Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105916
Bernardo dos Santos Pizzatto , Rodrigo Dalmina Rech , Gabriel Antonio Bona , Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi , Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo , Robert Victor Knox , Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
This study evaluated litter equalization with two surplus piglets in primiparous sows and its effects on sow body condition and litter performance. We hypothesized that two surplus piglets would increase the number of weaned piglets without compromising sow body condition. A total of 292 litters were divided into groups G0 (equalization with the same number of piglets and functional teats) and G + 2 (equalization with 2 surplus piglets). Weight, body condition score (BCS), caliper, and backfat thickness of the sows were measured on days 0 and 21 of lactation. Piglets were weighed on days 0, 5, and 21. Sow body weight on days 0 (175.85 ± 0.85 kg; P = 0.97) and 21 of lactation (G0 =165.5 ± 4.7; G + 2 = 163.2 ± 4.7; P = 0.20) did not differ between groups. However, G + 2 group tended (P = 0.06) to have greater loss of weight, BCS, and caliper by day 21 of lactation. G0 sows had -1.84 piglets relative to functional teats at weaning compared to G + 2 sows that had -0.31 piglets relative to functional teats (P < 0.05). Despite the significant difference in the number of weaned piglets (G0 – 13.19 ± 0.47; G + 2 – 14.63 ± 0.47; P < 0.01), group G + 2 tended to have a greater cumulative rate of mortality and removals (16.98 ± 2.93%) G0 (14.92 ± 2.66%; P = 0.06). G + 2 piglets weighed less on days 5 and 21 than in G0 (P < 0.01). Including two surplus piglets per sow at equalization increased weaned piglets without relevant body losses in primiparous sows, but it negatively affected cumulative piglet mortality, removals, and weaning weight.
{"title":"Surplus piglets relative to the number of functional teats in lactating primiparous sows: effects on piglets and sows","authors":"Bernardo dos Santos Pizzatto , Rodrigo Dalmina Rech , Gabriel Antonio Bona , Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi , Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo , Robert Victor Knox , Rafael da Rosa Ulguim","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated litter equalization with two surplus piglets in primiparous sows and its effects on sow body condition and litter performance. We hypothesized that two surplus piglets would increase the number of weaned piglets without compromising sow body condition. A total of 292 litters were divided into groups G0 (equalization with the same number of piglets and functional teats) and <em>G</em> + 2 (equalization with 2 surplus piglets). Weight, body condition score (BCS), caliper, and backfat thickness of the sows were measured on days 0 and 21 of lactation. Piglets were weighed on days 0, 5, and 21. Sow body weight on days 0 (175.85 ± 0.85 kg; <em>P</em> = 0.97) and 21 of lactation (G0 =165.5 ± 4.7; <em>G</em> + 2 = 163.2 ± 4.7; <em>P</em> = 0.20) did not differ between groups. However, <em>G</em> + 2 group tended (<em>P</em> = 0.06) to have greater loss of weight, BCS, and caliper by day 21 of lactation. G0 sows had -1.84 piglets relative to functional teats at weaning compared to <em>G</em> + 2 sows that had -0.31 piglets relative to functional teats (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Despite the significant difference in the number of weaned piglets (G0 – 13.19 ± 0.47; <em>G</em> + 2 – 14.63 ± 0.47; <em>P</em> < 0.01), group <em>G</em> + 2 tended to have a greater cumulative rate of mortality and removals (16.98 ± 2.93%) G0 (14.92 ± 2.66%; <em>P</em> = 0.06). <em>G</em> + 2 piglets weighed less on days 5 and 21 than in G0 (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Including two surplus piglets per sow at equalization increased weaned piglets without relevant body losses in primiparous sows, but it negatively affected cumulative piglet mortality, removals, and weaning weight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 105916"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To examine the potential impact of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves on fatty liver syndrome in Mahuang chickens. A total of 400 healthy Mahuang chickens (female, 42-D-old) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 5 replicates. Each replicate, consisting of a conventional cage (200 × 50 × 40 cm), contained 20 Mahuang chickens. Treatments were as follows: control (basal diet), HD (high-fat diet, 82.5% basal diet + 10% lard + 5% sucrose + 2% pure cholesterol + 0.5% propylthiouracil), HML (high-fat diet with the addition of 10% Moringa oleifera leaves), and HFML (high-fat diet with the addition of 10% Moringa oleifera leaves fermented by Monascus). The experimental period lasted for 3 wk. The study found that HD had increased liver fat content and body weight (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidant contents (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) in serum decreased (P < 0.05), while the serum biochemical indicators (triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase), serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), and serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) increased (P < 0.05). The HML and HFML decreased liver fat accumulation in high-fat diet (P < 0.05). Notably, the efficacy of HFML in reducing hepatic fat was superior to that of HML (P < 0.05). Both the HML and HFML reduced the triglyceride content in the serum of Mahuang chickens fed the high-fat diets (P < 0.05). Although HML did not alter the antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) and anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) properties of Mahuang chickens under high-fat model (P < 0.05), it changed serum amino acids profile. In contrast, HFML enhanced the antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) and anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) properties of Mahuang chickens under high-fat diet model (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that Moringa oleifera leaf fermented by Monascus effectively mitigated fatty liver syndrome in Mahuang chickens and highlighted its potential as a promising nutritional strategy for the treatment and prevention of this condition.
