Effect of Organic Selenium Supplementation on the Antioxidant Status, Immune Response, and the Relative Expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ Genes in Ewes During the Hot Season

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different doses of selenium (Se) from Sel-Plex© (selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast) supplement on the antioxidant status, the antibody titers against the foot-and-mouth disease virus, and the expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) genes in ewes during the hot season. Six ewes were kept at 25 °C and received basal diet (the negative control group), and 24 ewes were kept at 38 °C for 5 h per day and received no supplement (the positive control), 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 mg Se/kg. Ewes in the positive control had higher (P<0.001) liver enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cortisol levels, and lower antibody titer than the negative control. The liver enzymes' lowest (P<0.001) activities were observed in ewes receiving 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg. Ewes receiving 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg had lower MDA levels than other treatments. Ewes receiving 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg had higher (P<0.001) total antioxidant capacity levels than those receiving 0.15 mg Se/kg and the positive control. Se-supplemented groups had lower (P<0.001) relative expression of IL-2 and higher (P<0.04) expression of IFN-γ than the positive control. The antibody titer was the same in the positive control and the group receiving 0.15 mg Se/kg. Ewes fed a diet with 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg had higher (P<0.011) antibody titer than the positive control. The Se supplementation can reverse the decrease of antioxidant capacity and immune function caused by heat stress, and 0.3 mg Se/kg from Sel-Plex©is the best dose.

Effect of Dietary Puerarin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Morphology in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia)

Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Gegen (Pueraria lobata) and has been widely utilized to treat various human diseases; however, information regarding its benefits in animal production is limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of dietary puerarin supplementation on growth performance, immune organ index, immunoglobulin profile, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology in pigeons. In total, 375 healthy 28-day-old White King pigeons were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of five replicates and 15 pigeons per replicate. Each group was administered one of five dietary treatments: the basal diet, or the basal diet supplemented with 40, 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg puerarin. Treatment duration was 30 days following a 7-day acclimation period. Puerarin treatment did not significantly alter the growth performance of pigeons but afforded a significant linear enhancement in the thymus index (P < 0.05). Additionally, puerarin supplementation significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M levels in pigeons in a linear manner (P < 0.05). Similarly, puerarin significantly and linearly increased the activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase in the serum and liver, and decreased the malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). Moreover, the villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and VH/CD ratio of the small intestine (including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) increased linearly upon puerarin supplementation (P < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that puerarin supplementation could improve the immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of pigeons.

The Effect of Maternal Probiotic or Synbiotic Supplementation on Sow and Offspring Gastrointestinal Microbiota, Health, and Performance

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has prompted the reduction in antibiotic and antimicrobial use in commercial pig production. This has led to increased research efforts to identify alternative dietary interventions to support the health and development of the pig. The crucial role of the GIT microbiota in animal health and performance is becoming increasingly evident. Hence, promoting an improved GIT microbiota, particularly the pioneer microbiota in the young pig, is a fundamental focus. Recent research has indicated that the sow's GIT microbiota is a significant contributor to the development of the offspring's microbiota. Thus, dietary manipulation of the sow's microbiota with probiotics or synbiotics, before farrowing and during lactation, is a compelling area of exploration. This review aims to identify the potential health benefits of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation to both the sow and her offspring and to explore their possible modes of action. Finally, the results of maternal sow probiotic and synbiotic supplementation studies are collated and summarized. Maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation offers an effective strategy to modulate the sow's microbiota and thereby enhance the formation of a health-promoting pioneer microbiota in the offspring. In addition, this strategy can potentially reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the sow and her offspring, enhance the immune potential of the milk, the immune system development in the offspring, and the sow's feed intake during lactation. Although many studies have used probiotics in the maternal sow diet, the most effective probiotic or probiotic blends remain unclear. To this extent, further direct comparative investigations using different probiotics are warranted to advance the current understanding in this area. Moreover, the number of investigations supplementing synbiotics in the maternal sow diet is limited and is an area where further exploration is warranted.

