Search Results (124)

Confirmed porcine sapovirus (PoSaV) infection in young pigs have been increasing in swine farms; however, studies evaluating strategies to control PoSaV under field conditions remain scarce. In a commercial farm, one group of pregnant sows and gilts (n = 13 sows and 2 gilts) were vaccinated intramuscularly twice with an RNA particle vaccine containing the PoSaV VP1 gene, while the other group served as non-vaccinated controls. We evaluated the viral neutralizing (VN) antibodies in colostrum and milk collected at 1, 2, and 3 weeks post-farrowing. Fecal PoSaV shedding in 2-week- and 3-week-old piglets from both groups was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Body weight was measured at birth and 3 weeks of age when piglets were weaned. The vaccination group had higher VN antibody titers than the non-vaccinated group in colostrum and milk samples, with significance for colostrum and milk samples at 1-week post-farrowing. The colostrum and milk samples from both groups contained high VN antibody titers (>10^3.5 VNT₅₀/mL) and remained high for at least three weeks, suggesting previous exposure to PoSaV. Corresponding to these high VN titers, all piglets were negative for PoSaV and had similar body weights at birth and 3 weeks of age. Future vaccination-challenge studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy of this vaccine. Full article

Early pregnancy diagnosis is a key component of reproductive management in swine production systems. Accurate identification of pregnant and non-pregnant sows within the first 30 days after insemination allows timely reproductive decisions and reduces non-productive days. The present systematic review evaluates the diagnostic efficiency of ultrasonographic and progesterone-based methods used for early detection of pregnancy in sows. A structured literature search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Statement guidelines, using major scientific databases. Studies evaluating pregnancy diagnosis in sows within the first 30 days after insemination were included. Diagnostic approaches were analyzed with respect to methodological design, timing of examination, biological sample matrix, and reported indicators of diagnostic accuracy. Ultrasonographic techniques have evolved from early acoustic detection in A-mode to real-time imaging in B-mode and more recently algorithm-assisted interpretation of ultrasound images. Real-time ultrasonography allows direct visualization of gestational structures; in one study, diagnostic accuracy above 95% was reported after approximately 23–24 days of pregnancy under optimal examination conditions. Progesterone-based analyses evaluate luteal endocrine activity and are particularly useful for early identification of non-pregnant animals after luteolysis. The diagnostic efficiency of hormonal assays depends strongly on the timing of sampling and the biological matrix used for analysis, including plasma, serum, dried blood spots, saliva, or feces. The comparative analysis shows that ultrasonography provides morphological confirmation of pregnancy, whereas progesterone analyses serve mainly as functional indicators of luteal activity. These methods play complementary roles in reproductive management. Ultrasonography remains the most reliable method for confirming pregnancy, while progesterone-based analyses are valuable tools for early reproductive screening and identification of non-pregnant sows. Full article

The conventional window for ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis in sows is 22–25 days post-insemination, which often results in missed opportunities for the optimal re-insemination of non-pregnant sows and elevated production costs. This present study aimed to establish an early pregnancy detection method for sows at 12–18 days post-insemination, thereby providing a reference for efficient reproductive management. Saliva, urine and vaginal secretions were collected from sows during this period, and seven metabolites were quantified. Seven machine learning models were employed for data analysis, after which the optimal combination was determined, and the detection protocol was refined using recursive feature elimination. The results revealed that the majority of metabolites in saliva and urine differed significantly between pregnant and non-pregnant groups (p < 0.05). Among the models evaluated, the random forest algorithm exhibited the best predictive performance, with accuracy ranging from 0.59 to 1.00. Saliva sampled at 17 days post-insemination was identified as the optimal diagnostic medium, and 100% prediction accuracy was achieved by measuring only three metabolites: Glc, Ste, and Xan. The diagnostic approach established in this study allows pregnancy detection 5–8 days earlier than conventional methods, with the additional benefits of non-invasive sampling and minimal stress to sows. Accordingly, it provides a novel reference for enhancing the efficiency of swine production. Full article

The slaughter of pregnant pigs raises legal, ethical, and animal welfare concerns in pig production. Relevant information for this overview was compiled from research identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using defined combinations of search terms related to pregnancy, slaughter of sows, fetal age, gestational stage, and prevalence. No lower time limit for publication year was predefined; publications published up to 2025 were considered. Regulations vary widely between countries, with some specifying clear restrictions for animals in late gestation, while many provide no stage-specific limits. Reasons for culling include economic pressures, management practices such as unrecognized pregnancies and mixed-sex housing, and health or welfare issues. In Europe, the prevalence of sows being pregnant at slaughter ranges from 1.5% to 13%, with most fetuses being in the first or second trimester and a small proportion in the final trimester. In Africa, prevalence is higher and more variable, ranging from 9% to 36.14%, with a larger share of fetuses in mid to late gestation. Data from America is limited, reporting prevalences between 5.9% and 13.5%. The comparability of prevalence estimates is limited due to high heterogeneity and differences in study design. Fetal age can be assessed using metric or non-metric methods, applied either postmortem or in vivo (for example, ultrasonography). Variations in study design, methodology, and population characteristics restrict direct comparability. For legal enforcement and veterinary inspection, reliable fetal age assessment is important, and updated fetometric reference values could contribute to a more consistent interpretation of fetal age. Full article

