1
|
Wolfe AR, Rezamand P, Agustinho BC, Konetchy DE, Laarman AH. Effects of weaning strategies on health, hematology, and productivity in Holstein dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:7008-7019. [PMID: 37532629 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Weaning strategies in dairy calves vary considerably, though the effect on animal health is unclear. This study examined the effects of calf weaning age (6 vs. 8 wk) and pace (abrupt vs. gradual) on performance, blood, and health parameters in dairy calves. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, where the factors included weaning age (early vs. late) and weaning pace (abrupt vs. gradual). Holstein calves (n = 72), blocked by sex and birth weight, were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments (n = 18 per treatment): early-abrupt (EA), early-gradual (EG), late-abrupt (LA), and late-gradual (LG). Milk replacer (24% crude protein, 17% fat; up to 1,200 g/d) was fed twice daily; water, calf starter (18% crude protein), and chopped alfalfa hay were fed ad libitum. Daily intakes of milk replacer, calf starter, and forage were recorded from birth until end of weaning. Body weight, selected health measures, blood hematology, and fecal scores were obtained 1 d preweaning and 1 d postweaning. Calves were orally bolused with a rumen pH logger for the last 3 d of the weaning transition and rumen pH was measured continuously. Data were analyzed with age, pace, age × pace interaction, birthweight, and sex as fixed effects, and starting date as a random effect. Greater age at weaning increased respiration, whereas gradual-weaned calves had lower respiration rate. Heart rate was lower in gradual than in abrupt weaned groups. Fecal score had a marginal increase in late-weaned groups and significantly increased in gradually weaned groups. No difference was detected in body core temperature by age, pace, or interaction. During the weaning transition, average daily gain was lower in LA than EA and gradually weaned groups had an increased average daily gain. Change in grain intake, but not forage intake, was greater in gradually weaned groups. Mean rumen pH marginally increased from EG to LG and from LA to LG. No difference was detected among treatments in red or white blood cell counts, and hemoglobin. Procalcitonin was marginally highest in the LA group, while blood hematocrit increased in abruptly weaned groups. Overall, calf health is affected by both age and pace of weaning, though the health parameters affected by age and pace differ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Wolfe
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843
| | - P Rezamand
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2P5
| | - B C Agustinho
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2P5
| | - D E Konetchy
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2P5
| | - A H Laarman
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843; Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2P5.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva JA, Cardoso R, Vieira R, Almeida JC, Gomes MJ, Venâncio C, Patarata L. The Effect of Weaning and Slaughter Age on the Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Arouquesa Beef-A PDO Portuguese Meat. Foods 2022; 11:foods11162505. [PMID: 36010505 PMCID: PMC9407602 DOI: 10.3390/foods11162505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Autochthonous breeds meat is well accepted due to its sensory characteristics, perceived low environmental impact, and animal welfare. We aimed to evaluate the effect of weaning and slaughter age on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Arouquesa, a Portuguese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) meat and to evaluate the psychological effect of knowing the weaning age on the consumer’s hedonic evaluation. (2) Methods: Meat from 26 animals was assigned to 4 groups, with combinations of weaning (W) at 9 or 5 months and slaughter (S) at 9 or 12 months: W9-S9, W9-S12, W5-S9, and W5-S12. The meat was analysed for pH24h, colour (L*a*b*), cooking losses and shear force. A Check All that Apply test was made with 70 consumers; they were also asked to punctuate the hedonic appreciation of anonymous and weaning age-identified meat. (3) Results: W9-S9 were more tender, had lower shear force, and was juicier than W5-S9. When animals were slaughtered at 12 months, there were no differences in the physicochemical and sensory characteristics between the weaning ages. The effect of information about the weaning age influences the consumer’s hedonic evaluation, as revealed by the comparison between the anonymous and identified samples. (4) Later weaning resulted in more tender meat when the slaughter was at 9 months and positively impacted consumer perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José António Silva
- AL4Animals—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, CECAV–Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Cardoso
- CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Raquel Vieira
- CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Carlos Almeida