{"title":"Effect of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation on hepatic fat deposition, serum antioxidant capacity, serum inflammatory response, and serum amino acid profiles in Mahuang chickens feed high-fat diets","authors":"Jiahao Zhu, Haibin Deng, Yaotian Fan, Yuechun Ni, Junyi Luo, Ting Chen, Jiajie Sun, Yongliang Zhang, Qianyun Xi","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105917","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105917","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To examine the potential impact of <em>Monascus</em>-fermented <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves on fatty liver syndrome in Mahuang chickens. A total of 400 healthy Mahuang chickens (female, 42-D-old) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 5 replicates. Each replicate, consisting of a conventional cage (200 × 50 × 40 cm), contained 20 Mahuang chickens. Treatments were as follows: control (basal diet), HD (high-fat diet, 82.5% basal diet + 10% lard + 5% sucrose + 2% pure cholesterol + 0.5% propylthiouracil), HML (high-fat diet with the addition of 10% <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves), and HFML (high-fat diet with the addition of 10% <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves fermented <em>by Monascus</em>). The experimental period lasted for 3 wk. The study found that HD had increased liver fat content and body weight (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidant contents (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) in serum decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.05), while the serum biochemical indicators (triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase), serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), and serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) increased (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The HML and HFML decreased liver fat accumulation in high-fat diet (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Notably, the efficacy of HFML in reducing hepatic fat was superior to that of HML (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Both the HML and HFML reduced the triglyceride content in the serum of Mahuang chickens fed the high-fat diets (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Although HML did not alter the antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) and anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) properties of Mahuang chickens under high-fat model (<em>P</em> < 0.05), it changed serum amino acids profile. In contrast, HFML enhanced the antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) and anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) properties of Mahuang chickens under high-fat diet model (<em>P</em> < 0.05). These results demonstrated that <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaf fermented by <em>Monascus</em> effectively mitigated fatty liver syndrome in Mahuang chickens and highlighted its potential as a promising nutritional strategy for the treatment and prevention of this condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 105917"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105915
Leandro Santos e Silva , Mara Lúcia Albuquerque Pereira , George Soares Correia , Fabiano Ferreira da Silva , Omer Cavalcanti Almeida , Lucas Miranda Marques , Manoel Neres Santos Junior , Virgínia Patrícia dos Santos Soares , Ana Paula Gomes da Silva
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mesquite piperidine alkaloid (MPA) extract and monensin (MON), in diets with or without cottonseed (CS), on nutrient and digestible nutrient intake, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, microbial populations, and enzymatic activity in lactating dairy cows. Five crossbred Holstein × Gir cows (½ to ¾ H × Gir), multiparous, averaging 29.5 ± 7.15 kg/d of milk yield, 487 ± 7.25 kg of body weight, and 100 ± 20 d in milk, were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design over a 130-d experimental period. The five dietary treatments were: control (no additive, no CS), MPA (8 mg/kg DM), MON (15 mg/kg DM), MPA+CS, and MON+CS. MPA supplementation increased digestible non-fiber carbohydrate intake (P < 0.01), especially without CS, while the combination of MPA+CS resulted in the highest intake of digestible fiber. Digestible ether extract intake was significantly elevated with CS inclusion (P < 0.01), and digestible crude protein intake tended to be higher in cows receiving MON or MPA without CS. Both MPA and MON without CS reduced serum total cholesterol compared with the control, whereas serum glucose and BHB concentrations remained unaffected. The inclusion of CS increased serum NEFA and reduced BHB, likely due to enhanced hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration increased with CS inclusion, and acetate concentration increased in MPA and MON without CS. Both MPA and MON reduced the relative abundance (%RAb) of Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus bovis, Fibrobacter succinogenes, and methanogenic archaea, while increasing Prevotella ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, and Megasphaera elsdenii. Additionally, MPA decreased %RAb of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and increased Ruminobacter amylophilus. Both additives reduced ruminal cellulase activity measured on filter paper. These findings indicate that supplementation with MPA at 8 mg/kg DM sustains digestible nutrient intake while modulating the rumen microbiome and fermentative activity in a manner comparable to MON. MPA does not impair renal or hepatic function and offers a promising phytogenic alternative to ionophores in sustainable dairy production.
