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Li C, Chen X, Fang T, Gu X. Do cows with stereotypic tongue-rolling behaviour cope better with their environment? Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1404539. [PMID: 38840632 PMCID: PMC11151878 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1404539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stereotypic behaviours, especially oral stereotypic behaviours, are frequently expressed in farm animals. Tongue-rolling is the most common oral stereotypic behaviour in dairy cows (Bos taurus). If animals frequently display stereotypic behaviours, this is an indication of poor welfare. It has been suggested that animals express stereotypic behaviours as a way of coping with stress. As a result, animals with stereotypic behaviours may have lower levels of stress hormones than animals without stereotypic behaviours. Methods In this study, 916 Holstein cows in the first lactation were subjected to scan sampling behavioural observations 200 times for 10 days. All cows were assigned to either a stereotypic behaviours group (SB) or a control group (CON). The SB group was further subdivided into a tongue-rolling group (TR) and an other-stereotypic behaviours group (OS). The TR group was also split into an only tongue-rolling group (OTR) and a mixed tongue-rolling and other stereotypic behaviours group (TROS). Some cows in the TR group belonged to an extreme tongue-rolling group (ETR). Hair and saliva samples were collected from 601 cows to test cortisol concentrations and dairy herd improvement (DHI) data were collected from a total of 762 cows. Results There were no differences in hair or saliva cortisol concentrations between the groups (p>0.05), and the frequencies of tongue-rolling were not associated with cortisol concentrations (p>0.05). For DHI in cows, the milk protein percentage (p = 0.028), milk true protein percentage (p = 0.021) and milk crude protein percentage (p = 0.023) of cows in the ETR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group. For cows in ETR group, as the frequencies of tongue-rolling increased, the milk protein percentage (p = 0.034, r = 0.365), milk true protein percentage (p = 0.022, r = 0.393) and milk crude protein percentage (p = 0.035, r = 0.363) increased. Discussion We investigated the relationship between stereotypic behaviours and stress by using a non-invasive sampling method to minimise harm to the cows. We suggest that tongue-rolling may not be a way for cows to cope with stress, at least in terms of cortisol concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zeng F, Zhang S. Impacts of sow behaviour on reproductive performance: current understanding. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2023.2185624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Zeng
- Guangzhou Zoo & Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Paiva RC, Moura CA, Thomas P, Haberl B, Greiner L, Rademacher CJ, Silva APSP, Trevisan G, Linhares DCL, Silva GS. Risk factors associated with sow mortality in breeding herds under one production system in the Midwestern United States. Prev Vet Med 2023; 213:105883. [PMID: 36867926 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Sow mortality has significantly increased throughout the world over the past several years, and it is a growing concern to the global swine industry. Sow mortality increases economic losses, including higher replacement rates, affects employees' morale, and raises concerns about animal well-being and sustainability. This study aimed to assess herd-level risk factors associated with sow mortality in a large swine production system in the Midwestern United States. This retrospective observational study used available production, health, nutritional, and management information between July 2019 and December 2021. A Poisson mixed regression model was used to identify the risk factors and to build a multivariate model using the weekly mortality rate per 1000 sows as the outcome. Different models were used to identify the risk factors according to this study's main reasons for sow mortality (total death, sudden death, lameness, and prolapse). The main reported causes of sow mortality were sudden death (31.22 %), lameness (28.78 %), prolapse (28.02 %), and other causes (11.99 %). The median (25th-75th percentile) distribution of the crude sow mortality rate/1000 sows was 3.37 (2.19 - 4.16). Breeding herds classified as epidemic for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) were associated with higher total death, sudden death, and lameness death. Open pen gestation was associated with a higher total death and lameness compared with stalls. Pulses of feed medication was associated with lower sow mortality rate for all outcomes. Farms not performing bump feeding were associated with higher sow mortality due to lameness and prolapses, while Senecavirus A (SVA)-positive herds were associated with a higher mortality rate for total deaths and deaths due to lameness. Disease interactions (herds Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae positive and epidemic for PRRSV; SVA positive herds and epidemic for PRRSV) were associated with higher mortality rates compared to farms with single disease status. This study identified and measured the major risk factors associated with total sow mortality rate, sudden deaths, lameness deaths, and prolapse deaths in breeding herds under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C Paiva
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Ben Haberl
- Iowa Select Farm Inc, Iowa Falls, IA, USA
| | - Laura Greiner
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Christopher J Rademacher
