Killing underweighted low viable newborn piglets: Which health parameters are appropriate to make a decision?

Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri Modulates Amino Acid Metabolism and Extracellular Matrix in the Gut-Liver Axis of Weaned Piglets

Weaning stress leads to intestinal dysfunction and impaired growth performance and intestinal development in piglets. This study aims to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri LR1 on growth performance and amino acid metabolism in the gut-liver axis of weaned piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 21 days old) were randomly assigned to the CON group (fed a basal diet) and the LR1 group (fed the basal diet supplemented with 5 × 1010 CFU/kg of Lactobacillus reuteri LR1) with six pens per group and 4 piglets each pen. The results demonstrated that LR1 significantly increased average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and final body weight (p < 0.05). Additionally, LR1 significantly enhanced the villus height of the ileum (p < 0.05) and upregulated the expression of SLC6A19 in the jejunum, as well as SLC6A19, SLC7A1, and SLC38A9 in the ileum (p < 0.05). Amino acid analysis revealed that LR1 elevated the serum concentrations of glycine and hydroxyproline, along with increased taurine in the liver. Masson staining indicated LR1 reduced ileum fiber deposition, with COL3A1 identified as a key component. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 27 amino acid-related differential metabolites and 11 significantly up-regulated in the plasma of the hepatic portal vein, including L-asparagine, L-citrulline, His-Cys, N-acetyltryptophan, 4-hydroxy-l-isoleucine, Gly-Arg, creatine, ornithine, ectoine, 3-methyl-l-histidine, and stachydrine. Correlation analysis suggested that COL1A2 and COL3A1 were closely associated with these metabolic changes. Overall, these findings suggest that LR1 supplementation promotes growth, improves intestinal morphology, reduces fiber deposition, and enhances amino acid metabolism in the gut-liver axis of weaned piglets.

Genetic strategies for enhancing litter size and birth weight uniformity in piglets

This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters and develop selection indices for litter size and birth weight uniformity in piglets. These traits are crucial for improving productivity and profitability of swine production. Data were collected from 9,969 litters of 4,465 sows and 106,463 piglets of various breeds from a farm in Thailand. The analyzed traits included the total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), litter birth weight (LBW), mean birth weight, and individual birth weight. The assessed piglet uniformity traits included the difference between the maximum and minimum values (range), interquartile range of birth weight (IQRBW), variance in birth weight (VBW), standard deviation of birth weight (SDBW), and coefficient of variation of birth weight (CVBW). Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using a multiple-trait animal model and the average information-restricted maximum likelihood method. The appropriate selection index (I) was determined based on heritability, genetic correlations between traits, and the economic significance of the traits. The results revealed that litter size traits (TNB and NBA) and piglet birth weight uniformity traits (Range, IQRBW, VBW, SDBW, and CVBW) exhibited low heritability (p < 0.1), suggesting that environmental factors have a substantial influence. In contrast, birth weight traits showed moderate heritability (approximately 0.2). Negative genetic correlations between litter size and birth weight traits were observed, indicating that increasing litter size might reduce piglet birth weight and uniformity, potentially affecting survival rate. A selection index combining NBA, LBW, and CVBW was constructed to optimize the selection process for productivity and uniformity. In conclusion, genetic improvement programs should prioritize litter size and birth weight uniformity to enhance productivity and uniformity on commercial pig farms. These findings can assist breeders in developing more effective selection strategies, ultimately resulting in larger, more uniform litters and improved overall farm efficiency.

Oral Administration of L-Arginine Improves the Growth and Survival of Sow-Reared Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Piglets

Neonatal piglets with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) exhibit reduced rates of growth and survival. The present study tested the hypothesis that L-arginine supplementation can mitigate this problem. One hundred and twelve (112) IUGR piglets (with a mean birth weight of 0.84 kg) from 28 sows (four IUGR piglets/sow) were assigned randomly into one of four groups. Piglets were nursed by sows and orally administered 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 g L-arginine (in the form of L-arginine-HCl) per kg body weight (BW) twice daily between 0 and 14 days of age. The total doses of L-arginine were 0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 g/kg BW/day. Appropriate amounts of L-alanine were added to L-arginine solutions so that all groups of piglets received the same amount of nitrogen. Piglets were weighed on days 0, 7, and 14 of age. On day 14, blood samples (5 mL) were obtained from the jugular vein of piglets at 1 h after suckling, and their milk consumption was measured over a 10-h period using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. Milk intake did not differ (p > 0.05) among the four groups of piglets. Oral administration of 0.4 g L-arginine/kg BW/day increased (p < 0.05) the circulating levels of arginine, creatine, and anabolic hormones (insulin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-I), but decreased (p < 0.05) plasma concentrations of ammonia and cortisol (a catabolic hormone). Compared to the control group, IUGR piglets administered 0.2 and 0.4 g L-arginine/kg BW/day increased (p < 0.05) weight gain by 19% and 31%, respectively. Growth did not differ (p > 0.05) between the control and 0.8 g L-arginine/kg BW/day groups. The survival rates of IUGR piglets were 50%, 75%, 89%, and 89%, respectively, for the 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 g L-arginine/kg BW/day groups. Collectively, these results indicate that the growth and survival of IUGR piglets can be improved through L-arginine supplementation.

