Evaluation of Agolin® Pig on sow and piglet performance and sow fecal microbial communities during lactation

Translational Animal Science · 2026-01-01

Abstract Essential oils are increasingly evaluated as alternatives to antibiotics in swine nutrition. This pilot study investigated the effects of Agolin Pig, a blend of microencapsulated essential oils, on sow performance, piglet growth, and sow fecal microbiota during lactation. Twenty-five sows were randomly assigned to either a control group (CON; n = 13) or a treatment group supplemented with Agolin Pig (AGO; n = 12; 200 ppm) from two weeks pre-farrowing through lactation. Diets for both groups met NRC (2012) nutrient requirements. Sow average daily feed intake (ADFI), body weight, body condition score (BCS), and Knauer Caliper measurements were collected at baseline, one week post-farrowing, and weaning. Piglet average daily gain (ADG) was recorded throughout lactation. Sow fecal samples were collected on d-14, d-7, d0, d8, and d16 relative to farrowing for microbiome analysis. Performance data were analyzed using PROC GLM or MIXED (SAS 9.4), with parity, number nursed, number weaned, and lactation week included as covariates. Microbiota data were analyzed in QIIME2 (v2022.8) and R (v4.2.3). Agolin Pig supplementation did not affect sow ADFI, piglet ADG, or colostrum and milk composition. However, AGO sows lost significantly less body condition during lactation, as measured by the Knauer Caliper (P = 0.010). Beta diversity differed between treatments on d8 (P = 0.029) and tended to differ on d16 (P = 0.066). Additionally, Clostridium and Streptococcus increased in CON but not AGO sows on d8 and d16, respectively. In summary, Agolin Pig supplementation reduced body condition loss and altered sow fecal microbiota diversity during lactation. These findings highlight the potential of essential oils to support sow health and productivity and warrant confirmation in larger studies.

49. Effects of a Dietary Select Essential Oil and Prebiotic Fiber Combination on Sow Reproductive and Litter Performance

Journal of Animal Science · 2026-04-01

Abstract Essential oils combined with functional prebiotics are increasingly utilized in swine nutrition for their potential to support immune function, gut health, and feed biosecurity, which may positively influence sow reproductive outcomes and litter performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an in-feed select oregano essential oil (Microfused®) in combination with a proprietary prebiotic fiber (Actifibe®; Dual Defender™) on sow productivity and litter growth during lactation. This study was conducted on a commercial 10,000 sow breed-to-wean farm. A total of 507 sows were enrolled at breeding and randomly assigned to either a control group (CON; n = 232; basal gestation and lactation diets) or a treatment group (DD; n = 275; basal diets + 0.10% Dual Defender™). Diets were fed throughout gestation and lactation according to the farm’s standard feeding protocols. Sows with ≥9 piglets on d 1 of lactation were included in the lactation phase of the study and cross-fostering was allowed within treatment. Litter characteristics were recorded at birth and litter size and weight were recorded on d 1 of age and one day before weaning to evaluate litter growth performance. Sow productivity measures included total born, born alive, stillborn, mummies, number weaned, wean-to-estrus interval, and subsequent litter size. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLM procedure in SAS 9.4 and the model included treatment and parity with days of lactation (Avg=20.65d) as a covariate for weaning variables. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and trends at 0.05< P ≤ 0.10. On d 1, DD sows had heavier average piglet weight (1.46 vs. 1.41 kg; P = 0.025) compared to CON sows. There was a tendency for DD sows to have fewer light piglets (< 0.90 kg) per litter (0.83 vs. 1.02; P = 0.070) on d 1. Although number of total born (16.34, DD vs 16.03, CON; P = 0.292) and live-born piglets did not differ between treatments, DD sows had more stillborn piglets (0.90 vs. 0.59; P = 0.016). At weaning, DD sows had greater litter ADG (2.90 vs. 2.75 kg/d; P = 0.041) and adjusted 21-day litter weaning weight (80.94 vs. 77.61 kg; P = 0.033) as well as higher adjusted 21-day average piglet weaning weight (6.52 vs. 6.34 kg; P = 0.050). While number of piglets weaned did not differ between treatments (12.47, DD vs 12.35, CON; P = 0.531), there was a tendency for DD sows to have fewer light weight piglets (< 3.6 kg) at weaning (0.37 vs. 0.51; P = 0.082). Days to return to estrus were numerically shorter for the DD sows (4.59 vs 4.97; P = 0.1061). Subsequent litter size was not affected by treatment. Overall, Dual Defender™ supplementation during gestation and lactation improved piglet weights at birth and weaning and litter growth during lactation, with a tendency for fewer light weight piglets born and weaned.

