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König E, Heponiemi P, Kivinen S, Räkköläinen J, Beasley S, Borman T, Collado MC, Hukkinen V, Junnila J, Lahti L, Norring M, Piirainen V, Salminen S, Heinonen M, Valros A. Fewer culturable Lactobacillaceae species identified in faecal samples of pigs performing manipulative behaviour. Sci Rep 2024; 14:132. [PMID: 38168466 PMCID: PMC10762183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Manipulative behaviour that consists of touching or close contact with ears or tails of pen mates is common in pigs and can become damaging. Manipulative behaviour was analysed from video recordings of 45-day-old pigs, and 15 manipulator-control pairs (n = 30) were formed. Controls neither received nor performed manipulative behaviour. Rectal faecal samples of manipulators and controls were compared. 16S PCR was used to identify Lactobacillaceae species and 16S amplicon sequencing to determine faecal microbiota composition. Seven culturable Lactobacillaceae species were identified in control pigs and four in manipulator pigs. Manipulators (p = 0.02) and females (p = 0.005) expressed higher Lactobacillus amylovorus, and a significant interaction was seen (sex * status: p = 0.005) with this sex difference being more marked in controls. Females (p = 0.08) and manipulator pigs (p = 0.07) tended to express higher total Lactobacillaceae. A tendency for an interaction was seen in Limosilactobacillus reuteri (sex * status: p = 0.09). Results suggest a link between observed low diversity in Lactobacillaceae and the development of manipulative behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia König
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Sanni Kivinen
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Shea Beasley
- Vetcare Ltd., 04600, Mäntsälä, Finland
- Sheaps Oy, 03250, Ojakkala, Finland
| | - Tuomas Borman
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Carmen Collado
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vilja Hukkinen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Leo Lahti
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Marianna Norring
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Piirainen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Salminen
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Mari Heinonen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Czycholl I, Büttner K, Becker D, Schwennen C, Baumgärtner W, Otten W, Wendt M, Puff C, Krieter J. Are biters sick? Health status of tail biters in comparison to control pigs. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:19. [PMID: 37161469 PMCID: PMC10170755 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00314-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tail biting is a multifactorial problem. As the health status is one of the factors commonly linked to tail biting, this study focuses on the health of identified biters. 30 (obsessive) biters are compared to 30 control animals by clinical and pathological examination as well as blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. In that way, altogether 174 variables are compared between the groups. Moreover, connections between the variables are analysed. RESULTS In the clinical examination, 6 biters, but only 2 controls (P = 0.019) were noticeably agitated in the evaluation of general behaviour, while 8 controls were noticeably calmer (2 biters, P = 0.02). Biters had a lower body weight (P = 0.0007) and 13 biters had overlong bristles (4 controls, P = 0.008). In the pathological examination, 5 biters, but none of the controls had a hyperceratosis or inflammation of the pars proventricularis of the stomach (P = 0.018). However, 7 controls and only 3 biters were affected by gut inflammation (P = 0.03). In the blood sample, protein and albumin levels were below normal range for biters (protein: 51.6 g/l, albumin: 25.4 g/l), but not for controls (protein: 53.7 g/l, albumin: 27.4 g/l), (protein: P = 0.05, albumin: P = 0.02). Moreover, 14 biters, but only 8 controls had poikilocytosis (P = 0.05). Although not statistically different between groups, many animals (36/60) were affected by hypoproteinemia and hyponatremia as well as by hypokalemia (53/60) and almost all animals (58/60) had hypomagnesemia. For hypomagnesemia, significant connections with variables linked to tail damage and ear necrosis were detected (rs/V/ρ ≥ 0.4, P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that behavioural tests might be helpful in identifying biters. Moreover, cornification and inflammation of the pars proventricularis is linked to becoming a biter. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for appropriate and adjusted nutrient and mineral supply, especially with regard to magnesium.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Czycholl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24098, Kiel, Germany.
- Pig Improvement Company (PIC), Hendersonville, TN, 37075, USA.
- Department for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, University of Copenhagen, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - K Büttner
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Becker
- Institute of Genome Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - C Schwennen
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants and Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, 30173, Hanover, Germany
| | - W Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - W Otten
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - M Wendt
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants and Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, 30173, Hanover, Germany
| | - C Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - J Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24098, Kiel, Germany
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3
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Kakanis M, Marinou K, Sossidou EN. Greek Pig Farmers' Perceptions and Experiences of Tail Biting and Tail Docking. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040672. [PMID: 36830460 PMCID: PMC9952019 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040672] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tail biting is both an important economic and a welfare problem. The primary preventive measure, almost on a routine basis throughout Europe, remains tail docking following a risk analysis. This study aimed to get insight on the perceptions of Greek pig farmers towards tail docking, intervention measures, and risk factors of tail biting, as well as opinions on pig welfare themes. Eighty-two farmers answered a questionnaire provided online and in printed form. In the case of a tail-biting outbreak, the most important intervention measure is the removal of the bitten pig (victim), while feed quality, air movements, and stocking density were ranked as the highest risk factors (p ≤ 0.05). Chains are the most common type of enrichment by 67% followed by plastic objects by 29.5%. Almost half of the farmers reported having no tail-biting problem on their farm, while 64.4% of the respondents have already tried at least once to raise pigs with intact tails. To reduce routine tail docking, it is essential to apply specific farm-oriented solutions effectively. To succeed in this aim, it is important to consider farmers' concerns and practices. This study is the first step in that direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Kakanis
- Department of Veterinary Service, Regional Unit of Pieria, Directorate of Rural Economy and Veterinary Service, 25 Martiou 49, 60132 Katerini, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (E.N.S.)
| | - Katerina Marinou
- Directorate of Animal Welfare, Veterinary Medicines and Veterinary Applications, Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food, 2 Acharnon Street, 10176 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia N. Sossidou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos-DIMITRA, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (E.N.S.)
