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Plà-Aragonés LM, Bao Y, Llagostera P, Juan A, Panadero J. Collecting and Delivering Fattened Pigs to the Abattoir. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1608. [PMID: 38891655 PMCID: PMC11171164 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of pig farming, this paper addresses the optimization problem of collecting fattened pigs from farms to deliver them to the abattoir. Assuming that the pig sector is organized as a competitive supply chain with narrow profit margins, our aim is to apply analytics to cope with the uncertainty in production costs and revenues. Motivated by a real-life case, the paper analyzes a rich Team Orienteering Problem (TOP) with a homogeneous fleet, stochastic demands, and maximum workload. After describing the problem and reviewing the related literature, we introduce the PJS heuristic. Our approach is first compared with exact methods, which are revealed as computationally unfeasible. Later, a scenario analysis based on a real instance was performed to gain insight into the practical aspects. Our findings demonstrate a positive correlation between the number of alternative routes explored, the number of trips, the transportation cost, and the maximum reward. Regarding the variability in the number of pigs to collect, when a truck can visit more than one farm, better solutions can be found with higher variability since the load can be combined more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Miquel Plà-Aragonés
- Department of Mathematics, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain; (Y.B.); (P.L.)
- Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Yun Bao
- Department of Mathematics, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain; (Y.B.); (P.L.)
- Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Pol Llagostera
- Department of Mathematics, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain; (Y.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Angel Juan
- Research Center on Production Management and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 03801 Alcoy, Spain;
| | - Javier Panadero
- Department of Computer Architecture & Operating Systems, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
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Xiao J, Han Z, Li X, Phillips CJC, Shi B. Effects of Transport Duration and Pre-Transport Fasting on Blood Biochemistry in Dorper × Mongolian Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1482. [PMID: 38791699 PMCID: PMC11117301 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Transport is a high-risk time for sheep, especially if the distances are long and sheep are fasted for a long time beforehand. Two experiments were conducted to compare transport durations of 1 hour (1 h) and 3 hours (3 h) and the effects of feeding before transport using Dorper × Mongolian sheep, which are typical of the region and may be tolerant of the high temperatures in the Inner Mongolian summer. Thirty 4-month-old male sheep were randomly divided into two treatment groups, with 15 sheep/treatment in each experiment, to evaluate the effects on blood biochemical indicators, stress hormone levels, rectal temperatures, and antioxidant status of lambs in summer. In Experiment 1, the levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids after 3 h transport were significantly lower than after 1 h transport (p < 0.05). The levels of thyroxine and malondialdehyde in blood were greater after 3 h transport than 1 h transport (p < 0.05). Creatine kinase levels after 3 h transport tended to be lower than after 1 h transport (p = 0.051). In Experiment 2, the levels of urea and superoxide dismutase in the group fasted pre-transport was significantly lower than those of the group fed pre-transport (p < 0.05). The serum cortisol level in the pre-transport fed group was higher compared to the group fed pre-transport (p = 0.04). Total antioxidant capacity in the pre-transport fasted group tended to be lower compared to that in the pre-transport fed group (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the reduction in nutritional status of sheep transported for longer and without feed pre-transport suggests that transporting sheep in hot conditions in northern China after fasting for a long period should be restricted. However, a decrease in the stress induced by transport following fasting is worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xiao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.H.); (X.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Zhipeng Han
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.H.); (X.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Xintong Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.H.); (X.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia;
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Binlin Shi
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.H.); (X.L.); (B.S.)