{"title":"Comparative effects of mesquite alkaloid extract and monensin combined with cottonseed on clinical and metabolic parameters, and rumen microbiome of lactating dairy cows","authors":"Leandro Santos e Silva , Mara Lúcia Albuquerque Pereira , George Soares Correia , Fabiano Ferreira da Silva , Omer Cavalcanti Almeida , Lucas Miranda Marques , Manoel Neres Santos Junior , Virgínia Patrícia dos Santos Soares , Ana Paula Gomes da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mesquite piperidine alkaloid (MPA) extract and monensin (MON), in diets with or without cottonseed (CS), on nutrient and digestible nutrient intake, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, microbial populations, and enzymatic activity in lactating dairy cows. Five crossbred Holstein × Gir cows (½ to ¾ <em>H</em> × Gir), multiparous, averaging 29.5 ± 7.15 kg/d of milk yield, 487 ± 7.25 kg of body weight, and 100 ± 20 d in milk, were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design over a 130-d experimental period. The five dietary treatments were: control (no additive, no CS), MPA (8 mg/kg DM), MON (15 mg/kg DM), MPA+CS, and MON+CS. MPA supplementation increased digestible non-fiber carbohydrate intake (<em>P</em> < 0.01), especially without CS, while the combination of MPA+CS resulted in the highest intake of digestible fiber. Digestible ether extract intake was significantly elevated with CS inclusion (<em>P</em> < 0.01), and digestible crude protein intake tended to be higher in cows receiving MON or MPA without CS. Both MPA and MON without CS reduced serum total cholesterol compared with the control, whereas serum glucose and BHB concentrations remained unaffected. The inclusion of CS increased serum NEFA and reduced BHB, likely due to enhanced hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration increased with CS inclusion, and acetate concentration increased in MPA and MON without CS. Both MPA and MON reduced the relative abundance (%RAb) of <em>Ruminococcus albus, Streptococcus bovis, Fibrobacter succinogenes</em>, and methanogenic archaea, while increasing <em>Prevotella ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium</em>, and <em>Megasphaera elsdenii</em>. Additionally, MPA decreased %RAb of <em>Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens</em> and increased <em>Ruminobacter amylophilus</em>. Both additives reduced ruminal cellulase activity measured on filter paper. These findings indicate that supplementation with MPA at 8 mg/kg DM sustains digestible nutrient intake while modulating the rumen microbiome and fermentative activity in a manner comparable to MON. MPA does not impair renal or hepatic function and offers a promising phytogenic alternative to ionophores in sustainable dairy production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"306 ","pages":"Article 105915"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105913
Mathilde Coutant, Juliette Michel, Lene J. Pedersen, Mona L.V. Larsen
Night rest is an important component of animal welfare, which may be compromised by high stocking density in fattening pigs. This study investigated how varying space density, achieved by reducing the number of pigs per pen, affect resting location and proximity to other pigs at night throughout the fattening period. A total of 197 pigs across 18 pens were assigned to one of three treatments: 0.7 m²/pig (0.7 M, 18 pigs per pen), 1.4 m²/pig (1.4 M, 9 pigs per pen), or 2.1 m²/pig (2.1 M, 6 pigs per pen), from 30 kg to ∼110 kg (11 weeks). On weeks 2, 5, and 10, night video recordings (22:00–07:00) were scanned every 10 min to assess the proportion of pigs resting on different floor types (solid, drained, slatted), and proximity to others (alone, close contact, full contact). All treatments showed a similar overall proportion of pigs lying during the night hours of 95 %. However, 0.7 M pigs had a higher probability of resting on the slatted floor (P< 0.01), while 1.4 M and 2.1 M pigs had a higher probability of resting on the solid floor (P< 0.01). 0.7 M pigs also showed more full-contact resting compared to 2.1 M (P< 0.01), while 1.4 M and 2.1 M pigs rested more often without contact by week 10 (P< 0.01). In week 10, 1.4 M pigs rested more on the drained floor and showed more full-contact resting than 2.1 M (P< 0.01). These findings suggest that high stocking densities may hinder pigs’ possibility to rest on the solid floor and limit their capacity to rest alone, potentially compromising welfare.