Perceptions of swine euthanasia among Brazilian caretakers from non-integrated swine farms

Timely and humane euthanasia is crucial for animal welfare on swine farms, yet challenges persist in its implementation, particularly in Brazil, where the responsibility often falls to caretakers lacking training. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of swine caretakers regarding euthanasia across non-integrated farms (ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 housed sows) and different experience levels (from less than a month to 40 years working with pigs). A total of 117 people directly working with pigs participated in a survey designed to evaluate their decision-making skills, euthanasia competencies, and understanding of Brazilian guidelines for euthanasia methods. Using Cluster analysis, we identified two distinct groups of caretakers: (1) Empathetic, self-sufficient, apathetic about euthanasia; and (2) Empathetic, knowledge seeker, uncomfortable with euthanasia. Both Clusters exhibited high empathy toward pigs and confidence in identifying sick animals but differed in their attitudes toward euthanasia. The risk factor analysis showed a tendency for younger respondents (under 36 years old) and those from smaller farms (less than 2,000 sows) were more likely to belong to Cluster 2, while older caretakers (over 36 years) and those working on larger farms (more than 2,000 housed sows) tended to belong to Cluster 1. Furthermore, a significant proportion of caretakers lacked knowledge of the euthanasia Brazilian guidelines, as evidenced by incorrect responses regarding acceptable euthanasia methods, such as performing cardiac perforation or using non-penetrating captive bolt guns on growing-finishing pigs. This study highlights the variability in caretaker experience and attitudes toward euthanasia, suggesting a critical need for targeted training programs and euthanasia protocols that address both emotional and practical aspects. Improved understanding of caretaker attitudes can enhance both human and animal welfare on farms.

Thriving or Striving: Comparing Intra-Uterine Growth Restricted, Low Birth Weight and Normal Birth Weight Piglets within the First 24 Hours

This observational study explored the early-life challenges of intra-uterine growth restricted (IUGR), low birth body weight (LBW), and normal birth body weight (NBW) piglets. The aim was to understand the impact of birth weight and intra-uterine growth restriction phenotype on neonatal survival and behavior. Based on weight and phenotype, piglets were classified as IUGR (n = 32), LBW (n = 34), and NBW (n = 29) immediately after birth. The piglets were litter- and sex-matched. Vitality scores were assigned based on motor activity and breathing and complemented with an assessment of umbilical cord condition, rectal temperature, crown-rump length (CRL), time to reach the udder, time to suckle, colostrum intake, and weight gain over 24 h. Beyond the lower birth weight, reduced CRL, and higher mortality rate, IUGR piglets faced several other challenges compared with LBW and NBW piglets. Growth-impaired piglets often struggled to engage in early feeding behaviors and displayed consistently lower rectal temperatures at 1, 3 and 24 h after birth. IUGR piglets showed inadequate colostrum intake and weight loss, which were also observed for LBW counterparts. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in vitality scores and umbilical cord conditions across the groups. In conclusion, our findings underscore the impact of intra-uterine growth restriction on neonatal piglets, emphasizing the need for specialized care strategies to improve survival and health outcomes in IUGR.

Influences on the Decision to Euthanize a Compromised Pig

The decision to euthanize a compromised pig can be challenging for pig farmers and veterinarians. To understand more about the challenges in Germany, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Based on a hybrid design, the responses of 39 veterinarians and 62 pig farmers were analyzed to generate a list of common clinical signs associated with the euthanasia of sows, fatteners, and piglets. Moreover, a set of influences on the farm, due to economic and personal considerations, were found to shape the decision-making process. The two most salient reasons outlined for the delay of timely euthanasia were uncertainty and misinterpretation of the chance for healing. The lack of valid clinical signs or a sound justification was most frequently mentioned as a challenge to the general decision-making process. In summation, this study highlights the need to generate a valid taxonomy for clinical signs that includes their development in a compromised pig over time. Future studies should elaborate on the justification of euthanasia decisions to facilitate the resolution of ethical dilemmas among the involved pig farmers and veterinarians. Lastly, the results suggest that clinical reasoning and consultation skills should be included when decision-making behavior is to be trained.

