Effects of the selection process on malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase levels, and the performance of gilts under tropical environmental conditions

Abstract

Background and Aim: Gilt selection has the propensity to improve reproductive performance and promote longevity. However, the impact of this process on oxidative stress biomarker levels remains to be unraveled under tropical conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect of management processes during gilt selection on serum malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and the performance of replacement gilts under tropical environmental conditions. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 90 crossbred gilts (mean age: 9.72 ± 0.097 weeks) were selected 2 weeks apart, allotted to six pens of 30, and raised in an open barn with shaded roofs. Following their respective entry weeks, gilts in groups one and two were subjected separately to three subsequent selection processes (involving movements, handling, and examination of structural and reproductive traits) at weeks 12, 17, and 24 in the replacement barn. Grower, finisher, and gestation diets were supplied ad libitum for 25 weeks. Environmental temperature (°C), humidity (%), and light (lux) were recorded. Malondialdehyde, CAT, and SOD levels were assayed using blood samples collected on day 1 of experiment (PRE), and at week 24 in replacement barn (POST). Results: Feed intake, weight gain, and percent selected at week 24 were 1.89 versus 1.90 kg/day, 0.81 versus 0.76 kg/day, and 75.23% versus 64.45% for groups one and two, respectively. Sickness, death, slow growth, leg, and reproductive problems caused 24.76% versus 35.55% of removals in groups one and two, respectively. Serum biomarkers were insignificant at PRE but were elevated at POST, with mean values of 14.25 versus 13.84 uM, 5.10 versus 3.26 nmol/min/mL, and p < 0.05, and 1.13 versus 1.68 U/mL and p < 0.05 for MDA, CAT, and SOD in groups one and two, respectively. Conclusion: The impact of the selection process was meager compared to the adverse effect of high environmental temperatures. The management and selection of replacement gilts in an uncontrolled environmental temperature increase the risk of oxidative stress, especially in tropical regions. Keywords: antioxidant, gilt, oxidative, stress, tropical.

Enhancement of selectivity, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level, alkaline phosphatase activity and reproductive performance in gilts and primiparous sows using 14-epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3

“…The environment on the other hand played an important role in regulating internal temperature. A study on the impact of environmental condition on gilt performance reported an optimal temperature below 31°C for enhanced performance under tropical condition ( Okafor & Homwong, 2023 ). Though the decrease in light intensity due to seasonal shifts helped to stabilize environmental temperature, the use of evaporative cooling system maintainedinternal temperature at gestation and lactation barns between 25-28°C for most part of the study, reducing the possibility of heat stress.…”