{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,11]],"date-time":"2025-10-11T01:37:03Z","timestamp":1760146623549,"version":"build-2065373602"},"reference-count":53,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"23","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2024,11,25]],"date-time":"2024-11-25T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1732492800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"name":"14th Five-Year National Key Research and Development Project","award":["2021 YFD1300401","202005000003"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2021 YFD1300401","202005000003"]}]},{"name":"Guangzhou Science and Technology Planning Project","award":["2021 YFD1300401","202005000003"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2021 YFD1300401","202005000003"]}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Animals"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This study aims to investigate the effects of fermented soybean hulls (FSHS) on reproductive performance, plasma biochemical profiles, immune parameters, and fecal microbiota in sows. A total of 325 sows were randomized into five groups, each fed a diet with varying FSHS proportions: 0% (control), 2% (FSHS2), 4% (FSHS4), 6% (FSHS6), and 8% (FSHS8). Diets were prepared by replacing conventional soybean hulls with FSHS in equal amounts. The study lasted from day 30 to day 110 of gestation. The results indicated the following: (1) Reproductive Performance: The number of live piglets per litter, newborn litter weight, and individual piglet weight increased linearly with the increase in FSHS addition in the diet (PLinear &lt; 0.05). A trend toward reduced farrowing duration was observed when FSHS was added to the diet (PLinear = 0.076). FSHS improved newborn weight and weight variation compared to the control when FSHS was added to the diet (PAnova &lt; 0.05). Replacing soybean hulls with FSHS also increased fecal scores, enhancing fecal consistency and alleviating constipation (p &lt; 0.01). (2) Plasma Biochemical Indicators: Plasma urea concentration on day 60 decreased linearly with increasing FSHS (PLinear &lt; 0.05). Plasma total protein and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities showed quadratic effects (PQuadratic &lt; 0.05) on day 60 and 90 of gestation, while alkaline phosphatase activity on day 90 showed a quadratic trend (PQuadratic = 0.082). (3) Hormone Levels: Plasma insulin and adrenaline levels exhibited quadratic effects on day 60 and 90 of gestation, respectively (PQuadratic &lt; 0.05). (4) Immune Parameters: Plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) levels increased linearly with FSHS proportion on day 60 (PLinear &lt; 0.05), but no significant changes were observed on day 90 (p &gt; 0.05). (5) Fecal Microbiota: On day 90, the abundance of actinobacteriota increased quadratically with FSHS levels (PQuadratic &lt; 0.05), while bacteroidota decreased linearly (PLinear &lt; 0.05). During parturition, actinobacteriota abundance continued to increase linearly (PLinear &lt; 0.05). Notably, the FSHS8 group had higher actinobacteriota abundance compared to the control group (p = 0.05). At the genus level, terrisporobacter showed a quadratic increase and then decrease (PQuadratic &lt; 0.05), while ruminococcus showed a quadratic decrease and then increased (PQuadratic &lt; 0.05). Both terrisporobacter in the FSHS2 and FSHS6 groups and ruminococcus in the FSHS8 group were more abundant compared to the control (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with FSHS increased fecal microbial diversity, alleviated the incidence of constipation, and ultimately improved sow reproductive performance. The recommended optimal addition of FSHS to the sow diet is 6%.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/ani14233389","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2024,11,25]],"date-time":"2024-11-25T06:25:19Z","timestamp":1732515919000},"page":"3389","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Effects of Fermented Soybean Hulls on Reproductive Performance, Blood Physiology and Immune Parameters Along with Fecal Microbiota in Sows"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"14","author":[{"given":"Xiuguo","family":"Shang","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Yingjie","family":"Cui","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Chaoyue","family":"Shang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling 712100, China"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Kaiguo","family":"Gao","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Yujuan","family":"Chen","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China"},{"name":"Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Yaodong","family":"Quan","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China"},{"name":"Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2024,11,25]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"429","DOI":"10.4141\/CJAS09115","article-title":"Relationships