Dietary supplementation with garcinol during late gestation alleviates disorders of bile acid metabolism and improves the performance of sows and newborn piglets

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary garcinol supplementation during late gestation on bile acid metabolism and performance of sows. Sixty sows (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace; second- or third-parity; n = 20) with disorder of bile acid metabolism were randomly divided into three groups: control diet (CON; basal diet), basal diet with 200 mg garcinol (Low Gar), and basal diet with 600 mg garcinol (High Gar) per kg of feed. The body weight (BW); backfat thickness and litter size of the sows; and birth weight, weaning weight, and mortality of piglets were recorded. Sows' blood was collected for the measurements of hematological parameters and antioxidative and immune indexes, and indicators related to bile acid metabolism, respectively. The colostrum and fecal samples of the sows were also collected for analysis of colostrum composition and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility. Garcinol had no effect on the BW and backfat thickness of the sows but significantly decreased the mortality and number of weak litter (P < 0.05). Moreover, the white blood cell counts, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity in the plasma of the sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with garcinol significantly reduced TBA concentrations (P < 0.05). The content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the plasma and in colostrum of sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group. In addition, dry matter (DM), Ash, and EE in the colostrum were similar between groups (P > 0.05), whereas the garcinol significantly increased the crude protein (CP) in the colostrum. The apparent total tract nutrient digestibility was similar between treatments. Garcinol treatment induced a gradually decreased (P > 0.05) the expression of genes involved in BA synthesis (CYP7A1, CYP8B1), BA uptake (NTCP, OATP1A2), BA secretion (BSEP and MRP2), BA detoxification (SULT2A1), and BA efflux into the blood circulation (OSTβ). Collectively, this study indicates that sows fed with garcinol in late gestation showed relieved bile acid metabolism disorder and improved sows performance, antioxidative status, colostrum protein content, showing promise in natural plant extract nutrition for sows with disorder of bile acid metabolism.

Daidzein supplementation improved fecundity in sows via modulation of ovarian oxidative stress and inflammation

Adequate ovarian hormones secretion is essential for pregnancy success. Oxidative damage and following inflammation can destroy the ovarian normal function in mammals. Daidzein (DAI) is a classical isoflavonic phytoestrogen with specific oestrogenic activity. This study aimed to explore the effects of daidzein supplementation on fertility and ovarian characteristics of sows through biochemical analysis and RNA-seq technology. Twelve multiparous Yorkshire × Landrace sows were randomly divided into CON and DAI groups. We found that DAI increased total number of embryos as well as P4 and E2 levels of serum. DAI not only elevated the activities of T-AOC and GSH-Px, but also tended to decrease the content of MDA and IL-6 in the serum. In ovary, RNA-Seq identified 237 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and GO analysis showed that these DEGs were linked to functions associated with immune dysfunction. Moreover, STRING analysis demonstrated that most interacting nodes were TLR-4, LCP2, and CD86. Furthermore, DAI decreased the content of MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and increased the activities of T-AOC and CAT in ovarian tissue. Interestingly, a partial mantel correlation showed that T-AOC was the strongest correlation between the ovarian dataset and selected DEGs. Additionally, DAI supplementation not only increased the protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, but also decreased the protein expressions of TLR-4, p-NFκB, p-AKT, and p-IκBα. Altogether, our results indicated that DAI could ameliorate ovarian oxidative stress and inflammation in sows, which might be mediated by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Effect of Soybean Isoflavones on Proliferation and Related Gene Expression of Sow Mammary Gland Cells In Vitro

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of synthetic soybean isoflavones (ISO) on the proliferation and related gene expression of sow mammary gland cells. Cells were cultured with 0 (control), 10, 20, or 30 μM of ISO under incubation conditions. After a 48 h incubation, these ISO-incubated cells proliferated more (p < 0.05) than the control cells. Cyclin E expression was higher (p < 0.05) in the 10 μM ISO and 20 μM ISO treatment groups than in the control group. Cyclin D1 and p21 expressions decreased (p < 0.05) with the 10 μM ISO treatment for 48 h. The relative mRNA abundances of the cells’ IG-1R (Insulin-like growth factor-1R), EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor), STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and AKT (protein kinase B) were enhanced (p < 0.05) by the 20 μM ISO treatment for 24 h and 48 h in the medium. The relative mRNA abundances of κ-casein at 48 h of incubation and β-casein at 24 h and 48 h of incubation were increased (p < 0.05) by 10 μM of ISO supplementation. It was concluded that ISO improved the proliferation of sow mammary gland cells, possibly by regulating cyclins and function genes expression in the cell proliferation signaling pathway.

