Assessment of immunization procedures for foot-and-mouth disease in large-scale pig farms in China based on actual data and dynamics

Foot-and-mouth disease(FMD)is an acute,highly infectious and pathogenic animal disease.In recent years,with the rapid development of the swine breeding industry in China,pig farms have shown a trend of larger-scale development.Large-scale pig farms employ standardized management,a high level of automation,and a strict_system.However,these farms have a large trading volume,and increased transmission intensity of FMD is noted inside the farm.At present,the main control measure against FMD is pig vaccination.However,a standard for immunization procedures is not available,and currently adopted immunization procedures have not been effectively and systematically evaluated.Taking a typical large-scale pig farm in China as the research subject and considering the breeding pattern,piggery structure,age structure and immunization procedures,an individual-based state probability model is established to evaluate the effectiveness of the immune procedure.Based on numerical simulation,it is concluded that the optimal immunization program involves primary immunization at 40 days of age and secondary immunization at 80 days of age for commercial pigs.Breeding boars and breeding sows are immunized 4 times a year,and reserve pigs are immunized at 169 and 259 days of age.According to the theoretical analysis,the average control reproduction number of individuals under the optimal immunization procedure in the farm is 0.4927.In the absence of immunization,the average is 1.7498,indicating that the epidemic cannot be controlled without immunization procedures.

Formulation of Classical Swine Fever Immunization Procedures in Large scale Pig Farms

[Objective] The paper was to formulate classical swine fever( CSF) immunization procedures in large-scale pig farms. [Method] Antibody maintenance time and dynamics of material antibody was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA),and scientific primary immunization time of piglets was explored. [Result] The positive rate of sows reached the highest level of 93% at 4 weeks post immunization. Piglets were immunized at 9 weeks of age,the antibody level did not increase at 3 weeks post immunization,but increased rapidly after secondary immunization; the antibody level in late fattening period was high,and pigs could be protected completely. [Conclusion]General prevention of CSF is suitable for scale farming. It takes about 4 weeks to produce CSF antibody. Therefore,pig farms should conduct immunization timely at one month prior to susceptible stage according to their infection pressure.

Immune Responses to the Attenuated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae 168 Strain Vaccine by Intrapulmonic Immunization in Piglets

To investigate the immune responses to the attenuated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae 168 strain vaccine, 8-15 d old piglets were immunized with M. hyopneurnoniae 168 strain vaccine by intrapulmonic route. And the specific IgG antibody in serum, lymphoproliferation, IFNT, and specific secretory IgA （SIgA） antibody in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected on 30 and 60 d post-immunization （DPI）, respectively. On 60 DPI, all the pigs except for those in health control group were challenged with a field M. hyopneumoniae strain JS. Necropsy was performed on 30 d post-challenge （DPC）. The results showed that IFN7 and specific SIgA were stimulated on surface of respiratory tract after immunization. And peripheral blood mononuclear cells could also be proliferated about 1.81 and 2.12 fold on 30 and 60 DPI when stimulated by M. hyopneumoniae protein in vitro. However, no serum IgG antibody against M. hyopneumoniae was detected during the whole immune phage. After challenge, vaccinated pigs were observed with only very slight histological lesion in individual lobes. None of vaccinated pigs showed any clinical signs. While the unvaccinated pigs from challenge control group showed varying degrees of clinical sign and severe macroscopical lesion of mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine （MPS）. The result suggested that the attenuated M. hyopneumoniae 168 strain vaccine inoculated by intrapulmonic route could activate the systemic cellular immunity, the local mucosal immunity and IFNγ secretion in respiratory tract to against M. hyopneumoniae infection in piglets.

Cluster sampling methodology to evaluate immunization coverage

BACKGROUND Immunization is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right.Vaccines are critical to the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks.The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic and associated disruptions over the past two years have strained the health systems,with many children missing out on essential childhood vaccines.AIM To evaluate the immunization coverage among 12-23-month-old children in the rural areas of Community Health Centre(CHC)Dighal and to determine the factors influencing the existing immunization coverage.METHODS A coverage evaluation survey was conducted according to the 30-cluster sampling technique,which is the standard methodology for such surveys devised by World Health Organization.A total of 300 children aged 12-23 months were included,whose immunization details were noted from their immunization cards.RESULTS Full immunization rate was noted in 86.7%of the children,with partial and non-immunized children accounting for 9%and 4.3%respectively.The full immunization dropout rate was 4.2%.The common reasons for partial or non-immunization were family problem including illness of mother,vaccine not being available and child being ill.Place of birth(P=0.014)and availability of immunization card(P<0.001)were significant predictors of the immunization status.Since the study was conducted in 2020/2021,health services were disrupted due to the COVID-19 lockdown.CONCLUSION Due to the coverage being higher than the national average,it was concluded that the immunization coverage was optimal and not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supplementation of vitamin E or a botanical extract as antioxidants to improve growth performance and health of growing pigs housed under thermoneutral or heat-stressed conditions