Bacillus subtilis is aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, its spores germinate and colonize the gut, inhibiting the growth of harmful aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus). However, it remains unclear whether B. subtilis can inhibit Clostridium perfringens type A infection. In this study, B. subtilis PB6 was added to the diets of pregnant sows infected with Clostridium perfringens type A, which significantly improved the reproductive performance and reduced the incidence of bloat in sows and diarrhea in neonatal piglets. The treatment significantly increased the abundance of intestinal probiotics (B. subtilis, Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Lactobacillus reuteri) in sows and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium perfringens type A after feeding B. subtilis administration. These probiotics can repair the intestinal tissue and improve intestinal histomorphology, and enhance the expression of MUC2 and sIgA in sows, thereby further strengthening the mucosal immune function. B. subtilis can also reduce the levels of inflammatory factors (CRP, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) and attenuate the inflammatory response in sows and neonatal piglets. Taken together, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with B. subtilis PB6 could reduce bloat in sows and diarrhea in piglets while improving intestinal barrier function and microbial balance in sows. Full article

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role in fetal development and metabolic programming. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA n-3), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to influence mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism. The present preliminary study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal omega-3 supplementation on mitochondrial bioenergetics in neonatal piglets. Pregnant sows were supplemented with either fish oil or algal oil rich in LC-PUFA n-3 (long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) throughout gestation. Liver samples were collected from newborn piglets immediately after birth, and mitochondrial respiratory parameters, oxygen consumption rates, and selected oxidative stress markers were analyzed. The results indicated that maternal omega-3 supplementation was associated with improved mitochondrial respiratory parameters and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation efficiency in neonatal liver tissue. Both fish oil and algal oil supplementation showed similar trends in improving mitochondrial bioenergetic function. Although the study was exploratory and conducted on a limited number of animals, the findings suggest that maternal intake of LC-PUFA n-3 may influence mitochondrial metabolism in offspring. Further studies with larger experimental groups are required to confirm these observations and to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that causes severe economic losses in the global swine industry. Since its introduction to Vietnam in 2019, ASFV has evolved rapidly, with genotype II strains dominating initially and recombinant I/II variants emerging by 2023. Live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) have been developed and commercialized in Vietnam, including ASFV-G-ΔI177L, ASFV-G-ΔI177L/ΔLVR, and ASFV-G-ΔMGF, which confer homologous immune protection. Despite this, LAVs face challenges related to genetic stability, impossible protection against emerging recombinant strains, potential reversion to virulence, viral shedding, and safety in pregnant sows. ASFV’s ongoing evolution underscores the need for continuous genomic surveillance, evaluation of cross-protective efficacy, and implementation of biosecurity and DIVA strategies focused more on evaluating vaccine efficacy than safety. This review summarizes the current molecular epidemiology of ASFV in Vietnam after vaccines were licensed for use, the development and performance of commercial LAVs, and the practical challenges of their application in endemic settings, and provides insights for informed vaccine deployment and integrated ASF control strategies in rapidly evolving viral landscapes. Full article

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in hindgut health and nutrient utilization in monogastric animals. Alfalfa fiber meal (AFM) was rich in essential vitamins and minerals as a valuable nutritional supplement. In this study, an in vitro fermentation model was established using fecal microbiota from pregnant sows as the inoculum to evaluate the effects of different supplementation levels of alfalfa fiber powder (AFM) on fermentation metabolites and microbial community composition, with particular attention to interactions between the microbiota and metabolites. Fecal inocula from healthy sows were fermented with AFM at three inclusion levels: low (LAFM: 50 mg), medium (MAFM: 100 mg), and high (HAFM: 200 mg). Fermentation samples were collected at 8, 12, 24, and 36 h for analysis of gas production and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) concentrations. Microbial community composition was characterized at 36 h, followed by correlation analysis between dominant genera and fermentation parameters. The results showed that total gas and hydrogen production increased significantly with both AFM level and time, while hydrogen sulfide decreased across all treatments. Methane production rose in the early stages and remained elevated only in the high-AFM group. AFM supplementation promoted the production of total and individual short-chain fatty acids in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Microbial analysis revealed reduced Fusobacterium and increased Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Collinsella, with high AFM further enriching Prevotella and Megasphaera. Positive correlations were observed between SCFA production and Collinsella, Prevotella, and Olsenella, whereas hydrogen sulfide correlated negatively with Prevotella and Sharpea. AFM effectively improved gut microbial composition and fermentation efficiency, with 100 mg identified as a more balanced level of fermentation additive supplementation for pregnant sows under in vitro conditions. Full article