Plant-derived polyphenols in sow nutrition: An update

Oxidative stress is a potentially critical factor that affects productive performance in gestating and lactating sows. Polyphenols are a large class of plant secondary metabolites that possess robust antioxidant capacity. All polyphenols are structurally characterized by aromatic rings with multiple hydrogen hydroxyl groups; those make polyphenols perfect hydrogen atoms and electron donors to neutralize free radicals and other reactive oxygen species. In the past decade, increasing attention has been paid to polyphenols as functional feed additives for sows. Polyphenols have been found to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in sows, boost their reproductivity, and promote offspring growth and development. In this review, we provided a systematical summary of the latest research advances in plant-derived polyphenols in sow nutrition, and mainly focused on the effects of polyphenols on the (1) antioxidant and immune functions of sows, (2) placental functions and the growth and development of fetal piglets, (3) mammary gland functions and the growth and development of suckling piglets, and (4) the long-term growth and development of progeny pigs. The output of this review provides an important foundation, from more than 8,000 identified plant phenols, to screen potential polyphenols (or polyphenol-enriched plants) as functional feed additives suitable for gestating and lactating sows.

Multi-tissue metabolomic profiling reveals potential mechanisms of cocoon yield in silkworms (Bombyx mori) fed formula feed versus mulberry leaves

Use of formula feed (FF) for silkworms for all instars, has promoted transformation and progress in traditional sericulture. However, the cocoon yield of FF silkworms has failed to reach that of silkworms fed mulberry leaves (ML). The biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been well described. This study aimed to identify metabolic mechanisms and potential biomarkers relating to the poor cocoon yield of FF silkworms. In this study, silkworms received treatments of either ML (ML group) or FF (FF group) for all instars. At the 3rd day of the 5th instar, the midgut (MG), hemolymph (HL) and posterior silk gland (PSG) were collected for the metabolome profiles detection. The remaining silkworms were fed ML or FF until cocooning for investigation. The whole cocoon yield (WCY) was significantly higher in the FF group than the ML group (p < 0.05), whereas the cocoon shell weight (CSW) and cocoon shell rate (CSR) were significantly lower in the FF group (p < 0.05). A total of 845, 867 and 831 metabolites were qualified and quantified in the MG, HL and PSG of the FF silkworms, respectively. Correspondingly, 789, 833 and 730 metabolites were quantified in above three tissues of the ML group. Further, 230, 249 and 304 significantly different metabolites (SDMs) were identified in the MG, HL and PSG between the FF and ML group, respectively. Eleven metabolic pathways enriched by the SDMs were mutual among the three tissues. Among them, cysteine and methionine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism were the top three pathways with the highest impact value in the PSG. Six biomarkers were obtained through biomarker analysis and Pearson correlation calculation. Among them, homocitrulline, glycitein, valyl-threonine, propyl gallate and 3-amino-2,3-dihydrobenzoic acid were positively correlated with WCY, but negatively correlated with CSW and CSR (p < 0.05). An opposite correlation pattern was observed between 3-dimethylallyl-4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate and the three cocoon performance traits. Overall, three key metabolic pathways and six biomarkers associated with cocoon yield were interpreted, and should provide directions for formula feed optimization in factory-raised silkworms.

Nutritional strategies to alleviate oxidative stress in sows

The performance of high-yielding sows is directly related to the productivity of pig farming. Fetal development mainly occurs during the last month of pregnancy, and the aggressive metabolic burden of sows during this stage eventually leads to systemic oxidative stress. When affected by oxidative stress, sows exhibit adverse symptoms such as reduced feed intake, hindered fetal development, and even abortion. In addition, milk synthesis during the lactation period causes a severe metabolic burden. The biological response to oxidative stress during this period is associated with a decrease in milk production, which further affects the growth of piglets. Understanding the nutritional strategies to alleviate oxidative stress in sows is crucial to maintain their reproduction and lactation performance. Recently, advances have been made in the field of nutrition to relieve oxidative stress in sows during late pregnancy and lactation. This review highlights the nutritional strategies to relieve oxidative stress in sows reported within the last 20 years.

Maternal Immune Activation and Dietary Soy Isoflavone Supplementation Influence Pig Immune Function but not Muscle Fiber Formation

