum quadratically increased (p<0.01) as the supplementation of DL-MHA was increased. It is concluded that the addition of DL-MHA in diet improved the growth performance and the morphology of gastrointestinal tract of piglets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.683-690
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• 2013

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of resveratrol and essential oils from medicinal plants on the growth performance, immunity, digestibility, and fecal microbial shedding of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (8 kg initial weight, 28-d-old) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 3 replications of 4 piglets each. The dietary treatments were NC (negative control; basal diet), PC (positive control; basal diet+0.002% apramycin), T1 (basal diet+0.2% resveratrol), and T2 (basal diet+0.0125% essential oil blend). All piglets were orally challenged with 5 ml culture fluid containing $2.3{\times}10^8$ cfu/ml of Escherichia coli KCTC 2571 and $5.9{\times}10^8$ cfu/ml Salmonella enterica serover Typhimurium. The PC group (p<0.05) showed the highest average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the experimental period, although feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in the T1 group (p>0.05). Serum IgG level was increased in the T1 group, whereas TNF-${\alpha}$ levels was reduced in the supplemented groups compared to control (p<0.05). The PC diet improved the dry matter (DM) digestibility, whereas PC and T2 diets improved nitrogen (N) digestibility compared to NC and T1 diets (p<0.05). Fecal Salmonella and E. coli counts were reduced in all treatment groups compared to control (p<0.05). Fecal Lactobacillus spp. count was increased in the T2 group compared to others (p<0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effect on fecal Bacillus spp. count throughout the entire experimental period. Based on these results, resveratrol showed strong potential as antibiotic alternatives for reversing the adverse effects of weaning stress on growth performance, immunity and microbial environment in E. coli and Salmonella-challenged piglets.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2015

This study was investigated to diagnose pathogenic organisms of atrophic piglets in northern area of the Gyeongnam province, Korea. Samples such as feces, blood and necropsy specimens of 42 atrophic piglets (${\leq}10$ weeks old) were taken from May to December 2013 for this survey. Samples were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and bacteria isolation for detection of pathogenic agents. 93 pathogens were isolated from 42 samples can be classified into ll groups. We identified bacterial agents in 56 cases (60.2%) and viral agents in 31 cases (33.3%). However, 6 cases (6.5%) were undetected. Among these pathogens, the most prevalent disease were porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in 22 cases (23.7%). The major diseases were Colibacillosis in 15 cases (16.1%), Glasser's disease in 12 cases (12.9%), and porcine epidemic disease (PED) in 9 cases (9.7%). Mixed infections were accounted for 77.8% of atrophic piglets. In particular, the rate of mixed infections with PRRS virus showed the highest frequency (71.4%). In addition, there is a seasonal variation. Viral pathogens were dominantly detected in winter, but in the rest of the season bacterial agents were mainly detected. Gastrointestinal diseases occurred mainly in the pre-weaning piglets, the respiratory diseases and wasting diseases occurred mainly in the post-weaning piglets.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.275-286
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• 1994

Plasma protein which has been known as one of nonspecific immunostimulators was added to feedstuff to examine its effect on the enhancement of cellular immune response in porcine immune system. A total of 40 piglets, 20 male and 20 female each, were fed for 30 days with or without plasma protein. The peripheral blood were collected and analyzed for the investigation of leukocyte subpopulations and their activities by using a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific to porcine leukocyte differentiation antigens and flow cytometry. The results obtained as follows. 1. Total weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion rate for 10 days were significantly improved to 56%, 20% and 22% in the piglets fed plasma protein, respectively. 2. A significant increase in N (null or non T/non B) cells was also noticed. Leukocyte proportion from piglets fed plasma protein was 20.2-24.7%, otherwise that from piglets fed without plasma protein was 12.3-13.4%, respectively. 3. A significant increase in the proportion of B cells and cells expressing poCD1 was not found in piglets fed plasma protein. 4. Reaction with monoclonal antibodies specific to adhesion molecules, poCD11a, poCD11b, poCD44 and poCD45A and poCD45B, has shown that leukocyte subpopulation from piglets fed plasma protein did not significantly higher than that from piglets fed without plasma protein. 5. Total proportion of granulocytes and monocytes was about 50% in both group and the proportion after treated with Hypaque/Ficoll was 2.7% and 5.8% in each group, respectively.