1
|
Ma Y, Guo T, Ding J, Dong Z, Ren Y, Lu C, Zhao Y, Guo X, Cao G, Li B, Gao P. RNA-seq analysis of small intestine transcriptional changes induced by starvation stress in piglets. Anim Biotechnol 2024; 35:2295931. [PMID: 38147885 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2295931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Piglets may experience a variety of stress injuries, but the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying these injuries are not well understood. In this study, we analysed the ileum of Large White (LW) and Mashen (MS) piglets at different times of starvation using chemical staining and transcriptome analysis. The intestinal barrier of piglets was damaged after starvation stress, but the intestinal antistress ability of MS piglets was stronger than LW piglets. A total of 8021 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in two breeds. Interestingly, the immune capacity (CHUK, TLR3) of MS piglets increased significantly after short-term starvation stress, while energy metabolism (NAGS, PLA2G12B, AGCG8) was predominant in LW piglets. After long-term starvation stress, the level of energy metabolism (PLIN5, PLA2G12B) was significantly increased in MS piglets. The expression of immune (HLA-DQB1, IGHG4, COL3A1, CD28, LAT) and disease (HSPA1B, MINPPI, ADH1C, GAL3ST1) related genes were significantly increased in two breeds of piglets. These results suggest that short-term stress mainly enhances immunity and energy metabolism in piglets, while long-term starvation produces greater stress on piglets, making it difficult for them to compensate for the damage to their bodies through self-regulation. This information can help improve the stress resistance of piglets through molecular breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Ma
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Tong Guo
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianqin Ding
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiling Dong
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Yifei Ren
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Chang Lu
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaohong Guo
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoqing Cao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Bugao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Gao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tabh JKR, Nord A. Temperature-dependent Developmental Plasticity and Its Effects on Allen's and Bergmann's Rules in Endotherms. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:758-771. [PMID: 37160342 PMCID: PMC10503470 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecogeographical rules, describing common trends in animal form across space and time, have provided key insights into the primary factors driving species diversity on our planet. Among the most well-known ecogeographical rules are Bergmann's rule and Allen's rule, with each correlating ambient temperature to the size and shape of endotherms within a species. In recent years, these two rules have attracted renewed research attention, largely with the goal of understanding how they emerge (e.g., via natural selection or phenotypic plasticity) and, thus, whether they may emerge quickly enough to aid adaptations to a warming world. Yet despite this attention, the precise proximate and ultimate drivers of Bergmann's and Allen's rules remain unresolved. In this conceptual paper, we articulate novel and classic hypotheses for understanding whether and how plastic responses to developmental temperatures might contributed to each rule. Next, we compare over a century of empirical literature surrounding Bergmann's and Allen's rules against our hypotheses to uncover likely avenues by which developmental plasticity might drive temperature-phenotype correlations. Across birds and mammals, studies strongly support developmental plasticity as a driver of Bergmann's and Allen's rules, particularly with regards to Allen's rule. However, plastic contributions toward each rule appear largely non-linear and dependent upon: (1) efficiency of energy use (Bergmann's rule) and (2) thermal advantages (Allen's rule) at given ambient temperatures. These findings suggest that, among endotherms, rapid changes in body shape and size will continue to co-occur with our changing climate, but generalizing the direction of responses across populations is likely naive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K R Tabh
- Lund University, Department of Biology, Section for Evolutionary Ecology, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62, Sweden
| | - Andreas Nord