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ana Paula S P Silva
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Giovani Trevisan
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Daniel C L Linhares
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Gustavo S Silva
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Reproductive performance of gilts and weaned sows grouped at different days after insemination. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 55:31. [PMID: 36585532 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to compare the reproductive performances of gilts and weaned sows grouped at different days after insemination. The study was conducted on a sow farm in the Midwest of Paraná State, Brazil, using animals from the Camborough genetic line (PIC®, Patos de Minas, Brazil, Landrace × Large White crossbred). The groups of comparison have considered the distribution of gilts (n = 407) and sows (parity 1 to 5; n = 843) according to the day of group housing in collective pens in relation to the day of last insemination (AI). Thus, gilts were distributed in four groups of comparison: group housing on days 1, 2, 3, or 4 after the last AI (AI). Sows were distributed in three groups of comparison: group housing on the day after the last AI (0), at day 1 or 2 after the last AI. Farrowing rate (FR), the total number of piglets born (TB), and return to estrus (RE) were recorded. In a subsample (254 gilts and 622 sows), the presence and the score of skin lesions (0, no lesions; 1, low; 2, moderate; or 3, high) were evaluated 24 and 48 h after mixing. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS® 9.4 software using the GLIMMIX procedure. Comparisons of means were performed using the Tukey-Kramer test and frequencies by logistic regression. Group housing gilts on different days after insemination did not affect FR, TB, and RE (P ≥ 0.79). However, sows mixed 2 days after AI had a reduction in TB compared to those mixed on day 1 (P = 0.05), without differences from sows mixed on the day of the last AI. All the females had low (score 1; 60.5%) or moderate (score 2; 39.5%) skin lesions. For both female categories, the presence of low or moderate lesion scores did not affect ER, FR, and TB (P ≥ 0.25). Fights within 48 h were not severe enough to compromise reproductive performance (P ≥ 0.25). In conclusion, group housing gestating sows 2 days after breeding compromised litter size; however, mixing gilts on days 1 to 4 after breeding did not impair reproductive performance.
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Abstract
Major stress has systemic effects on the body that can have adverse consequences for physical and mental health. However, the molecular basis of these damaging effects remains incompletely understood. Here we use a longitudinal approach to characterise the acute systemic impact of major psychological stress in a pig model. We perform untargeted metabolomics on non-invasively obtained saliva samples from pigs before and 24 h after transfer to the novel physical and social environment of a slaughterhouse. The main molecular changes occurring include decreases in amino acids, B-vitamins, and amino acid-derived metabolites synthesized in B-vitamin-dependent reactions, as well as yet-unidentified metabolite features. Decreased levels of several of the identified metabolites are implicated in the pathology of human psychological disorders and neurodegenerative disease, suggesting a possible neuroprotective function. Our results provide a fingerprint of the acute effect of psychological stress on the metabolome and suggest candidate biomarkers with potential roles in stress-related disorders.
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The Effect of Lift Crates on Piglet Survival Rate and Sow Stress Level during Farrowing. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060745. [PMID: 35327142 PMCID: PMC8944724 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of lift farrowing crates on piglet mortality by crushing and on sow welfare. Eighty-four sows were considered in the one-year experiment in three monitoring sessions. In each session, 14 sows were housed in a room with conventional crates (CC), and 14 sows were lodged in a room equipped with lift crates (LC). The sows, of the same genetics, with parity ranging from 2 to 9, were randomly distributed in CC and LC rooms. No primiparous sows were considered in the study to avoid sows unexperienced with the dynamics of lift crates. The numbers of crushed piglets, assessed by the farm’s veterinarian, within 48 h, 72 h, and at weaning (28th day), were recorded. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was measured upon entry and exit from farrowing to evaluate stress level variation. Feet diseases and backfat thickness were evaluated to assess sows’ potential diseases induced by lift crates and metabolic problems. The results show that the number of crushed piglets per sow was higher in the CC rooms than in the LC rooms in the first two days after delivery (0.39 vs. 0.15, p < 0.05) and up to weaning (0.50 vs. 0.37; p < 0.05). Mean values of HCC variation in sows during farrowing were significantly different in the two housing systems and higher for the LC sows (0.53 pg/mg vs. 0.22 pg/mg; p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected for backfat variation and feet disease scoring between LC and CC sows. In conclusion, LC sows evidenced an increase in hair cortisol values during farrowing, probably caused by a higher stress status induced by the lift crate, along with the benefit of the higher survival rate of piglets before weaning.
