Clinical problems due to encephalomyocarditis virus infections in two pig herds.

Background: Infections with encephalomyocarditis virus may cause myocarditis and sudden death in young pigs and reproduction disorders in sows. The presence of encephalomyocarditis virus infected rodents is considered a major risk factor for transmission of the virus to pigs. There is currently no effective treatment.

Sow and litter factors influencing colostrum yield and nutritional composition.

One of the main characteristics of colostrum intake (CI), colostrum yield (CY), and colostrum composition (CC) in pigs is its variability. The present observational study aimed to investigate factors influencing CY and CC in 10 commercial herds. In total, 100 sows of 5 different breeds and their 1,455 live-born piglets were included.

Effect of peripartal feeding strategy on colostrum yield and composition in sows.

Research showed a positive association between back fat (BF) change the week before farrowing and colostrum yield (CY). This study tested the causality of this association, hence to optimize CY by altering the sows' peripartal feeding strategy. Sows were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups at d 108 of gestation.

Effectiveness of different farrowing induction protocols in sows using alphaprostol on day 114 of gestation.

Farrowing induction in sows is frequently applied and different protocols were described. Most studies induce farrowing between day 111 and 113 of gestation, but hardly any later during gestation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different induction protocols when applied on d114 of gestation.

Ad libitum feeding during the peripartal period affects body condition, reproduction results and metabolism of sows.

To overcome negative energy balance during the peripartal period of sows, an ad libitum feeding strategy (ADLIB) as alternative for commonly used restricted feeding (STANDARD, on average 3kg feed/day) was evaluated. Plasma metabolites and thyroid hormones, change of back fat thickness (BF), reproductive traits, and piglet performance were monitored. Voluntary feed intake of ADLIB sows declined at farrowing but was still more than twice the amount of what was offered to STANDARD sows.

Changes in back fat thickness during late gestation predict colostrum yield in sows.

Directing protein and energy sources towards lactation is crucial to optimise milk production in sows but how this influences colostrum yield (CY) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify associations between CY and the sow's use of nutrient resources. We included 37 sows in the study that were all housed, fed and managed similarly.

Peripartum changes in orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones in relation to back fat thickness and feeding strategy of sows.

Highly prolific sows often experience peripartum hypophagia, resulting in decreased production rate. Leptin, ghrelin, and resistin are known as feed intake-regulating hormones in many species, but it is yet unknown how feeding strategy and body condition will affect these hormones around parturition in sows. In the present study, a total of 63 sows, parity 2 to 7 were divided over 2 treatment groups which were fed either restricted (RESTRICT) or ad libitum (ADLIB) during the peripartum period (day 106 of gestation until day 7 of lactation).