Register      Login
Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development Society
Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Oocyte maturation and embryo survival in nulliparous female pigs (gilts) is improved by feeding a lupin-based high-fibre diet

A. C. Weaver A F , J. M. Kelly B , K. L. Kind A D , K. L. Gatford C D , D. J. Kennaway C D , P. J. Herde E and W. H. E. J. van Wettere A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

B Turretfield Research Centre, South Australia Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA 5350, Australia.

C School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

D Robinson Institute, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

E South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

F Corresponding author. Email: alice.weaver@adelaide.edu.au

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 25(8) 1216-1223 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD12329
Submitted: 9 October 2012  Accepted: 26 November 2012   Published: 21 December 2012

Abstract

Inclusion of high levels of the high-fibre ingredient sugar-beet pulp in pre-mating diets has been shown to increase gonadotrophin concentrations and improve oocyte quality in nulliparous pigs (gilts). This study evaluated the effects of two alternative fibre sources on reproductive performance in gilts. Gilts received one of three diets from 3 weeks before puberty stimulation until Day 19 of the first oestrous cycle: control (39 g kg–1 fibre), bran (500 g kg–1 wheat bran, 65 g kg–1 fibre) or lupin (350 g kg–1 lupin, 118 g kg–1 crude fibre). Diet did not affect circulating LH concentrations or ovarian follicle size. However, a higher percentage of oocytes collected from lupin-supplemented gilts reached metaphase II in vitro compared with those collected from bran-fed or control gilts (89 ± 5% versus 72 ± 5% and 66 ± 5%, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, in a second experiment, gilts fed the same lupin-based diet before mating had improved embryo survival (92 ± 5%) on Day 28 after mating compared with control gilts (76 ± 4%; P < 0.05). Therefore, feeding a high-fibre diet before mating can improve oocyte quality in gilts without changes in circulating LH, but this effect is dependent on the fibre source.

Additional keywords: bran, gonadotrophin, luteinising hormone.


References

Arts, C., Govers, C., van den Berg, H., Wolters, M., van Leeuwen, P., and Thijssen, J. (1991). In vitro binding of oestrogens by dietary fibre and the in vivo apparent digestibility tested in pigs. J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 38, 621–628.
In vitro binding of oestrogens by dietary fibre and the in vivo apparent digestibility tested in pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXkvVGlt7s%3D&md5=517cc5fc10c3e9fda24c6b36b2a919d3CAS | 1645589PubMed |

Ashworth, C. J., and Antipatis, C. (1999). Effects of pre‐and post‐mating nutrition on embryo survival in gilts. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 34, 103–108.
Effects of pre‐and post‐mating nutrition on embryo survival in gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXls1Knur4%3D&md5=6180d38ef7c50d3c846ee01fe2a83a57CAS |

Ashworth, C. J., Beattie, L., and Antipatis, C. (1999a). Effects of pre- and post-mating nutritional status on hepatic function, progesterone concentration, uterine protein secretion and embryo survival in Meishan pigs. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 11, 67–73.
Effects of pre- and post-mating nutritional status on hepatic function, progesterone concentration, uterine protein secretion and embryo survival in Meishan pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXlsVClsA%3D%3D&md5=54e1aeec8dde606bb9ed76c0717eb46eCAS | 10681004PubMed |

Ashworth, C. J., Beattie, L., Antipatis, C., and Vallet, J. L. (1999b). Effects of pre- and post-mating feed intake on blastocyst size, secretory function and glucose metabolism in Meishan gilts. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 11, 323–327.
Effects of pre- and post-mating feed intake on blastocyst size, secretory function and glucose metabolism in Meishan gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXlvVSltrs%3D&md5=72c41f9d579b3c1fb4b8751b88f19586CAS | 10972300PubMed |

Bartlett, A., Pain, S. J., Hughes, P., Stott, P., and van Wettere, W. (2009). The effects of PG600 and boar exposure on oestrus detection and potential litter size following mating at either the induced (pubertal) or second oestrus. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 114, 219–227.
The effects of PG600 and boar exposure on oestrus detection and potential litter size following mating at either the induced (pubertal) or second oestrus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1MzotVagtg%3D%3D&md5=684c3e492e161faa1ec7ce53a0ddc624CAS | 18824316PubMed |

