MicroRNAs play important roles in various cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation and survival. Using a pig model, this study sought to identify the miRNAs responsible for crypt-villus axis renewa...MicroRNAs play important roles in various cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation and survival. Using a pig model, this study sought to identify the miRNAs responsible for crypt-villus axis renewal of the small intestinal epithelium.Compared to the villus upper cells, there were 15 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated miRNAs in the crypt cells of the jejunum.Notably, we found that miR-100 was expressed more in the villus upper cells than in the crypt cells, suggesting an effect on intestinal epithelium differentiation. Overexpression of miR-100 increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, confirming that miR-100 promoted IPEC-J2 cell differentiation. MiR-100 can inhibit cell proliferation as evidenced by CCK-8 and cell cycle assay results. We also showed that miR-100 significantly inhibited the migration of IPEC-J2 cells and promoted cell apoptosis through caspase-3-dependent cleavage of Bcl-2. Furthermore, FGFR3 was identified as a potential target of miR-100 by bioinformatics analysis. We confirmed that overexpression of miR-100 suppressed FGFR3 expression in IPEC-J2 cells by directly targeting the FGFR3 3′-UTR. This is the first report of miRNAs acting on the renewal of the intestinal crypt-villus axis.Our results also showed that miR-100 promotes the differentiation and apoptosis, and inhibits the proliferation and migration of enterocytes of pigs.展开更多
This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine （Arg） supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter per- formance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and compositio...This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine （Arg） supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter per- formance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and composition in multiparous sows. Thirty-one sows were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0.0 （control, n=10）, 0.5% （n=10）, or 1.0% （n=11） L-Arg-HCI, respectively. Experimental diets were provided to the sows from d 3 to 21 of lactation. Plasma and milk samples were collected at d 14 and 21 of lactation. The average daily gain （ADG） of piglets from sows fed diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI at d 3 to 14 of lactation, were higher than that of controls （P〈0.05）. Maternal supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI also increased ADG of piglets between d 3 and 21 of lactation than that of the controls （P〈0.05）. There was no significant effect of supplementation on average daily feed intake （ADFI）, body weight loss, and backfat thickness loss of lactating sows. Supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI had a trend towards increasing milk yields and milk fat contents （0.05〈P〈0.10）; milk protein and lactose were unchanged. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg- HCI increased plasma concentrations of prolactin and insulin in sows at d 14 and 21 of lactation, and plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid （NEFA）, insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, and nitric oxide （NO） in sows at d 21 of lactation, when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI increased IGF-1 and spermine in milk at d 14 of lactation, relative to the controls （P〈0.05）. Plasma Arg concentrations at d 14 and 21 of lactation, as well as plasma NO level and milk IGF-1 at d 21 of lactation, were increased, while plasma urea nitrogen （PUN） concentration at d 14 and 21 of lactation was decreased, by supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Collectively, dietary supplementation of展开更多
Background: Most research on galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS) has mainly focused on their prebiotic effects on the hindgut,but their beneficial effects on the small intestine(SI) have received little attention.Since jeju...Background: Most research on galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS) has mainly focused on their prebiotic effects on the hindgut,but their beneficial effects on the small intestine(SI) have received little attention.Since jejunum is the important place to digest and absorb nutrients efficiently,optimal maturation of the jejunum is necessary for maintaining the high growth rate in the neonate.Therefore,this study investigates the effect of the early intervention with GOS on the intestinal development of the jejunum.Methods: A total of 6 litters of neonatal piglets(10 piglets per litter; Duroc × Landrace × Large White) with an average birth weight of 1.55 ± 0.05 kg received 1 of 2 treatments based on their assignment to either the control(CON) group or the GOS(GOS) group in each litter.Piglets in the GOS group were orally administrated 10 mL of a GOS solution(reaching 1 g GOS/kg body weight) per day from the age of 1 to 7 d; the piglets in the CON group were treated with the same dose of physiological saline.All piglets were weaned on d 21.On d 8 and 21 of the experimental trial,1 pig per group from each of the 6 litters was euthanized.Results: The early intervention with GOS increased the average daily gains in the third week(P < 0.05).Decreased crypt depth was also observed in the jejunum of the piglets on d 21(P < 0.05).The early intervention with GOS increased the jejunal lactase activity on d 8,maltase activity and sucrase activity on d 21(P < 0.05).In addition,the early intervention with GOS also facilitated the mRNA expression of Sodium glucose co-transporter 1(SGLT1) on d 8 and the m RNA expression of Glucose transporter type 2(GLUT2) on d 21(P < 0.05).It was further determined that GOS up-regulated the m RNA expression of preproglucagon(GCG),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1),insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1 R) and epidermal growth factor(EGF).GOS also up-regulated the protein expression of glucagon-like peptide-2(GLP-2) and EGF in the jejunum of the piglets.Furthermore,it was also found that GOS enh展开更多
