Animal care statement: The experiment was done at a commercial sow farm that fulfilled animal housing standards and management by farm animal caretakers, trained to abide by authoritative animal welfare standards established by the Law on Animal Welfare 2/2008 published by Diari Oficial de la Generalitat Catalunya [31].
Animals and Housing: The study was conducted at a commercial farm in Spain with 2000 sows. Maternity rooms were mechanically ventilated with high-flow fans and individual room temperature control. There were 27 maternity rooms, each with 16 crates. Each crate had individual sow feeders equipped with feed drop tubes and drinkers and supplemental heat pads for the piglets. At this farm sows were farrowed naturally. There were 452 Naïma Choice Genetics sows (average parity 2.63 ± 0.08; parity 1 to 8) used for the study that had their initial parturition from November 2018 through March 2019 and the average age of pigs at weaning was 24.3 ± 0.23 d. Sows were managed using a continuous flow through maternity rooms, thus requiring a rolling random allotment of sows to peripartum diets with an attempt to balance diet allotment as evenly as possible across sow parity as they entered maternity. Table 1 shows the number of sows per parity and diet after all sows had been allotted in the study.
Standard production parameters, including litter size of total pigs born, pigs born alive, stillborn pigs, mummified pigs, pigs after cross-fostering, and pigs weaned were recorded for the initial parturition. According to the study protocol, cross-fostering of litters during the initial parturition was only to be done within 48 h postpartum and only within room and within dietary treatment. However, cross-fostering was not successfully accomplished as requested due to the difficulty to manage piglet welfare yet maintain litter integrity within treatment groups throughout the lactation period at this highly prolific sow farm. Therefore, progeny data after cross-fostering to weaning was excluded from the final data analyses due to these uncontrollable, but confounding factors that make it difficult to manage sow studies, especially when having more than two dietary treatments.
Table 1. Number of sows per diet, parity, and sow group during the initial and next parturition.
|
Parity and number of sows at initial parturition1
|
|
All2
|
Y3
|
M4
|
Diet5
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
|
1-8
|
1-2
|
3-8
|
0
|
47
|
47
|
11
|
10
|
14
|
16
|
2
|
0
|
|
147
|
94
|
53
|
0.5
|
55
|
56
|
9
|
17
|
15
|
7
|
6
|
2
|
|
167
|
111
|
56
|
2.5
|
45
|
45
|
11
|
12
|
14
|
5
|
6
|
0
|
|
138
|
90
|
48
|
Sum
|
147
|
148
|
31
|
39
|
43
|
28
|
14
|
2
|
|
452
|
295
|
157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parity and number of sows at next parturition6
|
|
All
|
Y
|
M
|
Diet
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
|
1-8
|
1-2
|
3-8
|
0
|
45
|
42
|
11
|
10
|
13
|
15
|
2
|
0
|
|
138
|
87
|
51
|
0.5
|
50
|
53
|
9
|
15
|
14
|
7
|
5
|
2
|
|
155
|
103
|
52
|
2.5
|
43
|
42
|
11
|
12
|
14
|
5
|
6
|
0
|
|
133
|
85
|
48
|
Sum
|
138
|
137
|
31
|
37
|
41
|
27
|
13
|
2
|
|
426
|
275
|
151
|
1 Sow parity during initial parturition. Parity 1 is defined as a gilt having her first litter.
2 All sows regardless of parity were used for group All statistical analysis.
3 Only parity 1 and 2 sows were used for group Y (young sows) statistical analysis.
4 Only parity 3 to 8 sows were used for group M (mature sows) statistical analysis.
5 Diet is peripartum dietary treatment containing 0, 0.5 or 2.5% spray dried porcine plasma that was fed only during the initial parturition from entry in maternity through day 5 of lactation.
6 Original sow parity at initial parturition and number of sows that had their next parturition.
Other parameters evaluated included ultrasonic backfat depth of sows at the day of entry to maternity and at weaning, sow mortality and culls prior to movement to breeding, percentage of sows moved to breeding, the intervals for wean-to-first-estrus (date of first estrus minus date of weaning) and wean-to-final-service (date of final service minus date of weaning), percentage of sows completing their next parturition, and litter size at birth of the next parturition. In addition the change in total and live born litter size from the initial to next parturition was calculated, considering total born litter size of the initial parturition was established before peripartum diets were fed. Post-weaning sow reproductive performance and litter size information at birth for the next parturition was recorded to determine if prior feeding of the peripartum feed in the initial parturition impacted subsequent litter size in the next parturition.