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Lesiów T, Xiong YL. Heat/Cold Stress and Methods to Mitigate Its Detrimental Impact on Pork and Poultry Meat: A Review. Foods 2024; 13:1333. [PMID: 38731703 PMCID: PMC11083837 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to provide an updated review and current understanding of the impact of extreme temperatures-focusing on heat stress (HS)-on the quality of pork and poultry meat, particularly amidst an unprecedented global rise in environmental temperatures. Acute or chronic HS can lead to the development of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat during short transportation or of dark, firm, and dry (DFD) meat associated with long transportation and seasonal changes in pork and poultry meat. While HS is more likely to result in PSE meat, cold stress (CS) is more commonly linked to the development of DFD meat. Methods aimed at mitigating the effects of HS include showering (water sprinkling/misting) during transport, as well as control and adequate ventilation rates in the truck, which not only improve animal welfare but also reduce mortality and the incidence of PSE meat. To mitigate CS, bedding on trailers and closing the tracks' curtains (insulation) are viable strategies. Ongoing efforts to minimize meat quality deterioration due to HS or CS must prioritize the welfare of the livestock and focus on the scaleup of laboratory testing to commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Lesiów
- Department of Agri-Engineering and Quality Analysis, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Youling L. Xiong
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA;
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Čobanović N, Čalović S, Suvajdžić B, Grković N, Stanković SD, Radaković M, Spariosu K, Karabasil N. Consequences of Transport Conditions on the Welfare of Slaughter Pigs with Different Health Status and RYR-1 Genotype. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:191. [PMID: 38254360 PMCID: PMC10812478 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020191] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the influence of transport conditions on welfare indicators of slaughter pigs with different health status and RYR-1 genotype. The group of pigs, predominantly consisting of Nn (56.67%) and subclinically diseased (60.00%) individuals, that were exposed to short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the highest slipping (p < 0.0001), falling (p = 0.0009), turning back (p < 0.0001), reluctance to move (p < 0.0001), panting (p < 0.0001) and shivering (p < 0.0001) frequencies at unloading. Subclinically diseased Nn pigs subjected to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the highest lactate (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), glucose (p = 0.0450 and p = 0.0002), CK (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0010), LDH (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0484), AST (p = 0.0208 and p = 0.0170), ALT (p = 0.0500 and p = 0.00081), ceruloplasmin (p = 0.0334 and p < 0.0001) and MDA (p = 0.0048 and p < 0.0001) concentrations, but the lowest sodium (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), chloride (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0432), albumin (p < 0.0090 and p < 0.0001), PON-1 (p = 0.0122 and p = 0.0500) and GSH (p = 0.0042 and p = 0.0340) levels, respectively. In the group consisting of of stress-resistant (100%) and predominantly healthy (60.00%) pigs subjected to short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2), none of the individuals showed irregular behavioural reactions during unloading. Healthy NN pigs that underwent short transportation (<30 min) at high loading density (~235 kg/m2) had the lowest lactate (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), glucose (p = 0.0450 and p = 0.0002), CK (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0010), LDH (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0484) and ceruloplasmin (p = 0.0334 and p < 0.0001) levels, but the highest sodium (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001) and chloride (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0432) concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, the most compromised welfare was recorded in subclinically diseased Nn pigs exposed to short transportation (<30 min) and high loading density (~235 kg/m2), while under the same conditions, the welfare of healthy NN pigs was not compromised. Therefore, stress-carrier pigs with subclinical pathological lesions should not be considered fit for transportation, indicating that the health status and genotype are the key factors for optimising pig welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Čobanović
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
| | - Sara Čalović
- Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Branko Suvajdžić
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Grković
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
| | - Sanja Dj Stanković
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Radaković
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.R.); (K.S.)
| | - Kristina Spariosu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.R.); (K.S.)
| | - Nedjeljko Karabasil
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.S.); (N.G.); (N.K.)
