Publications - Publications

Unravelling the Role of Metabolites for Detecting Physiological State of Wild Animals

Marín-García, P. J., Llobat, L., Rouco, C., et al. — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:56:07 +0100

European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been defined as a keystone species in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Rabbits have been classed as “endangered” by the IUCN within their native range. In this sense, animal nutrition may play a fundamental and limiting role in the conservation of wild species. The overarching goal of ecological nutrition is to unravel the extensive web of nutritional links that direct animals in their interactions with their ecological environments. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different feed intake, geographic location, animal sex, and reproductive stage on glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and plasmatic urea nitrogen (PUN), albumin, glutamate, and total protein metabolites. Additionally, we examined the potential of these metabolites as biomarkers. Full stomach contents and blood samples were collected from European wild rabbits (n = 89) for the analysis of the metabolites described above. Our work shows that the levels of these metabolites are affected by the sex of the animals, as well as by their reproductive stage (glucose, NEFA and albumin). There were signs of better optimisation of resources by females than by other groups of animals. These data may be interesting in the study of nutritional components that could be affecting physiological state of this species.

Evaluation of nutritional quality for weaner piglets of a new methanotrophic microbial cell-derived protein feed

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:56:07 +0100

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that a new methanotrophic microbial cell protein (MCP) product, Uniprotein®, has a protein value comparable to other high-quality feeds for weaner piglets. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 was a balanced 6 × 6 Latin square design experiment with six ileal cannulated castrated pigs (start weight 30.2 ± 1.4 kg). They were fed six different diets (one diet did not belong to this study) over six periods, each of one week duration. Four of the diets contained 180 g crude protein (CP)/kg as-fed with either MCP, potato protein (PP), fishmeal (FM), or soy protein concentrate as the sole N-source. The fifth diet was N-free. Experiment 2 was a dose-response trial, where piglets during the first 14 days post-weaning were fed diets including increasing amounts of MCP (0, 30.0, 60.0, or 100.0 g MCP/kg as-fed, equivalent to 0, 112, 221 and 359 g microbial-derived CP/kg diet CP) at the expense of FM and PP. Crystaline CP, Lys, Met, Thr, Trp and Val were added to minimize differences across diets, and no medicinal zinc was added to any of the diets. In experiment 1, MCP had the second highest content of essential amino acids (EAA), but the lowest coefficient of standardized ileal digestibility for all EAA except Lys (P < 0.001). However, when contents of ileal digestible EAA were expressed relative to contents of ileal digestible Lys, MCP complied with Danish nutrient recommendations for weaner piglets for 7 out of 9 EAA, and with particularly high levels of digestible Met and Trp. Microbial cell protein had a superior profile as compared to FM for digestible EAA relative to digestible Lys. In experiment 2, MCP could constitute up to 221 g CP/kg diet without any addition of medicinal zinc during the first 14 days post-weaning without any negative impacts on daily weight gain or feed efficiency (gain:feed) compared to the control diet (0 MCP). In conclusion, MCP fulfills Danish recommendations for EAA composition for most EAA and can replace other high quality protein sources to constitute up to 22% of diet CP for weaner piglets without compromising piglet performance.

Effect on carbon footprint when substituting grass-clover silage with maize silage for dairy cows

Børsting, C. F., Brask-Pedersen, D. N., Mogensen, L., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Vælg de rigtige køer til forlænget laktation, session 64

Thorup, V. M., Thomsen, P. T., Kjeldsen, A. M., Bebe, T. ., Østergaard, S. — Sun, 01 May 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Bedste ketosetest?

Thomsen, P. T. — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Danish welfare-label pig production systems: Usage of antibiotics and occurrence of disease

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Impact of early inoculation of probiotics to suckling piglets on postweaning diarrhoea – A challenge study with Enterotoxigenic E. Coli F18

