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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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Comin M, Pesenti Rossi G, Lanzoni L, Prasinou P, Lopez A, Vignola G, Barbieri S, Dalla Costa E. Heavy Pigs Reared for Italian Dry-Cured Products: Does Immunocastration Influence the Fatty Acid Profile of Loins and Backfat? Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1284. [PMID: 38731288 PMCID: PMC11083403 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The Italian pig sector requires heavy pigs (raised for at least nine months and slaughtered at >160 kg). In order to avoid boar taint and lower the impact on welfare, immunocastration provides an alternative to surgical castration. This study investigated the effects of immunocastration compared to surgical castration on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of loins (longissimus dorsi muscle) and adipose tissue in Italian heavy pigs raised for dry-cured ham. Twenty-four male pigs were subjected to surgical castration (n = 12) or immunocastration (n = 12). Carcass parameters were monitored at slaughter, and samples of longissimus dorsi muscle and subcutaneous fat were analysed. This study showed no significant differences in carcass characteristics and proximate composition of fresh meat. However, variations were observed in the fatty acid profiles of meat and adipose tissue between groups. Notably, saturated fatty acids, particularly stearic acid (18:0), were higher in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of the immunocastrated pigs compared to the surgically castrated pigs. Conversely, monounsaturated fatty acids, predominantly oleic acid (18:1n-9), were higher in the IMF from the surgically castrated pigs compared to the immunocastrated pigs. While immunocastration may offer benefits in terms of animal growth and carcass composition, it could lead to unfavourable lipid changes in fresh loin meat for Italian heavy pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Comin
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.R.); (S.B.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Gaia Pesenti Rossi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.R.); (S.B.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Lydia Lanzoni
- Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (P.P.); (G.V.)
| | - Paraskevi Prasinou
- Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (P.P.); (G.V.)
| | - Annalaura Lopez
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.R.); (S.B.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Giorgio Vignola
- Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (P.P.); (G.V.)
| | - Sara Barbieri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.R.); (S.B.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Emanuela Dalla Costa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.R.); (S.B.); (E.D.C.)
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Botelho-Fontela S, Paixão G, Pereira-Pinto R, Vaz-Velho M, Pires MA, Payan-Carreira R, Patarata L, Lorenzo JM, Silva A, Esteves A. The effects of different immunocastration protocols on meat quality traits and boar taint compounds in male Bísaro pigs. Theriogenology 2024; 214:89-97. [PMID: 37862942 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Immunocastration can be an alternative to surgical castration in Bísaro pigs when there is a need to keep animals on the farm until at least 8 months old. As an autochthonous breed, some particularities must be addressed when doing immunocastration, for which 3 different protocols were tested and two control groups were made with surgically castrated males (SC) and boars (Bo). Two protocols were made in prepubertal pigs, with two (E2) and three inoculations (L3) in the first cycle, and another in adults (A2) with only two inoculations. Physicochemical parameters and boar taint compounds quantification and sensory analysis of the meat from the studied pigs were assessed. Immunocastration provided intermediate values between surgically castrated pigs and entire males, with low levels of boar taint compounds. The L3 group provided closer results to SC, which was also corroborated by the sensory analysis. Although the other two protocols had no significant differences with Bo, there was a positive tendency towards them. As is, the L3 protocol was promising as a good alternative to surgical castration, maintaining the characteristic attributes of the Bísaro pig meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Botelho-Fontela
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Gustavo Paixão
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Pereira-Pinto
- CISAS - Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Vaz-Velho
- CISAS - Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
| | - Maria A Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Rita Payan-Carreira
- CHRC - Comprehensive Health Research Centre & Department de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, 7002, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Luís Patarata
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - José M Lorenzo
- Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia 4, 32900, San Cibrao das Viñas, Spain.