{"title":"Space density affects resting location and proximity of fattening pigs at night","authors":"Mathilde Coutant, Juliette Michel, Lene J. Pedersen, Mona L.V. Larsen","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105913","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105913","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Night rest is an important component of animal welfare, which may be compromised by high stocking density in fattening pigs. This study investigated how varying space density, achieved by reducing the number of pigs per pen, affect resting location and proximity to other pigs at night throughout the fattening period. A total of 197 pigs across 18 pens were assigned to one of three treatments: 0.7 m²/pig (0.7 M, 18 pigs per pen), 1.4 m²/pig (1.4 M, 9 pigs per pen), or 2.1 m²/pig (2.1 M, 6 pigs per pen), from 30 kg to ∼110 kg (11 weeks). On weeks 2, 5, and 10, night video recordings (22:00–07:00) were scanned every 10 min to assess the proportion of pigs resting on different floor types (solid, drained, slatted), and proximity to others (alone, close contact, full contact). All treatments showed a similar overall proportion of pigs lying during the night hours of 95 %. However, 0.7 M pigs had a higher probability of resting on the slatted floor (<em>P</em>< 0.01), while 1.4 M and 2.1 M pigs had a higher probability of resting on the solid floor (<em>P</em>< 0.01). 0.7 M pigs also showed more full-contact resting compared to 2.1 M (<em>P</em>< 0.01), while 1.4 M and 2.1 M pigs rested more often without contact by week 10 (<em>P</em>< 0.01). In week 10, 1.4 M pigs rested more on the drained floor and showed more full-contact resting than 2.1 M (<em>P</em>< 0.01). These findings suggest that high stocking densities may hinder pigs’ possibility to rest on the solid floor and limit their capacity to rest alone, potentially compromising welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105913"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105900
Sophie C. McKee , John J. Mayer , Stephanie A. Shwiff , Michael J. Bodenchuk
Background and objectives Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are notorious to cattle producers in the United States as causing extensive rooting damage to rangeland, transmitting livestock diseases, and preying on domestic calves. Additionally, while wild pigs are known to consume pasture/rangeland forage, the direct impact of that behavior on commercial cattle productivity remains unquantified. This study aimed to calculate wild pig Animal Unit (AU) equivalents, enabling domestic cattle producers to evaluate competition risk of wild pigs for grazing forage resources on their lands.
Data collection Biomass data (in lbs.) for this calculation was drawn from a dataset of 12,257 wild pigs harvested during control efforts at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina.
Research methods After reviewing seven studies on wild pig diets in the U.S., a dietary overlap was calculated to determine the percentage of food wild pigs and cattle both consume. We then calculated AU equivalents for wild pigs using two approaches: population size and density. The projected lost market value for beef steers on various sized properties was also calculated.
Results We estimated the average dietary overlap of forage resources between wild pigs and domestic cattle at 50.3%. We determined that 1,498 lbs. of wild pig biomass equal 1 AU, which amounts to 17.7 wild pigs per one AU.
Contributions Using our estimated wild pig AUs equivalents for specific rangeland, producers can make informed management decisions about controlling these invasive competitors. Such decisions will largely depend on property size and local wild pig population density.
{"title":"Invasive wild pigs represent a competitive threat to domestic cattle forage","authors":"Sophie C. McKee , John J. Mayer , Stephanie A. Shwiff , Michael J. Bodenchuk","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105900","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105900","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>Background and objectives</strong> Wild pigs (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) are notorious to cattle producers in the United States as causing extensive rooting damage to rangeland, transmitting livestock diseases, and preying on domestic calves. Additionally, while wild pigs are known to consume pasture/rangeland forage, the direct impact of that behavior on commercial cattle productivity remains unquantified. This study aimed to calculate wild pig Animal Unit (AU) equivalents, enabling domestic cattle producers to evaluate competition risk of wild pigs for grazing forage resources on their lands.</div><div><strong>Data collection</strong> Biomass data (in lbs.) for this calculation was drawn from a dataset of 12,257 wild pigs harvested during control efforts at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina.</div><div><strong>Research methods</strong> After reviewing seven studies on wild pig diets in the U.S., a dietary overlap was calculated to determine the percentage of food wild pigs and cattle both consume. We then calculated AU equivalents for wild pigs using two approaches: population size and density. The projected lost market value for beef steers on various sized properties was also calculated.</div><div><strong>Results</strong> We estimated the average dietary overlap of forage resources between wild pigs and domestic cattle at 50.3%. We determined that 1,498 lbs. of wild pig biomass equal 1 AU, which amounts to 17.7 wild pigs per one AU.</div><div><strong>Contributions</strong> Using our estimated wild pig AUs equivalents for specific rangeland, producers can make informed management decisions about controlling these invasive competitors. Such decisions will largely depend on property size and local wild pig population density.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105900"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146081267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105899
Thivhilaheli Richard Netshirovha , Arnold Tapera Kanengoni , Michael Chimonyo
This study investigated selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) supplementation effects on epididymal spermatozoa quality in indigenous Kolbroek and commercial Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) boars. Forty-eight boars, 8 months old at evaluation, were allocated to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two Se levels (0.26 vs 0.65 mg/kg), two Zn levels (35 vs 74 mg/kg), and two genotypes over 16 weeks. Epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated for concentration, morphology, motility, mineral composition, and oxidative stress markers. The LW × LR boars achieved greater progressive motility with high Se+Zn supplementation (61.8%) versus low supplementation (39.5%; Cohen's d = 1.39), while Kolbroek boars performed optimally under low Se+Zn conditions (43.9% vs 39.7%; Cohen's d = -0.24). Treatment responsiveness was 5.4-fold greater in LW × LR (22.3% range) than Kolbroek (4.1% range). Significant genotype × treatment interactions occurred for live spermatozoa (P < 0.05) and sperm concentration (Se effect: P < 0.05). Sperm concentration showed the largest effect size (Cohen's d = 1.28) with antagonistic Se × Zn interaction tendencies (P = 0.069). Kolbroek boars demonstrated superior mineral retention (23.9% higher selenium) and genotype-dependent oxidative responses. Selenium reduced malondialdehyde by 7.1% in Kolbroek but minimally affected LW × LR, while zinc increased oxidative stress by 14.7% in LW × LR with negligible Kolbroek impact. These findings challenge universal supplementation protocols, showing that indigenous and commercial breeds require different strategies to optimize reproductive performance. The results support implementing breed-specific precision nutrition in pig breeding programs to enhance reproductive efficiency and lower costs.
本试验研究了饲粮中硒（Se）和锌（Zn）对本地Kolbroek公猪和市售LW × LR公猪附睾精子质量的影响。试验选用48头8月龄公猪，采用2 × 2 × 2因子设计，在16周内采用2种硒水平（0.26 vs 0.65 mg/kg）、2种锌水平（35 vs 74 mg/kg）和2种基因型。对附睾精子的浓度、形态、活力、矿物成分和氧化应激标志物进行评价。LW × LR公猪在高硒锌添加量（61.8%）比低硒锌添加量（39.5%,Cohen’s d = 1.39）下具有更大的进进运动能力，而Kolbroek公猪在低硒锌添加量（43.9%比39.7%,Cohen’s d = -0.24）下表现最佳。LW × LR的治疗反应性（22.3%范围）比Kolbroek（4.1%范围）高5.4倍。活精子（P < 0.05）和精子浓度（Se效应：P <； 0.05）存在显著的基因型与处理交互作用。精子浓度与Se × Zn拮抗相互作用趋势的效应最大（Cohen’s d = 1.28） （P = 0.069）。Kolbroek公猪表现出优异的矿物质保留能力（硒含量高出23.9%）和基因型依赖的氧化反应。硒降低了Kolbroek的丙二醛7.1%，但对LW × LR的影响最小；锌增加了LW × LR的氧化应激14.7%，但对Kolbroek的影响可以忽略不计。这些发现挑战了普遍的补充方案，表明本地和商业品种需要不同的策略来优化繁殖性能。研究结果支持在猪育种计划中实施特定品种的精确营养，以提高繁殖效率和降低成本。
{"title":"Effects of selenium and zinc supplementation on epididymal spermatozoa quality in indigenous Kolbroek and Large White boars","authors":"Thivhilaheli Richard Netshirovha , Arnold Tapera Kanengoni , Michael Chimonyo","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) supplementation effects on epididymal spermatozoa quality in indigenous Kolbroek and commercial Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) boars. Forty-eight boars, 8 months old at evaluation, were allocated to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two Se levels (0.26 vs 0.65 mg/kg), two Zn levels (35 vs 74 mg/kg), and two genotypes over 16 weeks. Epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated for concentration, morphology, motility, mineral composition, and oxidative stress markers. The LW × LR boars achieved greater progressive motility with high Se+Zn supplementation (61.8%) versus low supplementation (39.5%; Cohen's d = 1.39), while Kolbroek boars performed optimally under low Se+Zn conditions (43.9% vs 39.7%; Cohen's d = -0.24). Treatment responsiveness was 5.4-fold greater in LW × LR (22.3% range) than Kolbroek (4.1% range). Significant genotype × treatment interactions occurred for live spermatozoa (P < 0.05) and sperm concentration (Se effect: P < 0.05). Sperm concentration showed the largest effect size (Cohen's d = 1.28) with antagonistic Se × Zn interaction tendencies (P = 0.069). Kolbroek boars demonstrated superior mineral retention (23.9% higher selenium) and genotype-dependent oxidative responses. Selenium reduced malondialdehyde by 7.1% in Kolbroek but minimally affected LW × LR, while zinc increased oxidative stress by 14.7% in LW × LR with negligible Kolbroek impact. These findings challenge universal supplementation protocols, showing that indigenous and commercial breeds require different strategies to optimize reproductive performance. The results support implementing breed-specific precision nutrition in pig breeding programs to enhance reproductive efficiency and lower costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105899"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105914