- AL4Animals—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, CECAV–Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria José Gomes
- AL4Animals—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, CECAV–Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Venâncio
- CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luis Patarata
- AL4Animals—Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, CECAV–Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de-Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ming D, Wang W, Huang C, Wang Z, Shi C, Ding J, Liu H, Wang F. Effects of Weaning Age at 21 and 28 Days on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology and Redox Status in Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2169. [PMID: 34438627 PMCID: PMC8388437 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The study objective was to assess effects of different weaning ages on growth performance, intestinal morphology and redox status in Duroc × Landrace × Large White piglets (n = 96) fed diets without antibiotic growth promoters. Piglets were selected from 24 litters based on similar body weight at 14 d of age. All piglets were allocated to two groups in a completely random design with six replicates and eight pigs per replicate (four barrows and four gilts), which were weaned at 21 (n = 48; BW = 6.87 ± 0.33 kg) and 28 (n = 48; BW = 8.49 ± 0.41 kg) days of age. After weaning, pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion (F:G), diarrhea incidence, gastrointestinal pH, intestinal morphology and redox status were determined. Pigs weaned at 28 d displayed increased ADG from d 8 to 14 (p < 0.01) compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. Pigs weaned at 28 d had a higher ADFI from d 0 to 7 (p < 0.01), d 8 to 14 (p < 0.01), d 15 to 28 (p < 0.05) and during the entire experimental period (p < 0.01) compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. Pigs weaned at 21 d had an improved F:G from d 15 to 28 (p < 0.05) compared with pigs weaned at 28 d. Pigs weaned at 28 d had decreased diarrhea incidence from d 8 to 14 (p < 0.01) and the entire experimental period (p < 0.01) compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. On d 28, the pH of the stomach contents in pigs weaned at 21 d was significantly higher compared with pigs weaned at 28 d (p < 0.01). On d 14, the morphology of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in pigs weaned at 28 d was improved compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. During the experiment period, the antioxidant abilities of pigs weaned at 28 d of the heart, liver, kidney, intestinal and serum were better than pigs weaned at 21 d. In conclusion, intestinal morphology, pH of the stomach and antioxidant status of pigs weaned at 28 d were better than pigs weaned at 21 d. These factors supported better growth performance and decreased diarrhea incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| | - Wenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| | - Caiyun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| | - Zijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| | - Chenyu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| | - Jian Ding
- National Animal Husbandry Service, Building No. 20, Maizidian Street, Beijing 100125, China;
| | - Hu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| | - Fenglai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (D.M.); (W.W.); (C.H.); (Z.W.); (C.S.); (F.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mao H, Zhang Y, Yun Y, Ji W, Jin Z, Wang C, Yu Z. Weaning Age Affects the Development of the Ruminal Bacterial and Archaeal Community in Hu Lambs During Early Life. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:636865. [PMID: 33833741 PMCID: PMC8021712 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.636865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Weaning plays an important role in many animal processes, including the development of the rumen microbiota in ruminants. Attaining a better understanding of the development of the rumen microbial community at different weaning stages can aid the identification of the optimal weaning age. We investigated the effects of weaning age on ruminal bacterial and archaeal communities in Hu lambs. Thirty male Hu lambs were randomly assigned to two weaning-age groups: a group weaned at 30 days of age (W30) and a group weaned at 45 days of age (W45), with each group having five replicate pens. On the weaning day (day 30 for W30 and day 45 for W45) and at 5 days postweaning [day 35 for W30 (PW30) and day 50 for W45 (PW45)], one lamb from each replicate was randomly selected and sacrificed. Rumen contents were collected to examine the ruminal microbiota. Compared to W30, PW30 had a decreased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. At genus level, the extended milk replacer feeding (W45 vs. W30) increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus while decreased that of Prevotella and Dialister. Compared to W30, PW30 exhibited decreased relative abundances of