| | - António Silva
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Esteves
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
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Pugliese M, Previti A, De Pascale A, Alibrandi A, Zirilli A, Biondi V, Passantino A, Monti S, Giannetto C, Lanfranchi M. Exploring Consumer Behavior and Preferences in Welfare-Friendly Pork Breeding: A Multivariate Analysis. Foods 2023; 12:3014. [PMID: 37628013 PMCID: PMC10453549 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates consumer behavior and interest in "welfare-friendly" forms of pork production, considering the growing presence of animal welfare-focused breeding practices. The aim is to outline the typical profile of pork consumers and identify the key attributes influencing their purchasing decisions. A survey was conducted on a sample of 286 individuals after excluding those who only consumed beef and/or poultry or identified as vegetarians/vegans. Regression coefficients (b), 95% Confidence Intervals (95% C.I.), and p-values were reported for univariate and multivariate models. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 (indicated in bold). The findings indicate that younger participants show greater sensitivity towards consuming meat raised using welfare-friendly methods, raising considerations about the age composition of the sample. The research's originality lies in evaluating consumer interest in pork raised with animal welfare-respecting techniques. The use of appropriate statistical tools, such as multivariate and multilayer models, allows effective solutions for multidimensional hypothesis testing problems in non-parametric permutation inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Annalisa Previti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelina De Pascale
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Agata Zirilli
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Annamaria Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Salvatore Monti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (A.P.); (V.B.); (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Carlo Giannetto
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Maurizio Lanfranchi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.D.P.); (A.A.); (A.Z.); (M.L.)
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Pesenti Rossi G, Dalla Costa E, Filipe JFS, Mazzola SM, Motta A, Borciani M, Gastaldo A, Canali E, Pilia F, Argenton M, Caniatti M, Pecile A, Minero M, Barbieri S. Does Immunocastration Affect Behaviour and Body Lesions in Heavy Pigs? Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080410. [PMID: 36006325 PMCID: PMC9414783 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Castration of piglets is routinely practiced to prevent the presence of boar taint. In Europe, around 61% of pigs are surgically castrated, 54% of which do not receive any pain-relief therapy. The increasing public awareness towards animal welfare and the ethical characteristics of animal-derived products has led to the necessity of finding more animal-friendly alternatives. Among them, immunocastration, a process of active immunisation leading to the suppression of testicular function, has shown promising results in light pig production, both in terms of animal welfare and productivity. Besides, no study has yet investigated animal welfare in immunocastrated males intended for Italian heavy pig production. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of immunocastration on the welfare of heavy pigs by monitoring behaviour and body lesions in immunocastrated and surgically castrated pigs. Salivary testosterone levels and productive traits were also evaluated. Our results confirmed that immunocastration is a suitable alternative to surgical castration with profitable productive performance, whereas the higher activity of animals and the higher presence of body lesions before the effective immunisation caused an impairment of animal welfare, which should be further investigated as a critical aspect in heavy pig production. Abstract Immunocastration has been pointed out as an alternative to surgical castration; though, most of the scientific studies were performed in light pig production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immunocastration on animal welfare in heavy pig production through the evaluation of behaviour and body lesions. A total of 188 commercial-hybrid pigs were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: surgical castration (SC) and immunocastration with Improvac® (IC). Data on behaviour, body lesions, and salivary testosterone levels were collected the day before each vaccination at 15, 22, 32, and 36 weeks of age. IC and SC pigs were slaughtered at 40 and 41 weeks of age, respectively; productive and carcass traits data were also collected. Considering productive performance, our results confirmed that IC pigs grew faster and presented a higher weight at slaughter. A critical period for pig welfare was observed before 32 weeks: testosterone concentration and body lesion score were significantly higher in IC pigs compared to SC pigs; active behaviours were significantly more frequent in IC at 15 weeks. Immunocastration may represent a suitable alternative to surgical castration with profitable productive performances, whereas the impairment of welfare during the period before the effective vaccination should be further investigated as a potential critical aspect in heavy pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Pesenti Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Emanuela Dalla Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Silvia Michela Mazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Ambra Motta
- Fondazione C.R.P.A. Studi Ricerche, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marzia Borciani
- Fondazione C.R.P.A. Studi Ricerche, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Pilia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Marco Argenton