Landscape review about the decision to euthanize a compromised pig

Timely euthanasia of a compromised pig in farming practice has been identified as a critical topic in veterinary medicine. The questions 'why and when are pigs euthanized' and 'what influences the decision making process' need to be answered to improve the situation. In the past five years, work addressing these issues has been published in the literature, however, a synthesis of the findings is missing. With the help of a quantitative and qualitative analysis, this paper has generated a landscape review to outline major topics, the role of clinical signs and further influences on the decision to euthanize a pig. Due to the quantitative content analysis, 58 topics have been identified with the role of welfare as a justification and training for caretakers in making euthanasia decisions as the most frequently mentioned. The qualitative analysis of why and when a pig is euthanized generated a set of clinical signs for organ tracts, and a set of categories influencing the decision making process. The results outline the need to increase research on details specific to understanding how clinical signs evolve over time before euthanasia. In summary, the analysis provides an overview of work in the field and ideas on how to close knowledge gaps in the future. Moreover, the article contributes to harmonize efforts in the field and underlines the need for more research about the care of compromised and injured pigs.

Foot lesions and forelimb skin abrasions in suckling piglets: development and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Foot lesions in suckling piglets have been associated with poor flooring in several studies and were recently proposed to be indicative of swine inflammatory and necrosis syndrome. However, identical findings are also the typical outcome of various non-infectious causes; thus, further risk analysis is needed. The objective of this study was to describe the development of heel bruising, coronary band lesions and forelimb skin abrasion in suckling pigs up to 5 days of age. Furthermore, the effects of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors were examined. On each of four commercial piglet-producing farms, piglets from two or three batches of eight sows were studied. The piglets were included within 18 h after birth. Each piglet was individually scored four times. The score for the heels differentiated six (0-5) and for the coronary band and forelimb skin abrasion three stages (0-2). The body weight was measured two times. The effect of the floor was estimated by allocating the sows randomly to farrowing pens equipped with either soft rubber mats covered with litter or fully slatted plastic floors.

RESULTS

The final analysis comprised data from 1045 piglets. Foot lesions were not found at birth but started to develop on day 1. On day 5, heel bruising was found in 94%, main claw coronary band lesions in 49% and forelimb skin abrasion in 73% of the piglets. In a multifactorial logistic regression analysis, it was shown that a slatted plastic floor significantly increased the odds of heel bruising and coronary band lesions, while a rubber floor with litter increased the odds of forelimb skin abrasions.

CONCLUSION

Foot and forelimb lesions in new-born piglets are mainly induced by the floor. The effect of slatted plastic floors on heel bruising showed an overwhelming OR of 52.89 (CI 26.29-106.43). Notably, coronary band lesions in young suckling piglets occur on slatted as well as non-slatted floors, indicating that the piglets incur these injuries not only from the wedging of their feet into the gaps between slats but also from contact with the floor while suckling. Based on these findings, preventive measures should be redirected to the improvement of the floor in the farrowing pen, particularly in the area under the sow's udder.

Dietary glycine supplementation enhances postweaning growth and meat quality of pigs with intrauterine growth restriction

Pigs with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have suboptimum growth performance and impaired synthesis of glycine (the most abundant amino acid in the body). Conventional corn- and soybean meal-based diets for postweaning pigs contain relatively low amounts of glycine and may not provide sufficient glycine to meet requirements for IUGR pigs. This hypothesis was tested using 52 IUGR pigs and 52 litter mates with normal birth weights (NBW). At weaning (21 d of age), IUGR or NBW pigs were assigned randomly to one of two nutritional groups: supplementation of a corn-soybean meal-based diet with either 1% glycine plus 0.19% cornstarch or 1.19% L-alanine (isonitrogenous control). Feed consumption and body weight (BW) of pigs were recorded daily and every 2 or 4 wks, respectively. All pigs had free access to their respective diets and clean drinking water. Within 1 wk after the feeding trial ended at 188 d of age, blood and other tissue samples were obtained from pigs to determine concentrations of amino acids and meat quality. Neither IUGR nor glycine supplementation affected (P > 0.05) feed intakes of pigs per kg BW. The final BW, gain:feed ratio, carcass dressing percentages, and four-lean-cuts percentages of IUGR pigs were 13.4 kg, 4.4%, 2%, and 15% lower (P < 0.05) for IUGR pigs than NBW pigs, respectively. Compared with pigs in the alanine group, dietary glycine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) final BW, gain:feed ratio, and meat a* value (a redness score) by 3.8 kg, 11%, and 10%, respectively, while reducing (P < 0.05) backfat thickness by 18%. IUGR pigs had lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of glycine in plasma (-45%), liver (-25%), jejunum (-19%), longissimus dorsi muscle (-23%), gastrocnemius muscle (-26%), kidney (-15%), and pancreas (-6%), as compared to NBW pigs. In addition, dietary glycine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of glycine in plasma and all analyzed tissues. Thus, supplementing 1% of glycine to corn-soybean meal-based diets improves the growth performance, feed efficiency, and meat quality of IUGR pigs.