Background Intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)can cause lipid disorders in infants and have long-term adverse effects on their growth and development.Clostridium butyricum(C.butyricum),a kind of emerging probiotics,...Background Intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)can cause lipid disorders in infants and have long-term adverse effects on their growth and development.Clostridium butyricum(C.butyricum),a kind of emerging probiotics,has been reported to effectively attenuate lipid metabolism dysfunctions.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of C.butyricum supplementation on hepatic lipid disorders in IUGR suckling piglets.Methods Sixteen IUGR and eight normal birth weight(NBW)neonatal male piglets were used in this study.From d 3to d 24,in addition to drinking milk,the eight NBW piglets(NBW-CON group,n=8)and eight IUGR piglets(IUGR-CON group,n=8)were given 10 mL sterile saline once a day,while the remaining IUGR piglets(IUGR-CB group,n=8)were orally administered C.butyricum at a dose of 2×108colony-forming units(CFU)/kg body weight(suspended in 10 mL sterile saline)at the same frequency.Results The IUGR-CON piglets exhibited restricted growth,impaired hepatic morphology,disordered lipid metabolism,increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens and altered ileum and liver bile acid(BA)profiles.However,C.butyricum supplementation reshaped the gut microbiota of the IUGR-CB piglets,characterized by a decreased abundance of opportunistic pathogens in the ileum,including Streptococcus and Enterococcus.The decrease in these bile salt hydrolase(BSH)-producing microbes increased the content of conjugated BAs,which could be transported to the liver and function as signaling molecules to activate liver X receptorα(LXRα)and farnesoid X receptor(FXR).This activation effectively accelerated the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and down-regulated the total cholesterol level by decreasing the synthesis and promoting the efflux of cholesterol.As a result,the growth performance and morphological structure of the liver improved in the IUGR piglets.Conclusion These results indicate that C.butyricum supplementation in IUGR suckling piglets could decrease the abundance of BSH-producing microbes(Streptococcus a展开更多
The aim of the present article is twofold:firstly,to prove that the expression animal+young du_(3)(-a),which is basically documented in texts from the 3rd millennium BC,refers to a dam that has just given birth,and se...The aim of the present article is twofold:firstly,to prove that the expression animal+young du_(3)(-a),which is basically documented in texts from the 3rd millennium BC,refers to a dam that has just given birth,and secondly,to show the information concerning female animals and their newborns available in the texts.展开更多
Background Physiological changes during lactation cause oxidative stress in sows,reduce immunity,and hamper the growth capacity of piglets.Alpha-glycerol monolaurate(α-GML)has potential for enhancing the antimicrobia...Background Physiological changes during lactation cause oxidative stress in sows,reduce immunity,and hamper the growth capacity of piglets.Alpha-glycerol monolaurate(α-GML)has potential for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of sows and the growth of suckling piglets.Methods Eighty sows were allocated randomly to four groups:basal diet and basal diets supplemented with 500,1000,or 2000 mg/kgα-GML.The experiment started on d 85 of gestation and lasted until piglets were weaned on d 21 of lactation.The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 12 tion,body weight of piglets was measured and milk samples±1 per sow on day of parturition.On d 0 and21 of lactawere obtained from sows,and serum samples and feces from piglets were obtained on d 21.Results Feed intake,backfat loss,and weaning estrus interval did not differ among the four groups of sows.Maternalα-GML supplementation increased(P<0.05)the body weight of piglets at weaning and the apparent total tract digestibility of crude fat of sows.The immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels were greater(P<0.05)in a quadratic manner in the milk of sows as dietaryα-GML increased.Concerning fatty acid profile,C12:0,C15:0,C17:0,C18:2n6c,C18:3n3,C24:0,and C22:6n3 were higher(P<0.05)in linear and quadratic manners in colostrum of sowsfedα-GML diets compared with the control sows.There was lower(P<0.05)n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in milk than in the control sows.Maternalα-GML increased the abundance of Firmicutes(P<0.05)and decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria(P<0.05)of piglet fecal microbiota.Conclusions Dietary supplementation withα-GML improved milk immunoglobulins and altered fatty acids of sows,thereby improving the health of piglets.展开更多
Evaluating the feeding value of wet okara as a protein supplement for lactating ewes with twin lambs was the objective. A 4 x 4 Latin square replicated 2 x(4 sheep, 4 treatments, 4 periods per square; 2 squares) was c...Evaluating the feeding value of wet okara as a protein supplement for lactating ewes with twin lambs was the objective. A 4 x 4 Latin square replicated 2 x(4 sheep, 4 treatments, 4 periods per square; 2 squares) was conducted to examine the influence of concentrate mix(okara or not) and type of forage(silage or hay) on ewe milk composition and growth of their lactating lambs. Treatment periods were 14 days(7 days adaptation and 7 days collection). Ewes(55 to 74.8 kg BW) were fed 1 of 4 diets: wheat middling and corn concentrate with mixed grass hay(TSH), okara and corn with mixed grass hay(OSH),soybean and wheat middlings with hay crop silage(TSS), and okara and corn with hay crop silage(OSS).Ewes fed hay diets had lower forage dry matter intakes than ewes fed silage. Intake of okara supplement was higher(P < 0.05) with OSH(3.64 kg/d) than with OSS(1.70 kg/d). There was no difference in supplement intake between TSH and TSS. There were no differences among diets for lamb daily gains or in ewe milk compositions among the diets. Okara is an effective source of protein for lactating ewes and their twin lambs.展开更多
Background： In this study the physiological implications of artificial rearing were investigated. Low（LBW） and normal birth weight（NBW） piglets were compared as they might react differently to stressors caused by...Background： In this study the physiological implications of artificial rearing were investigated. Low（LBW） and normal birth weight（NBW） piglets were compared as they might react differently to stressors caused by artificial rearing. In total, 42 pairs of LBW and NBW piglets from 16 litters suckled the sow until d19 of age or were artificially reared starting at d3 until d19 of age. Blood and tissue samples that were collected after euthanasia at 0, 3, 5, 8 and 19 d of age. Histology, ELISA, and Ussing chamber analysis were used to study proximal and distal small intestine histomorphology, proliferation, apoptosis, tight junction protein expression, and permeability. Furthermore, small intestine,liver and systemic redox parameters（GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px and MDA） were investigated using HPLC.Results： LBW and NBW artificially reared piglets weighed respectively 40 and 33% more than LBW and NBW sowreared piglets at d19（P 〈 0.01）. Transferring piglets to a nursery at d3 resulted in villus atrophy, increased intestinal FD-4 and HRP permeability and elevated GSSG/GSH ratio in the distal small intestine at d5（P 〈 0.05）. GSH concentrations in the proximal small intestine remained stable, while they decreased in the liver（P 〈 0.05）. From d5 until d19, villus width and crypt depth increased, whereas PCNA, caspase-3, occludin and claudin-3 protein expressions were reduced. GSH,GSSG and permeability recovered in artificially reared piglets（P 〈 0.05）.Conclusion： The results suggest that artificial rearing altered the morphology, permeability and redox state without compromising piglet performance. The observed effects were not depending on birth weight.展开更多