- Lund University, Department of Biology, Section for Evolutionary Ecology, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harman A, Mahoney H, Thompson WA, Fuzzen MLM, Aggarwal B, Laframboise L, Boreham DR, Manzon RG, Somers CM, Wilson JY. Effect of elevated embryonic incubation temperature on the temperature preference of juvenile lake ( Coregonus clupeaformis) and round whitefish ( Prosopium cylindraceum). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad067. [PMID: 37663927 PMCID: PMC10469578 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic impacts can lead to increased temperatures in freshwater environments through thermal effluent and climate change. Thermal preference of aquatic organisms can be modulated by abiotic and biotic factors including environmental temperature. Whether increased temperature during embryogenesis can lead to long-term alterations in thermal preference has not been explicitly tested in native freshwater species. Lake (Coregonus clupeaformis) and round (Prosopium cylindraceum) whitefish were incubated at natural and elevated temperatures until hatching, following which, all groups were moved to common garden conditions (15°C) during the post-hatching stage. Temperature preference was determined at 8 months (Lake whitefish only) and 12 months of age (both species) using a shuttle box system. Round whitefish preferred a cooler temperature when incubated at 2 and 6°C compared with 0.5°C. Lake whitefish had similar temperature preferences regardless of age, weight and incubation temperature. These results reveal that temperature preference in freshwater fish can be programmed during early development, and that round whitefish may be more sensitive to incubation temperature. This study highlights the effects that small increases in temperature caused by anthropogenic impacts may have on cold-adapted freshwater fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Harman
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Hannah Mahoney
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - William Andrew Thompson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Meghan L M Fuzzen
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Bhuvan Aggarwal
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Lisa Laframboise
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Richard G Manzon
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Christopher M Somers
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Joanna Y Wilson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Yang L, Wang M, Zeng J, Long S, He T, Chen Z. Effect of precision air supply cooling system with different cooling air speed on reproductive performance, stress status, immunoglobulin and fecal microbiota of lactating sows. J Therm Biol 2022; 108:103249. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
5
|
Systematic review of animal-based indicators to measure thermal, social, and immune-related stress in pigs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266524. [PMID: 35511825 PMCID: PMC9070874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intense nature of pig production has increased the animals’ exposure to stressful conditions, which may be detrimental to their welfare and productivity. Some of the most common sources of stress in pigs are extreme thermal conditions (thermal stress), density and mixing during housing (social stress), or exposure to pathogens and other microorganisms that may challenge their immune system (immune-related stress). The stress response can be monitored based on the animals’ coping mechanisms, as a result of specific environmental, social, and health conditions. These animal-based indicators may support decision making to maintain animal welfare and productivity. The present study aimed to systematically review animal-based indicators of social, thermal, and immune-related stresses in farmed pigs, and the methods used to monitor them. Peer-reviewed scientific literature related to pig production was collected using three online search engines: ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed. The manuscripts selected were grouped based on the indicators measured during the study. According to our results, body temperature measured with a rectal thermometer was the most commonly utilized method for the evaluation of thermal stress in pigs (87.62%), as described in 144 studies. Of the 197 studies that evaluated social stress, aggressive behavior was the most frequently-used indicator (81.81%). Of the 535 publications examined regarding immune-related stress, cytokine concentration in blood samples was the most widely used indicator (80.1%). Information about the methods used to measure animal-based indicators is discussed in terms of validity, reliability, and feasibility. Additionally, the introduction and wide spreading of alternative, less invasive methods with which to measure animal-based indicators, such as cortisol in saliva, skin temperature and respiratory rate via infrared thermography, and various animal welfare threats via vocalization analysis are highlighted. The information reviewed was used to discuss the feasible and most reliable methods with which to monitor the impact of relevant stressors commonly presented by intense production systems on the welfare of farmed pigs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Machado NAF, Martin JE, Barbosa-Filho JAD, Dias CTS, Pinheiro DG, de Oliveira KPL, Souza-Junior JBF. Identification of trailer heat zones and associated heat stress in weaner pigs transported by road in tropical climates. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102882. [PMID: 33863446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress is major welfare concern during transport of pigs in tropical climates, which can also lead to direct production costs. This study evaluated the dynamics of heat zones through the load and their relationship with heat stress of weaner pigs during road transport in a tropical climate. Both environmental (e.g. temperature and relative humidity) and physiological (e.g. respiratory frequency and lactate) measures were recorded from four vehicle journeys (70 km distance, 216 weaner pigs within each trailer load) within Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Geostatistics and fluid dynamics simulation techniques were applied to understand the dynamics of heat zones and ventilation patterns the truckload. Statistics based on canonical discriminant analysis and ANOVA were performed to verify the relationship between heat zones and heat stress in pigs. The results showed that, during transport, the generation of heat zones occurred with different magnitudes along the load (P < 0.05), which was harmonized by the ventilation dynamics. There was a heat core with high energy content, in the front region of the lower deck (LD) of the trailer. In this zone, weaners pigs had higher rectal temperature (+1.8 °C temperature difference), respiratory frequency (LD = 94 ± 1.3 breaths/min; UD = 86 ± 1.3 breaths/min), and blood cortisol concentration (LD = 32.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL; UD = 30.18 ± 0.6 ng/mL) (all P < 0.05). Weaners pigs transported in the upper deck (UD) compartments had the highest skin temperature (LD = 38.13 ± 0.3 °C; UD = 38.9 ± 0.22 °C) and the highest mean values of blood lactate (LD = 65.5 ± 1.11 m/M; UD = 71.60 ± 1.19 m/M) and Creatine kinase (LD = 3891.23 ± 69U/L; UD = 4107.43 ± 62U/L) (P < 0.05). Weaners transported in compartments of the LD of trailer were more susceptible to heat stress, while weaners in the UD compartments were more susceptible to physical stress and muscle exhaustion. These results provide additional evidence of heat zones within trailer compartments and highlight the requirement for the planning of pig transport operations in tropical climates to mitigate risks of heat stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nítalo A F Machado
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Jessica E Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Carlos T S Dias
- Department of Exact Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Daniel G Pinheiro
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Kenio P L de Oliveira
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - João B F Souza-Junior
- Laboratory of Biometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Robbins LA, Green-Miller AR, Johnson JS, Gaskill BN. Early life thermal stress: impacts on future temperature preference in weaned pigs (3 to 15 kg). J Anim Sci 2021; 98:6015752. [PMID: 33260199 PMCID: PMC7707370 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermal stress can result in productivity losses, morbidity, and mortality if proper management practices are not employed. A basic understanding of the relationship between animals and the thermal environment is crucial to assess the environment’s impact on livestock performance. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate whether different early life thermal stressors (ELTS) altered the temperature preference of pigs later in life. Twelve sows and their litters were randomly exposed to 1 of 3 ELTS treatments from 7 to 9 d of age: early life heat stress (ELHS; cycling 32 to 38 °C; n = 4), early life cold stress (ELCS; 25.4±1.1 °C without heating lamp; n = 4), or early life thermoneutral (ELTN; 25.4±1.1 °C with a heating lamp; n = 4) conditions. From 10 to 20 d, (weaning) all piglets were exposed to ELTN conditions. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to groups of 4 of the same sex and ELTS treatment. Temperature preference, where pigs freely choose a temperature, was assessed in 21 groups (n = 7 groups per ELTS treatment) using 1 of 3 thermal gradient apparatuses (22 to 40 °C). Testing began at 26 ± 1.3 d of age to give pigs time to acclimate to solid food after weaning and 1 group per ELTS treatment were tested simultaneously in each apparatus. Pigs were given 24 h to acclimate followed by a 24-h testing period. Behavior (active and inactive), posture (upright, sternal, and lateral lying), and location were documented every 20 min using instantaneous scan samples. Preferred feeding temperature was determined by the latency to empty a feeder in each location. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. A cubic regression model was used to calculate the peak temperature preference of pigs based on the temperature pigs spent most of their time. The preference range was calculated using peak temperature preference ±SE for each ELTS treatment group. Early life thermal stress altered where pigs spent most of their time within the thermal gradient (P = 0.03) with ELTN pigs preferring cooler temperatures (peak preference of 23.8 °C) compared with their ELCS exposed counterparts (peak preference of 26.0 °C; P < 0.01). However, ELHS exposed pigs (peak preference of 25.6 °C) did not differ in their temperature preference compared with ELTN or ELCS exposed counterparts (P > 0.05). In summary, ELCS exposure altered pig temperature preference later in life indicating that ELTS can alter temperature preference in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Robbins
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Angela R Green-Miller
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Jay S Johnson
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Brianna N Gaskill
