Abstract A metabolic trial was conducted to quantify the nitrogen (N) balance, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and the water consumption of growing-finishing pigs that were fed diets containing graded levels of former food products (FFPs). Twenty-four pigs were housed individually in metabolic crates and given ad libitum access to isonitrogenous, isoenergetic diets that were formulated with 0%, 20%, or 40% FFPs (as a replacement for conventional cereals). Each animal provided repeated measurements over two six-day collection periods, which occurred at the end of the grower (approximately 60 kg BW) and finisher (approximately 100 kg BW) phases. Daily feed and water intake was recorded. Total feces and urine were quantified each day, and samples were pooled for chemical analyses within each pig across the six-day period. Nitrogen concentration was determined in the diets, feces and urine to calculate N intake, fecal and urinary N excretion, N retention (by difference), and N use efficiency (N retained/N intake). In the feces, gross energy and phosphorus were analyzed to estimate the ATTD of energy and phosphorus alongside N. During the grower phase, the inclusion of FFP (0–40%) did not affect feed or water intake; however, it altered N partitioning. Fecal N excretion increased linearly by 34% and 62% at 20% and 40% FFP, respectively (P < 0.01), while urinary N excretion decreased linearly by 20% and 30% (P < 0.05). These shifts yielded similar N retention and overall N efficiency across treatments. Consistent with the fecal N response, ATTD of N as well as energy, and phosphorus ATTD decreased linearly with increasing FFP (P < 0.01). Maximal reductions were 12%, 6%, and 12% for N, energy, and phosphorus, respectively, indicating diminished nutrient availability at higher inclusion levels. During the finisher phase, increasing FFP had no detectable effect on N intake or urinary N losses but linearly increased fecal N excretion by up to 34% (P < 0.02). Water intake increased markedly with FFP during the finisher phase, by as much as 60% (P < 0.01). As in growers, ATTD coefficients for N, energy, and phosphorus decreased linearly with increasing FFP inclusion (P < 0.001), with maximum reductions of 5%, 5%, and 12%, respectively. In summary, partially substituting cereals with FFPs did not reduce feed intake but was associated with lower ATTD of N, energy, and phosphorus. The shift from urinary to faecal N excretion is environmentally favourable because urinary urea rapidly hydrolyses to total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN, NH4++NH3), which increases the risk of ammonia volatilisation. In contrast, faecal N contains little urea and requires microbial proteolysis and deamination to generate TAN, resulting in slower formation and a smaller pool of volatilised N during housing and storage. Funding: EU H2020—PIGWEB (Grant Agreement No. 101004770).

Former food products (FFP) are food industry leftovers that can be used as feed ingredients. We investigated the effects of sugary FFP on growth, feeding behaviour, carcass and meat quality of pigs fattened to a heavy weight. Three inclusion levels were tested: 0% (FFP-0 = control), 20% (FFP-20) and 40% (FFP-40) FFP in grower (20-60 kg BW), finisher 1 (60-100 kg BW) and finisher 2 (100-140 kg BW) phase. A total of 36 castrated pigs were used, with 12 pigs within a litter assigned to each treatment, housed in a single pen equipped with automatic feeders that allowed recording of individual (ad libitum) feed intake at each visit. The pigs were slaughtered in two batches at the age of 190.9 ± 1.5 days and BW of 144.7 ± 8.8 kg. At slaughter, carcass weight, longissimus dorsi (LD) pH and carcass traits were measured. The following day, body composition of carcasses was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and then carcasses were dissected into primal cuts, and meat quality was assessed. Data were analysed with SASV9.4 (PROC MIXED), with diet as a fixed effect and litter (dam) as a random effect in the model. Linear effects of sugary FFP inclusion were tested. In the grower period, daily feed intake and daily gain decreased with increasing sugary FFP inclusion. In finisher periods, a tendency towards lower daily feed intake was observed with increasing sugary FFP inclusion, which did not affect daily gain, but led to better feed conversion in the finisher II period. In the grower period, no differences in feeding behaviour were observed, while in finisher II period, FFP-20 pigs spent the shortest time at the feeder, consumed more feed per minute, had a longer interval between visits, but tended to go to the feeder more often than the FFP-0 or FFP-40 pigs. Compared to control, the sugary FFP inclusion was associated with increased carcass protein and water and decreased fat content, in line with thinner backfat. The decrease in ultimate pH and CIE (Commission Internationale d'Eclairage) colour parameter L* of LD were the only significant effects on meat quality. The backfat fatty acid composition was affected by sugary FFP inclusion (more monounsaturated fatty acids and less polyunsaturated fatty acids with higher ∑n6:∑n3 ratio). In summary, the sugary FFP inclusion of up to 40% had a limited effect on growth performance and meat quality but resulted in less deposition of fat and altered adipose tissue fatty acids profile.