Background:Galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS)have been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets to exert beneficial effects on intestinal function.However,the modulation of intestinal microbiota and ...Background:Galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS)have been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets to exert beneficial effects on intestinal function.However,the modulation of intestinal microbiota and intestinal function by GOS in intestinal inflammation injury models has rarely been reported.In this study,we investigated the effects of GOS on the colonic mucosal microbiota composition,barrier function and inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharides(LPS)-challenged suckling piglets.Methods:A total of 18 newborn suckling piglets were divided into three groups,the CON group,the LPS-CON group and the LPS-GOS group.Piglets in the LPS-GOS group were orally fed with 1 g/kg body weight of GOS solution every day.On the d 14,piglets in the LPS-CON and LPS-GOS group were challenged intraperitoneally with LPS solution.All piglets were slaughtered 2 h after intraperitoneal injection and sampled.Results:We found that the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged piglets was significantly injured and shedding,while the colonic mucosa of the LPS-GOS group piglets maintained its structure.Moreover,GOS significantly reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde(MDA)and the activity of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the LPS-challenged suckling piglets,and significantly increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC).GOS significantly increased the relative abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Romboutsia,and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella,Campylobacter and Helicobacter in the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged suckling piglets.In addition,GOS increased the concentrations of acetate,butyrate and total short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in the colonic digesta of LPS-challenged suckling piglets.GOS significantly reduced the concentrations of interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and cluster of differentiation 14(CD14),and the relative mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)and myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88)in the LPS-chall展开更多
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infection in suckling pigs. Nasal swabs were collected from 300 suckling pigs originating from five farrow-to-finishing farms. One farm had a c...The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infection in suckling pigs. Nasal swabs were collected from 300 suckling pigs originating from five farrow-to-finishing farms. One farm had a confirmed PRDC problem (farm A) and four other farms previously had a PRDC problem (farms B, C, D and E). Thirty (30) lactating sows in parity 1, 2 and 3 were selected from each farm (Ten sows per parity). Two piglets from each sow were randomly sampled for nasal swab at 3 weeks of age. The samples were analyzed by the nested PCR technique. Forty five per cent (27/60) of nasal swabs from farm A were found positive. On the other hand, a total of 2.08 per cent were found positive (5/240) from farm B, C, D and E. The tendency of piglet infection per sow by parity showed that first parity had more prevalence than the second and the third parity (60%, 55%, 20%), respectively. We have found a correction between M. hyopneumoniae early infection in suckling pigs and a confirmed PRDC problem (farm A) as oppose to farms that did not have a PRDC problem. The strategies to prevent M. hyopneumoniae early infection are to maintain good lactation, antibiotic prevention program and early M. hyopneumoniae展开更多
Background:Commercial pre-weaning diets are formulated to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense and contain low levels of dietary fibre.In contrast,pigs in a natural setting are manipulating fibre-rich plant materia...Background:Commercial pre-weaning diets are formulated to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense and contain low levels of dietary fibre.In contrast,pigs in a natural setting are manipulating fibre-rich plant material from a young age.Moreover,dietary fibre affects gastrointestinal tract(GIT)development and health in older pigs.We hypothesised that supplemental diets that contain vegetal fibres are accelerating GIT development in suckling piglets in terms of size and functionality.From d 2 of life,sow-suckled piglets had access to a low fibre diet(CON),a diet with a fermentable long-chain arabinoxylan(lc-AXOS),a diet with a largely non-fermentable purified cellulose(CELL),or a diet containing both fibres.During the initial 2 weeks,the control diet was a high-density milk replacer,followed by a dry and highly digestible creep meal.Upon weaning at 25 d,15 piglets from each treatment group,identified as eaters and originating from six or seven litters,were sacrificed for post-mortem examination of GIT morphology,small intestinal permeability and metabolic profile of the digesta.The microbiota composition of the mid-colon was evaluated in a sub-set of ten piglets.Results:No major statistical interactions between the fibre sources were observed.Piglets consumed the fibrecontaining milk supplements and creep diets well.Stomach size and small intestinal permeability was not affected.Large intestinal fill was increased with lc-AXOS only,while relative large intestinal weight was increased with both fibre sources(P<0.050).Also,CELL decreased ileal pH and tended to increase ileal DM content compared to CON(P<0.050).Moreover,the concentration of volatile fatty acids was increased in the caecum(P<0.100)and midcolon(P<0.050)by addition of CELL.lc-AXOS only stimulated caecal propionate(P<0.050).The microbiota composition showed a high individual variation and limited dietary impact.Nonetheless,CELL induced minor shifts in specific genera,with notable reductions of Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusions:Adding dietary fibres to the 展开更多