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4
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Olfat S, Mätlik K, Kopra JJ, Garton DR, Iivanainen VH, Bhattacharya D, Jakobsson J, Piepponen TP, Andressoo JO. Increased Physiological GDNF Levels Have No Effect on Dopamine Neuron Protection and Restoration in a Proteasome Inhibition Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0097-22.2023. [PMID: 36690469 PMCID: PMC9910577 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0097-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that comprises a range of motor and nonmotor symptoms. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes the survival of dopamine neurons in vitro and in vivo, and intracranial delivery of GDNF has been tested in six clinical trials for treating PD. However, clinical trials with ectopic GDNF have yielded variable results, which could in part result from abnormal expression site and levels caused by ectopic overexpression. Therefore, an important open question is whether an increase in endogenous GDNF expression could be potent in reversing PD progression. Here, we tested the therapeutic potential of endogenous GDNF using mice in which endogenous GDNF can be conditionally upregulated specifically in cells that express GDNF naturally (conditional GDNF hypermorphic mice; GdnfcHyper ). We analyzed the impact of endogenous GDNF upregulation in both neuroprotection and neurorestoration procedures, and for both motor and nonmotor symptoms in the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin (LC) model of PD. Our results showed that upregulation of endogenous GDNF in the adult striatum is not protective in LC-induced PD model in mice. Since age is the largest risk factor for PD, we also analyzed the effect of deletion of endogenous GDNF in aged Gdnf conditional knock-out mice. We found that GDNF deletion does not increase susceptibility to LC-induced damage. We conclude that endogenous GDNF does not impact the outcome in the LC-induced proteasome inhibition mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soophie Olfat
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Kärt Mätlik
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Daniel R Garton
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Vilma H Iivanainen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Dipabarna Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, BMC A11, Lund University, Lund 221 84, Sweden
| | - T Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center & Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
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5
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Boyle LA, Edwards SA, Bolhuis JE, Pol F, Šemrov MZ, Schütze S, Nordgreen J, Bozakova N, Sossidou EN, Valros A. The Evidence for a Causal Link Between Disease and Damaging Behavior in Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:771682. [PMID: 35155642 PMCID: PMC8828939 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.771682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Damaging behaviors (DB) such as tail and ear biting are prevalent in pig production and reduce welfare and performance. Anecdotal reports suggest that health challenges increase the risk of tail-biting. The prevalence of tail damage and health problems show high correlations across batches within and between farms. There are many common risk factors for tail-biting and health problems, notably respiratory, enteric and locomotory diseases. These include suboptimal thermal climate, hygiene, stocking density and feed quality. The prevalence of tail damage and health problems also show high correlations across batches within and between farms. However, limited evidence supports two likely causal mechanisms for a direct link between DB and health problems. The first is that generalized poor health (e.g., enzootic pneumonia) on farm poses an increased risk of pigs performing DB. Recent studies indicate a possible causal link between an experimental inflammation and an increase in DB, and suggest a link between cytokines and tail-biting. The negative effects of poor health on the ingestion and processing of nutrients means that immune-stimulated pigs may develop specific nutrient deficiencies, increasing DB. The second causal mechanism involves tail-biting causing poor health. Indirectly, pathogens enter the body via the tail lesion and once infected, systemic spread of infection may occur. This occurs mainly via the venous route targeting the lungs, and to a lesser extent via cerebrospinal fluid and the lymphatic system. In carcasses with tail lesions, there is an increase in lung lesions, abscessation, arthritis and osteomyelitis. There is also evidence for the direct spread of pathogens between biters and victims. In summary, the literature supports the association between poor health and DB, particularly tail-biting. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm causality in either direction. Nevertheless, the limited evidence is compelling enough to suggest that improvements to management and housing to enhance pig health will reduce DB. In the same way, improvements to housing and management designed to address DB, are likely to result in benefits to pig health. While most of the available literature relates to tail-biting, we suggest that similar mechanisms are responsible for links between health and other DB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Boyle
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Cork, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Laura A. Boyle
| | - Sandra A. Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Manja Zupan Šemrov
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sabine Schütze
- Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia, Animal Health Services, Bad Sassendorf, Germany
| | - Janicke Nordgreen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nadya Bozakova
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Evangelia N. Sossidou
- Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos-DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), Veterinary Research Institute, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Valros
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Bai X, Plastow GS. Breeding for disease resilience: opportunities to manage polymicrobial challenge and improve commercial performance in the pig industry. CABI AGRICULTURE AND BIOSCIENCE 2022; 3:6. [PMID: 35072100 PMCID: PMC8761052 DOI: 10.1186/s43170-022-00073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Disease resilience, defined as an animal's ability to maintain productive performance in the face of infection, provides opportunities to manage the polymicrobial challenge common in pig production. Disease resilience can deliver a number of benefits, including more sustainable production as well as improved animal health and the potential for reduced antimicrobial use. However, little progress has been made to date in the application of disease resilience in breeding programs due to a number of factors, including (1) confusion around definitions of disease resilience and its component traits disease resistance and tolerance, and (2) the difficulty in characterizing such a complex trait consisting of multiple biological functions and dynamic elements of rates of response and recovery from infection. Accordingly, this review refines the definitions of disease resistance, tolerance, and resilience based on previous studies to help improve the understanding and application of these breeding goals and traits under different scenarios. We also describe and summarize results from a "natural disease challenge model" designed to provide inputs for selection of disease resilience. The next steps for managing polymicrobial challenges faced by the pig industry will include the development of large-scale multi-omics data, new phenotyping technologies, and mathematical and statistical methods adapted to these data. Genome editing to produce pigs resistant to major diseases may complement selection for disease resilience along with continued efforts in the more traditional areas of biosecurity, vaccination and treatment. Altogether genomic approaches provide exciting opportunities for the pig industry to overcome the challenges provided by hard-to-manage diseases as well as new environmental challenges associated with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Bai
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Graham S. Plastow
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
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7
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Kobek-Kjeldager C, Schönherz AA, Canibe N, Pedersen LJ. Diet and microbiota-gut-brain axis in relation to tail biting in pigs: A review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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8
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The gut microbiota and microbial metabolites are associated with tail biting in pigs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20547. [PMID: 34654857 PMCID: PMC8521594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tail biting is an abnormal behaviour that causes stress, injury and pain. Given the critical role of the gut-microbiota in the development of behavioural problems in humans and animals, the aim of this study was to determine whether pigs that are biters, victims of tail biting or controls (nine matched sets of pigs) have a different microbiota composition, diversity and microbial metabolite profile. We collected faecal and blood samples from each individual for analysis. The gut microbiota composition was most different between the biter and the control pigs, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes in tail biter pigs than the controls. Furthermore, we detected differences in faecal and plasma short chain fatty acids (SCFA) profiles between the biter and victim pigs, suggesting physiological differences even though they are kept in the same pen. Thus, in addition to supporting an association between the gut microbiota and tail biting in pigs, this study also provides the first evidence of an association between tail biting and SCFA. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these associations, to determine causality and to study how the SCFA profiles of an individual play a role in the development of tail biting behaviour.