Experimental peripartum sow diets: Three peripartum sow diets containing either 0, 0.5 or 2.5% SDPP were formulated to provide similar levels of net energy and amino acids. Soybean meal was the primary protein source replaced by 2.5% SDPP (Table 2). Sows were provided 3 kg/d of their assigned peripartum feed pellets from the day of entry in maternity to the day of parturition (average 6.1 days), and 4.5 kg/d from day 1 to 5 of lactation. Peripartum feed output and refusals were recorded during the peripartum period. Average days of the peripartum period and average daily feed intake per sow corrected for feed refusals are presented in Table 3. Sows were provided a common lactation feed for the remainder of the lactation period to weaning and common breeding-gestation feed to the next parturition, however feed consumption per sow was not recorded during these production periods. The standard feeding practice for lactating sows at this farm was to gradually increase feed to ad libitum intake by day 7 of lactation and continue providing feed ad libitum to weaning. Lactation feed was provided 3 times per day to provide ad libitum intake. During the first month of pregnancy, sows in good body condition at weaning were provided 2.2 to 2.4 kg of gestation feed per day, while thin sows were provided 3.0 to 3.5 kg per day. After the first month of pregnancy, all sows were provided 2.4 kg of gestation feed per day. The gestation feed was provided once daily.
Table 2. Ingredient and nutrient composition of peripartum sow diets.
Ingredient, %
|
0% SDPP
|
0.5% SDPP
|
2.5% SDPP
|
Barley
|
31.61
|
30.77
|
30.35
|
Corn
|
15.00
|
15.00
|
15.00
|
Wheat
|
10.00
|
10.00
|
14.00
|
Wheat bran
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
20.00
|
Soybean meal (47% CP)
|
10.30
|
10.70
|
5.70
|
Spray-dried porcine plasma1
|
0.00
|
0.50
|
2.50
|
Ligno-cellulose product2
|
2.50
|
2.50
|
2.50
|
Beet pulp
|
7.50
|
7.50
|
7.50
|
Soy oil
|
0.60
|
0.63
|
0.20
|
Calcium carbonate
|
1.65
|
1.70
|
1.70
|
Monocalcium phosphate
|
0.04
|
0.00
|
0.00
|
Salt
|
0.44
|
0.40
|
0.25
|
L-lysine HCL
|
0.05
|
0.00
|
0.00
|
L-threonine
|
0.015
|
0.00
|
0.00
|
VTM premix2
|
0.-30
|
0.30
|
0.30
|
Analyzed nutrients
|
|
|
|
Dry matter, %
|
87.2
|
87.3
|
87.9
|
Crude protein, %
|
14.4
|
15.2
|
14.6
|
Calculated net energy, kcal/kg
|
2101
|
2100
|
2100
|
Calcium, %
|
0.90
|
1.04
|
1.03
|
Phosphorus, %
|
0.43
|
0.45
|
0.46
|
Calculated digestible phosphorus, %
|
0.25
|
0.25
|
0.25
|
Lysine, %
|
0.65
|
0.67
|
0.69
|
Methionine, %
|
0.23
|
0.22
|
0.22
|
Methionine + Cysteine, %
|
0.44
|
0.44
|
0.47
|
Threonine, %
|
0.56
|
0.53
|
0.57
|
Tryptophan, %
|
0.19
|
0.20
|
0.19
|
Isoleucine
|
0.59
|
0.61
|
0.57
|
Valine
|
0.64
|
0.68
|
0.68
|
1 APPETEIN GS, APC Europe S.L., Granollers, Spain.
2 FibreCell 5, Agromed Austria GmbH, Kremsmünster, Austria. Ligno-cellulose product made from wood.
3 ASN GESTATING SOWS 3 FIT; a commercial vitamin-trace mineral premix plus phytase. Provided the following per kg: vitamin A, 8500 UI; vitamin D3, 1500 UI; vitamin E, 30 total; vitamin E, 15 UI; moliphenol, 3 g, vitamin K3, 2 g; vitamin B1, 1.5 g; vitamin B2, 3 g; vitamin B6, 2 g; vitamin B12, 20 mg; pantothenic acid, 10 g; niacin, 15 g; folic acid, 2 g; biotin, 200 mg; choline, 300 g; Fe, 80 g; Cu, 10 g; Zn, 90 g; Mn, 60 g; selenium total, 0.25 g; organic selenium, 0.1; iodine, 2 g; phytase 750.
Table 3. Peripartum feed intake, backfat and postweaning reproductive performance of sows fed peripartum diets.