Background Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs,leading to significant economic losses.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance,intestinal health,and oxidative and immune status in grow-ing pigs housed under heat stress conditions.Methods Duplicate experiments were conducted,each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7±3.8 and 43.9±3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week,respectively.Pigs(n=128)were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments(thermo-neutral(21.2℃)or heat-stressed(30.9℃))and 4 supplementation treatments(control diet;control+100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water;control+200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed;or control+400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed).Results Heat stress for 28 d reduced(P≤0.001)final body weight,average daily gain,and average daily feed intake(-7.4 kg,-26.7%,and-25.4%,respectively)but no effects of supplementation were detected(P>0.05).Serum vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementation in water and in feed(1.64 vs.3.59 and 1.64 vs.3.24),but not for the botanical extract(1.64 vs.1.67 mg/kg)and was greater when supplemented in water vs.feed(P=0.002).Liver vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementations in water(3.9 vs.31.8)and feed(3.9 vs.18.0),but not with the botanical extract(3.9 vs.4.9 mg/kg).Serum malondialdehyde was reduced with heat stress on d 2,but increased on d 28(interaction,P<0.001),and was greater(P<0.05)for antioxidant supplementation compared to control.Cellular proliferation was reduced(P=0.037)in the jejunum under heat stress,but increased in the ileum when vitamin E was supplemented in feed and water under heat stress(interaction,P=0.04).Tumor necrosis factor-αin jejunum and ileum mucosa decreased by heat stress(P<0.05)and was reduced by vitamin E sup-plementations under heat stress(interaction,P<0.001).Conclusions The addition of the antioxidants in feed or in drinking water did not alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on feed intake and growth rate of growing pigs.

Elimination of GGTA1,CMAH,β4GalNT2 and CIITA genes in pigs compromises human versus pig xenogeneic immune reactions

Background:Pig organ xenotransplantation is a potential solution for the severe organ shortage in clinic,while immunogenic genes need to be eliminated to improve the immune compatibility between humans and pigs.Current knockout strategies are mainly aimed at the genes causing hyperacute immune rejection(HAR)that occurs in the first few hours while adaptive immune reactions orchestrated by CD4 T cell thereafter also cause graft failure,in which process the MHCⅡmolecule plays critical roles.Methods:Thus,we generate a 4-gene(GGTA1,CMAH,β4GalNT2,and CIITA)knockout pig by CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer to compromise HAR and CD4 T cell reactions simultaneously.Results:We successfully obtained 4KO piglets with deficiency in all alleles of genes,and at cellular and tissue levels.Additionally,the safety of our animals after gene editing was verified by using whole-genome sequencing and karyotyping.Piglets have survived for more than one year in the barrier,and also survived for more than 3 months in the conventional environment,suggesting that the piglets without MHCⅡcan be raised in the barrier and then gradually mated in the conventional environment.Conclusions:4KO piglets have lower immunogenicity,are safe in genomic level,and are easier to breed than the model with both MHCⅠandⅡdeletion.

Evaluation of the Pharmacological Potential of Strychnos camptoneura Trunk Bark Hydroethanol Extract on Reproductive Functions in Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Cypermethrin

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The results showed that administration of the hydroethanolic extract (100 and 250 mg/kg) of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark after exposure of the animals to cypermethrin induced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark produced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark may have protective effects against cypermethrin-induced male infertility due to its androgenic, spermatogenic and antiradical properties.

