S1081: Nutritional Systems for Swine to Increase Reproductive Efficiency
(Multistate Research Project)
Status: Active
Date of Annual Report: 09/12/2024
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 01/04/2024
- 01/05/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024
Participants
Dove Robert (crdove@uga.edu) - University of Georgia; Levesque Crystal (crystal.levesque@sdstate.edu) – South Dakota State University; Lindemann Merlin (Merlin.Lindemann@uky.edu) – University of Kentucky); Van Heugten Eric (Eric_vanHeugten@ncsu.edu) – North Carolina State University. Weaver Eric (eric.weaver@sdstate.edu) - South Dakota State University; Chiba Lee (chibale@auburn.edu) – Auburn University; Tsai Tsungcheng (ttsai@uark.edu) – University of Arkansas.Brief Summary of Minutes
The progress of previous projects, copper supplementation (led by Merlin), Essential oil (led by Merline), Boron (led by Merlin), and Phase feeding (led by Crystal) were discussed. The preliminary results of a boron study conducted by the UK suggested there is little or no effect of additional boron on reproductive performance. Thus, the committee voted to discontinue this project.
The plan for new projects entitled Phytogentic feed additives (led by Merlin), Optimum Histidine (led by Robert), and Iron level (led by Crystal) on sow reproductive performance was visited. Teams also brainstormed on new research projects to sustain the sow longevity with the potential benefit of sodium salicylate supplementation, the good quality of drinking water, and the level of water intake. Also, the hemoglobin level fluctuated during gestation, and lactation, and the restored rate varied between parity was observed by SDSU, which warrants further research.
Accomplishments
<p><strong>Short-term Outcomes: </strong>short term outcomes are reported within each research objective.</p><br /> <p>In the United States, sow mortality is a major concern in swine production. New genetic lines are selected to increase the number of pigs per year, but the culling rate remained around 50 to 60% after the primiparous cycle. The leading causes of euthanized are lameness and prolapses, while the top causes of death loss remained unknown. In addition, nonintentional culls are found in reproductive inefficiency females. As such, short term outcomes are related to investigation of nutritional tools to enhance sow productivity.</p><br /> <ol><br /> <li>Sow blood hemoglobin (Hb) as an indicator of iron status was reported to decline with progressing pregnancy and into lactation with some recovery within the first 30 d of the subsequent pregnancy but the ability to recover declined with each pregnancy. This phenomenon was tested through 3 successive pregnancies in a single cohort. This decline in Hb has potential implications for offspring iron status at birth and sow Hb status may be a marker of piglet iron status to identify litters requiring additional iron supplementation.</li><br /> <li><strong>Supplement Histidine:</strong> No specific outcomes related to this objective were reported. Activities completed and/or planned for this objective are reported under “Activities”.</li><br /> <li><strong>Sow metabolic status: </strong><br /> <ol><br /> <li><strong>Sodium salicylate SDSU:</strong> Gilts fed sodium salicylate 3 days before farrowing, displayed reduced savage behavior in gilts. Sodium salicylate is an agonist of PGF2alpha and has an anti-inflammation effect, which might help soothe the gilts during the challenge stage.</li><br /> <li><strong>Water quality and intake level:</strong> Water is a major nutrient, but the level of water consumption and mineral intake from water on reproductive performance is sacrifice, and the challenge of finding the reference makes it difficult to propose a guideline for swine producers. Moreover, sodium salt is commonly used for its electrolyte balance, pH, and nutrient absorption functions and was reported to promote diet and water intake. Unlike the young pigs, which had been reevaluated recently, the study on salt levels in reproductive sows is missing and may be included as future efforts under this objective. Data from young pigs reveals the change in sodium and chloride requirements in new genetic pigs (Shawk et al., 2018; Shawk et al., 2019; Mahan et al., 1996; Mahan et al., 1999). Therefore, it is important to revisit its effect and optimal level in the modern genetic line of the sow. Seynaeve et al. (1996) found that increased sodium chloride to 0.4% increased urine output, shorter the wean to estrus interval, and increased rebreeding rate and NRC 2012 recommended 0.15% and 0.20% of sodium while 0.12% and 0.16% of chlorine for gestation and lactation sow, respectively.