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5
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Duval E, Lecorps B, von Keyserlingk MAG. Are regulations addressing farm animal welfare issues during live transportation fit for purpose? A multi-country jurisdictional check. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231072. [PMID: 38269076 PMCID: PMC10805601 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Growing animal welfare concerns have pushed some jurisdictions to strengthen regulations addressing live farm animal transportation, but whether they provide satisfactory levels of protection for animals remains to be shown. Using the recent peer-reviewed literature, we identified four major risk factors associated with live animal transportation (fitness for transport, journey duration, climatic conditions and space allowances) and explored how regulations were structured to prevent animal welfare issues in five English-speaking Western jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the USA). All legally binding federal regulations were systematically reviewed and compared. Whether these rules were fit for purpose was assessed using the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature. Our findings indicate the majority of regulations in most jurisdictions are often insufficient or too vague to be deemed fit for purpose. All five jurisdictions fall short in guaranteeing adequate protection to livestock during transport. Using recent changes as well as future policy proposals under discussion, we identify future directions that could form the basis for regulatory changes that may significantly improve the welfare of farm animals during transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugénie Duval
- Essex Law School, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Lecorps
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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An J, Kim Y, Song M, Choi J, Yun W, Oh H, Chang S, Go Y, Song D, Cho H, Park S, Kim Y, Park Y, Park G, Oh S, Cho J. Effect of loading density and weather conditions on animal welfare and meat quality of slaughter pigs. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:1323-1340. [PMID: 38616884 PMCID: PMC11007295 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
There are several factors that affect the welfare and meat quality of pigs during pre-slaughter transport. Among various factors, the effects of weather conditions and loading density were studied. A total of 3,726 finishing pigs were allotted to one of nine groups arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial design according to the weather conditions (low temperature [LT], under 10°C; normal temperature [NT], 10°C-24°C; high temperature [HT], upper 24°C), and loading density (low density [LD], upper 0.43 m2/100 kg; normal density [ND], 0.37-0.43 m2/100 kg; high density [HD], under 0.37 m2/100 kg). Each treatment group follow as: LTLD, LTND, LTHD, NTLD, NTND, NTHD, HTLD, HTND, HTHD. In terms of carcass composition, pigs had the highest carcass weight and backfat thickness at LT. Comparing the HD transport to the ND transport, the meat quality indicated a lower pH and more drip loss. The incidence rate of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork was high in the order of the HD, LD, and the ND transport (20%, 9%, and 2%, respectively). The HT transport showed the lowest pH and greatest L* value under the given weather conditions. Pigs transported under the HTHD and LTLD conditions had the greatest rates of PSE pork (40% and 20%, respectively). Pigs exposed to HD transport had the shortest laying time and the highest overplap behavior. The LDLT transport pigs had a shorter laying time than the LDNT and LDHT transport pigs. In conclusion, too high or too low density transport is generally not excellent for meat quality or animal welfare, however it is preferable to transport at a slightly low density at high temperature and at a slightly high density at low temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo An
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yongju Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Minho Song
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
| | - Jungseok Choi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Won Yun
- Central Research Institute, Woosung Feed
Co., Ltd, Daejeon 34379, Korea
| | - Hanjin Oh
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seyeon Chang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Youngbin Go
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Dongcheol Song
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyunah Cho
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sanghun Park
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yuna Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yunhwan Park
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Gyutae Park
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sehyuk Oh
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jinho Cho
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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Gonçalves Vero J, Devillers N, Bridi AM, Moak KAT, Aboagye G, Agostinis Ferreira G, Genova JL, Conte S, Faucitano L. Transport of Pigs of Two Market Weights at Two Space Allowances: Effects on Behaviour, Blood Parameters, and Meat Quality under Summer and Winter Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2767. [PMID: 37685030 PMCID: PMC10486778 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172767] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out through two separate experiments aiming at evaluating the effects of two space allowances (0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig in summer and 0.44 m2/pig and 0.50 m2/pig in winter) on the behavioural and physiological response, and meat quality of pigs of two slaughter weights (120 kg and 140 kg). In summer, higher blood haematocrit levels were found at slaughter in heavier pigs transported at a smaller space allowance (p = 0.04). During lairage, pigs transported at a smaller space allowance started fighting later (p = 0.04). Fighting behaviour was greater in heavier pigs (p ≤ 0.05), whilst their drinking activity was lower (p < 0.05). This resulted in greater exsanguination blood CK levels (p < 0.01) and drier hams (p = 0.05) in heavier pigs. In winter, only lower space allowance influenced some meat quality traits (p < 0.05), but these effects were minor. The effects of space allowance during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs' welfare, and meat quality are similar. Mixing heavier pigs may result in greater aggressiveness and more fatigue-related meat quality variation during summer. Overall, winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and within-truck load distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gonçalves Vero
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86051-990, Brazil; (A.M.B.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Ana Maria Bridi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86051-990, Brazil; (A.M.B.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Kyle A. T. Moak