Booth, P. J., Cosgrove, J., and Foxcroft, G. (1996). Endocrine and metabolic responses to re-alimentation in feed-restricted prepubertal gilts: associations among gonadotrophins, metabolic hormones, glucose and utero–ovarian development. J. Anim. Sci. 74, 840–848.
| 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XitlCiur8%3D&md5=bbe25b71b33169255752786f7440a3bcCAS | 8728006PubMed |

Boukhliq, R., and Martin, G. B. (1997). Administration of fatty acids and gonadotrophin secretion in the mature ram. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 49, 143–159.
Administration of fatty acids and gonadotrophin secretion in the mature ram.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXnvFGqs7Y%3D&md5=a493d103061ce62e69517938d0e18c8eCAS | 9505108PubMed |

Brüssow, K. P., Kanitz, E., Tuchscherer, A., and Tosch, P. (2007). Study of enteral versus parenteral application of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist gonadorelin [6-D-Phe](D-Phe 6-LHRH) on LH secretion in Goettinger miniature pigs. J. Reprod. Dev. 53, 699–706.
Study of enteral versus parenteral application of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist gonadorelin [6-D-Phe](D-Phe 6-LHRH) on LH secretion in Goettinger miniature pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17380039PubMed |

Cosgrove, J. R., and Foxcroft, G. R. (1996). Nutrition and reproduction in the pig: ovarian aetiology. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 42, 131–141.
Nutrition and reproduction in the pig: ovarian aetiology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cosgrove, J., Tilton, J., Hunter, M., and Foxcroft, G. (1992). Gonadotrophin-independent mechanisms participate in ovarian responses to re-alimentation in feed-restricted prepubertal gilts. Biol. Reprod. 47, 736–745.
Gonadotrophin-independent mechanisms participate in ovarian responses to re-alimentation in feed-restricted prepubertal gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXmtFCm&md5=0149222a76443b50f43802e846ec10fdCAS | 1477200PubMed |

Cox, N., Stuart, M., Althen, T., Bennett, W., and Miller, H. (1987). Enhancement of ovulation rate in gilts by increasing dietary energy and administering insulin during follicular growth. J. Anim. Sci. 64, 507–516.
| 1:CAS:528:DyaL2sXhtFelu7c%3D&md5=e3e5dac38eaa89b1e5765f6d74b3f22fCAS | 3104271PubMed |

de Leeuw, J., Jongbloed, A., Spoolder, H., and Verstegen, M. (2005). Effects of hindgut fermentation of non-starch polysaccharides on the stability of blood glucose and insulin levels and physical activity in empty sows. Livest. Prod. Sci. 96, 165–174.
Effects of hindgut fermentation of non-starch polysaccharides on the stability of blood glucose and insulin levels and physical activity in empty sows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dong, Q., and Handelsman, D. J. (1990). Hypothalamic opioid mechanisms in experimental uremic hypogonadism. Endocrinology 126, 1498–1503.
Hypothalamic opioid mechanisms in experimental uremic hypogonadism.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3cXhslKntrk%3D&md5=94987099ad57d8784a10ce8d011f016cCAS | 2137774PubMed |

Downing, J., Joss, J., Connell, P., and Scaramuzzi, R. (1995). Ovulation rate and the concentrations of gonadotrophic and metabolic hormones in ewes fed lupin grain. J. Reprod. Fertil. 103, 137–145.
Ovulation rate and the concentrations of gonadotrophic and metabolic hormones in ewes fed lupin grain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXksVGht78%3D&md5=e9fa8cd52029183d510ba13e307878daCAS | 7707290PubMed |

Ferguson, E., Ashworth, C., Edwards, S., Hawkins, N., Hepburn, N., and Hunter, M. (2003). Effect of different nutritional regimens before ovulation on plasma concentrations of metabolic and reproductive hormones and oocyte maturation in gilts. Reproduction 126, 61–71.
Effect of different nutritional regimens before ovulation on plasma concentrations of metabolic and reproductive hormones and oocyte maturation in gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXlvFCnurw%3D&md5=daa728526d2c1adcb640699acd812f78CAS | 12814348PubMed |