BACKGROUND:Recent advancements in sequencing technologies and associated bioinformatic tools have eased the analyses of the factors influencing variability in host-associated microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Although extensive research has focused on fecal microbiota, the small intestine represents a critical, yet less explored, site for understanding the interplay between microbiota, diet, and host health. Study 1 employed CapSa, a non-invasive sampling capsule, to collect microbiota at five distinct administration time points. The aim was to use amplicon sequencing to investigate changes in the small intestine microbiome composition throughout the grower-finisher pig lifespan. Study 2 examined the long-term impact of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 infections, which cause post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), on small intestine microbiota dynamics. The study provides insights into the long-term responses of microbiota after a short pathological challenge. RESULTS:In both studies, microbiota analysis of the small intestinal content revealed that Firmicutes predominated across all samples, and at weaning, Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus were the most abundant. In Study 1, following CapSa administration, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Terrisporobacter increased with age/body weight and at slaughter, Streptococcaceae dominated. Significant differences in microbial composition were observed based on sample type and diet, indicating dynamic shifts throughout the pigs' lives under normal conditions. In Study 2, the abundance of Lactobacillaceae was consistently lower in ETEC-infected pigs. At slaughter, only minimal differences in microbial composition emerged based on the early post-weaning infection status in specific small intestine segments, indicating dynamic infection-induced shifts in the gut microbiota composition. The CapSa sampling method was successful, with a retrieval rate higher than 70% in both studies. CONCLUSIONS:This study monitored porcine intestinal microbiota dynamics using an ingestible capsule. In healthy pigs, microbial composition changes occurred from post-weaning to slaughter. In contrast, ETEC infection only minimally altered communities, though small differences at slaughter suggest lasting impacts.

Although the use of food waste for animal feed is limited in the EU, there are some exceptions. One of these is leftovers from the food industry, known as former food products (FFPs). The nutritional characteristics of FFPs (high energy, low protein) make them an ideal grain replacement in pig diets. This study investigates the effects of two inclusion levels of FFPs on growth performance, feeding behavior, and carcass composition of heavy pigs. FFPs were included at three levels: 0% (C = control), 20% (FFP20) and 40% (FFP40) in the diets of grower (G: 20-60 kg BW), finisher I (FI: 60-100 kg BW) and finisher II (FII: 100-140 kg BW) pigs. The iso-caloric and iso-proteic diets were offered ad libitum to 36 pigs (12 pigs per dietary treatment) during the entire growth period. The BW was measured weekly, while feed intake was determined at each feeder visit. To determine nutrient composition, cold carcasses were scanned by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry the day after slaughter. Data were analyzed using the Proc MIXED procedure of SASV9.4 with diet treatment as a fixed effect and litter origin as a random effect. Linear (L) and quadratic (Q) effects were run to test the effect of FFPs inclusion levels. In the grower period, average daily feed intake and average daily gain decreased (L; P< 0.001) with increasing FFPs inclusion by up to 14 and 12%, respectively. Because average daily feed intake was lower (L; P≤0.110) in the FFP20 and FFP40 treatments in both finisher periods, these pigs consumed on average up to 10% less feed (L; P< 0.001) throughout the G, FI and FII periods. Compared to the control pigs, the reduced feed intake had no effect on growth in both finisher periods, but FFP20 and FFP40 pigs were up to 9 and 7% more efficient (L; P< 0.001) in the FII and total periods, respectively. In the FI period, FFP20 pigs spent the least time at the feeder, consumed more feed per minute, had a longer interval between visits to the feeder (Q; P≤0.023), but tended (Q; P=0.070) to go more often to the feeder compared to the control and FFP40 pigs, which showed a similar feeding behavior. The protein and water content, expressed as a percentage of the total carcass weight, increased by up to 3% (L; P< 0.001) and the fat content decreased by up to 6% (L; P≤0.009) compared to the control. The FFPs inclusion of up to 40% had limited effect on the growth, improved feed efficiency and resulted in a lower carcass fat deposition. Thus, the replacement of cereals with FFPs seems to be a valuable and sustainable solution for the reduction of feed-food competition also in heavy pig production.