between backfat thickness and reproductive efficiency of sows: A two-year trial involving two commercial herds fixing backfat thickness at breeding","volume":"90","author":"Houde","year":"2011","journal-title":"Can. J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2117","DOI":"10.2527\/jas.2015-0013","article-title":"Including dietary fiber and resistant starch to increase satiety and reduce aggression in gestating sows","volume":"94","author":"Sapkota","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_3","first-page":"3055","article-title":"Research progress on improvement effects of dietary fiber on satiety, constipation and reproductive performance in sows","volume":"33","author":"Shang","year":"2021","journal-title":"Chin. J. Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"365","DOI":"10.1079\/BJN19960140","article-title":"The influence of dietary fibre and environmental temperature on the development of the gastrointestinal tract, digestibility, degree of fermentation in the hind-gut and energy metabolism in pigs","volume":"75","author":"Zhao","year":"1996","journal-title":"Br. J. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e0044622","DOI":"10.1128\/spectrum.00446-22","article-title":"Ruminal Microbiota Determines the High-Fiber Utilization of Ruminants: Evidence from the Ruminal Microbiota Transplant","volume":"10","author":"Chen","year":"2022","journal-title":"Microbiol. Spectr."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1424","DOI":"10.1093\/ajcn\/72.6.1424","article-title":"Bitter taste, phytonutrients, and the consumer: A review","volume":"72","author":"Drewnowski","year":"2000","journal-title":"Am. J. Clin. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_7","first-page":"35","article-title":"Research on fermentation technology of dietary fibre activation in grape pomace","volume":"3","author":"Liu","year":"2008","journal-title":"China Brew."},{"key":"ref_8","unstructured":"Li, H. (2008). Study and Appraise on the Assay Method of Cellulose and Hemicellulose in Roughage. [Ph.D. Thesis, Xinjiang Agricultural University]."},{"key":"ref_9","first-page":"52","article-title":"Effects of fermented cottonseed meal on performance and health status of meat pigs","volume":"37","author":"Guan","year":"2017","journal-title":"Anim. Sci. Abroad (Pigs Poult.)"},{"key":"ref_10","first-page":"22","article-title":"Effect of different sugar beet pulp level on lactating sow\u2019s productive performance","volume":"37","author":"Wand","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Domest. Anim. Ecol."},{"key":"ref_11","first-page":"112","article-title":"Optimization of the preparation process for soluble dietary fiber from rice bran by Aspergillus niger fermentation and its physicochemical properties","volume":"39","author":"Min","year":"2018","journal-title":"Food Sci."},{"key":"ref_12","first-page":"31","article-title":"Comparative research on in vitro fermentation characteristics of dietary fiber from different sources","volume":"44","author":"Ouyang","year":"2021","journal-title":"Feed Res."},{"key":"ref_13","first-page":"154","article-title":"Characteristics of fermented Chinese herbal medicine additives and effect on animal production and economic benefits","volume":"44","author":"Zhu","year":"2021","journal-title":"Feed Res."},{"key":"ref_14","first-page":"25","article-title":"Effects of acidified fermentation by-products and prepartum DCAD on feed intake, performance, and health of transition dairy cows","volume":"2","author":"Bradford","year":"2017","journal-title":"Kans. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Rep."},{"key":"ref_15","first-page":"805","article-title":"Effects of dietary fermented alfalfa on reproductive performance of sows and antioxidant capacity of Sows and piglets","volume":"34","author":"Su","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chin. J. Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"55","DOI":"10.1016\/j.anireprosci.2014.11.003","article-title":"Effects of different amounts of konjac flour inclusion in gestation diets on physio-chemical properties of diets, postprandial satiety in pregnant sows, lactation feed intake of sows and piglet performance","volume":"152","author":"Sun","year":"2015","journal-title":"Anim. Reprod. Sci."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"29","DOI":"10.1186\/s40104-018-0245-1","article-title":"Isolation of bacteria from fermented food and grass carp intestine and their efficiencies in improving nutrient value of soybean meal in solid state fermentation","volume":"9","author":"Medeiros","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol."},{"key":"ref_18","first-page":"157","article-title":"Research progress on application of probiotic fermented feed in sows","volume":"45","author":"Ren","year":"2022","journal-title":"Feed Res."},{"key":"ref_19","first-page":"50","article-title":"Effects of fermented feed on pregnant sows","volume":"34","author":"Gu","year":"2018","journal-title":"Today Anim. Husbandry Vet. Med."},{"key":"ref_20","first-page":"2761","article-title":"Effects of zymotic soybean hulls on growth performance, slaughter performance and nutrient availability of Wulong Geese aged from 5 to 12 week","volume":"26","author":"Wang","year":"2014","journal-title":"Chin. J. Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"19","DOI":"10.1016\/j.aninu.2016.11.003","article-title":"Fermented soybean meal improves the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and microbial flora in piglets","volume":"3","author":"Yuan","year":"2017","journal-title":"Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"63","DOI":"10.2527\/jas1979.48163x","article-title":"Whole soybeans fermented with Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus for growing pigs","volume":"48","author":"Zamora","year":"1979","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_23","first-page":"116","article-title":"Fermented soybean meal as a protein source in nursery diets replacing dried skim milk","volume":"83","author":"Kim","year":"2005","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1725","DOI":"10.2527\/jas.2009-2110","article-title":"Effects of fermented soybean meal and specialty animal protein sources on nursery pig performance","volume":"88","author":"Jones","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_25","first-page":"802","article-title":"Effect of the combined probiotics on inhibiting pathogenic Escherichia coli proliferation","volume":"343","author":"Yin","year":"2012","journal-title":"Adv. Mater. Res."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"322","DOI":"10.1080\/17450390802190318","article-title":"Disappearance of immunoreactive glycinin and beta-conglycinin in the digestive tract of piglets","volume":"62","author":"Zhao","year":"2008","journal-title":"Arch. Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_27","first-page":"22","article-title":"Research progress on nutritional effects of dietary fiber on monogastric animals","volume":"12","author":"Wang","year":"2007","journal-title":"Vet. Pharm. Feed Addit."},{"key":"ref_28","first-page":"37","article-title":"Effect of dietary fiber on intestinal microecology in swine","volume":"3","author":"Chen","year":"2014","journal-title":"China Feed"},{"key":"ref_29","first-page":"1544","article-title":"Host intestinal immune regulation mechanism mediated by short-chain fatty acids","volume":"32","author":"Wang","year":"2020","journal-title":"Chin. J. Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_30","first-page":"142","article-title":"The improvement of primary diet by probiotics feed additives","volume":"44","author":"Ye","year":"2021","journal-title":"Feed Res."},{"key":"ref_31","first-page":"61","article-title":"Effect of microbial fermented feed on reproductive performance of sows","volume":"40","author":"Sui","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Domest. Anim. Ecol."},{"key":"ref_32","first-page":"33","article-title":"Effects of low protein diet on performance and serum biochemical indices of Suhuai suckling pigs","volume":"40","author":"Niu","year":"2020","journal-title":"Anim. Sci. Abroad (Pigs Poult.)"},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Yang, J.-H., Byeon, E.-H., Kang, D., Hong, S.-G., Yang, J., Kim, D.-R., Yun, S.-P., Park, S.-W., Kim, H.-J., and Huh, J.-W. (2023). Fermented Soybean Paste Attenuates Biogenic Amine-Induced Liver Damage in Obese Mice. Cells, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/cells12050822"},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"579","DOI":"10.2527\/2006.843579x","article-title":"Characterization of mammary gland development in pregnant gilts","volume":"84","author":"Ji","year":"2006","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_35","first-page":"27","article-title":"Influence factors and survival rate of pig embryo development difference","volume":"16","author":"Zhao","year":"2008","journal-title":"Heilongjiang J. Anim. Reprod."},{"key":"ref_36","unstructured":"Liu, T. (2017). Effect of Different Levels of Alfalfa Meal and Silage on Reproduction in Sows and Production in Their Piglets. [Master\u2019s Thesis, Henan Agricultural University]."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e1002828","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pmed.1002828","article-title":"Association of maternal circulating 25(OH)D and calcium with birth weight: A mendelian randomisation analysis","volume":"16","author":"Thompson","year":"2019","journal-title":"PLoS Med."