Hyper-prolific sows produce large litters, which results in greater birth weight variation and an increased need for nurse sows. This study explored ways to optimize expanded farrowing pen space, following European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations, to help loose-housed sows manage litter sizes that surpass their available teat capacity. The aim was to enhance piglet growth and mortality while maintaining efficient production. A total of 66 litters were randomly assigned to one of two groups at birth: a control group (CON; n = 33) or a treatment group (TRT; n = 33), and only piglets born weighing more than 750 g were included in each group. From birth until weaning, CON sows nursed 16 piglets per litter, while TRT sows nursed 20 piglets. During the first three days postpartum, an enclosure setup was present in the creep area of pens housing TRT litters. In this enclosure, the four smallest piglets (S) were confined for six hours with access to milk replacer (MR), followed by the next four smallest (M) for another six hours, while the four largest piglets (L) were confined overnight for 12 hours. The last eight piglets from the TRT group were reared by the sow (SRT). In contrast, piglets in the CON group remained with the sow without intervention. Piglet weights were tracked daily from day one to three, with additional measurements taken on days 11, 18, and 25. No difference in litter weight gain was observed between the two groups from day one to three. However, litter weight gain was higher in CON compared with TRT in the entire study period (2.529 vs. 2.034 kg/day; P = 0.005). No difference in mortality was observed between TRT and CON from days 1–3. However, it was significantly higher in TRT than CON from day 3–24 (18.4% vs. 9.0%; P = 0.0006). Within TRT, L piglets maintained the highest body weight, while S piglets had the lowest (6.674 vs. 4.104 kg at day 25; P < 0.0001). ADG differed only in the first three days, where SRT piglets grew fastest (108 g/day; P < 0.0001). Milk disappearance was consistently highest in L piglets (297 g/6 h corrected; P < 0.0001). Mortality was highest in S piglets (60%), intermediate in M (30%), and lowest in L (11%) and SRT piglets (18%; P < 0.0001).The enclosure setup might assist hyper-prolific sows in rearing large litters; however, no direct benefits on growth performance were observed. These findings suggest that further interventions are necessary to support piglets throughout the entire suckling phase.

In June 2023, an incident at a Norwegian feed mill caused pig feed being over-supplemented with sodium selenite (NaSe), resulting in feed selenium concentrations ranging from 2.47 to 4.70 mg Se/kg feed from sodium selenite (NaSe), levels exceeding the European Union (EU) regulatory upper limit of total 0.5 mg Se/kg feed (standardized at 88% DM). The feed containing excessive selenium was unknowingly sent out to production farms. Selenium is an essential trace mineral with a narrow dose range between deficiency and toxicity. The National Research Council (NRC) reports selenium requirements at concentrations of 0.15 mg Se/kg feed for sows and finishing pigs, and 0.30 mg Se/kg feed for weanlings, but studies suggest these levels may not always meet requirements in modern swine production systems. This case study aimed to evaluate the effects of excessive dietary selenium intake on reproductive performance in breeding sows and piglet weaning weight. Data were collected from 516 sows (155 TN70 and 361 Landrace sows) across two Norwegian farms between 2022 and 2024, yielding 895 litter records. Mixed effects models were fitted to evaluate nonpregnant outcomes, stillbirths, litter size, and piglet weaning weight. Despite excessive dietary selenium concentrations, no clinical signs of selenosis or adverse reproductive effects were observed. Excessive selenium intake had no significant effect on nonpregnant outcomes, stillbirths, litter size or piglet weaning weight (all P > 0.05). Parity significantly influenced reproductive parameters: higher parity sows showed reduced conception rates (P = 0.008), larger litters (P < 0.001), more stillborn piglets (P = 0.033), and higher piglet weaning weights (P < 0.001). Litter size also significantly affected outcomes, with larger litters producing more stillborn piglets and lower piglet weaning weights (both P < 0.001). The absence of selenium-related effects suggests that, although dietary selenium concentrations exceeded NRC and EU upper limits, the intake remained within a physiologically tolerable range for high-yielding sows and their offspring. These findings highlight the complexity of selenium tolerance for high-yielding breeding sows under modern production systems.