Genetic selection in pig production improves sow prolificacy, but it also increases the number of piglets born with a low birth weight and those affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These piglets typically show lower survival rates and stunted growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a starter diet supplemented with probiotics, medium-chain triglycerides, and grape seed antioxidants on the growth of lightweight and IUGR piglets. The brain-to-liver weight ratio of 115 piglets was calculated to determine the degree of IUGR in each animal. Additionally, pigs were categorised as either heavy or light based on their body weight at weaning. The trial began 1 week after weaning and lasted for weeks. The control group was fed a standard starter diet, while the treatment group received a diet with probiotics, medium-chain triglycerides, and antioxidants. Body weight and average daily gain were monitored throughout the trial. The results showed that pigs from the treatment group had significantly higher body weight and average daily gain by day 28 compared to the control group. However, lightweight pigs and those with elevated brain-to-liver weight ratios, indicating IUGR, consistently exhibited poorer growth outcomes, regardless of treatment. These findings show that while dietary supplementation improves growth performance, more targeted strategies are needed to meet the specific needs of lightweight and IUGR-affected pigs and enhance production efficiency.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of providing a dry pelleted starter diet (DPS) or a liquid mixture of milk replacer and starter diet (LMR + S) to suckling pigs housed in farrowing pens of sub-standard or optimal hygiene conditions on pig growth to slaughter, and post-weaning (PW) intestinal parameters. On day (d) 107 of gestation, 87 sows were randomly allocated to one of four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were creep feeding (DPS or LMR + S) and pre-farrowing hygiene routine (SUB-STANDARD or OPTIMAL). Pigs were provided with DPS (manually) from d 11 to weaning (at d 28 +/- 1.2 of age) or LMR + S using an automatic liquid feeding system from d 4 to weaning. The SUB-STANDARD hygiene routine (pens washed and dried for similar to 18 h, sows not washed or disinfected) and the OPTIMAL hygiene routine (pens pre-soaked, detergent applied, washed, dried for 3 days, chlorocresol-based disinfectant applied, dried for 3 more days, and sows washed and disinfected with Virkon) were used to obtain SUB-STANDARD or OPTIMAL hygiene conditions, respectively, in farrowing rooms prior to entry of sows. Microbiome analysis was performed on fecal samples from eight focal pigs per treatment, before weaning and at d 21 and d 114 PW. On d 4 PW, 10 pigs per treatment were euthanized to collect intestinal tissue and digesta samples for histological, enzyme activity, and microbiome analysis. Feeding LMR + S to pigs born into the OPTIMAL hygiene increased total dry matter intake compared to all of the other groups (P <= 0.05) and increased weaning weight compared to DPS feeding under both OPTIMAL and SUB-STANDARD hygiene conditions (P <= 0.05). Pigs from OPTIMAL farrowing pens had lower clinical cases of disease, diarrhea prevalence, and were slaughtered 3.8 days earlier than those from SUB-STANDARD farrowing pens (P <= 0.05). Suckling piglet mortality was reduced with LMR + S (P <= 0.05). On d 4 PW, jejunal and ileal villus height were increased by OPTIMAL hygiene and ileal sucrase activity was increased by LMR + S (P <= 0.05). On d 4 PW, LMR + S-fed pigs from OPTIMAL farrowing pens had a lower relative abundance of Clostridium_P in the jejunum. In conclusion, the OPTIMAL hygiene routine increased pre-weaning LMR + S feed intake, reduced clinical cases of disease, improved intestinal structure, and reduced the weaning to slaughter duration, while LMR + S feeding increased weaning weight, intestinal maturity, and reduced pre-weaning mortality.