Preliminary study of metabonomic changes during the progression of atherosclerosis in miniature pigs

Background:To explore potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis(AS)and provide basic data for further research on AS,the characteristics of serum metabolomics during the progression of AS in mini-pigs were observed dynamically.Methods:An AS model in Bama miniature pigs was established by a high-cholesterol and high-fat diet.Fasting serum samples were collected monthly for metabolomics and serum lipid detection.At the end of the treatment period,pathological analysis of the abdominal aorta and coronary artery was performed to evaluate the lesions of AS,thereby distinguishing the susceptibility of mini-pigs to AS.The metabolomics was de-tected using a high-resolution untargeted metabolomic approach.Statistical analysis was used to identify metabolites associated with AS susceptibility.Results:Based on pathological analysis,mini-pigs were divided into two groups:a susceptible group(n=3)and a non-susceptible group(n=6).A total of 1318 metabo-lites were identified,with significant shifting of metabolic profiles over time in both groups.Dynamic monitoring analysis highlighted 57 metabolites that exhibited an ob-vious trend of differential changes between two groups with the advance of time.The KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes)pathway enrichment analysis in-dicated significant disorders in cholesterol metabolism,primary bile acid metabolism,histidine metabolism,as well as taurine and hypotaurine metabolism.Conclusions:During the progression of AS in mini-pigs induced by high-cholesterol/high-fat diet,the alterations in serum metabolic profile exhibited a time-dependent pattern,accompanied by notable disturbances in lipid metabolism,cholesterol me-tabolism,and amino acid metabolism.These metabolites may become potential bio-markers for early diagnosis of AS.

Current Situation and Progress of Pig Model in Otology Research

Pig models are widely used in otological research. The establishment of common pig and miniature pig animal models has opened up new fields in otological research and is also an ideal large otological animal model. This article introduces the applications, current status, progress, advantages, and issues of using pigs as otologic animal models. It summarizes current research on pigs in the fields of hearing disorders, otitis, vertigo, cochlea, gene editing, and tissue engineering, among other otologic and audiological areas. These models are valuable for translating basic medical science into clinical applications. Based on this, platforms have been established for studying deafness and vertigo, cochlear implantation experiments, stem cell and gene therapy, and tissue engineering. These serve as ideal experimental models for the prevention and treatment of ear diseases, pointing toward new directions. This will bolster the promotion and application of pig models in the fields of tissue engineering and gene editing in the future.

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

Background Xylanase andβ-glucanase combination(XG)hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs.Methods Forty pigs(6.5±0.4 kg)were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases(11,9,and 15 d,respectively).Basal diets mainly included corn,soybean meal,and corn distiller's dried grains with solubles,contained phytase(750 FTU/kg),and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at(1)0,(2)280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kgβ-glucanase,(3)560 and 250,(4)840 and 375,or(5)1,120 and 500,respectively.Growth performance was measured.On d 35,all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa,jejunal digesta,jejunal tissues,and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health.Results Increasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease(P=0.059)viscosity of jejunal digesta(min:1.74 m Pa·s at 751/335(TXU/TGU)/kg).Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased(P<0.05)Prevotellaceae(min:0.6%at 630/281(TXU/TGU)/kg)in the jejunal mucosa.Increasing XG intake quadratically increased(P<0.05)Lactobacillaceae(max:40.3%at 608/271(TXU/TGU)/kg)in the jejunal mucosa.Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased(P<0.05)Helicobacteraceae(min:1.6%at 560/250(TXU/TGU)/kg)in the jejunal mucosa.Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease(P=0.073)jejunal Ig G and tended to quadratically increase(P=0.085)jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio(max:2.62 at 560/250(TXU/TGU)/kg).Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter(P=0.087)and ether extract(P=0.065).Increasing XG intake linearly increased(P<0.05)average daily gain.Conclusions A combinational use of xylanase andβ-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions,positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota.Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure,and ileal digestibility of nutrients,and finally improving growth of nursery pigs.The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kgβ-glucanase.

Key Factors to Consider When Introducing a New Vaccine in Low-Income Settings: Lessons from Malawi Expanded Program on Immunization