Current study evaluated the effect of a fine and coarsely ground insoluble dietary fibre source on the gastrointestinal development of suckling pigs.Oat hulls(OH)were selected as a model feedstuff,rich in cellulose,li...Current study evaluated the effect of a fine and coarsely ground insoluble dietary fibre source on the gastrointestinal development of suckling pigs.Oat hulls(OH)were selected as a model feedstuff,rich in cellulose,lignin,and insoluble dietary fibre.Three experimental supplemental diets were formulated:a finely ground,low fibre and nutrient dense diet served as control(CON).For the 2 high fibre diets,15%heat-treated starch in CON was exchanged with OH,either finely(OH-f)or coarsely ground(OH-c).Litters of 10 primi-and multiparous sows(mean litter size 14.6±0.84)were used.Within a litter,experimental diets were allotted to triplets of 4 piglets.From approximately 12 d of age,piglets’individual feed intakes were recorded 2 times per day when separated from their dam for 70 min.Piglets could suckle with their dam for the remainder of the day.On d 24 and 25,from the total pool of 120 piglets,seven healthy well-eating piglets per treatment were selected for post-mortem evaluation,resulting in 14 replicates per treatment.Consumption of OH-c and OH-f did not impede clinical health and production performance of piglets.The full stomach weights tended to be greater for OH-c compared to OH-f whereas CON was intermediate(P=0.083).Supplementing OH significantly increased ileal villus height and caecal dry matter concentration(P<0.05).For the colon,OH increased its length,contents weight,short-chain fatty acid concentration and reduced total bacterial count as well asγ-proteobacteria count and proportion(P<0.05).The OH-c treatment specifically increased full gastrointestinal tract weight and caecum contents weight compared to piglets fed CON and OH-f.Furthermore,OH-c reduced colonic crypt depth when compared to OH-f(P=0.018).In conclusion,supplementing OH to a diet for suckling piglets exerted subtle developmental effects on gastrointestinal morphology and colonic microbial community.These effects were largely independent from the particle size of the OH.展开更多
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of iron on intestinal epithelium development of suckling piglets. Compared with newborn piglets, 7-day-old and 21-day-old piglets showed changes in the morphology of the j...This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of iron on intestinal epithelium development of suckling piglets. Compared with newborn piglets, 7-day-old and 21-day-old piglets showed changes in the morphology of the jejunum, increased proliferation,differentiated epithelial cells, and expanded enteroids. Intestinal epithelium maturation markers and iron metabolism genes were significantly changed. These results suggest that lactation is a critical stage in intestinal epithelial development, accompanied by changes in iron metabolism. In addition, deferoxamine(DFO) treatment inhibited the activity of intestinal organoids at passage 4(P4) of 0-day-old piglets, but no significant difference was observed in epithelial maturation markers at passage 1(P1) and P4,and only argininosuccinate synthetase 1(Ass1) and β-galactosidase(Gleb) were up-regulated at passage 7(P7). These results in vitro show that iron deficiency may not directly affect intestinal epithelium development through intestinal stem cells(ISCs). The iron supplementation significantly down-regulated the m RNA expression of interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha-2(IL-22RA2)in the jejunum of piglets. Furthermore, the m RNA expression of IL-22 in 7-day-old piglets was significantly higher than that in0-day-old piglets. Adult epithelial markers were significantly up-regulated in organoids treated with recombinant murine cytokine IL-22. Thus, IL-22 may play a key role in iron-affecting intestinal epithelium development.展开更多
The maternal behavior in mammals is one of the most stable and highly conserved motivated species-specific behaviors and crucial for reproductive functions. During maternal behavior nursing and feeding are associated ...The maternal behavior in mammals is one of the most stable and highly conserved motivated species-specific behaviors and crucial for reproductive functions. During maternal behavior nursing and feeding are associated factors with survival of mammalian offspring, mammals nurse their newborn in a wide diversity in the behavioral. In the mother relationship the suckling is the behavioral patterns that identified and unified mammals and showed several selected evolutionary conserved behavior. The milk is an important reward for the pups, it ensure the surviving. The quality of maternal behavior is transmitted between generations;the inadequate maternal care has harmful effects in the adulthood individual. The specific maternal pattern modalities differ greatly between species;the human bonding has underlying biological mechanisms similar in mammals. Maternal brain is modified in order to prepare the mother-pup relationship, being crucial for the adequate behavioral display in the mother-pup relationship. A bulk of surrounding factor such as sensorial stimulus, temperature, ultrasonic communication, and reinforcing stimulus determines the quality of the nursing and care of the progeny. Mother care and nursing quality have long lasting effects in adulthood, determining cognitive and behavioral development and some specific psychiatric and psychological condition in human populations.展开更多
