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van Staaveren N, Pessoa J, Boyle LA, Calderón Díaz JA. Description of patterns of ear and tail lesions during the grower-finisher period in a commercial pig farm. Porcine Health Manag 2024; 10:23. [PMID: 38937857 PMCID: PMC11210170 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-024-00374-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ear and tail lesions are prevalent indicators of impaired welfare observed in pig production with different multifactorial causes. Understanding the progression of ear and tail lesions over time is important to implement preventative strategies on commercial pig farms. Therefore, this case study aimed to provide a detailed account of patterns of ear and tail lesions in pigs on a single commercial farm during the grower-finisher period. CASE PRESENTATION A total of 1,676 12-week old pigs (n = 773 females and n = 903 males, all tail docked) were followed from arrival to the grower facilities until transferred to the finisher stage on a commercial pig farm in Ireland. Pigs were individually weighed and inspected for the severity of fresh ear and tail lesions (score 0-4) on transfer to the first grower (24.9 ± 5.33 kg, 12 weeks of age, n = 1,676 pigs), second grower (33.3 ± 7.04 kg, 14 weeks of age, n = 1,641 pigs), and finisher stage (60.2 ± 7.74 kg, 18 weeks of age, n = 1,626 pigs). Due to the low number of pigs with high scores, ear lesions were classified as no (score 0), mild (score 1), moderate (score 2) and severe (score ≥ 3) and tail lesions were classified as no (score 0), mild (score 1), and moderate-to-severe (score ≥ 2). Ear lesions were more prevalent than tail lesions at each inspection. There were approx. 19% of pigs with ear lesions at all three inspections but no pigs presented with tail lesions at all three inspections. When considering the specific severity categories, we observed 32 different ear lesion score combinations and 15 different tail lesion score combinations across the three inspections. CONCLUSION The high number of observed patterns of ear and tail lesions suggest large individual variability in lesion progression. Ear lesions were more of an issue than tail lesions and little is known about this health and welfare problem indicating that further research into causes and management strategies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Joana Pessoa
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, Kemitorvet 204, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, Fermoy, Ireland.
| | - Julia Adriana Calderón Díaz
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork, Fermoy, Ireland
- PIC Europe, Sant Cugat del Valles, C/Pau Vila, 22 2o piso, Barcelona, 08174, Spain
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Boulbria G, Nicolazo T, Teixeira-Costa C, Clouard C, Lebret A, Normand V, Chevance C, Jeusselin J, Merlot É. Porcine ear necrosis is associated with social behaviours in weaned piglets. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:118. [PMID: 38521914 PMCID: PMC10960443 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03974-4] [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] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) is a worldwide health issue and its aetiology is still unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and the severity of PEN in a commercial farm, associated with pig behaviour and health biomarkers measures. On two consecutive batches, PEN prevalence was determined at the pen level. PEN scores, blood haptoglobin concentration and oxidative status were measured on two pigs per pen (n = 48 pens) 9, 30 and 50 days (D) after arrival to the post-weaning unit. Social nosing, oral manipulation and aggression of pen mates and exploration of enrichment materials were observed on two to three pigs per pen twice a week from D9 to D50. RESULTS At the pen level, the higher the time spent nosing pen mates, the lower the percentage of pigs affected by PEN during both the early and the late post-weaning periods (P < 0.002) and, in the opposite, the higher the time spent orally manipulating pen mates during the late post-weaning period, the higher the percentage of affected pigs (P = 0.03). At the pig level, the higher the increase in hydroperoxides and haptoglobin during the early post-weaning period, the higher the PEN scores on D30 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a high incidence of social nosing, which can be an indicator of good social cohesion in a group, was significantly associated with less frequent lesions of PEN. In opposite, high incidence of oral manipulation of pen mates may increase the percentage of PEN-affected pigs. According to these observations, PEN is a multifactorial condition which may have social causes among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaël Boulbria
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France.
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France.
| | - Théo Nicolazo
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
| | - Charlotte Teixeira-Costa
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
| | - Caroline Clouard
- PEGASE, INRAE, Institut Agro, Le Clos, Saint Gilles, 35590, France
| | - Arnaud Lebret
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
| | - Valérie Normand
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
| | - Céline Chevance
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
| | - Justine Jeusselin
- REZOOLUTION Pig Consulting Services, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
- PORC.SPECTIVE Swine Vet Practice, Parc d'Activités de Gohélève, Rue Joseph et Étienne Montgolfier, Noyal-Pontivy, 56920, France
| | - Élodie Merlot
- PEGASE, INRAE, Institut Agro, Le Clos, Saint Gilles, 35590, France
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Hansen ML, Jensen TB, Kristensen CS, Larsen I, Pedersen KS. Umbilical outpouchings in Danish piglets and weaners: prevalence and clinical characteristics-a cross-sectional study at herd level. Porcine Health Manag 2024; 10:3. [PMID: 38218966 PMCID: PMC10788040 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00352-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Umbilical outpouchings (UO) in pigs present a welfare concern because of ulceration risk and complications. Danish legislation requires pigs with larger UOs to be housed in sick pens with soft bedding, and some UO pigs might not be suited for transport. Because of this, many UO pigs are euthanized, adding to the costs of pig production. The true prevalence of UO is unknown as no scientific reports with randomly sampled herds exist. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of UO in Danish piglets and weaners and describe their clinical characteristics: size, texture, reducibility, and occurrence of ulcers. Lastly, risk factors for the occurrence of ulcers on UOs were investigated. RESULTS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 Danish conventional herds, with at least 800 weaned pigs and 200 sows. The herds were selected randomly from the Danish Husbandry Register and visited once between September 2020 and May 2021. Piglets were examined during their last week in the farrowing unit, and weaners were examined between weeks three and eight after weaning. The abdominal area was palpated on all pigs, and all irregularities were recorded; the results presented are umbilical outpouchings measuring at least 2 × 2 cm. The within-herd prevalence of piglets with UO averaged 4.2% with a range from 0.8 to 13.6% between herds. The within-herd prevalence of weaners with UO averaged 2.9%, ranging from 1.0 to 5.3% between herds. Approximately 80% of the UOs were classified as small or medium (< 7 cm piglets/ < 11cm weaners). Large outpouchings had significantly higher odds of ulcer occurrence (OR = 9.9, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION UOs are common in Denmark, with a prevalence of 2.9% in weaners and an estimated annual production of 32 million Danish pigs almost a million pigs are affected yearly. Most of these pigs will have a small or medium UO. If the pigs have large UOs the odds of ulcer occurrence increase significantly. Numerous of these pigs are wasted, challenging sustainability and economy. UOs might also affect the welfare of the pigs. More research is therefore needed, especially in the prevention of UOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louise Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Inge Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Ken Steen Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Ø-Vet A/S, Køberupvej 33, 4700, Næstved, Denmark
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Yang H, Wang L, Yin L, Tang Z, Wang Z, Liu X, Xiang T, Yu M, Liu X, Li C. Searching for new signals for susceptibility to umbilical hernia through genome-wide association analysis in three pig breeds. Anim Genet 2023; 54:798-802. [PMID: 37705280 DOI: 10.1111/age.13347] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Umbilical hernia (UH) is a prevalent congenital disorder in pigs, resulting in considerable economic losses and severe animal welfare issues. In the present study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the GeneSeek 50K Chip in 2777 pigs (Duroc, n = 1267; Landrace, n = 696; and Yorkshire, n = 814) to explore the candidate genes underlying the risk of umbilical hernia in pigs. After quality control analyses, 2748 animals and 48 524 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were retained for subsequent GWAS analysis using the FarmCPU model. The heritability of umbilical hernias was estimated to 0.51 ± 0.04, indicating a reasonable basis for investigating genetic markers associated with this disorder. We identified 54 SNPs and 517 candidate genes that showed significant associations with susceptibility to umbilical hernia across the combined population of the three pig breeds. Gene enrichment analyses highlighted several crucial pathways for platelet degranulation, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels and ion transport. These findings provide further insights into the underlying genetic architecture of umbilical hernias in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lilin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenshuang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangxu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education and College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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5
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Eriksen EØ, Nielsen JP, Agerlin MV, Christensen AE, Pedersen KS. Easy and reliable assessment of the prevalence of porcine post-weaning diarrhoea. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106041. [PMID: 37866129 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhoea is a condition of increasing importance due to recent restrictions and bans on the preventive use of antimicrobials and medicinal zinc oxide. For various purposes, it is valuable to monitor the occurrence of post-weaning diarrhoea. The aim of this paper was to propose a protocol for easy and reliable assessment of the prevalence of post-weaning diarrhoea within a section of pigs as an alternative to clinical examination of a random sample of pigs. Two datasets were collected in two different observational field investigations, including more than 4000 individual clinical examinations of newly weaned pigs. First we identified a clinical marker for post-weaning diarrhoea. Second, we drew samples by simulation from our two dataset using different simplified sampling strategies and compared these to conventional random sampling strategies. The prediction error for estimates of the diarrhoea prevalence within a section was compared for the different sampling strategies. The study showed that pigs with diarrhoea had an increased risk of displaying diarrheic soiling of the hind part as well as dull, long, and bristly hair coat, and possibly also hollow flanks and a suboptimal body condition score. Diarrheic soiling of the hind part was the best clinical predictor of diarrhoea; our best estimate of the diagnostic sensitivity was 76.1% (95% credible interval: 72.0, 79.8), and the specificity was 97.1% (95% credible interval: 96.5 0.97.7). Diarrheic soiling of the hind is only a valid clinical predictor of diarrhoea for the first 14 days after insertion into the nursery unit. The precision and accuracy of prevalence estimates were similar for haphazard sampling compared to random sampling of the pigs. Likewise, sampling from a restricted number of pens produced prediction errors similar to sampling across all pens. Yet, the study had limitations regarding sample sizes, and furthermore it is difficult to provide certainty for absence of effects. We recommend sampling pigs haphazardly within at least three randomly selected pens for post-weaning diarrhoea prevalence surveys in order to easily obtain a reliable prevalence estimate. Based on our findings, we conclude the paper by proposing a simple four-step protocol for surveys of the within-section prevalence of post-weaning diarrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esben Østergaard Eriksen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Marianne Viuf Agerlin
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Anja Ejlersgård Christensen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Ø-VetA/S, Køberupvej 33, 4700 Næstved, Denmark
| | - Ken Steen Pedersen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Ø-VetA/S, Køberupvej 33, 4700 Næstved, Denmark
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Costa GL, Spadola F, Di Pietro S, Nava V, Licata P, Giudice E, Leonardi F, Bruno F, Messina L, Macrì F, Macrì D, Ferrantelli V, Tabbì M, Interlandi C. Tramadol vs. Lidocaine Administered Intraperitoneally and in Incisional Lines for the Intraoperative and Postoperative Pain Management of Romifidine-Telazol-Anesthetized Swine Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2905. [PMID: 37760305 PMCID: PMC10525986 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182905] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of tramadol and lidocaine for local anesthesia during umbilical hernia repair in swine. The study was performed on 66 large white crossbred swine. The swine received a mixture of tiletamine/zolazepam at 5 mg/kg and romifidine at 80 µg/kg, administered intramuscularly. Then, they were divided into three groups (n = 22) that received different treatments with lidocaine at 4 mg/kg and tramadol at 4 mg/kg. The LL group received lidocaine both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. The LT group received lidocaine by infiltration of the surgical planes and tramadol intraperitoneally. The TT group received tramadol both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. In all groups, the infiltration of the surgical planes into the umbilical region involved both the skin and muscle planes. Heart rate, noninvasive arterial blood pressure, and respiratory frequency were recorded during surgery. The response to the surgical stimulus was evaluated using a cumulative pain scale (the cut-off point for rescue analgesia was set to 10). Postoperative pain was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (the cut-off point was set to 4). The trend of physiological variables was adequate for patients under anesthesia. No subject required intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia. Tramadol could therefore be used for pain management in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Lucrezia Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Filippo Spadola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Vincenzo Nava
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Patrizia Licata
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Fabio Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Fabio Bruno
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Laura Messina
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Daniele Macrì
- Zooprophylactic Institute, Via Gino Marinuzzi 4, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Ferrantelli
- Zooprophylactic Institute, Via Gino Marinuzzi 4, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (D.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Marco Tabbì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
| | - Claudia Interlandi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Palatucci Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (F.S.); (S.D.P.); (V.N.); (P.L.); (E.G.); (F.B.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (C.I.)