Introduction: As new vaccines become available, countries must assess the relevance to introduce them into their vaccination schedules. Malawi has recently introduced several new vaccines and plans to introduce more. This study was conducted to identify key factors that need to be considered when deciding to introduce a new vaccine and current challenges faced by low and middle income countries using Malawi as an example. Methodology: The study employed a desk review approach, examining published literature from various sources such as PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Policy documents from organizations like the World Health Organization, GAVI the Alliance, and the Ministry of Health for Malawi were also included. A total of 99 articles and documents on new vaccine introduction, challenges of immunization, policy documents in immunization and health systems strengthening were included. The review focused on addressing five key areas critical to new vaccine introduction namely: the need for a vaccine, availability of the vaccine, safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, demand for the vaccine, and the prudent use of public or private funds. Results: Malawi considered the burden of cervical cancer and the significance of malaria in the country when introducing the HPV and malaria vaccines. The country opted for vaccines that can be handled by the cold chain capacity and available human resources. Despite that malaria vaccine and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine trials were done in country, there are limited vaccine safety and efficacy trials conducted in Malawi, leading to a reliance on WHO-prequalified vaccines. Demand for newly introduced vaccines varied, with high demand for Oral Cholera Vaccine during a cholera outbreak, while demand for COVID-19 vaccines decreased over time. Although cost-effectiveness studies were limited in the country, 2 studies indicated that Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine and malaria vaccine would be cost effective. All these have been implemented despite having challenges like lack of accurate surveillance data, inadequate cold chain capacity, limited safety and efficacy vaccine clinical trials, political influence, and limited funding. Conclusion: Despite several challenges Malawi set a good example of the careful considerations required before introducing a new vaccine. The process involves data review, priority setting, precise planning, and consultation with stakeholders. Low-income countries should invest in vaccine safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness trials.

Application of Ice Pigging in a Drinking Water Distribution System:Impacts on Pipes and Bulk Water Quality

Ice pigging is an emerging technique for pipe cleaning in drinking water distribution systems.However,substantial confusion and controversy exist on the potential impacts of ice pigging on bulk water quality.This study monitored the microstructural features and composition of sediments and microbial community structures in bulk water in eight multimaterial Chinese networks.Chloride concentration analysis demonstrated that separate cleaning of pipes with different materials in complex networks could mitigate the risk of losing ice pigs and degrading water quality.The microstructural and trace element characterization results showed that ice pigs would scarcely disturb the inner surfaces of long-used pipes.The bacterial richness and diversity of bulk water decreased significantly after ice pigging.Furthermore,correlations were established between pipe service age,temperature,and chloride and total iron concentrations,and the 15 most abundant taxa in bulk water,which could be used to guide practical ice pigging operations.

Digital measuring the ocular morphological parameters of guinea pig eye in vivo with Python

AIM:To quantitatively measure ocular morphological parameters of guinea pig with Python technology.METHODS:Thirty-six eyeballs of eighteen 3-weekold guinea pigs were measured with keratometer and photographed to obtain the horizontal,coronal,and sagittal planes respectively.The corresponding photo pixels-actual length ratio was acquired by a proportional scale.The edge coordinates were identified artificially by ginput function.Circle and conic curve fitting were applied to fit the contour of the eyeball in the sagittal,coronal and horizontal view.The curvature,curvature radius,eccentricity,tilt angle,corneal diameter,and binocular separation angle were calculated according to the geometric principles.Next,the eyeballs were removed,canny edge detection was applied to identify the contour of eyeball in vitro.The results were compared between in vivo and in vitro.RESULTS:Regarding the corneal curvature and curvature radius on the horizontal and sagittal planes,no significant differences were observed among results in vivo,in vitro,and the keratometer.The horizontal and vertical binocular separation angles were 130.6°±6.39°and 129.8°±9.58°respectively.For the corneal curvature radius and eccentricity in vivo,significant differences were observed between horizontal and vertical planes.CONCLUSION:The Graphical interface window of Python makes up the deficiency of edge detection,which requires too much definition in Matlab.There are significant differences between guinea pig and human beings,such as exotropic eye position,oblique oval eyeball,and obvious discrepancy of binoculus.This study helps evaluate objectively the ocular morphological parameters of small experimental animals in emmetropization research.

Single-cell profiling of the pig cecum at various developmental stages

The gastrointestinal tract is essential for food digestion,nutrient absorption,waste elimination,and microbial defense.Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the intestinal tract has greatly enriched our understanding of cellular diversity,functional heterogeneity,and their importance in intestinal tract development and disease.Although such profiling has been extensively conducted in humans and mice,the single-cell gene expression landscape of the pig cecum remains unexplored.Here,single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on 45572 cells obtained from seven cecal samples in pigs at four different developmental stages(days(D)30,42,150,and 730).Analysis revealed 12 major cell types and 38 subtypes,as well as their distinctive genes,transcription factors,and regulons,many of which were conserved in humans.An increase in the relative proportions of CD8^(+)T and Granzyme A(low expression)natural killer T cells(GZMA^(low)NKT)cells and a decrease in the relative proportions of epithelial stem cells,Tregs,RHEX^(+)T cells,and plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDCs)were noted across the developmental stages.Moreover,the post-weaning period exhibited an up-regulation in mitochondrial genes,COX2 and ND2,as well as genes involved in immune activation in multiple cell types.Cell-cell crosstalk analysis indicated that IBP6^(+)fibroblasts were the main signal senders at D30,whereas IBP6^(−)fibroblasts assumed this role at the other stages.NKT cells established interactions with epithelial cells and IBP6^(+)fibroblasts in the D730 cecum through mediation of GZMA-F2RL1/F2RL2 pairs.This study provides valuable insights into cellular heterogeneity and function in the pig cecum at different development stages.