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9
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Henry M, Jansen H, Amezcua MDR, O’Sullivan TL, Niel L, Shoveller AK, Friendship RM. Tail-Biting in Pigs: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2002. [PMID: 34359130 PMCID: PMC8300120 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tail-biting is globally recognized as a welfare concern for commercial swine production. Substantial research has been undertaken to identify risk factors and intervention methods to decrease and understand this vice. Tail-biting appears to be multifactorial and has proven difficult to predict and control. The primary objective of the scoping review was to identify and chart all available literature on the risk factors and interventions associated with tail-biting in pigs. A secondary objective was to identify gaps in the literature and identify the relevance for a systematic review. An online literature search of four databases, encompassing English, peer-reviewed and grey literature published from 1 January 1970 to 31 May 2019, was conducted. Relevance screening and charting of included articles were performed by two independent reviewers. A total of 465 citations were returned from the search strategy. Full-text screening was conducted on 118 articles, with 18 being excluded in the final stage. Interventions, possible risk factors, as well as successful and unsuccessful outcomes were important components of the scoping review. The risk factors and interventions pertaining to tail-biting were inconsistent, demonstrating the difficulty of inducing tail-biting in an experimental environment and the need for standardizing terms related to the behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Henry
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.H.); (H.J.); (M.d.R.A.); (T.L.O.); (L.N.)
| | - Hannah Jansen
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.H.); (H.J.); (M.d.R.A.); (T.L.O.); (L.N.)
| | - Maria del Rocio Amezcua
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.H.); (H.J.); (M.d.R.A.); (T.L.O.); (L.N.)
| | - Terri L. O’Sullivan
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.H.); (H.J.); (M.d.R.A.); (T.L.O.); (L.N.)
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.H.); (H.J.); (M.d.R.A.); (T.L.O.); (L.N.)
| | - Anna Kate Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
| | - Robert M. Friendship
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.H.); (H.J.); (M.d.R.A.); (T.L.O.); (L.N.)
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10
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Sterndale SO, Miller DW, Mansfield JP, Kim JC, Pluske JR. Increasing dietary tryptophan in conjunction with decreasing other large neutral amino acids increases weight gain and feed intake in weaner pigs regardless of experimental infection with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5862528. [PMID: 32583856 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary tryptophan (Trp) is a precursor for serotonin, a neuromediator involved in stress responses. Tryptophan competes with other large neutral amino acids (LNAA: tyrosine, isoleucine, leucine, valine, and phenylalanine) to cross the blood-brain barrier; therefore, the regulation of circulating LNAA can influence Trp availability in the cortex and serotonin biosynthesis. The hypothesis examined in this study was that increased supplementation of dietary Trp and a reduction in LNAA for weaned pigs experimentally infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC; F4) will increase Trp availability in plasma and reduce indices of the stress response, which will translate to reduced production losses. At 21 ± 3 d of age (mean ± SEM), 96 male pigs (Large White × Landrace) weighing 6.3 ± 0.98 kg (mean ± SEM) were individually penned and allocated to a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, with respective factors being 1) four dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) Trp and LNAA contents, being HTrpHLNAA (Low Trp-High LNAA; 0.24% SID Trp: 5.4% SID LNAA), HTrpHLNAA (Low Trp-Low LNAA; 0.24% SID Trp: 4.6% SID LNAA), HTrpHLNAA (High Trp-High LNAA; 0.34% SID Trp: 5.4% SID LNAA), and HTrpHLNAA (High Trp-Low LNAA; 0.34% SID Trp: 4.6% SID LNAA), and 2) without/with ETEC infection. Pigs were orally infected with 0.8 mL (3.6 × 109 CFU/mL) ETEC at days 7 and 8 after weaning. Pigs fed diets high in Trp irrespective of the level of LNAA (HTrpHLNAA and HTrpLLNAA) had higher plasma Trp concentrations (P < 0.001) and a Trp:LNAA ratio (P < 0.001) before infection and 6 d after infection. Following infection, noninfected pigs had higher plasma Trp (P = 0.03) and a Trp:LNAA ratio (P = 0.004) compared with pigs infected with ETEC. Plasma cortisol levels after infection were higher in ETEC-infected pigs (P = 0.05) and altering dietary Trp and LNAA concentrations did not influence (P > 0.05) plasma cortisol. Pigs fed diet HTrpLLNAA had higher serum serotonin levels 24 h after infection (P = 0.02) compared with pigs fed diets LTrpLLNAA and HTrpHLNAA. Similarly, pigs fed diet HTrpLLNAA had a higher (P = 0.02) average daily gain during the 3-wk study. Overall, average daily feed intake tended to be higher in pigs fed an HTrpLLNAA diet compared with the other diets (P = 0.08). These results suggest that the increased supplementation of dietary Trp with reduced LNAA increased circulating Trp levels that, in turn, likely caused higher serum serotonin levels, irrespective of infection with ETEC, and improved aspects of post-weaning performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha O Sterndale
- Agricultural Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia
| | - David W Miller
- Agricultural Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia
| | - Josie P Mansfield
- Agricultural Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia
| | - Jae C Kim
- Agricultural Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia.,AB Vista Asia Pte. Ltd., The Mezzo, Singapore
| | - John R Pluske
- Agricultural Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA, Australia
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11
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ADHD-like behaviors caused by inactivation of a transcription factor controlling the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neuron development in the mouse anterior brainstem. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:357. [PMID: 33087695 PMCID: PMC7578792 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural circuits regulating motivation and movement include midbrain dopaminergic neurons and associated inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic neurons in the anterior brainstem. Differentiation of specific subtypes of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in the mouse embryonic brainstem is controlled by a transcription factor Tal1. This study characterizes the behavioral and neurochemical changes caused by the absence of Tal1 function. The Tal1cko mutant mice are hyperactive, impulsive, hypersensitive to reward, have learning deficits and a habituation defect in a novel environment. Only minor changes in their dopaminergic system were detected. Amphetamine induced striatal dopamine release and amphetamine induced place preference were normal in Tal1cko mice. Increased dopamine signaling failed to stimulate the locomotor activity of the Tal1cko mice, but instead alleviated their hyperactivity. Altogether, the Tal1cko mice recapitulate many features of the attention and hyperactivity disorders, suggesting a role for Tal1 regulated developmental pathways and neural structures in the control of motivation and movement.