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7
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Barington K, Eriksen EØ, Kudirkiene E, Pankoke K, Hartmann KT, Hansen MS, Jensen HE, Blirup-Plum SA, Jørgensen BM, Nielsen JP, Olsen JE, Goecke NB, Larsen LE, Pedersen KS. Lesions and pathogens found in pigs that died during the nursery period in five Danish farms. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:26. [PMID: 37264473 PMCID: PMC10234047 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00319-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosing and treatment of diseases in pigs are important to maintain animal welfare, food safety and productivity. At the same time antimicrobial resistance is increasing, and therefore, antibiotic treatment should be reserved for individuals with a bacterial infection. The aim of the study was to investigate gross and histological lesions and related pathogens in pigs that died during the nursery period in five Danish farms. In addition, high throughput, real-time qPCR monitoring of specific porcine pathogens in fecal sock and oral fluid samples were carried out to investigate the between-farm and between-batch variation in the occurrence of pathogens. RESULTS Twenty-five batches of nursery pigs from five intensive, indoor herds were followed from weaning (approximately four weeks) to the end of nursery (seven to eight weeks post weaning). Gross and histological evaluation of 238 dead and 30 euthanized pigs showed the highest prevalence of lesions in the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and joints. Gross and histological diagnoses of lung and joint lesions agreed in 46.5% and 62.2% of selected pigs, respectively. Bacteriological detection of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus suis or Staphylococcus aureus infections in joints, lungs and livers was confirmed as genuine infection on immunohistochemical staining in 11 out of 70 tissue sections. The real-time qPCR analysis of pooled samples showed that most pathogens detected in feces and in oral fluid in general followed the same shedding patterns in consecutive batches within herds. CONCLUSIONS Gross assessment should be supplemented with a histopathological assessment especially when diagnosing lesions in the lungs and joints. Moreover, microbiological detection of pathogens should optimally be followed up by in situ identification to confirm causality. Furthermore, routine necropsies can reveal gastric lesions that may warrant a change in management. Real-time qPCR testing of fecal sock samples and oral fluid samples may be used to monitor the infections in the individual herd and testing one batch seems to have a good predictive value for subsequent batches within a herd. Overall, optimal diagnostic protocols will provide a more substantiated prescription of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiane Barington
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Esben Østergaard Eriksen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Egle Kudirkiene
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Karen Pankoke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Katrine Top Hartmann
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Mette Sif Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Elvang Jensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Sophie Amalie Blirup-Plum
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Benjamin Meyer Jørgensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - John Elmerdahl Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Nicole Bakkegård Goecke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Ken Steen Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Ø-Vet A/S, Køberupvej 33, 4700 Næstved, Denmark
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8
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Lemos Teixeira D, Salazar LC, Enriquez-Hidalgo D, Hötzel MJ. Pigs' capacity to experience feelings and to suffer from tail lesion, ear lesion and lameness: Exploring citizens and pig farm and abattoir workers' knowledge and perceptions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286188. [PMID: 37228150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to gain insight into the perceptions of pig farm and abattoir workers as well as lay citizens regarding (1) sentience and (2) positive (intelligent and friendly) and negative (gluttonous, stubborn and dirty) attributes of pigs. We also aimed to investigate the (3) knowledge and perceptions of pig farm and abattoir workers on tail lesion, ear lesion and lameness in pigs and (4) the opinion of lay citizens regarding the likelihood of tail lesions, ear lesions, and lameness causing suffering in pigs and affecting meat quality. Chilean pig farm workers (n = 116), pig abattoir workers (n = 95), and lay citizens (n = 708) were invited on farm, at the abattoir and in public places, respectively, to participate in a survey. Answers were indicated using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = totally disagree; 4 = totally agree). Data were analysed using generalized linear models, including recruitment place and socio-demographic data as predictor variables. Female and lay citizens attributed pigs a higher capacity to experience feelings than male participants and pig farm and abattoir workers (p < 0.05). Lay citizens and workers recruited on farm described pigs as being more intelligent and friendly than those workers recruited at the abattoir (p < 0.001); recruitment place and sex were not associated with participants' perception regarding negative attributes of pigs (p > 0.05). Most lay citizens considered that tail lesions, ear lesions and lameness are likely to cause suffering in pigs and older participants had higher odds of agreeing that tail and ear lesions are likely to affect meat quality (p < 0.05). Finally, the risk factors for tail lesion, ear lesions and lameness pointed out by pig farm and abattoir workers is in line with what has been suggested by experts. Our findings contribute to understand the perception and values of all stakeholders regarding animal welfare, as it is crucial to improve the sustainability of animal production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Lemos Teixeira
- Department of Animal and Agriculture, Hartpury University, Gloucester, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando, Chile
| | - Laura C Salazar
- Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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9
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Wozniak J, Loba W, Iskrzak P, Pszczola M, Wojtczak J, Switonski M, Nowacka‐Woszuk J. A confirmed association between
DNA
variants in
CAPN9
,
OSM
, and
ITGAM
candidate genes and the risk of umbilical hernia in pigs. Anim Genet 2023; 54:307-314. [PMID: 37128869 DOI: 10.1111/age.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most prevalent defects of swine, affecting their welfare and causing considerable economic loss. The molecular mechanisms behind UH in pigs remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to verify the association between UH and previously reported DNA variants in the CAPN9, OSM, ITGAM, and NUGGC genes. A case/control study design was applied in two different crossbred cohorts of commercial fatteners containing 412 and 171 pigs, respectively. SNPs within CAPN9, OSM, and ITGAM were analyzed using Sanger sequencing, and 10 SNPs in CAPN9, five in OSM, and two in ITGAM were identified. A structural variant in the NUGGC gene was studied by droplet-digital PCR, and an elevated copy number was detected in only a single individual. Significant differences in allele frequencies for four SNPs in CAPN9 were detected. The haplotype analysis showed the effect on the risk of UH for two genes. The CAGGA haplotype within OSM and AT haplotype in ITGAM reduced the relative risk of UH by 52% and 45%, respectively, confirming that variants in those genes are associated with the risk of UH in pigs. Moreover, the interaction between the CAPN9 haplotype and the sex of animals had also significant impact on UH risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Wozniak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding Poznan University of Life Sciences Poznan Poland
| | - W. Loba
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding Poznan University of Life Sciences Poznan Poland
| | | | - M. Pszczola
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding Poznan University of Life Sciences Poznan Poland
| | - J. Wojtczak
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assesment Poznan University of Life Sciences Suchy Las Poland
| | - M. Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding Poznan University of Life Sciences Poznan Poland
| | - J. Nowacka‐Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding Poznan University of Life Sciences Poznan Poland
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10
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Norring M, Ko HL, Valros A. Development of flank lesions in growing pigs after weaning: A case study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1070206. [PMID: 36713853 PMCID: PMC9878309 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1070206] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Flank lesions in pigs are a common yet poorly understood consequence of damaging social behavior. One group of pigs on a commercial farm with group lactation and late weaning, and with the history of flank lesions was studied. Skin lesions on the flanks, including linear and circular lesions, and tail lesions on 69 pigs were recorded six times during 5 weeks after weaning at the age of 9 weeks. Nosing behavior was scanned during six sessions with multiple scans. The associations of age, trunk whiteness, weight gain, sow parity, litter size, sex, and tail lesions with the number of circular and linear lesions were analyzed using linear mixed models. The number of linear lesions increased as pigs aged, and pigs with a higher weight gain had more linear lesions. Moreover, pigs with a whiter trunk color were scored with more lesions of both types. According to descriptive behavior data, nosing and biting behaviors were most frequent during weeks 2-4 after weaning at the age of 11-13 weeks. On average, seven circular flank lesions were found per pig during the experiment, at the age of 10-14 weeks. After the peak on day 17, their occurrence decreased. Skin lesion occurrence was related to a lighter skin color on the trunks of pigs. We recommend reporting skin color in connection with lesion scoring results. Nosing behavior and flank lesions both peaked from 2 to 4 weeks after weaning, suggesting that nosing behavior contributed to lesion development during this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Norring
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,*Correspondence: Marianna Norring ✉
| | - Heng-Lun Ko
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Animal and Food Science, School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Anna Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Spadola F, Neve VC, Interlandi CD, Spadaro A, Macrì F, Iannelli NM, Costa GL. Hernioplasty with Peritoneal Flap for the Surgical Treatment of Umbilical Hernia in Swine. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233240. [PMID: 36496761 PMCID: PMC9738760 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Umbilical hernia is one of the most common developmental defects in swine, producing large economic losses for farmers, forced to slaughter animals at a younger age and therefore at a lower weight to prevent fatal complications. This study describes a surgical technique to repair umbilical hernia through the use of autologous prostheses, allowing recovery of the affected animals; Methods: After a general examination of the swine and examination of the lesions, the swine were anesthetized and underwent surgery. The surgery was performed by combining the traditional herniorrhaphy with the inclusion and fixation of a peritoneal flap obtained from the incision of the same hernial sac; Results: Follow-ups were carried out at 7, 30 and 60 days and demonstrated healing in all of the treated subjects; Conclusions: The use of this surgical technique allows for providing resistance to herniorrhaphy performed through the use of a cost-free autologous biomaterial prosthesis, with excellent tissue compatibility. This might allow for reducing significantly the rate of relapses and eliminating the risk of rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Spadola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Veronica Cristina Neve
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(38)-0636-2561
| | - Claudia Dina Interlandi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Spadaro
- DVM Freelance, Via Risorgimento 6/D, 97015 Modica, Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Maria Iannelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lucrezia Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
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12
