O objetivo do trabalho foi relacionar a baixa produtividade com perdas corporais lactacionais, caracterizando o perfil das fêmeas propensas ao risco, estudar detalhadamente este grupo de fêmeas e avaliar possíveis alternativas para minimizar os efeitos do catabolismo. O primeiro experimento analisou fêmeas de diferentes ordens de parto (OP) e perda de peso na lactação. Houve efeito da interação entre ordem de parto e perda de peso na taxa de parto das fêmeas (P<0,05) em fêmeas OP1 e OP2. Não houve interação da classe de OP com classe de perda de peso (P>0,05) para IDE e total de leitões nascidos. Fêmeas OP1 apresentaram IDE mais longo e menor tamanho da leitegada no parto subsequente (P<0,05) em comparação às fêmeas OP2 e OP3-5. As perdas corporais na lactação não afetaram o IDE (P>0,05), mas reduziram o tamanho da leitegada do parto seguinte (P<0,05). Os resultados sugerem que as fêmeas mais jovens são mais sensíveis ao catabolismo, afetando o desempenho reprodutivo após o desmame. Além disso, perdas corporais lactacionais reduzem o tamanho da leitegada subsequente. O segundo experimento estudou o efeito do peso ao parto (PP) e consumo energético em relação à mantença (CEM) na lactação de fêmeas OP1 e OP2 no desempenho reprodutivo. O baixo CEM afetou as perdas corporais em ambas as OP (P<0,05). O peso ao parto não afetou o consumo alimentar em fêmeas OP1, mas influenciou a ingestão de OP2. A concentração sérica de NEFA foi influenciada pelo CEM em OP1 e OP2. Alto CEM de OP1 implicou em aumento de ureia. Em OP1, o tamanho da leitegada não foi afetado pelo PP ou CEM, mas foi reduzida em OP2 com baixo PP ou CEM. O terceiro trabalho investigou o efeito de atrasar o primeiro serviço de OP1 após o desmame com tratamento com altrenogest (ALT) ou cobertura do segundo estro após o desmame (SKIP), comparado à inseminação no primeiro estro (CON). A restrição alimentar de 60% na última semana de lactação induziu uma perda média de peso corporal de 17kg. Quanto maior foi o intervalo desmame-serviço, maior foi a recuperação do peso à inseminação. O grupo ALT foi mais síncrono na entrada ao estro após a retirada do produto. A taxa de prenhez foi maior no SKIP e CON. ALT teve maior peso de corpora lutea e níveis de progesterona até 120h pós-ovulação. Não foi observada diferenças na taxa de ovulação, embriões viáveis, sobrevivência embrionária, tamanho dos embriões ou volume de fluido placentário. Dependendo do sistema de produção, estas estratégias podem trazer benefícios econômicos, quando aplicadas com critério em fêmeas com maior risco à baixa produtividade, uma vez que custo deve ser considerado. / The aim of this work was to relate low productivity to lactational weight loss, identifying the profile of females with more risk, study in details this cohort of sows and evaluate possible alternatives to minimize the effects of catabolism. The first trial evaluated females of different parity order (PO) and weight loss during lactation. There was interaction effect between parity order and weight loss on farrow rate (P<0.05) in PO1 and PO2 females. There was no interaction between PO and weight loss class (P>0.05) on WEI and subsequent total born. PO1 females presented longer WEI and lower litter size on subsequent farrowing compared to PO2 and PO3-5 females. Weight loss did not affect WEI (P>0.05), but it was related to a decrease of litter size in the subsequent farrowing (P<0.05). Results suggest young females are more sensitive to catabolism, affecting reproductive performance post weaning. The second experiment studied the effect of body weight at farrowing (BWF) and energy intake related to maintenance (MEIM) during lactation on subsequent reproductive performance of PO1 and PO2 sows. Low MEIM affected body weight loss in both PO (P<0.05). BWF did not affect energy intake in PO1 sows but influenced the consumption in PO2 sows. Serum NEFA concentration was influenced by MEIM in PO1 and PO2 sows. High MEIM PO1 sows showed higher urea concentration. In PO1, litter size was not affected by BWF or MEIM but was reduced in PO2 with Low BWF or MEIM. Third trial investigated the effect of delayed breeding in weaned PO1 sows with altrenogest treatment (ALT) or breeding at second estrus after weaning (SKIP), compared to breeding at first estrus after weaning (CON). Feed restriction at 60% during last week of lactation induced 17kg of body weight loss. The longer weaning to service interval resulted in greater recover of body weight at breeding. ALT group was more synchronized in estrus after altrenogest withdrawal. Pregnancy rate was greater in SKIP and CON. ALT had higher corpora lutea weight and progesterone levels at 120h post-ovulation. No differences in ovulation rate, live embryos, embryo survival, embryo size, or placental fluid volume were detected. Depending on the production system, these strategies may offer economic benefits, when carefully applied in a cohort of females with more risk to low productivity, since costs must be considered.