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Nordgreen J, Edwards SA, Boyle LA, Bolhuis JE, Veit C, Sayyari A, Marin DE, Dimitrov I, Janczak AM, Valros A. A Proposed Role for Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Damaging Behavior in Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:646. [PMID: 33134341 PMCID: PMC7562715 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickness can change our mood for the worse, leaving us sad, lethargic, grumpy and less socially inclined. This mood change is part of a set of behavioral symptoms called sickness behavior and has features in common with core symptoms of depression. Therefore, the physiological changes induced by immune activation, for example following infection, are in the spotlight for explaining mechanisms behind mental health challenges such as depression. While humans may take a day off and isolate themselves until they feel better, farm animals housed in groups have only limited possibilities for social withdrawal. We suggest that immune activation could be a major factor influencing social interactions in pigs, with outbreaks of damaging behavior such as tail biting as a possible result. The hypothesis presented here is that the effects of several known risk factors for tail biting are mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins produced by the immune system, and their effect on neurotransmitter systems. We describe the background for and implications of this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janicke Nordgreen
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandra A. Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Christina Veit
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amin Sayyari
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniela E. Marin
- National Institute for Research and Development for Biology and Animal Nutrition, Balotesti, Romania
| | | | - Andrew M. Janczak
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Valros
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Haigh A, Chou JY, O'Driscoll K. Variations in the Behavior of Pigs During an Open Field and Novel Object Test. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:607. [PMID: 33102553 PMCID: PMC7494949 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tail biting is a serious welfare concern in pig production. It not only causes distress for victims, but may occur where pigs are unable to cope, and become biters. An animal's ability to cope with stressful situations may vary between individuals, but the behavioral response could be consistent across different fear eliciting situations. We exposed 75 pigs to open field (OF) and novel object (NO) tests at 14 weeks of age. Within each pen of pigs (n = 16 pens, 55 pigs/pen), 6 pigs were selected for testing using the following criteria: 3 pigs that had severe bite wounds (BITTEN), 1 confirmed biter (BITER), 1 pig which could be easily approached and trained to provide a saliva sample (BOLD) and 1 pig which was extremely evasive, and was unable to be trained to willingly provide a saliva sample (SHY). Given that responses may be consistent in different scenarios, we hypothesized that SHY pigs would display more characteristics of a fear response (i.e., less movement in the open field, more time spent by the door, and longer latency to approach the novel object) than human BOLD pigs. We also hypothesized that BITTEN pigs would behave similarly to SHY and BITERS similarly to BOLD. The BOLD and BITER pigs spent more time exploring (P < 0.05) and less time by the door (P < 0.01) than the BITTEN and SHY pigs. Although there was an overall increase in cortisol level from before to after the tests (P < 0.001), this was only significant for BITTEN (P < 0.001) and SHY (P < 0.05) pigs. Therefore, as hypothesized, for several measures, BOLD, and BITER pigs behaved similarly, and differently to SHY and BITTEN. However, the low sample size potentially meant that for several measures, although numeric differences were in the direction hypothesized, there were no statistical differences. Further work in which a greater number of BITER pigs were included in the sample, may elucidate our hypotheses more clearly, as to whether responses to fear tests in pigs could be associated with the likelihood of being a tail biter, or victim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Haigh
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Jen-Yun Chou
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom.,Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Roslin Institute Building, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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14
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Omics Application in Animal Science-A Special Emphasis on Stress Response and Damaging Behaviour in Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080920. [PMID: 32796712 PMCID: PMC7464449 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing stress resilience of livestock is important for ethical and profitable meat and dairy production. Susceptibility to stress can entail damaging behaviours, a common problem in pig production. Breeding animals with increased stress resilience is difficult for various reasons. First, studies on neuroendocrine and behavioural stress responses in farm animals are scarce, as it is difficult to record adequate phenotypes under field conditions. Second, damaging behaviours and stress susceptibility are complex traits, and their biology is not yet well understood. Dissecting complex traits into biologically better defined, heritable and easily measurable proxy traits and developing biomarkers will facilitate recording these traits in large numbers. High-throughput molecular technologies (“omics”) study the entirety of molecules and their interactions in a single analysis step. They can help to decipher the contributions of different physiological systems and identify candidate molecules that are representative of different physiological pathways. Here, we provide a general overview of different omics approaches and we give examples of how these techniques could be applied to discover biomarkers. We discuss the genetic dissection of the stress response by different omics techniques and we provide examples and outline potential applications of omics tools to understand and prevent outbreaks of damaging behaviours.
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15
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Turconi G, Kopra J, Võikar V, Kulesskaya N, Vilenius C, Piepponen TP, Andressoo JO. Chronic 2-Fold Elevation of Endogenous GDNF Levels Is Safe and Enhances Motor and Dopaminergic Function in Aged Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:831-842. [PMID: 32368564 PMCID: PMC7191127 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) supports function and survival of dopamine neurons that degenerate in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Ectopic delivery of GDNF in clinical trials to treat PD is safe but lacks significant therapeutic effect. In pre-clinical models, ectopic GDNF is effective but causes adverse effects, including downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, only a transient boost in dopamine metabolism, aberrant neuronal sprouting, and hyperactivity. Hindering development of GDNF mimetic increased signaling via GDNF receptor RET by activating mutations results in cancer. Safe and effective mode of action must be defined first in animal models to develop successful GDNF-based therapies. Previously we showed that about a 2-fold increase in endogenous GDNF expression is safe and results in increased motor and dopaminergic function and protection in a PD model in young animals. Recently, similar results were reported using a novel Gdnf mRNA-targeting strategy. Next, it is important to establish the safety of a long-term increase in endogenous GDNF expression. We report behavioral, dopamine system, and cancer analysis of five cohorts of aged mice with a 2-fold increase in endogenous GDNF. We found a sustained increase in dopamine levels, improvement in motor learning, and no side effects or cancer. These results support the rationale for further development of endogenous GDNF-based treatments and GDNF mimetic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Turconi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Haartmaninkatu 8, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5E, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Vootele Võikar
- Neuroscience Center/Laboratory Animal Center, Mustialankatu 1, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Natalia Kulesskaya
- Neuroscience Center/Laboratory Animal Center, Mustialankatu 1, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Carolina Vilenius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 5D, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - T Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Viikinkaari 5E, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Haartmaninkatu 8, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, Viikinkaari 5D, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 141 83, Sweden
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16
