Physiological and metabolic aspects of follicular developmental competence as affected by lactational body condition loss

Abstract

Metabolic demands of modern hybrid sows have increased over the years, which increases the chance that sows enter a substantial negative energy balance (NEB) during lactation. This NEB can negatively impact reproductive outcome, which is especially evident in primiparous sows causing a reduced second parity reproductive performance. The negative effects of the lactational NEB on reproductive performance can be partly explained by the influence of the premating metabolic state, during and after lactation, on the development of follicles from which oocytes will give rise to the next litter. In addition, the degree and type of body tissue mobilization during lactation that is, adipose tissue or lean mass, highly influences follicular development. Research investigating relations between the premating metabolic state and follicular and oocyte competence in modern hybrid sows, which experience higher metabolic demands during lactation, is limited. In this review we summarize current knowledge of physiological relations between the metabolic state of modern hybrid sows and follicular developmental competence. In addition, we discuss potential implications of these relations for current sow management strategies.

Hourly Feeding Regime of Modern Genetics Lactating Sows: Enhancing Productive Performance, Welfare, and Piglet Growth in Smart Farm-Based Systems

“…Additionally, hourly feed intake peaked at 8:00 and 17:00 (Figure 1). 3,4 feed intake starting from day 1 post-farrowing to weaning (28 days); 5 total number of born piglets, including mummified piglets and stillbirths; 6 determined by dividing the number of days in a year (365) by the sum of the gestation period, lactation period, and WEI; 7 number of piglets weaned per sow per year, calculated by multiplying the litter size weaned by the sow index; 8 calculated by dividing sow feed intake by the product of bodyweight gain and litter size weaned; 9 calculated as follows: litter size of the piglets × bodyweight gain multiplied by 4.2; SEM = standard error of the mean; WEI = weaning-to-estrus interval; FCR = feed conversion ratio.…”

“…Genetic selection for improved sow productivity has led to larger litter sizes, resulting in higher demands on sows to provide more nutrients during lactation [1,2]. Modern sows with more available resources during lactation, such as increased body tissue at parturition or increased feed intake, direct more energy towards milk production, supporting higher litter weight gain [3]. Lactating sows play a pivotal role in swine production by providing essential nourishment through their milk, which is crucial for supporting the growth and development of piglets during the critical pre-weaning period [4,5].…”

Rye Bran as a Component in the Diets of Lactating Sows—Effects on Sow and Piglet Performance

“…The performance parameters in sow management comprise data such as the number of live-born piglets, weaned piglets and daily weight gains. Important aspects of lactation performance include ensuring the optimal condition of the sow at the beginning of lactation and that the loss of body reserves remains within physiological limits [21,22]. Body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BFT) one week before farrowing and at the end of lactation serve as measurement parameters for the development of body condition during lactation [22,23].…”

Effect of Yeast Culture on Reproductive Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Milk Composition in Primiparous Sows

“…However, the widespread use of lean-type pig breeds has led to a negative nutritional balance in sows before and after production, affecting their health status. Compared to multiparous sows, primiparous sows have a lower feed intake during gestation and lactation, and need to mobilize more body reserves to feed piglets [ 2 ]. The nutritional intake of primiparous sows during lactation cannot meet the needs of lactation, growth, and development, which will lead to the body being in a catabolic state, and affect the reproductive life, and the growth performance of piglets [ 1 , 3 ].…”

“…1 The vitamin and trace minerals supplied per kilogram of complete diet: 13,000 IU vitamin A; 3630 IU vitamin D 3 ; 26.4 IU vitamin E; 240 mg vitamin K; 21.4 µg vitamin B 12 ; 4.2 mg riboflavin; 12.5 mg d-pantothenic acid; 16.5 mg niacin; 20 mg Cu; 40 mg Mn; 160 mg Fe; 160 mg Zn; 0.4 mg I; 0.4 mg Cr; 0.4 mg Se 2. The net energy, lysine, and methionine were calculated; the other values were measured.…”