Background： In this experiment, intermittent suckling（IS） with or without the co-mingling（Co M） of piglets was studied as a method to stimulate solid feed intake and reduce post-weaning stress.Methods： Three wea...Background： In this experiment, intermittent suckling（IS） with or without the co-mingling（Co M） of piglets was studied as a method to stimulate solid feed intake and reduce post-weaning stress.Methods： Three weaning regimes using 30 multiparous sows were compared：（1） conventional weaning（CW）（n = 10 litters）, where piglets had continuous access to the sow until weaning（d 0, farrowing = d-25 relative to weaning）;（2） intermittent suckling（IS）（n = 10 litters）, where piglets were separated from the sow for 8 h/d starting at d-7（relative to weaning）; and（3） intermittent suckling with co-mingling（ISCo）（n = 10 litters） where IS started at d-7 and two litters were housed together during separation and then returned to their original sow. Ad libitum creep feed was available from d-17. At weaning pigs were housed in pens of 11 pigs, 27 pens in total. The ISCo treatment was divided in half to examine effects of different mixing strategies after weaning. Half of the ISCo litters were kept in familiar groups（ISCo F, familiar, n = 4） and the other half were mixed within treatment resulting in groups of unfamiliar pigs（ISCo NF, not familiar, n = 5）, the same as IS（n = 9） and CW（n = 9） treatments.Results： The ISCo piglets ate more creep feed in the week before weaning（P 〈 0.01）, but also showed more aggressive and manipulative behaviour on first day of Co M compared with CW piglets（P 〈 0.05）. IS with or without Co M increased exploratory and play behaviour on the first day of treatment intervention（P 〈 0.001） and increased sleeping behaviour on the last day of treatment intervention compared with CW（P 〈 0.001）. Mixing strategy at weaning had an effect on performance data with the highest growth and feed intake seen in ISCo F pigs 2 to 8 d after weaning（P 〈0.001）. IS and ISCo NF pigs also grew faster and ate more than CW pigs 2 to 8 d after weaning（P 〈 0.001）. Post-weaning injury scores suggested reduced aggression in IS展开更多
基金supported by the Key Programs of Frontier Scientific Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (QYZDYSSW-SMC008)National Program on Key Basic Research Project (2016YFD0500504)+5 种基金National Nature Science Foundation of China (31330075 31572420)Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (2018JJ3094 2018JJ1028)Research Foundation of Education Bureau of Hunan Province, China (18B476)Hunan Provincial Innovation Foundation for Postgraduate (CX2016B172)
文摘MicroRNAs play important roles in various cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation and survival. Using a pig model, this study sought to identify the miRNAs responsible for crypt-villus axis renewal of the small intestinal epithelium.Compared to the villus upper cells, there were 15 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated miRNAs in the crypt cells of the jejunum.Notably, we found that miR-100 was expressed more in the villus upper cells than in the crypt cells, suggesting an effect on intestinal epithelium differentiation. Overexpression of miR-100 increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, confirming that miR-100 promoted IPEC-J2 cell differentiation. MiR-100 can inhibit cell proliferation as evidenced by CCK-8 and cell cycle assay results. We also showed that miR-100 significantly inhibited the migration of IPEC-J2 cells and promoted cell apoptosis through caspase-3-dependent cleavage of Bcl-2. Furthermore, FGFR3 was identified as a potential target of miR-100 by bioinformatics analysis. We confirmed that overexpression of miR-100 suppressed FGFR3 expression in IPEC-J2 cells by directly targeting the FGFR3 3′-UTR. This is the first report of miRNAs acting on the renewal of the intestinal crypt-villus axis.Our results also showed that miR-100 promotes the differentiation and apoptosis, and inhibits the proliferation and migration of enterocytes of pigs.
基金the financial supports provided by the China Agriculture Research System (CARS36)the Hundred Outstanding Talents Training Program at Guangdong Province, China+2 种基金the Special Program for Guangdong Research Institutions’ Innovation and Construction, China (2012B060600005)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (2015A030310332)the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province, China (2013B050800016)
文摘This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine （Arg） supplementation, just during lactation, on sow and litter per- formance, plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, and milk yield and composition in multiparous sows. Thirty-one sows were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0.0 （control, n=10）, 0.5% （n=10）, or 1.0% （n=11） L-Arg-HCI, respectively. Experimental diets were provided to the sows from d 3 to 21 of lactation. Plasma and milk samples were collected at d 14 and 21 of lactation. The average daily gain （ADG） of piglets from sows fed diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI at d 3 to 14 of lactation, were higher than that of controls （P〈0.05）. Maternal supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI also increased ADG of piglets between d 3 and 21 of lactation than that of the controls （P〈0.05）. There was no significant effect of supplementation on average daily feed intake （ADFI）, body weight loss, and backfat thickness loss of lactating sows. Supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI had a trend towards increasing milk yields and milk fat contents （0.05〈P〈0.10）; milk protein and lactose were unchanged. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg- HCI increased plasma concentrations of prolactin and insulin in sows at d 14 and 21 of lactation, and plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid （NEFA）, insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, and nitric oxide （NO） in sows at d 21 of lactation, when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Supplementation with 1.0% L-Arg-HCI increased IGF-1 and spermine in milk at d 14 of lactation, relative to the controls （P〈0.05）. Plasma Arg concentrations at d 14 and 21 of lactation, as well as plasma NO level and milk IGF-1 at d 21 of lactation, were increased, while plasma urea nitrogen （PUN） concentration at d 14 and 21 of lactation was decreased, by supplementation with 0.5 or 1.0% L-Arg-HCI when compared to the controls （P〈0.05）. Collectively, dietary supplementation of
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China2017YFD0500505the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(KYZ201722)