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Haigh A, O'Driscoll K. Irish pig farmer's perceptions and experiences of tail and ear biting. Porcine Health Manag 2019; 5:30. [PMID: 31890254 PMCID: PMC6918573 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-019-0135-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal behaviours such as ear and tail biting of pigs is of significant welfare and economic concern. Currently, pig welfare legislation is under renewed focus by the EU commission and is likely to be enforced more thoroughly. The legislation prohibits routine tail docking and requires adequate enrichment to be provided. In Ireland, tail-docking is still the most utilised control mechanism to combat tail biting, but biting is still widespread even in tail-docked pigs. In addition, as pig farms are almost all fully slatted, bedding type material cannot be provided. Thus, the opinions, and practices of farmers in countries like Ireland, which may need to make significant adaptations to typical pig management systems soon, need to be considered and addressed. We carried out a survey of pig farmers during 2015 in order to gain a greater understanding of the extent of biting on Irish farms, perception on the most important preventive measures, current enrichment use and actions following outbreaks. Fifty-eight farmers from 21 Counties responded with an average herd size of 710 ± 597 sows (range 90–3000 sows). Only two farms had experienced no biting in the last year. Of the farms that had experienced tail biting (88%), 86% had also experienced ear biting. The most common concerns relating to biting were condemnation and reduced productivity of bitten pigs with both receiving an average score of 4 (most serious). Ear biting occurred most commonly in the 2nd stage (approximately 47–81 days from weaning) weaner and tail biting in the finishing stage. The most important preventive measures were felt to be taking care of animal health, restricting density, maintaining an even quality of feed/content and maintaining good air movement. Sixty-five percent of respondents added additional enrichment following an outbreak. Chains were the most common form of enrichment currently used (83%). Those not using chains favoured wood, toys and rope (17%). Identification of the most effective and accessible control and prevention measures both for the animals and for the farming community is thus essential. Improved understanding of the concerns and practices of producers, which this survey contributes to, is a first step towards this aim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Haigh
- 1Present address: School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- 2Pig Development Department, Centre for Grassland Research and Innovation, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co. Cork Ireland
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Haigh A, Yun-Chou J, O'Driscoll K. An investigation into the effectiveness of compressed straw blocks in reducing abnormal behaviour in growing pigs. Animal 2019; 13:2576-2585. [PMID: 31062680 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119000715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The provision of manipulable material to pigs is a legal requirement to ensure their good welfare. Loose straw is edible, chewable, investigable and manipulable, and has been proven to be effective in reducing abnormal behaviour. However, it is incompatible with slatted systems and therefore not a viable option for many intensive units. Thus, there is a need to identify enrichment materials that are as effective as loose straw and compatible with slatted floors. This study investigated the viability of using compressed straw blocks on a commercial farm in terms of cost and effectiveness in reducing biting relative to plastic hanging toys. A total of 880 slaughter pigs were used, among which half (n = 440, 8 groups) were provided with commercial pig toys (TOY) and the other half (n = 440, 8 groups) were provided compressed straw blocks (STRAW BLOCK). Animals were separated according to sex to investigate whether there was a higher propensity to tail and ear bite depending on sex. Pigs were monitored from weaning to slaughter, with tails being examined post scalding and any condemnations recorded at the abattoir. Throughout their life, the tails and ears of all pigs were examined individually, and behavioural observations of each pig group were conducted fortnightly. Salivary cortisol was also obtained from a subsample of pigs from each group every fortnight to monitor stress levels. The highest straw usage was recorded in the second weaner stage (39 to 67 days after weaning). Enrichment type or sex had no effect on tail lesion scores or cold carcass weight recorded at the abattoir. There was also no effect of enrichment type or sex on body, tail, or ear lesion scores during either the weaner (0 to 39 days after weaning) or finisher stage (67 to145 days after weaning). Female pigs showed more biting behaviour than males, and female pigs that were provided STRAW BLOCK performed better than those provided TOY. In both the weaner and finisher accommodation, more instances of interaction were recorded with TOY pens as enrichment than with STRAW BLOCK, but the interaction duration was not recorded. There was no effect of sex on either stage. More instances of aggression were observed with the TOY than with STRAW BLOCK in the weaner stage (P < 0.05). Enrichment type or sex had no effect on cortisol levels. Thus, relative to plastic hanging toys, compressed straw blocks provided in this manner did not benefit pig welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Haigh
- Pig Development Department, Centre for Grassland Research and Innovation, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - J Yun-Chou
- Pig Development Department, Centre for Grassland Research and Innovation, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences Research Group, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - K O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Centre for Grassland Research and Innovation, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Buijs S, Muns R. A Review of the Effects of Non-Straw Enrichment on Tail Biting in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100824. [PMID: 31635339 PMCID: PMC6826462 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tail biting, a damaging behaviour that one pig directs at another, causes pain, wounding and health problems. It reduces both pig welfare and market value. Enrichment can reduce tail biting substantially. Many pig producers are reluctant to use straw as enrichment, but many non-straw alternatives exist. We aimed to evaluate their ability to reduce tail biting based on studies on the effects of enrichment on tail damage and manipulation of other pigs, and on the duration of interaction with enrichment. Additionally, we reviewed how pigs interact with different enrichments (e.g., by rooting or chewing it). This was done to clarify which type of enrichment could satisfy which behavioural motivation (that may lead to tail biting if not satisfied). However, very little information on separate enrichment-directed behaviours was uncovered. Several effective types of non-straw enrichment were identified, but these correspond poorly with the types of enrichment commonly applied on commercial farms. More detailed observations of how pigs interact with different enrichments, other pigs, and their environment would improve our understanding of how to combine enrichments to minimize tail biting. This is essential because although single non-straw enrichments can reduce tail biting significantly, the remaining levels of damage can still be high. Abstract Tail biting remains a common problem in pig production. As producers are reluctant to use straw to reduce this behaviour, we review studies on the effectiveness of other types of enrichment. Roughage, hessian sacks, compost, fresh wood, space dividers, rope, and providing new objects regularly can significantly reduce tail damage. These results should be interpreted with some caution, as often only one study per enrichment could be identified. No evidence was found that commonly applied enrichment objects (processed wood, plastic or metal) reduce tail biting significantly unless exchanged regularly, even though multiple studies per type of enrichment were identified. Many studies evaluated the duration of enrichment use, but few evaluated the manner of use. This hampers identification of combinations of enrichment that will satisfy the pig’s motivation to eat/smell, bite, root and change enrichments, which is suggested to reduce tail biting. New objects designed to satisfy specific motivations were shown to receive high levels of interaction, but their effectiveness at reducing tail damage remains unknown. More in-depth study of how pigs interact with non-straw enrichment, which motivations this satisfies and how this affects behaviour towards conspecifics, is necessary to optimize enrichment strategies. Optimization is necessary because ceasing tail docking in a way that improves pig welfare requires more effective enrichments than those described in this review, or alternatively, better control over other factors influencing tail biting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Buijs
- Agriculture Branch, Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, UK.
| | - Ramon Muns
- Agriculture Branch, Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, UK.