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Malik M, Schoos A, Chantziaras I, Donkers D, Croubels S, Doupovec B, Maes D. Porcine ear necrosis in weaned piglets: prevalence and impact on daily weight gain. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:61. [PMID: 34903306 PMCID: PMC8667406 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) in pigs is characterized by a blue to black discoloration of the tip or margin of the ear followed by necrosis. The present study investigated the prevalence of PEN in a Belgian pig farm with PEN problems in nursery pigs, the effect of a mycotoxin detoxifier added to the feed on PEN prevalence, and the impact of PEN on the piglets’ growth. Six consecutive batches of weaned piglets [565–751 piglets per batch, (n = 3898)] were included. For each weaning batch, the presence and severity of PEN during the nursery period (3–10 weeks of age) were recorded weekly. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated by weighing 597 individual piglets divided over the six batches. Additionally different mycotoxins were measured in the feed using LC–MS/MS analysis, and to three randomly selected batches, a mycotoxin detoxifier (Mycofix® Plus 5E, Biomin) was added to the feed. Results At the end of the nursery period, 11.0–32.0% of the piglets in each batch were affected. The prevalence increased with the number of weeks post-weaning, especially from week 4 after weaning onwards. Mild, moderate, severe and very severe lesions represented 84.6%, 14.0%, 1.3% and 0.1% of all lesions, respectively. Different mycotoxins were present in the feed, but all at low concentrations. The mean ADG (± SD) for pigs without (n = 243) and with (n = 158) lesions was 391 g (± 71 g) and 394 g (± 65 g), respectively (P > 0.05). The ADG for mildly affected (387 g ± 68 g) and moderately affected piglets (420 g ± 44 g) was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The PEN prevalence in the batches without or with the mycotoxin detoxifier was 25% and 22%, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusions Twenty-three percent of animals showed lesions at the end of the nursery. Affected pigs did not have a lower ADG compared to non-affected animals, which might be explained by the fact that most affected piglets only had mild lesions. The addition of a mycotoxin detoxifier did not influence the prevalence of PEN, possibly because of the low levels of mycotoxin contamination. Further research is warranted to assess the impact of more severe PEN lesions and the effect of control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Malik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Alexandra Schoos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dries Donkers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Dominiek Maes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Savoldi IR, Ibelli AMG, Cantão ME, Peixoto JDO, Pires MP, Mores MAZ, Lagos EB, Lopes JS, Zanella R, Ledur MC. A joint analysis using exome and transcriptome data identifiescandidate polymorphisms and genes involved with umbilical hernia in pigs. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:818. [PMID: 34773987 PMCID: PMC8590244 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Umbilical Hernia (UH) is characterized by the passage of part of the intestine through the umbilical canal forming the herniary sac. There are several potential causes that can lead to the umbilical hernia such as bacterial infections, management conditions and genetic factors. Since the genetic components involved with UH are poorly understood, this study aimed to identify polymorphisms and genes associated with the manifestation of umbilical hernia in pigs using exome and transcriptome sequencing in a case and control design. RESULTS In the exome sequencing, 119 variants located in 58 genes were identified differing between normal and UH-affected pigs, and in the umbilical ring transcriptome, 46 variants were identified, located in 27 genes. Comparing the two methodologies, we obtained 34 concordant variants between the exome and transcriptome analyses, which were located in 17 genes, distributed in 64 biological processes (BP). Among the BP involved with UH it is possible to highlight cell adhesion, cell junction regulation, embryonic morphogenesis, ion transport, muscle contraction, within others. CONCLUSIONS We have generated the first exome sequencing related to normal and umbilical hernia-affected pigs, which allowed us to identify several variants possibly involved with this disorder. Many of those variants present in the DNA were confirmed with the RNA-Seq results. The combination of both exome and transcriptome sequencing approaches allowed us to better understand the complex molecular mechanisms underlying UH in pigs and possibly in other mammals, including humans. Some variants found in genes and other regulatory regions are highlighted as strong candidates to the development of UH in pigs and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Ricardo Savoldi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC-Oeste, Chapecó, SC 89815-630 Brazil
| | - Adriana Mércia Guaratini Ibelli
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, 321, Concórdia, SC 89715-899 Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Guarapuava, PR 85040-167 Brazil
| | | | - Jane de Oliveira Peixoto
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, 321, Concórdia, SC 89715-899 Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Guarapuava, PR 85040-167 Brazil
| | - Michele Porto Pires
- Instituto Catarinense de Sanidade Agropecuária, Florianópolis, SC 88034001 Brazil
| | | | - Essamai Brizola Lagos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR Brazil 84030-900
| | | | - Ricardo Zanella
- Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS 99052-900 Brazil
- Programa de Mestrado em BioExperimentação, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS 99052-900 Brazil
| | - Mônica Corrêa Ledur
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC-Oeste, Chapecó, SC 89815-630 Brazil
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, 321, Concórdia, SC 89715-899 Brazil
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14
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Pessoa J, McAloon C, Rodrigues da Costa M, García Manzanilla E, Norton T, Boyle L. Adding value to food chain information: using data on pig welfare and antimicrobial use on-farm to predict meat inspection outcomes. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:55. [PMID: 34649629 PMCID: PMC8518164 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00234-x] [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: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using Food Chain Information data to objectively identify high-risk animals entering abattoirs can represent an important step forward towards improving on-farm animal welfare. We aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of classification models, using Gradient Boosting Machine algorithms that utilise accurate longitudinal on-farm data on pig health and welfare to predict condemnations, pluck lesions and low cold carcass weight at slaughter. RESULTS The accuracy of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC). The AUC for the prediction models for pneumonia, dorsocaudal pleurisy, cranial pleurisy, pericarditis, partial and total condemnations, and low cold carcass weight varied from 0.54 for pneumonia and 0.67 for low cold carcass weight. For dorsocaudal pleurisy, ear lesions assessed on pigs aged 12 weeks and antimicrobial treatments (AMT) were the most important prediction variables. Similarly, the most important variable for the prediction of cranial pleurisy was the number of AMT. In the case of pericarditis, ear lesions assessed both at week 12 and 14 were the most important variables and accounted for 33% of the Bernoulli loss reduction. For predicting partial and total condemnations, the presence of hernias on week 18 and lameness on week 12 accounted for 27% and 14% of the Bernoulli loss reduction, respectively. Finally, AMT (37%) and ear lesions assessed on week 12 (15%) were the most important variables for predicting pigs with low cold carcass weight. CONCLUSIONS The findings from our study show that on farm assessments of animal-based welfare outcomes and information on antimicrobial treatments have a modest predictive power in relation to the different meat inspection outcomes assessed. New research following the same group of pigs longitudinally from a larger number of farms supplying different slaughterhouses is required to confirm that on farm assessments can add value to Food Chain Information reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pessoa
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Ireland. .,Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland. .,M3-BIORES-Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Conor McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodrigues da Costa
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Edgar García Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Ireland.,Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Tomas Norton
- M3-BIORES-Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Ireland
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15
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Costa MDO, Nosach R, Harding JCS, Huang Y. Partial reproduction of ear-tip necrosis suggests an infectious, initially bacterial aetiology. Vet Microbiol 2021; 262:109246. [PMID: 34624640 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109246] [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: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Swine ear-tip necrosis (ETN) is a disease of global presence and unclear aetiology. Little evidence is available regarding the nature of this disease. The aim of this work was to investigate if ETN is an infectious disease that could be replicated using a lesion macerate inoculum. A source farm with a history of ear-tip necrosis was identified and five weeks-old pigs (n = 12) from this farm were housed under controlled conditions and intradermally inoculated with ETN lesion macerates (right ear, n = 10) or sterile inoculum (left ear, n = 10). Two pigs were not inoculated, serving as sentinels. All animals were clinically monitored daily during 21 days, and a ETN ear score was used to follow disease progression. Anaerobic (n = 2) and aerobic (n = 2) overnight cultures, as well as raw aliquots of the lesion macerate inoculum (n = 2) and control inoculum (n = 2) were submitted for metagenomic sequencing. All inoculated ears developed lesions suggestive of early ETN, but none progressed to result in loss of the ear pinna. All completely resolved 21 days post-inoculation. Post-mortem investigation revealed areas of fibrosis, characterized by a granulomatous response in the inoculated ears (5/10) and in 1/10 control ears. Metagenomic analysis identified the presence of previously suggested bacterial etiological agents, but no relevant viral, fungal or protozoan agents in the inoculum. ETN etiology remains unclear, but an infectious cause and bacterial agents are suggested to be at least partially implicated in disease pathogenesis. Virus and fungi do not seem to significantly contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus de O Costa
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada; Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Roman Nosach
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - John C S Harding
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Yanyun Huang
- Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc., Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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16
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Evolution of welfare indicators of pigs housed in deep bedding systems during growing and finishing phases: assessment of good health principles and housing conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:483. [PMID: 34570280 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02912-y] [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: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to monitor the evolution of welfare indicators of pigs throughout growing and finishing phases housed in a deep bedding system by principles of good health and housing. In all, 16,500 animals, distributed in 15 facilities, were evaluated over a 4-month period. Three assessments were carried out in each facility by a single evaluator, according to the following time distribution: phase one (75 to 85 days old), phase two (86 to 161 days old), and phase three (162 to 180 days old). Only the parameters related to good health and good housing were considered. Data were analyzed by logistic regression for longitudinal data. Poisson distribution was used on the coughing and sneezing data, with subsequent chi-square analysis. There were no cases of poor body condition, shivering, panting, huddling, tail biting, pumping, twisted snout, rectal prolapse, lameness, and skin conditions. The final evaluations were associated with greater chances of hernia and bursitis, with greater prevalence in males than in females. The prevalence of wound and manure on the body parameters was influenced by the interaction of the evaluation and animal category. The incidence of coughing and the number of animals presenting this symptom gradually increased, becoming considerably higher in the final stage of evaluation. Health-related problems change throughout the production cycle. The evaluation of a broad and reliable view on animal welfare allows for the most appropriate management of production systems using deep bedding.