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Corbett RJ, Luttman AM, Wurtz KE, Siegford JM, Raney NE, Ford LM, Ernst CW. Weaning Induces Stress-Dependent DNA Methylation and Transcriptional Changes in Piglet PBMCs. Front Genet 2021; 12:633564. [PMID: 33613645 PMCID: PMC7893110 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.633564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes to the epigenome, including those to DNA methylation, have been proposed as mechanisms by which stress can induce long-term physiological changes in livestock species. Pig weaning is associated with dietary and social stress, both of which elicit an immune response and changes to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. While differential methylation following stress has been assessed in model organisms, it remains poorly understood how the pig methylome is altered by stressors in production settings. We quantified changes in CpG methylation and transcript abundance in piglet peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following weaning and also assessed differential patterns in pigs exhibiting high and low stress response as measured by cortisol concentration and lesion scores. Blood was collected from nine gilt piglets 24 h before and after weaning, and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-sequencing were performed on six and nine animals, respectively, at both time points. We identified 2,674 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that were enriched within promoters of genes associated with lymphocyte stimulation and transcriptional regulation. Stress groups displayed unique differential methylation and expression patterns associated with activation and suppression of T cell immunity in low and high stress animals, respectively. Differential methylation was strongly associated with differential expression; specifically, upregulated genes were enriched among hypomethylated genes. We observed post-weaning hypermethylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) promoter and a significant decrease in NR3C1 expression (n = 9, p = 6.1 × 10–3). Our results indicate that weaning-associated stress elicits genome-wide methylation changes associated with differential gene expression, reduced T cell activation, and an altered HPA axis response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Corbett
- Genetics and Genome Sciences Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Andrea M Luttman
- Genetics and Genome Sciences Graduate Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kaitlin E Wurtz
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Janice M Siegford
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Nancy E Raney
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Laura M Ford
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Catherine W Ernst
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Effects of Feed Removal during Acute Heat Stress on the Cytokine Response and Short-Term Growth Performance in Finishing Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010205. [PMID: 33467772 PMCID: PMC7830497 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The study objective was to evaluate the effects of feed removal during acute heat stress (HS) on the cytokine response and its short-term effect on growth performance in finishing pigs. Thirty-two pigs (93.29 ± 3.14 kg initial body weight; 50% barrows and 50% gilts) were subjected to thermoneutral (TN; 23.47 ± 0.10 °C; n = 16 pigs) or HS (cycling of 25 to 36 °C; n = 16 pigs) conditions for 24 h. Within each temperature treatment, 50% of the pigs were provided with feed (AF; n = 8 pigs/temperature treatment) and 50% of the pigs had no feed access (NF; n = 8 pigs/temperature treatment). Following the 24 h temperature and feeding treatment (TF) period, all pigs had ad libitum access to feed and water and were maintained under TN conditions for 6 d. During the first 12 h of the TF period, gastrointestinal (TGI) and skin (Tsk) temperatures were recorded every 30 min. Serum cytokines were determined at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h during the TF period and on Days 3 and 6 of the post-TF period. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake were measured on Days 1, 3, and 6 of the post-TF period. Behavioral data were collected from Days 1 to 6 of the post-TF period. Heat stress increased (p < 0.02) the TGI and Tsk. During the post-TF period, interleukin-1α was greater (p < 0.01) in HS + NF compared to HS + AF and TN + NF pigs. From Days 1 to 2 of the post-TF period, the ADG was reduced (p < 0.01) in TN + AF compared to HS + AF, HS + NF, and TN + NF pigs. In conclusion, feed removal during an acute HS challenge did not reduce the cytokine response or improve short-term growth performance in finishing pigs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Maskal JM, Duttlinger AW, Kpodo KR, McConn BR, Byrd CJ, Richert BT, Marchant-Forde JN, Lay DC, Perry SD, Lucy MC, Safranski TJ, Johnson JS. Evaluation and mitigation of the effects of in utero heat stress on piglet growth performance, postabsorptive metabolism, and stress response following weaning and transport. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5896567. [PMID: 32835367 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero heat stress (IUHS) increases the energy requirements of pigs during postnatal life, and this may compound weaning and transport stress. The study objective was to evaluate and mitigate the negative effects of IUHS following weaning and transport through the provision of a nutrient-dense (ND) nursery diet formulated to meet the greater energy requirements of IUHS pigs during the first 14 d postweaning and transport. Twenty-four pregnant gilts were exposed to thermoneutral (TN; n = 12; 17.5 ± 2.1 °C) or heat stress (HS; n = 12; cycling 26 to 36 °C) conditions for the first half of gestation (day 6 to 59) and then TN conditions (20.9 ± 2.3 °C) until farrowing. Nine TN gilts and 12 HS gilts produced litters. At weaning (16.2 ± 0.4 d), mixed-sex piglets (N = 160; 4.78 ± 0.15 kg body weight [BW]) were transported (loading + transport + unloading) for 11 h 40 min. Following transport, piglets were blocked into pens (n = 4 pigs/pen) by in utero and dietary treatments: in utero thermoneutral (IUTN) + control (C) diet (n = 10 pens), IUTN + ND (n = 10 pens), IUHS + C (n = 10 pens), and IUHS + ND (n = 10 pens). Treatment diets were fed from day 1 to 14 postweaning and transport (period 1), and the C diet was fed to all pigs from day 14 to 35 postweaning and transport (period 2). Production measures were taken in 7 d intervals to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily net energy intake (ADEI), gain:feed, and gain:net energy intake. Blood samples were collected prior to transport, following transport, and on days 2, 7, 14, 28, and 35 postweaning and transport to analyze cortisol, glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acids. Behavior was assessed through video-recording on days 3, 5, 8, 11, and 13 postweaning and transport. In period 1, ADG was reduced (P = 0.04; 20.0 g/d) in IUHS vs. IUTN pigs. Pigs fed ND diets had reduced ADFI (P = 0.02; 9.3%) compared with C diet-fed pigs during period 1, which resulted in similar ADEI (P = 0.23; 1,115 ± 35 kcal/d). During transport, cortisol was decreased (P = 0.03; 25.8%) in IUHS vs. IUTN pigs. On day 2, glucose was decreased (P = 0.01; 13.8%) in IUHS vs. IUTN pigs. No in utero treatment-related behavior differences were observed but lying was reduced (P = 0.03; 6.5%) and standing was increased (P = 0.04; 14.1%) in ND vs. C pigs overall. In summary, IUHS reduced growth performance in pigs following weaning and transport, and providing an ND diet did not rescue the lost performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Maskal
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Alan W Duttlinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Kouassi R Kpodo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Betty R McConn
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
| | | | - Brian T Richert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | | | - Donald C Lay
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Shelbi D Perry
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Matthew C Lucy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Tim J Safranski
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Jay S Johnson
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fundamental Concepts of Human Thermoregulation and Adaptation to Heat: A Review in the Context of Global Warming. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217795. [PMID: 33114437 PMCID: PMC7662600 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The international community has recognized global warming as an impending catastrophe that poses significant threat to life on earth. In response, the signatories of the Paris Agreement (2015) have committed to limit the increase in global mean temperature to <1.5 °C from pre-industry period, which is defined as 1850–1890. Considering that the protection of human life is a central focus in the Paris Agreement, the naturally endowed properties of the human body to protect itself from environmental extremes should form the core of an integrated and multifaceted solution against global warming. Scholars believe that heat and thermoregulation played important roles in the evolution of life and continue to be a central mechanism that allows humans to explore, labor and live in extreme conditions. However, the international effort against global warming has focused primarily on protecting the environment and on the reduction of greenhouse gases by changing human behavior, industrial practices and government policies, with limited consideration given to the nature and design of the human thermoregulatory system. Global warming is projected to challenge the limits of human thermoregulation, which can be enhanced by complementing innate human thermo-plasticity with the appropriate behavioral changes and technological innovations. Therefore, the primary aim of this review is to discuss the fundamental concepts and physiology of human thermoregulation as the underlying bases for human adaptation to global warming. Potential strategies to extend human tolerance against environmental heat through behavioral adaptations and technological innovations will also be discussed. An important behavioral adaptation postulated by this review is that sleep/wake cycles would gravitate towards a sub-nocturnal pattern, especially for outdoor activities, to avoid the heat in the day. Technologically, the current concept of air conditioning the space in the room would likely steer towards the concept of targeted body surface cooling. The current review was conducted using materials that were derived from PubMed search engine and the personal library of the author. The PubMed search was conducted using combinations of keywords that are related to the theme and topics in the respective sections of the review. The final set of articles selected were considered “state of the art,” based on their contributions to the strength of scientific evidence and novelty in the domain knowledge on human thermoregulation and global warming.