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Mario Caniatti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pecile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Michela Minero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Sara Barbieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt G, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Edwards S, Ivanova S, Leeb C, Wechsler B, Fabris C, Lima E, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Spoolder H. Welfare of pigs on farm. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07421. [PMID: 36034323 PMCID: PMC9405538 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of pigs on farm, and is based on literature and expert opinion. All pig categories were assessed: gilts and dry sows, farrowing and lactating sows, suckling piglets, weaners, rearing pigs and boars. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system, highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, as well as related animal-based measures (ABMs), and hazards leading to the welfare consequences. Moreover, measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate the welfare consequences are recommended. Recommendations are also provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of pigs related to tail biting and related to the European Citizen's Initiative 'End the Cage Age'. For example, the AHAW Panel recommends how to mitigate group stress when dry sows and gilts are grouped immediately after weaning or in early pregnancy. Results of a comparative qualitative assessment suggested that long-stemmed or long-cut straw, hay or haylage is the most suitable material for nest-building. A period of time will be needed for staff and animals to adapt to housing lactating sows and their piglets in farrowing pens (as opposed to crates) before achieving stable welfare outcomes. The panel recommends a minimum available space to the lactating sow to ensure piglet welfare (measured by live-born piglet mortality). Among the main risk factors for tail biting are space allowance, types of flooring, air quality, health status and diet composition, while weaning age was not associated directly with tail biting in later life. The relationship between the availability of space and growth rate, lying behaviour and tail biting in rearing pigs is quantified and presented. Finally, the panel suggests a set of ABMs to use at slaughter for monitoring on-farm welfare of cull sows and rearing pigs.
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Pérez-Ciria L, Miana-Mena FJ, Álvarez-Rodríguez J, Latorre MA. Effect of Castration Type and Diet on Growth Performance, Serum Sex Hormones and Metabolites, and Carcass Quality of Heavy Male Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1004. [PMID: 35454250 PMCID: PMC9024496 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A trial was carried out to study the effect of type of castration and diet on pigs destined for Teruel ham production, which is a Spanish protected designation of origin for dry-cured ham. A total of 144 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) male pigs were used. Half of them were surgically castrated and the other half were immunocastrated with three doses at approximately 25, 58 and 79 kg of body weight. Furthermore, three diets (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein-CP- and amino acids-AA) were tested from 80 to 137 kg of body weight. Growth performance, serum sex hormones and metabolites, and carcass quality were evaluated. Immunocastrated males grew faster and had better feed conversion ratio than surgically castrated males, but presented lower carcass fatness. Pigs fed the high-energy diet and the low-CP and -AA diet were more efficient at transforming feed into gain than those fed the control diet, but no effect was detected on carcass quality. In conclusion, surgically castrated males are preferable than immunocastrated males for Teruel dry-cured ham elaboration. Besides, a high-energy diet or a low-CP and -AA diet might improve productive performances, but does not provide any benefit in terms of carcass quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Pérez-Ciria
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Miana-Mena
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Maria Angeles Latorre
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
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Vickram A, Dhama K, Thanigaivel S, Chakraborty S, Anbarasu K, Dey N, Karunakaran R. Strategies for successful designing of immunocontraceptive vaccines and recent updates in vaccine development against sexually transmitted infections - A Review. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2033-2046. [PMID: 35531220 PMCID: PMC9073025 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- A.S. Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - S. Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences &, Animal Husbandry, R.K.Nagar, West Tripura, Pin- 799008, India
| | - K. Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nibedita Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rohini Karunakaran
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Vitali M, Nannoni E, Sardi L, Martelli G. Knowledge and Perspectives on the Welfare of Italian Heavy Pigs on Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1690. [PMID: 34204037 PMCID: PMC8227195 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to give an overview of the most significant available information on welfare issues of Italian heavy pigs on farms. These animals, whose meat is used to produce typical products, are characterized by much higher body weights and age at slaughter (approximately 160-170 kg, and 9 months of age) than most pigs reared in Europe, resulting in peculiar behavioral and rearing-related needs. To highlight the main findings and the areas in which additional research is needed, the paper was organized by allocating the studies on the basis of the Welfare Quality four principles framework, i.e., good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behavior. The results indicate the possibility of improvement with regard to the management of feeding, watering, and some environmental parameters (light, thermal comfort, enrichments) and a lack of knowledge on the actual space requirements (and a corresponding regulatory gap). Moreover, deficiencies concerning the prevalence of injuries and disease and the relationship between lesions observed post-mortem and rearing conditions needs to be addressed. Lastly, the absence of research concerning the evaluation of the emotional state of animals has been highlighted. It is hoped that these findings will, in the future, serve as a basis for the development of specific policies for these animals in order to increase the ethical value of the entire production chain, in accordance with consumers' demand and expectation for high animal welfare standards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (M.V.); (L.S.); (G.M.)