Hansen, L. H.B., Lauridsen, C., Nielsen, B., Jørgensen, L., Canibe, N. — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Postweaning diarrhoea caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a threat to the pig industry. With an intensified focus on finding alternatives to the use of medical zinc oxide and antibiotics in newly weaned pigs, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of early inoculation of probiotics to suckling piglets on subsequently ETEC faecal shedding and immune parameters in ETEC F18-challenged weaned piglets. Sixty pigs weaned on day 28 of age were assigned to three treatment groups: (i) Negative Control (non-challenged), (ii) Positive Control (challenged) and (iii) Probiotic (challenged and inoculated with a multi-species probiotic product during suckling). On days 1 and 2 postweaning, pigs in the Positive Control and Probiotic groups were challenged with 5 × 10⁸ colony-forming unit ETEC F18/pig/day, whereas pigs in the Negative Control group were provided with NaCl. Growth and diarrhoea incidence were not significantly affected by ETEC challenge or probiotic administration. ETEC F18 shedding and C-reactive protein concentration in plasma were significantly lower in the Negative Control group, confirming a successful challenge model. Pigs in the Probiotic group had a significantly reduced number of pigs shedding ETEC F18 and STb toxin in faeces compared with the Positive Control group. Probiotic application did not significantly impact the concentration of C-reactive protein, haptoglobin and cytokines in plasma nor haematology numbers. In conclusion, weaned pigs administered with a multi-species probiotic product early in life had a more rapid response towards the pathogen challenge and a faster clearance of ETEC compared with the Positive Control group. Administration of a multi-species probiotic to newborn piglets may thus promote resilience in the newly weaned pig. However, further studies with pigs subjected to a more severe pathogen challenge are needed to confirm these results and to investigate the mechanism of action of the probiotic intervention.

Effect of proportion and digestibility of grass-clover silage on feed intake, milk yield, and nitrogen excretion in lactating dairy cows

Brask-Pedersen, D. N., Madsen, P. A., Lund, P., Weisbjerg, M. R., Johansen, M. — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:56:07 +0100

The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of proportion and digestibility of grass-clover silage on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and nitrogen (N) excretion in lactating dairy cows. In total, 36 Danish Holstein dairy cows, 12 primiparous and 24 multiparous, were included in the study. At the beginning of the experiment the cows were on average (mean ± SD) 122 ± 81 days in milk (DIM). The cows were divided into 9 groups (4 cows in each group) based on parity and DIM, and were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 9 replications. The four dietary treatments differed in forage source as follows: 1) low proportion of low digestible grass-clover silage; 2) low proportion of high digestible grass-clover silage; 3) high proportion of low digestible grass-clover silage; 4) high proportion of high digestible grass-clover silage. Different proportions were obtained by exchanging grass-clover silage with maize silage (30:70 or 70:30 on DM basis). Different digestibilities of grass-clover silages were obtained by using two grass-clover silages differing in harvest time, spring growth and first re-growth, with these expected to have a high and low digestibility, respectively. The experiment was divided into 4 periods, all lasting for 3 weeks of which the first 17 d were used as adaption and the last 4 d were used for sampling and recording. Feed and water intake as well as milk yield were recorded daily, and milk samples were collected for determination of milk composition. In addition, faeces and blood samples were collected for chemical analyses. Replacing grass-clover silage with maize silage increased DMI and milk protein but reduced milk fat, whereas increased digestibility of grass-clover silage decreased DMI but increased milk protein. Milk yields (kg and kg of energy-corrected milk (ECM)) were not affected by diet, probably due to the increase in DMI observed in cows offered low digestible grass-clover. Excretion of N in urine increased with high proportion and low digestibility of grass-clover silage, probably a result of the greater crude protein (CP) concentration in grass-clover silages than in maize silage, and in low compared to high digestible grass-clover silage, respectively. Thus, proportion and digestibility of grass-clover silage surprisingly seemed to have only minor effect on milk production and composition. However, digestibility was confounded with the harvest used, and the different cuts of grass-clover silage likely differed in clover proportion, which could have affected the results. Finally, urinary N excretion increased with increased dietary CP concentration.