</li><br /> </ol><br /> </li><br /> <li><strong>Sensory additives</strong>: No outcomes on this objective during this reporting period.</li><br /> </ol><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><strong>Outputs: </strong>outputs reported are from the previous approved project objectives related to 1) copper supplementation, 2) boron, 3) phytogenics, and 4) phase feeding.</p><br /> <p>Performance data from the Copper supplementation project were collected, and the manuscript is being prepared. Milk samples collected from the copper project have been assayed, and results will be compiled into another paper. Results from the essential oil, Boron, and phase feeding projects were summarized and are proceeding for manuscript preparation.</p><br /> <p><strong> </strong></p><br /> <p><strong>Activities:</strong> activities reported are specific to current project objectives on 1) iron, 2) histidine, 3) sow metabolic status, and 4) sensory additives</p><br /> <p>The team will discuss the procedures and traits to be measured in each of the projects proposed above. In addition, the project will evolve to investigate responses at the molecular level as a means to identify the biomarkers associated with reproductive performance, and our committee is looking forward to seeking federal funding to support the project. To approach this goal, the team will search for collaboration with molecular geneticists and reproductive physiologists.</p><br /> <p>The protocol for His study will be shared with participating stations. Briefly, sows will be allotted to their treatments at d 110 of gestation. Colostrum will be collected at farrowing, and milk will be collected during the lactation. In addition to milk, the collection of other biomarkers was considered, including immunocrit and cortisol.</p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p> </p><br /> <p><strong>Milestones: </strong></p><br /> <p>To lay out a research plan for the histidine project by 2024.</p><br /> <p>In the coming year, evaluate the research plan for sodium salicylate, water quality and intake, and monitor sow BW change projects.</p>Publications
<p>A cooperative study assessing the effects of a second iron injection administered before weaning on growth performance, hematological status, and tissue mineral concentrations of nursery pigs. 2024. <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">T.B. Chevalier</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">O. Adeola</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">S.D. Carter</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">C.R. Dove</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">M.J. Estienne</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">C.L. Levesque</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">C.V. Maxwell</a>, <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">T. Tsai</a>, and <a href="https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00019-3/fulltext">M.D. Lindemann</a>. Applied Animal Science 40:112-123. <a href="https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2023-02480">https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2023-02480</a></p>Impact Statements
- Activities: 1. Iron: Results of completed study were submitted to the coming 2024 Midwest ASAS meeting where commercial production nutritionists will be in attendance. Results can be discussed and strategic use of sow Hb as a biological marker for sow or piglet health can be discussed. 2. Supplemental His: no activities related to impacts were completed in this reporting period. 3. Sow metabolic status: Results of the sodium salicylate completed study were submitted to 2024 Midwest ASAS meeting where commercial production nutritionists will be in attendance. 4. Sensory additives: The preliminary study on sensory additives demonstrated their benefit on sow lactation intake during summer and promoted nutrient utilization during winter seasons. This effect on intake can help sows restore their body condition for subsequent cycles. It would be interesting to evaluate their impact on sow longevity and intergenerational effect on progeny.
- Milestones: To discuss the possibility of emerging essential oil and sensory additives as phytogenic feed additives in the coming year. To lay out a plan to evaluate the hemoglobin level in sows and their progeny in the coming year. To draft the manuscripts for copper, phase feeding, and boron projects by 2025.
- Indicators: no specific indicators that specific goals/achievements were accomplished were available during this reporting period because this approved project was in the first year of approval at the time of this meeting.