- Department of Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada;
| | - Gizella Aboagye
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | | | - Jansller Luiz Genova
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil;
| | - Sabine Conte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
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Song D, Lee J, Kim K, Song M, Oh H, Chang S, An J, Park S, Jeon K, Kim H, Cho J. Effects of driving style and bedding in pigs transported to slaughterhouse in different temperatures. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:878-889. [PMID: 37970499 PMCID: PMC10640947 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Animal welfare during transport became an largely issue because of increasing demand for improved animal welfare standards. Most studies on the animal welfare during transportation have concentrated on the atmosphere and the temperature of the truck compartments. Thus, the objective of study was to collect and quantify three axis acceleration and determine the effect of bedding for transporting pigs from farm to slaughterhouse. A total of 2,840 crossbred fattening pigs with a live weight of approximately 115 kg were used. They were raised in the same commercial farms and transported to the same commercial slaughterhouse. A 3×2×2 completely randomized factorial design was used to investigate effects of rubber type bedding (bedding or non-bedding) and two levels of driving style (aggressive or normal) in three different time periods with different outside temperatures. Air temperature treatments were as follow: high temperature ([HT] higher than 24°C); low temperature ([LT] lower than 10°C); normal temperature ([NT] 10°C to 24°C). In our experiment, pigs transported under aggressive driving style showed lower (p < 0.05) pH and water holding capacity (WHC) than those transported under normal driving style. Pigs transported under normal driving style showed a lower percentage of drip loss (DL) (p < 0.05) than those transported with an aggressive driving style. Also, transported with bedding showed higher (p < 0.05) lying behavior but lower (p < 0.05) sitting behavior than those transported without bedding. Pigs transported under normal driving style showed lower (p < 0.05) cortisol level than those transported under aggressive driving style. In conclusion, aggressive driving style cause acute stress in pigs, while bedding helps alleviate acute stress in pigs during transportation in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongcheol Song
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jihwan Lee
- Department of Poultry Science, University
of Georgia (UGA), Athens, 30602, USA
| | - Kangheung Kim
- Department of Food Marketing and Safety,
Kunkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Minho Song
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hanjin Oh
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seyeon Chang
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jaewoo An
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sehyun Park
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Kyeongho Jeon
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyeunbum Kim
- Department of Animal Resource and Science,
Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Jinho Cho
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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9
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Golightly HR, O'Sullivan TL, Brown JA, Seddon YM. Effect of season on weaned piglet mortality during transport greater than 8 h under Canadian conditions. Prev Vet Med 2023; 217:105961. [PMID: 37336166 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105961] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
North American swine producers commonly transport piglets away from sow farms at weaning. However, limited information on factors associated with piglet mortality during these transports is available. The objectives of this study were to identify transport characteristics that were associated with the occurrence of in-transit mortality (≥1 piglet found dead on arrival) and/or associated with increased rates of in-transit mortality using records of weaned piglet transport voluntarily provided by Canadian swine companies. Following cleaning and validation, records of 810 long duration (>8 h to <28 h) weaned piglet (min.: 4.2, max.: 7.7 kg) transports conducted between 2016 and 2017 by four companies were available to investigate risk factors for the occurrence of in-transit mortality. Transports originated in Ontario, Saskatchewan, or Alberta and 30% of transports had one or more mortality events recorded. Season of transport was significant in the final logistic regression model; the odds of a transport having mortality occur was greater during the winter (December, January, February) compared to the spring (March, April, May) (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.13-2.96; P = 0.013), summer (June, July, August) (OR= 2.1; 95% CI: 1.28-3.34; P = 0.003) and fall (September, October, November) (OR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.36-3.62; P = 0.001), with no differences observed between the other seasons. Additionally, records from 755 long duration weaned piglet (min.: 4.2, max.: 7.9 kg) transports conducted between 2014 and 2017 by a single company was used to identify risk factors for increased rates of in-transit mortality. Transports originated in Saskatchewan or Alberta and 44.9% of transports had one or more mortality events recorded with in-transit mortality rates ranging from 0.00% to 6.16%. Season of transport was again significant in the final negative binomial regression model. The rate of piglet death in-transit was increased in all seasons compared to the summer with winter transport having the highest predicted rate of in-transit mortality. Transports conducted during the winter had a rate of in-transit mortality nearly five times greater compared to transports conducted during the summer (IRR= 4.94; 95% CI: 3.11-7.87; P = 0.000) and approximately three times greater compared to transports conducted during the fall (IRR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.73-4.30; P = 0.000) and spring (IRR=3.1; 95% CI: 1.96-4.99; P = 0.000). These results suggest that winter transport in Western Canada is an area of opportunity to reduce in-transit mortality during long duration weaned piglet transport. Research investigating transport practices that may mitigate the effects of extreme cold (e.g., space allowance, bedding provision) would be useful for informing specific recommendations for this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Golightly
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T L O'Sullivan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J A Brown
- Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 5N9, Canada
| | - Y M Seddon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada.