The goals of this study were to determine the impact of maternal PRRSV infection on offspring muscle and immune development and the potential of dietary soy isoflavones to mitigate those effects. Thirteen first-parity gilts (“gilts”) were randomly allotted into one of three treatments: not infected and fed a diet devoid of isoflavones (CON), infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and fed the control diet (POS) or that supplemented with 1,500 mg/kg soy-derived isoflavones (ISF). Gilts were inoculated with PRRSV intranasally on gestational day (GD) 70. After farrowing (GD 114 ± 2), 1-2 offspring (“pigs”) closest to the average litter weight were selected either at birth (3 ± 2 d of age) or weaning (21 ±2 d of age) to determine body, muscle, and organ weights as well as muscle cell number and size. Four weaned pigs of average body weight within each litter were selected for postnatal immune challenge. At PND 52, pigs were injected with 5 µg/kg BW lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneally. Serum was collected at 0, 4, and 8 h following LPS administration to analyze tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). At PND 59, pigs were administered a novel vaccine to elicit an adaptive immune response. At PND 59, 66, and 73, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and T-cell populations determined by flow cytometry. Both POS and ISF pigs exhibited persistent PRRSV infections throughout the study (PND 1-73). At PND 3, whole body, muscle, and organ weights were not different (P &gt; 0.22) between groups, with the exception of relative liver weight, which was increased (P &lt; 0.05) in POS compared with CON pigs. At PND 21, ISF pigs had reduced (P ≤ 0.05) whole body and muscle weights, but greater (P &lt; 0.05) kidney weight compared with CON, and greater (P &lt; 0.05) relative liver weight compared with CON and POS. Muscle fiber number and size were not different (P &gt; 0.39) between groups at birth or weaning. After LPS administration, TNF-α was greatest in ISF pigs (P &lt; 0.05) at both 0 and 8 h post-challenge. At the peak time-point of 4 h post-challenge, ISF pigs had the greatest concentration of TNF-α and CON pigs had the lowest, with POS pigs being intermediate (P = 0.01). After vaccination, ISF offspring had shifts in T-cell populations indicating an impaired immune response. These data indicate that maternal PRRSV infection may impact offspring organ growth and immune function, particularly when the dam is supplemented with isoflavones.

Effect of Purple Corn Anthocyanin on Antioxidant Activity, Volatile Compound and Sensory Property in Milk During Storage and Light Prevention

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of purple corn anthocyanin on the light-induced antioxidant activity, free radicals, volatile compounds, color parameters, and sensory properties of milk during storage. There were four groups: (1) negative control, no addition of anthocyanins + exposure to fluorescent light (NC); (2) positive control 1, no addition of anthocyanins + protected from fluorescent light (PC1); (3) positive control 2, the addition of 0.3% (w/v) anthocyanins + exposure to fluorescent light (PC2); and (4) the addition of 0.3% anthocyanins + protected from fluorescent light (AC). The results indicated that the concentration of antioxidant activity parameters in the NC group decreased during the entire storage period, whereas antioxidant activity parameters were unchanged except for the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the AC group. Moreover, the NC group showed lower levels of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and higher levels of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide than the other groups after 1 d of storage period. The extent of malondialdehyde accumulation and lipid peroxidation in the control groups were greater than that of the AC group. Twenty-two volatile compounds were determined in milk, which consisted of eight alcohols, three ketones, five aldehydes, two esters, and four hydrocarbons by headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometer analysis. Specifically, individual aldehydes, esters and hydrocarbons in the AC group remained at relatively stable values during storage relative to the other three groups. Stronger positive correlations were detected between several antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, GSH-Px) and DPPH scavenging activity as well as total ketones in milk. Adding of anthocyanin did not impact on the color values of L^*, a^* and b^* in light-protected milk during the entire storage period. Some sensory evaluation parameters (flat, garlic/onion/weedy, oxidized-light, oxidized-metal, rancid) in AC group were significantly higher than that of the control group at the end of the period. In conclusion, the current study revealed that the addition of purple corn anthocyanin pigment to light-protected milk had the potential to prevent lipid oxidation, enhance antioxidant activity, maintain volatile compounds and increase the sensory scores.

Soy isoflavones supplementation improves reproductive performance and serum antioxidant status of sows and the growth performance of their offspring

A total of 60 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, average parity was 1.39) were used to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones (ISO) supplementation on reproductive performance, serum antioxidant enzyme parameters, and milk compositions of sows, and the growth performance of offspring. Sows were randomly assigned to 4 groups based on the parity. There were 15 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and supplemented with 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg ISO. With the increase of the ISO dosage, average daily feed intake of sows increased linearly; oestrus interval decreased linearly and quadratically. In addition, on day 10 of lactation, linear increases in serum superoxide dismutase levels, linear and quadratic increases in serum total antioxidant capacity, and linear decreases in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed in increasing ISO dosage in the diet of sows. The body weight on day 10 and 21 and the average daily gain during days 3-10 and 3-21 of offspring increased linearly at graduated doses of ISO increased. Therefore, feeding sows with graded levels of ISO containing diet during late-gestation and lactation periods improved the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring in a dose-dependent manner.