Date of Annual Report: 02/14/2025
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 01/06/2025
- 01/07/2025
Period the Report Covers: 05/01/2024 - 01/01/2025
Period the Report Covers: 05/01/2024 - 01/01/2025
Participants
Brief Summary of Minutes
Accomplishments
Publications
Impact Statements
Date of Annual Report: 02/24/2026
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 01/08/2026
- 01/09/2026
Period the Report Covers: 01/08/2025 - 01/07/2026
Period the Report Covers: 01/08/2025 - 01/07/2026
Participants
In-person/Virtual: Dove, Robert (crdove@uga.edu) – University of Georgia; Levesque, Crystal (crystal.levesque@sdstate.edu) – South Dakota State University; Lindemann, Merlin (Merlin.Lindemann@uky.edu) – University of Kentucky; Van Heugten, Eric (Eric_vanHeugten@ncsu.edu) – North Carolina State University; Weaver, Eric (eric.weaver@sdstate.edu) – South Dakota State University; Tsungcheng, Tsai (ttsai@uark.edu) – University of Arkansas; Richert, Brian (brichert@purdue.edu) – Purdue University; Suman, Surendranath (spsuma2@uky.edu) – University of Kentucky (Advisor).Brief Summary of Minutes
The progress of previous projects: essential oils (led by ML), boron (led by ML), and phase feeding (led by EW) were discussed. Progress on the current objectives: supplemental histidine (led by RD), sow metabolic status (led by EW), sensory additives (led by TCT), and iron (led by CL) were discussed. The discussion of previous projects focused on outcomes and whether the outcomes demonstrated a response worthy of continued investigation (i.e. phase feeding) or insufficient evidence to justify continued efforts (i.e. boron). The discussion of current projects centered on what were the ongoing efforts (i.e. iron), the potential to initiate a study (i.e. histidine), and the potential for industry sponsorship for a future study (i.e. sensory additives). The team decided to move forward with the histidine sow study. Members exchanged their ideas for the project.
Accomplishments
<p><strong>Short-term Outcomes: </strong>short term outcomes are reported within each research objective. </p><br /> <p>In the United States, sow mortality is a major concern in swine production. New genetic lines are selected to increase the number of pigs per year, but the culling rate remained around 50 to 60% after the primiparous cycle. The leading causes of euthanized sows are lameness and prolapses, while the top causes of sudden death loss remained unknown as is the contribution of nutritional status. In addition, nonintentional culls are found in reproductive inefficient females. As such, short term outcomes are related to investigation of nutritional tools to enhance sow health and productivity. </p><br /> <ol><br /> <li>Outcomes reported in previous year (i.e. sow blood hemoglobin (Hb) as an indicator of iron status was reported to decline with progressing pregnancy and into lactation with some recovery within the first 30 d of the subsequent pregnancy but the ability to recover declined with each pregnancy; a relationship between Hb and farrowing duration and increased still born pigs; extended farrowing duration in combination with low Hb is a risk factor for sow removal; Hb as a bio-marker for both iron status and sow health) were published in peer-reviewed articles.<strong> </strong></li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="2"><br /> <li><strong>Supplement Histidine:</strong> No specific outcomes related to this objective were reported. Activities completed and/or planned for this objective are reported under “Activities”.<strong> </strong></li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="3"><br /> <li><strong>Sow metabolic status: </strong>No specific outcomes related to this objective were reported. Activities completed and/or planned for this objective are reported under “Activities”. </li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="4"><br /> <li><strong>Water Quality: </strong>No new activities reported.<strong> </strong></li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="5"><br /> <li><strong>Sensory additives</strong>: No outcomes on this objective during this reporting period. The proposal has been submitted to Lucta and is pending review (TC). </li><br /> </ol><br /> <p><strong>Outputs: </strong>Outputs reported from the previous approved project objectives relate to 1) copper supplementation, 2) phytogenics, and 3) phase feeding. Performance data from the copper supplementation project were collected, and the manuscript is being prepared (manuscript preparation lead by ML). Results from the essential oil and phase feeding projects were published (see details below). The boron information was presented as part of a MS thesis, results are proceeding for manuscript preparation. Outputs from the current project objectives include one manuscript, multiple abstracts, and one thesis (detailed under Publications). </p><br /> <p><strong>A</strong><strong>ctivities: </strong>activities reported are specific to current project objectives on 1) iron, 2) histidine, 3) sow metabolic status, and 4) sensory additives. </p><br /> <p>Current progress made on all project objectives will continue in the next year as outlined throughout this report. The committee acknowledged the importance of being able to study sow responses to nutritional strategies across multiple parities but the challenges to accomplishing this work at a given research station has hindered