23. Comprehensive Analysis of Intestinal, Hormonal, Behavioral, and Metabolic Responses in Post-weaning Pigs Fed Control or High-fiber Diets

Journal of Animal Science · 2026-04-01

Abstract While conventional fiber sources in nursery diets are well characterized, the effects of alternative fiber ingredients on the physiological and behavioral responses of pigs after weaning and transport stress remain unclear. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of replacing corn with alternative fiber sources on intestinal, hormonal, behavioral, and metabolic status following weaning and transport. We hypothesized that replacing corn with alternative fiber sources would improve intestinal morphology and behavioral responses without impacting post-absorptive metabolic biomarkers. Mixed-sex piglets [N = 216; Duroc (Landrace x Yorkshire)] were weaned and transported for 12 h to simulate commercial conditions. Following transport, pigs were allotted by sex and blocked by weaning weight (6.5 ± 0.1 kg) into pens that were assigned one of two dietary treatments. Pens were fed either a corn-soybean meal-based diet (CON; n = 12 pens/treatment; 9 pigs/pen) or a fiber blend (FIBER; n = 12 pens/treatment; 9 pigs/pen) that replaced corn with equal parts sugar beet pulp and alfalfa meal at a rate of 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5% in diet phases 1-4, respectively, with additional fat added at each phase (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%, respectively) to ensure diets were isocaloric. Diets were provided ad libitum with free access to water. One pig per pen (n = 12/treatment) was selected for blood sampling on d 1 pre-weaning, and d 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 post-weaning after a standardized 2 h fast. Plasma was analyzed for insulin, cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and glucose. At d 7 and 35, one pig per pen (n = 24 pigs per treatment total) was sampled for jejunum and ileum villi, crypt, and villus:crypt estimates, and cecum and colon to determine crypt values. All pigs were video-recorded on d 1, 2, 3, and 36 post-weaning to evaluate feeding, drinking, and pen-level aggression. Behavior data were separated into AM (0900–1100 h) and PM (1400–1600 h) periods. Pen was considered the experimental unit with room and weight block as random effects. Overall, NEFA levels were greater (P < 0.05; 27.5%) for FIBER versus CON pigs. At d 7, jejunal villus height tended to be reduced (P < 0.10; 17.2%) and jejunal villus:crypt was reduced (P < 0.05; 23.9%) in the FIBER versus the CON pigs. FIBER pigs tended to have greater AM aggression (P < 0.10; 20.1%) but lower PM aggression (P < 0.10; 12.4%) compared to CON pigs. No other treatment-related differences (P > 0.10) were observed. In conclusion, the FIBER treatment had moderate negative effects on jejunal morphology at d 7 and increased circulating NEFA levels, likely due to greater dietary fat inclusion. These observations suggest a transient gastrointestinal response that was resolved through physiological adaptation to fiber inclusion.

Additional file 1 of Route of fecal microbiota transplantation delivery determined the dynamics and predictability of donor microbe colonization

Open MIND · 2025-01-01

Supplementary Material 1

Impact of farrowing crate enrichment strategies on the welfare and performance of sows, suckling piglets, and post-weaned piglets

