Effect of social ranks and gestation housing systems on oxidative stress status, reproductive performance, and immune status of sows1

Abstract

Ninety-six multiparous sows were randomly assigned into 2 different gestation housing systems on d 35 of gestation: individual gestational crates (n = 24) or small groups with 3 sows in gestational pens (n = 24). Sows were classified into 4 treatments based on gestation housing systems and social ranks within each gestational pen: sows housed in individual gestational crates were in control treatment (CON), and sows destined to high, middle, or low social ranks within each pen were classified into high social rank treatment (HR), middle social rank treatment (MR), and low social rank treatment (LR). The social rank of sows within a pen was determined by their winning percentage during aggressive interactions observed for a 4-d period after mixing on d 35 of gestation. Plasma samples collected from each sow on d 35, 60, 90, and 109 of gestation and d 1 and 18 of lactation were used to determine concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), IgG, and IgM. Sows in HR had higher (P < 0.05) body weight during gestation and lactation, smallest (P < 0.05) litter weight at birth, increased (P < 0.05) number of stillborn than sows in MR and LR, and tended to have decreased (P = 0.073, P = 0.064) number of born alive compared with sows in CON and LR. Sows in LR had lower farrowing rate compared with sows in MR. Plasma concentration of protein carbonyl in HR was higher (P < 0.05) than that in MR on d 3 of lactation. Plasma concentrations of 8-OHdG in LR was greater (P < 0.05) than that in HR on d 90 of gestation, d 3 and 18 of lactation, and greater (P < 0.05) than CON on d 18 of lactation. The reproductive performance of sows from all of the social ranks was related to their oxidative stress status during gestation and lactation. Collectively, the reproductive performance, oxidative stress status, and immune status did not differ between sows housed in gestational crates (CON) and pens (HR + MR + LR). Sows in CON and MR did not show inferior reproductive performance during gestation and lactation. Sows in HR and LR had increased oxidative damage during late gestation and lactation which could contribute to the reduced litter size and litter weight in HR and lower farrowing rate in LR.

Effects of oil quality and antioxidant supplementation on sow performance, milk composition and oxidative status in serum and placenta

“…However, sows have 2 ~ 4 times higher feed intake than that of growing pigs, and an increased systemic oxidative stress and reduced concentration of antioxidant nutrients had been observed during late gestation and lactation of sows [21, 22]. In this study, therefore, we are the first time to determine the effects of oxidized oil with this peroxide value on the litter performance and oxidative status of sows during late gestation and lactation.…”

Chitosan oligosaccharide affects antioxidant defense capacity and placental amino acids transport of sows

“…Oxidative damage is a strong indicator of health status and wellbeing of animals in relation to stress, nutritional status, and disease. Increased oxidative stress is responsible for impaired milk production, reproductive performance, and finally longevity of sows [4]. Antioxidant defenses can be enzymatic and non-enzymatic, and enzymatic defense includes SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, which act as a major part of antioxidant system [19].…”

“…Excessive free radical production may cause both lipid and protein oxidation and impair normal endothelial cell function [3]. In this regard, oxidative stress and/or low intake of antioxidant involved in the etiopathogenesis of the most frequent disorders in the gestational period, which was closely related to reproductive performance of sows [4]. Consequently, supplementation with antioxidant in sow’s diet during late gestation and lactation periods is necessary.…”

Improving efficiency of sow productivity: nutrition and health

“…Oxidative damage is a strong indicator of health status and wellbeing of animals in relation to aging, stress, nutritional status, and disease. Increased oxidative stress is responsible for impaired milk production, reproductive performance, and finally longevity of sows [18-20]. Impaired ability to produce milk directly affects the health and growth of nursing piglets, and may also have a long-term effect on health and growth throughout pigs’ life.…”