Isoflavones in Animals: Metabolism and Effects in Livestock and Occurrence in Feed

Soybeans are a common ingredient of animal feed. They contain isoflavones, which are known to act as phytoestrogens in animals. Isoflavones were described to have beneficial effects on farm animals. However, there are also reports of negative outcomes after the consumption of isoflavones. This review summarizes the current knowledge of metabolization of isoflavones (including the influence of the microbiome, phase I and phase II metabolism), as well as the distribution of isoflavones and their metabolites in tissues. Furthermore, published studies on effects of isoflavones in livestock species (pigs, poultry, ruminants, fish) are reviewed. Moreover, published studies on occurrence of isoflavones in feed materials and co-occurrence with zearalenone are presented and are supplemented with our own survey data.

Associations of maternal soy product consumption and urinary isoflavone concentrations with neonatal anthropometry: A prospective cohort study

Isoflavones (ISOs) are naturally occurring endocrine-disrupting compounds. Few human studies have evaluated the effects of ISO exposure on neonatal anthropometry. This study aimed to examine the associations of maternal soy product consumption and urinary ISO concentrations, including genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and equol, with neonatal anthropometry, based on a Chinese cohort study. In Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study, pregnant women at 12-16 weeks of gestation were recruited, and they completed a structured questionnaire to assess soy product consumption during pregnancy. They also provided a single spot urine sample for the ISO assay. Neonatal anthropometric indices (birth weight; arm, waist, and head circumference; and triceps, back, and abdominal skinfold thickness) were measured at birth. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed among the 1188 mother-infant pairs to examine the associations between maternal soy product consumption and neonatal anthropometry. The same statistical model was applied to examine the associations between maternal ISO exposure and neonatal anthropometry among 480 mother-infant pairs. Neonate girls born to mothers who "sometimes" and "frequent" consumed soy products had 169.1 g (95% confidence interval [CI], -68.9-407.1) and 256.5 g (95% CI, 17.1-495.8) higher birth weight, respectively, than those born to mothers who "never" consumed soy products during pregnancy. We observed consistent associations between higher maternal urine ISO concentrations and increased anthropometric indices (birth weight, arm and waist circumference, and triceps and abdominal skinfold thickness) in neonate girls, while no association was observed among boys. The findings suggested that maternal dietary ISO intake during pregnancy is associated with fetal development in a sex-specific pattern. In addition, follow-up studies are required to evaluate whether the observed changes in anthropometric indices at birth are associated with health conditions later in life.

Effects of Soybean Isoflavone and Astragalus Polysaccharide Mixture on Colostrum Components, Serum Antioxidant, Immune and Hormone Levels of Lactating Sows

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavone (SI) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) mixture on the colostrum components, serum antioxidant, immune and hormone levels of lactating sows. A total of 72 healthy Yorkshire × Landrace lactating sows, were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates and three lactating sows for each replicate. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg SI and APS mixture in the form of powder, respectively. Compared with the control group, (a) the total lactation yield of the 200 mg/kg group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 21 days, (b) there was no significant difference in colostrum composition, (c) TG, CHO and MDA content in each treatment group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), (d) IgA, GH, IGF-1, TNF-α and SOD contents in the 200 mg/kg group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The SI and APS mixture could improve the average daily feed intake, lactation yield, serum antioxidant activities, immune function, and hormone levels of lactating sows, and the optimum dosage in this study was 200 mg/kg.

pH-adjusted solvent extraction and reversed-phase HPLC quantification of isoflavones from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merr., are among the most important food crops worldwide. Isoflavones are major bioactive phytochemicals in soybeans, and have a variety of health benefits, including antioxidative, antiatherosclerotic, antiinflammatory, and weak estrogen-like effects. The isoflavone content and composition of soybeans vary according to the cultivar and the extraction solvent conditions. Therefore, we investigated the effects of three different solvent pHs (1.0, 5.5, and 10.0) on the isoflavone, total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacities of eight soybean cultivars developed in Korea. Twelve isoflavones in soybeans were efficiently separated and identified on a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. The percentage distribution of isoflavones measured by HPLC in the eight soybean cultivars at various extraction pHs decreased as follows: malonyl isoflavones (67.2% to 81.3%) > isoflavone glucosides (16.2% to 29.0%; as nonacylated form) > acetyl isoflavones (1.6% to 5.9%). The highest contents of isoflavone glucosides, malonyl derivatives, and acetyl derivatives were extracted at solvent pHs of 10.0, 1.0, and 5.5, respectively. The solvent extraction at pH 1.0 yielded a lower total isoflavone content than those at pHs 5.5 and 10.0. However, the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were extracted from soybeans at pH 1.0. Soybeans extracted at pH 10.0 displayed the highest antioxidant capacities in the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay. Taken together, these results suggest that proper solvent pH adjustment is needed to maximize the extraction of targeted forms of isoflavones from soybeans. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Soybeans contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including isoflavones, which function as antioxidants and weak phytoestrogens. Chemical and instrumental analyses can facilitate the selection of soybean cultivars with high amounts of isoflavones for soybean breeding and isoflavone-enriched product development. Proper solvent pH adjustment allows for the efficient extraction of high amounts of targeted isoflavone subgroups (acetyl and malonyl forms) from soybeans for functional food products.