Calcium and phosphorus digestibility in rock- and bone-derived calcium phosphates for pigs and poultry

Woyengo, T. A., Nørgaard, J. V., van der Heide, M. E., Nielsen, T. S. — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Bioavailability of Different Zinc Sources in Pigs 0-3 Weeks Post-Weaning

Nielsen, T. S., Engelsmann, M. C. N., Hansen, S., Maribo, H. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:56:07 +0200

The bioavailability of dietary zinc (Zn) in pigs may differ according to the Zn source and is affected by other components in the diet. The aim was to determine the biomarkers of Zn bioavailability (apparent total tract digestibility of Zn and serum Zn status) following six different sources of added Zn and their effect on the performance and faecal consistency score in piglets 0–3 weeks after weaning on day 28. The sources of Zn were Zn oxide (ZnO), Zn sulfate (ZnSO4), porous ZnO, Zn-glycinate, amino acid-bound Zn and hydroxy covalent-bound Zn added at 100 mg/kg (ZnO and ZnSO4 also added at 1000 mg/kg), in a total of eight treatments (n = 12/treatment). Pigs were individually housed, and titanium dioxide was included as an indigestible marker in the feed. The digestibility of Zn on day 14 post-weaning was negative for all six Zn sources at 100 mg Zn/kg, indicating insufficient Zn supply. The digestibility of Zn differed according to the Zn source, but the digestibility of Zn from ZnO and ZnSO4 did not differ between processed inorganic or chelated organic sources of Zn. However, the differences in Zn digestibility between Zn sources were not reflected as differences in the serum Zn status, feed intake, gain or probability of diarrhoea.

Proteomics study of cultivated bovine mammary epithelial cells secretome

Che, J., Nielsen, S. D., Sattari, Z., et al. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Proteomics study of cultivated bovine mammary epithelial cells secretome

Che, J., Nielsen, S. D., Sattari, Z., et al. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Automated detection and quantification of contact behaviour in pigs using deep learning

Alameer, A., Buijs, S., O'Connell, N., et al. — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Change in the frequency of contact between pigs within a group may be indicative of a change in the physiological or health status of one or more pigs within a group, or indicative of the occurrence of abnormal behaviour, e.g. tail-biting. Here, we developed a novel framework that detects and quantifies the frequency of interaction, i.e., a pig head to another pig rear, between pigs in groups. The method does not require individual pig tracking/identification and uses only inexpensive camera-based data capturing infrastructure. We modified the architecture of well-established deep learning models and further developed a lightweight processing stage that scans over pigs to score said interactions. This included the addition of a detection subnetwork to a selected layer of the base residual network. We first validated the automated system to score the interactions between individual pigs within a group, and determined an average accuracy of 92.65% ± 3.74%, under a variety of settings, e.g., management set-ups and data capturing. We then applied the method to a significant welfare challenge in pigs, that of the detection of tail-biting outbreaks in pigs and quantified the changes that happen in contact behaviour during such an outbreak. Our study shows that the system is able to accurately monitor pig interactions under challenging farming conditions, without the need for additional sensors or a pig tracking stage. The method has a number of potential applications to the field of precision livestock farming of pigs that may transform the industry.

Inbreeding and pedigree analysis of the European red dairy cattle

Nyman, S., Johansson, A. M., Palucci, V., et al. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Background: Red dairy cattle breeds have an important role in the European dairy sector because of their functional characteristics and good health. Extensive pedigree information is available for these breeds and provides a unique opportunity to examine their population structure, such as effective population size, depth of the pedigree, and effective number of founders and ancestors, and inbreeding levels. Animals with the highest genetic contributions were identified. Pedigree data included 9,073,403 animals that were born between 1900 and 2019 from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden, and covered 32 breeds. The numerically largest breeds were Red Dairy Cattle and Meuse-Rhine-Yssel. Results: The deepest average complete generation equivalent (9.39) was found for Red Dairy Cattle in 2017. Mean pedigree completeness ranged from 0.6 for Finncattle to 7.51 for Red Dairy Cattle. An effective population size of 166 animals was estimated for the total pedigree and ranged from 35 (Rotes Höhenvieh) to 226 (Red Dairy Cattle). Average generation intervals were between 5 and 7 years. The mean inbreeding coefficient for animals born between 1960 and 2018 was 1.5%, with the highest inbreeding coefficients observed for Traditional Angler (4.2%) and Rotes Höhenvieh (4.1%). The most influential animal was a Dutch Meuse-Rhine-Yssel bull born in 1960. The mean inbreeding level for animals born between 2016 and 2018 was 2% and highest for the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel (4.64%) and Rotes Hohenvieh breeds (3.80%). Conclusions: We provide the first detailed analysis of the genetic diversity and inbreeding levels of the European red dairy cattle breeds. Rotes Höhenvieh and Traditional Angler have high inbreeding levels and are either close to or below the minimal recommended effective population size, thus it is necessary to implement tools to monitor the selection process in order to control inbreeding in these breeds. Red Dairy Cattle, Vorderwälder, Swedish Polled and Hinterwälder hold more genetic diversity. Regarding the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel breed, given its decreased population size, increased inbreeding and low effective population size, we recommend implementation of a breeding program to prevent further loss in its genetic diversity.