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Abdurakhmanova S, Semenova S, Piepponen TP, Panula P. Abnormal behavior, striatal dopamine turnover and opioid peptide gene expression in histamine‐deficient mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12595. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - T. Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and PharmacotherapyUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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20
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Arroyo L, Valent D, Carreras R, Peña R, Sabrià J, Velarde A, Bassols A. Housing and road transport modify the brain neurotransmitter systems of pigs: Do pigs raised in different conditions cope differently with unknown environments? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210406. [PMID: 30650149 PMCID: PMC6334955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
How housing and transport conditions may affect welfare in porcine production is a leading topic in livestock research. This study investigated whether pigs present a different neurological response to management conditions and to ascertain whether pigs living partially outdoors cope differently with road transport-associated stress. Twenty-four female pigs were divided in two groups: one living indoors (ID, n = 12) and the other housed combining indoor conditions with 4 hours per day of outdoor pasture (OD, n = 12). After one month, one set of animals from each housing condition were driven in a truck to the slaughterhouse in low-stress conditions (5 min drive, no mixing groups, soft management, LS group, n = 12) or high-stress conditions (2 hours drive, mixing groups, harsh management, HS group, n = 12). At the slaughterhouse, blood was collected, and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HC) dissected. OD pigs had lower serum haptoglobin and increased dopaminergic pathway (DA-system) in the PFC, suggesting that living outdoors increases their wellbeing. HS conditions increased serum creatine kinase (CK) and affected several brain pathways: activation of the noradrenergic (NA-system) and DA -system in the PFC and the activation of the DA-system and an increase in c-Fos as well as a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the HC. The serotonergic system (5-HT-system) was mildly altered in both areas. There was an interaction between housing and transport in serum NA and the DA-system in the HC, indicating that living conditions affected the response to stress. Multivariate analysis was able to discriminate the four animal groups. In conclusion, this work indicates that housing conditions and road transport markedly modifies the neurophysiology of pigs, and suggests that animals raised partially outdoors respond differently to transport-associated stress than animals raised indoors, indicating that they cope differently with unknown environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Arroyo
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Daniel Valent
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Carreras
- IRTA, Animal Welfare Subprogram, Veïnat de Sies, s/n, Monells, Spain
| | - Raquel Peña
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Servei de Bioquímica Clínica Veterinària, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Josefa Sabrià
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Antonio Velarde
- IRTA, Animal Welfare Subprogram, Veïnat de Sies, s/n, Monells, Spain
| | - Anna Bassols
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- * E-mail:
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21
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de Haas EN, van der Eijk JA. Where in the serotonergic system does it go wrong? Unravelling the route by which the serotonergic system affects feather pecking in chickens. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:170-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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22
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Munsterhjelm C, Nordgreen J, Aae F, Heinonen M, Valros A, Janczak AM. Sick and grumpy: Changes in social behaviour after a controlled immune stimulation in group-housed gilts. Physiol Behav 2018; 198:76-83. [PMID: 30290182 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Poor health is associated with an increased risk of tail biting outbreaks in pigs. We propose that this is because illness changes social dynamics either by changing the behaviour of the sick pig towards its penmates, the behaviour of the healthy penmates towards the sick pig, or both. We tested the effect of immune stimulation (lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection: O111:B4; 1.5 μg kg-1 IV) on social behaviour in gilts housed in triplets in a cross-over experiment. Each pen was subjected to the control treatment (all three pigs injected with saline) and then LPS treatment (one pig injected with LPS, two injected with saline), or vice versa. LPS injected pigs had a shift in social motivation and performed more tail- and ear- directed behaviour than saline pigs two days after injection. They seemed to fit the description of 'sick and grumpy'. This change was seen about 40 h after the signs of acute illness dissipated and was not accompanied by a similar increase in activity. We discuss possible mechanisms for this behavioural change in light of changes in neurotransmitter levels at three days after LPS injection described in a previous experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Munsterhjelm
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Janicke Nordgreen
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Frida Aae
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Heinonen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrew M Janczak
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
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23
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Camerlink I, Ursinus WW, Bartels AC, Bijma P, Bolhuis JE. Indirect Genetic Effects for Growth in Pigs Affect Behaviour and Weight Around Weaning. Behav Genet 2018; 48:413-420. [PMID: 29922987 PMCID: PMC6097724 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-018-9911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Selection for indirect genetic effects (IGE), i.e. the genetic effect of an individual on a trait of another individual, is a promising avenue to increase trait values in plant and animal breeding. Studies in livestock suggest that selection for IGE for growth (IGEg) might increase animals' capacity to tolerate stress. We assessed the effect of a stressful phase (weaning) on the behaviour and performance of pigs (n = 480) divergently selected for high or low IGEg. High IGEg pigs were significantly slower to explore the feed and gained less weight than low IGEg pigs in the days after weaning. In line with previous findings, high IGEg animals may have prioritized the formation of social ranks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Camerlink
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animale Welfare, University for Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Winanda W Ursinus
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Behaviour & Welfare, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea C Bartels
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Piter Bijma
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Nordgreen J, Munsterhjelm C, Aae F, Popova A, Boysen P, Ranheim B, Heinonen M, Raszplewicz J, Piepponen P, Lervik A, Valros A, Janczak AM. The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on inflammatory markers in blood and brain and on behavior in individually-housed pigs. Physiol Behav 2018; 195:98-111. [PMID: 30077671 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Most of us have experienced deterioration of mood while ill. In humans, immune activation is associated with lethargy and social withdrawal, irritability and aggression; changes in social motivation could, in theory, lead to less functional interactions. This might also be the case for animals housed in close confinement. Tail biting in pigs is an example of damaging social behavior, and sickness is thought to be a risk factor for tail biting outbreaks. One possible mechanism whereby sickness may influence behavior is through cytokines. To identify possible mediators between immune activation and behavioral change, we injected 16 gilts with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; O111:B4; 1.5 μg kg-1 IV through a permanent catheter). In LPS-treated pigs, a significant increase in cortisol, TNF-α, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, and IL-8 was observed alongside decreased activity within the first 6 h after the injection. CRP was elevated at 12 and 24 h after injection, and food intake was reduced for the first 24 h after injection. Three days post-injection, LPS pigs had lower levels of noradrenaline in their hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex compared to saline-injected pigs. Pigs injected with LPS also had higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ in their frontal cortex compared to saline-injected pigs. Thus, a low dose of LPS can induce changes in brain cytokine levels and neurotransmitter levels that persist after inflammatory and stress markers in the periphery have returned to baseline levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janicke Nordgreen