Collapse
|
12
|
Li H, He Y, Zhang C, Ba T, Guo Z, Zhuo Y, He L, Dai H. NOX1 down-regulation attenuated the autophagy and oxidative damage in pig intestinal epithelial cell following transcriptome analysis of transport stress. Gene 2020; 763:145071. [PMID: 32827682 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The previous study indicated that transport stress resulted in oxidative damage and autophagy/mitophagy elevation, companied by NOX1 over- expression in the jejunal tissues of pigs. However, the transportation-related gene expression profile and NOX1 function in intestine remain to be explicated. In the current study, differentially expressed genes involved in PI3K-Akt and NF-κB pathways, oxidative stress and autophagy process have been identified in pig jejunal tissues after transcriptome analysis following transportation. The physiological functions of NOX1 down-regulation were explored against oxidative damage and excessive autophagy in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-1) following NOX1 inhibitor ML171 and H2O2 treatments. NOX1 down-regulation could decrease the content of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and up-regulate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential and content were restored, and the expressions of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1 and ZO-1) were also increased. Additionally, NOX1 inhibitior could down-regulate the expression of autophagy-associated proteins (ATG5, LC3, p62), accompanied by activating SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. NOX1 down-regulation might alleviate oxidative stress-induced mitochondria damage and intestinal mucosal injury via modulating excessive autophagy and SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. The data will shed light on the molecular mechanism of NOX1 on intestine oxidative damage following pig transportation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huari Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yulong He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Tongtong Ba
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zeheng Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yisha Zhuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lihua He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hanchuan Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1 Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kpodo KR, Duttlinger AW, Maskal JM, Johnson JS. Effects of feed removal on thermoregulation and intestinal morphology in pigs recovering from acute hyperthermia. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5724263. [PMID: 32020198 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed consumption increases body temperature and may delay a return to euthermia and exacerbate intestinal injury following acute hyperthermia recovery in pigs. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the effects of feed removal on body temperature and intestinal morphology in pigs exposed to acute hyperthermia and then rapidly cooled. Twenty-four gilts (78.53 ± 5.46 kg) were exposed to thermoneutral (TN; n = 12 pigs; 21.21 ± 0.31 °C; 61.88 ± 6.93% RH) conditions for 6 h, or heat stress (HS; 38.51 ± 0.60 °C; 36.38 ± 3.40% RH) conditions for 3 h followed by a 3-h recovery period of rapid cooling (HSC;n = 12 pigs; TN conditions and cold water dousing). Within each recovery treatment, one-half of the pigs were provided feed ad libitum (AF; n = 6 pigs per recovery treatment) and one-half of the pigs were not provided feed (NF; n = 6 pigs per recovery treatment). Gastrointestinal (TGI), vaginal (TV), and skin (TSK) temperatures and respiration rate (RR) were recorded every 15 min. Pigs were video-recorded to assess feeding and drinking attempts. Immediately following the 6-h thermal stress period, pigs were euthanized, and intestinal samples were collected to assess morphology. During the HS period, Tv, TGI, TSK, and RR were increased (P < 0.01; 1.63, 2.05, 8.32 °C, and 88 breaths per min, respectively) in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. Gastrointestinal temperature was greater (P = 0.03; 0.97 °C) in HSC + AF vs. HSC + NF pigs from 45 to 180 min of the recovery period. During the recovery period, feeding attempts were greater (P = 0.02; 195.38%) in AF vs. NF pigs. No drinking attempt differences were detected with any comparison (P > 0.05). A decrease (P < 0.01) in jejunum and ileum villus height (24.72% and 26.11%, respectively) and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (24.03% and 25.29%, respectively) was observed in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. Ileum goblet cells were reduced (P = 0.01; 37.87%) in HSC vs. TN pigs, regardless of feeding treatment. In summary, TGI decreased more rapidly following acute hyperthermia when the feed was removed, and this may have implications toward using feed removal as a strategy to promote acute hyperthermia recovery in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kouassi R Kpodo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.,Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Alan W Duttlinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.,Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Jacob M Maskal
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.,Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Jay S Johnson