|
|
Peripartum diet, % SDPP2
|
|
Statistics (F-test, P =)3
|
Variable
|
Group1
|
0
|
0.5
|
2.5
|
SEM
|
PR
|
D
|
L
|
Q
|
INT
|
Sows, n
|
All
|
147
|
167
|
138
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
Y
|
94
|
111
|
90
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
M
|
53
|
56
|
48
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
Entry to farrow days
|
All
|
5.95
|
6.42
|
6.11
|
0.19
|
0.03
|
0.17
|
0.97
|
0.06
|
0.03
|
|
Y
|
5.46
|
6.02
|
6.29
|
0.25
|
0.31
|
0.05
|
0.04
|
0.19
|
0.24
|
|
M
|
6.43
|
6.89
|
5.93
|
0.30
|
0.39
|
0.03
|
0.06
|
0.10
|
0.18
|
Total days diets fed
|
All
|
10.95
|
11.42
|
11.11
|
0.19
|
0.03
|
0.17
|
0.97
|
0.06
|
0.03
|
|
Y
|
10.46
|
11.02
|
11.29
|
0.25
|
0.31
|
0.05
|
0.04
|
0.19
|
0.24
|
|
M
|
11.43
|
11.89
|
10.93
|
0.30
|
0.39
|
0.03
|
0.06
|
0.10
|
0.18
|
Feed intake, kg/d4
|
All
|
3.77
|
3.76
|
3.77
|
0.09
|
< 0.01
|
0.67
|
0.70
|
0.42
|
0.25
|
|
Y
|
3.76
|
3.75
|
3.76
|
0.10
|
0.24
|
0.32
|
0.56
|
0.17
|
0.14
|
|
M
|
3.68
|
3.64
|
3.70
|
0.02
|
0.45
|
0.02
|
0.09
|
0.06
|
0.14
|
Entry backfat, mm
|
All
|
13.91
|
13.38
|
13.46
|
0.30
|
0.67
|
0.37
|
0.46
|
0.23
|
0.16
|
|
Y
|
13.53
|
13.75
|
13.23
|
0.35
|
< 0.01
|
0.55
|
0.39
|
0.51
|
0.22
|
|
M
|
13.39
|
13.04
|
13.62
|
0.60
|
0.09
|
0.71
|
0.61
|
0.56
|
0.39
|
Wean backfat, mm5
|
All
|
10.33
|
9.82
|
10.26
|
0.24
|
< 0.01
|
0.23
|
0.74
|
0.09
|
0.24
|
|
Y
|
9.43
|
9.51
|
9.50
|
0.30
|
< 0.01
|
0.97
|
0.89
|
0.84
|
0.16
|
|
M
|
10.65
|
10.17
|
10.89
|
0.53
|
0.38
|
0.49
|
0.50
|
0.37
|
0.58
|
Backfat loss, mm5
|
All
|
-3.73
|
-3.56
|
-3.36
|
0.31
|
< 0.01
|
0.48
|
0.25
|
0.73
|
0.86
|
|
Y
|
-4.04
|
-4.02
|
-3.67
|
0.37
|
0.04
|
0.57
|
0.29
|
0.88
|
0.48
|
|
M
|
-2.79
|
-2.95
|
-2.78
|
0.44
|
0.10
|
0.91
|
0.88
|
0.71
|
0.51
|
Sows to breeding, %
|
All
|
94.4
|
92.8
|
97.8
|
2.05
|
0.23
|
0.20
|
0.12
|
0.37
|
0.69
|
|
Y
|
92.6
|
92.8
|
95.6
|
2.60
|
0.76
|
0.65
|
0.36
|
0.90
|
0.34
|
|
M
|
97.3
|
93.8
|
100.0
|
3.55
|
0.88
|
0.32
|
0.34
|
0.32
|
0.87
|
Wean-to-first-estrus, d
|
All
|
8.63
|
8.65
|
8.96
|
0.64
|
0.92
|
0.92
|
0.68
|
0.96
|
0.36
|
|
Y
|
8.47
|
8.04
|
9.59
|
0.84
|
0.15
|
0.38
|
0.22
|
0.53
|
0.26
|
|
M
|
9.83
|
8.96
|
8.51
|
0.98
|
0.23
|
0.59
|
0.34
|
0.59
|
0.03
|
Wean-to-final-service, d
|
All
|
11.43
|
10.97
|
10.69
|
1.00
|
0.88
|
0.87
|
0.64
|
0.80
|
0.76
|
|
Y
|
10.77
|
10.84
|
11.14
|
1.27
|
0.23
|
0.98
|
0.82
|
0.99
|
0.03
|
|
M
|
12.63
|
10.86
|
10.02
|
1.73
|
0.53
|
0.51
|
0.30
|
0.53
|
0.52
|
1 Results for group All included data of all sows, group Y included data only for young (parity 1 and parity 2) sows and group M included data only for mature sows (parity 3 to 8).
2 Values are least squares means (LSM) and the pooled standard error of the mean (SEM) for peripartum diets by sow group.
3 Each sow group was analyzed using a mixed model for the effects of PR (sow parity), D (peripartum diet), L (linear contrast of % SDPP in diet), Q (quadratic contrast of % SDPP in diet) and INT (interaction of parity and diet).
4 Included the covariance of total days the peripartum diet was fed in the mixed model for the All and Y sow group.
5 Included the covariance of days from entry to weaning in the mixed model.
Blood sampling and analytical procedures: Two sampling times (2 days before expected parturition at 115 days of gestation and 4 days after parturition) were used for collection of blood from 57 randomly selected sows. Twenty-one sows were sampled twice and 36 once (either before or after parturition). Overall, a total of 78 samples were collected and 6 were discarded due to hemolysis. The final number of sows and analyzed samples per diet are presented in Table 7. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein using open bleeding into vacutainer tubes without anticoagulant. Blood samples were kept at ambient temperature for 30 to 45 min until clot formation, then subjected to centrifugation at 2000 g for 10 min. The serum was pipetted into new tubes, labeled by date and sow number, then stored at -80°C until analysis for cytokine and oxidation status parameters. Serum samples were analyzed by the Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service (SNIBA), Department of Animal Food Science Department, Universitat Autonóma de Barcelona.