Dietary supplementation with garcinol during late gestation and lactation facilitates acid-base balance and improves the performance of sows and newborn piglets1

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary garcinol supplementation during late gestation (from the 90th day of pregnancy; day 90) and lactation on the acid-base balance of the umbilical cord blood and performance of sows and piglets. Sixty sows (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace; second- or third-parity; n = 20) were randomly divided into 3 gestation (day 90 of pregnancy) or lactation treatments, control diet (CON; basal diet), basal diet with 200 mg garcinol, and basal diet with 600 mg garcinol per kg of feed. The body weight (BW); backfat thickness and litter size of the sows; and birth weight, weaning weight, and mortality of piglets were recorded. Sows' blood and piglets' umbilical cord blood were collected for the measurements of hematological parameters and antioxidative and immune indexes, and acid-base balance parameters, respectively. The colostrum and milk and fecal samples of the sows were also collected for analysis of milk composition and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility. Garcinol had no effect on the BW and backfat thickness of the sows but significantly increased the birth weight and weaning weight of piglets (P < 0.05) and decreased the mortality (P < 0.05). Moreover, the white blood cell counts and neutrophil count, mean cell hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity in the plasma of the sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The garcinol treatment significantly increased the pH, HCO3- and base excess values (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased the pCO2 and lactate content (P < 0.05) in the umbilical blood. Dry matter (DM), ash, and ether extract in the colostrum were similar between groups (P > 0.05), whereas the garcinol significantly increased the crude protein (CP) in the milk. In addition, the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the plasma of piglets and in colostrum and milk of sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group. The apparent total tract nutrient digestibility was similar between treatments. Collectively, this study indicates that sows fed with garcinol in late gestation and lactation showed improved maternal health and antioxidative status, milk protein content, acid-base balance in the umbilical cord blood, and growth performance in piglets, showing promise in natural plant extract nutrition for sows.

Phytogenic actives supplemented in hyperprolific sows: effects on maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds, colostrum and milk features, performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, and piglet intestinal gene expression

Phytogenic actives (PA) are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that may promote livestock health and well-being, as well as improve growth performance and production efficiency. The current study aims to evaluate their effects on sows and their offspring. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows (up to parity 7) were assigned to 3 experimental treatments. Control sows were offered a nonsupplemented diet during gestation and lactation, and treated sows were fed the control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of a blend of PA (BPA) in lactation (L) or during gestation and lactation (GL). An evaluation was made of placental and milk maternal transfer of these BPA and colostrum-milk features, sows and piglets antioxidant status, reproductive performance (litter size), body weight (BW) changes, weaning-estrus interval, and litter performance. Finally, piglet´s jejunum gene expression was measured. The BPA supplementation during gestation (GL) increased the number of piglets born alive (P = 0.020) and reduced (P < 0.05) the newborn piglets BW, while there were no differences among treatments on the suckling (day 20) and weaned (day 7) piglets BW (P > 0.05). Dietary phytogenic volatile compounds reached GL placental fluid, and milk of L and GL sows (P < 0.05). Moreover, colostrum protein in GL and milk fat content in L and GL were increased (P < 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). Antioxidant status of GL sows showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity levels at early gestation (day 35), whereas higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes at late gestation (day 110). Likewise, GL newborn piglets showed higher CAT levels, whereas both CAT and SOD levels in suckling piglets, as well as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in weaned piglets, were increased in L and GL (P < 0.05). Jejunum messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of suckling piglets in L and GL groups showed overexpression of barrier function MUC2, digestive enzyme IDO, and immune response PPARGC-α, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-10 genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPA supplementation in hyperprolific sows increased the litter size (born alive) and improved the composition and bioactivity of colostrum and milk, besides, modified the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, as well as the suckling piglets gut health gene expression. Several BPA volatile compounds were prenatal and postnatal maternally transferred (placental fluid and milk).