The detection rate of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus type 1 (PRRSV-1) in China has been increasing, with its growing genetic diversity and evolving pathogenicity posing significant challenges to disease control. In this study, a novel PRRSV-1 strain, designated GD18-2, was identified from a pig farm in Guangdong Province that experienced an outbreak despite vaccination with a PRRSV-2 vaccine. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that the GD18-2 strain possesses a genome length of 14,932 bp and exhibits 81.4% to 83.9% nucleotide identity with classical PRRSV-1 strains. Phylogenetic analyses based on both the complete genome and the ORF5 gene indicated that GD18-2 belongs to a distinct, new lineage. A unique amino acid deletion (positions 306–357) was identified in the non-structural protein Nsp2, along with specific mutations within the hypervariable regions of the structural proteins GP3 and GP4. Pathogenicity assessment demonstrated that GD18-2 induced fever, respiratory symptoms, and mortality in piglets. In pregnant sows, it caused reproductive failure (abortion, stillbirth, weak piglets) and was capable of vertical transmission via the placenta. This study highlights the emergence of a PRRSV-1 strain with a unique genetic background and high pathogenicity in southern China, underscoring the necessity for enhanced molecular epidemiological surveillance and updated control strategies. Recombination analysis using RDP4 revealed no significant recombination events in GD18-2. Full article

The slaughter of pregnant sows remains a relevant concern in modern swine production, with prevalence rates reported from 1.5–13% in Europe. Considering fetal sensitivity during late gestation and legal restrictions on transport and slaughter, reliable assessment of fetal age is of considerable practical, ethical, and legal relevance. In this study, 70 pregnancies from low-prolificacy (purebred German Saddleback) and medium-to-high prolificacy genotypes (purebred German Landrace and Duroc × German Landrace hybrids) were repeatedly examined using transabdominal ultrasonography, with a total of 15 examinations per pregnancy. Seven fetometric parameters—rosto-occipital distance, bi-parietal distance, orbital distance, sternum length, thorax diameter, body diameter, and crown–rump length—were measured in vivo, assessing two fetuses per pregnancy and calculating mean values to account for intra-individual variation. Parameter feasibility varied across gestation: during early gestation (gestation days 38 and 40), orbital distance, sternum length, and crown–rump length could be reliably measured; in mid-gestation, all seven parameters were measurable, whereas in late gestation (from gestational day 87 onward), crown–rump length was no longer measurable, and the remaining six parameters remained assessable for gestational age estimation. Crown–rump length (CRL) increased from a median of 3.2 cm (range 1.9–4.2 cm) at day 38 to 16.3 cm (range 14.0–18.2 cm) at day 77, representing the most practical parameter for determining the stage of gestation. Litter size had no significant effect on fetometric growth, except for a weak correlation with thorax diameter at day 77, and parity showed no measurable influence on any parameter. The results show that fetometric values in modern sow genotypes are smaller than those reported in earlier literature, highlighting the need for updated gestational age assessment. These findings provide practical guidance for gestational age estimation, supporting the enforcement of animal welfare legislation and potentially contributing to a reduction in the slaughter of highly pregnant sows. Full article

Body weight and size are critical indicators of sow health and reproductive performance. Traditional manual measurement methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also induce stress in sows. To address these limitations, we propose an innovative method for estimating sow body weight and size using 3D point cloud data. Our method began by obtaining point cloud data from depth images captured by an Intel^® RealSense™ D455 camera. First, we used a KPConv segmentation model with a deformable kernel to extract the sow‘s back. The resulting back point cloud then served as the input to a novel dual-branch, multi-output regression model named DbmoNet, which integrates features from both location and feature spaces. We evaluated the method on 2400 samples from three breeds during non-pregnant periods. The KPConv model demonstrated excellent performance, achieving an overall segmentation accuracy (OA) of 99.54%. The proposed DbmoNet model outperformed existing benchmarks, achieving mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of 3.74% for body weight (BW), 3.97% for chest width (CW), 3.33% for hip width (HW), 3.82% for body length (BL), 1.94% for chest height (CH), and 2.43% for hip height (HH). Therefore, this method provides an accurate and efficient tool for non-contact body condition monitoring in intensive sow production. Full article