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17
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Niemi JK, Edwards SA, Papanastasiou DK, Piette D, Stygar AH, Wallenbeck A, Valros A. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Seven Measures to Reduce Tail Biting Lesions in Fattening Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:682330. [PMID: 34557537 PMCID: PMC8452948 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.682330] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tail biting is an important animal welfare issue in the pig sector. Studies have identified various risk factors which can lead to biting incidents and proposed mitigation measures. This study focused on the following seven key measures which have been identified to affect the risk of tail biting lesions: improvements in straw provision, housing ventilation, genetics, stocking density, herd health, provision of point-source enrichment objects, and adoption of early warning systems. The aim of this study was to examine whether these selected measures to reduce the risk of tail biting lesions in pig fattening are cost-effective. The problem was analyzed by first summarizing the most prospective interventions, their costs and expected impacts on the prevalence of tail biting lesions, second, by using a stochastic bio-economic model to simulate the financial return per pig space unit and per pig at different levels of prevalence of tail biting lesions, and third by looking at how large a reduction in tail biting lesions would be needed at different levels of initial prevalence of lesions to cover the costs of interventions. Tail biting lesions of a severity which would require an action (medication, hospitalization of the pig or other care, or taking preventive measures) by the pig producer were considered in the model. The results provide guidance on the expected benefits and costs of the studied interventions. According to the results, if the average prevalence of tail biting lesions is at a level of 10%, the costs of this damaging behavior can be as high as €2.3 per slaughtered pig (~1.6% of carcass value). Measures which were considered the least expensive to apply, such as provision of point-source enrichment objects, or provided wider production benefits, such as improvements in ventilation and herd health, became profitable at a lower level of efficacy than measures which were considered the most expensive to apply (e.g., straw provision, increased space allowance, automated early warning systems). Measures which were considered most efficient in reducing the risk of tail biting lesions, such as straw provision, can be cost-effective in preventing tail biting, especially when the risk of tail biting is high. At lower risk levels, the provision of point-source objects and other less costly but relatively effective measures can play an important role. However, selection of measures appropriate to the individual farm problem is essential. For instance, if poor health or barren pens are causing the elevated risk of tail biting lesions, then improving health management or enriching the pens may resolve the tail biting problem cost-effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarkko K Niemi
- Bioeconomy and Environment Unit, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - Sandra A Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anna H Stygar
- Bioeconomy and Environment Unit, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Wallenbeck
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Kureljušić B, Savić B, Milićević V, Jezdimirović N, Radanović O, Žutić J, Weissenbacher-Lang C. Investigation of possible aetiological/triggering factors in porcine ear necrosis syndrome at a farrow-to-feeder pig system. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 69:161-168. [PMID: 34106876 DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
At a commercial farrow-to-feeder pig system with 2,100 sows in Serbia, lesions resembling porcine ear necrosis syndrome were observed in 80% of the weaned pigs at 45-50 days of age. Pathomorphological examinations were carried out on 10 pigs that had been found dead. The gross lesions ranged from mild, superficial dermatitis to severe, deep inflammation with exudation, ulceration and necrosis. Histopathological examination revealed erosive and ulcerative dermatitis of the pinna with neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration and bacterial colonies in the crusts. Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA strain), Staphylococcus hyicus and Streptococcus group C were cultivated from eight, S. hyicus from two ear tissue scraping samples. All 10 samples were positive for treponemes and phylogenetic analysis of two polymerase chain reaction products confirmed the relationship to Treponema (T.) medium/vincentii and Treponema pedis. Treponemes were also detected in seven oral swabs that were analysed to obtain evidence of the transmission of this bacterium by ear biting. The contribution of non-infectious factors to this misbehaviour could not be ruled out as the crude protein concentration of the feed was inappropriate and the climate of the pig house was suboptimal. The concentrations of selected mycotoxins in the feed were not elevated. However, the contribution of both infectious and non-infectious factors to the onset of disease was most probable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislav Kureljušić
- 1Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Božidar Savić
- 1Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Milićević
- 1Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Jezdimirović
- 1Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Oliver Radanović
- 1Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jadranka Žutić
- 1Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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19
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The Welfare of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs from the Perspective of Traumatic Injuries Detected at Slaughterhouse Postmortem Inspection. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051406. [PMID: 34069150 PMCID: PMC8156928 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051406] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The occurrence of traumatic injuries was assessed in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs reared and slaughtered in the Czech Republic. For the purposes of the study, the results of veterinary postmortem examinations at slaughterhouses in the period from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed. In the studied animal species, findings of traumatic lesions were detected at low frequency. The low frequency of traumatic lesions is favorable from the perspective of the welfare of slaughtered animals. In terms of further improvements to animal welfare, it would be desirable to focus on the prevention of trauma in cattle in particular, in which findings of trauma were more frequent than in the other species studied. The category most affected by trauma both to the limbs and body was cows. Abstract The welfare of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats was assessed by measuring trauma detected during veterinary postmortem inspection at slaughterhouses. The subject of this evaluation were all bovine, porcine, ovine and caprine animals slaughtered at Czech slaughterhouses in the monitored period, i.e., a total of 1,136,754 cows, 257,912 heifers, 1,015,541 bulls, 104,459 calves, 586,245 sows, 25,027,303 finisher pigs, 123,191 piglets, 22,815 ewes, 114,264 lambs, 1348 does and 5778 kids. The data on the numbers of traumatic findings were obtained retrospectively from a national veterinary database collecting data from slaughterhouse postmortem examinations. The results showed that findings of trauma were observed at a low frequency in the studied species. Injuries were detected most frequently in cows (1.71%). In contrast, no findings associated with the presence of trauma were recorded in does and kids. From the viewpoint of trauma localization, findings on the limbs were more frequent than findings on the body (p < 0.01). The only exceptions to this were lambs, does and kids, for which there was no statistically significant difference between findings on the limbs and the body (p = 1.00). The results show that housing system (bedding, the presence of slats, floor hardness), transport of animals to the slaughterhouse (moving animals to the vehicle, loading ramps, floors in transport vehicles and the transport of animals itself) and design of the slaughterhouse (unloading ramps, passageways and slaughterhouse floors) have a greater impact on the limbs than the bodies of animals in the majority of species. A difference was also demonstrated in the occurrence of findings of trauma in the limbs and body (p < 0.01) between culled adult animals and fattened animals, namely in cattle and pigs. A difference (p < 0.01) between ewes and lambs was found only in the occurrence of traumatic injury to the limbs. The results showed that fattened animals are affected by the risk of trauma to a lesser extent than both culled adult animals and young animals. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) were also found between the studied species and categories of animals. The category most affected from the viewpoint of injury both to the limbs and body was cows. In contrast to cows that are typically reared indoors, the low frequency of traumatic findings was found in small ruminants and in bulls, i.e., animals typically reared outdoors. Assumedly, access to pasture may be beneficial considering the risk of traumatic injury.
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20
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Abstract
Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) is a condition that mainly occurs in intensive pig production systems and mostly affects piglets after weaning. The syndrome manifests itself with lesions on the pinna, which can heal or become more severe resulting in partial loss of the ear. The pathogenesis of the condition is not fully known. Three different hypotheses for the development of PEN are described in this review: (1) damage of the epidermis due to Staphylococcal exfoliative toxins; (2) occlusion of small blood vessels; and (3) ear biting with subsequent β-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Risk factors have not been completely elucidated, but viral and bacterial infections, and husbandry factors such as environment, housing conditions and management, have been suggested. It is also possible that some cases are due to a combination of these factors. The role of parasitic infestations has been not investigated. Due to bacterial involvement, severely affected pigs can be treated with antimicrobials. Control and preventive measures should focus on reducing potential risk factors by implementing herd immunization, as well as improvement of sanitary conditions, feed quality (with respect to mycotoxin contamination), management (appropriate stocking density), and environmental conditions (e.g. number of drinkers and feeders and/or optimal ventilation). Further research is needed to better understand the precise etiology and pathogenesis of PEN, so that risk factors can be identified and more targeted control measures can be implemented.
