• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.57-64
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• 2010

This study was conducted to compare the aspects of behavior between miniature pigs and conventional sows during gestation and lactation periods. Miniature pigs and conventional sows at 3 parity were used in this experiment with 4 pigs per treatment. The behavioral patterns and stereotyped behaviors were observed on day 60 and 90 of gestation, at farrowing, and on day 10 of lactation before and after the feeding. On 60 and 90 days of pregnancy, both treatments showed the tendency of frequent lateral lying rather than other postures. On ventral lying, eating and drinking, miniature pigs spent more time than conventional pigs at day 90 of gestation (P<0.01, P=0.0539, P<0.05, respectively). The occurrence of stereotyped behaviors included bar biting and bar mouth chewing. At 90 day of pregnancy was observed, conventional pigs was higher than miniature pigs (P<0.05). At farrowing, miniature pigs spent more time on ventral lying, standing and walking than conventional sows (P<0.05), however, there were more frequency of drinking and eating. And on day 10 of lactation, there was no significant difference in stereotyped behaviors between miniature pigs and conventional sows. In conclusion, miniature pigs were generally more sensitive than conventional sows although sows were reared in stall during gestation and lactation period and the behavioral pattern during lactating period showed the similarity between miniature pigs and conventional sows for protection of nursing pigs. In consideration of the general reproductive performance of conventional sows, the high sensitivity and stress of miniature pigs did not affect the reproductive performance of miniature pigs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.832-841
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• 2007

Rectal Temperature;Thermoregulation;Sows;Breed;The effects of season (hot vs. warm) in a tropical humid climate, parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) and breed (Creole: CR, Large White: LW) on rectal temperature (RT) were studied for a total of 222 lactations obtained in 85 sows (43 CR and 42 LW; 56 primiparous and 166 multiparous) over a 28-d lactation, between June 2002 and April 2005. Mean daily ambient temperature was higher during the hot season than during the warm season (26.0 vs. $24.1^{\circ}C$) and relative humidity was high and similar in both seasons (89% on average). At farrowing, BW was lower (172 vs. 233 kg) and backfat thickness was higher (37 vs. 21 mm) in CR than in LW sows (p<0.01). During the hot season, the reduction of average daily feed intake (ADFI) was more pronounced in LW than in CR sows (-920 vs. -480 g/d, p<0.05). Rectal temperature was higher at 1200 than at 0700hr, which coincides with the maximum and the minimum values of daily ambient temperature. The daily RT increased ($+0.9^{\circ}C$; p<0.01) between d -3 and d 7 (d 0: farrowing day), remained constant between d 7 and d 25 and decreased (p<0.01) thereafter (i.e. $-0.6^{\circ}C$ between d 25 and d 32). The average daily RT was significantly higher during the hot than during the warm season (38.9 vs. $38.6^{\circ}C$; p<0.01). It was not affected by breed, but the difference in RT between the hot and warm seasons was more pronounced in LW than in CR sows (+0.4 vs. $+0.2^{\circ}C$; p<0.05). Parity influenced the RT response; it was greater in primiparous than in multiparous sows (38.9 vs. $38.7^{\circ}C$; p<0.01). This study suggests that thermoregulatory responses to heat stress can differ between breeds and between parities.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.715-722
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• 2019

This study was done to compare the effects of the dietary supplementation of non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) beet pulp and canola meal on reproduction performance in gestation-lactation sows. A total of 16 lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments with 8 replicates per treatment. Treatments consisted of genetically modified organism (GMO) basal diet (CON) and GMO basal diet supplemented with Non-GMO beet pulp and canola meal (NO). The experiment lasted from 4 weeks prior to farrowing, to day 21 of lactation. The ambient environments in the dry sow accommodation and the farrowing house were kept at a fairly constant temperature of 19 - 21℃, and 60% relative humidity. In the current study, inclusion of non-GMO feed ingredients diets showed comparable effects on the reproductive performance of the sows as that of the basal diet. There was no difference in reproduction performance in sows fed the non-GMO diets compared with CON diets when the feed ingredients were replaced with the feed by-product sugar-beet pulp (SBP) and canola meal (CM). In addition, there was also no significant difference in the growth performance of the piglets fed Non-GMO diets compared with the CON diet (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate a comparable effect of non-GMO sugar-beet pulp, and canola meal diet with basal diet on reproduction performance in gestation-lactation sows.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.254-260
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• 2017