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway; Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Camilla Munsterhjelm
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frida Aae
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Anastasija Popova
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Preben Boysen
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgit Ranheim
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Heinonen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joanna Raszplewicz
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 56, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andreas Lervik
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrew M Janczak
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
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Renko JM, Bäck S, Voutilainen MH, Piepponen TP, Reenilä I, Saarma M, Tuominen RK. Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF) Elevates Stimulus-Evoked Release of Dopamine in Freely-Moving Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6755-6768. [PMID: 29349573 PMCID: PMC6061195 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) hold potential as disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF), and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) have shown neuroprotective and restorative effects on nigral dopaminergic neurons in various animal models of Parkinson's disease. To date, however, their effects on brain neurochemistry have not been compared using in vivo microdialysis. We measured extracellular concentration of dopamine and activity of dopamine neurochemistry-regulating enzymes in the nigrostriatal system of rat brain. NTFs were unilaterally injected into the striatum of intact Wistar rats. Brain microdialysis experiments were performed 1 and 3 weeks later in freely-moving animals. One week after the treatment, we observed enhanced stimulus-evoked release of dopamine in the striatum of MANF-treated rats, but not in rats treated with GDNF or CDNF. MANF also increased dopamine turnover. Although GDNF did not affect the extracellular level of dopamine, we found significantly elevated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity and decreased monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity in striatal tissue samples 1 week after GDNF injection. The results show that GDNF, CDNF, and MANF have divergent effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission, as well as on dopamine synthetizing and metabolizing enzymes. Although the cellular mechanisms remain to be clarified, knowing the biological effects of exogenously administrated NTFs in intact brain is an important step towards developing novel neurotrophic treatments for degenerative brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Matti Renko
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Susanne Bäck
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Research Program in Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Reenilä
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, Research Program in Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5D, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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Li YZ, Zhang HF, Johnston LJ, Martin W, Peterson JD, Coetzee JF. Effects of tail docking and tail biting on performance and welfare of growing-finishing pigs in a confinement housing system. J Anim Sci 2018; 95:4835-4845. [PMID: 29293713 DOI: 10.2527/jas2017.1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tail docking on the welfare and performance of victimized pigs by tail biting and tail biters. Pigs ( = 240; 25.7 ± 2.9 kg average weight), including 120 pigs that were tail docked at birth and 120 pigs that remained with intact tails, were used. Pigs were housed in 8 pens of 30 pigs in a confinement barn for 16 wk, with 4 pens each housing pigs of both sexes with docked or intact tails. Tail biters and victimized pigs with damaged tails were identified during outbreaks of tail biting. Growth performance was monitored, and skin lesions on the tail, ears, and body were assessed. Blood samples were collected from focal tail biters, victimized pigs, and nonvictimized pigs for analysis of total serum protein, IgG, and substance P concentrations. When pigs were marketed, carcass weights and the number of pigs with carcass trim loss were recorded. During the growing-finishing period, 48% of pigs with docked tails and 89% of pigs with intact tails experienced lesions on their tails, including 5% of docked pigs and 30% of intact pigs identified as victimized pigs that experienced puncture wounds with signs of infection on their tails or loss of tails ( < 0.001). Victimized pigs tended to gain less weight ( = 0.07) between 17 and 21 wk of age than other pigs when tail biting prevailed in this study. Victimized pigs were more frequently ( = 0.04) sold for less than full value and had a lower dressing percentage ( < 0.001) compared with nonvictimized pigs. For victimized pigs, total serum protein and IgG concentrations were elevated 5 d after tails were injured, suggesting that tail damage can cause inflammation, which may lead to carcass abscesses and trim loss. Compared with victimized pigs and nonvictimized pigs, tail biters had lower total serum protein ( = 0.01) and IgG ( = 0.01) concentrations, indicating that tail biters may experience poor immune functions. Results of this study demonstrated that tail docking reduced tail damage in pigs kept in a confinement system. Tail damage can cause inflammation and reduce the value of market pigs. More research is needed to test whether compromised immune functions predispose pigs to tail biting.
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Combination of CDNF and Deep Brain Stimulation Decreases Neurological Deficits in Late-stage Model Parkinson's Disease. Neuroscience 2018; 374:250-263. [PMID: 29408408 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Several neurotrophic factors (NTF) are shown to be neuroprotective and neurorestorative in pre-clinical animal models for Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in models where striatal dopamine neuron innervation partially exists. The results of clinical trials on late-stage patients have been modest. Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is a proven treatment for a selected group of advanced PD patients. The cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a promising therapeutic protein, but its effects in animal models of late-stage PD have remained under-researched. The interactions of NTF and STN DBS treatments have not been studied before. We found that a nigral CDNF protein alone had only a marginal effect on the behavioral deficits in a late-stage hemiparkinsonian rat model (6-OHDA MFB). However, CDNF improved the effect of acute STN DBS on front limb use asymmetry at 2 and 3 weeks after CDNF injection. STN lesion-modeling chronic stimulation-had an additive effect in reducing front limb use in the cylinder test and apomorphine-induced rotation. The combination of CDNF and acute STN DBS had a favorable effect on striatal tyrosine hydroxylase. This study presents a novel additive beneficial effect of NTF and STN DBS, which might be explained by the interaction of DBS-induced endogenous NTFs and exogenously injected CDNF. SNpc can be reached via similar trajectories used in clinical STN DBS, and this interaction is an important area for future studies.