},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2169","DOI":"10.1093\/clinchem\/38.11.2169","article-title":"New biochemical marker for bone disease: Is it a breakthrough?","volume":"38","author":"Demers","year":"1992","journal-title":"Clin. Chem."},{"key":"ref_39","unstructured":"Zhang, J.Z. (2009). Effect of Dietary Energy Constitution on Reproduction and Lactation Performance of Sows. [Ph.D. Thesis, Zhejiang University]."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"779171","DOI":"10.3389\/fnut.2021.779171","article-title":"Impacts of Betaine Addition in Sow and Piglet\u2019s Diets on Growth Performance, Plasma Hormone, and Lipid Metabolism of Bama Mini-Pigs","volume":"8","author":"Cheng","year":"2021","journal-title":"Front. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_41","first-page":"38","article-title":"Effects of biofermented feed on growth performance, inflammatory signal and intestinal microflora of weaned piglets","volume":"7","author":"Sun","year":"2023","journal-title":"Anim. Husb. Vet. Med."},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mathias, D. (2016). Staying Healthy from 1 to 100, Springer.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-662-49195-9"},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1061","DOI":"10.1093\/ajcn\/56.6.1061","article-title":"Guar gum improves insulin sensitivity, blood lipids, blood pressure and fibrinolysis in healthy men","volume":"56","author":"Landin","year":"1992","journal-title":"Am. J. Clin. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"4644","DOI":"10.1039\/C6FO01406B","article-title":"Dietary fibers influence the intestinal SCFAs and plasma metabolites profiling in growing pigs","volume":"7","author":"Wu","year":"2016","journal-title":"Food Funct."},{"key":"ref_45","first-page":"858","article-title":"Progress in genetics of hyperuricemia","volume":"28","author":"Huang","year":"2022","journal-title":"Med. Recap."},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"111","DOI":"10.1016\/j.aninu.2020.10.004","article-title":"Effects of dietary supplementation of nucleotides from late gestation to lactation on the performance and oxidative stress status of sows and their offspring","volume":"7","author":"Tan","year":"2021","journal-title":"Anim. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_47","unstructured":"Zhao, C. (2017). Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermented Feed and Its Effects on Health and Reproductive Performance in Sows. [Master\u2019s Thesis, Gansu Agricultural University]."},{"key":"ref_48","first-page":"168","article-title":"Effects of fermented feed on reproductive performance and immune function of sows","volume":"56","author":"Zhang","year":"2020","journal-title":"Chin. J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"7","DOI":"10.1016\/j.meatsci.2016.07.016","article-title":"Effects of dietary natural and fermented herb combination on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality in grower-finisher pigs","volume":"122","author":"Ahmed","year":"2016","journal-title":"Meat Sci."},{"key":"ref_50","unstructured":"Shi, J.K. (2018). Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Lysozyme During Late Pregnancy and Lactation Stage on the Performance of Lactation Sows. [Master\u2019s Thesis, Sichuan Agricultural University]."},{"key":"ref_51","first-page":"31","article-title":"Advances in dietary fiber fermented by microbe and its application in animal production","volume":"57","author":"Ma","year":"2021","journal-title":"Chin. J. Microbiol."},{"key":"ref_52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2019","DOI":"10.2527\/2003.8182019x","article-title":"Fermented and nonfermented liquid feed to growing pigs: Effect on aspects of gastrointestinal ecology and growth performance","volume":"81","author":"Canibe","year":"2003","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"734389","DOI":"10.3389\/fmicb.2021.734389","article-title":"Fermented cottonseed meal as a partial replacement for soybean meal could improve the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant properties, and nutrient digestibility by altering the gut microbiota profile of weaned piglets","volume":"12","author":"Gu","year":"2021","journal-title":"Front. Microbiol."}],"container-title":["Animals"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/14\/23\/3389\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,10]],"date-time":"2025-10-10T16:38:47Z","timestamp":1760114327000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/14\/23\/3389"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024,11,25]]},"references-count":53,"journal-issue":{"issue":"23","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2024,12]]}},"alternative-id":["ani14233389"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ani14233389","relation":{},"ISSN":["2076-2615"],"issn-type":[{"type":"electronic","value":"2076-2615"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2024,11,25]]}}}