Prevotella, Dialister and Bacteroides but an increased unclassified Coriobacteriaceae. No significant difference was noted in the detected archaeal taxa among the animals. The function "biosynthesis of secondary metabolites" was less predominant in PW30 than in W30, whereas the opposite held true for "metabolism of cofactors and vitamins." Some bacterial genera were significantly correlated with rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration or other animal measures, including negative correlations between ruminal VFA concentration and unclassified Mogibacteriaceae and unclassified Veillonellaceae; positive correlations of ruminal papillae length with Fibrobacter and unclassified Lachnospiraceae, but negative correlations with Mitsuokella and Succiniclasticum; and negative correlations between plasma D-lactate concentration and Prevotella, unclassified Paraprevotellaceae, and Desulfovibrio. Our results revealed that the ruminal bacterial community underwent larger changes over time in lambs weaned at 30 days of age than in lambs weaned half a month later. Thus, extending milk replacer feeding to 45 days weaning was recommended from the perspective of the rumen microbial community in the Hu lamb industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yanfang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongtang Yu
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Faccin JEG, Tokach MD, Allerson MW, Woodworth JC, DeRouchey JM, Dritz SS, Bortolozzo FP, Goodband RD. Relationship between weaning age and antibiotic usage on pig growth performance and mortality. J Anim Sci 2021; 98:5981673. [PMID: 33188416 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 2,184 pigs (DNA 600 × PIC L42) were used to evaluate the effects of weaning age and antibiotic (AB) use on pig performance from weaning to marketing in a commercial production system. Experimental treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with main effects of weaning age (18.5, 21.5, or 24.5 d of age) and with the use of ABs or an antibiotic-free (NAE) program. At birth, pigs were ear tagged, and the date of birth and sex recorded. Pigs were weaned from a 4,000-sow farm over four consecutive weeks. Four weaning batches (one per week) of 546 pigs were used. Each weaning batch had one-third of pigs of each weaning age. Pigs were placed in pens by weaning age and then randomly assigned to an AB or NAE program. There were 14 replicate pens per treatment and 26 pigs per pen (13 barrows and 13 gilts). Pigs allocated to the AB program were fed a diet containing 441 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC) from day 8 to 21 postweaning. They were also administered 22 mg/kg of body weight (BW) of CTC via drinking water for five consecutive days after a porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome outbreak during week 7 after weaning. In the first 42 d postweaning, increasing weaning age improved (linear, P < 0.001) BW at day 42, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). From weaning to 197 d of age, increasing weaning age increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG and ADFI. Pigs on the AB program had greater (P = 0.031) ADG and ADFI compared with NAE pigs. An interaction (linear, P = 0.005) was observed for feed efficiency (G:F). When ABs were provided, increasing weaning age did not result in any change in G:F; however, in the NAE program, increasing weaning age increased G:F. Pigs on the AB program had lower (P < 0.001) total losses (mortality and removals) than those on the NAE program. Increasing weaning age marginally (linear, P = 0.097) decreased total losses. Increasing weaning age decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) the number of pigs treated with an injectable AB but the AB program did not (P = 0.238). The weight sold (at 197 d of age) per pig weaned was increased (linear, P = 0.050) by increasing weaning age and by using AB in feed and water (P = 0.019). In summary, increasing weaning age linearly improved most of the pig performance criteria and relatively the short-term use of ABs reduced mortality and removals with both factors contributing to increased weight sold per pig weaned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamil E G Faccin
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mike D Tokach
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | | | - Jason C Woodworth
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Joel M DeRouchey
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | | | - Fernando P Bortolozzo
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Robert D Goodband