Este estudo avaliou a performance reprodutiva de primíparas suínas submetidas à inseminação artificial pós-cervical (IAPC) comparada à inseminação artificial cervical (IAC). A dificuldade na introdução do cateter, ocorrência de sangue ou refluxo durante a inseminação e o volume e o total de células refluídas até 60 minutos após a inseminação também foram avaliados. As fêmeas foram homogeneamente distribuídas, de acordo com a perda de peso na lactação, duração da lactação, número de leitões desmamados, intervalo desmame-estro e nascidos totais no parto anterior, em dois tratamentos: IAPC (n=165) com 1,5 x 109 células espermáticas em 45 ml e IAC (n=165) com 3 x 109 células espermáticas em 90 ml. Foi realizada ultrassonografia transabdominal em tempo real no momento em que as fêmeas apresentaram estro e 24 horas após a última inseminação. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos na taxa de parto e no tamanho da leitegada (P > 0,05). O sucesso na passagem do cateter intra-uterino em todas as inseminações foi possível em 86,8% (165/190) das fêmeas inicialmente selecionadas para o tratamento IAPC. A dificuldade na introdução do cateter em pelo menos uma inseminação não afetou a performance reprodutiva das fêmeas do tratamento IAPC (P > 0,05). A ocorrência de sangramento durante a inseminação não afetou (P > 0,05) a taxa de parto em ambos os tratamentos, mas o tamanho da leitegada foi reduzido nos tratamentos IAC e IAPC (P ≤ 0,06). O percentual de espermatozoides presentes no refluxo foi maior no tratamento IAC que no IAPC (P < 0,01). Não foi observada diferença (P > 0,05) na taxa de parto e no tamanho da leitegada de acordo com o percentual de espermatozoides no refluxo (Baixo: ≤ 20% e Alto: >20%). É possível realizar a IAPC em primíparas suínas com doses contendo 1,5 x 109 células espermáticas sem causar prejuízos no desempenho reprodutivo. / The study evaluated the reproductive performance of primiparous sows submitted to post cervical insemination (PCAI) compared to cervical artificial insemination (CAI). Difficulty with catheter introduction, occurrence of bleeding or semen backflow during insemination, and volume and sperm cell backflow up to 60 min after insemination were also evaluated. Sows were homogenously distributed, according to body weight loss in lactation, lactation length, weaned piglets, weaning-to-estrus interval and total born in previous farrowing, in two treatments: PCAI (n= 165) with 1.5 x 109 sperm cells in 45 ml and CAI (n= 165) with 3 x 109 sperm cells in 90 ml. Transabdominal real time ultrasonography was performed at the moment of standing heat and 24 h after last insemination. There was no difference between treatments in farrowing rate and litter size (P > 0.05). Successful passage of the intrauterine catheter in all the inseminations was possible in 86.8% (165/190) of sows initially allocated to PCAI treatment. Difficulty of introducing the catheter in at least one insemination did not affect the reproductive performance of PCAI sows (P > 0.05). Bleeding during insemination did not affect (P > 0.05) the farrowing rate in both treatments, but litter size was reduced in CAI and PCAI sows (P ≤ 0.06). Percentage of spermatozoa present in backflow was greater in CAI than PCAI treatment (P < 0.01). No difference (P > 0.05) was observed in farrowing rate and litter size according to the percentage of spermatozoa in backflow (Low: ≤ 20%; High: > 20%). It’s possible to perform the PCAI in primiparous sows with doses containing 1,5 x 109 sperm cells without detrimental on reproductive performance.

Doctor of Philosophy / Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Steven S. Dritz / The overall goal of this dissertation was to evaluate the effects of different amino acid (AA) levels on performance of pigs under commercial conditions. To reach this objective, a total of 12 experiments were conducted. For the sow research, 1,102 highly prolific sows were used to determine the effects of AA and energy intake during late gestation on piglet birth weight and reproductive performance of sows. Weight gain depended on the energy and AA intake levels while sows fed increased amount of energy had increased stillborn rate; however, there was no statistical differences due to energy intake in stillborn rate of gilts. The modest increase in individual piglet birth weight is due to energy rather than AA intake during late gestation. Pre-weaning mortality was reduced in piglets suckling from sows fed high AA diets during late gestation while subsequent reproductive performance was not affected. With recent advances in statistical computing capability, linear and non-linear mixed models were refined to estimate the AA ratio dose-response relationships. Then, 4 experiments using 2,420 wean-to-finish pigs were conducted to validate the methods for estimating the standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA to lysine (AA:Lys) ratio requirement. Subsequently, 7 experiments using 7,562 pigs were conducted to estimate the SID tryptophan (Trp) to Lys and