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10
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Zappaterra M, Faucitano L, Nanni Costa L. Road Transport: A Review of Its Effects on the Welfare of Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101604. [PMID: 37238033 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101604] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present the best available scientific knowledge on key effects of pre-transport and transport factors influencing the response of piglets to transport stress and post-transport recovery. To date, research on piglet transportation particularly focused on the effects of season (i.e., heat and cold stress), vehicle design features (ventilation type and deck/compartment location), space allowance and transport duration, and piglet genetics. More specifically, in this review the effect of transport duration has been dealt with through its impact on death rate, behaviour and physiological response, and feeling of hunger and thirst. Based on the available literature, clear conclusions can be drawn on the vulnerability of piglets to heat stress during transport. Both short and long transportation have an effect on piglet welfare, with effects being biased by the genetic background, ambient conditions and vehicle design. Further studies investigating the impact of factors such as vehicle design, truck stocking density and environment, piglet genetic background, and weaning age are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zappaterra
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Leonardo Nanni Costa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
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11
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Golightly HR, O'Sullivan TL, Brown JA, Seddon YM. A descriptive study of weaned piglet transport practices in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, Canada between 2014 and 2018. Prev Vet Med 2023; 216:105931. [PMID: 37182377 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105931] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Canadian transport practices for shipments of newly weaned piglets are not well-described despite documentation requirements for those conducting the movement of these animals. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of weaned piglet transport events that occurred between 2014 and 2018 using records provided by five Canadian swine companies. Following cleaning and validation, the dataset included records from 6203 transport events involving the transport of approximately 6.9 million piglets (5.7 kg, 4.1-7.9 kg) from 62 origin sites in Alberta, Ontario, or Saskatchewan, Canada. This represents approximately 4.7% of the piglets estimated to have been weaned in Canada between 2014 and 2018, and 1.7% of sow farms in Canada according to 2016 National census data. Most transport events ended at farms in Canada (71.3%), while the remaining delivered piglets to one of eight American states. The predominant trailer types used were Straightdeck (51.4%) and Potbelly (36.6%), but this did not reflect the number of piglets transported as Potbelly trailers have greater load capacity. Transport events most frequently involved loading piglets from one origin barn and delivering them to a single destination barn (78.1%). Only transport events involving export to the United States picked up piglets from, or delivered them to, more than one farm site. Most transport events had very short trip distances (median distance: 48.0 km; IQR: 497.0), but a marked range was observed (1.8-2931.2 km). Average daily temperature data matched to the transport records by origin and destination location demonstrated ambient environmental conditions during these transport events ranged from - 30.3-28.7 °C. Overall, less than 10% of transport events had mortality occur. Comparable with other observational studies documenting weaned piglet mortality, the average in-transit mortality rate observed over the multiple seasons, companies, trip distances, and other characteristics in this dataset was 0.027%. However, instances of mortality over 1% did sporadically occur and could translate to considerable losses given the large load sizes common for piglets of this age and size (median load size: 1105 piglets; IQR: 1036 piglets). These data provide a better understanding of the interconnectedness of the Canadian swine industry as well as common transport practices which may inform future research on disease transmission in swine transport networks, or piglet welfare during transport. Additionally, variables that were not present in this dataset that would further strengthen these types of investigations are highlighted (e.g., space allowance).
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Golightly
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T L O'Sullivan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J A Brown
- Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 5N9, Canada
| | - Y M Seddon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada.