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21
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Rodrigues AFG, Ibelli AMG, Peixoto JDO, Cantão ME, de Oliveira HC, Savoldi IR, Souza MR, Mores MAZ, Carreño LOD, Ledur MC. Genes and SNPs Involved with Scrotal and Umbilical Hernia in Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020166. [PMID: 33513662 PMCID: PMC7912685 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hernia is one of the most common defects in pigs. The most prevalent are the scrotal (SH), inguinal (IH) and umbilical (UH) hernias. We compared the inguinal ring transcriptome of normal and SH-affected pigs with the umbilical ring transcriptome of normal and UH-affected pigs to discover genes and pathways involved with the development of both types of hernia. A total of 13,307 transcripts was expressed in the inguinal and 13,302 in the umbilical ring tissues with 94.91% of them present in both tissues. From those, 35 genes were differentially expressed in both groups, participating in 108 biological processes. A total of 67 polymorphisms was identified in the inguinal ring and 76 in the umbilical ring tissue, of which 11 and 14 were novel, respectively. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with deleterious function was identified in the integrin α M (ITGAM) gene. The microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 γ (MAP1LC3C), vitrin (VIT), aggrecan (ACAN), alkaline ceramidase 2 (ACER2), potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M α 1 (KCNMA1) and synaptopodin 2 (SYNPO2) genes are highlighted as candidates to trigger both types of hernia. We generated the first comparative study of the pig umbilical and inguinal ring transcriptomes, contributing to the understanding of the genetic mechanism involved with these two types of hernia in pigs and probably in other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariene Fernanda Grando Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste (CEO), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, 89815-630 Chapecó, Brazil; (A.F.G.R.); (I.R.S.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Adriana Mércia Guaratini Ibelli
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Distrito de Tamanduá, 89715-899 Concórdia, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (J.d.O.P.); (M.E.C.); (M.A.Z.M.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, 85015-430 Guarapuava, Brazil
| | - Jane de Oliveira Peixoto
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Distrito de Tamanduá, 89715-899 Concórdia, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (J.d.O.P.); (M.E.C.); (M.A.Z.M.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, 85015-430 Guarapuava, Brazil
| | - Maurício Egídio Cantão
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Distrito de Tamanduá, 89715-899 Concórdia, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (J.d.O.P.); (M.E.C.); (M.A.Z.M.)
| | | | - Igor Ricardo Savoldi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste (CEO), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, 89815-630 Chapecó, Brazil; (A.F.G.R.); (I.R.S.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Mayla Regina Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste (CEO), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, 89815-630 Chapecó, Brazil; (A.F.G.R.); (I.R.S.); (M.R.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antônio Zanella Mores
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Distrito de Tamanduá, 89715-899 Concórdia, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (J.d.O.P.); (M.E.C.); (M.A.Z.M.)
| | | | - Mônica Corrêa Ledur
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste (CEO), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, 89815-630 Chapecó, Brazil; (A.F.G.R.); (I.R.S.); (M.R.S.)
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Distrito de Tamanduá, 89715-899 Concórdia, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (J.d.O.P.); (M.E.C.); (M.A.Z.M.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-49-3441-0411
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22
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Teixeira DL, Salazar LC, Enriquez-Hidalgo D, Boyle LA. Assessment of Animal-Based Pig Welfare Outcomes on Farm and at the Abattoir: A Case Study. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:576942. [PMID: 33134359 PMCID: PMC7570229 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.576942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The study assessed the prevalence of animal-based pig welfare outcomes on one Chilean farm and one abattoir. A total of 198 pens of slaughter pigs (9,049 pigs) were observed on farm and 54 batches (8,843 pigs) were observed at the abattoir. All assessments were conducted from outside the pen on farm and from outside the corridor where pigs were unloaded from the truck at the abattoir. Batch size and number of pigs with ear, tail and skin lesions, hernias, rectal prolapse, bursitis, and lameness were recorded. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. There was a large variation among pens on farm and among batches at the abattoir for all outcomes. Bursitis was the most prevalent outcome recorded in both locations, followed by ear lesions recorded on farm and by tail lesions recorded at the abattoir. Ear lesions' prevalence was higher on farm (P < 0.001), while tail lesions, hernia, and bursitis prevalence were higher at the abattoir (P < 0.001). Ear lesions' prevalence on farm was higher in female and mixed-sex groups than in male groups (P < 0.01), but male groups tended to have a higher tail lesions' prevalence (P < 0.1). The results show a difference in welfare outcomes, suggesting that assessment of outcomes on farm could complement ante-mortem inspections at the abattoir. However, as the same animals were not inspected in the two locations and there is the possibility of a seasonal influence on the results, the findings should be interpreted with caution and further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Lemos Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando, Chile.,Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Laura C Salazar
- Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom.,Sustainable Agriculture Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, United Kingdom
| | - Laura A Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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23
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Gebhardt JT, Tokach MD, Dritz SS, DeRouchey JM, Woodworth JC, Goodband RD, Henry SC. Postweaning mortality in commercial swine production. I: review of non-infectious contributing factors. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa068. [PMID: 32705063 PMCID: PMC7277695 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Postweaning mortality is a complex causal matrix involving animal, environment, and infectious etiologic factors. Despite advances in swine productivity such as total pigs born, growth rate, feed intake, and efficiency, there have been modest to no improvements in postweaning mortality rates over the last several years. Industry averages for postweaning mortality range from four to eight percent for each the nursery, grow-finish, or wean-finish stages. Retrospective mortality causal analyses of individual databases have been performed. However, little information derived from meta-analysis, systematic review, or comprehensive literature reviews are available. In order to develop and evaluate strategies to comprehensively manage and reduce postweaning mortality, addressing the complexity and range of impact that factors have on mortality is necessary to identify and prioritize such contributing factors. Our objective is to describe the current state of knowledge regarding non-infectious causes of postweaning mortality, focusing on estimates of frequency and magnitude of effect where available. Postweaning mortality can be generalized into non-infectious and infectious causes, with non-infectious factors further classified into anatomic abnormalities, toxicity, animal factors, facility factors, nutritional inadequacies, season, and management factors. Important non-infectious factors that have been identified through review of literature include birth weight, pre-weaning management, weaning age and weight, and season. Additionally, reasons for mortality with a low incidence but a high magnitude include abdominal organ torsion/volvulus, sodium ion or ionophore toxicosis, or dietary imbalance due to feed formulation or manufacture error. Many interactive effects are present between and among infectious and non-infectious factors, but an important trend is the impact that non-infectious factors have on the incidence, severity, and resolution of infectious disease. Strategies to reduce postweaning mortality must consider the dynamic, complex state that forms the causal web. Control of postweaning mortality through understanding of the complexity, evaluation of mortality reduction strategies through rigorous scientific evaluation, and implementation remains an area of opportunity for continued growth and development in the global swine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Gebhardt
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Mike D Tokach
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Steve S Dritz
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Joel M DeRouchey
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Jason C Woodworth
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Robert D Goodband
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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24
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Souza MR, Ibelli AMG, Savoldi IR, Cantão ME, Peixoto JDO, Mores MAZ, Lopes JS, Coutinho LL, Ledur MC. Transcriptome analysis identifies genes involved with the development of umbilical hernias in pigs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232542. [PMID: 32379844 PMCID: PMC7205231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most frequent defects affecting pig production, however, it also affects humans and other mammals. UH is characterized as an abnormal protrusion of the abdominal contents to the umbilical region, causing pain, discomfort and reduced performance in pigs. Some genomic regions associated to UH have already been identified, however, no study involving RNA sequencing was performed when umbilical tissue is considered. Therefore, here, we have sequenced the umbilical ring transcriptome of five normal and five UH-affected pigs to uncover genes and pathways involved with UH development. A total of 13,216 transcripts were expressed in the umbilical ring tissue. From those, 230 genes were differentially expressed (DE) between normal and UH-affected pigs (FDR <0.05), being 145 downregulated and 85 upregulated in the affected compared to the normal pigs. A total of 68 significant biological processes were identified and the most relevant were extracellular matrix, immune system, anatomical development, cell adhesion, membrane components, receptor activation, calcium binding and immune synapse. The results pointed out ACAN, MMPs, COLs, EPYC, VIT, CCBE1 and LGALS3 as strong candidates to trigger umbilical hernias in pigs since they act in the extracellular matrix remodeling and in the production, integrity and resistance of the collagen. We have generated the first transcriptome of the pig umbilical ring tissue, which allowed the identification of genes that had not yet been related to umbilical hernias in pigs. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to identify the causal mutations, SNPs and CNVs in these genes to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayla Regina Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Igor Ricardo Savoldi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Lehmann Coutinho
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Animal, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica Corrêa Ledur
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Centro de Educação Superior do Oeste, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, UDESC, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Concórdia, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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25
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Gebhardt JT, Tokach MD, Dritz SS, DeRouchey JM, Woodworth JC, Goodband RD, Henry SC. Postweaning mortality in commercial swine production II: review of infectious contributing factors. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa052. [PMID: 32705048 PMCID: PMC7277696 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa052] [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: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Postweaning mortality is extremely complex with a multitude of noninfectious and infectious contributing factors. In the current review, our objective is to describe the current state of knowledge regarding infectious causes of postweaning mortality, focusing on estimates of frequency and magnitude of effect where available. While infectious mortality is often categorized by physiologic body system affected, we believe the complex multifactorial nature is better understood by an alternative stratification dependent on intervention type. This category method subjectively combines disease pathogenesis knowledge, epidemiology, and economic consequences. These intervention categories included depopulation of affected cohorts of animals, elimination protocols using knowledge of immunity and epidemiology, or less aggressive interventions. The most aggressive approach to control infectious etiologies is through herd depopulation and repopulation. Historically, these protocols were successful for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and swine dysentery among others. Additionally, this aggressive measure likely would be used to minimize disease spread if either a foreign animal disease was introduced or pseudorabies virus was reintroduced into domestic swine populations. Elimination practices have been successful for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, coronaviruses, including transmissible gastroenteritis virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, and porcine deltacoronavirus, swine influenza virus, nondysentery Brachyspira spp., and others. Porcine circovirus type 2 can have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality; however, it is often adequately controlled through immunization. Many other infectious etiologies present in swine production have not elicited these aggressive control measures. This may be because less aggressive control measures, such as vaccination, management, and therapeutics, are effective, their impact on mortality or productivity is not great enough to warrant, or there is inadequate understanding to employ control procedures efficaciously and efficiently. Since there are many infectious agents and noninfectious contributors, emphasis should continue to be placed on those infectious agents with the greatest impact to minimize postweaning mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Gebhardt
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Mike D Tokach
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Steve S Dritz
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Joel M DeRouchey
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Jason C Woodworth