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nord A, Giroud S. Lifelong Effects of Thermal Challenges During Development in Birds and Mammals. Front Physiol 2020; 11:419. [PMID: 32523540 PMCID: PMC7261927 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Before they develop competent endothermy, mammals and birds are sensitive to fluctuating temperature. It follows that early life thermal environment can trigger changes to the ontogeny of thermoregulatory control. At the ecological level, we have incomplete knowledge of how such responses affect temperature tolerance later in life. In some cases, changes to pre- and postnatal temperature prime an organism's capacity to meet a corresponding thermal environment in adulthood. However, in other cases, developmental temperature seems to constrain temperature tolerance later in life. The timing, duration, and severity of a thermal challenge will determine whether its impact is ameliorating or constraining. However, the effects influencing the transition between these states remain poorly understood, particularly in mammals and during the postnatal period. As climate change is predicted to bring more frequent spells of extreme temperature, it is relevant to ask under which circumstances developmental thermal conditions predispose or constrain animals' capacity to deal with temperature variation. Increasingly stochastic weather also implies increasingly decoupled early- and late-life thermal environments. Hence, there is a pressing need to understand better how developmental temperature impacts thermoregulatory responses to matched and mismatched thermal challenges in subsequent life stages. Here, we summarize studies on how the thermal environment before, and shortly after, birth affects the ontogeny of thermoregulation in birds and mammals, and outline how this might carry over to temperature tolerance in adulthood. We also identify key points that need addressing to understand how effects of temperature variation during development may facilitate or constrain thermal adaptation over a lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Nord
- Section for Evolutionary Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sylvain Giroud
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
In utero heat stress alters postnatal phenotypes in swine. Theriogenology 2020; 154:110-119. [PMID: 32540511 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal environment influences offspring health and development, and this is readily apparent when considering the well-described effects of maternal nutrition and stress on the postnatal metabolism, neural function, and stress response of progeny. Moreover, in laboratory species, sheep, and humans, the effects of in utero heat stress on offspring development have been described in detail for >50 years. Despite our extensive knowledge of the postnatal phenotypes elicited by in utero stressors, the carryover effects of in utero heat stress in pigs have only recently begun to be elucidated. The effects of climate change on increasing global temperatures, combined with greater metabolic heat production in modern swine, has increased heat stress susceptibility in pigs. Greater heat stress susceptibility can negatively affect swine welfare and performance and may impact future generations of pigs through in utero heat stress. Pigs exposed to in utero heat stress develop a variety of postnatal phenotypes that prevent profitable production, and compromise health, and welfare in commercial production systems. Specifically, in utero heat stress alters the postnatal stress response, core body temperature, response to an immune challenge, and is teratogenic. In addition, in utero heat stress changes postnatal body composition through reduced lean and increased adipose tissue accretion rates, respectively. Furthermore, in utero heat stress reduces piglet birth weight, body weight gain, and reproductive efficiency. Although the economic impact of in utero heat stress in pigs has yet to be determined, it likely rivals the postnatal consequences of heat stress and is a threat to the global sustainability of swine production.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bi C, Yin J, Yang W, Shi B, Shan A. Effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid supplementation on antioxidant status, blood hormones and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs undergoing transport stress. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 104:590-596. [PMID: 31867827 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural nonprotein amino acid distributed in animals, plants and microbes. GABA is an inhibiting neurotransmitter which takes great effect in mammalian central nervous system. We carried out the research to study the influence of GABA on blood hormone concentrations, antioxidant status and meat quality in fattening pigs after transportation. The 72 pigs with a starting weight of approximately 32.67 ± 0.62 kg were randomly allocated to 2 groups based on dietary treatments, containing 6 replicates with 6 pigs in each. The pigs were fed dietary supplementation of GABA (0 or 30 mg/kg of diets) for 74 days. Twelve pigs were randomly selected from each group and assigned to the either 1 hr of transport (T group) or no transport (N group), resulting in two-factor factorial design. Compared to the control, GABA supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) (p < .01) and decreased feed-gain ratio (F/G) (p < .05). The pH45 min was lower and drip loss was greater in the longissimus muscles (LM) of post-slaughter of transported pigs (p < .05). The pH45 min of 0/T group (group with 0 mg/kg GABA and transport) was significantly lower than the pH45 min of the 30/T group (diet × transport; p < .05). GABA supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentration (p < .05) before transportation. Following transport, pigs fed GABA had decreased concentrations of serum malonaldehyde (MDA), adrenal cortical hormone and cortisol (p < .05). The results indicate that feeding GABA significantly increased the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. The transportation model negatively impacted meat quality, antioxidant indexes and hormone parameters, but dietary supplementation of GABA could suppress the rise of drip loss of LM, ACTH and COR and suppress the drop of pH45 min of LM after transportation stress in growing-finishing pigs. Feeding GABA alleviated transportation stress in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chongpeng Bi