文摘Background: Most research on galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS) has mainly focused on their prebiotic effects on the hindgut,but their beneficial effects on the small intestine(SI) have received little attention.Since jejunum is the important place to digest and absorb nutrients efficiently,optimal maturation of the jejunum is necessary for maintaining the high growth rate in the neonate.Therefore,this study investigates the effect of the early intervention with GOS on the intestinal development of the jejunum.Methods: A total of 6 litters of neonatal piglets(10 piglets per litter; Duroc × Landrace × Large White) with an average birth weight of 1.55 ± 0.05 kg received 1 of 2 treatments based on their assignment to either the control(CON) group or the GOS(GOS) group in each litter.Piglets in the GOS group were orally administrated 10 mL of a GOS solution(reaching 1 g GOS/kg body weight) per day from the age of 1 to 7 d; the piglets in the CON group were treated with the same dose of physiological saline.All piglets were weaned on d 21.On d 8 and 21 of the experimental trial,1 pig per group from each of the 6 litters was euthanized.Results: The early intervention with GOS increased the average daily gains in the third week(P < 0.05).Decreased crypt depth was also observed in the jejunum of the piglets on d 21(P < 0.05).The early intervention with GOS increased the jejunal lactase activity on d 8,maltase activity and sucrase activity on d 21(P < 0.05).In addition,the early intervention with GOS also facilitated the mRNA expression of Sodium glucose co-transporter 1(SGLT1) on d 8 and the m RNA expression of Glucose transporter type 2(GLUT2) on d 21(P < 0.05).It was further determined that GOS up-regulated the m RNA expression of preproglucagon(GCG),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1),insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1 R) and epidermal growth factor(EGF).GOS also up-regulated the protein expression of glucagon-like peptide-2(GLP-2) and EGF in the jejunum of the piglets.Furthermore,it was also found that GOS enh
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.31802101)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.KJQN201935)。
文摘Background Intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)can cause lipid disorders in infants and have long-term adverse effects on their growth and development.Clostridium butyricum(C.butyricum),a kind of emerging probiotics,has been reported to effectively attenuate lipid metabolism dysfunctions.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of C.butyricum supplementation on hepatic lipid disorders in IUGR suckling piglets.Methods Sixteen IUGR and eight normal birth weight(NBW)neonatal male piglets were used in this study.From d 3to d 24,in addition to drinking milk,the eight NBW piglets(NBW-CON group,n=8)and eight IUGR piglets(IUGR-CON group,n=8)were given 10 mL sterile saline once a day,while the remaining IUGR piglets(IUGR-CB group,n=8)were orally administered C.butyricum at a dose of 2×108colony-forming units(CFU)/kg body weight(suspended in 10 mL sterile saline)at the same frequency.Results The IUGR-CON piglets exhibited restricted growth,impaired hepatic morphology,disordered lipid metabolism,increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens and altered ileum and liver bile acid(BA)profiles.However,C.butyricum supplementation reshaped the gut microbiota of the IUGR-CB piglets,characterized by a decreased abundance of opportunistic pathogens in the ileum,including Streptococcus and Enterococcus.The decrease in these bile salt hydrolase(BSH)-producing microbes increased the content of conjugated BAs,which could be transported to the liver and function as signaling molecules to activate liver X receptorα(LXRα)and farnesoid X receptor(FXR).This activation effectively accelerated the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and down-regulated the total cholesterol level by decreasing the synthesis and promoting the efflux of cholesterol.As a result,the growth performance and morphological structure of the liver improved in the IUGR piglets.Conclusion These results indicate that C.butyricum supplementation in IUGR suckling piglets could decrease the abundance of BSH-producing microbes(Streptococcus a
文摘The aim of the present article is twofold:firstly,to prove that the expression animal+young du_(3)(-a),which is basically documented in texts from the 3rd millennium BC,refers to a dam that has just given birth,and secondly,to show the information concerning female animals and their newborns available in the texts.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFD1300300)。
文摘Background Physiological changes during lactation cause oxidative stress in sows,reduce immunity,and hamper the growth capacity of piglets.Alpha-glycerol monolaurate(α-GML)has potential for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of sows and the growth of suckling piglets.Methods Eighty sows were allocated randomly to four groups:basal diet and basal diets supplemented with 500,1000,or 2000 mg/kgα-GML.The experiment started on d 85 of gestation and lasted until piglets were weaned on d 21 of lactation.The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 12 tion,body weight of piglets was measured and milk samples±1 per sow on day of parturition.On d 0 and21 of lactawere obtained from sows,and serum samples and feces from piglets were obtained on d 21.Results Feed intake,backfat loss,and weaning estrus interval did not differ among the four groups of sows.Maternalα-GML supplementation increased(P<0.05)the body weight of piglets at weaning and the apparent total tract digestibility of crude fat of sows.The immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels were greater(P<0.05)in a quadratic manner in the milk of sows as dietaryα-GML increased.Concerning fatty acid profile,C12:0,C15:0,C17:0,C18:2n6c,C18:3n3,C24:0,and C22:6n3 were higher(P<0.05)in linear and quadratic manners in colostrum of sowsfedα-GML diets compared with the control sows.There was lower(P<0.05)n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in milk than in the control sows.Maternalα-GML increased the abundance of Firmicutes(P<0.05)and decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria(P<0.05)of piglet fecal microbiota.Conclusions Dietary supplementation withα-GML improved milk immunoglobulins and altered fatty acids of sows,thereby improving the health of piglets.
文摘Evaluating the feeding value of wet okara as a protein supplement for lactating ewes with twin lambs was the objective. A 4 x 4 Latin square replicated 2 x(4 sheep, 4 treatments, 4 periods per square; 2 squares) was conducted to examine the influence of concentrate mix(okara or not) and type of forage(silage or hay) on ewe milk composition and growth of their lactating lambs. Treatment periods were 14 days(7 days adaptation and 7 days collection). Ewes(55 to 74.8 kg BW) were fed 1 of 4 diets: wheat middling and corn concentrate with mixed grass hay(TSH), okara and corn with mixed grass hay(OSH),soybean and wheat middlings with hay crop silage(TSS), and okara and corn with hay crop silage(OSS).Ewes fed hay diets had lower forage dry matter intakes than ewes fed silage. Intake of okara supplement was higher(P < 0.05) with OSH(3.64 kg/d) than with OSS(1.70 kg/d). There was no difference in supplement intake between TSH and TSS. There were no differences among diets for lamb daily gains or in ewe milk compositions among the diets. Okara is an effective source of protein for lactating ewes and their twin lambs.