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Liu X, Song P, Yan H, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhao F, Gao H, Hou X, Shi L, Li B, Wang L. A Comparison of the Behavior, Physiology, and Offspring Resilience of Gestating Sows When Raised in a Group Housing System and Individual Stalls. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072076. [PMID: 34359203 PMCID: PMC8300341 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The housing patterns of gestating sows affect their health and welfare. In this study, the differences between behavior and stress hormone levels were assessed when sows were housed in a group housing system compared to individual stalls; in addition, the disease resistance and resilience of their piglets were compared. In our investigation, the group-housed sows showed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, less sitting behavior, and lower stress hormone levels throughout pregnancy. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection test revealed that the offspring of group-housed sows showed better resistance and resilience to disease. Therefore, the gestating sows raised in a group housing system and their piglets are healthier and have improved welfare. Our results show that a group housing system provides higher welfare standards, with conditions that are more suitable for gestating sows in modern pig production. Abstract Being in a confined environment causes chronic stress in gestating sows, which is detrimental for sow health, welfare and, consequently, offspring physiology. This study assessed the health and welfare of gestating sows housed in a group housing system compared to individual gestation stalls. After pregnancy was confirmed, experimental sows were divided randomly into two groups: the group housing system (GS), with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system; or individual stall (IS). The behavior of sows housed in the GS or IS was then compared; throughout pregnancy, GS sows displayed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, and less sitting behavior (p < 0.05). IS sows showed higher stress hormone levels than GS sows. In particular, at 41 days of gestation, the concentration of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenaline (A) in IS sows was significantly higher than that of GS sows, and the A level of IS sows remained significantly higher at 71 days of gestation (p < 0.01). The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) test was carried out in the weaned piglets of the studied sows. Compared with the offspring of gestating sows housed in GS (PG) or IS (PS), PG experienced a shorter period of high temperature and showed a quicker return to the normal state (p < 0.05). Additionally, their lower levels of stress hormone (p < 0.01) suggest that PG did not suffer from as much stress as PS. These findings suggested that gestating sows housed in GS were more able to carry out their natural behaviors and, therefore, had lower levels of stress and improved welfare. In addition, PG also showed better disease resistance and resilience. These results will provide a research basis for the welfare and breeding of gestating sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Pengkang Song
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Longchao Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Ligang Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Fuping Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Hongmei Gao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Xinhua Hou
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Lijun Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Bugao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-010-6281-8771 (L.W.)
| | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-010-6281-8771 (L.W.)
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Peltoniemi O, Han T, Yun J. Coping with large litters: management effects on welfare and nursing capacity of the sow. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 63:199-210. [PMID: 33987599 PMCID: PMC8071737 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A number of management issues can be used as drivers for change in order to
improve animal welfare and nursing capacity of the hyperprolific sow. Group
housing of sows during gestation is a recommended practice from the perspective
of animal welfare. Related health issues include reproductive health and the
locomotor system. It appears that management of pregnant sows in groups is
challenging for a producer and considerable skill is required. We explored the
benefits and challenges of group housing, including feeding issues. Increasing
litter size requires additional attention to the mammary gland and its ability
to provide sufficient nursing for the growing litter. We discuss the
fundamentals of mammary development and the specific challenges related to the
hyperprolific sow. We also address challenges with the farrowing environment. It
appears that the old-fashioned farrowing crate is not only outdated in terms of
welfare from the public’s perspective, but also fails to provide the
environment that the sow needs to support her physiology of farrowing, nursing,
and maternal behaviour. Studies from our group and others indicate that
providing the sow with a loose housing system adequate in space and nesting
material, along with reasonable chance for isolation, can be considered as
fundamental for successful farrowing of the hyperprolific sow. It has also been
shown that management strategies, such as split suckling and cross fostering,
are necessary to ensure proper colostrum intake for all piglets born alive in a
large litter. We thus conclude that welfare and nursing capacity of the sow can
be improved by management. However, current megatrends such as the climate
change may change sow management and force the industry to rethink goals of
breeding and, for instance, breeding for better resilience may need to be
included as goals for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Peltoniemi
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Saarentaus 04920, Finland
| | - Taehee Han
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Saarentaus 04920, Finland
| | - Jinhyeon Yun
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