E. Selmi , C. Negrini , A.T. Vincent , M.-P. Létourneau-Montminy , L.Lo Verso , F. Guay
The study conducted to evaluate the effects of high ZnO supplementation and lignocellulose fiber on microbiota, fecal inflammatory markers, and growth performance in weaned pigs. A total of 30 pens, each housing 5 piglets (6.39 ± 0.12 kg), were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (10 experimental unit per treatment): control (CON, 150 mg Zn/kg), ZO (CON + 2500 mg Zn/kg), and LIGCEL (CON + 3 % lignocellulose). The experimental diets (phase 1) were given for 14 d, followed by common diets in phases 2 and 3 for 2 additional 14-d periods. Growth performance was assessed, along with blood samples to analyze d-lactate, diamine oxidase (DAO), and fecal samples to calprotectin, neopterin, and microbiota composition. Blood and fecal samples were collected on d 7 and 14, and the effect of sampling time was evaluated. During phase 1, piglets in the ZO treatment showed a greater average daily gain and average daily feed intake compared to the CON treatment (P< 0.05), while LIGCEL had intermediate values. Gain-to-feed ratio was greater for both ZO and LIGCEL compared to CON (P= 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). In phase 2, gain-to-feed ratio was lower for ZO and LIGCEL treatments compared to CON (P= 0.008 and 0.049, respectively), while no differences were observed in phase 3. Across the overall experiment, average daily gain was greater in the ZO treatment compared to CON (P= 0.014), with LIGCEL showing intermediate value. Blood d-lactate concentrations decreased while DAO increased from d 7 to 14 (P= 0.001), with greater fecal DAO values in ZO treatment (P= 0.001). Neopterin was greater in ZO piglets only on d 14 (time × treatment, P= 0.010), while calprotectin decreased over time (P < 0.001) but was unaffected by treatment. Microbiota analysis revealed that diet influenced the variation in microbial diversity, as estimated by beta diversity (R² = 0.20, P= 0.001). Lignocellulose treatment increased the abundance of Lactobacillaceae, ZO increased Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae (Padj < 0.001). Both ZO and LIGCEL improved growth performance and positively affected the microbiota, indicating that lignocellulose fiber may represent a potential alternative to high ZnO concentration in weaned pig diets.
{"title":"Impact of high zinc oxide or lignocellulose supplement on fecal microbiota and growth performance of weaned pigs","authors":"E. Selmi , C. Negrini , A.T. Vincent , M.-P. Létourneau-Montminy , L.Lo Verso , F. Guay","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study conducted to evaluate the effects of high ZnO supplementation and lignocellulose fiber on microbiota, fecal inflammatory markers, and growth performance in weaned pigs. A total of 30 pens, each housing 5 piglets (6.39 ± 0.12 kg), were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments (10 experimental unit per treatment): control (CON, 150 mg Zn/kg), ZO (CON + 2500 mg Zn/kg), and LIGCEL (CON + 3 % lignocellulose). The experimental diets (phase 1) were given for 14 d, followed by common diets in phases 2 and 3 for 2 additional 14-d periods. Growth performance was assessed, along with blood samples to analyze <span>d</span>-lactate, diamine oxidase (DAO), and fecal samples to calprotectin, neopterin, and microbiota composition. Blood and fecal samples were collected on d 7 and 14, and the effect of sampling time was evaluated. During phase 1, piglets in the ZO treatment showed a greater average daily gain and average daily feed intake compared to the CON treatment (<em>P</em>< 0.05), while LIGCEL had intermediate values. Gain-to-feed ratio was greater for both ZO and LIGCEL compared to CON (<em>P</em>= 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). In phase 2, gain-to-feed ratio was lower for ZO and LIGCEL treatments compared to CON (<em>P</em>= 0.008 and 0.049, respectively), while no differences were observed in phase 3. Across the overall experiment, average daily gain was greater in the ZO treatment compared to CON (<em>P</em>= 0.014), with LIGCEL showing intermediate value. Blood <span>d</span>-lactate concentrations decreased while DAO increased from d 7 to 14 (<em>P</em>= 0.001), with greater fecal DAO values in ZO treatment (<em>P</em>= 0.001). Neopterin was greater in ZO piglets only on d 14 (time × treatment, <em>P</em>= 0.010), while calprotectin decreased over time (<em>P</em> < 0.001) but