Cytokine serum levels were determined using a cytokine and chemokine panel (ProcartaPlex Pig, Luminex B.V, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands) as specified by the manufacturer: interferon alpha (IFN-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12. Readings were performed on the Luminex MAGPIX system (Luminex B.V, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands).
Total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were determined using a kit from RANDOX laboratories (Crumlin, UK) and readings were performed using an AU400 analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Germany). Malonaldehyde (MDA) levels were determined using a TBARS Assay Kit (Cayman Chemical, Michigan, USA) following the manufacturer protocol and readings were performed using the Multiskan Sky (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA).
Statistical analysis: All production data with sow as the experimental unit were statistically analyzed for the effects of sow parity, peripartum diet, and interaction of parity and peripartum diet (INT) using a mixed model (PROC MIXED) procedure of SAS (Statistical Analysis System, version 9.4, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Linear (L) and quadratic (Q) contrasts were included in the model to test the significance of SDPP level used in the peripartum diet. A covariant was included in the mixed model for some variables to further evaluate the significance of diet or diet and parity interactions. The least squares mean (LSM) and pooled standard error of the mean (SEM) for diet effects are reported. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and T-test probability for select variables were determined using the PROC CORR procedure of SAS.
Parity of sows used in this study ranged from 1 to 8 with parity 1 defined as a gilt having her first litter. However, parity distribution across dietary treatments was not evenly distributed, especially for parity 3 to 8 sows which represented only about 35% of the sows in the study (Table 1). Unequal parity distribution across dietary treatments can significantly skew calculated LSM when using sow parity in the model. Therefore, due to the unequal diet by parity distribution, parity 1 (n = 147) and parity 2 sows (n = 148 sows) were designated as parity group Y (n = 295) and parity 3 to 8 sows (n = 151 total sows) were designated as parity group M to increase the statistical power of a F-test to detect potential effects of diet, parity group, and interactions of diet and parity group on economically important variables such as litter size. A post hoc calculated sample size of 291 was estimated for detecting a 0.4 difference in a fixed effect using a power calculator ( G*Power 3.1.2; https://gpower.software.informer.com/3.1/ ) for the above model of fixed effects and interactions using a F-test (P = 0.05). The designated parity Y or M group was used in the statistical model to test the significance of these designated parity groups, diet, and the interaction of designated parity group and diet for all sows. Furthermore, due to detection of the designated parity group and diet interactions for some of the litter size variables, datasets using only the group Y sows or the group M sows were analyzed separately so that the original parity of the sows within each subset of data could be evaluated using the mixed model with the actual parity, diet, and interaction of parity and diet.
In Tables 3, 4 and 5 production data results of all sows are listed under group All. Results of the combined parity 1 and 2 sows are listed under group Y with select variables also showing the LSM of the interaction of diet and parity by parity 1 (P1) or parity 2 (P2) sows. Results from the combined data of parity 3 to 8 sows are listed under group M. The covariance of total days the peripartum diets were fed was included in the model for average daily feed intake of the diets, and the days from entry in maternity to weaning was included in the model for backfat depth loss and backfat depth at weaning (Table 3). In Table 4, the model to evaluate total born litter size at the first parturition included the covariance of sow age at the initial parturition for the Y group of sows. Also, in Table 4 the total born litter size at the first parturition was included in the model for the number and percentage of stillborn and mummified pigs. The covariance of total born litter size of the first parturition was used in the model for total born in the second parturition, and the covariance of total born in the second parturition was included in the model for the number and percentage of stillborn and mummified pigs (Table 5). Pearson correlation coefficients for select litter size variables are presented in Table 6.
Table 4. Litter size during the first parturition by sow group and peripartum diet.
