Effect of the valine-to-lysine ratio on the performance of sows and piglets in a hot, humid environment. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Liangyu; Li, Yansen; Li, Zhaojian; Wu, Shen; Huang, Kai; Chen, Jiaqin; Li, Chunmei
• Is Part Of: Journal of thermal biology. Volume 81(2019)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Sows -- Heat -- Valine -- Piglet growth -- Metabolite; Thermobiology -- Periodicals; Temperature -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Thermobiologie -- Périodiques; Thermobiology; Periodicals; 571.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.02.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4565

Abstract

Abstract: To determine the effect of the valine-to-lysine (Val: Lys) ratio on the performance of sows and piglets in a hot, humid environment, eleven Large White × Landrace sows (parity 2 or 3) were selected and randomly assigned to 3 groups. The diets contained total dietary Val: Lys ratios of 0.72, 0.87, or 1.01:1. Sows were fed from d 29 prepartum to d 21 postpartum in a hot, humid environment (temperature: 22–31 ℃, relative humidity: 69–96%). The results showed that dietary valine improved the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the sows in wk3 of the lactation and the average daily gain (ADG) of the piglets from day 7–14 after farrowing. Dietary valine increased the concentrations of lactose in colostrum and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in piglet serum. Additionally, dietary valine affected metabolite and metabolic hormone concentrations. The increase in the ratio of dietary Val: Lys decreased the blood urea nitrogen and increased serum glucose in the sows and increased serum albumin in the piglets. In addition, increasing dietary Val: Lys increased the serum concentration of estradiol-17β in the sows. In conclusion, in a hot, humid environment, dietary valine could improve the performance of sows and piglets by increasing colostrum lactose and serum immunoglobulin concentration in piglets and by influencing serum glucose in sows. Highlights: Valine improved the average feed intake of sows in a hot, humid environment. Valine promoted piglet growth and increased lactose levels in the colostrum. Valine led to long-term effects on piglet immunity. Valine altered metabolite concentrations in sow serum in a hot, humid environment.