Ferguson, E., Slevin, J., Edwards, S., Hunter, M., and Ashworth, C. (2006). Effect of alterations in the quantity and composition of the pre-mating diet on embryo survival and foetal growth in the pig. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 96, 89–103.
Effect of alterations in the quantity and composition of the pre-mating diet on embryo survival and foetal growth in the pig.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xps1Chsr0%3D&md5=187fbb9639c0e1c57b5c44c4fdd86fb2CAS | 16426776PubMed |

Ferguson, E., Slevin, J., Hunter, M., Edwards, S., and Ashworth, C. (2007). Beneficial effects of a high-fibre diet on oocyte maturity and embryo survival in gilts. Reproduction 133, 433–439.
Beneficial effects of a high-fibre diet on oocyte maturity and embryo survival in gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXjvVOjt78%3D&md5=cf97b73712ff00965fb8ad76ac559beaCAS | 17307911PubMed |

Foxcroft, G., and Hunter, M. (1985). Basic physiology of follicular maturation in the pig. J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 33, 1–19.
| 1:STN:280:DyaL287hsFWhtg%3D%3D&md5=9d3a33b7d30e5c672bf1b7b0ab7c30fdCAS | 3003359PubMed |

Foxcroft, G., Shaw, H. J., Hunter, M. G., Booth, P. J., and Lancaster, R. (1987). Relationships between luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin secretion and ovarian follicular development in the weaned sow. Biol. Reprod. 36, 175–191.
Relationships between luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin secretion and ovarian follicular development in the weaned sow.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL2sXktVWitL4%3D&md5=5b11072fbc72b753eda724080d8bc587CAS | 3105614PubMed |

Graham, H., Hesselman, K., and Aman, P. (1986). The influence of wheat bran and sugar-beet pulp on the digestibility of dietary components in a cereal-based pig diet. J. Nutr. 116, 242–251.
| 1:STN:280:DyaL287hsVeisw%3D%3D&md5=54f3aec99972ae3df3c6e5a68a75ec91CAS | 3003295PubMed |

Hunter, M. (2000). Oocyte maturation and ovum quality in pigs. Rev. Reprod. 5, 122–130.
Oocyte maturation and ovum quality in pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXjsleiu7k%3D&md5=07501fa3d74eef8d63ee5883b5814454CAS | 10864857PubMed |

Hunter, M., Robinson, R., Mann, G., and Webb, R. (2004). Endocrine and paracrine control of follicular development and ovulation rate in farm species. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 82–83, 461–477.
Endocrine and paracrine control of follicular development and ovulation rate in farm species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15271473PubMed |

Hunter, M. G., Brankin, V., Quinn, R. L., Ferguson, E. M., Edwards, S. A., and Ashworth, C. J. (2005). Oocyte–somatic cell–endocrine interactions in pigs. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 29, 371–384.
Oocyte–somatic cell–endocrine interactions in pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXlvFKnsL4%3D&md5=8e4fa8d47c5c39625a923484e28b5557CAS | 15950429PubMed |

Krisher, R. (2004). The effect of oocyte quality on development. J. Anim. Sci. 82, E14–E23.
| 15471793PubMed |

Langendijk, P., Dieleman, S., Gerritsen, R., Hazeleger, W., Mainsant, M. L., Soede, N., and Kemp, B. (2007). Pulsatile release of luteinising hormone during the luteal phase in lactating and weaned sows. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 19, 961–966.
Pulsatile release of luteinising hormone during the luteal phase in lactating and weaned sows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXht1eqsrzP&md5=d5004c05742c9782509eb77e63b6c2b0CAS | 18076828PubMed |

McLeod, B., and Craigon, J. (1985). Time-series analysis of plasma LH and FSH concentrations as a method of assessing episodic secretion. J. Reprod. Fertil. 74, 575–587.
Time-series analysis of plasma LH and FSH concentrations as a method of assessing episodic secretion.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL2MXlslamtL0%3D&md5=8527a5450bbe8785cbca2e1d3439c43bCAS | 3930713PubMed |