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Shortening sow restraint period during lactation improves production and decreases hair cortisol concentrations in sows and their piglets. Animal 2021; 15:100082. [PMID: 33509702 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Food animal welfare is an issue of great concern, as society has a responsibility for animals under human care. Pork is the most consumed meat worldwide, with more than a billion pigs being slaughtered globally every year. Still, in most countries, sows are restrained in farrowing crates throughout lactation. In these crates, sows are confined with bars to an area that is just slightly larger than their body. Thus, moving and turning around, grooming, or expressing other natural behaviors are typically impossible. In this study, we utilized a simple and practical modification of conventional farrowing crates to designed farrowing pens, by removable confinement bars, which provide the flexibility to change the housing system from one to another. Our objective was to examine the parameters of production and hair cortisol concentrations after different restraint periods during lactation. Analyses included data from 77 sows and their 997 piglets. Sows were housed in farrowing crates, but the confinement bars were removed after different periods, from 3 days post-farrowing to full restraint. For certain analyses, sows were grouped into Short or Long Restraint groups (3-10 days vs 13-24 days, respectively). Multiple linear regression revealed that for any additional day in restraint of the sows, piglets' weaning rate decreases by 0.4% (P < 0.05). Moreover, the total number of weaned piglets per litter was higher in the Short Restraint group as compared to the Long Restraint group (10.4 ± 0.3 vs 9.7 ± 0.3, respectively; P < 0.05). Accordingly, total litter weight on the weaning day tended to be higher in the Short Restraint group (68.8 ± 2.2 vs 64.9 ± 1.8 kg; P = 0.1210). The requirement for medical treatments during lactation (e.g., antibiotics, NSAID) tended to be less frequent in the Short Restraint group (Sows: 21.9% vs 40%; P = 0.1219. Piglets: 2.4% vs 17.1%; P = 0.0609). Hair cortisol as a marker for chronic stress during lactation decreased when the restraint period was shortened in both sows and piglets. Our analysis revealed that sows' hair cortisol is a significant mediator between the restraint of the sow and its piglets' hair cortisol (Sobel test; P < 0.05). For every day of sows' restraint, sows' hair cortisol increased by 0.5 pg/mg, and for any additional unit of sows' hair cortisol, piglets' hair cortisol increased by 0.36 pg/mg. In conclusion, sustainable swine farming management can be beneficial for both animals and farmers; limiting sow restraint during lactation is expected to reduce stress, enhance welfare and production, and potentially improve the economics of swine operations.
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Jeong Y, Choi Y, Kim D, Kim J, Min Y, Jung H, Kim Y. Improving behavior characteristics and stress indices of gestating sows housed with group housing facility. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020; 62:875-883. [PMID: 33987567 PMCID: PMC7721582 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2020.62.6.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of group-housing facility
(GHF), compared to an individual confinement stall (CON), on the reproductive
performance, behavior, and stress hormones of gestating sows. A total of 50
primiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allocated into
either CON (n = 25) or GHF (n = 25) during the gestation period. One week before
parturition, the sows were transferred into conventional farrowing crates, and
cross-fostering was conducted within 1 d of delivery. Blood was collected for
analyses of stress indices at 75 d of gestation and postpartum. Reproductive
performance was estimated during the period of birth to weaning. Behavior
patterns were identified at 90 d of gestation. Litter size was not different
between the CON and GHF treatments. Weaning to estrus interval, however, tended
to be lower in the GHF than in the CON (p < 0.1). Activity,
treating, belly nosing, and exploring behaviors were observed only in the GHF
group, whereas rubbing was shown only with the CON. Serum cortisol concentration
was lower in the GHF than in the CON at 75 d of gestation (p
< 0.05). Sows housed in the GHF showed lower epinephrine and norepinephrine
concentrations than those housed in the CON at postpartum (p
< 0.05). The GHF sows demonstrated more natural behavior characteristics
associated with stress relief than the CON sows with no adverse effects on
reproductive performance. Therefore, these results suggest that GHF could be
applied as an alternative housing facility to improve animal welfare on swine
farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdae Jeong
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Yohan Choi
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Doowan Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Joeun Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Yejin Min
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jung
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Younghwa Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
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Endoparasites in Sows and Selected Reproduction Parameters. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2020-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze infection of sows with endoparasites depending on their physiological phase and length of exploitation, as well as to determine the effects of infection on selected parameters of reproductive performance. 300 fecal samples collected from the same 75 sows in 4 phases of the production cycle (dry sows, low pregnancy, high pregnancy, lactation) were tested in the experiment. Species and gender diversity, prevalence, OPG and EPG were determined in the study. These parameters were compared in terms of the physiological phase and the length of exploitation. Selected parameters of reproductive performance of sows were also examined, which were compared taking into account the length of exploitation and sows infection with individual parasites.
The study showed that the entire population was infected with two parasites at all physiological phases: Eimeria spp. (17% prevalence, 2275 OPG) and Ascaris suum (5% prevalence, EPG 79). The presence of parasites from Eimeria genus (prevalence 40%, OPG 2976) in sows exploited for 1 year had a negative effect on some parameters of their reproduction performance. Infected sows, compared to noninfected ones, were characterized by a lower number of live piglets (by 0.21 heads) (p≤0.05), a higher number of stillborn piglets (by 0.21 heads) (p≤0.05), as well as lower daily weight gains of piglets (by 15 g) (p≤0.05), which contributed to their lower weaning body weight (by 0.45 kg) (p≤0.05).
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