Valine (Val) to Lys ratio requirements of wean-to-finish pigs. In 11- to 20-kg pigs, optimum SID Trp:Lys ranged from 16.6% for maximum mean G:F to 21.2% for ADG. In 30- to 125-kg pigs, optimum SID Trp:Lys ratio ranged from 16.9% for maximum mean G:F to 23.5% for ADG. However, 18% SID Trp:Lys captured 96 and 100% of the maximum mean ADG and G:F for finishing pigs, respectively. In 25- to 45-kg pigs, optimum SID Val:Lys ratio ranged from 72.3% for maximum mean G:F to 74.4% for ADG with 99% of the maximum mean ADG and G:F at approximately 69% and 65% SID Val:Lys ratio, respectively. In conclusion, optimum SID Trp:Lys and Val:Lys were consistently higher for ADG than G:F. This finding is critical for conducting economic evaluations and reference tables such as NRC (2012) should consider presenting requirement values for different response criteria.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:47:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 92752 bytes, checksum: 6b570bdccd0d2c0f88ed1217d40c558c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-08-01 / This experiment was carried out to verify the influence of the lactation period (LP) in the subsequent weaning-conception interval (WCI) and litter size (LS) in primiparous and multiparous sows at Ponte Nova region - MG. Seven year-old data were used (1996 - 2003) of eighteen farms you trade. In relation to alimentary diet of the lactic animals, it was composed of commercial ration and water ad libitum. A total of 79.729 parições were analyzed, divided in different lactation periods: 8 to 13 days, 14 and 15 days, 16 and 17 days, 18 to 21 days and 22 to 25. There was influence (P <0,05) of LP in WCI and in LS, so much for the multiparous as for the primiparous. In both groups LP from eight to 13 days, resulted in an adult (P <0,05) WCI, that was of 4,94 ± 0,8 days for the multiparous and 5,63 ± 0,5 days for the primiparous, when compared with other LP. So much for the multiparous as for the primiparous LP from 22 to 25 days, resulted in a smaller WCI (4,31 ± 0,1 and 4,67 ± 0,5 days, respectively) when compared to other LP. In relation to LS it was verified that a LP ultraprecocious (8 to 13 days) in multiparous, it resulted in smaller number born (P <0,05), that it was of 10,70 ± 0,5 pigs respectively, when compared with other LP. In relationship the primiparous, was observed that LS (10,3 ± 0,9 pigs) it was smaller (P <0,05) for LP from eight to 13 days, when compared with LP from 19 to 21 days and 22 to 25 days, where it was verified a LS of 10,68 ± 0,5 and 11,43 ± 0,8, respectively. So much for the multiparous as for the primiparous LP from 22 to 25 days, resulted in larger LS (11,87 ± 0,3 and 11,43 ± 0,8 pigs, respectively), when compared to other LP. Before the exposed, it can be concluded that the lactation period has influence in the weaning-conception interval and litter size, and the lactation period from 22 to 25 days (traditional weaning) it is the period that provides better results in the weaning-conception interval and litter size of the females swine. / O experimento desta pesquisa foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a influência do período de lactação (PL) no subseqüente intervalo desmameconcepção (IDC) e no tamanho da leitegada (TL), em grupos de porcas multíparas e primíparas da região de Ponte Nova, MG. Foram utilizados dados de sete anos (1996 2003) de 18 granjas comerciais. A dieta alimentar dos animais lactantes foi composta de ração comercial e água ad libitum, sendo analisadas 79.729 parições, divididas em diferentes períodos de lactação: 8 a 13, 14 e 15, 16 e 17, 18 a 21 e 22 a 25 dias. Houve influência (P < 0,05) do PL no IDC e no TL, tanto nas multíparas quanto nas primíparas. Em ambos os grupos, o PL de oito a 13 dias resultou num maior (P < 0,05) IDC, que foi de 4,94 ± 0,8 dias para as multíparas e 5,63 ± 0,5 dias para as primíparas, em comparação com os demais PLs. Tanto nas multíparas quanto nas primíparas, o PL de 22 a 25 dias resultou num menor IDC (4,31 ± 0,1 e 4,67 ± 0,5 dias, respectivamente), em comparação com aos outros PLs. Com relação ao TL, foi verificado que um PL ultraprecoce (8 a 13 dias) em multíparas resultou em menor número de nascidos (P < 0,05), que foi de 10,70 ± 0,5 leitões, respectivamente, em comparação com os demais PLs. Quanto as primíparas, observou-se que o TL (10,3 ± 0,9 leitões) foi menor (P < 0,05) no PL de oito a 13 dias, em comparação com os PLs de 19 a 21 dias e 22 a 25 dias, em que se verificou um TL de 10,68 ± 0,5 e 11,43 ± 0,8, respectivamente. Tanto nas multíparas quanto nas primíparas, o PL de 22 a 25 dias resultou em maior TL (11,87 ± 0,3 e 11,43 ± 0,8 leitões, respectivamente) quando comparado com os outros PLs. Diante do exposto, pode-se concluir que o período de lactação tem influência no intervalo desmame-concepção e no tamanho da leitegada, sendo o período de lactação de 22 a 25 dias (desmame tradicional) o que proporciona melhores resultados no intervalo desmameconcepção e no tamanho da leitegada subseqüente das fêmeas suínas.