基金supported by a grant from the government agency for Innovation by Science and Technology(IWT-LO 100856)
文摘Background： In this study the physiological implications of artificial rearing were investigated. Low（LBW） and normal birth weight（NBW） piglets were compared as they might react differently to stressors caused by artificial rearing. In total, 42 pairs of LBW and NBW piglets from 16 litters suckled the sow until d19 of age or were artificially reared starting at d3 until d19 of age. Blood and tissue samples that were collected after euthanasia at 0, 3, 5, 8 and 19 d of age. Histology, ELISA, and Ussing chamber analysis were used to study proximal and distal small intestine histomorphology, proliferation, apoptosis, tight junction protein expression, and permeability. Furthermore, small intestine,liver and systemic redox parameters（GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px and MDA） were investigated using HPLC.Results： LBW and NBW artificially reared piglets weighed respectively 40 and 33% more than LBW and NBW sowreared piglets at d19（P 〈 0.01）. Transferring piglets to a nursery at d3 resulted in villus atrophy, increased intestinal FD-4 and HRP permeability and elevated GSSG/GSH ratio in the distal small intestine at d5（P 〈 0.05）. GSH concentrations in the proximal small intestine remained stable, while they decreased in the liver（P 〈 0.05）. From d5 until d19, villus width and crypt depth increased, whereas PCNA, caspase-3, occludin and claudin-3 protein expressions were reduced. GSH,GSSG and permeability recovered in artificially reared piglets（P 〈 0.05）.Conclusion： The results suggest that artificial rearing altered the morphology, permeability and redox state without compromising piglet performance. The observed effects were not depending on birth weight.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China 2017YFD0500505.
文摘Background:Galacto-oligosaccharides(GOS)have been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets to exert beneficial effects on intestinal function.However,the modulation of intestinal microbiota and intestinal function by GOS in intestinal inflammation injury models has rarely been reported.In this study,we investigated the effects of GOS on the colonic mucosal microbiota composition,barrier function and inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharides(LPS)-challenged suckling piglets.Methods:A total of 18 newborn suckling piglets were divided into three groups,the CON group,the LPS-CON group and the LPS-GOS group.Piglets in the LPS-GOS group were orally fed with 1 g/kg body weight of GOS solution every day.On the d 14,piglets in the LPS-CON and LPS-GOS group were challenged intraperitoneally with LPS solution.All piglets were slaughtered 2 h after intraperitoneal injection and sampled.Results:We found that the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged piglets was significantly injured and shedding,while the colonic mucosa of the LPS-GOS group piglets maintained its structure.Moreover,GOS significantly reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde(MDA)and the activity of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the LPS-challenged suckling piglets,and significantly increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC).GOS significantly increased the relative abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Romboutsia,and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella,Campylobacter and Helicobacter in the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged suckling piglets.In addition,GOS increased the concentrations of acetate,butyrate and total short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in the colonic digesta of LPS-challenged suckling piglets.GOS significantly reduced the concentrations of interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and cluster of differentiation 14(CD14),and the relative mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)and myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88)in the LPS-chall
文摘The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infection in suckling pigs. Nasal swabs were collected from 300 suckling pigs originating from five farrow-to-finishing farms. One farm had a confirmed PRDC problem (farm A) and four other farms previously had a PRDC problem (farms B, C, D and E). Thirty (30) lactating sows in parity 1, 2 and 3 were selected from each farm (Ten sows per parity). Two piglets from each sow were randomly sampled for nasal swab at 3 weeks of age. The samples were analyzed by the nested PCR technique. Forty five per cent (27/60) of nasal swabs from farm A were found positive. On the other hand, a total of 2.08 per cent were found positive (5/240) from farm B, C, D and E. The tendency of piglet infection per sow by parity showed that first parity had more prevalence than the second and the third parity (60%, 55%, 20%), respectively. We have found a correction between M. hyopneumoniae early infection in suckling pigs and a confirmed PRDC problem (farm A) as oppose to farms that did not have a PRDC problem. The strategies to prevent M. hyopneumoniae early infection are to maintain good lactation, antibiotic prevention program and early M. hyopneumoniae
文摘Background:Commercial pre-weaning diets are formulated to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense and contain low levels of dietary fibre.In contrast,pigs in a natural setting are manipulating fibre-rich plant material from a young age.Moreover,dietary fibre affects gastrointestinal tract(GIT)development and health in older pigs.We hypothesised that supplemental diets that contain vegetal fibres are accelerating GIT development in suckling piglets in terms of size and functionality.From d 2 of life,sow-suckled piglets had access to a low fibre diet(CON),a diet with a fermentable long-chain arabinoxylan(lc-AXOS),a diet with a largely non-fermentable purified cellulose(CELL),or a diet containing both fibres.During the initial 2 weeks,the control diet was a high-density milk replacer,followed by a dry and highly digestible creep meal.Upon weaning at 25 d,15 piglets from each treatment group,identified as eaters and originating from six or seven litters,were sacrificed for post-mortem examination of GIT morphology,small intestinal permeability and metabolic profile of the digesta.The microbiota composition of the mid-colon was evaluated in a sub-set of ten piglets.Results:No major statistical interactions between the fibre sources were observed.Piglets consumed the fibrecontaining milk supplements and creep diets well.Stomach size and small intestinal permeability was not affected.Large intestinal fill was increased with lc-AXOS only,while relative large intestinal weight was increased with both fibre sources(P<0.050).Also,CELL decreased ileal pH and tended to increase ileal DM content compared to CON(P<0.050).Moreover,the concentration of volatile fatty acids was increased in the caecum(P<0.100)and midcolon(P<0.050)by addition of CELL.lc-AXOS only stimulated caecal propionate(P<0.050).The microbiota composition showed a high individual variation and limited dietary impact.Nonetheless,CELL induced minor shifts in specific genera,with notable reductions of Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusions:Adding dietary fibres to the