Improving nutrient efficiency in pig farming is essential for promoting environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on imported protein sources. Reducing dietary crude protein content, especially in conjunction with precise amino acid balancing, has been shown to reduce nitrogen excretion and ammonia emissions while maintaining growth performance. Furthermore, genetic selection is a promising way to increase protein efficiency and provide an additional approach to alleviating the environmental impact of swine production. However, such dietary modifications require careful monitoring, as deficiencies in essential amino acids can disrupt natural behaviours, increase stress susceptibility and endanger animal welfare. Neurophysiological pathways, particularly those associated with serotonin and cortisol regulation, highlight the welfare implications of amino acid imbalances. This brief review highlights the importance of taking a tailored, multidisciplinary approach to enhance protein efficiency and safeguard animal welfare under practical production conditions.

This study involved 50 sows and was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with factors being sow feeding [lactation diet throughout lactation (CON) or gestation diet for the first 5 days of lactation, followed by lactation diet (GEST5)] and creep feeding from day (d) 5 after birth [dry pelleted starter diet (DPS) or liquid mixture of milk replacer and starter diet (LMR+S)]. The study was conducted on two research farms, one in Ireland (IE) and the other in Switzerland (CH). All sows were limit-fed the gestation diet until farrowing. During lactation, both sow treatments followed the same feeding curve with daily digestible energy allocation increasing from 58.1 to 135 MJ between d1 and 28. Sow feed intake, weight and backfat depth and piglet weight and total dry matter disappearance (TDMD) of creep feed during lactation were recorded. On d5 after birth, milk was collected from sows on both farms and sow faeces was collected at CH for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis. Following weaning at d29 ± 0.2 in IE and d25.5 ± 1.3 in CH, pigs were followed until d43 post-weaning (pw) in IE (n = 7 pens/treatment) and d14 pw in CH (n = 11 pens/treatment). In IE, faecal samples were collected from sows before farrowing and on d5, 12 and 26 after birth and from piglets on d2, 5, 12 and 26 after birth and on d7 and d41 pw for microbiota analysis. Feeding GEST5 did not affect overall sow feed intake, backfat depth or weight loss during lactation on both farms (P > 0.05) but reduced the solids, fat and SCFA content of milk and increased faecal SCFA in CH (P < 0.05). In CH, LMR+S-fed pigs had higher TDMD than those fed DPS, while in IE, DPS had higher TDMD than LMR+S (P < 0.05). However, neither GEST5 nor LMR+S influenced pre- or pw pig growth or diarrhoea prevalence on either farm (P > 0.05). In IE, on d5 post-farrowing, GEST5 sows had a higher relative abundance of Prevotella and Succinivibrio in their faeces compared to CON (P < 0.05) and both GEST5 and LMR+S increased bacterial alpha diversity in piglet faeces on d7 pw (P < 0.05). In conclusion, while providing a gestation diet during the first 5 days of lactation increased physical feed intake then, it did not increase overall lactation feed intake in sows. Additionally, creep feeding a liquid mixture of milk replacer and starter diet to suckling piglets did not improve pre- or pw pig growth.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects up to 30

Specific sources of dietary fibres in sow gestation and lactation diets, such as inulin or wheat bran, have been shown to affect both the sow and its litter health by modulating the piglet’s intestinal microbial population and composition. However, only a few studies have reported the effects of some specific fractions of the cell wall of the plants in the sow’s lactation diet. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of increasing the level of HCs in a sow’s lactation diet on the nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), the faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile, the microbiota of the sow and the microbiota and the performances of slow-growing (SG) and fast-growing (FG) piglets. Increasing HCs level increased (P < 0.05) the proportions of butyrate and valerate on day 3, and the ATTD of acid detergent fibres (ADF), neutral detergent fibres (NDF), and gross energy and decreased (P < 0.05) the proportion of propionate on day 17, and the ATTD of crude protein. The beta diversity was affected (r2 = 0.11; P = 0.02) by the maternal dietary treatments with 11 common genera differing (P < 0.05) in the sow’s faecal microbiota, and five in the piglet’s microbiota. Regardless of the maternal dietary treatment, SG piglets had a lower (P < 0.05) proportion of isobutyrate and isovalerate, a lower (P < 0.05) abundance of Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Enterococcus, and Succinovibrio genera, and a greater (P < 0.05) abundance of Olsenella than FG piglets. Increased HCs level in a sow’s lactation diet affects the ATTD of nutrients, the faecal VFA and microbiota profiles of the sows with limited effects on SG and FG piglets’ faecal microbiota and no effects on the performance or VFA profile of these piglets.