The relationships between age, fear responses, and walking ability of broiler chickens

Rasmussen, S. N., Erasmus, M., Riber, A. B. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Several validated fear tests rely on animals’ ability to approach or avoid a fear-provoking stimulus. However, as broiler chickens often suffer from walking impairments, inaccurate conclusions concerning their fear levels may be drawn. In the present study, the relationships between age, fear responses, and walking ability was studied in 12 fast-growing broiler chicken flocks on two conventional farms. Welfare assessments were performed when the birds were 21, 27, and 33 days old. Fear levels were assessed through two fear tests: The Stationary Person Test (SPT) and the Novel Object Test (NOT). Walking ability was assessed using the 6-point Bristol scale for gait scores. It was found that walking ability decreased with age (P < 0.001). Overall, the interaction between age and walking ability affected the outcome of both the SPT (SPT: P = 0.004) and the NOT (NOT: P = 0.016). The outcome of the SPT at the different ages indicated that fear levels decreased with increasing gait scores at 21 and 33 days of age, whereas the fear levels increased with increasing gait scores at 27 days of age. In comparison, the outcome of the NOT suggested that the fear response increased with increasing gait scores for ages 21 and 27. However, at age 33 days, increasing gait scores caused only a slight increase in the fear response. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the Stationary Person Test and the Novel Object Test may be influenced by poor walking ability. The results from this study suggest that walking impairment should be taken into consideration when performing the fear tests in question. The study further highlights the need to investigate other conditions, such as space limitations, that may affect the applicability of fear tests.

Piglets' acute responses to local anesthetic injection and surgical castration

Coutant, M., Malmkvist, J., Kaiser, M., Foldager, L., Herskin, M. S. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Although applied in some countries, efficacy of local anesthetics based on procaine to mitigate acute responses to piglet castration remains questioned. This paper presents results from a factorial study examining the effects of two methods of injection of a procaine-based drug (intra-funicular, IF, vs. intra-testicular, IT), and four intervals between drug injection and castration (2.5, 5, 10, and 30 min) on acute responses of 3-4 day old piglets. The study involved 597 male piglets, and 13 treatments: surgical castration without anesthesia (CC), local anesthesia followed by castration involving all combinations of injection method and interval, and sham handling separated by the same four intervals (SH). Responses of piglets to drug injection, castration and sham handling were evaluated based on quantification of intra-procedural vocalizations and leg movements, as well as saliva cortisol concentration in samples taken before and after castration. No differences were found between IF and the simpler IT injection method. Intervals of 2.5 or 30 min led to stronger piglet responses than the other intervals. Overall, treatments involving anesthesia led to significantly stronger responses than sham handling, during both injection and castration. All treatments, even sham handling, led to a significant increase in saliva cortisol, with no differences between anesthesia treatments and controls. Based on these results, castration 5-10 min after intra-testicular injection of procaine seems to be preferable as compared to the other treatments tested. However, piglets still showed measurable signs of pain and stress during both injection and castration, while handling alone (including the use of a castration bench) triggered a noticeable stress response. In light of these findings, the overall benefit of the procedure in terms of piglet welfare remains arguable.