Este estudo avaliou a performance reprodutiva de primíparas suínas submetidas à inseminação artificial pós-cervical (IAPC) comparada à inseminação artificial cervical (IAC). A dificuldade na introdução do cateter, ocorrência de sangue ou refluxo durante a inseminação e o volume e o total de células refluídas até 60 minutos após a inseminação também foram avaliados. As fêmeas foram homogeneamente distribuídas, de acordo com a perda de peso na lactação, duração da lactação, número de leitões desmamados, intervalo desmame-estro e nascidos totais no parto anterior, em dois tratamentos: IAPC (n=165) com 1,5 x 109 células espermáticas em 45 ml e IAC (n=165) com 3 x 109 células espermáticas em 90 ml. Foi realizada ultrassonografia transabdominal em tempo real no momento em que as fêmeas apresentaram estro e 24 horas após a última inseminação. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos na taxa de parto e no tamanho da leitegada (P > 0,05). O sucesso na passagem do cateter intra-uterino em todas as inseminações foi possível em 86,8% (165/190) das fêmeas inicialmente selecionadas para o tratamento IAPC. A dificuldade na introdução do cateter em pelo menos uma inseminação não afetou a performance reprodutiva das fêmeas do tratamento IAPC (P > 0,05). A ocorrência de sangramento durante a inseminação não afetou (P > 0,05) a taxa de parto em ambos os tratamentos, mas o tamanho da leitegada foi reduzido nos tratamentos IAC e IAPC (P ≤ 0,06). O percentual de espermatozoides presentes no refluxo foi maior no tratamento IAC que no IAPC (P < 0,01). Não foi observada diferença (P > 0,05) na taxa de parto e no tamanho da leitegada de acordo com o percentual de espermatozoides no refluxo (Baixo: ≤ 20% e Alto: >20%). É possível realizar a IAPC em primíparas suínas com doses contendo 1,5 x 109 células espermáticas sem causar prejuízos no desempenho reprodutivo. / The study evaluated the reproductive performance of primiparous sows submitted to post cervical insemination (PCAI) compared to cervical artificial insemination (CAI). Difficulty with catheter introduction, occurrence of bleeding or semen backflow during insemination, and volume and sperm cell backflow up to 60 min after insemination were also evaluated. Sows were homogenously distributed, according to body weight loss in lactation, lactation length, weaned piglets, weaning-to-estrus interval and total born in previous farrowing, in two treatments: PCAI (n= 165) with 1.5 x 109 sperm cells in 45 ml and CAI (n= 165) with 3 x 109 sperm cells in 90 ml. Transabdominal real time ultrasonography was performed at the moment of standing heat and 24 h after last insemination. There was no difference between treatments in farrowing rate and litter size (P > 0.05). Successful passage of the intrauterine catheter in all the inseminations was possible in 86.8% (165/190) of sows initially allocated to PCAI treatment. Difficulty of introducing the catheter in at least one insemination did not affect the reproductive performance of PCAI sows (P > 0.05). Bleeding during insemination did not affect (P > 0.05) the farrowing rate in both treatments, but litter size was reduced in CAI and PCAI sows (P ≤ 0.06). Percentage of spermatozoa present in backflow was greater in CAI than PCAI treatment (P < 0.01). No difference (P > 0.05) was observed in farrowing rate and litter size according to the percentage of spermatozoa in backflow (Low: ≤ 20%; High: > 20%). It’s possible to perform the PCAI in primiparous sows with doses containing 1,5 x 109 sperm cells without detrimental on reproductive performance.

The aim was to assess the effect of condition of sows on subsequent reproductive performance. Fitness was assessed based on subjective evaluation using a five-point scale from 1 to 5. Rating condition was performed in a group of around 162 pieces by the current cast piglet always for the reproductive period before birth and before weaning, at intervals during 2009 and 2010. The company has been annually monitored and backfat thickness of sows selected for the period before birth and before weaning. The results of subjective assessment of condition of sows found that sows in the measured density reached an optimal condition in the range of 3,5 to 4 points. The best condition in sows before parturition was on the 3rd, 4th and 7 litter. Before weaning sows were fit from 2,5 to 3,5 points. In the period before weaning reached 450 sows condition 3 with an average of 13,14 pieces of piglets born to 10,21 piglets born alive. In assessing the data on the height of back fat measured now been found that the examined sows ranged average amount of fat in the range of optimum condition for each reproductive period before parturition 19,85 mm, 16,52 mm before weaning, and the difference was 3,33 mm. The statistics were revealed in the amount of fat before birth dependent on the number of piglets (p=0.02), which is statistically significant indicator. At the height of the fat before weaning (p=0.65), the relationship is statistically insignificant. The biggest statistical dependence (p=0.00) difference was found in fat, which tells us that with increasing height of fat before birth increases the amount of fat before weaning. In the last part of the data on the reproductive performance compared to those undertaking trade mark under the key ?reproduction?. It was found that the company has a prejty good level of breeding, despote some fluctuatins in farming losses as a percentage of piglets and sows pregnancy. The company reached the average (between 2008 and 2010) in weaned piglets per sow and year of 21,23 pc, live born piglets per sow and year of 25,37 pc at 2,33 litters per sow per year, but has a large loss of suckling piglets , an average of 10,32 % and 3,78 % rearing, the percentage of sows insemination was 80 % of the company, should be min. 85 %. Due to deteriorating indicators monitored the implementation of an enterprise for restocking.