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Kopra J, Villarta-Aguilera M, Savolainen M, Weingerl S, Myöhänen TT, Rannanpää S, Salvatore MF, Andressoo JO, Piepponen TP. Constitutive Ret signaling leads to long-lasting expression of amphetamine-induced place conditioning via elevation of mesolimbic dopamine. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:221-230. [PMID: 29031851 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Addictive drugs enhance dopamine release in the striatum, which can lead to compulsive drug-seeking after repeated exposure. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is an important regulator of midbrain dopamine neurons, and may play a mechanistic role in addiction-related behaviors. To elucidate the components of GDNF-signaling that contribute to addiction-related behaviors of place preference and its extinction, we utilized two genetically modified GDNF mouse models in an amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and evaluated how the behavioral findings correlate with dopamine signaling in the dorsal and ventral striatum. We utilized two knock-in mouse strains to delineate contributions of GDNF and Ret signaling using MEN2B mice (constitutively active GDNF receptor Ret), and GDNF hypermorphic mice (enhanced endogenous GDNF expression). The duration of amphetamine-induced CPP was greatly enhanced in MEN2B mice, but not in the GDNF hypermorphic mice. The enhanced duration of CPP was correlated with increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and dopamine content in the ventral striatum. Together, our results suggest that downstream components of GDNF signaling, in this case Ret, may mediate persistent drug-seeking behavior through increased TH expression and dopamine levels in the mesolimbic dopamine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Kopra
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Marian Villarta-Aguilera
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Mari Savolainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Samo Weingerl
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Timo T Myöhänen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Saara Rannanpää
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Michael F Salvatore
- Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States; Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 14152, Sweden
| | - T Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland.
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Dampened Amphetamine-Stimulated Behavior and Altered Dopamine Transporter Function in the Absence of Brain GDNF. J Neurosci 2017; 37:1581-1590. [PMID: 28096470 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1673-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neuron dysfunction contributes to various psychiatric and neurological diseases, including drug addiction and Parkinson's disease. Because of its well established dopaminotrophic effects, the therapeutic potential of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been studied extensively in various disorders with disturbed dopamine homeostasis. However, the outcomes from preclinical and clinical studies vary, highlighting a need for a better understanding of the physiological role of GDNF on striatal dopaminergic function. Nevertheless, the current lack of appropriate animal models has limited this understanding. Therefore, we have generated novel mouse models to study conditional Gdnf deletion in the CNS during embryonic development and reduction of striatal GDNF levels in adult mice via AAV-Cre delivery. We found that both of these mice have reduced amphetamine-induced locomotor response and striatal dopamine efflux. Embryonic GDNF deletion in the CNS did not affect striatal dopamine levels or dopamine release, but dopamine reuptake was increased due to increased levels of both total and synaptic membrane-associated dopamine transporters. Collectively, these results suggest that endogenous GDNF plays an important role in regulating the function of dopamine transporters in the striatum.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Delivery of ectopic glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes the function, plasticity, and survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, the dysfunction of which contributes to various neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, how the deletion or reduction of GDNF in the CNS affects the function of dopaminergic neurons has remained unknown. Using conditional Gdnf knock-out mice, we found that endogenous GDNF affects striatal dopamine homeostasis and regulates amphetamine-induced behaviors by regulating the level and function of dopamine transporters. These data regarding the physiological role of GDNF are relevant in the context of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases that involve changes in dopamine transporter function.
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Arroyo L, Carreras R, Valent D, Peña R, Mainau E, Velarde A, Sabrià J, Bassols A. Effect of handling on neurotransmitter profile in pig brain according to fear related behaviour. Physiol Behav 2016; 167:374-381. [PMID: 27737780 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Chemical neurotransmitters (NT) are principal actors in all neuronal networks of animals. The central nervous system plays an important role in stress susceptibility and organizes the response to a stressful situation through the interaction of the dopaminergic and the serotonergic pathways, leading to the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). This study was designed to investigate: a) the effects of stressful handling of pigs at the slaughterhouse on the neurotransmitter profile in four brain areas: amygdala, prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus and hypothalamus, and b) whether the alterations in the brain NT profile after stressful handling were associated with fear, determined by the tonic immobility (TI) test. In the first place, the characterization of the NT profile allowed to distinguish the four brain areas in a principal component analysis. The most crucial pathway involved in the reaction of pigs to a stressful handling was the serotonergic system, and changes were observed in the amygdala with a decrease in serotonin (5-HT) and total indoleamines, and in the hippocampus, where this pathway was activated. Fearful and non-fearful pigs did not show significant differences in their NT profile in control conditions, but when subjected to a stressful handling in the slaughterhouse, fearful animals showed a significant variation in the serotonin pathway and, in a lesser extent, the dopamine (DA) pathway. In conclusion, the existence of an underlying biological trait - possibly fearfulness - may be involved in the pig's response toward stressful challenges, and the serotonergic system seems to play a central role in this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Arroyo
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Carreras
- IRTA, Animal Welfare Subprogram, Veïnat de Sies, s/n, 17121 Monells, Spain
| | - Daniel Valent
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Raquel Peña
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Servei de Bioquímica Clínica Veterinària, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Eva Mainau
- Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Antonio Velarde
- IRTA, Animal Welfare Subprogram, Veïnat de Sies, s/n, 17121 Monells, Spain
| | - Josefa Sabrià
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Anna Bassols
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Servei de Bioquímica Clínica Veterinària, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Brunberg EI, Rodenburg TB, Rydhmer L, Kjaer JB, Jensen P, Keeling LJ. Omnivores Going Astray: A Review and New Synthesis of Abnormal Behavior in Pigs and Laying Hens. Front Vet Sci 2016; 3:57. [PMID: 27500137 PMCID: PMC4956668 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs and poultry are by far the most omnivorous of the domesticated farm animals and it is in their nature to be highly explorative. In the barren production environments, this motivation to explore can be expressed as abnormal oral manipulation directed toward pen mates. Tail biting (TB) in pigs and feather pecking (FP) in laying hens are examples of unwanted behaviors that are detrimental to the welfare of the animals. The aim of this review is to draw these two seemingly similar abnormalities together in a common framework, in order to seek underlying mechanisms and principles. Both TB and FP are affected by the physical and social environment, but not all individuals in a group express these behaviors and individual genetic and neurobiological characteristics play an important role. By synthesizing what is known about environmental and individual influences, we suggest a novel possible mechanism, common for pigs and poultry, involving the brain-gut-microbiota axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma I. Brunberg
- NORSØK – Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture, Tingvoll, Norway
- NIBIO – Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, Tingvoll, Norway
| | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Lotta Rydhmer
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joergen B. Kjaer
- Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Per Jensen
- AVIAN Behaviour Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Linda J. Keeling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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