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiajia Yin
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Baoming Shi
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Duttlinger AW, Kpodo KR, Lay DC, Richert BT, Johnson JS. Replacing dietary antibiotics with 0.20% l-glutamine in swine nursery diets: impact on health and productivity of pigs following weaning and transport1,2,3. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:2035-2052. [PMID: 30924491 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic use has been limited in U.S. swine production. Therefore, the objective was to determine whether supplementing l-glutamine at cost-effective levels can replace dietary antibiotics to improve piglet welfare and productivity following weaning and transport. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that withholding dietary antibiotics would negatively affect pigs while diet supplementation with 0.20% l-glutamine (GLN) would have similar effects on pig performance and health as antibiotics. Mixed sex piglets (N = 480; 5.62 ± 0.06 kg BW) were weaned (18.4 ± 0.2 d of age) and transported for 12 h in central Indiana, for 2 replicates, during the summer of 2016 and the spring of 2017. Pigs were blocked by BW and allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 10 pens/dietary treatment/replicate [8 pigs/pen]); antibiotics (A; chlortetracycline [441 ppm] + tiamulin [38.6 ppm]), no antibiotics (NA), or GLN fed for 14 d. On days 15 to 34, pigs were provided common antibiotic-free diets in 2 phases. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Day 14 BW and days 0 to 14 ADG were greater (P = 0.01) for A (5.6% and 18.5%, respectively) and GLN pigs (3.8% and 11.4%, respectively) compared with NA pigs, with no differences between A and GLN pigs. Days 0 to 14 ADFI increased for A (P < 0.04; 9.3%) compared with NA pigs; however, no differences were detected when comparing GLN with A and NA pigs. Once dietary treatments ceased, no differences (P > 0.05) in productivity between dietary treatments were detected. On day 13, plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was reduced (P = 0.02) in A (36.7 ± 6.9 pg/mL) and GLN pigs (40.9 ± 6.9 pg/mL) vs. NA pigs (63.2 ± 6.9 pg/mL). Aggressive behavior tended to be reduced overall (P = 0.09; 26.4%) in GLN compared with A pigs, but no differences were observed between A and GLN vs. NA pigs. Huddling, active, and eating/drinking behaviors were increased overall (P < 0.02; 179%, 37%, and 29%, respectively) in the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. When hot carcass weight (HCW) was used as a covariate, loin depth and lean percentage were increased (P = 0.01; 4.0% and 1.1%, respectively) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. In conclusion, GLN supplementation improved pig performance and health after weaning and transport similarly to A across replicates; however, the positive effects of A and GLN were diminished when dietary treatments ceased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan W Duttlinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.,USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Kouassi R Kpodo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.,USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Donald C Lay
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Brian T Richert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Jay S Johnson
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Johnson JS, Baumgard LH. PHYSIOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Postnatal consequences of in utero heat stress in pigs. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:962-971. [PMID: 30534960 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal heat stress negatively impacts pig productivity and well-being as animals attempt to manage the resultant strain response. This is especially true when postnatal heat stress is combined with production stressors (e.g., mixing, weaning, transport, handling, and isolation) that have the potential to increase disease occurrence, morbidity and mortality. While pigs can utilize adaptive physiological mechanisms to compensate, these are often unfavorable to efficient livestock production. Specifically, postnatal heat stress decreases weight gain, reduces growth and production efficiency, alters carcass composition, and increases morbidity and mortality. Consequently, decreased animal performance constrains profitability and affects economic sustainability. In addition to the negative effects of postnatal heat stress, prenatal heat stress has long-term consequences that may compromise future piglet well-being and performance. Pigs gestated under heat stress conditions have an increased postnatal stress response and an increase in maintenance energy requirements. Furthermore, prenatal heat stress decreases swine birth weight, and increases teratogenicity, core body temperature set-point, and alters postnatal body composition (more adipose tissue and less skeletal muscle). Taken together, the effects of heat stress during pre- and postnatal pig development negatively influences productivity and well-being, a scenario that threatens the sustainability of global swine production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay S Johnson
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| | | |
Collapse
|