Transcriptome analysis of the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) on reproductive performance in sows during gestation and lactation

Background

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), which is a water soluble, thermo-stable triglyceride-quinone, is widely distributed in nature and characterized as a mammalian vitamin-like redox cofactor. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na₂) on reproductive performance in sows.

Results

Dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na₂ significantly increased the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive and the born alive litter weight. It also increased the antioxidant status in the placenta, plasma and milk. The concentration of NO was significantly increased in the plasma and placenta. RNA-seq analysis showed that 462 unigenes were differentially expressed between the control (Con) treatment and PQQ treatment groups. Among these unigenes, 199 were upregulated, while 263 unigenes were downregulated. The assigned functions of the unigenes covered a broad range of GO categories. Reproduction (27, 7.03%) and the reproduction process (27, 7.03%) were assigned to the biological process category. By matching DEGs to the KEGG database, we identified 29 pathways.

Conclusions

In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na₂ in gestating and lactating sows had positive effects on their reproductive performance.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40104-019-0369-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Dietary Hemp Seed on Oxidative Status in Sows during Late Gestation and Lactation and Their Offspring

Simple Summary

Hemp seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as other bioactive compounds. Using dietary hemp seeds as late gestation and lactation supplementation for sows and early life supplementation for piglets, we found that the indicators of oxidative status were improved in both sows and offspring. Besides the significant improvement in the antioxidant defense system of the sows, our assessment of dietary intervention resulted in an array of increased antioxidative status markers for their progeny. In addition, this could be translated into increased adaptability to the upcoming weaning stage.

Abstract

This study shows the antioxidant effect of a dietary hemp seed diet rich in ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on oxidative status in sows during late gestation and lactation and their offspring. Ten pregnant sows were divided into two groups and fed either a control diet (CD) or a hemp diet (HD) containing 2% hemp seed meal for a period of 10 days before farrowing and 5% throughout the lactation period (21 d). After farrowing, 16 of their resulting piglets were divided into two groups: control group CD (eight piglets derived from control sows) and HD group (eight piglets derived from HD sows), respectively. Blood collected from sows and piglets at day 1, 7 and 21 was used for the measurement of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GPx)), nitric oxide production (NO), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma. The results showed a significant improvement in the oxidative status of sows fed HD throughout lactation compared with CD. Similarly, in piglets, HD positively influenced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, TAC and NO levels and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma until weaning, in comparison with the CD group. This study suggests the potential of hemp seed diet to improve the overall antioxidant status of the lactating sows and their progeny.

Effects of l-carnitine in the distillers dried grains with solubles diet of sows on reproductive performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation because DDGS contain about 10% crude fat, which is largely composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. l-carnitine serves an important function in fatty acids β-oxidation, and also has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of l-carnitine in the DDGS diet of gestating and lactating sows on reproductive performance, milk composition and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. One hundred and twenty sows (Landrace×Large white, mean parity 4.2, initial BW 230 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n=30 sows/treatment). Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial with two levels of dietary DDGS (0 v. 250 g/kg in gestating diets and 400 g/kg in lactating diets) and two levels of dietary l-carnitine (0 v. 100 mg/kg in gestating diets and 0 v. 200 mg/kg in lactating diets). Distillers dried grains with solubles had no significant effect on litter size but significantly reduced the birth weights and weaning weights of piglets (P0.05). Supplementing the diets with l-carnitine had no significant effect of total litter size (P&gt;0.05) but increased the number of piglets born alive and piglets weaned, birth weight and weaning weight of piglets and litter weight at birth and weaning (P&lt;0.05). l-carnitine supplementation also increased the concentration of l-carnitine in milk and l-carnitine status of piglets (P&lt;0.05). The antioxidant enzyme activities of new born and weaning piglets were increased (P&lt;0.05) by maternal dietary l-carnitine but this did not extend to finishing pigs. In conclusion, including DDGS in the sows diet could induce oxidative stress, which may be associated with the reduced individual birth and weaning weight of piglets. Dietary l-carnitine supplementation improved the antioxidant and l-carnitine status of sows, which may be associated with the improved reproduction and piglet performance and the antioxidant status of piglets at birth and weaning. There were no interactions between DDGS and l-carnitine.

Dietary resveratrol improves antioxidant status of sows and piglets and regulates antioxidant gene expression in placenta by Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and Sirt1

Background

Resveratrol, a plant phenol, affords protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the antioxidant status of sows and piglets and on antioxidant gene expression and pathway in placenta.