A field trial on the effect of cross-fostering and weaning age on daily gain and disease resilience in weaned pigs

Nielsen, C. L., Krogh, M. A., Sørensen, J. T., Kongsted, H. — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Alternative management strategies that can increase disease resilience and reduce antibiotics in weaned pigs are needed. Our objective was to compare the effect of two nursing strategies and weaning ages on weight gain, clinical health and antibiotic treatments in weaned pigs not provided with medical zinc oxide in feed. A 2×2 factorial trial was conducted in three Danish commercial herds. Nursing strategies tested were “cross-fostering allowed” (CF) vs. “cross-fostering not allowed” (non-CF). Weaning ages tested were four (24–29 days) vs. five weeks (31–35 days). Pigs were followed from weaning until 33–35 days post-weaning. Herd staff made decisions on and registered antibiotic treatment, removal of pigs to sick pens and mortality. Pigs were weighed at weaning (N = 3139) and on day 33–35 post-weaning (N = 2898). Clinical examinations were carried out on day 4, 7 and 33–35 post-weaning. The effect of nursing strategy and weaning age on weight gain, clinical health and antibiotic treatments was analysed by mixed linear and logistic models. We found that pigs weaned at five weeks of age gained 103.6 g more daily compared to pigs weaned at four weeks during the 33–35 days post-weaning (<0.001). Weaning age affected diarrhoea prevalence, but the effect differed between herds. For pigs weaned at five weeks compared to four weeks of age, the odds for diarrhoea one week post-weaning was 0.7 times lower in one herd whereas the odds for diarrhoea were 2.0 and 1.4 times higher in the two other herds, respectively (P < 0.05). In all herds, we found fewer runted (OR=0.28, P < 0.001) and thin (OR=0.23, P < 0.001) pigs 33–35 days post-weaning in pigs weaned at five weeks of age compared to four weeks. Furthermore, in all herds, CF pigs were more likely to be removed to a sick pen or to die. In total, 5.9%, 13.6% and 64.9% of the studied weaned pigs were treated with antibiotics in the three herds, respectively. Treatment prevalence did not associate to weaning age or nursing strategy and did not in all cases appear to be linked with diarrhoea prevalence. The results indicate that a higher weaning age and less cross-fostering to some extend increase disease resilience post-weaning but herd specific factors interacted with the effects. The prevalence of pigs treated with antibiotics were herd dependent and may relate more to management decisions than to disease level.

Agroforestry reduces nitrogen surplus of organic poultry and pig production

Manevski, K., Hellwing, A. L. F., Andersen, H. M., et al. — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Coupling the benefits of grassland crops and green biorefining to produce protein, products and services for the green transition

Jørgensen, U., Jensen, S. K., Ambye-Jensen, M. — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 07:56:07 +0100

Welfare issues and potential solutions for laying hens in free range and organic production systems

Bonnefous, C., Collin, A., Guilloteau, L. A., et al. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:07 +0200

In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems. The aim of this article was to identify welfare challenges observed in these production systems in the EU and the most promising solutions to overcome these challenges. It is based on a review of published literature and research projects complemented by interviews with experts. We selected EU specific information for welfare problems, however, the selected literature regarding solutions is global. Free range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses and parasites. Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics and prebiotics. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy can be used as preventive and curative medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. Bone quality in pullets and hens prevents keel deviations and is favored by exercise in the outdoor range. Free range use also lead to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators, therefore shadow, fences and guard animals can be used to prevent heat stress and predation respectively. Granting a free range provides opportunities for the expression of many behaviors and yet many hens usually stay close to the house. Providing the birds with trees, shelters or attractive plants can increase range use. Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use. Severe feather pecking can occur in free range production systems, although flocks using the outdoor area have better plumage than indoors. While many prevention strategies are facilitated in free range systems, the influence of genetics, prenatal and nutritional factors in free range hens still need to be investigated. This review provides information about practices that have been tested or still need to be explored and this information can be used by stakeholders and researchers to help them evaluate the applicability of these solutions for welfare improvement.

Nutritional metabolites as Biomarkers of Previous Feed Intake in European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Marin Garcia, P. J., Llobat, L., Rouco, C., et al. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:56:07 +0200