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Van de Walle J, Zedrosser A, Swenson JE, Pelletier F. Disentangling direct and indirect determinants of the duration of maternal care in brown bears: Environmental context matters. J Anim Ecol 2020; 90:376-386. [PMID: 33064848 PMCID: PMC7894530 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The duration of maternal care, an important life‐history trait affecting population dynamics, varies greatly within species. Yet, our understanding of its predictors is limited, mostly correlative and subject to misinterpretations, due to difficulties to disentangle the role of maternal‐ and offspring‐related characteristics. We conducted path analysis on a dataset including 217 brown bear litters captured over a 29‐year period in two populations in Sweden (‘North’ and ‘South’) facing contrasting environmental conditions to identify and quantify the causes of variation in the duration of maternal care (1.5 or 2.5 years). We showed that the causal determinants of the duration of maternal care were context‐dependent. Contrary to their expected central role in the determination of the duration of maternal care, yearling mass and its direct determinants (i.e. litter size and maternal mass) were only important in the North population, where environmental conditions are harsher and the cost of extended maternal care presumably higher. In the South, the duration of maternal care was not caused by yearling mass nor any maternal or litter characteristics. Extension of maternal care may thus result from factors independent from maternal and offspring condition in the South, such as an artificial hunting‐induced selection for longer maternal care through the legal protection of family groups. Our results provide an important contribution to our very limited knowledge of the direct and indirect determinants of the duration of maternal care and highlight the importance of accounting for the environmental context when assessing maternal reproductive tactics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanie Van de Walle
- Département de biologie & Centre for Northern Studies, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Andreas Zedrosser
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway.,Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jon E Swenson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Fanie Pelletier
- Département de biologie & Centre for Northern Studies, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Faccin JEG, Laskoski F, Hernig LF, Kummer R, Lima GFR, Orlando UAD, Gonçalves MAD, Mellagi APG, Ulguim RR, Bortolozzo FP. Impact of increasing weaning age on pig performance and belly nosing prevalence in a commercial multisite production system. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5730373. [PMID: 32034395 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of increasing weaning age in a commercial production system on nursery and finishing performance were evaluated. A total of 1,176 pigs (PIC 337 × Camborough) were used in a 136-d growth trial with 14 and 10 replications/weaning age on the nursery and finishing phases, respectively. Treatments included weaning litters at 19, 22, 25, or 28 d of age. In the nursery, as weaning age increased, initial (5.04, 5.70, 6.52, and 7.26 kg) and final body weight (BW) (18.2, 19.8, 23.0, and 25.1 kg) increased (linear, P < 0.001). Increasing the weaning age reduced (linear, P < 0.001) the prevalence of pigs exhibiting belly nosing (27.6%, 15.0%, 6.5%, and 1.4%) during the first 3 wk. The percentage of pigs losing weight during the first week after weaning (35.1%, 28.7%, 12.4%, and 9.2%) decreased (linear, P < 0.001) as weaning age increased. Average daily gain (ADG; 295, 320, 374, 406 g/d) and average daily feed intake (493, 534, 619, 661 g/d) increased (linear, P < 0.001), while feed efficiency (G:F) (596, 599, 604, and 615) tended to increase (linear, P = 0.081) with weaning age. Removal rate (8.01%, 3.79%, 2.29%, and 1.65%) declined (linear, P = 0.001) as weaning age increased, while there was no evidence of difference (P = 0.463) in mortality rate (0.71%, 0.36%, 0.96%, 1.04%). In the finishing period, BW at 136 d post-weaning (114.9, 117.8, 124.7, and 126.5 kg) and ADG (1.02, 1.04, 1.08, and 1.07 kg/d) improved (linear, P < 0.001). There was no evidence of differences (P > 0.24) in removal (1.5%, 2.4%, 1.0%, and 0.0%) or mortality rates (0.9%, 1.0%, 1.0%, and 1.4%) with changes in weaning age. When performance was analyzed at a common day of life (164 d of age), no effects of weaning age (P > 0.25) were found for BW (125.2, 124.4, 128.0, and 126.5 kg) and lifetime ADG (growth rate from birth to market) (754, 751, 774, and 762 g/d). The BW sold per pig weaned increased (linear, P < 0.001) with weaning age. Even though the slope indicated a linear response, the magnitude of improvement was high until 25 d, before exhibiting diminishing returns from 25 to 28 d. Thus, the study suggests that increasing the weaning age can be an effective strategy to improve the overall performance in a commercial system. Although lifetime performance was not affected by the weaning age range studied, the consistent effect in the nursery and the increment in the number of pigs reaching the market facilitated by the improvement in the removal rate in the nursery phase imply that 25 d is the optimal weaning age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamil E G Faccin
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Laskoski
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciana F Hernig
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rafael Kummer