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12
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Wang Z, Wang C, Zhang Y, Liu S, Cheng Y, Wang S, Xia P, Hao L. Porcine IGF-1R synonymous mutations in the extracellular domain affect proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells. Gene 2023; 854:147098. [PMID: 36496177 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147098] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Miniature pigs are considered ideal organ donors for xenotransplantation in humans, but the mechanism underlying their dwarfism remains to be elucidated. IGF-1R is a crucial factor in body size formation in mammals, including skeletal muscle formation and development. The extracellular domain (ECD) binds to the ligand, a phenomenon that results in the activation of downstream pathways. METHODS In this study, the coding sequences of two IGF-1R ECD haplotypes of the large Landrace (LP) pig and the small Bama Xiang (BM) pig were cloned into pcDNA3.1 vectors to generate pcDNA3.1-LP and pcDNA3.1-BM. The two recombinant vectors were then transfected into skeletal muscle cells. RESULTS IGF-1R transcript was found to be expressed at higher levels in the pcDNA3.1-LP group than in the pcDNA3.1-BM group. The IGF-1R ECD from LP promoted cell proliferation and CyclinD1 expression, and promoted the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (to yield p-AKT). Moreover, the IGF-1R ECD from LP increased cell differentiation and the expression of myogenic determination factor (MyoD). CONCLUSION Our data indicated that the IGF-1R ECD haplotypes between pig breeds with different body sizes affect IGF-1R expression, in turn affecting the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells by activating downstream signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoguo Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Songcai Liu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China.
| | - Yunyun Cheng
- Ministry of Health Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Siyao Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Peijun Xia
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China
| | - Linlin Hao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130061, China.
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13
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Hernandez RO, Romero MH, Sanchez JA. Assessment of slaughterhouse-based measures as animal welfare indicators in fattening pigs. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1064933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the assessment of animal welfare in slaughterhouses. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of slaughter-based measures as animal welfare indicators and evaluate the relationships between these indicators and the sociodemographic characteristics of livestock drivers and transport conditions for fattening pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse. A total of 1,161 heavy pigs (105.6 ± 14.15 kg), from 22 commercial farms, were evaluated. Pigs were assessed ante mortem, during lairaging, by evaluating the number, location, and color of skin lesions, tail length, and the presence or absence of biting lesions, lameness, cough, rectal or vaginal prolapse, and umbilical hernia. Pulmonary lesions, pleuritis, pericarditis, and liver lesions were also recorded postmortem. A descriptive analysis was performed on antemortem and postmortem indicators to estimate their prevalence, and the relationships among antemortem and postmortem indicators were analyzed using two multilevel mixed-effects models—a linear regression and a logistic regression analysis— with the farm of origin as a fixed effect. Cough was present in 18.9% (n = 219) of pigs, whereas the prevalence of tail biting lesions (4.6%, n = 53), rectal prolapse (0.1%, n = 11), and vaginal prolapse (0.1%, n = 11) was low. As regards lesion shape, linear lesions accounted for the majority of skin lesions (55.8%, n = 648), followed by comma-shaped (34.7%, n = 403), diffuse (6.9%, n = 80), and rectangular lesions (2.5%, n = 29). Only 25.2% (n = 512) of lesions were bright red. At postmortem, pulmonary lesions were noted in 34.2 ± 13.5 (mean ± SEM) pigs, and were more prevalent in the cranial (11.9 ± 4.9) and medium lobes (12.2 ± 5.2); the caudal (5.3 ± 2.7) and accessory lobes (1.6 ± 1.6) were less affected. The number of skin lesions was significantly associated with drivers’ age, job experience (years), and marital status (p ≤ 0.001). The presence or absence of tail lesions was strongly associated with the number of skin lesions, scoring of pulmonary lesions, and animal live weight (p ≤ 0.001). Antemortem and postmortem indicators at slaughterhouses with low annual slaughter volumes can provide key information for disease monitoring and animal welfare.