This experiment evaluated intake, nutrient digestibility, growth rates, and metabolic responses of Bos indicus beef heifers fed Bacillus spp. when offered a low-quality tropical hay [≤5% crude protein (CP)] and then transitioned to lush pastures during the early vegetative stage. Nellore heifers (n = 48; 20 ± 1 mo) were ranked by initial body weight (BW; 312 ± 26.4 kg) and randomly assigned to Tifton 85 hay-based diet and a protein supplement offered at 0.30% BW with or without (CON; n = 24) the inclusion of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM; BAC; n = 24). Animals were housed individually throughout the experiment, resulting in 48 drylot pens. The experimental period lasted 140 d, while individual full BW and blood samples were collected every 28 d. In the last 3 d of each 28-d period, fecal grab samples were collected from all heifers to assess the apparent total-tract digestibility. After the dry season, heifers were transitioned into lush pastures for 15 d and offered the same treatments (total experimental period = 156 d). Dry matter (DM) availability was measured at the beginning and end of the grazing period, whereas BW and blood samples were collected over the 15-d period. All data were analyzed with SAS (version 9.4). During the dry season, no treatment effects were observed (P ≥ 0.20) for feed intake or ADG. Dry matter and CP digestibility were greater for BAC (P ≤ 0.05). Heifers fed BAC had greater blood urea-N (BUN) and plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I; P ≤ 0.02), while mean serum glucose tended (P = 0.09) to be greater. Treatment × day effects (P < 0.01) were observed on BW change during the 15-d grazing season. The BAC-fed heifers tended to lose (P ≤ 0.09) more BW from day 0 to 1, but gained (P < 0.01) more BW from days 0 to 15 of the period. During the 15-d grazing period, heifers fed BAC had a greater overall BW change and average daily gain (ADG) when compared with CON cohorts (P < 0.01). No differences were observed for DM availability at the beginning of the grazing period (P = 0.61), whereas paddocks assigned to BAC heifers had less DM available after 15 d (P = 0.02). In summary, feeding Bacillus spp. increased DM and CP digestibility, serum hormones and metabolites associated with energy and protein metabolism in beef heifers fed a low-quality tropical hay, without effects on growth rates. When the heifers were transitioned to lush pastures for 15 d, Bacillus spp. supplementation improved the growth rate of the heifers, positively impacting the entire growth of the herd.

Lay Summary We evaluated the effects of feeding whole-plant sorghum silage-based diets either kernel-processed or not at harvest to growing beef cattle. Two studies were conducted, one where silage was stored for less than a year, and one where it was stored for more than a year prior to feeding to beef heifers. Processing sorghum silage at harvest significantly boosts beef heifer performance and starch digestibility, but only if the silage is fed relatively soon after ensiling (less than 150 days). The processing breaks the tough sorghum kernels, making the starch more accessible for digestion. However, the benefits of mechanical processing seem to disappear if the silage is stored for a long period (over one year). Over extended storage time, natural fermentation processes break down the kernel structure sufficiently on their own, making the extra processing step perhaps unnecessary in order to enhance animal performance. In short, kernel processing sorghum silage should be done to improve animal performance if the plan is to use it within six months results. Otherwise, prolonged storage likely achieves a similar outcome, saving on processing effort and cost.

Lay Summary Heat stress is a major challenge for beef cattle raised on pasture, reducing cattle health, productivity, and comfort. Electrolyte supplements can be used to support hydration and metabolism, but their effectiveness has not been well studied in grazing beef cows. We tested whether adding an electrolyte solution to the drinking water of pregnant beef cows during late summer could improve hydration, heat tolerance, or overall performance. Fifty-four cows grazed bermudagrass pastures for about 90 days before calving and received either plain water or water mixed with an electrolyte product. The electrolyte supplement did not change water intake, body weight, body condition score, internal temperature, or respiration rate. However, cows receiving electrolytes showed improved hydration and acid–base balance, based on blood measurements. These cows also consumed less loose mineral mix, which may have reduced the overall impact of electrolyte supplementation.