Feeding Practices and Use of Lysine and Methionine in Pigrationing on Intensified Pig Breeding in the West Center and Hauts Bassins Regions of Burkina Faso

The aim of the study was to assess feeding practices and the use of lysine and methionine in pig rationing on intensified and semi-intensive pig breeding in the Koudougou and Bobo-Dioulasso areas. To this end, a cross-sectional survey was carried out on 87 breeding in these towns. A Discriminant Factorial Analysis (DFA) confirming a k-means classification of the data collected was used to retain 71 breeding divided into three breeding classes: Class A (32.4% of breeding), Class B (14.08%) and Class C (53.52%). The results show that the majority of pig breeders were men between the ages of 36 and 59. Average herd sizes were 35 ± 28;79 ± 42 and 89 ± 21 pigs for Classes A, B and C respectively. The main breeds of pig found on the breeding were crossbred, Large white, local, Landrace and Duroc. Class A (26.1%), B (30%) and C (15.8%) breeders were familiar with both lysine and methionine. Class A breeders distributed feed staggered (65.2%) and in rations (34.8%). Lysine (13%) and methionine (8.7%) were purchased at 5250 FCFA/kg. Those in class B distributed feed staggered (50%) and in the form of rations (50%), in which they incorporated lysine (30%) and methionine (30%) purchased at a cost of 2500 FCFA/kg and 3000 FCFA/kg respectively. Rationing and staggered feeding were practiced by 23.7% and 76.3% of Class C breeders respectively. Only lysine purchased at 3400 FCFA/kg was incorporated into rations by 10.5% of breeders. The high cost of lysine and methionine was incriminated by Class A (100%), B (33.3%) and C (50%) breeders. In conclusion, intensive pig breeding, the practice of rationing and the incorporation of the amino acids lysine and methionine are of ascending importance from classes C, A to B. The high cost of feedstuffs, particularly lysine and methionine, compromises their use in rations, which could have a negative impact on expected breeding performance. The screening and use of feeds rich in and/or enriched with these amino acids, through the development or adaptation of technologies, could improve the efficiency of rations and the productivity of intensive pig breeding in Burkina Faso.

Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E.coli

Background Our previous study has reported that supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhances gut health and disease resistance of pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E.coli(ETEC)F18 in a manner similar to carbadox.The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of oligosaccharide-based polymer or antibiotic on the host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.Results Multivariate analysis highlighted the differences in the metabolic profiles of serum and colon digesta which were predominantly found between pigs supplemented with oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic.The relative abundance of metabolic markers of immune responses and nutrient metabolisms,such as amino acids and carbohydrates,were significantly differentiated between the oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic groups(q<0.2 and fold change>2.0).In addition,pigs in antibiotic had a reduced(P<0.05)relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae,whereas had greater(P<0.05)Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae in the colon digesta on d 11 post-inoculation(PI)compared with d 5 PI.Conclusions The impact of oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic and microbial profiles of pigs is not fully understood,and further exploration is needed.However,current research suggest that various mechanisms are involved in the enhanced disease resistance and performance in ETEC-challenged pigs by supplementing this polymer.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post‑weaning period

Background Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare chal-lenges.These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of mul-tiparous counterparts.Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbi-ome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning.At weaning,piglets were allotted into three treat-ment groups:a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu(Con),a group fed a commercial prebiotic only(Preb)based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu(Preb+ZnCu).Results Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and mul-tiparous sows,fecal microbiome composition was different(R^(2)=0.02,P=0.03).The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 post-weaning(P<0.01),with differences in community composition observed at d 21(R^(2)=0.03,P=0.04).When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment,only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinc-tions between primiparous and multiparous offspring(d 21:R^(2)=0.13,P=0.01;d 42:R^(2)=0.19,P=0.001).Composi-tional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21(R^(2)=0.12,P=0.001).Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb+ZnCu group.Conclusions Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups.These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