progress on this front. Members will consider their respective industry contacts for the potential to collaborate with a smaller commercial farm that may have potential to run a longer-term study and will discuss this in more detail at the next annual meeting. </p><br /> <p>Members discussed preparing the current proposal for renewal. The deadline for the submission of the new proposal will be in December 2027 following peer-review; therefore, a draft should be available during the summer of 2027. Members recommended two main objectives for the renewal proposal: phytogenic application on sow reproductive performance (essential oils, sensory additives, and more) and phase feeding intervention on the current high-profile sow (dietary nutrient levels and single or multiple vitamins or trace minerals such as magnesium sulfate). Further details and finalization of the project objectives will be completed at the next annual meeting.</p><br /> <p><strong>Impacts: </strong>In general, primary impacts of the project research are expected to alter sow management (nutritional and daily care) during gestation and lactation when research results are shared with commercial swine nutritionists and production managers. </p><br /> <ol><br /> <li><strong>Iron:</strong> The correlation of Hb status and farrowing duration, stillborn, and sow removal rate suggests further understanding of the connection between these variables is needed. Early investigations suggest Hb may be a potential indicator of sows requiring additional attention during farrowing. </li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="2"><br /> <li><strong>Supplemental Histidine</strong>: Lactation study from d 110 to weaning. The protocol for His study will be shared with participating stations by RD. Briefly, sows will be allotted to their treatments at d 110 of gestation. Whole blood (UAK) and serum Hb evaluated at entry and just prior to weaning; milk (UKY) will be collected at farrow, d 7, d 14, and/or d 18-21 as possible for each station. Water quality (emphasis on mineral content) will be evaluated at trial start and at weaning; general sow and litter reproductive performance will be evaluated. Where possible, piglet performance into the nursery and later stages of growth will be collected.<br /><br />Crystalline histidine is secured and will be distributed to each participating station. The study will take place in Fall of 2026 from committed stations. RD will lead the project and KG and TC will help data summary and analysis. A common vitamin-mineral premix will be secured by BR or EVH and sent to each station as needed; RD will provide a common diet formulation (target SID lysine at 0.90% with SID His:Lys ratio of 40, 50, and 60%) to reduce feed variation between stations. At present, stations with potential to place 30 – 50 sows on test were SDSU, NCSU, Purdue, UAK, and UGA. </li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="3"><br /> <li><strong>Sow metabolic status:</strong> Cytokine levels were observed higher by sow parity which may contribute to the observation of increased prevalence of anemia in older, prolific sows. Cytokine levels were also observed to be lower in sows with higher farrowing difficulty. Positive correlations were observed between the number of liveborn and total pigs born with TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations. Farrowing difficulty continues in sows in subsequent parities. Understanding the basis for difficult parturitions may improve sow and pig outcomes and aid in the efficient use of labor.<strong> </strong></li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="4"><br /> <li><strong>Sensory additives: </strong>The preliminary study on sensory additives demonstrated their benefit on sow lactation intake during summer and promoted nutrient utilization during winter seasons. This effect on intake can help sows restore their body condition for subsequent cycles. Efforts are ongoing to collaborate with a commercial entity to complete an additional study.<strong> </strong></li><br /> </ol><br /> <ol start="5"><br /> <li><strong>Water quality and analysis. </strong>No new outcomes on this objective were accomplished in the previous year.</li><br /> </ol><br /> <p><strong>Milestones:</strong> </p><br /> <p>To finalize the protocol for the histidine:lysine ratio in lactation study and initiate trials at as many stations as sows are available in the coming year. </p><br /> <p>To gain a better understanding of global swine research and commercial production through invited speakers at upcoming annual meetings.</p><br /> <p>To consider other investigators conducting work in relevant areas that may be interested to increase the number of participants and improve time management.</p><br /> <p>To begin the process of developing a new proposal for S1081 regional committee considering the current proposal will end in 2028. </p>Publications