O objetivo do trabalho foi relacionar a baixa produtividade com perdas corporais lactacionais, caracterizando o perfil das fêmeas propensas ao risco, estudar detalhadamente este grupo de fêmeas e avaliar possíveis alternativas para minimizar os efeitos do catabolismo. O primeiro experimento analisou fêmeas de diferentes ordens de parto (OP) e perda de peso na lactação. Houve efeito da interação entre ordem de parto e perda de peso na taxa de parto das fêmeas (P<0,05) em fêmeas OP1 e OP2. Não houve interação da classe de OP com classe de perda de peso (P>0,05) para IDE e total de leitões nascidos. Fêmeas OP1 apresentaram IDE mais longo e menor tamanho da leitegada no parto subsequente (P<0,05) em comparação às fêmeas OP2 e OP3-5. As perdas corporais na lactação não afetaram o IDE (P>0,05), mas reduziram o tamanho da leitegada do parto seguinte (P<0,05). Os resultados sugerem que as fêmeas mais jovens são mais sensíveis ao catabolismo, afetando o desempenho reprodutivo após o desmame. Além disso, perdas corporais lactacionais reduzem o tamanho da leitegada subsequente. O segundo experimento estudou o efeito do peso ao parto (PP) e consumo energético em relação à mantença (CEM) na lactação de fêmeas OP1 e OP2 no desempenho reprodutivo. O baixo CEM afetou as perdas corporais em ambas as OP (P<0,05). O peso ao parto não afetou o consumo alimentar em fêmeas OP1, mas influenciou a ingestão de OP2. A concentração sérica de NEFA foi influenciada pelo CEM em OP1 e OP2. Alto CEM de OP1 implicou em aumento de ureia. Em OP1, o tamanho da leitegada não foi afetado pelo PP ou CEM, mas foi reduzida em OP2 com baixo PP ou CEM. O terceiro trabalho investigou o efeito de atrasar o primeiro serviço de OP1 após o desmame com tratamento com altrenogest (ALT) ou cobertura do segundo estro após o desmame (SKIP), comparado à inseminação no primeiro estro (CON). A restrição alimentar de 60% na última semana de lactação induziu uma perda média de peso corporal de 17kg. Quanto maior foi o intervalo desmame-serviço, maior foi a recuperação do peso à inseminação. O grupo ALT foi mais síncrono na entrada ao estro após a retirada do produto. A taxa de prenhez foi maior no SKIP e CON. ALT teve maior peso de corpora lutea e níveis de progesterona até 120h pós-ovulação. Não foi observada diferenças na taxa de ovulação, embriões viáveis, sobrevivência embrionária, tamanho dos embriões ou volume de fluido placentário. Dependendo do sistema de produção, estas estratégias podem trazer benefícios econômicos, quando aplicadas com critério em fêmeas com maior risco à baixa produtividade, uma vez que custo deve ser considerado. / The aim of this work was to relate low productivity to lactational weight loss, identifying the profile of females with more risk, study in details this cohort of sows and evaluate possible alternatives to minimize the effects of catabolism. The first trial evaluated females of different parity order (PO) and weight loss during lactation. There was interaction effect between parity order and weight loss on farrow rate (P<0.05) in PO1 and PO2 females. There was no interaction between PO and weight loss class (P>0.05) on WEI and subsequent total born. PO1 females presented longer WEI and lower litter size on subsequent farrowing compared to PO2 and PO3-5 females. Weight loss did not affect WEI (P>0.05), but it was related to a decrease of litter size in the subsequent farrowing (P<0.05). Results suggest young females are more sensitive to catabolism, affecting reproductive performance post weaning. The second experiment studied the effect of body weight at farrowing (BWF) and energy intake related to maintenance (MEIM) during lactation on subsequent reproductive performance of PO1 and PO2 sows. Low MEIM affected body weight loss in both PO (P<0.05). BWF did not affect energy intake in PO1 sows but influenced the consumption in PO2 sows. Serum NEFA concentration was influenced by MEIM in PO1 and PO2 sows. High MEIM PO1 sows showed higher urea concentration. In PO1, litter size was not affected by BWF or MEIM but was reduced in PO2 with Low BWF or MEIM. Third trial investigated the effect of delayed breeding in weaned PO1 sows with altrenogest treatment (ALT) or breeding at second estrus after weaning (SKIP), compared to breeding at first estrus after weaning (CON). Feed restriction at 60% during last week of lactation induced 17kg of body weight loss. The longer weaning to service interval resulted in greater recover of body weight at breeding. ALT group was more synchronized in estrus after altrenogest withdrawal. Pregnancy rate was greater in SKIP and CON. ALT had higher corpora lutea weight and progesterone levels at 120h post-ovulation. No differences in ovulation rate, live embryos, embryo survival, embryo size, or placental fluid volume were detected. Depending on the production system, these strategies may offer economic benefits, when carefully applied in a cohort of females with more risk to low productivity, since costs must be considered.