Oils with different degree of saturation:effects on ileal digestibility of fat and corresponding additivity and bacterial community in growing pigs

Background Oils are important sources of energy in pig diets.The combination of oils with different degree of saturation contributes to improve the utilization efficiency of the mixed oils and may reduce the cost of oil supplemented.An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of oils with different degree of saturation on the fat digestibility and corresponding additivity and bacterial community in growing pigs.Methods Eighteen crossbred(Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire)barrows(initial body weight:29.3±2.8 kg)were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum.The experimental diets included a fat-free basal diet and 5 oil-added diets.The 5 oil-added diets were formulated by adding 6%oil with different ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids(U:S)to the basal diet.The 5 oils were palm oil(U:S=1.2),canola oil(U:S=12.0),and palm oil and canola oil were mixed in different proportions to prepare a combination of U:S of 2.5,3.5 and 4.5,respectively.Results The apparent and standardized ileal digestibility(AID and SID)of fat and fatty acids increased linearly(P<0.05)as the U:S of dietary oils increased except for SID of fat and C18:2.The AID and SID of fat and fatty acids differed among the dietary treatments(P<0.05)except for SID of unsaturated fatty acids(UFA)and C18:2.Fitted one-slope broken-line analyses for the SID of fat,saturated fatty acids(SFA)and UFA indicated that the breakpoint for U:S of oil was 4.14(R^(2)=0.89,P<0.01),2.91(R^(2)=0.98,P<0.01)and 3.84(R^(2)=0.85,P<0.01),respectively.The determined SID of fat,C18:1,C18:2 and UFA in the mixtures was not different from the calculated SID of fat,C18:1,C18:2 and UFA.However,the determined SID of C16:0,C18:0 and SFA in the mixtures were greater than the calculated SID values(P<0.05).The abundance of Romboutsia and Turicibacter in pigs fed diet containing palm oil was greater than that in rapeseed oil treatment group,and the two bacteria were negatively correlated with SID of C16:0,C18:0 and SFA(P<0.05).Conclusions The optimal U:S for improving the utilization efficiency of mixed oil was 4.14.The SID of fat and UFA for palm oil and canola oil were additive in growing pigs,whereas the SID of SFA in the mixture of two oils was greater than the sum of the values of pure oils.Differences in fat digestibility caused by oils differing in degree of saturation has a significant impact on bacterial community in the foregut.

Adherence to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in diabetes mellitus patients in Saudi Arabia:A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND Patients with diabetes mellitus(DM)are predisposed to an increased risk of infection signifying the importance of vaccination to protect against its potentially severe complications.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices(CDC/ACIP)issued immunization recommendations to protect this patient population.AIM To assess the adherence of patients with DM to the CDC/ACIP immunization recommendations in Saudi Arabia and to identify the factors associated with the vaccine adherence rate.METHODS An observational retrospective study conducted in 2023 was used to collect data on the vaccination records from 13 diabetes care centers in Saudi Arabia with 1000 eligible patients in phase I with data collected through chart review and 709 patients in phase II through online survey.RESULTS Among participants,10.01%(n=71)had never received any vaccine,while 85.89%(n=609)received at least one dose of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)vaccine,and 34.83%(n=247)had received the annual influenza vaccine.Only 2.96%(n=21),2.11%(n=15),and 1.12%(n=8)received herpes zoster,tetanus,diphtheria,and pertussis(Tdap),and human papillomavirus(HPV)vaccines,respectively.For patients with DM in Saudi Arabia,the rate of vaccination for annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccines was higher compared to other vaccinations such as herpes zoster,Tdap,pneumococcal,and HPV.Factors such as vaccine recommendations provided by family physicians or specialists,site of care,income level,DM-related hospitalization history,residency site,hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)level,and health sector type can significantly influence the vaccination rate in patients with DM.Among non-vaccinated patients with DM,the most reported barriers were lack of knowledge and fear of side effects.This signifies the need for large-scale research in this area to identify additional factors that might facilitate adherence to CDC/ACIP vaccine recommendations in patients with DM.CONCLUSION In Saudi Arabia,patients with DM showed higher vaccination rates for annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccines compared to other vaccinations such as herpes zoster,Tdap,pneumococcal,and HPV.Factors such as vaccine recommendations provided by family physicians or specialists,the site of care,income level,DM-related hospitalization history,residency site,HbA1c level,and health sector type can significantly influence the vaccination rate in patients with DM.