Large litter size increases oxidative stress and adversely affects nest-building behavior and litter characteristics in primiparous sows

The study examined 24 primiparous sows (Landrace × Large white) and their offspring, which were grouped based on litter size: NORMAL ( n = 8, average size 11.5 ± 1.2), with between 7 14, LARGE 16, 15.9 1.0), 15 20. Sows group-housed during gestation, housed in an adjustable loose housing system (2.4 2.3 m) farrowing lactation. All the confined crates (0.6 for days after onset of parturition. Saliva samples collected 35, 21, before (D-35, D-21 D7, respectively), 1, 7, 28 (D1, D28, respectively) to measure levels Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O ), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Colostrum oxytocin prolactin assays. Nest-building behavior (NB) h parturition was observed through video analysis. results showed that had higher H D1 D7 AOPP late gestation p < 0.05, all) lower TEAC D28 than sows. Additionally, tended have TNF-α 0.10, both). shorter duration frequency NB 24–12 both), 0.10). Furthermore, large show longer stillbirth rate 0.06, 0.07, respectively). In conclusion, this confirmed may increase oxidative stress data also suggested could adversely impact release, leading reduced NB.