O objetivo do trabalho foi relacionar a baixa produtividade com perdas corporais lactacionais, caracterizando o perfil das fêmeas propensas ao risco, estudar detalhadamente este grupo de fêmeas e avaliar possíveis alternativas para minimizar os efeitos do catabolismo. O primeiro experimento analisou fêmeas de diferentes ordens de parto (OP) e perda de peso na lactação. Houve efeito da interação entre ordem de parto e perda de peso na taxa de parto das fêmeas (P<0,05) em fêmeas OP1 e OP2. Não houve interação da classe de OP com classe de perda de peso (P>0,05) para IDE e total de leitões nascidos. Fêmeas OP1 apresentaram IDE mais longo e menor tamanho da leitegada no parto subsequente (P<0,05) em comparação às fêmeas OP2 e OP3-5. As perdas corporais na lactação não afetaram o IDE (P>0,05), mas reduziram o tamanho da leitegada do parto seguinte (P<0,05). Os resultados sugerem que as fêmeas mais jovens são mais sensíveis ao catabolismo, afetando o desempenho reprodutivo após o desmame. Além disso, perdas corporais lactacionais reduzem o tamanho da leitegada subsequente. O segundo experimento estudou o efeito do peso ao parto (PP) e consumo energético em relação à mantença (CEM) na lactação de fêmeas OP1 e OP2 no desempenho reprodutivo. O baixo CEM afetou as perdas corporais em ambas as OP (P<0,05). O peso ao parto não afetou o consumo alimentar em fêmeas OP1, mas influenciou a ingestão de OP2. A concentração sérica de NEFA foi influenciada pelo CEM em OP1 e OP2. Alto CEM de OP1 implicou em aumento de ureia. Em OP1, o tamanho da leitegada não foi afetado pelo PP ou CEM, mas foi reduzida em OP2 com baixo PP ou CEM. O terceiro trabalho investigou o efeito de atrasar o primeiro serviço de OP1 após o desmame com tratamento com altrenogest (ALT) ou cobertura do segundo estro após o desmame (SKIP), comparado à inseminação no primeiro estro (CON). A restrição alimentar de 60% na última semana de lactação induziu uma perda média de peso corporal de 17kg. Quanto maior foi o intervalo desmame-serviço, maior foi a recuperação do peso à inseminação. O grupo ALT foi mais síncrono na entrada ao estro após a retirada do produto. A taxa de prenhez foi maior no SKIP e CON. ALT teve maior peso de corpora lutea e níveis de progesterona até 120h pós-ovulação. Não foi observada diferenças na taxa de ovulação, embriões viáveis, sobrevivência embrionária, tamanho dos embriões ou volume de fluido placentário. Dependendo do sistema de produção, estas estratégias podem trazer benefícios econômicos, quando aplicadas com critério em fêmeas com maior risco à baixa produtividade, uma vez que custo deve ser considerado. / The aim of this work was to relate low productivity to lactational weight loss, identifying the profile of females with more risk, study in details this cohort of sows and evaluate possible alternatives to minimize the effects of catabolism. The first trial evaluated females of different parity order (PO) and weight loss during lactation. There was interaction effect between parity order and weight loss on farrow rate (P<0.05) in PO1 and PO2 females. There was no interaction between PO and weight loss class (P>0.05) on WEI and subsequent total born. PO1 females presented longer WEI and lower litter size on subsequent farrowing compared to PO2 and PO3-5 females. Weight loss did not affect WEI (P>0.05), but it was related to a decrease of litter size in the subsequent farrowing (P<0.05). Results suggest young females are more sensitive to catabolism, affecting reproductive performance post weaning. The second experiment studied the effect of body weight at farrowing (BWF) and energy intake related to maintenance (MEIM) during lactation on subsequent reproductive performance of PO1 and PO2 sows. Low MEIM affected body weight loss in both PO (P<0.05). BWF did not affect energy intake in PO1 sows but influenced the consumption in PO2 sows. Serum NEFA concentration was influenced by MEIM in PO1 and PO2 sows. High MEIM PO1 sows showed higher urea concentration. In PO1, litter size was not affected by BWF or MEIM but was reduced in PO2 with Low BWF or MEIM. Third trial investigated the effect of delayed breeding in weaned PO1 sows with altrenogest treatment (ALT) or breeding at second estrus after weaning (SKIP), compared to breeding at first estrus after weaning (CON). Feed restriction at 60% during last week of lactation induced 17kg of body weight loss. The longer weaning to service interval resulted in greater recover of body weight at breeding. ALT group was more synchronized in estrus after altrenogest withdrawal. Pregnancy rate was greater in SKIP and CON. ALT had higher corpora lutea weight and progesterone levels at 120h post-ovulation. No differences in ovulation rate, live embryos, embryo survival, embryo size, or placental fluid volume were detected. Depending on the production system, these strategies may offer economic benefits, when carefully applied in a cohort of females with more risk to low productivity, since costs must be considered.