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Robert D Goodband
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
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26
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Prunier A, Averos X, Dimitrov I, Edwards SA, Hillmann E, Holinger M, Ilieski V, Leming R, Tallet C, Turner SP, Zupan M, Camerlink I. Review: Early life predisposing factors for biting in pigs. Animal 2020; 14:570-587. [PMID: 31436143 PMCID: PMC7026718 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119001940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pig industry faces many animal welfare issues. Among these, biting behaviour has a high incidence. It is indicative of an existing problem in biters and is a source of physical damage and psychological stress for the victims. We categorize this behaviour into aggressive and non-aggressive biting, the latter often being directed towards the tail. This review focusses specifically on predisposing factors in early life, comprising the prenatal and postnatal periods up to weaning, for the expression of aggressive and non-aggressive biting later in life. The influence of personality and coping style has been examined in a few studies. It varies according to these studies and, thus, further evaluation is needed. Regarding the effect of environmental factors, the number of scientific papers is low (less than five papers for most factors). No clear influence of prenatal factors has been identified to date. Aggressive biting is reduced by undernutrition, cross-fostering and socialization before weaning. Non-aggressive biting is increased by undernutrition, social stress due to competition and cross-fostering. These latter three factors are highly dependent on litter size at birth. The use of familiar odours may contribute to reducing biting when pigs are moved from one environment to another by alleviating the level of stress associated with novelty. Even though the current environment in which pigs are expressing biting behaviours is of major importance, the pre-weaning environment should be optimized to reduce the likelihood of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Prunier
- INRA, PEGASE, Agrocampus-Ouest, Saint Gilles 35590, France
| | - X. Averos
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Vitoria-Gasteiz 01080, Spain
| | - I. Dimitrov
- Agricultural Institute, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - S. A. Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - E. Hillmann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - M. Holinger
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - V. Ilieski
- University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Skopje 1000, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - R. Leming
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - C. Tallet
- INRA, PEGASE, Agrocampus-Ouest, Saint Gilles 35590, France
| | - S. P. Turner
- SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - M. Zupan
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Domžale 1230, Slovenia
| | - I. Camerlink
- University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni) Vienna, Institute of Animal Welfare Science, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria
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27
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Nienhaus F, Meemken D, Schoneberg C, Hartmann M, Kornhoff T, May T, Heß S, Kreienbrock L, Wendt A. Health scores for farmed animals: Screening pig health with register data from public and private databases. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228497. [PMID: 32017788 PMCID: PMC6999879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are growing demands to ensure animal health and, from a broader perspective, animal welfare, especially for farmed animals. In addition to the newly developed welfare assessment protocols, which provide a harmonised method to measure animal health during farm visits, the question has been raised whether data from existing data collections can be used for an assessment without a prior farm visit. Here, we explore the possibilities of developing animal health scores for fattening pig herds using a) official meat inspection results, b) data on antibiotic usage and c) data from the QS (QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH) Salmonella monitoring programme in Germany. The objective is to aggregate and combine these register-like data into animal health scores that allow the comparison and benchmark of participating pig farms according to their health status. As the data combined in the scores have different units of measure and are collected in different abattoirs with possibly varying recording practices, we chose a relative scoring approach using z-transformations of different entrance variables. The final results are aggregated scores in which indicators are combined and weighted based on expert opinion according to their biological significance for animal health. Six scores have been developed to describe different focus areas, such as "Respiratory Health", "External Injuries/ Alterations", "Animal Management", "Antibiotic Usage", "Salmonella Status" and "Mortality". These "focus" area scores are finally combined into an "Overall Score". To test the scoring method, existing routine data from 1,747 pig farm units in Germany are used; these farm units are members of the QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH (QS) quality system. In addition, the scores are directly validated for 38 farm units. For these farm units, the farmers and their veterinarians provided their perceptions concerning the actual health status and existing health problems. This process allowed a comparison of the scoring results with actual health information using kappa coefficients as a measure of similarity. The score testing of the focus area scores using real information resulted in normalised data. The results of the validation showed satisfactory agreement between the calculated scores for the project farm units and the actual health information provided by the related farmers and veterinarians. In conclusion, the developed scoring method could become a viable benchmark and risk assessment instrument for animal health on a larger scale under the conditions of the German system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Nienhaus
- Field Station for Epidemiology Bakum, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Zeven, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Diana Meemken
- Institute of Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Working Group Meat Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Hartmann
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Kornhoff
- Field Station for Epidemiology Bakum, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Zeven, Germany
| | - Thomas May
- QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabrina Heß
- QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Wendt
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Blömke L, Volkmann N, Kemper N. Evaluation of an automated assessment system for ear and tail lesions as animal welfare indicators in pigs at slaughter. Meat Sci 2019; 159:107934. [PMID: 31493738 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.107934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate an automated system for the assessment of ear and tail lesions as welfare indicators in pigs at the abattoir. A camera-based system was constructed to enable automatic assessment. This was evaluated in comparison to a standard observer, defined as skilled human veterinary observer, based on 5952 carcasses. We detected significant values for ear lesions (sensitivity, 77.0; specificity, 96.5; accuracy, 95.4%) and good values for tail lesions (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 99.7%; accuracy, 99.5%). The reliabilities of assessments by four individual human observers directly at the abattoir and the camera system were calculated using Krippendorff's alpha. These varied between 0.42 and 0.67 for ear lesions and 0.42 and 0.55 for tail lesions, while better values were reached for the agreement between the system and picture-based evaluation (0.64 for ear lesions and 0.75 for tail lesions). More scientific evaluations at different abattoirs are now needed to further test and improve the camera-based system and its various scopes of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Blömke
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Volkmann
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
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Li X, Xu P, Zhang C, Sun C, Li X, Han X, Li M, Qiao R. Genome-wide association study identifies variants in the CAPN9 gene associated with umbilical hernia in pigs. Anim Genet 2019; 50:162-165. [PMID: 30746724 DOI: 10.1111/age.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pig umbilical hernia (UH) affects pig welfare and brings considerable economic loss to the pig industry. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying pig UH are still poorly understood. To identify potential loci for susceptibility to this disease, we performed a genome-wide association study in an Erhualian × Shaziling F2 intercross population. A total of 45 animals were genotyped using Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChips. We observed a SNP (rs80993347) located in the calpain-9 (CAPN9) gene on Sus scrofa chromosome 14 that was significantly associated with UH (P = 1.97 × 10-10 ). Then, we identified a synonymous mutation rs321865883 (g.20164T>C) in exon 10 of the CAPN9 gene that distinguished two affected individuals (CC) from their normal full-sibs (TC). Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was explored to investigate the mRNA expression profile of the CAPN9 gene in 12 tissues in Yorkshire pigs at different developmental stages (3, 90 and 180 days). CAPN9 showed high expression levels in the gastrointestinal tract at these three growth stages. The results of this study indicate that the CAPN9 gene might be implicated in UH. Further studies are required to establish a role of CAPN9 in pig UH.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - P Xu
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - C Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - C Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - X Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - X Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - M Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - R Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
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Calderón Díaz JA, García Manzanilla E, Diana A, Boyle LA. Cross-Fostering Implications for Pig Mortality, Welfare and Performance. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:123. [PMID: 29928648 PMCID: PMC5997804 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to (1) identify cross-fostering (CF) practices employed on a commercial farm; (2) characterize CF pigs according to litter of origin traits, and (3) investigate the implications of CF practices on pig mortality, performance and welfare. This was an observational study whereby pigs were managed according to normal farming practice. Pigs (n = 1,016) born within 1 week were classified as non-CF (NCF); CF during the first (CFW1) and second or third (CFW2+) weeks of lactation. Pigs were individually weighed and inspected for the presence of tail (TL), ear (EL) and body lesions (BL) at weaning (7.03 ± 1.61 kg) and at the end of the first (12.9 ± 3.03 kg) and second (31.9 ± 5.50 kg) weaner and grower (66.3 ± 9.12 kg) stages. Mortality was recorded through to slaughter (c. 115 kg). At slaughter, TL were scored and carcass characteristics, presence of pleurisy, enzootic pneumonia, pericarditis and heart condemnations were recorded. 40.8% of CF pigs were CFW1; ANOVA tests revealed these were born to sows with a higher number of piglets born alive than NCF pigs (14.6 ± 2.61 and 12.8 ± 2.68, respectively). The remaining 59.2% of CF pigs were CFW2+; these were, on average, 0.14 kg lighter at birth than NCF pigs. Therefore, a nested case control design was retrospectively applied whereby pigs with complete records to slaughter, were matched for these variables to investigate associations between CF weeks, welfare and performance traits. Growth performance did not differ between CF week (P > 0.05); however, CFW2+ carcasses were 4.9 kg lighter (P < 0.05) compared with NCF and CFW1 pigs. EL were more likely in CFW1 compared to NCF and CFW2+ (P < 0.05) pigs. To investigate the effect of CF week on the risk of mortality, all 1,016 pigs were used. CF pigs were at higher risk of death (P < 0.05) with similar odds in CFW1 and CFW2+ pigs compared with NCF pigs, although other underlying factors could contribute to this result. Performance and health traits were similar between CF weeks. Early cross-fostering appeared to influence the presence of ear lesions but the mechanism is likely indirect and difficult to explain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Calderón Díaz
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Edgar García Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Alessia Diana
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura A. Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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Genome-wide association study reveals a QTL and strong candidate genes for umbilical hernia in pigs on SSC14. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:412. [PMID: 29843603 PMCID: PMC5975507 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4812-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Umbilical hernia is one of the most prevalent congenital defect in pigs, causing economic losses and substantial animal welfare problems. Identification and implementation of genomic regions controlling umbilical hernia in breeding is of great interest to reduce incidences of hernia in commercial pig production. The aim of this study was to identify such regions and possibly identify causative variation affecting umbilical hernia in pigs. A case/control material consisting of 739 Norwegian Landrace pigs was collected and applied in a GWAS study with a genome-wide distributed panel of 60 K SNPs. Additionally candidate genes were sequenced to detect additional polymorphisms that were used for single SNP and haplotype association analyses in 453 of the pigs. Results The GWAS in this report detected a highly significant region affecting umbilical hernia around 50 Mb on SSC14 (P < 0.0001) explaining up to 8.6% of the phenotypic variance of the trait. The region is rather broad and includes 62 significant SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium with each other. Targeted sequencing of candidate genes within the region revealed polymorphisms within the Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and Oncostatin M (OSM) that were significantly associated with umbilical hernia (P < 0.001). Conclusions A highly significant QTL for umbilical hernia in Norwegian Landrace pigs was detected around 50 Mb on SSC14. Resequencing of candidate genes within the region revealed SNPs within LIF and OSM highly associated with the trait. However, because of extended LD within the region, studies in other populations and functional studies are needed to determine whether these variants are causal or not. Still without this knowledge, SNPs within the region can be used as genetic markers to reduce incidences of umbilical hernia in Norwegian Landrace pigs.