|
|
Peripartum diet, % SDPP2
|
|
Statistics (F-test, P =)3
|
Variable
|
Group1
|
0
|
0.5
|
2.5
|
SEM
|
PR
|
D
|
L
|
Q
|
INT
|
Sows, n
|
All
|
147
|
167
|
138
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
Y
|
94
|
111
|
90
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
P1
|
47
|
55
|
45
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
P2
|
47
|
56
|
45
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
M
|
53
|
56
|
48
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
Total born pigs4
|
All
|
14.68
|
14.69
|
13.82
|
0.30
|
< 0.01
|
0.06
|
0.02
|
0.62
|
0.42
|
|
Y
|
14.23
|
14.10
|
12.83
|
0.36
|
0.11
|
< 0.01
|
< 0.01
|
0.73
|
0.33
|
|
P1
|
13.65
|
14.17
|
12.37
|
0.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
14.81
|
14.02
|
13.29
|
0.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
15.10
|
15.29
|
15.00
|
0.64
|
0.59
|
0.93
|
0.82
|
0.78
|
0.42
|
Live born pigs
|
All
|
12.65
|
13.12
|
12.28
|
0.29
|
0.07
|
0.10
|
0.14
|
0.12
|
0.16
|
|
Y
|
12.68
|
12.93
|
11.56
|
0.34
|
0.02
|
< 0.01
|
< 0.01
|
0.26
|
0.21
|
|
P1
|
11.83
|
12.89
|
11.13
|
0.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
13.53
|
12.96
|
11.98
|
0.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
12.76
|
13.37
|
13.13
|
0.58
|
0.41
|
0.72
|
0.80
|
0.43
|
0.55
|
Stillborn pigs5
|
All
|
1.84
|
1.40
|
1.34
|
0.17
|
< 0.01
|
0.06
|
0.08
|
0.09
|
0.71
|
|
Y
|
1.41
|
1.05
|
1.16
|
0.18
|
0.18
|
0.22
|
0.49
|
0.10
|
0.25
|
|
P1
|
1.72
|
1.16
|
1.09
|
0.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
1.11
|
0.93
|
1.22
|
0.24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
2.07
|
1.61
|
1.59
|
0.43
|
0.84
|
0.65
|
0.50
|
0.46
|
0.71
|
Stillborn, %5
|
All
|
11.78
|
8.77
|
9.29
|
1.01
|
0.03
|
0.06
|
0.23
|
0.04
|
0.46
|
|
Y
|
9.98
|
7.04
|
9.04
|
1.14
|
0.20
|
0.14
|
0.98
|
0.04
|
0.12
|
|
P1
|
12.25
|
8.19
|
8.05
|
1.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
7.71
|
5.88
|
10.04
|
1.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
12.83
|
9.98
|
9.78
|
2.25
|
0.73
|
0.53
|
0.41
|
0.38
|
0.82
|
Mummies5
|
All
|
0.19
|
0.17
|
0.21
|
0.05
|
0.02
|
0.87
|
0.75
|
0.67
|
0.92
|
|
Y
|
0.11
|
0.11
|
0.14
|
0.05
|
0.66
|
0.84
|
0.56
|
0.92
|
0.57
|
|
M
|
0.26
|
0.31
|
0.28
|
0.14
|
0.29
|
0.96
|
0.99
|
0.77
|
0.54
|
Mummified, %5
|
All
|
1.22
|
1.11
|
1.46
|
0.39
|
0.07
|
0.80
|
0.56
|
0.74
|
0.94
|
|
Y
|
0.75
|
0.68
|
1.18
|
0.44
|
0.44
|
0.66
|
0.40
|
0.76
|
0.30
|
|
M
|
1.58
|
2.13
|
1.82
|
0.87
|
0.28
|
0.88
|
0.96
|
0.61
|
0.36
|
1 Results for group All included data of all sows, group Y included data only for young (parity 1 and parity 2) sows and group M included data only for mature sows (parity 3 to 8).
2 Values are least squares means (LSM) and pooled standard error of the mean (SEM) for peripartum diets by sow group. The interaction of diet and parity LSM and SEM are shown for some variables in the Y group as P1 (parity 1 sows) or P2 (parity 2 sows).
3 Each sow group was analyzed using a mixed model for the effects of PR (sow parity), D (peripartum diet), L (linear contrast of % SDPP in diet), Q (quadratic contrast of % SDPP in diet) and INT (interaction of parity and diet).
4 Included the covariance of sow age at the initial parturition in the mixed model used for Y group sows only.
5 Included the covariance of total born pigs in the mixed model for each sow group.
Table 5. Litter size of sows that farrowed a second litter by sow group and diet.