- Master Agroindustrial, Videira, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Paula G Mellagi
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rafael R Ulguim
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernando P Bortolozzo
- Departamento de Medicina Animal/Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huting AMS, Wellock I, Tuer S, Kyriazakis I. Weaning age and post-weaning nursery feeding regime are important in improving the performance of lightweight pigs. J Anim Sci 2020; 97:4834-4844. [PMID: 31679028 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to investigate the effect of weaning age, weaning weight, and nursery feeding regime on post-weaning performance. The focus was on pigs weaned light, as they may be better off when weaned at a later age and/or offered a specialist nursery feeding regime. Piglets (n = 1,448) from one farrowing batch of 110 sows that farrowed over 2 wk were individually weighed and their morphometric measurements were taken at birth. Pigs were weaned on the same day, but variation in birth date resulted in variable weaning ages (mean age day 34.1, SD = 2.5). The youngest 50% at weaning were classified Y and the oldest 50% as O; within an age class, the lightest 50% were classified L, the heaviest 50% as H, and housed accordingly. Pigs were individually weighed at weaning, 7 and 15 wk post-weaning. At weaning, Y were 6 d younger and 1.4 kg lighter than O pigs, whereas L were 3.2 kg lighter than H pigs. Pigs were randomly allocated to a 3-stage superior (SUP) or control (CON) nursery feeding regime, with SUP pigs having a 65% greater allowance (on a kg/pig basis) of the first and second stage feeds than the CON. Pigs weaned Y had a higher mortality rate from weaning to 7 wk post-weaning than pigs weaned O (9.14% vs. 4.98%; P = 0.046). As expected, age and weight significantly (P < 0.001) affected performance to both 7 and 15 wk post-weaning: at 15-wk pigs weaned Y were 5.5 kg lighter than pigs weaned O; pigs weaned L were 9.0 kg lighter than H pigs. It was estimated that pigs weaned YL needed ~4 d more (P = 0.018) to reach 60 kg BW than pigs weaned OL. Feed intake was not affected by feeding regime, age and weight, or their interactions. Performance was not affected by feeding regime (P > 0.05), but was affected by the weight × feeding regime interaction (P = 0.044) to 7 wk post-weaning: L pigs on SUP were 1.2 kg heavier than L pigs on the CON regime; this was not the case for the H pigs. Performance up to 7 wk post-weaning was positively associated with birth weight to cranial circumference ratio and weaning weight (P < 0.05) for both YL and OL pigs; for the latter, additional performance predictors were weaning age (P = 0.044) and feeding (P = 0.027). Improved growth for L pigs up to 7 wk post-weaning could be obtained by a greater allowance of the nursery diets. However, weaning at a later age benefitted the performance of L pigs to a common BW, suggesting that this might be a strategy with longer term benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M S Huting
- Agriculture, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,Primary Diets, ABAgri, Melmerby, Ripon, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Ian Wellock
- Primary Diets, ABAgri, Melmerby, Ripon, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Steve Tuer
- Stephen Tuer Farms Ltd, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Ilias Kyriazakis
- Agriculture, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schwarzkopf S, Kinoshita A, Kluess J, Kersten S, Meyer U, Huber K, Dänicke S, Frahm J. Weaning Holstein Calves at 17 Weeks of Age Enables Smooth Transition from Liquid to Solid Feed. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1132. [PMID: 31842480 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of calves depends on prenatal and postnatal conditions. Primiparous cows were still maturing during pregnancy, which can lead to negative intrauterine conditions and affect the calf's metabolism. It is hypothesized that weaning calves at higher maturity has positive effects due to reduced metabolic stress. We aimed to evaluate effects of mothers' parity and calves' weaning age on growth performance and blood metabolites. Fifty-nine female Holstein calves (38.8 ± 5.3 kg birth weight, about 8 days old) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with factors weaning age (7 vs. 17 weeks) and parity of mother (primiparous vs. multiparous cows). Calves were randomly assigned one of these four groups. Live weight, live weight gain and morphometry increased over time and were greater in calves weaned later. Metabolic indicators except total protein were interactively affected by time and weaning age. Leptin remained low in early-weaned calves born to primiparous cows, while it increased in the other groups. The results suggest that weaning more mature calves has a positive effect on body growth, and calves born to primiparous cows particularly benefit from this weaning regimen. It also enables a smooth transition from liquid to solid feed, which might reduce the associated stress of weaning.