文摘Current study evaluated the effect of a fine and coarsely ground insoluble dietary fibre source on the gastrointestinal development of suckling pigs.Oat hulls(OH)were selected as a model feedstuff,rich in cellulose,lignin,and insoluble dietary fibre.Three experimental supplemental diets were formulated:a finely ground,low fibre and nutrient dense diet served as control(CON).For the 2 high fibre diets,15%heat-treated starch in CON was exchanged with OH,either finely(OH-f)or coarsely ground(OH-c).Litters of 10 primi-and multiparous sows(mean litter size 14.6±0.84)were used.Within a litter,experimental diets were allotted to triplets of 4 piglets.From approximately 12 d of age,piglets’individual feed intakes were recorded 2 times per day when separated from their dam for 70 min.Piglets could suckle with their dam for the remainder of the day.On d 24 and 25,from the total pool of 120 piglets,seven healthy well-eating piglets per treatment were selected for post-mortem evaluation,resulting in 14 replicates per treatment.Consumption of OH-c and OH-f did not impede clinical health and production performance of piglets.The full stomach weights tended to be greater for OH-c compared to OH-f whereas CON was intermediate(P=0.083).Supplementing OH significantly increased ileal villus height and caecal dry matter concentration(P<0.05).For the colon,OH increased its length,contents weight,short-chain fatty acid concentration and reduced total bacterial count as well asγ-proteobacteria count and proportion(P<0.05).The OH-c treatment specifically increased full gastrointestinal tract weight and caecum contents weight compared to piglets fed CON and OH-f.Furthermore,OH-c reduced colonic crypt depth when compared to OH-f(P=0.018).In conclusion,supplementing OH to a diet for suckling piglets exerted subtle developmental effects on gastrointestinal morphology and colonic microbial community.These effects were largely independent from the particle size of the OH.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32130099)the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province (2022RC3060)the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process open fund projects (ISA2020113)。
文摘This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of iron on intestinal epithelium development of suckling piglets. Compared with newborn piglets, 7-day-old and 21-day-old piglets showed changes in the morphology of the jejunum, increased proliferation,differentiated epithelial cells, and expanded enteroids. Intestinal epithelium maturation markers and iron metabolism genes were significantly changed. These results suggest that lactation is a critical stage in intestinal epithelial development, accompanied by changes in iron metabolism. In addition, deferoxamine(DFO) treatment inhibited the activity of intestinal organoids at passage 4(P4) of 0-day-old piglets, but no significant difference was observed in epithelial maturation markers at passage 1(P1) and P4,and only argininosuccinate synthetase 1(Ass1) and β-galactosidase(Gleb) were up-regulated at passage 7(P7). These results in vitro show that iron deficiency may not directly affect intestinal epithelium development through intestinal stem cells(ISCs). The iron supplementation significantly down-regulated the m RNA expression of interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha-2(IL-22RA2)in the jejunum of piglets. Furthermore, the m RNA expression of IL-22 in 7-day-old piglets was significantly higher than that in0-day-old piglets. Adult epithelial markers were significantly up-regulated in organoids treated with recombinant murine cytokine IL-22. Thus, IL-22 may play a key role in iron-affecting intestinal epithelium development.
文摘The maternal behavior in mammals is one of the most stable and highly conserved motivated species-specific behaviors and crucial for reproductive functions. During maternal behavior nursing and feeding are associated factors with survival of mammalian offspring, mammals nurse their newborn in a wide diversity in the behavioral. In the mother relationship the suckling is the behavioral patterns that identified and unified mammals and showed several selected evolutionary conserved behavior. The milk is an important reward for the pups, it ensure the surviving. The quality of maternal behavior is transmitted between generations;the inadequate maternal care has harmful effects in the adulthood individual. The specific maternal pattern modalities differ greatly between species;the human bonding has underlying biological mechanisms similar in mammals. Maternal brain is modified in order to prepare the mother-pup relationship, being crucial for the adequate behavioral display in the mother-pup relationship. A bulk of surrounding factor such as sensorial stimulus, temperature, ultrasonic communication, and reinforcing stimulus determines the quality of the nursing and care of the progeny. Mother care and nursing quality have long lasting effects in adulthood, determining cognitive and behavioral development and some specific psychiatric and psychological condition in human populations.
基金Financial support by Australian Cooperative Research Centre for High Integrity Australian Pork
文摘Background： In this experiment, intermittent suckling（IS） with or without the co-mingling（Co M） of piglets was studied as a method to stimulate solid feed intake and reduce post-weaning stress.Methods： Three weaning regimes using 30 multiparous sows were compared：（1） conventional weaning（CW）（n = 10 litters）, where piglets had continuous access to the sow until weaning（d 0, farrowing = d-25 relative to weaning）;（2） intermittent suckling（IS）（n = 10 litters）, where piglets were separated from the sow for 8 h/d starting at d-7（relative to weaning）; and（3） intermittent suckling with co-mingling（ISCo）（n = 10 litters） where IS started at d-7 and two litters were housed together during separation and then returned to their original sow. Ad libitum creep feed was available from d-17. At weaning pigs were housed in pens of 11 pigs, 27 pens in total. The ISCo treatment was divided in half to examine effects of different mixing strategies after weaning. Half of the ISCo litters were kept in familiar groups（ISCo F, familiar, n = 4） and the other half were mixed within treatment resulting in groups of unfamiliar pigs（ISCo NF, not familiar, n = 5）, the same as IS（n = 9） and CW（n = 9） treatments.Results： The ISCo piglets ate more creep feed in the week before weaning（P 〈 0.01）, but also showed more aggressive and manipulative behaviour on first day of Co M compared with CW piglets（P 〈 0.05）. IS with or without Co M increased exploratory and play behaviour on the first day of treatment intervention（P 〈 0.001） and increased sleeping behaviour on the last day of treatment intervention compared with CW（P 〈 0.001）. Mixing strategy at weaning had an effect on performance data with the highest growth and feed intake seen in ISCo F pigs 2 to 8 d after weaning（P 〈0.001）. IS and ISCo NF pigs also grew faster and ate more than CW pigs 2 to 8 d after weaning（P 〈 0.001）. Post-weaning injury scores suggested reduced aggression in IS