Journal of Animal Science · 2025-01-01

In conventional pig production, lactating sows are typically housed in farrowing crates that restrict movement and environmental engagement, raising welfare concerns. Farrowing pens also lack behavioral stimulation for suckling piglets, hindering species-specific behaviors. Environmental enrichment may improve welfare by redirecting behaviors-such as chewing-away from conspecifics in piglets and pen fixtures in sows. However, few studies have explored its effects in farrowing crates, particularly regarding optimal placement within these spatial constraints. This study evaluated the impacts of enrichment strategies on the welfare and performance of 37 lactating sows and their litters from birth through early post-weaning. Sows and litters were divided into three groups: both had access to enrichments (SPE), only piglets had access (PE), and a control group with no enrichments (CON). Point-source objects (PorkyPlays and wooden blocks on rope) were placed 2 d after sows moved into farrowing crates until 2 wk post-weaning. Sow salivary cortisol was collected at four timepoints, and pressure sores were assessed at 8 timepoints from 24 h after crate entry to weaning. Piglet tear stains and skin lesions were recorded throughout the lactation phase. Suckling piglet average daily gain (ADG) was analyzed at days 1 to 7, 7 to 14, and 14 to weaning. In the nursery, salivary cortisol, tear stains, and skin lesions were measured on days 1, 7, and 14 post-weaning, with an additional cortisol sample at day 0 post-weaning. Nursery piglet ADG was analyzed from weaning to day 14 post-weaning. CON sows were more likely to have a pressure sore compared to SPE sows (P = 0.02); PE sows tended to have a higher likelihood of developing a pressure sore than SPE sows (P = 0.097). No treatment effect was found for salivary cortisol of sows or nursery piglets. However, CON piglets had the largest tear stains during lactation (P < 0.001) and nursery (P = 0.001). Treatment affected piglet skin lesions during lactation, with CON piglets having more ear (P < 0.001) and front (P = 0.002) lesions and a higher overall lesion score (P < 0.0001). No treatment effect was found for ADG, piglet crushing, or nursery skin lesions. In conclusion, enrichment strategies in farrowing crates improved piglet skin health and tear stains without affecting performance. Enrichment access for sows tended to reduce pressure sores, suggesting enrichments can enhance welfare in farrowing crate systems.

PSI-7 Effects of creep feed and microencapsulated blend of essential oil supplementation on lactation and nursery performance in pigs

Journal of Animal Science · 2025-05-01

Abstract Creep feeding strategies in piglets are designed to ease the transition from sow’s milk to dry feed. Essential oils have gained attention due to their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects as well as improved growth performance and feed palatability in pigs. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation of a blend of microencapsulated essential oils and a prebiotic (EOP) in creep feed and two levels during the nursery. Seven days before weaning, litters were allotted by sow parity (avg. 2.8), genetics, weaning age (avg. 20.3 d), number of pigs per litter (avg. 11.9), and litter weight (avg. 50.2 kg) and assigned to one of two creep feeding treatments: 1) Basal Diet (NC, n=35) or 2) Basal Diet+0.10% EOP (A, n=17). Post-weaning, pigs were blocked by weaning weight within creep feed group and randomly allotted to a nursery treatment. Pigs from the NC creep feed were allotted to one of four nursery dietary treatments: 1) Basal diet (NC-NC), 2) Basal diet+55 ppm Carbadox (NC-PC), 3) Basal diet+0.10% EOP (NC-A), or 4) Basal diet+0.16% EOP (NC-B). Pigs from the A creep feed group were allotted to one of two treatments: 5) Basal diet+0.10% EOP (A-A), or 6) Basal diet+0.16% EOP (A-B). Each treatment had 10 pens/treatment with 8 or 9 pigs/pen evenly distributed within block. Fecal samples were collected from a subset of piglets and sows during lactation and pigs post-weaning for future microbiome analysis. Creep feed treatment had no effect on intake or growth performance of piglets during lactation. During week 1 of the nursery, NC creep feed groups had greater G:F than A creep feed groups (P=0.031). There were interactions between creep feed and nursery feed EOP with pigs fed treatments NC-B and A-A having higher ADFI week 2 (P=0.029) and week 4 (P=0.094) and ADG week 2 (P=0.029) than NC-A and A-B, respectively. Pigs fed NC-PC had greater ADG week 4 (P=0.029), week 5 (P=0.030), and overall, d0-34, (P=0.071) with greater G:F week 3 (P=0.034) and d0-34 (P=0.040) than pigs fed NC-NC. For the overall 34-day nursery period, there was no effect of treatment on ADFI. ADG was greater for NC-PC than NC-A, A-A, and A-B, with NC-NC and NC-B being intermediate but not different (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, NC-PC had greater ADG (P=0.003) than the average of all nursery EOP-supplemented groups, however, the EOP treatments had similar G:F to NC-PC and numerically higher G:F than the NC-NC fed pigs. While NC-PC had the best growth performance, pigs receiving NC creep feed followed by high EOP or low creep feed dose of EOP followed by a low dose of EOP performed best of the EOP supplementations. Future research should explore varying EOP levels and durations to optimize piglet performance.