Collapse
|
10
|
Mao H, Wang C, Yu Z. Weaning Ages Do Not Affect the Overall Growth or Carcass Traits of Hu Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060356. [PMID: 31207948 PMCID: PMC6617184 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine effects of weaning ages on growth, rumen development, and carcass characteristics and meat quality of Hu lambs. Thirty male Hu lambs were randomly divided into two weaning age groups: Weaned at 30 (W30) or 45 (W45) d of age. Blood samples were collected on the day of weaning before lambs (n = 5) were slaughtered, and then rumen sample was collected immediately after they were slaughtered. The intake of all feeds increased with age (p < 0.05), but were not affected by weaning age (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress indicators and immune variables, the plasma biochemical parameters did not differ between the two different weaning ages (p > 0.05). The two weaning age groups also had similar (p > 0.05) concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acid. The two weaning age groups did not differ in body weight, carcass characteristics, or meat quality (p > 0.05) at d 120. These results indicate that weaning half a month earlier than the typical weaning age does not significantly affect the growth, ruminal development, or carcass characteristics of Hu lambs, and they can be weaned at 30 d of age to improve production efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang A & F University, Lin'an 311300, China.
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 311300, China.
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang A & F University, Lin'an 311300, China.
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Zhongtang Yu
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang H, Xiao Y, Wang J, Xiang Y, Gong Y, Wen X, Li D. Core gut microbiota in Jinhua pigs and its correlation with strain, farm and weaning age. J Microbiol 2018; 56:346-355. [PMID: 29721832 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-018-7486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbial diversity and the core microbiota of the Jinhua pig, which is a traditional, slow-growing Chinese breed with a high body-fat content, were examined from a total of 105 fecal samples collected from 6 groups of pigs at 3 weaning ages that originated from 2 strains and were raised on 3 different pig farms. The bacterial community was analyzed following high-throughput pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes, and the fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatograph. Our results showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, and Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, SMB53, and Bifidobacterium were the most abundant genera. Fifteen predominant genera present in every Jinhua pig sample constituted a phylogenetic core microbiota and included the probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and the SCFA-producing bacteria Clostridium, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Coprococcus, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Blautia, and Butyricicoccus. Comparisons of the microbiota compositions and SCFA concentrations across the 6 groups of pigs demonstrated that genetic background and weaning age affected the structure of the gut microbiota more significantly than the farm. The relative abundance of the core genera in the pigs, including Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Blautia, and Butyricicoccus varied dramatically in pigs among the 2 origins and 3 weaning ages, while Oscillospira, Megasphaera, Parabacteroides, and Corynebacterium differed among pigs from different farms. Interestingly, there was a more significant influence of strain and weaning age than of rearing farm on the SCFA concentrations. Therefore, strain and weaning age appear to be the more important factors shaping the intestinal microbiome of pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yingping Xiao
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, P. R. China
| | - Junjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua, 321000, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Gong
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, P. R. China
| | - Xueting Wen
- Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, P. R. China