Methods

Forty sows were allotted to 2 dietary treatments 20 d after breeding. Sows were fed a control diet and a control diet with 300 mg/kg resveratrol. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes were measured in the placenta, milk, and plasma of sows and piglets. Antioxidant gene expression and protein expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa B-p65 (NFκB-p65) and sirtuin1 (Sirt1) were quantified in the placenta.

Results

Dietary resveratrol increased the litter and piglets weaning weights. Antioxidant status in the milk, placenta and plasma of sows and piglets was partially improved by dietary resveratrol. In placenta, Nrf2 protein expression was increased and Keap1 protein expression was decreased by dietary resveratrol. The mRNA expression of antioxidant genes including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), GPX4, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), and phase 2 detoxification genes, including glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier (GCLM), microsomal glutathione S-transferase 1(MGST1) and UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1), was increased by dietary resveratrol. Dietary resveratrol also increased Sirt1 and phosphorylated NFκB-p65 protein expression in the placenta. We failed to observe any influences of dietary resveratrol on pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, including those of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). However, we observed that the mRNA expression of IL-8 in placenta was reduced by maternal resveratrol. In addition, dietary resveratrol showed interactive effects with day of lactation on activities of SOD and CAT and levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in milk.

Conclusions

Dietary resveratrol supplementation during pregnancy and lactation improves the antioxidant status of sows and piglets, which is beneficial to the reproductive performance of sows. Dietary resveratrol regulates placental antioxidant gene expression by the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and Sirt1 in placenta.

Crumbled or mashed feed had no significant effect on the performance of lactating sows or their offspring

Background

Physical and chemical properties of feedstuffs can be changed by feed processing. Moreover, through various mechanisms, feed processing can affect growth performance and feed efficiency of swine, nutrition value of the feed. Weaning-to service-intervals (WSI), subsequent farrowing rates, and total-born litter sizes were determined by feed intake and metabolic state during lactation.

Methods

A total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight (BW) of 266.1 kg 4 d before farrowing were used to determine the effect of feed processing on the performance of lactating sows and their offspring. The following two dietary treatments were used: 1) Crumble diet (C); and 2) Mash diet (M). Ten replications were used for each treatment. Back fat thickness of sows was measured 6 cm off the midline at the 10th rib using a real-time ultrasound instrument at 4 d before farrowing, 1 d after farrowing, and during weaning. Sow BW were also checked at 4 d before farrowing, 1 d after farrowing, and during weaning. Fecal score of sows were assessed on d 14. Fecal score of piglets were observed on d 7, 15, and 24. Data were analyzed using t-test procedure of SAS (2014) with sow as experimental unit.

Results

No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in the reproduction performance of sows between the two treatments. In addition, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the growth performance of piglets between the two treatments. Fecal score of sows or piglets showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference either.

Conclusions

In conclusion, different feed processing (mash or crumble) did not make any significant difference on the performance of lactation sow or their piglets.

Effects of catechins on litter size, reproductive performance and antioxidative status in gestating sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of catechins on reproductive performance, antioxidative capacity and immune function of gestating sows. A total of 60 cross-bred (Landrace × Large White) multiparious sows were blocked by body weight, parity and backfact and randomly allocated to 1 of 5 treatments: 0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg catechins. Dietary treatments were imposed from mating to d 40 of gestation of sows. At farrowing, litter total born, born alive, dead, and normal-(healthy piglets, ≥0.85 kg) and low-birth weight piglets (<0.85 kg) were recorded. Within 3.00 ± 0.50 days after farrowing litter size was standardized to 8.00 ± 1.50 piglets within treatment. The piglets were weighed at birth (d 1) and weaning (d 28). Sows serum samples were obtained from blood samples collected on d 40 of gestation for analyses of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) and nitrogen monoxide (NO). Our results showed that supplementation of catechins at levels of 200 or 300 mg/kg led to improvements in litter born alive (P < 0.01) and piglet born healthy (P < 0.01) and a decrease in stillborn (P < 0.05) at farrowing when compared with the control. In comparison with the control, catechins at any supplemental levels all enhanced the serum SOD (P < 0.05) and CAT (P < 0.01) activities of sows at farrowing but no obvious differences in the serum GSH-Px and NOS activities were observed in this trial (P > 0.05). Sows received 200 mg catechin per kg diets showed a reduction (P < 0.05) of the serum MDA level at farrowing compared with all other treatments. Sows received all the levels of catechin showed a reduction (P < 0.05) of serum H₂O₂ level compared with sows received the control diet on both d 40 of gestation and farrowing. Our results demonstrated that the catechins may be a potential antioxidant to increase the reproductive performance and antioxidative capacity of sows when it was added into diets during the early gestation.