Route of fecal microbiota transplantation delivery determined the dynamics and predictability of donor microbe colonization

Animal Microbiome · 2025-12-24

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the colonization of delivered donor microbes has been reported to improve the negative effects (decrease in body weight, diarrhea, and gut barrier disruption) associated with weaning in pigs. However, delivery of FMT in pigs is still invasive and predicting the colonization or rejection of donor microbes remains challenging. Therefore, this study developed a non-invasive in-feed delivery of FMT and evaluated the effect of FMT mode of delivery on growth performance, gut physiology, microbiota dynamics, and predictability of colonization or rejection of donor microbes in recipient pigs. Forty weaned piglets (10 per group) were administered FMT through one of three routes; oral, rectal, or amended in-feed. The control group was orally administered sterile saline to simulate handling stress. Pigs in the FMT groups had higher average daily weight gain (ADG) from day 0–2 post-weaning. An increase in community diversity and a shift in the recipient community towards the donor in all FMT groups was observed on day 5. The oral group had the highest colonization (15.12%) and the lowest rejection (19.34%) rates, while colonization was 13.82% and 11.78% in rectal and in-feed group respectively. On day 4, colon crypt depth was increased in all FMT groups but an increase in villus length was only observed in the in-feed group. Colonization and rejection of donor microbes in the recipient animals could be predicted in all routes of administration, but the efficacy of prediction was influenced by the route of delivery. In-feed FMT had the lowest colonization prediction which may have been influenced by the need for voluntary consumption of fecal materials in the in-feed group. The ten most abundant genera (Prevotella, Alloprevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Lactobacillus, Cloacibacillus, Bacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, Escherichia-Shigella, unclassified Lachnospiraceae sequences, and archaea Methanobrevibacter) in the recipient prior to FMT (background community) was the most important feature in predicting colonization for all routes of fecal microbiota transplant. FMT administered as a lyophilized feed additive shows promise in altering microbiome community structure. While colonization and rejection of donor microbes within the recipient community are predictable, the efficacy of these predictions varies with the route of transplant. This suggests that different prediction models are necessary for each delivery mode of FMT in pigs.

Route of fecal microbiota transplantation delivery determined the dynamics and predictability of donor microbe colonization

Figshare · 2025-01-01

Abstract Background Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the colonization of delivered donor microbes has been reported to improve the negative effects (decrease in body weight, diarrhea, and gut barrier disruption) associated with weaning in pigs. However, delivery of FMT in pigs is still invasive and predicting the colonization or rejection of donor microbes remains challenging. Therefore, this study developed a non-invasive in-feed delivery of FMT and evaluated the effect of FMT mode of delivery on growth performance, gut physiology, microbiota dynamics, and predictability of colonization or rejection of donor microbes in recipient pigs. Forty weaned piglets (10 per group) were administered FMT through one of three routes; oral, rectal, or amended in-feed. The control group was orally administered sterile saline to simulate handling stress. Results Pigs in the FMT groups had higher average daily weight gain (ADG) from day 0–2 post-weaning. An increase in community diversity and a shift in the recipient community towards the donor in all FMT groups was observed on day 5. The oral group had the highest colonization (15.12%) and the lowest rejection (19.34%) rates, while colonization was 13.82% and 11.78% in rectal and in-feed group respectively. On day 4, colon crypt depth was increased in all FMT groups but an increase in villus length was only observed in the in-feed group. Colonization and rejection of donor microbes in the recipient animals could be predicted in all routes of administration, but the efficacy of prediction was influenced by the route of delivery. In-feed FMT had the lowest colonization prediction which may have been influenced by the need for voluntary consumption of fecal materials in the in-feed group. The ten most abundant genera (Prevotella, Alloprevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Lactobacillus, Cloacibacillus, Bacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, Escherichia-Shigella, unclassified Lachnospiraceae sequences, and archaea Methanobrevibacter) in the recipient prior to FMT (background community) was the most important feature in predicting colonization for all routes of fecal microbiota transplant. Conclusion FMT administered as a lyophilized feed additive shows promise in altering microbiome community structure. While colonization and rejection of donor microbes within the recipient community are predictable, the efficacy of these predictions varies with the route of transplant. This suggests that different prediction models are necessary for each delivery mode of FMT in pigs.