It is critical to supply adequate rumen degradable protein (RDP) to maintain ruminal fermentation of carbohydrates and microbial protein synthesis in sheep. Our objective was to investigate the effect of dietary RDP content on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in growing Hu sheep. The study was conducted for 11 wk (i.e., 2-wk adaptation period and 9-wk experimental period) with 44 3-month-old intact male Hu sheep averaging body weight (BW) of 22.7 ± 3.32 kg at the beginning of the trial. Following the adaptation period, sheep were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental diets. Dietary RDP concentrations of 11.0%, 10.0%, 9.0%, and 8.0% were achieved by replacing solvent soybean meal and wheat middlings with coarsely cracked corn and extruded soybean meal, and experimental diets were fed as pelleted total mixed rations. Treatment had no effect on BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, or income over feed cost. When decreasing dietary RDP, body height decreased (P = 0.017) linearly, chest depth tended (P = 0.079) to reduce linearly, and chest width responded (P = 0.008) quadratically. There were (P ≤ 0.018) quadratic effects of decreasing RDP concentration for ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate, butyrate, and branched-chain VFA (i.e., isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate), with maximal values at 10.0% RDP. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of crude protein and acid detergent fiber decreased (P ≤ 0.001) and that of starch increased (P = 0.003) linearly as dietary RDP concentration decreased from 11.0% to 8.0%. Decreasing RDP tended (P = 0.051) to have a quadratic effect on NDF digestibility. Urinary urea-nitrogen and total-nitrogen excretion showed (P < 0.001) linear decreases when dietary RDP concentration declined. There was (P = 0.027) a cubic effect of decreasing RDP on fecal nitrogen output. The ratio of retained nitrogen to nitrogen intake was maximized at 10.0% RDP (quadratic effect, P = 0.016). In summary, even though reducing dietary RDP level from 11.0% to 8.0% did not modify growth performance and linearly reduced urinary N output, ruminal fermentation, apparent total-tract digestibility of NDF, and nitrogen utilization were optimal when feeding the 10.0% RDP diet.

Pork carcass fabrication is a central determinant of value realization within packing and processing systems, translating biological variation in carcass weight and composition into economic outcomes under dynamic market conditions. The objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge on the economic drivers of pork carcass fabrication, with a specific focus on the interactions among carcass characteristics, fabrication strategies, and value realization. Regional differences in cutting specifications and market orientation are discussed as key factors shaping primal yields, market allocation, and value distribution across domestic and export channels. The economic contributions of primals, subprimals, trim, fat, and by-products are examined in the context of wholesale pricing signals, carcass merit programs, and packer-specific specifications that link production decisions with downstream processing requirements. Fabrication strategies, including depth of fabrication and primal-specific cutting decisions, are evaluated with respect to yield optimization, labor and packaging costs, and market flexibility. The influence of carcass weight and composition on fabrication efficiency, trim generation, and fixed cost allocation is highlighted, illustrating trade-offs between biological performance and processing constraints. Technological advancements, including instrument grading, automation, and data integration, are reviewed for their role in improving yield prediction, carcass sorting, and operational consistency, while emerging tools such as predictive modeling are identified as promising approaches for managing variability and economic risk. Price volatility, biological variability, and supply chain disruptions are identified as persistent challenges to fabrication economics, underscoring the need for resilient and adaptable processing systems. Beyond economic performance, fabrication decisions are discussed in relation to labor welfare and sustainability outcomes. Collectively, this review emphasizes that optimal pork carcass fabrication is achieved through the strategic integration of biological inputs, economic signals, and operational capabilities. Improved data transparency and collaboration between industry professionals are essential to develop integrated biological-economic frameworks that enhance value realization and long-term sustainability across the pork supply chain.

This study evaluated the impact of low‑crude protein (LCP) and insoluble fiber (FIB) diets on post‑weaning diarrhea, intestinal damage, and growth in nursery pigs naturally infected with rotavirus and challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18 (ETEC). A total of 240 pigs were randomly assigned to 40 pens (6 pigs/pen) for a 42-d experiment. Pens were randomly assigned to one of five diets: NC (standard nursery diet without zinc oxide, ZnO, or carbadox); PC (NC + 3,750 mg/kg ZnO and 50 mg/kg carbadox); LCP (NC with reduced crude protein and SID Lys); FIB (NC + 8% wheat middlings); and ZINC (NC + 3,750 mg/kg ZnO). Experimental diets were fed in two phases: phase 1 (d 0–7) and phase 2 (d 7–21) and phase 3 (d 21–42) was a common diet for all pigs. Pigs were positive for rotavirus (strains A, B, and C) within the first week post-wean. To model late nursery outbreaks, pigs were orally inoculated with a field strain of ETEC on day 14-, or 0-d post-inoculation (DPI 0). Scour scores were recorded daily for the first 28 d (−14 to 14 DPI). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed disappearance (ADFI), and feed efficiency (G: F) were evaluated for four periods: DPI −14 to −7; −7 to 0; 0 to 7; 7 to 28. Sample pigs were confirmed to be susceptible to ETEC (FUT1GG/GA). Serum TNFα was measured at DPI 0, 3 and 6. Ileal and colonic tissues and colonic digesta were collected from two pigs per pen, euthanized on DPI 3 and 6. Fecal swabs (one/pen) were collected on DPI 0, 2, 4, 6, and 14 to assess shedding of ETEC F18 and STb genomic material. Data were analyzed using mixed model methods (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit with the fixed effects of diet, period, and their interaction. Overall growth metrics were unaffected by dietary treatment. Rotavirus and ETEC inoculation increased scour scores, and F18/STb genomic material was detected in feces after inoculation. The PC diet reduced scour scores during both rotavirus and ETEC infections (P < 0.01). Ileal morphology and gene expression improved from DPI 3 to 6 (P < 0.05), independent of diet (P > 0.1). Colonic morphology, inflammation, and putrescine and cadaverine levels were unaffected by diet (P > 0.1). Although LCP and FIB diets lowered circulating TNFα at DPI 0 and 6, these reductions did not translate into measurable biological benefits. Compared with the PC diet, the LCP and FIB diets were ineffective in improving outcomes of the enteric challenge in this study.