|
|
Peripartum diet, % SDPP2
|
|
Statistics (F-test, P =)3
|
Variable
|
Group1
|
0
|
0.5
|
2.5
|
SEM
|
PR
|
D
|
L
|
Q
|
INT
|
Sows, n
|
All
|
138
|
155
|
133
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
Y
|
87
|
103
|
85
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
P1
|
45
|
50
|
43
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
P2
|
42
|
53
|
42
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
M
|
51
|
52
|
48
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
Total born pigs4
|
All
|
14.17
|
14.42
|
14.46
|
0.34
|
< 0.01
|
0.75
|
0.56
|
0.61
|
0.03
|
|
Y
|
14.14
|
15.09
|
15.49
|
0.36
|
0.11
|
0.02
|
0.02
|
0.12
|
0.82
|
|
P1
|
13.78
|
14.94
|
15.05
|
0.50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
14.50
|
15.25
|
15.93
|
0.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
14.46
|
13.50
|
13.32
|
0.56
|
< 0.01
|
0.26
|
0.19
|
0.25
|
0.50
|
Live born pigs
|
All
|
12.85
|
12.92
|
13.08
|
0.30
|
< 0.01
|
0.86
|
0.58
|
0.94
|
0.21
|
|
Y
|
13.02
|
13.55
|
13.97
|
0.36
|
0.36
|
0.18
|
0.09
|
0.44
|
0.72
|
|
P1
|
12.80
|
13.58
|
13.60
|
0.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
13.24
|
13.53
|
14.33
|
0.52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
13.05
|
11.99
|
11.83
|
0.55
|
< 0.01
|
0.20
|
0.16
|
0.20
|
0.79
|
Stillborn pigs5
|
All
|
0.96
|
1.24
|
0.98
|
0.13
|
0.19
|
0.09
|
0.55
|
0.03
|
0.54
|
|
Y
|
0.78
|
1.17
|
1.00
|
0.13
|
0.17
|
0.06
|
0.53
|
0.02
|
0.84
|
|
M
|
0.96
|
1.14
|
1.01
|
0.22
|
0.20
|
0.78
|
0.97
|
0.48
|
0.13
|
Stillborn, %5
|
All
|
6.81
|
8.05
|
6.93
|
0.74
|
0.16
|
0.40
|
0.75
|
0.19
|
0.87
|
|
Y
|
6.06
|
7.83
|
7.09
|
0.98
|
0.37
|
0.32
|
0.69
|
0.14
|
0.57
|
|
M
|
6.76
|
7.94
|
7.79
|
1.53
|
0.09
|
0.82
|
0.71
|
0.58
|
0.32
|
Mummified pigs5
|
All
|
0.44
|
0.40
|
0.49
|
0.05
|
0.66
|
0.44
|
0.33
|
0.41
|
0.14
|
|
Y
|
0.37
|
0.40
|
0.54
|
0.06
|
0.26
|
0.09
|
0.03
|
0.99
|
0.42
|
|
M
|
0.45
|
0.37
|
0.48
|
0.10
|
0.40
|
0.60
|
0.60
|
0.43
|
0.43
|
Mummified, %5
|
All
|
3.01
|
2.73
|
3.61
|
0.36
|
0.21
|
0.20
|
0.12
|
0.37
|
0.37
|
|
Y
|
2.38
|
2.71
|
3.55
|
0.42
|
0.26
|
0.12
|
0.04
|
0.86
|
0.35
|
|
M
|
3.10
|
2.64
|
4.24
|
0.80
|
0.54
|
0.22
|
0.15
|
0.45
|
0.31
|
Total born change6
|
All
|
-0.53
|
-0.30
|
0.61
|
0.42
|
< 0.01
|
0.13
|
0.04
|
0.99
|
0.05
|
|
Y
|
-0.13
|
1.01
|
2.45
|
0.51
|
0.76
|
< 0.01
|
< 0.01
|
0.32
|
0.93
|
|
P1
|
0.07
|
0.96
|
2.56
|
0.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
-0.33
|
1.06
|
2.33
|
0.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
-0.70
|
-2.03
|
-1.68
|
0.86
|
0.05
|
0.48
|
0.57
|
0.25
|
0.83
|
Live born change6
|
All
|
0.16
|
-0.31
|
0.68
|
0.41
|
< 0.01
|
0.22
|
0.18
|
0.26
|
0.06
|
|
Y
|
0.26
|
0.66
|
2.17
|
0.50
|
0.26
|
0.02
|
< 0.01
|
0.96
|
0.79
|
|
P1
|
0.84
|
0.88
|
2.33
|
0.71
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P2
|
-0.33
|
0.45
|
2.02
|
0.71
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
0.27
|
-1.58
|
-1.31
|
0.82
|
0.04
|
0.19
|
0.30
|
0.11
|
0.95
|
1 Results for group All included data of all sows, group Y included data only for young (parity 1 and parity 2) sows and group M included data only for mature sows (parity 3 to 8). The interaction of diet and parity LSM and SEM are shown for some variables in the Y group as P1 (parity 1 sows) or P2 (parity 2 sows).
2 Values are least squares means (LSM) and pooled standard error of the mean (SEM) for peripartum diets by sow group.
3 Each sow group was analyzed using a mixed model for the effects of PR (sow parity), D (peripartum diet), L (linear contrast of % SDPP in diet), Q (quadratic contrast of % SDPP in diet) and INT (interaction of parity and diet).
4 Included the covariance of total born pigs of the initial parturition in the mixed model used for each sow group.
5 Included the covariance of total born pigs of the next parturition in the mixed model for each sow group.
6 Total born change is total born litter size of subsequent parturition minus total born litter size of previous parturition. Live born change is live born litter size of subsequent parturition minus live born litter size of previous parturition.