Due to the evolution of welfare laws and the search for novel methods to study pig microbiota, the development of precise and non-invasive sampling methods is key to studying the microbial communities that inhabit the guts of pigs. Administering swallowable devices to pigs is always a challenge due to factors such as anatomy, the requirement for specific materials, and the need to restrain the animals. In this study, we describe a step-by-step protocol on how to administer Capsule for Sampling (CapSa), a biocompatible non-invasive device to study pig’s microbiota without harming the animals. The validation of the protocol was done through two different studies. In Study 1, 92 Swiss Large White pigs (BW: 6.45–71.3 kg) were administered two capsules each and monitored for the following 3 days for capsule retrieval. On day 3, all pigs were euthanised to locate the missing capsules directly from their gastrointestinal tracts. In Study 2, 16 Swiss Large White pigs were selected at weaning and administered CapSas at five different timepoints (T1: 52 ± 3; T2: 70 ± 3; T3: 83 ± 3; T4: 110 ± 3; T5: 126 ± 3 days of age). To retrieve the capsules in the faeces, pigs were monitored 3 days postadministration. At T5, the pigs were slaughtered, and CapSas that were not found in the faeces, termed as missing CapSas, were retrieved from their gastrointestinal tracts. The protocol entails acclimation of the animals, housing modifications, administration of a prokinetic agent (prucalopride) to facilitate gastric emptying, and oesophageal intubations to overcome challenges related to administration, gastric blockage, and retrieval of the capsules. In Study 1, 46.74% of the administered CapSas were found in the faeces within 72 h postadministration, with 47.67% retrieved within the first 24 h, and 28.26% were located in the stomach. The CapSa retrieval was lowest in light pigs (<12 kg). In Study 2, 75.6% of CapSas were recovered in the faeces within 72 h postadministration, with 51.23% retrieved within the first 24 h. The CapSa retrieval rates varied depending on the administration time point being lowest at T1 and T3 and highest at T2 with intermediate values at T4 and T5. In both studies, the pH levels were affected by transit time (P < 0.01), resulting in a more acidic content when capsules were expelled after 36–40 h. To the contrary, the volume of the CapSa content was never affected by transit time (P < 0.05). In both studies, postmortem observations showed no health-related issues except one pig from Study 2 excluded due to respiratory distress. The present study describes a valid procedure for administering CapSa or any other swallowable devices in pigs. Moreover, this procedure is applicable to singular and repetitive administrations over the lifespan of pigs.

Replacing cereals with food leftovers could reduce feed-food competition and keep nutrients and energy in the food chain. Former food products (FFPs) are industrial food leftovers no more intended for human but still suitable as alternative and sustainable feedstuffs for monogastric. In this study, omics approaches were applied to evaluate the impact of dietary FFPs on pig liver proteome and plasma peptidome. Thirty-six Swiss Large White male castrated pigs were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments [control (CTR), 30% CTR replaced with salty FFP (SA), 30% CTR replaced with sugary FFP (SU)] from the start of the growing phase (22.4 ± 1.7 kg) until slaughtering (110 ± 3 kg). The low number of differentially regulated proteins in each comparison matrix (SA/SU vs. CTR) and the lack of metabolic interaction indicated a marginal impact on hepatic lipid metabolism. The plasma peptidomics investigation showed low variability between the peptidome of the three dietary groups and identified three possible bioactive peptides in the SA group associated with anti-hypertension and vascular homeostasis regulation. To conclude, the limited modulation of liver proteome and plasma peptidome by the SA and SU diets strenghtened the idea of reusing FFPs as feed ingredients to make pig production more sustainable.