Milk carnitine content decreases quickly with lactation days and is accompanied by PPARα downregulation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the maternal supplementation of the PPARα agonist, clofibrate, on milk carnitine content and carnitine status in neonates during lactation. Pregnant sows (n = 27) were fed diets containing either 0, 0.25, or 0.5% clofibrate from d107 gestation to d7 of lactation. Carnitines were determined in milk on d1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 19 post farrowing and in the plasma, intestine, and liver of piglets on d1, 7, 14, and 19. Milk carnitine decreased quadratically with lactation days (p < 0.0001). Hepatic and intestinal carnitines increased with postnatal age (p < 0.05). Correlations between levels were detected between milk and plasma (R² = 0.5, p < 0.0001) and milk and intestine (R² = 0.23; p < 0.05). Clofibrate increased BBH expression (p < 0.05) and tended to increase OCTN2 expression (p = 0.055) in intestine and TMLH in liver (p = 0.059). Hepatic ALD and TMLH increased (p < 0.0005) with postnatal age. However, gene modification had no effect on plasma and mucosa carnitine concentrations. We conclude that changes in carnitines within plasma and mucosa are mostly driven by milk carnitines during postnatal development. Full article

In pig production, oxidative stress in the placentas of pregnant sows is one of the most important factors affecting reproductive performance. Superoxide dismutase SOD2 is a critical component of the antioxidant system and determines the antioxidant capacity of cells. The expression of the SOD2 gene is reportedly regulated by DNA methylation. At present, there are abundant reports on the function and structure of SOD2, but how DNA methylation affects the expression of SOD2 in pigs is still unclear. In this study, we identified the core promoters of SOD2 gene and verified the important transcription factor binding sites. Treatment of porcine placental trophoblast cells with a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor reduced promoter methylation and increased SOD2 expression. Treatment of SOD2 promoter fragments with CpG methyltransferase M.SssI reduced promoter activity. In summary, the SOD2 core promoter is located at −275/−66 bp. Hypomethylation of the core promoter promotes the expression of SOD2, while hypermethylation reduces promoter activity. This study provides a theoretical basis for further investigation into the regulation of porcine SOD2 gene by DNA methylation. Full article

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious epidemic caused by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Characterized by reproductive disorders in pregnant sows and respiratory symptoms in pigs of all ages, it poses a severe threat to the global swine industry. In recent years, the high mutation rate of PRRSV has increasingly limited the effectiveness of vaccines against it, prompting the search for new anti-PRRSV drugs. scutellarin (SCU), a natural flavonoid compound extracted from the medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis, possesses multiple biological activities. Its antiviral effects have been demonstrated in numerous studies; however, its inhibitory activity against PRRSV and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. In this study, through in vitro cell experiments, we found that scutellarin significantly inhibits PRRSV infection in PAMs. Furthermore, it directly acts on PRRSV to exert antiviral effects. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that scutellarin may exert its anti-PRRSV effects by regulating host immunity and anti-inflammation through immune-related signaling pathways, including the complement and coagulation cascades, ECM-receptor interaction, Rap1 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Full article

Maternal nutrition during gestation and lactation influences offspring development and metabolic health. Lecithin, a crucial phospholipid commonly used in animal diets to improve lipid absorption and energy metabolism, is a viable approach to optimize this synergy and improve neonatal resilience. This study aimed to investigate the regulation mechanism of maternal lecithin supplementation during late gestation and lactation on the growth performance and hepatic glycolipid metabolism of offspring. Twenty-four multiparous sows were randomly allocated to receive either a control (CON) diet or a lecithin-supplemented diet (2 kg/t lecithin) on day 95 of gestation until weaning (day 21 postpartum). Blood samples were collected from sows during late gestation and on day 21 of lactation, as well as from umbilical cords and weaned piglets at 21 days. Results showed that suckling piglets from lecithin group had faster growth rate, especially during 1–7 d of suckling period. Lecithin supplement reduced the serum cholesterol of pregnant sows, while not affected it in serum of umbilical cord. In contrast, both the serum cholesterol and glucose level presented upward trend in lactating sows in the lecithin group. Accordingly, maternal lecithin supplement increased the serum glucose level, as well as the levels of hepatic lipid and glucose levels, accompanied by decreasing the hepatic levels of certain long-chain fatty acids of 21-day-old piglets compared with the CON group. Furthermore, maternal lecithin supplement activated hepatic glycolipid metabolism via regulating the mRNA level of hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis in 21-day-old piglets. In short, this study demonstrated that maternal lecithin supplementation improved hepatic energy homeostasis in offspring by activating gluconeogenesis and optimizing lipid storage, thereby enhancing neonatal growth performance and metabolic resilience for weaning challenges. Full article