<p><strong>Publications: </strong></p><br /> <p>Estienne, M., Lee, J.W., Niblett, R.T., Humphrey, B.D., Monegue, H.J., and Lindemann, M.D. 2025. Reproductive performance and milk composition of sows fed diets supplemented with an immunomodulator. Animals 15:1427. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101427">https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101427</a></p><br /> <p>McClellan, K., Sheffield, S., and Levesque, C.L. 2024. The impact of hemoglobin concentration on farrowing duration in sows. Trans Anim Sci. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txae158">https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txae158</a></p><br /> <p>McClellan KA, Acosta J, Lawrence B, Hough S, Bergstrom J, Weaver M, Robbins R, Weaver EM. Feeding a nutrient enriched diet to late gestating sows across consecutive cycles improves micronutrient status, farrowing duration, and prolificacy. Transl Anim Sci. 2025 Nov 24;9:txaf155. https://doi: 10.1093/tas/txaf155.</p><br /> <p>McClellan K, Aldrich S, Pohlen C, Harrell R, Weaver E. Low sow hemoglobin status is a risk factor for sow removal in commercial herds. J Swine Health Prod. Published online: December 16, 2025. <a href="https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1438">https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1438</a>.</p><br /> <p>Olson L, Weaver E. PS-1 An evaluation of sodium salicylate in the periparturient management of the sow. J Anim Sci. 2024 May 4;102(Suppl 2):347. doi:10.1093/jas/skae102.397.</p><br /> <p>Soler, F, H. Williams, X. Paz, D. McKilligan, and E. van Heugten. 2026. Effect of late-gestation micronutrient supplementation on sow hemoglobin concentration and farrowing outcomes. Midwest Section Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. Meeting, March 8-11, 2026, Omaha, NE. </p>Impact Statements
- Activities completed are specific to current project objectives on (1) iron, (2) histidine, (3) sow metabolic status, and (4) sensory additives. In general, primary impacts of the project research are expected to alter sow management (nutritional and daily care) during gestation and lactation when research results are shared with commercial swine nutritionists and production managers. (1) Iron: The correlation of Hb status and farrowing duration, stillborn, and sow removal rate suggests further understanding of the connection between these variables is needed. Early investigations suggest Hb may be a potential indicator of sows requiring additional attention during farrowing. (2) Supplemental Histidine: Lactation study from d 110 to weaning. The protocol for His study will be shared with participating stations by RD. Briefly, sows will be allotted to their treatments at d 110 of gestation. Whole blood (UAK) and serum Hb evaluated at entry and just prior to weaning; milk (UKY) will be collected at farrow, d 7, d 14, and/or d 18-21 as possible for each station. Water quality (emphasis on mineral content) will be evaluated at trial start and at weaning; general sow and litter reproductive performance will be evaluated. Where possible, piglet performance into the nursery and later stages of growth will be collected. Crystalline histidine is secured and will be distributed to each participating station. The study will take place in Fall of 2026 from committed stations. RD will lead the project and KG and TC will help data summary and analysis. A common vitamin-mineral premix will be secured by BR or EVH and sent to each station as needed; RD will provide a common diet formulation (target SID lysine at 0.90% with SID His:Lys ratio of 40, 50, and 60%) to reduce feed variation between stations. At present, stations with potential to place 30 – 50 sows on test were SDSU, NCSU, Purdue, UAK, and UGA. (3) Sow metabolic status: Cytokine levels were observed higher by sow parity which may contribute to the observation of increased prevalence of anemia in older, prolific sows. Cytokine levels were also observed to be lower in sows with higher farrowing difficulty. Positive correlations were observed between the number of liveborn and total pigs born with TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations. Farrowing difficulty continues in sows in subsequent parities. Understanding the basis for difficult parturitions may improve sow and pig outcomes and aid in the efficient use of labor. (4) Sensory additives: The preliminary study on sensory additives demonstrated their benefit on sow lactation intake during summer and promoted nutrient utilization during winter seasons. This effect on intake can help sows restore their body condition for subsequent cycles. Efforts are ongoing to collaborate with a commercial entity to complete an additional study.
- Milestones: (1) To finalize the protocol for the histidine:lysine ratio in lactation study and initiate trials at as many stations as sows are available in the coming year. (2) To gain a better understanding of global swine research and commercial production through invited speakers at upcoming annual meetings. (3) To consider other investigators conducting work in relevant areas that may be interested to increase the number of participants and improve time management. (4) To begin the process of developing a new proposal for S1081 regional committee considering the current proposal will end in 2028.
- Indicators: There were a total of 3 journal publications and 3 abstract submissions throughout the duration of this reporting period, showing significant advancements on finalizing previously approved project objectives (2 published journal papers: 1 on phytogenics and 1 on phase feeding) and progress towards generating valuable information on the current project objectives (1 published journal paper and 2 abstracts on iron). Furthermore, there are indicators showing proactive efforts on the other project objectives including development of supplemental His protocol and submission of a sensory additive proposal to Lucta.