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A study was conducted to evaluate in Brazilian conditions the nutritional and feeding strategies of InraPorc® model for gestating and lactating sows. To meet the requirements of the model, the work was done in four steps: establishment of animal profile, determination of nutritional requirements, and definition of feed and nutrition program and application of the model InraPorc in commercial farm. Eighty DanBred sows were used, selected in order of birth, weight and backfat thickness. The experimental design was a randomized block and treatments were assigned to diets and feeding program used by the Farm program and adjusted by InraPorc. The treatments consisted of 40 replications were divided into three groups: OP1 - 15; OP2 - 13 and OP> 3-12 sows. During pregnancy, between 26 and 85 days, feed intake was 5% higher in primiparous sows, 14% in OP2 sows and 13.5% in OP> 3 sows fed by the InraPorc nutritional program. Between 86 to 108 days, the nutritional adjustments was 8.3% higher in feed intake in primiparous sows, 6.2% in OP2 sows and 9.3% in OP> 3 sows. During the lactation, the nutritional adjustment increased the maternal gain an average of 5% in both groups. The uterine contents and litter weight at birth was higher (P<0.05) in OP2 sows fed by the InraPorc® nutritional program to relation sows fed with Farm program. The total number of piglets born and born alive was higher in OP2 sows fed with the feeding program by InraPorc. The average weight of piglets at birth was higher in groups fed with the feeding program by InraPorc (1.313 vs. 1.273 kg). Piglet weight at weaning was 14 and 9% higher in piglets of primiparous and OP2 sows fed with feeding program by InraPorc. The sows weaning weight was 6.4% higher in primiparous sows fed diets adjusted by InraPorc. In this study, the weight loss observed in the groups ranged from 2 to 4.9%, and we found the largest mobilization in OP ≥ 3 sows fed diets adjusted by InraPorc. The InraPorc identified nutritional deficiencies in primiparous sows during late gestation and proposed a nutritional adjustment to the category. The adjustment in primiparous nutrition in gestation increases the maternal gain and in lactation reduces the maternal catabolism of body reserves. In addition, nutritional support during pregnancy increases the piglet weight at birth and during lactation, weaning weights. / Um estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar em condições brasileiras as estratégias nutricionais e alimentares do modelo InraPorc® para porcas gestantes e lactantes. Para atender os requisitos do modelo, o trabalho foi desenvolvido em quatro etapas: estabelecimento do perfil animal, determinação das exigências nutricionais, definição do programa nutricional e alimentar e aplicação do modelo InraPorc em granja comercial. Foram utilizadas 80 porcas DanBred, selecionadas por ordem de parto, peso vivo e espessura de toucinho. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso constituídos de dois tratamentos - programa de dietas e alimentar utilizado pela Granja e programa de dietas e alimentar ajustado pelo InraPorc®. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por 40 repetições, distribuídos em três grupos de ordem de parto (OP): OP1 15; OP2 13 e OP≥3 12 porcas. Na gestação, entre os 26 e 85 dias, o consumo de ração foi 5% superior em primíparas, 14% em porcas OP2 e 13,5% em porcas OP≥3 alimentadas com programa ajustado pelo InraPorc comparado ao da Granja. Entre os 86 a 108 dias, o ajuste nutricional pelo modelo foi superior em 8,3% no consumo de ração em primíparas, 6,2% em porcas OP2 e 9,3% em porcas OP≥3. O ajuste nutricional durante a lactação aumentou o ganho materno em média de 5% no grupos estudados. O conteúdo uterino e o peso da leitegada ao nascer foi superior (P<0,05) em fêmeas OP2 alimentadas com programa nutricional ajustado. O consumo médio durante a lactação foi 3,6% superior em primíparas, 7,3% em porcas OP2 e 6,7% em porcas de OP ≥ 3 alimentadas com programa alimentar ajustado pelo InraPorc em relação ao programa alimentar da granja. O número de leitões nascidos totais e de nascidos vivos foi superior em porcas OP2 alimentadas com programa alimentar ajustado pelo InraPorc. O peso médio dos leitões ao nascer foi superior nos grupos alimentados com programa ajustado pelo InraPorc (1,313 vs. 1,273 kg). O peso ao desmame foi 14 e 9% superior em leitões de primíparas e porcas OP2 alimentadas com programa ajustado pelo InraPorc. O peso das porcas ao desmame foi 6,4% superior nas primíparas alimentadas com programa alimentar ajustado pelo InraPorc. Nesse estudo, a perda de peso verificada nos grupos estudados oscilou de 2 a 4,9%, sendo verificada a maior mobilização em porcas OP≥3 alimentadas com o programa InraPorc. O InraPorc identificou deficiências nutricionais em primíparas no terço final da gestação e propôs um ajuste nutricional para essa categoria. O ajuste nutricional em primíparas na gestação aumenta o ganho materno e na lactação reduz o catabolismo das reservas corporais. Além disso, o aporte nutricional na gestação aumenta o peso do leitão ao nascer e, durante a lactação o peso ao desmame.