The primary goals of this research were to evaluate the impact of diet supplemented with 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ ($Hy{\cdot}D(R)$) on sow's body condition and reproduction performance. A total of sixteen multiparous sows [(Landrace ${\times}$ Yorkshire), average parity = $3.79{\pm}0.32$] and their litters were randomly allotted to 2 treatments to give 8 replicates per treatment. Diet treatments were randomized to receive a non-active (ND) or active 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ (AD) diet (0.36 mg cholecalciferol/g) during pregnancy. The results of this experiment were observed at the gestation of d 58 - 75, d 76 - 95, d 96 - 110, and d 111 - 115. A corn-soybean meal-based diet was formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements recommended by NRC (2012). Results indicated that the sows' farrowing duration was shortened (4.71, 5.38 h), and the average number of mummified fetuses decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in AD treatment compared with ND treatment (0.1, 0.5) while birth weight was significantly (p < 0.05) improved (1.44, 1.18 kg). There were no significant effects on body weight, backfat thickness, and fecal score during the gestation of sows in different phases (p > 0.05). And the total birth, stillbirth, live birth, and survival rates of the litter did not change (p > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the farrowing duration of sow pigs will be shortened and the number of mummies will be decreased while their litters' body weight may be improved, if fed active 25-hydroxyvitamin $D_3$ (0.36 mg/g) during pregnancy phase.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.8
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• pp.1111-1119
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to analyze post-weaning reproductive performance of Large White sows in relation to season, parity and their lactation performance under tropical conditions in Guadeloupe (French West Indies, $16^{\circ}$ Lat. N, $61^{\circ}$ Long. W.). This work was based on data recorded in the experimental unit of INRA from January 1993 to December 2003. Two seasons were determined a posteriori from climatic parameters recorded continuously in a station close to the experimental unit. Mean ambient temperature was higher during the hot season than the warm season ($26^{\circ}C$ vs. $24^{\circ}C$) but relative humidity was comparable for both seasons (i.e. 87% on average). Season had a significant effect on all reproductive parameters analyzed. Primiparous sows weaned in the hot season had a higher probability of a prolonged weaning to estrus interval, WEI (odds ratio was 4.1; p<0.01) but multiparous sows were not affected. A higher probability of a prolonged weaning to conception interval, WCI (odds ratio >2.5, p<0.01) and a lower subsequent farrowing rate (-10%, p<0.01) were found for sows weaned in the hot season. A higher daily feed intake during lactation reduced the probability of a prolonged WEI (p<0.05). Body weight and average back-fat thickness at farrowing affected WEI and WCI (p<0.05), whereas body weight and average backfat thickness change in lactation did not. This study confirms the negative effects of the hot season on primiparous reproductive performance. It also indicates that lactation performance influences sow non-productive period.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.1142-1147
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• 2011

Lysine intake during gestation has a major impact on subsequent reproductive performance. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of lysine intake from mid-gestation until farrowing on the reproductive performance of multiparous sows. On day 30 of gestation, 200 Landrace${\times}$Large White sows were randomly assigned to one of four groups based on body weight and parity (n = 50). The gestation diets contained 0.46, 0.56, 0.65 or 0.74% lysine. Increasing dietary lysine concentration improved sow body condition at farrowing and increased litter weights (p<0.05). Dietary lysine level also had a significant effect on the dry matter (p<0.05) and protein content (p<0.05) of colostrum. Increased lysine intake increased serum insulin concentration (p<0.05) and there was a trend towards increased serum prolactin content (linear, p = 0.07). However, increased lysine tended to decrease blood urea N (quadratic, p = 0.05). These results suggest that higher lysine levels (0.65-0.75%) than those recommended by the National Research Council improved reproductive performance for multiparous gestating sows and this increase may be partially mediated through blood metabolites or metabolic hormone levels.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 1997

This study was done to find out the preservation possibility of liquid boar semen at variabel room temperature of 9 to 16$^{\circ}C$. The percentages of sperm motility and NAR acrosome were highest in B tschwiler extender compared to B tschwiler＋Hepes, Andro＋Hepes and Andro extenders. The extenders with Hepes buffer showed detrimental effect for preservation of liquid boar semen. The pH of ejaculated sperm-rich fraction was 7.5. The pH of B tschwiler＋Hepes, B tschwiler, Andro＋Hepes and Andro extenders was 6.9, 7.5, 7.1 and 8.1, respectively. The pH of liquid boar semen with B tschwiler＋Hepes, B tschwiler, Andro＋Hepes and Andro extenders was 6.6, 6.9, 6.7 and 6.9 at 1st day of storage, and 5.5, 5.7, 5.6 and 5.8 at 7th day of storage, respectively. Gilts and sows were inseminated twice with liquid boar semen stored at 9~16$^{\circ}C$ in B tschwiler extender for 3~4 days. Farrowing rate, litter size and average pig weight at birth between AI and natural service did not differ significantly in gilt and sow, respectively. However, sow showed higher farrowing rate and litter size compared to gilt both in AI and in natural service. As a result of this study, we found out that liquid boar semen can be stored for 5~7 days at uncontrolled room temperature of 9~16$^{\circ}C$ in B tschwiler extender.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.373-384
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• 2012