| | - Defa Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ko KB, Kim GD, Kang DG, Kim YH, Yang ID, Ryu YC. The influences of weaning age and weight on carcass traits and meat quality of pigs. Anim Sci J 2014; 86:428-34. [PMID: 25474735 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of weaning age and weight on pigs, and their interaction with carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 468 piglets were obtained from 57 sows and four boars and grouped by age at weaning (D21, 18-24 days; D28, 25-32 days). Each weaning group was subdivided into three weight groups (L, M and H) according to weaning weight. The D28 group had heavier carcass weight, redness and yellowness, but had lower marbling scores and less drip loss than the D21 group (P < 0.05). The pigs with a light weight at weaning had higher carcass weights and lower yellowness than did pigs with a medium or heavy weight at weaning (P < 0.05). Weaning age was found to have a negative correlation with drip loss, while weaning weight was negatively correlated with carcass weight and drip loss (P < 0.05). We concluded that carcass and meat quality traits in pigs were significantly related to their age and weight at weaning. Therefore, we find that piglet weaning age and weight are no less important than post-weaning growth performance and behavior, with regard to carcass traits and meat quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Bo Ko
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smith F, Clark JE, Overman BL, Tozel CC, Huang JH, Rivier JEF, Blisklager AT, Moeser AJ. Early weaning stress impairs development of mucosal barrier function in the porcine intestine. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2010; 298:G352-63. [PMID: 19926814 PMCID: PMC2838512 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00081.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress is a predisposing factor for the development of chronic intestinal disorders in adult life. Here, we show that stress associated with early weaning in pigs leads to impaired mucosal barrier function. Early weaning (15- to 21-day weaning age) resulted in sustained impairment in intestinal barrier function, as indicated by reductions in jejunal transepithelial electrical resistance and elevations in mucosal-to-serosal flux of paracellular probes [(3)H]mannitol and [(14)C]inulin measured at 5 and 9 wk of age, compared with that shown in late-weaned pigs (23- to 28-day weaning age). Elevated baseline short-circuit current was observed in jejunum from early-weaned pigs and was shown to be mediated via enhanced Cl(-) secretion. Jejunal barrier dysfunction in early-weaned pigs coincided with increased lamina propria immune cell density particularly mucosal mast cells. The mast cell stabilizer drug sodium cromoglycolate ameliorated barrier dysfunction and hypersecretion in early-weaned pigs, demonstrating an important role of mast cells. Furthermore, activation of mast cells ex vivo with c48/80 and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in pig jejunum mounted in Ussing chambers induced barrier dysfunction and elevations in short-circuit current that were inhibited with mast cell protease inhibitors. Experiments in which selective CRF receptor antagonists were administered to early-weaned pigs revealed that CRF receptor 1 (CRFr1) activation mediates barrier dysfunction and hypersecretion, whereas CRFr2 activation may be responsible for novel protective properties in the porcine intestine in response to early life stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feli Smith
- 1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina;
| | - Jessica E. Clark
- 1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina;
| | - Beth L. Overman
- 1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina;
| | - Christena C. Tozel
- 1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina;
| | - Jennifer H. Huang
- 1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina;
| | - Jean E. F. Rivier
- 2Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Anthony T. Blisklager
- 3Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Adam J. Moeser
- 1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Friendship RM. A reduction in litter size on an ontario Swine farm. Can Vet J 1987; 28:120-3. [PMID: 17422742 PMCID: PMC1680353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In a 200 sow herd, the litter size fell from an average of 10.5 pigs born alive per litter from January to June, to an average of 9.2 for the remainder of the year. Management changes during the first part of the year resulted in half the sows weaning litters at three weeks of age and half the sows weaning at four weeks of age instead of at six weeks as was previously done. The subsequent litter size was 9.3 pigs born alive per litter for three-week weaned sows compared to 10.0 for four-week weaning. The management of gilt breeding was also altered by the necessity to breed groups of 12 gilts in one-week periods of time and therefore a higher proportion of gilts may have been mated on their first estrus instead of their second or third estrus as had been the case. The difference in litter size of first parity sows between the first six months and the second six months was 1.1 pigs. Parvovirus infection may have been a factor contributing to the reduction in litter size amongst first parity sows; two groups of first parity sows experienced an increase in mummified piglets, a reduced far rowing rate, and smaller litter size. However, no attempt was made at diagnosing an infectious agent. Parity distribution remained relatively unchanged during the year and was not associated with the drop in litter size.
Collapse
|