Table 6. Correlation coefficients for select variables related to litter size by sow group
|
First parturition
|
|
|
Second parturition
|
|
|
Total born1
|
|
|
|
Total born2
|
Variable
|
Group3
|
r
|
P =
|
n
|
|
Variable
|
Group
|
r
|
P =
|
n
|
Stillborn1, n
|
All
|
0.3698
|
<0.0001
|
452
|
|
Stillborn2, n
|
All
|
0.1746
|
0.0003
|
426
|
|
M
|
0.4577
|
<0.0001
|
157
|
|
|
M
|
0.2739
|
0.0007
|
151
|
|
Y
|
0.2746
|
<0.0001
|
295
|
|
|
Y
|
0.1329
|
0.0276
|
275
|
Diet4
|
0
|
0.3020
|
0.0031
|
94
|
|
Diet4
|
0
|
-0.0296
|
0.7857
|
87
|
|
0.5
|
0.3212
|
0.0006
|
111
|
|
|
0.5
|
0.2306
|
0.0191
|
103
|
|
2.5
|
0.1881
|
0.0758
|
90
|
|
|
2.5
|
0.0842
|
0.4437
|
85
|
Sow age1
|
Y
|
0.0909
|
0.1216
|
295
|
|
Sow age2
|
Y
|
0.0914
|
0.1306
|
275
|
Diet4
|
0
|
0.1755
|
0.0906
|
94
|
|
Diet4
|
0
|
0.0893
|
0.4107
|
87
|
|
0.5
|
-0.0013
|
0.9889
|
111
|
|
|
0.5
|
0.0572
|
0.5658
|
103
|
|
2.5
|
0.1150
|
0.2806
|
90
|
|
|
2.5
|
0.1512
|
0.1673
|
85
|
Total born2
|
All
|
-0.0356
|
0.4635
|
426
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
|
-0.0020
|
0.9808
|
151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y
|
-0.0129
|
0.8314
|
275
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diet4
|
0
|
0.0194
|
0.8588
|
87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
-0.1419
|
0.1527
|
103
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.5
|
0.1589
|
0.1462
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Designates variable of the first parturition.
2 Designates variable of the second parturition.
3 Values are Pearson correlation (r) coefficients, T-test probability (P ) and number (n) of sows per groups All (all sows), Y (parity 1 and 2 sows) and M (parity 3 to 8 sows) during initial and next parturition.
4 Values are r, P, and n by diet containing 0, 0.5 or 2.5% SDPP within the Y group of sows.
Serology results were analyzed using a mixed model procedure (PROC MIXED) of SAS for the effects of sampling period (2 days before expected parturition at 115 days of gestation and 4 days after parturition), peripartum diet (0, 0.5 and 2.5% SDPP), and the interaction of sampling period and peripartum diet. The LSM and SEM for peripartum diet by sampling period for cytokine and oxidation status markers are presented in Table 7. Pearson correlation coefficients of serological variables with litter size variables are presented in Table 8.
Table 7. Serum cytokine and oxidation status of prepartum and postpartum sows fed peripartum diets with SDPP.
|
|
Peripartum diet, % SDPP1
|
|
Statistics (F-test, P =)2
|
Variable
|
Period
|
0
|
0.5
|
2.5
|
SEM
|
SP
|
D
|
L
|
Q
|
INT
|
Sows, n3
|
-2 d
|
11
|
13
|
11
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
|
+4 d
|
14
|
9
|
14
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
IFN-α, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
0.97 (10)
|
0.49 (9)
|
0.58 (9)
|
0.38
|
0.80
|
0.17
|
0.30
|
0.14
|
0.88
|
|
+4 d
|
1.27 (13)
|
0.45 (6)
|
0.55 (11)
|
0.47
|
|
|
|
|
|
IFN-γ, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
1.67 (10)
|
1.60 (9)
|
1.69 (9)
|
0.06
|
0.73
|
0.72
|
0.86
|
0.44
|
0.63
|
|
+4 d
|
1.71 (13)
|
1.67 (6)
|
1.63 (12)
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
|
|
IL-10, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
3.16 (10)
|
3.43 (9)
|
3.45 (9)
|
1.79
|
0.25
|
0.70
|
0.52
|
0.63
|
0.81
|
|
+4 d
|
3.61 (13)
|
5.51 (6)
|
5.95 (12)
|
2.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
IL-1β, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
82.7 (10)
|
24.5 (9)
|
8.98 (9)
|
45.2
|
0.88
|
0.23
|
0.18
|
0.35
|
0.99
|
|
+4 d
|
82.1 (13)
|
31.6 (6)
|
18.9 (12)
|
55.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
IL-4, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
1.68 (10)
|
1.30 (9)
|
1.25 (9)
|
0.29
|
0.81
|
0.19
|
0.18
|
0.27
|
0.99
|
|
+4 d
|
1.77 (13)
|
1.36 (6)
|
1.28 (12)
|
0.35
|
|
|
|
|
|