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10
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Škrlep M, Tomašević I, Mörlein D, Novaković S, Egea M, Garrido MD, Linares MB, Peñaranda I, Aluwé M, Font-i-Furnols M. The Use of Pork from Entire Male and Immunocastrated Pigs for Meat Products-An Overview with Recommendations. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1754. [PMID: 32993171 PMCID: PMC7601181 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the strong public initiative in Europe and increased regulator focus to mitigate pain, surgical castration of pigs is being gradually abandoned, while the importance of other sex categories like entire males (EM) and immunocastrates (IC) increases. Although beneficial for animal welfare and economics, their use also brings forward several quality problems. Besides the occurrence of boar taint in EM, these include excessive carcass leanness, softer fat, meat color and pH deviations, inferior water holding capacity and increased meat toughness. In this paper, the raw material differences between the male sex categories and their influence on product quality are reviewed, and possible solutions are presented. Using EM for dried or thermally processed products may result in lower processing yields and inferior sensory quality, which may partially be prevented by applying specific processing adaptations. Immunocastration is a viable solution, especially when prolonging the vaccination to slaughter interval. Low to medium levels of boar taint can be effectively managed in most of the meat products, applying procedures like cooking, microbial inoculation or masking (by spices and especially smoking), while highly tainted material can be valorized only by combining various methods and/or with dilution of the tainted meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Tomašević
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.T.); (S.N.)
| | - Daniel Mörlein
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Saša Novaković
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.T.); (S.N.)
| | - Macarena Egea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - María Dolores Garrido
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - María Belén Linares
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - Irene Peñaranda
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - Marijke Aluwé
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium;
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11
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Pinna A, Saccani G, Schivazappa C, Simoncini N, Virgili R. Revision of the cold processing phases to obtain a targeted salt reduction in typical Italian dry-cured ham. Meat Sci 2020; 161:107994. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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12
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Quality of Dry-Cured Ham from Entire, Surgically and Immunocastrated Males: Case Study on Kraški Pršut. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020239. [PMID: 32028637 PMCID: PMC7070838 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative solutions to the surgical castration of piglets need to be assessed because this is a particularly sensitive issue for the processing of traditional pork products. Currently, the available information about the advantages and drawbacks of castration for dry-cured products is limited; thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of Slovenian dry-cured ham (Kraški pršut) from entire males (EM), immunocastrates (IC) and surgical castrates (SC). Hams (12 per sex group) were processed for one year and physical-chemical, rheological and sensory analysis of the dry-cured hams was performed. With regard to processing aptitude, the main difference was in the subcutaneous fat thickness, which influenced the level of dehydration and salt intake. This was further reflected in the physical-chemical traits and the texture, which were measured instrumentally or assessed by panelists. Regarding the aforementioned traits, EM and IC were generally similar and different from SC. On the contrary, sensory profiling of odor, taste and flavor demonstrated that EM had the lowest overall sensory quality, different from both IC and SC, and presented odors and flavors described as sweat, manure, sharp and persistent. We confirmed that dry-curing did not eliminate the perception of boar taint in the product from EM. The IC were similar in many aspects to EM except for the odor, taste and flavor of dry-cured hams, in which case they were more similar to SC.