Scutellaria baicalensis root possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with its ability to stimulate mammary cells, thereby enhancing milk yield. The present study investigated the effect of SB supplementation in lactation diet on colostrum and milk production, litter survival and growth, oxidative status, and inflammation in lactating sows. On day 108 of gestation, 24 sows were assigned to either a control group (CON; n = 12) that were fed according to the Danish nutrient standard or a CON diet supplemented with Scutellaria baicalensis root (SB; n = 12) and fed the diet until day 28 of lactation. Piglets were individually weighed at birth and weekly during lactation. Colostrum was sampled during farrowing, while milk was collected weekly during lactation. Blood samples were collected on day 112 of gestation, day of farrowing, day 3, 10, and 17 of lactation and analyzed for oxidative and inflammation biomarkers. Supplementation with SB did not affect litter number at birth but increased average birth weight of the piglet (P = 0.002). Litter weight was greater in SB supplemented sows (P < 0.05) during lactation. Colostrum concentration of lactose increased (P < 0.01) but that of protein and solid-not-fat (both P < 0.01) decreased with SB supplementation. Total daily protein secretion in milk increased (P = 0.02), while lactose (P = 0.09) and solid-not-fat (P = 0.07) tended to increase with SB supplementation. Supplementation with SB tended to increase milk yield (P = 0.06), litter number in lactation (P = 0.08), and litter survival (P = 0.10) compared to non-supplemented sows. Supplementation with SB affected neither oxidative stress nor inflammation status biomarkers. In conclusion, SB supplementation increased piglet birth weight, sow milk production, and litter growth performance during lactation, but did not influence oxidative status and inflammation.

Fescue toxicosis, induced by ingestion of ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue, remains a significant challenge to beef cattle production. This study evaluated the effects of fescue toxicosis on performance, thermoregulation, and liver metabolism in beef heifers maintained under the same experimental conditions as non-exposed controls. Twenty-four commercial Angus heifers were randomly assigned to a diet containing either an endophyte-infected (E+) or endophyte-free (E-) seeds for 49 days. Heifers were allocated to balance genetic representation across the two dietary groups to minimize genetic confounding. Environmental data, including temperature and relative humidity, were continuously recorded, and minimum, mean, and maximum temperature-humidity index (THI) were calculated each day. Two heatwave events occurred during the trial. E + heifers exhibited reductions in dry matter intake (DMI), feeding rate, meal size, average daily gain (ADG), and body weight, and elevated respiration rate and rectal temperature compared to E- heifers (P <0.05). Physiological impairments emerged within the first two weeks of exposure, with a subsequent heatwave exacerbating stress in the E + group. Among the three THI metrics evaluated, minimum THI showed the strongest negative correlation with DMI (r = -0.20). The two heatwave events coincided with notable reductions in DMI across both dietary groups. However, DMI was more severely suppressed in E + heifers compared to the E- group. Serum analysis revealed elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol levels in E + heifers, indicating liver stress and metabolic dysfunction (P <0.05). No significant differences were observed in serum albumin, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), or triglyceride levels between groups. Collectively, these findings underscore the complex metabolic and physiological disturbances triggered by ergot alkaloid exposure, which compromise heifer health, thermoregulation, and productivity, particularly under heat stress conditions.