Mejia-Guadarrama, C. A., Prunier, A., and Quesnel, H. (2004). Dietary protein intake during the oestrous cycle does not alter the ovulation rate in gilts. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16, 589–597.
Dietary protein intake during the oestrous cycle does not alter the ovulation rate in gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXmslaksLY%3D&md5=974a52bb010d0f7d33b8b6c425acd792CAS | 15740680PubMed |

Merriam, G. R., and Wachter, K. W. (1982). Algorithms for the study of episodic hormone secretion. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 243, E310–E318.
| 1:CAS:528:DyaL38XlsFOhtrc%3D&md5=c9e71e239a36da7b3f0e2b279dac3d31CAS |

Peltoniemi, O., Love, R., Klupiec, C., and Evans, G. (1997). Effect of feed restriction and season on LH and prolactin secretion, adrenal response, insulin and FFA in group-housed pregnant gilts. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 49, 179–190.
Effect of feed restriction and season on LH and prolactin secretion, adrenal response, insulin and FFA in group-housed pregnant gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXnvFGqsL4%3D&md5=38000b6fa66a02732612483d2abc7f1dCAS | 9505111PubMed |

Prunier, A., and Quesnel, H. (2000). Nutritional influences on the hormonal control of reproduction in female pigs. Livest. Prod. Sci. 63, 1–16.
Nutritional influences on the hormonal control of reproduction in female pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

van Barneveld, R. J. (1999). Understanding the nutritional chemistry of lupin (Lupinus spp.) seed to improve livestock production efficiency. Nutr. Res. Rev. 12, 203–230.
Understanding the nutritional chemistry of lupin (Lupinus spp.) seed to improve livestock production efficiency.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1M%2FjsF2ksA%3D%3D&md5=e4b0d9aeda0dd4b444ce9d4452dae881CAS | 19087452PubMed |

van den Brand, H., Dieleman, S., Soede, N., and Kemp, B. (2000). Dietary energy source at two feeding levels during lactation of primiparous sows: I. Effects on glucose, insulin and luteinizing hormone and on follicle development, weaning-to-oestrus interval and ovulation rate. J. Anim. Sci. 78, 396–404.
| 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXisVCjtLs%3D&md5=d5c7e3e797a07e7cfa4df5594db0751dCAS | 10709931PubMed |

van Wettere, V. W. H. E. J., and Hughes, P. E. (2007) Gilt management, oocyte quality and embryo survival. In ‘Paradigms in Pig Science’. (Eds J. Wiseman, M. A. Varley and S. McOrist.) pp. 129–358. (Nottingham University Press: Nottingham, UK.)

Virolainen, J. V., Love, R. J., Tast, A., and Peltoniemi, O. A. T. (2005). Plasma progesterone concentration depends on sampling site in pigs. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 86, 305–316.
Plasma progesterone concentration depends on sampling site in pigs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXit1Cjtbg%3D&md5=df3252d01599395aa577c9d1ebeed5dfCAS | 15766808PubMed |

Whisnant, C., and Harrell, R. (2002). Effect of short-term feed restriction and re-feeding on serum concentrations of leptin, luteinizing hormone and insulin in ovariectomized gilts. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 22, 73–80.
Effect of short-term feed restriction and re-feeding on serum concentrations of leptin, luteinizing hormone and insulin in ovariectomized gilts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XitFWmt7c%3D&md5=a6e286ad8b99a7d10bc67d246e720bd7CAS | 11900965PubMed |

Ye, J., Flint, A., Campbell, K., and Luck, M. (2002). Synchronization of porcine oocyte meiosis using cycloheximide and its application to the study of regulation by cumulus cells. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 14, 433–442.
Synchronization of porcine oocyte meiosis using cycloheximide and its application to the study of regulation by cumulus cells.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2cvnsFWgsA%3D%3D&md5=5c06dd8863d58e2c8a161d03bba237bfCAS | 12617787PubMed |

Zak, L., Xu, X., Hardin, R., and Foxcroft, G. (1997). Impact of different patterns of feed intake during lactation in the primiparous sow on follicular development and oocyte maturation. Reproduction 110, 99–106.
Impact of different patterns of feed intake during lactation in the primiparous sow on follicular development and oocyte maturation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXksVans74%3D&md5=08b9c8dd7de4e783914850f4ea2eb12cCAS |