43 Evaluating the use of a monoterpene-based phytogenic supplement to alleviate the effects of gestational heat stress on the sow and her developing offspring

Journal of Animal Science · 2025-05-01 · 1 citations

Abstract The study objective was to evaluate whether a phytogenic supplement would reduce the physiological stress response in heat-stressed (HS) gestating sows, thereby improving growth and welfare outcomes in their piglets following weaning and transport. Thirty-six pregnant Large White x Landrace sows (parity=2.0 ± 1.2) were subjected to either thermoneutral (TN; 20.72 ± 0.97℃) or cyclical HS (26-36℃) conditions from gestation d6-59, after which all sows were maintained in TN conditions until farrowing. Sows received ad libitum water (C) or water with a phytogenic supplement (P; Phytozen®, Probiotech International, Inc.; 0.2 mL/L). After removing 10 sows due to being non-pregnant, treatment allocations were: TNC (n=5), TNP (n=6), HSC (n=9), HSP (n=6). During gestation, respiration rates (RR) and ear, shoulder, rump, and tail temperatures were measured daily at 0800, 1200, 1600 and 2000h. Vaginal temperatures (Tv) were measured in 10-min intervals using implanted data loggers. Oral fluids were collected ten times post-breeding at 1330h for cortisol analyses. Sows were weighed weekly and feed intake was assessed daily to determine sow ADG and gain:feed, and sow backfat was assessed on gestation d5 and 59. Piglets were weaned and transported on d19.6 ± 1.2 post-farrowing and then allotted into nursery pens (n=4 piglets/pen; 0.23 m2/pig; n=9 TNC, 7 TNP, 10 HSC, and 10 HSP pens). Blood samples were obtained (n=2 piglets/pen) on d1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-weaning for cortisol analyses. Piglet weights and feed intake were assessed in 7d intervals to determine ADG, ADFI, and gain:feed. Individual sow, piglet, or nursery pen was considered the experimental unit. Sow RR was reduced (P&amp;lt; 0.01; 16.1%) in HSP versus HSC sows, but both HSC and HSP sows had greater (94.3%) RR when compared to TNC and TNP sows. Sow Tear, Tshoulder, Trump, and Ttail was reduced (P&amp;lt; 0.01; -0.53, -0.42, -0.56, and -0.30℃, respectively) in HSP when compared to HSC sows, but both HSC and HSP sows had greater skin temperatures when compared to TNC and TNP sows. A decrease in sow Tv was observed (P&amp;lt; 0.01; -0.49℃) in TNP vs TNC, HSC, and HSP sows. An increase in sow ADG, gain:feed, and backfat was observed (P&amp;lt; 0.01:26.8, 28.6, and 292.9%, respectively) for HS versus TN sows. Weaned piglets per litter was greater (P&amp;lt; 0.01; 27.0%) in HSP versus HSC, TNC, and TNP litters. Nursery ADG was reduced (P&amp;lt; 0.01; 13.8%) for HSP and TNP versus HSC and TNC litters and was greatest (19.9%) in TNC litters. Plasma cortisol was reduced (P=0.03; -3.80%) in HSP versus HSC, TNC, and TNP piglets. In summary, providing a monoterpene-based phytogenic supplement during early gestation HS helped sows maintain euthermia, increased the number of piglets weaned, and reduced the postnatal physiological stress response in their piglets.

Additional file 1 of Route of fecal microbiota transplantation delivery determined the dynamics and predictability of donor microbe colonization

Figshare · 2025-01-01

Supplementary Material 1