was unaffected by treatment. Microbiota analysis revealed that diet influenced the variation in microbial diversity, as estimated by beta diversity (R² = 0.20, <em>P</em>= 0.001). Lignocellulose treatment increased the abundance of <em>Lactobacillaceae,</em> ZO increased <em>Lachnospiraceae</em> and <em>Prevotellaceae</em> (<em>P</em><sub>adj</sub> < 0.001). Both ZO and LIGCEL improved growth performance and positively affected the microbiota, indicating that lignocellulose fiber may represent a potential alternative to high ZnO concentration in weaned pig diets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105914"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current pig production systems rely on compound feeds with high densities of energy and nutrients to optimize production performance. Several challenges are associated with those feeding practices, which are mainly based on processed cereals, grain legumes, and oil seeds. Compound feeds are often presented in forms that can inhibit natural feeding behavior and impede gut health, both having negative effects on pig welfare. Furthermore, feeding pigs with products, which could also be used directly for human nutrition, is criticized to increase the competition with food in terms of available calories, proteins and arable land. Human-inedible forages and pasture play a marginal role in the nutrition of pigs, and are mainly found in organic production systems. However, there are studies indicating that feeding forages can improve animal welfare and contribute to the nutrition of pigs. The aim of this review article is to summarize the effects of forage feeding and grazing from available studies on pig behavior, animal welfare, production performance, product quality, and the environment and shed light on the possible contribution of forages and pasture to the nutrient supply in the nutrition of pigs.
{"title":"Impact of forage feeding and grazing on behavior, health, and performance of pigs","authors":"Fenja Klevenhusen , Konstanze Hott , Julika Wiskandt , Stephanie Witten","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105901","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105901","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Current pig production systems rely on compound feeds with high densities of energy and nutrients to optimize production performance. Several challenges are associated with those feeding practices, which are mainly based on processed cereals, grain legumes, and oil seeds. Compound feeds are often presented in forms that can inhibit natural feeding behavior and impede gut health, both having negative effects on pig welfare. Furthermore, feeding pigs with products, which could also be used directly for human nutrition, is criticized to increase the competition with food in terms of available calories, proteins and arable land. Human-inedible forages and pasture play a marginal role in the nutrition of pigs, and are mainly found in organic production systems. However, there are studies indicating that feeding forages can improve animal welfare and contribute to the nutrition of pigs. The aim of this review article is to summarize the effects of forage feeding and grazing from available studies on pig behavior, animal welfare, production performance, product quality, and the environment and shed light on the possible contribution of forages and pasture to the nutrient supply in the nutrition of pigs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105901"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105903
Zsolt Szendrő
Aggression is a common form of behavior in animals living in groups, including wild rabbits. Animal welfare is a central issue in rabbit farming, including reducing aggressive behavior, stress and injuries. Although experiments on rabbit behavior and improvements in housing conditions have been ongoing for decades, the animal protection movements, often based on emotional grounds, have emerged as a new challenge. The purpose of this review is to present the knowledge gained in this field to researchers, farmers, and animal protectionists. In domestic rabbits, aggression begins at puberty. In a larger group of growing rabbits, more individuals are injured; however, providing chewable materials (e.g., gnawing sticks) significantly reduces aggressive behavior. When does are housed in groups, aggression has been an insoluble problem so far. If females are housed together continuously, their lifespan is shortened due to chronic stress, and many kits are injured, and several die due to the aggressive behavior of does. The part-time group-housing system was developed to eliminate this problem. Usually, 18 days after birth, the does and their offspring are in a common group. Fighting occurs when groups are formed, and 40–80% of the does are injured. None of the methods tested to reduce this problem (grouping at a young age, elevated platforms, wooden panel, PVC pipe, straw rack, and alfalfa block) has been effective. Currently, there is no better solution for animal welfare than individual housing of does.