European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations have drastically reduced, and recently, rabbits have been classed as “endangered” by the IUCN. This animal plays an important ecological role in Mediterranean ecosystems and its introduction could significantly contribute to ecological restoration. Rabbits have high nutrient requirements that apparently cannot be covered in all ecosystems, and there are clues that nutrition can limit their abundance and density. On the other hand, some studies reflect the effects of food availability on the metabolomic status of other animal species, but there are no specific studies on this keystone species. The main aim of this work is to find biomarkers to assess the previous levels of ingestion of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). To address this gap, gastric content and blood samples were collected from European rabbits (n = 99) in a Mediterranean area for the analysis of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), plasmatic urea nitrogen (PUN), albumin, glutamate and total protein metabolites. Depending on their previous feed intake (gastric content and the ratio between the gastric content and the weight of the animal), the animals were divided into two groups (lower and normal previous feed intake). Our work shows that the metabolomic profiles of the animals were affected. Levels of glucose (+82%; p = 0.0003), NEFA (−61%; p = 0.0040) and PUN (+139%; p < 0.001) were different in the animals with lower previous feed intake than the animals with normal previous feed intake. This work summarises that metabolic phenotype can be interesting when seeking to discover the limiting nutrients and food availability in diets that could affect the ecological fitness and conservation of European wild rabbits. It is important to mention that in this work, only the effects on six different metabolites have been analysed and more studies are necessary to complement the knowledge of possible metabolites that indicate the level of ingestion in this species and others. These (and new) biomarkers could be used as a tool to provide information about individual or population characteristics that other physiological parameters cannot detect, improving the conservation physiology field.

Phenotypic differences and genetic parameters for methane concentration in BeefxDairy crossbred slaughter calves

Johansen, K., Kargo, M. ., Bjerring, M., Løvendahl, P., Buitenhuis, A. J. — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Genetic selection for reduced methane emission and BeefxDairy crossbreeding are strategies to lower the climate impact of beef. Combined they require knowledge of phenotypes on methane production for BeefxDairy offspring. Slaughter calves sired by Belgian Blue, Charolaise and Angus sires to Holstein dams were compared to purebred Holstein calves. Heritability for methane concentration (CH4c) were estimated for Belgian blue crosses. Raw phenotypic means showed that CH4c was lower for calves born after Charolaise and Angus
sires compared to Belgian Blue. The heritability of log transformed CH4c for Belgian blue crosses was estimated to be 0.44 (±0.08), and for log transformed CH4c adjusted for background CH4 it was 0.33 (±0.06). This is in line with heritabilities found for log transformed CH4c in Holstein cows, and will be the basis for further analysis in genetic architecture of methane traits in crossbred slaughter calves.

Review on Preventive Measures to Reduce Post-Weaning Diarrhoea in Piglets

Canibe, N., Højberg, O., Kongsted, H., et al. — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 07:56:07 +0100

In many countries, medical levels of zinc (typically as zinc oxide) are added to piglet diets in the first two weeks post-weaning to prevent the development of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD). However, high levels of zinc constitute an environmental polluting agent, and may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria. Consequently, the EU banned administering medical levels of zinc in pig diets as of June 2022. However, this may result in an increased use of antibiotic therapeutics to combat PWD and thereby an increased risk of further AMR development. The search for alternative measures against PWD with a minimum use of antibiotics and in the absence of medical levels of zinc has therefore been intensified over recent years, and feed-related measures, including feed ingredients, feed additives, and feeding strategies, are being intensively investigated. Furthermore, management strategies have been developed and are undoubtedly relevant; however, these will not be addressed in this review. Here, feed measures (and vaccines) are addressed, these being probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, proteobiotics, plants and plant extracts (in particular essential oils and tannins), macroalgae (particularly macroalgae-derived polysaccharides), dietary fibre, antimicrobial peptides, specific amino acids, dietary fatty acids, milk replacers, milk components, creep feed, vaccines, bacteriophages, and single-domain antibodies (nanobodies). The list covers measures with a rather long history and others that require significant development before their eventual use can be extended. To assess the potential of feed-related measures in combating PWD, the literature reviewed here has focused on studies reporting parameters of PWD (i.e., faeces score and/or faeces dry matter content during the first two weeks post-weaning). Although the impact on PWD (or related parameters) of the investigated measures may often be inconsistent, many studies do report positive effects. However, several studies have shown that control pigs do not suffer from diarrhoea, making it difficult to evaluate the biological and practical relevance of these improvements. From the reviewed literature, it is not possible to rank the efficacy of the various measures, and the efficacy most probably depends on a range of factors related to animal genetics and health status, additive doses used, composition of the feed, etc. We conclude that a combination of various measures is probably most recommendable in most situations. However, in this respect, it should be considered that combining strategies may lead to additive (e.g., synbiotics), synergistic (e.g., plant materials), or antagonistic (e.g., algae compounds) effects, requiring detailed knowledge on the modes of action in order to design effective strategies.