IL-6, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
32.5 (10)
|
15.6 (9)
|
8.46 (9)
|
14.1
|
0.81
|
0.24
|
0.25
|
0.26
|
0.91
|
|
+4 d
|
28.5 (13)
|
7.36 (6)
|
12.6 (12)
|
17.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
IL-8, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
26.0 (10)
|
27.9 (9)
|
13.5 (9)
|
15.0
|
< 0.01
|
0.35
|
0.21
|
0.38
|
0.84
|
|
+4 d
|
60.6 (13)
|
78.7 (6)
|
48.5 (12)
|
18.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
TNF-α, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
31.0 (10)
|
44.6 (9)
|
19.9 (9)
|
18.4
|
0.50
|
0.83
|
0.55
|
0.86
|
0.72
|
|
+4 d
|
47.9 (13)
|
36.8 (6)
|
41.3 (12)
|
22.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
IL-12, pg/mL
|
-2 d
|
146.2 (10)
|
89.9 (9)
|
63.9 (9)
|
33.5
|
0.91
|
0.15
|
0.22
|
0.17
|
0.59
|
|
+4 d
|
122.6 (13)
|
69.4 (6)
|
98.9 (12)
|
41.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
MDA, μM
|
-2 d
|
13.4 (11)
|
11.2 (13)
|
12.2 (11)
|
2.48
|
< 0.01
|
0.61
|
0.49
|
0.46
|
0.66
|
|
+4 d
|
17.7 (12)
|
16.8 (8)
|
20.8 (13)
|
2.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOD, U/mL
|
-2 d
|
0.97 (11)
|
0.62 (13)
|
0.75 (11)
|
0.15
|
0.07
|
0.12
|
0.20
|
0.11
|
0.75
|
|
+4 d
|
1.17 (14)
|
0.97 (8)
|
0.87 (12)
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
|
|
TAS, mmole/L
|
-2 d
|
0.47 (10)
|
0.61 (13)
|
0.65 (11)
|
0.07
|
0.57
|
0.15
|
0.13
|
0.23
|
0.66
|
|
+4 d
|
0.56 (11)
|
0.63 (6)
|
0.63 (13)
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
GPx, U/L
|
-2 d
|
7382 (11)
|
8188 (13)
|
9055 (11)
|
496
|
0.92
|
0.01
|
< 0.01
|
0.28
|
0.87
|
|
+4 d
|
7599 (14)
|
8340 (9)
|
8806 (14)
|
548
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Values are least squares diet means, pooled standard error of the mean (SEM) and number (n) of serum samples analyzed by sampling period, 2 d before expected parturition at day 115 of gestation (-2 d) and 4 d after parturition (+4 d).
2 Probability values for SP (sampling period), D (diet), L (linear contrast of % SDPP in diet), Q (quadratic contrast of % SDPP in diet), and INT (interaction of SP and D).
3 Number of sows sampled by period and diet; number of samples analyzed per cytokine or oxidation status marker varied due to discarded samples affected by hemolysis.
Table 8. Correlation coefficients of serology variables with litter size variables
First parturition
|
|
Second parturition
|
|
Stillborn1
|
|
|
Total born2
|
Variable
|
r
|
P =
|
n
|
|
Variable
|
r
|
P =
|
n
|
Total born1
|
0.4874
|
0.0003
|
50
|
|
Total born1
|
-0.0078
|
0.9584
|
47
|
IFN-α1
|
-0.1202
|
0.5503
|
27
|
|
IFN-α2
|
0.0236
|
0.9033
|
29
|
IFN-γ
|
-0.2280
|
0.2528
|
27
|
|
IFN-γ
|
-0.2736
|
0.1436
|
30
|
IL-10
|
0.1724
|
0.3898
|
27
|
|
IL-10
|
0.1549
|
0.4136
|
30
|
IL-1β
|
-0.1251
|
0.5340
|
27
|
|
IL-1β
|
0.0447
|
0.8144
|
30
|
IL-4
|
-0.0488
|
0.8090
|
27
|
|
IL-4
|
0.1746
|
0.3561
|
30
|
IL-6
|
0.0919
|
0.6486
|
27
|
|
IL-6
|
0.0207
|
0.9135
|
30
|
IL-8
|
-0.0488
|
0.8395
|
27
|
|
IL-8
|
0.1175
|
0.5363
|
30
|
TNF-α
|
0.4123
|
0.0326
|
27
|
|
TNF-α
|
0.0318
|
0.8675
|
30
|
IL-12
|
-0.0764
|
0.7050
|
27
|
|
IL-12
|
0.0719
|
0.7059
|
30
|
MDA
|
-0.0276
|
0.8770
|
34
|
|
MDA
|
-0.0539
|
0.7734
|
31
|
SOD
|
-0.0154
|
0.9311
|
34
|
|
SOD
|
0.0451
|
0.8062
|
32
|
TAS
|
0.1148
|
0.5249
|
33
|
|
TAS
|
0.0125
|
0.9498
|
28
|
GPx
|
0.1769
|
0.3169
|
34
|
|
GPx
|
-0.3581
|
0.0347
|
35
|
Values are Pearson correlation (r) coefficients, T-test probability (P =) and number (n) of observations per variable.
1 Total born or stillborn results of first parturition were correlated with serology variables of sows sampled 2 days prepartum.
2 Total born results of second parturition were correlated with serology variables of sows sampled 4 days postpartum.
Differences in results were considered significant at P < 0.05 and a tendency for differences in results are reported for probabilities between P > 0.05 and P < 0.10.