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van Staaveren N, Calderón Díaz JA, Garcia Manzanilla E, Hanlon A, Boyle LA. Prevalence of welfare outcomes in the weaner and finisher stages of the production cycle on 31 Irish pig farms. Ir Vet J 2018; 71:9. [PMID: 29599967 PMCID: PMC5869776 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on the most prevalent welfare problems for pigs in different production stages is required to improve herd management plans. Thirty-one farrow-to-finish pig farms were visited between July and November 2015 to assess the welfare of pigs using the multicriteria approach of the Welfare Quality® protocol. On each farm, 6 pens were selected using proportionate stratified sampling in the first weaner (S1, 4 to 8 wks), second weaner (S2, 8 to 13 wks) and finisher stage (S3, 13 to 23 wks), excluding hospital pens. Each pen was observed for 10 min and the number of pigs affected by different welfare outcomes was recorded. The percentage of pigs affected was calculated and ranked to identify the most prevalent outcomes within each production stage. Differences between production stages were analysed using generalised linear mixed models for binomial data with pen within stage and farm as a random effect. RESULTS Tail and ear lesions showed the highest prevalence; however, large variation was observed between farms. In S1 the most prevalent welfare outcomes (presented as median prevalence) were poor body condition (4.4%), lethargic pigs (1.5%), scouring (20.3% of pens) and huddling (3.7%). In S2 and S3 outcomes related to injurious behaviour (tail lesions: 5.9% [S2] and 10.5% [S3], ear lesions: 9.1% [S2] and 3.3% [S3], and flank lesions: 0.4% [S2] and 1.3% [S3]), lameness (0.8% [S2] and 1.1% [S3]), bursitis (3.9% [S2] and 7.5% [S3]) and hernias (1.6% [S2] and 1.8% [S3]) were more prevalent. CONCLUSIONS A large variation was observed for the recorded welfare outcomes corresponding to the different challenges pigs experience during the different stages of production on commercial pig farms. The prevalence of pigs affected by lesions caused by injurious behavior is a cause for concern and requires a collaborative approach to identify appropriate intervention strategies. This information could be used to further investigate appropriate benchmark values for different welfare outcomes that would assist the pig industry to develop appropriate health and welfare management plans to minimise welfare problems. At herd level such plans should include information on aspects of intervention, treatment, and the management of hospital pens as well as euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke van Staaveren
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Julia Adriana Calderón Díaz
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
| | - Edgar Garcia Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Alison Hanlon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
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Fertner M, Denwood M, Birkegård AC, Stege H, Boklund A. Associations between Antibacterial Treatment and the Prevalence of Tail-Biting-Related Sequelae in Danish Finishers at Slaughter. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:182. [PMID: 29164139 PMCID: PMC5671949 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary infections as a result of tail biting cause substantial economic losses in pig production and are a subject of concern for animal welfare. The use of first-choice antibacterial agents in the treatment of tail biting in finishing pigs is hypothesized to be negatively correlated with the development of systemic infection. This would be expected to reduce the prevalence of post-mortem pyemic sequelae (such as osteomyelitis and abscesses) in finishers with tail-bite lesions. We performed a register-based study that included three Danish databases, holding information on the purchase of antibacterials at herd level (VetStat), herd demographics (Central Husbandry Register), and relevant observations at slaughter (meat inspection data). We included all finishers from indoor production finisher herds that met the inclusion criterion of at least one slaughtered finisher with a recorded tail-bite observation during 2015 at the single largest Danish abattoir. The final dataset held 1,070 herds with one or more tail-bite observations, from which 14,411 of 2,906,626 finishers (0.50%) had an individual record of a tail bite. Within this group of finishers with tail-bite observations, the recorded tail-biting-related sequelae included osteomyelitis (8.1%), abscesses in the hindquarters (10.5%), abscesses in the forequarters (2.3%), abscesses in the mid-section of the carcass (2.9%), abscesses in the limbs (2.4%), and chronic arthritis (0.5%). Due to a high-herd prevalence (>25%), osteomyelitis and abscesses in the hindquarters were selected for further analysis. The occurrence of osteomyelitis and hindquarter abscesses in individual finishers with tail-bite observations was described using a generalized linear mixed effects model with binomial response and logit link. Herd was included as a random effect, while herd size and various antibacterial treatments were tested for inclusion in the model as fixed effects. The final models indicated a significant association between herd size and both osteomyelitis (p = 0.014) and hindquarter abscesses (p < 0.001), with larger herds (2,001–12,000 registered finisher pigs) showing a reduced risk. Further, a negative association was found between the occurrence of hindquarter abscesses and the use of oral pleuromutilin (p = 0.022). The significant association with herd size highlights the potential importance of management factors in reducing the occurrence of tail-bite lesions in finishing pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Fertner
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matt Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Helle Stege
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Anette Boklund
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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van Staaveren N, Doyle B, Manzanilla EG, Calderón Díaz JA, Hanlon A, Boyle LA. Validation of carcass lesions as indicators for on-farm health and welfare of pigs. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:1528-1536. [PMID: 28464078 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Incorporating indicators for pig health and welfare at meat inspection could reduce the need for on-farm assessments. Skin and tail lesions are important welfare indicators in pigs with good potential to record during meat inspection and could possibly function as iceberg indicators of on farm welfare. The aim of this study was to validate the use of these carcass lesions at meat inspection for the assessment of pig health and welfare on farm. Thirty-one farrow-to-finish pig farms (∼12% of Irish herds) were assessed using an adapted version of the Welfare Quality protocol by inspecting 6 randomly selected pens of pigs in the first weaner (4 to 8 wk), second weaner (8 to 13 wk) and finisher stage (13 to 23 wk). The average prevalence of welfare outcomes for each stage was calculated. One batch of pigs was observed at slaughter and skin and tail lesions were scored according to severity for each carcass. The average prevalence of carcass lesion outcomes was calculated for each farm. Linear regression models were developed to predict the prevalence of each welfare outcome in each stage based on the prevalence of the different carcass lesions. The welfare outcomes of different welfare aspects that were best predicted by abattoir information (highest ) were poor body condition (first weaner stage), bursitis (second weaner stage), huddling (first weaner stage), severe tail lesions (finisher stage) and coughing (second weaner stage). Regression trees and receiver-operating curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the usefulness of carcass lesions as monitoring tools. Receiver-operating curves were created using the 75th percentile to classify farms as a problem farm for these welfare outcomes. Cut-off values of predictive carcass lesion prevalence were similar using both techniques. Models for predicting problem farms with poor body condition, bursitis and severe tail lesions were moderately accurate. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 75 to 100% and 70 to 87%, respectively at the optimal cut-off value of the predictive carcass lesion prevalence. Results show potential for using carcass skin and tail lesions as iceberg indicators of pig health and welfare on farm. Future work is needed to evaluate the cost of including carcass lesion recording at meat inspection, the cost of failing to identify problem farms and the cost of incorrectly visiting or penalizing problem farms before carcass lesions can be used as welfare indicators in a commercial setting.
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Abstract
Homeopathy is widely used in livestock, especially in order to reduce the use of antibiotics, although it is often seen as controversial. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted to assess the efficacy of homeopathy in cattle, pigs and poultry. Only peer-reviewed publications dealing with homeopathic remedies, which could possibly replace or prevent the use of antibiotics in the case of infective diseases or growth promotion in livestock were included. Search results revealed a total number of 52 trials performed within 48 publications fulfilling the predefined criteria. Twenty-eight trials were in favour of homeopathy, with 26 trials showing a significantly higher efficacy in comparison to a control group, whereas 22 showed no medicinal effect. Cure rates for the treatments with antibiotics, homeopathy or placebo varied to a high degree, while the remedy used did not seem to make a big difference. Looking at all the studies, no study was repeated under comparable conditions. Consequently, the use of homeopathy currently cannot claim to have sufficient prognostic validity where efficacy is concerned. When striving for high therapeutic success in treatment, the potential of homeopathy in replacing or reducing antibiotics can only be validated if evidence of efficacy is confirmed by randomised controlled trials under modified conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Doehring
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Animal Health, University of Kassel, Nordbahnhofstraße 1a, D-37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - A Sundrum
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Animal Health, University of Kassel, Nordbahnhofstraße 1a, D-37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
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Ison SH, Clutton RE, Di Giminiani P, Rutherford KMD. A Review of Pain Assessment in Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2016; 3:108. [PMID: 27965968 PMCID: PMC5124671 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a moral obligation to minimize pain in pigs used for human benefit. In livestock production, pigs experience pain caused by management procedures, e.g., castration and tail docking, injuries from fighting or poor housing conditions, “management diseases” like mastitis or streptococcal meningitis, and at parturition. Pigs used in biomedical research undergo procedures that are regarded as painful in humans, but do not receive similar levels of analgesia, and pet pigs also experience potentially painful conditions. In all contexts, accurate pain assessment is a prerequisite in (a) the estimation of the welfare consequences of noxious interventions and (b) the development of more effective pain mitigation strategies. This narrative review identifies the sources of pain in pigs, discusses the various assessment measures currently available, and proposes directions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Ison
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, UK; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - R Eddie Clutton
- Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh , Midlothian , UK
| | - Pierpaolo Di Giminiani
- Food and Rural Development, School of Agriculture, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Kenneth M D Rutherford
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) , Edinburgh , UK
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Barington K, Dich-Jørgensen K, Jensen HE. A retrospective study of forensic cases of skin ulcerations in Danish pigs from 2000 to 2014. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:48. [PMID: 27421255 PMCID: PMC4946115 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulcerations in pigs, as in other farm animals, are considered to be painful and therefore hampering the welfare. Farmers are obliged to provide an intervention to protect animals against unnecessary suffering and failure to do so is considered negligence. Moreover, animals with severe open wounds are considered unfit for transportation and so are pigs with ulcerations located on hernias. This paper presents a retrospective study of forensic case files concerning ulcerations in Danish pigs from 2000 to 2014. The aim of the study was to clarify the number of cases, the number of pigs, the anatomical localization and size of ulcerations, evaluate changes during years and the age of the lesions. RESULTS A total of 209 case files concerning 283 pigs with 459 ulcerations were included. In 2004, 2005, 2007-2009 and 2011, sows with shoulder ulcerations were the most frequently submitted, while in 2014 pigs with ulcerations on umbilical outpouchings dominated. The change in pattern on body location most likely reflects specific national regulations enforced from 2003 to 2009. The ulcerations were estimated to be from 4 h to several months old and the median diameter of ulcerations was 4 cm. CONCLUSIONS Since 2004, the number of cases per year has declined. However, the number of affected pigs has remained almost constant from 2004 to 2014 (23.8 ± 8.5 pigs per year). The change in pattern on body parts with ulcerations likely reflected specific national regulations.