Randomized field study of extended lactation in 48 Danish dairy herds

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Can control of oxidative stress and inflammation lead to reduction of the use of antimicrobials?

Lauridsen, C. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Effect of abomasal amino acid infusions on performances and metabolism in postpartum dairy cows

Bahloul, L., Hernandez Castellano, L. E., Lapierre, H., Schwab, C.G., Larsen, M. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Digestibility of α-, γ-tocopherol, and α-tocotrienol in the digestive tract of dairy cows

Lashkari, S., M. Panah, F., Weisbjerg, M. R., Jensen, S. K. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Feeding concentrated colostrum ensures sufficient uptake of IgG in Holstein calves

Myhlendorph-Jarltoft, T., Jessen, C. B., Samarasinghe, M. B., Vestergaard, M. . — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

GROBEAT: Grass-fed organic beef for sustainable eating

Therkildsen, M., Andersen, B. V., Chaaban, N., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Bæredygtig kødproduktion

Therkildsen, M., Andersen, B. V., Chaaban, N., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Influence of glyphosate residues in sow diets on piglet diarrhoea, kinky tails and stillbirth

Winters, J. F. M., Foldager, L., Krogh, U., Nørskov, N., Sørensen, M. T. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Minor influence of feed glyphosate on gut microbial ecology of weaned piglets

Rani, S., Sørensen, M. T., Noel, S. J., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Deck height during transport of weaners – piglet height and microclimatic conditions inside trucks

Foldager, L., Kaiser, M., Chen, G., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Simulation of enteric methane emission friendly management strategies in Danish dairy herds

Thorup, V. M., Kudahl, A. B., Chen, L., Østergaard, S. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Weaning intact litters in farrowing pens for loose housed sows

Winters, J. F. M., Schönherz, A. A., Canibe, N., Foldager, L., Pedersen, L. J. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Fat supplement for dairy cow diets during early lactation – meta analysis

Lashkari, S., Weisbjerg, M. R., Foldager, L., Børsting, C. F. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Recording of eating time in rosé veal calves by use of an automated video system

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Does diet starch and fibre content affect variation in feed intake in 6 and 8.5 months bull calves

Vestergaard, M. ., Bjerring, M., Kjeldsen, A.M. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Paving the way towards common standards and guidelines for experimental studies with cattle

Mesgaran, S., Baumont, R., Munksgaard, L., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Combined effect of anti-methanogenic compounds (rapeseeds, nitrate and 3-NOP) on fatty acids in milk

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Integrating European cattle research infrastructures for innovation: outcomes from SmartCow project

Baumont, R., O'Donovan, M. ., Dewhurst, R., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Promising proxies to predict feed efficiency and its components in dairy and beef cattle

Martin, C., Vanlierde, A., Dehreng, F. ., et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:56:07 +0200

ManyGoats - an initiative to promote open and reproducible research on goat behaviour and welfare

Amici, F. ., Atay, O. ., Balaro, M. ., et al. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Association of range use, individual behavior, and welfare indicators of two laying hen hybrids housed under organic conditions

Wurtz, K. E., Tahamtani, F. M., Foldager, L., Thodberg, K., Riber, A. B. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Shelter-seeking behaviour in horses during summer – do weather conditions and horsefl y (Tabanidae) activity matter?

Christensen, J. W., Skovgård, H. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:07 +0200

The relationship between age, fear responses, and walking ability of broiler chickens

Rasmussen, S., Erasmus, M., Riber, A. B. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:07 +0200

Learning performance and active enrichment use in farm mink with different forms of abnormal behaviour

Malmkvist, J., Díez-León, M., Christensen, J. W. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:08 +0200

On-farm administration of local anaesthetic and surgical castration of piglets

Coutant, M. P., Malmkvist, J., Kaiser, M., Foldager, L., Herskin, M. S. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:08 +0200

Dealing with the challenge of early-life piglet hypothermia during the keeping of outdoor farrowing sows

Malmkvist, J., Pedersen, L. J. — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:08 +0200

Validation of behavioural sampling techniques for 20-25 kg pigs during 23-hour transport

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:56:08 +0200