The Capsule for Sampling (CapSa) is an ingestible capsule that collects small intestine content while transiting through the natural digestive pathway. In this study, 14 Swiss Large White pigs weighing less than 12 kg (Category < 12 kg) and 12 weighing between 12 and 20 kg (Category [12-20 kg]) were given two CapSas and monitored for three days. The animals were euthanized for post-mortem sampling, allowing us to directly obtain gut microbiota samples from the gastrointestinal tract. This post-mortem approach enabled a direct comparison between the microbial content from the gut and the samples collected via the CapSas, and it also facilitated precise identification of the CapSas' sampling sites within the gastrointestinal tract. For the category under 12 kg, only 2.3% of the administered CapSas were recovered from the feces. In contrast, in the 12-20 kg category, 62.5% of the CapSas were successfully retrieved from the feces within 48 h. Of these recovered CapSas, 73.3%-equating to 11 capsules from eight pigs-had a pH > 5.5 and were therefore selected for microbiome analysis. Bacterial composition of the CapSas was compared with that of the three segments of the small intestine, the large intestine and feces of the corresponding pig. The results were tested using a PERMANOVA model (Adonis) including sample type as a factor, and then pairwise comparisons were made. The bacterial composition found in the CapSas differed from that of the large intestine and feces (P < 0.01), while it did not differ from the first segment of the small intestine (P > 0.10). This study provides evidence that the CapSa effectively samples the intestinal microbiota from the upper section of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs. Furthermore, it was found that the collection of CapSas could only be successfully achieved in pigs classified within the heavier weight category.

Reduced piglet feed intake immediately postweaning (pw) leads to disruption of small intestine structure and function and reduced growth. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of providing supplemental milk or liquid starter diet for either 4 or 11 days pw, on intestinal parameters of newly weaned piglets and growth to slaughter. At weaning (28 ± 0.6 days old), five hundred and eighty-seven piglets ((Large White × Landrace) × Duroc) were divided into 59 pen groups, each containing 9-10 same sex (entire male or female) piglets. The pen groups were blocked by sex and weaning weight and provided with ad-libitum access to one of five dietary treatments: (1) Dry pelleted starter diet (control; CON); (2) CON+liquid milk replacer for 4 days pw (M4); (3) CON+liquid milk replacer for 11 days pw (M11); (4) CON+liquid starter diet for 4 days pw (S4) and (5) CON+liquid starter diet for 11 days pw (S11). Pen groups were weighed at weaning, days 11, 20, 28, and 47 pw and at target sale weight. Feed disappearance (on a DM basis) was recorded on each weighing day. On day 7 pw, 10 piglets per treatment were euthanised to collect small intestine tissue samples for determination of villus height (VH), crypt depth and brush-border membrane enzyme activity. Data were analysed using SAS-version 9.4. Between days 0 and 11 pw, M11 increased average daily feed intake by 48% and average daily gain (ADG) by 57% compared to CON (P < 0.05), and increased ADG by 54% (P < 0.05) compared to S4. Piglets on M11 also had improved feed conversion efficiency compared with CON piglets between days 0 and 11 pw. Treatment did not affect growth performance after day 28 pw, or carcass parameters at slaughter. At day 7 pw, M11 piglets had 37% higher jejunal VH than CON piglets (P < 0.05) and S11 piglets had 28% higher ileal VH than S4 piglets (P < 0.05). M11 piglets had up to 150% higher ileal sucrase activity than M4, S4 and S11 piglets (P < 0.05) and 180% higher ileal maltase activity than S4 piglets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, M11 reduced the immediate negative effects of weaning, as it was associated with increased feed intake, growth, brush-border membrane enzyme activity and improved intestinal structure early pw. However, there were no carryover effects of any of the liquid supplements on growth or feed efficiency or carcass weight at slaughter.