{"title":"Aggressive behaviors in rabbits. A review","authors":"Zsolt Szendrő","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aggression is a common form of behavior in animals living in groups, including wild rabbits. Animal welfare is a central issue in rabbit farming, including reducing aggressive behavior, stress and injuries. Although experiments on rabbit behavior and improvements in housing conditions have been ongoing for decades, the animal protection movements, often based on emotional grounds, have emerged as a new challenge. The purpose of this review is to present the knowledge gained in this field to researchers, farmers, and animal protectionists. In domestic rabbits, aggression begins at puberty. In a larger group of growing rabbits, more individuals are injured; however, providing chewable materials (e.g., gnawing sticks) significantly reduces aggressive behavior. When does are housed in groups, aggression has been an insoluble problem so far. If females are housed together continuously, their lifespan is shortened due to chronic stress, and many kits are injured, and several die due to the aggressive behavior of does. The part-time group-housing system was developed to eliminate this problem. Usually, 18 days after birth, the does and their offspring are in a common group. Fighting occurs when groups are formed, and 40–80% of the does are injured. None of the methods tested to reduce this problem (grouping at a young age, elevated platforms, wooden panel, PVC pipe, straw rack, and alfalfa block) has been effective. Currently, there is no better solution for animal welfare than individual housing of does.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105903"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105902
N. Chaiwang , C. Lumsangkul , K. Sringarm , P. Setthaya , A. Satsook , P. Kaewtui , K. Huanhong , C. Arjin
This study investigated the effects of Caesalpinia sappan extract (CSE) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and physiological responses in Thai native crossbred chickens. A total of 450 male chickens (21 d old) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments with CSE at 0, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg. Each treatment had 6 replicate pens, each containing 15 Thai native crossbred chickens. It was found that, CSE had no significant impact on growth performance and carcass traits, although hot carcass weight exhibited a quadratic response with the greatest value at 250 mg/kg. Breast percentage decreased linearly with increasing CSE inclusion rates, while spleen proportion differed among treatments. The supplementation of CSE markedly affected meat quality in both breast and thigh muscles. In breast muscle, fat content decreased with increasing CSE, while protein showed a quadratic increase, peaking at 500 mg/kg. improvements in moisture content, pH, and color values (redness, yellowness) were observed at moderate values, however, further increases led to higher shear force and gilling loss. In thigh muscle, similar trends were observed with reduced fat, greater moisture, and quadratic responses in protein and pH. Moderate supplementation enhanced color stability and water-holding traits, but excessive CSE increased shear force and cooking loss. Lipid oxidation in thigh muscles was significantly reduced at D 0 and 3 of storage in CSE-supplemented treatments. Additionally, antioxidant gene expression (superoxide dismutase; SOD and catalase; CAT) was upregulated, especially in the CSE125 treatment, and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression increased, while pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was suppressed (P < 0.05). Supplementation with CSE increased villus height and villus to crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum (P<0.05). These findings indicate that CSE can be used as a functional feed additive to improve meat quality, antioxidant status, and gut health in poultry.
{"title":"Implications of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. extract supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant and immune-related gene expression in Thai native crossbred chickens","authors":"N. Chaiwang , C. Lumsangkul , K. Sringarm , P. Setthaya , A. Satsook , P. Kaewtui , K. Huanhong , C. Arjin","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2026.105902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of <em>Caesalpinia sappan</em> extract (CSE) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and physiological responses in Thai native crossbred chickens. A total of 450 male chickens (21 d old) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments with CSE at 0, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg. Each treatment had 6 replicate pens, each containing 15 Thai native crossbred chickens. It was found that, CSE had no significant impact on growth performance and carcass traits, although hot carcass weight exhibited a quadratic response with the greatest value at 250 mg/kg. Breast percentage decreased linearly with increasing CSE inclusion rates, while spleen proportion differed among treatments. The supplementation of CSE markedly affected meat quality in both breast and thigh muscles. In breast muscle, fat content decreased with increasing CSE, while protein showed a quadratic increase, peaking at 500 mg/kg. improvements in moisture content, pH, and color values (redness, yellowness) were observed at moderate values, however, further increases led to higher shear force and gilling loss. In thigh muscle, similar trends were observed with reduced fat, greater moisture, and quadratic responses in protein and pH. Moderate supplementation enhanced color stability and water-holding traits, but excessive CSE increased shear force and cooking loss. Lipid oxidation in thigh muscles was significantly reduced at D 0 and 3 of storage in CSE-supplemented treatments. Additionally, antioxidant gene expression (superoxide dismutase; SOD and catalase; CAT) was upregulated, especially in the CSE125 treatment, and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression increased, while pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was suppressed (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Supplementation with CSE increased villus height and villus to crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum (<em>P</em><0.05). These findings indicate that CSE can be used as a functional feed additive to improve meat quality, antioxidant status, and gut health in poultry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"305 ","pages":"Article 105902"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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