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EAR AND TAIL LESIONS ON CAPTIVE WHITE-TAILED DEER FAWNS (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS): A CASE STUDY. J Zoo Wildl Med 2016; 47:636-9. [DOI: 10.1638/2015-0140.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Long Y, Su Y, Ai H, Zhang Z, Yang B, Ruan G, Xiao S, Liao X, Ren J, Huang L, Ding N. A genome-wide association study of copy number variations with umbilical hernia in swine. Anim Genet 2016; 47:298-305. [PMID: 27028052 DOI: 10.1111/age.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most common congenital defects in pigs, leading to considerable economic loss and serious animal welfare problems. To test whether copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to pig UH, we performed a case-control genome-wide CNV association study on 905 pigs from the Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds using the Porcine SNP60 BeadChip and penncnv algorithm. We first constructed a genomic map comprising 6193 CNVs that pertain to 737 CNV regions. Then, we identified eight CNVs significantly associated with the risk for UH in the three pig breeds. Six of seven significantly associated CNVs were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Notably, a rare CNV (CNV14:13030843-13059455) encompassing the NUGGC gene was strongly associated with UH (permutation-corrected P = 0.0015) in Duroc pigs. This CNV occurred exclusively in seven Duroc UH-affected individuals. SNPs surrounding the CNV did not show association signals, indicating that rare CNVs may play an important role in complex pig diseases such as UH. The NUGGC gene has been implicated in human omphalocele and inguinal hernia. Our finding supports that CNVs, including the NUGGC CNV, contribute to the pathogenesis of pig UH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Long
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Ying Su
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Huashui Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Zhiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Guorong Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.,Fujian Vocational College of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 360119, China
| | - Shijun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Xinjun Liao
- College of Life Science of Jinggangshan University, Jian, 343009, China
| | - Jun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Lusheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Nengshui Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pig Genetic Improvement and Production Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
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Nannoni E, Valsami T, Sardi L, Martelli G. Tail Docking in Pigs: A Review on its Short- And Long-Term Consequences and Effectiveness in Preventing Tail Biting. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2014.3095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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41
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Clegg SR, Sullivan LE, Bell J, Blowey RW, Carter SD, Evans NJ. Detection and isolation of digital dermatitis treponemes from skin and tail lesions in pigs. Res Vet Sci 2016; 104:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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42
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Liao XJ, Li L, Zhang ZY, Long Y, Yang B, Ruan GR, Su Y, Ai HS, Zhang WC, Deng WY, Xiao SJ, Ren J, Ding NS, Huang LS. Susceptibility loci for umbilical hernia in swine detected by genome-wide association. RUSS J GENET+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795415100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Weber N, Nielsen JP, Jakobsen AS, Pedersen LL, Hansen CF, Pedersen KS. Occurrence of diarrhoea and intestinal pathogens in non-medicated nursery pigs. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:64. [PMID: 26419751 PMCID: PMC4588272 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal disease in nursery pigs is the most common cause of antibiotic usage in pigs in Denmark. The decision to initiate batch medication of intestinal diseases in nursery pigs is typically made by the stock personnel based on clinical assessments of pigs and counting of diarrhoeic faecal pools on the pen floor. The target population of this study was batches of nursery pigs (10–66 days after weaning) where the stock personnel assessed the pigs to be without signs of intestinal disease and therefore did not needed treatment. The objective was to determine the within-herd prevalence of diarrhoea, and to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli F4 and F18, Lawsonia intracellularis and Brachyspira pilosicoli by quantitative PCR in pigs with and without diarrhoea. Results The overall apparent prevalence of diarrhoeic pigs across sixteen herds was 32.6 % (CI 95 % 27.9–37.3). The prevalence of diarrhoea increased (p ≤ 0.001) with age of the pigs (days after weaning) with an odds ratio of 1.04 (CI 95 % 1.02–1.05) per extra day. Diarrhoeic pools were observed in 51 % of the pens. L. intracellularis, B. pilosicoli, E. coli F4 and F18 were detected in 20, 17, 13 and 11 % of the 256 faecal samples analysed by quantitative PCR respectively. There was no association between detection of pathogens and diarrhoea status of the individual pigs and between detection of pathogens in a pen and diarrhoea floor pools. In 51 % of the samples from diarrhoeic pigs, pathogens were not detected. Only 5 % of the 3060 pigs examined had clinical signs of diseases other than diarrhoea. Conclusions One-third of non-medicated nursery pigs had diarrhoea when clinically examined even though they were assessed as healthy by stock personnel. Diarrhoeic status of the pigs and diarrhoeic pools in pen was a poor indicator of intestinal infections with E. coli F4 and F18, L. intracellularis and B. pilosicoli and subclinical infections were common. Therefore, clinical examination and counting of diarrhoea pools should be supported by microbiological testing as decision tools for initiation of batch treatments of intestinal infections in nursery pigs.
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Do umbilical outpouchings affect the behaviour or clinical condition of pigs during 6 h housing in a pre-transport pick-up facility? Res Vet Sci 2015; 101:126-31. [PMID: 26267102 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on behavioural and clinical effects of umbilical outpouchings (UOs) in pigs. Matched pairs of pigs with UOs (diameter 12 cm; range 4-20; diagnosed p.m. as hernia or non-hernia) and controls (N=28) were compared during a 6-h stay in a pick-up facility. Overall, skin lesion scores were increased after the 6-h stay. Behaviour of the UO-pigs differed from the controls (a shorter latency to lie down (P<0.05) and decreased aggression (P<0.05)). Pigs with umbilical hernia showed e.g. increased sitting (P<0.05) and decreased lying (P<0.05) compared to pigs with non-hernia UOs. No effects of the size of the OUs were found. These results are among the first to establish knowledge about UO-pigs and suggest that a stay in a pick-up facility can be challenging for pig welfare. The behavioural findings suggest that UO-pigs, and especially pigs with hernia, may be less fit for mixing and housing in barren environments.
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45
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Does the presence of umbilical outpouchings affect the behaviour of pigs during the day of slaughter? Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Pedersen KS, Strunz AM. Evaluation of farmers' diagnostic performance for detection of diarrhoea in nursery pigs using digital pictures of faecal pools. Acta Vet Scand 2013; 55:72. [PMID: 24138810 PMCID: PMC3819656 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-55-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Overconsumption of antibiotics in the pig industry is of concern in relation to antimicrobial resistance. False positive disease diagnosis may result in the treatment of healthy animals. In Denmark, diarrhoea is the most common cause of antibiotic treatment in pigs. Farm personnel are not professional clinicians, which could result in inappropriate antibiotic treatments of diarrhoea. The primary objectives of this pilot study using digital pictures of faecal pools was to evaluate farmers’ diagnostic performance in the assessment of faecal consistency in nursery pigs and to investigate the effect of different co-variables, including practical experience. A secondary objective was to compare the diagnostic performance of farmers with that of veterinarians. At a pig congress, observers (farm personnel and veterinarians) working professionally with pigs participated in a faecal consistency test consisting of 16 pictures of faecal pools (eight diarrhoeic and eight non-diarrhoeic). The faecal pools had previously been collected and subjected to faecal dry matter determination. The true status of the faecal pools was determined by the faecal dry matter content (diarrhoea: faecal dry matter ≤ 18%). The true status was used to evaluate the farmers’ and veterinarians’ diagnostic performance. Results A total of 119 farmers and 18 veterinarians were included in the statistical analysis. For the farmers, the mean proportion of faecal pools assessed as diarrhoeic was 0.48, the mean proportion of correctly classified faecal pools was 0.84, the mean diagnostic sensitivity was 0.83 and the mean diagnostic specificity was 0.86. Farmers with less than four years of practical experience detected clinical diarrhoea more accurately than farmers with more than four years of practical experience (p < 0.05). No significantly differences between farmers and veterinarians was observed (p > 0.20). Conclusions The results, using digital pictures of faecal pools, suggest that farmers and veterinarians have similar diagnostic performance in relation to diarrhoea. False positive classification of non-diarrhoeic pigs appears to be a larger problem than false negative classification of diarrhoeic pigs under Danish conditions. If these results can be confirmed under practical conditions, training in, and validation of, clinical diagnoses may be an important factor in reducing antibiotic consumption in the pig industry.
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47
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Application of the Welfare Quality® protocol to assess growing pigs kept under intensive conditions in Spain. J Vet Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Papatsiros V. Exploration of the Connection Between Porcine Necrotic Ear Syndrome and PCV2 Infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.3923/javaa.2011.185.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Ear necrosis reduction in pigs after vaccination against PCV2. Res Vet Sci 2010; 91:125-128. [PMID: 20889175 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The influence of sows vaccination against PCV2 on the prevalence of ear necrosis syndrome (ENS) reduction among weaners was analyzed using 12,931 piglets from 45 consecutive batches, born to both, vaccinated and non-vaccinated sows. The results were statistically tested with a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests. The results show that vaccination against PCV2 significantly reduced the prevalence of ENS (p<0.05). The percentage of affected pigs born to vaccinated sows was about over two times lower than in both groups of pigs born to non-vaccinated females (before the vaccination implementation and after its withdrawing). Even more distinct were the differences in the intensity of the lesions (p<0.05). In the group of pigs born to vaccinated sows, the percentage of severe lesions was three times lower than in the pigs born to non-vaccinated sows. It conclusion, it could statement that vaccination against PCV2 might be effective in reduction of ENS.
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Stärk KDC, Nevel A. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the pig health monitoring systems used in England. Vet Rec 2010; 165:461-5. [PMID: 19850852 DOI: 10.1136/vr.165.16.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Several systems are being used in England to record information about the health of pigs. The British Pig Health Scheme (BPHS), the National Animal Disease Information System (NADIS), the Zoonoses Action Plan (ZAP) for Salmonella and the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) system have been assessed to make recommendations for their future separate or joint development. The structure, organisation, processes, data quality, dissemination, utilisation and acceptance of each system have been assessed. Information was extracted from documents and websites, and informal interviews were conducted with technical experts and stakeholders. The systems covered a broad range of objectives, used variable approaches and operated at very different scales and budgets. There was a high level of awareness and involvement by the industry. Common weaknesses of the systems were the lack of in-depth quantitative analysis of the data, the lack of assessment of each system's impact, and the unknown level of bias as a result of the voluntary or selective participation in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D C Stärk
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
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