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13
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Pros and Cons of Alternatives to Piglet Castration: Welfare, Boar Taint, and Other Meat Quality Traits. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110884. [PMID: 31671665 PMCID: PMC6912452 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the pros and cons of various alternatives to the surgical castration of male piglets without pain relief. Castration is mostly motivated by the presence of boar taint in the meat from some entire male pigs. It results in pain during surgery and markedly increases feed costs and the fat content of the carcass. Raising entire male pigs avoids pain at castration, but animals can suffer from increased stress during the finishing period because of aggressive and mounting behavior. Feed efficiency and carcass quality are much better than in surgical castrates. The quality of meat from entire male pigs is lower because of boar taint, a reduced intramuscular fat content, and increased unsaturation of the fat. Immunocastration prevents boar taint, pain associated with surgery, and stress related to aggressive and mounting behavior. Feed efficiency and carcass quality are intermediate between surgical castrates and entire males. Meat quality is similar to surgical castrates. Anesthesia alone prevents pain during surgery, but not after, while analgesia alone mitigates pain after surgery, but not during it. With the currently available methods, the cost of combined anesthesia and analgesia is too high for conventional production systems in most countries.
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14
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Abstract
Immunocastration, a technique to replace surgical castration of piglets, consists of two consecutive vaccinations to induce antibodies which transiently suppress testicular functions and avoid boar taint. It is a method to ensure both a high product quality and a high level of animal welfare. The impact of immunocastration on the three pillars of sustainability has been studied extensively. While all aspects of sustainability have been studied separately, however, a contemporary global overview of different aspects is missing. In immunocastrates, performance results are better than in barrows, but worse than in boars. The environmental impact of pork production with immunocastrates is lower than with barrows, but higher than with boars. The level of aggression is considerably lower in immunocastrates compared to boars. Societal concerns are mainly related to food safety, and are not supported by scientific evidence. After second vaccination, immunocastrates switch from a boar- to a barrow-like status. Therefore, the timing of second vaccination is a fine-tuning tool to balance advantages of boars with environmental and economic benefits against increased risk of welfare problems and boar taint. Nevertheless, both synergic and conflicting relationships between the pillars of sustainability must be communicated along the value chain to produce tailored pork products.
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15
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Di Pasquale J, Nannoni E, Sardi L, Rubini G, Salvatore R, Bartoli L, Adinolfi F, Martelli G. Towards the Abandonment of Surgical Castration in Pigs: How is Immunocastration Perceived by Italian Consumers? Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9050198. [PMID: 31035511 PMCID: PMC6562759 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The European Declaration on alternatives to surgical castration of pigs was aimed at abandoning surgical castration and switching to alternative techniques. Immunocastration (a vaccination against Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) can be a viable alternative method. This technique offers some advantages in terms of animal welfare compared to surgical castration. Nevertheless, the main obstacle to the diffusion of immunocastration seems to be related to consumers’ acceptance, since the use of new technologies in the food chain often generates mistrust. The objective of this research was to assess how immunocastration is perceived by Italian consumers, and how complex and complete information (on advantages and disadvantages of the technique) can influence their perception. The results show that immunocastration is perceived in a predominantly positive manner (54.5%), with a relatively low level of risk perception (34.2%) and a good willingness to pay more for meat from immunocastrated pigs (+18.7%). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the control group (receiving only a neutral technical information) and groups to which complete and complex information was provided. Abstract Immunocastration of pigs represents an alternative method to surgical castration, being more respectful of animal welfare. However, this new technology may not be accepted by consumers due to their perception of possible risks tied to the use of the product, thus representing a concern for the production sector. The study aimed at verifying the attitude of Italian consumers towards immunocastration and to assess whether their perception can be affected by science-based information on advantages and disadvantages of immunocastration. A total of 969 consumers (divided in three groups representative of the Italian population) were contacted and asked to complete an online questionnaire. Only technical (neutral) information on immunocastration was provided to the first group; the second and the third group received information on the advantages (+) and disadvantages (-) of the technique, shown in reverse order (+/- and -/+, respectively). The level of information did not affect consumers’ perception of immunocastration. Overall, immunocastration is perceived in a predominantly positive manner (54.5%), with a relatively low level of risk perception (34.2%), and a good willingness to pay more for meat deriving from immunocastrated pigs (+18.7%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgelina Di Pasquale
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Piano D'Accio, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
| | - Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
| | - Giulia Rubini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
| | - Renato Salvatore
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Viale dell'Università, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy.