The longevity of high productivity sows in the herd has become a challenge in pig production. Several factors may contribute to increased mortality rates observed over the past few years as well as lower retention rates of young sows. Chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders are conditions that sows had evolved over the years together with the greater productivity. This dissertation underlines the immunomodulatory effects of using yeast fermentation product fed to lactating sows. In the interest of determining patterns of local and systemic immune response, a new methodology to access cytokine profiles in puerperium sows was developed. In Chapter 2, one hundred-forty sows were used to evaluate the effects of two different <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> fermentation product (SCFP), a liquid source (LIQ) and a dry source (XPC®; Diamond V), on sow and litter performance. Sows were fed a common gestation diet until d 112 of pregnancy and then allotted to one of four treatments: 1) Control diet (CON), 2) CON + 15 mL/d of LIQ from d 112 to weaning (LIQ), 3) CON + 0.20% of XPC from d 112 to weaning (DRY), and 4) DRY + 15 mL/d of LIQ from d 112 to d 7 post-farrowing (D+L). Colostrum immunoglobulin concentrations were estimated using Brix refractometer. Plasma of piglets (2/sow) was collected 24 h after birth for immunocrit ratio analysis and for determination of plasma IgA and IgG concentrations. Lactation water and feed intake (ADFI) were recorded daily. Post-weaning follicle growth was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Sows had the same initial BW (P > 0.13) but those fed any SCFP were heavier at weaning (P = 0.03) while not affecting sow backfat and loin depth (P>0.05). Overall, sows fed SCFP had greater ADFI than CON fed pigs (P < 0.01) while water intake, reproductive performance (total born, stillborn, weaned) did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). Sows fed LIQ had the greatest ADFI on weeks 1, 2, 3, and overall compared to CON (P < 0.05). Litter ADG from SCFP treatments tended to be greater than CON (P = 0.10) and litter weight variability was lower (P = 0.10). No treatment effects were observed in colostrum Brix values (P > 0.77), in the piglet plasma IgG and IgA, and serum immunocrit ratio (P > 0.21). The average daily post-weaning follicle growth was greater for SCFP treatments than CON (P = 0.05). The wean to estrus interval was shorter for sows fed LIQ than CON and DRY (P < 0.01).<br><div><br></div><div>In Chapter 3 a non-invasive methodology to assess cytokine profiles from post-partum uterine lavage is described. The uteri of fourteen second and third parity sows were flushed with sterile saline solution (0.9%) on days 2, 4, and 14 post-parturition. Uterine fluid collected was immediately centrifuged and the supernatant stored at -20°C. Samples were freeze-dried, re-suspended in sterile saline (2 mL), and stored at -80°C. Cytokine profiles of the uterine fluid were evaluated using a multiplex ELISA panel including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Cytokine concentrations were calculated relative to protein content (pg/mg of protein). IFN-γ and TNF-α were lower than the limit of detection in most samples (5/38 and 1/38, respectively). IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations did not differ among days of collection (P>0.14). IL-8 was greater on day 4 than on days 2 or 14 (P<0.05). IL-1β and IL-6 were greater on days 2 and 4 than on day 14 (P<0.05).<br></div><div><br></div><div>The study presented in Chapter 4 refers to a subsample of sows (n=40) from the entire group of sows used in the study presented in Chapter 2. In this case, the methodology presented in Chapter 3 was used to evaluate SCFP effects on blood and uterine cytokine profiles in sows. A similar set of cytokines from Chapter 3 were evaluated on d 112 of gestation, d 2 and 6 post-farrowing in the plasma, and from uterine fluid collected on d 2, 4, and 6 post-farrowing. Serum C-Reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin concentrations were evaluated. No interactions between treatments and day of collection were observed (P>0.13). LIQ and D+L sows had the greatest serum IL-10 concentration (P<0.001) and sows fed CON tended to have lower serum concentration of IL-8 (P<0.06) vs. other treatments. Serum CRP concentrations were greatest on d 2 (P<0.001), serum IL-10 (P<0.04) and IL-4 (P<0.07) linearly decreased while serum haptoglobin (P<0.02) and IFN-γ (P<0.001) linearly increased post-farrowing. In the uterine fluid, LIQ and D+L sows had greater IFN-γ (P=0.04) concentrations and CON tended to have the least concentration of TNF-α (P=0.08). Uterine fluid IL-1 tended to linearly increase (P<0.07) and IL-6 linearly decrease (P<0.01) post-farrowing. LIQ sows had the greatest daily feed intake and CON the least during the first week of lactation (P=0.04).<br></div><div><br></div><div>In conclusion, feeding SCFP to lactating sows improved feed intake and litter growth while not affecting milk yield and colostrum quality. Besides improvements on litter ADG, the uniformity was better for all sources of SCFP. The liquid sources had slightly better results over the other sources and CON, including the greatest feed intake, less body weight mobilization, and a reduction in WEI. The method proposed to evaluate cytokine profiles in the uterine fluids of sows after farrowing, accomplished the objective of being a non-invasive procedure to be applied in puerperium sows. This new procedure was applied to analyze the immunomodulatory effects of SCFP. The correlations observed between the uterine and serum cytokines lead to a refined description of immune response in puerperium sows. Feeding SCFP to lactating sows stimulates the immune system allowing sows to build a desirable immune responses. Thus, the quicker resolution of acute phase reaction as demonstrated by greater daily feed intake in the first week post-farrowing can be attributed to SCFP immunomodulatory effects, ensuring better lactation performance.<br></div>