This study investigated the effects of salty and sugary former foodstuff products (FFPs) on the quality traits and meat composition of 36 male castrated pigs (Swiss Large White breed) as well as sensory characteristics of the loins. The animals were fed three different diets for both the growing (G) and finishing (F) phases: (1) a standard diet (ST), 0% FFPs; (2) a diet with 30% of sugary FFPs (e.g., chocolate, biscuits, cakes) as a replacement for traditional ingredients (SU); and (3) a diet with 30% of salty FFPs (e.g., bread, pasta, and breadsticks) as a replacement for traditional ingredients (SA). For a comprehensive assessment of meat quality, protein and fat content in the LD were analyzed. AA and FA profile were determined both in the LD and backfat. Meat quality traits such as pH and temperature, thawing, cooking and drip losses, and shear force have been evaluated. Then, pork loins have been assessed for sensory attributes by a trained sensory panel. The SA diet decreased 20:5 n-3 levels (P < 0.001) in the muscle and 22:5 n-3 levels (P < 0.05) in both muscle and backfat but increased (P < 0.05) the ratio of mono-unsaturated to saturated fatty acids compared to the ST group. Both the SU and SA diets elevated (P < 0.001) the n-6:n-3 fatty acids ratio compared to the ST diet. Dietary treatments did not affect other meat quality traits. Regarding sensory attributes, the loin from pigs fed with SU and SA diets were sweeter (P < 0.001). Loins of SA pigs were more tender (P < 0.001), had a more intense pork aroma (P < 0.001) and had more flavor (P < 0.01) compared to ST loins. Overall, the use of FFPs affected the fatty acid profile of pork while improving the sensory quality of the loins, with no negative effects observed on the technological and nutritional quality of the meat.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as inadequate foetal growth during gestation. In response to placenta insufficiency, IUGR piglets prioritise brain development as a survival mechanism. This adaptation leads to a higher brain-to-liver weight ratio (BrW/LW) at birth. This study assessed the potential of using morphometric traits to estimate brain (BrW) and liver (LW) weights, enabling noninvasive diagnosis of IUGR in newborn piglets. At birth, body weight (BtW) of individual piglets (n = 144) was recorded. One day (+/- 1) after birth, BrW and LW were measured with computed tomography (n = 94) or by weighing the organs after natural death or euthanasia (n = 50). Additionally, 20 morphometric traits were captured from images of each piglet and correlated with the BrW and LW. The morphometric traits that showed a r >= 0.70 in linear correlation with the BrW or LW were selected. Each selected trait was combined as an independent variable with BtW to develop multiple linear regression models to predict the BrW and LW. Six models were chosen based on the highest adjusted R2 value: three for estimating BrW and three for LW. The dataset was then randomly divided into a training (75% of the data) and a testing (remaining 25%) subsets. Within the training subset, three equations to predict the BrW and three to predict the LW were extrapolated from the six selected models. The equations were then applied to the testing subset. The accuracy of the equations in predicting organ weight was assessed by calculating mean absolute and mean absolute percentage error (MAE and MAPE) between predicted and actual BrW and LW. To predict the BrW/LW, an equation including BtW and the two morphometric traits which better predicted BrW and LW was used. In the testing dataset, the equation combining ear distance and BtW better estimated the BrW. The equation performed with a MAE of 1.95 and a MAPE of 0.06 between the true and estimated weight of the brain. For the liver, the equation combining the abdominal area delimited by a square and BtW displayed the best performance, with a MAE of 9.29 and a MAPE of 0.17 between the true and estimated weight. Finally, the MAE and MAPE between the actual and estimated BrW/LW were 0.14 and 0.17, respectively. These findings suggest that specific morphometric traits can be used to estimate brain and liver weights, facilitating accurate and non-invasive identification of IUGR in newborn piglets.