| | - Luca Bartoli
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Viale dell'Università, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy.
| | - Felice Adinolfi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
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16
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Gallo L, Dalla Bona M, Cecchinato A, Schiavon S. Effect of growth rate on live performance, carcass and green thigh traits of finishing Italian heavy pigs. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2017.1318037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gallo
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Mirco Dalla Bona
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Stefano Schiavon
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse Naturali e Ambiente, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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17
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Čandek-Potokar M, Škrlep M, Zamaratskaia G. Immunocastration as Alternative to Surgical Castration in Pigs. Theriogenology 2017. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.68650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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18
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Davoli R, Schivazappa C, Zambonelli P, Braglia S, Rossi A, Virgili R. Association study between single nucleotide polymorphisms in porcine genes and pork quality traits for fresh consumption and processing into Italian dry-cured ham. Meat Sci 2016; 126:73-81. [PMID: 28064046 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2016.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of six genes (TTN, PRKAG3, CAST, CTSB, CTSF, and MYPN), known for associations with carcass and meat quality traits, post mortem proteolysis, were screened in a commercial crossed population of 368 heavy pigs (Large White x Landrace)×Duroc, reared according to the rules of Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) dry-cured ham. Carcass, longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LTL), and green ham traits were obtained after slaughtering, main weight losses of dry-cured hams were collected during processing. The results showed the impact of CAST variants on carcass weight, of CTSF on LTL tenderness, ham weight and fatness, of PRKAG3 and TTN on ultimate pH, hamweight. This study, while confirming significant associations between SNPs of genes and qualitative traits of carcass, longissimus and ham, supports CTSF as candidate gene suitable for fresh consumption purpose (tenderness of longissimus at 24h post mortem), and for dry-cured ham processing (higher thickness of ham subcutaneous fat).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Davoli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Cristina Schivazappa
- Stazione Sperimentale per l'Industria delle Conserve Alimentari (SSICA), Viale Faustino Tanara 31/A, 43121 Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Zambonelli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Silvia Braglia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali Spa (CRPA), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Virgili
- Stazione Sperimentale per l'Industria delle Conserve Alimentari (SSICA), Viale Faustino Tanara 31/A, 43121 Parma, Italy.
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19
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Gallo L, Dalla Bona M, Carraro L, Cecchinato A, Carnier P, Schiavon S. Effect of progressive reduction in crude protein and lysine of heavy pigs diets on some technological properties of green hams destined for PDO dry-cured ham production. Meat Sci 2016; 121:135-140. [PMID: 27314210 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and lysine (Lys) content on some technological properties of green hams destined for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) dry-cured ham, green hams visual appraisal scores, thickness, iodine number and fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat, and ham weight losses during seasoning (SL) were assessed. The green hams were obtained from 233 pigs fed four diets containing 140 to 110g/kg CP and 6.5 to 5.3g/kg total Lys from 90 to 165kg body weight. A reduction in dietary CP and Lys of up to 20% compared with conventional feeds led to a 15% increase in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat, a 5% decrease in linoleic and polyunsaturated fatty acids in subcutaneous fat and a 7% decrease in SL. A 20% reduction of CP and Lys in diets for finishing pigs has positive effects on the technological properties of green hams destined for PDO dry-cured ham production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gallo
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Mirco Dalla Bona
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Luca Carraro
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Alessio Cecchinato
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Carnier
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Stefano Schiavon
- Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
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