Purpose: In EU, the animal welfare regulations are strengthening. Also, in Korea, for strengthening of animal protection laws, animal welfare farm certification scheme is being prepared to enforce. To get the certification of animal welfare farm, especially for sows, individual specific feeding in sow group is necessary in accordance with the animal welfare regulation. Also, liquid feeding is reported to be more effective for farrowing as well as dry sow. Therefore, in this study, a electronic liquid sow feeder using RFID which could be fed to farrowing sow simultaneously is developed. Methods : We manufactured a prototype of appropriate elements which were evaluated in the preliminary test for selecting RFID tag, supply pump, mixing type, etc. With the prototype, the performance test for liquid feeding gilt was done in group raising training barn. Results : The performance test result shows the C.V.(coefficient of variation) of liquid mixing and feeding is 0.77~1.97% and 2.4~5.3%, respectively, which means the system could feed sows uniformly. The feeding time of pneumatically activated ball valve is 2 seconds per 0.9 kg of liquid feed. The eating time for gilt were 65 seconds in average. Conclusions : The prototype could feed sow uniformly, and deliver the liquid feed 9 times for a sow continuously. Also, total eating time for a sow was 18 minutes in one visit to the prototype of feeding station.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.555-559
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• 2012

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a by-product from processing corn to produce bio-ethanol, and it contains almost three times higher protein, fat, and fiber than corn. Intake of higher amount of nutrients originated from corn in lactating sows may contribute to changes in milk composition and thus alter the growth of suckling piglets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate effect of supplementing DDGS in the diet of lactating sows on variation in the body weight of piglets. A total of 50 sows with parities of 3 to 5 were usedand allottedinto one of four treatments which included 0 (CON), 10% (DDGS10), 20% (DDGS20), or 30% (DDGS30) DDGS in the diet. Diets were fed to sows during the whole lactation period. Individual body weights of piglets were measured within 24 h after farrowing and at weaning. No significant differences were observed inthe coefficient of variation (CV) for body weight of piglets within a litter after farrowing and at weaning among the treatments (p>0.05). There was, however, a tendency of decreases in the CV for body weight of piglets within a litter at weaning compared with that after farrowingin the DDGS10 and DDGS20 treatments. At weaning, the percentage of the number of piglets weighing less than 4.5 kg in DDGS20 (4.86%, 7 out of 144; p<0.05) or DDGS30 (5.04%, 6 out of 119; p=0.059) was lower than that in CON (12.41%; 17 out of 137) although this pattern was not observed in DDGS10. In conclusion, addition of DDGS in lactating sow diets improved piglet performance by reducing the number piglets weighing less than 4.5 kg.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.305-311
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• 2014

It is imperative to know the reproductive parameters of the existing swine breed for profitable farming in Bangladesh. This study was designed to determine the reproductive parameters of sows at hilly areas. A total of 245 pigs with 47 breedable sows were included. The data on age at puberty, oestrous cycle length, oestrus duration, gestation length, interval between furrowing and onset of oestrus, first service pregnancy rate, service per pregnancy and number of piglets born per sow in local and cross bred sows were determined. The present study revealed that age at puberty of local and cross breed sows was $232.5{\pm}8.4$, $221.3{\pm}6.9$ days, respectively. Oestrous duration was $41.1{\pm}3.1$ hours. The interval between furrowing and onset of oestrus was shorter in cross bred sows. There was no variation in values of oestrus cycle length and gestation length. The first service pregnancy rate was higher in both the local and cross bred sow. Number of piglets per sow per farrowing was $6.1{\pm}2.2$ and 60.9% local sows gave birth of 3 to 5 piglets per farrowing whereas 75.0% cross bred sows gave birth of 6 to 9 piglets. These results suggest that reproductive parameters of local sow need to be improved for better production, and cross bred sows should be reared for obtaining expected productivity.