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14
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Fu Q, Yang X, Zhou S, Yang Y, Zhang X, Han Q, Ji W, Liu H. Effects of short-distance transportation on physiological indexes, intestinal morphology, microbial community, and the transcriptome of the jejunum in weaned piglets. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148941. [PMID: 37124567 PMCID: PMC10130522 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transportation of livestock is unavoidable in animal production. A total of 72 piglets were randomly divided into the CON group and the TSG group, and the piglets in CON group were transported for two hours. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-distance road transportation lasting 2 h on the jejunum of weaned piglets. Our results showed that compared with the control group, there was no impact on the growth performance of piglets in the transport group (P > 0.05). The concentrations of cortisol, heat shock protein (HSP)70, HSP90, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12, and interferon-γ and the activity of reactive oxygen species were increased in the jejunum of piglets in the transport group (P < 0.05 compared with the control group). The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 showed no between-group differences (P > 0.05). Regarding intestinal morphology, the transport group showed infiltration of a small amount of lymphocytes into the jejunum mucosa epithelium that was accompanied by edema of the lamina propria, whereas the control group showed no obvious abnormalities. At the genus level, in the transport group, the 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a downward trend in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an upward trend in the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae_unclassified. There was also increased mRNA expression of genes associated with inflammation in the transport group, but the genes and pathways related to apoptosis were not activated. In summary, weaned piglets undergoing 2 h of short-distance road transportation showed stress and inflammatory reactions of the jejunum but did not exhibit oxidative damage or activation of the apoptosis pathway of the jejunum. Furthermore, the growth performance of the piglets was not affected by the trip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Sitong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yue Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qi Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenbo Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Wenbo Ji
| | - Honggui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Swine Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Honggui Liu
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15
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Marti E, Nannoni E, Visentin G, Sardi L, Martelli G, Belperio S, Liuzzo G. Mortality during Transport of Pigs Subjected to Long Journeys: A Study in a Large European Abattoir. Vet Sci 2022; 9:590. [PMID: 36356067 PMCID: PMC9697356 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, especially in Europe, few studies have analysed the implications of long journeys on pig welfare and economic losses, expressed in terms of transport mortality. This study retrospectively analysed data collected from slaughtering registers and travel journals in a large Italian abattoir. We focused on pig transports coming from abroad and arriving at the slaughter plant after long journeys (a total of 59,982 pigs over 370 journeys). We explored the relationship between mortality and the following variables: country of origin, journey duration, astronomical season, stocking density on the truck, number of stops, and prolonged stops during the journey (lasting more than 60 min, likely due to traffic jams or truck problems). Overall, the low mortality rate observed (0.09%) was in line with European estimates. The factors with a significant or tendential effect on mortality during transport were the astronomical season (p = 0.0472, with higher mortality in spring) and the presence of prolonged stops during the journey (p = 0.069, tendential effect). Journey duration, stocking density, country of origin, and the number of stops were not statistically significant. In conclusion, based on this case study, using transport mortality combined with data collected during the common routine activity by the Public Veterinary Services in slaughterhouses could be a simple screening method for identifying problematic journeys or transport conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulio Visentin
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Simona Belperio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Liuzzo
- Department of Public Health—Veterinary Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Strada Martiniana 21, 41126 Modena, Italy
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16
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Golightly HR, Brown J, Bergeron R, Poljak Z, Seddon YM, O’Sullivan TL. Impact of two commercial weaning and transport strategies on piglet behaviour, body weight change, lesions and lameness following transport. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Machado NAF, Barbosa-Filho JAD, Martin JE, Da Silva IJO, Pandorfi H, Gadelha CRF, Souza-Junior JBF, Parente MDOM, Marques JI. Effect of distance and daily periods on heat-stressed pigs and pre-slaughter losses in a semiarid region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:1853-1864. [PMID: 35864272 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02325-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective planning animal transport is essential to safeguard animal welfare and reduce production losses. Environmental conditions, specifically extreme temperatures in combination with ranges of relative humidity are highlighted as one of the main risk factors for production losses during transport (e.g., fatalities). The majority of research evaluating both welfare and production impacts of pig transport have been primarily undertaken in Europe and North America, which cover a relatively limited range of distinct climates (e.g., temperate, sub-arctic, etc.). As a result, research on pig transport in semi-arid conditions is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the effects of both distance (short, 30 km; and long, 170 km) and transport daily periods (morning, (05:00-11:00); afternoon (12:00-17:00); and night, (23:00-04:00)) on the preslaughter losses and heat stress of pigs in commercial transport in a semiarid region. Across 19 journeys of standard slaughter-weight pig loads (124.0 ± 2.8 kg), 684 focal animals (36 per journey) were evaluated. For each journey, the load's thermal profile (THIadj and enthalpy) and physiological responses of individual pigs were recorded. On arrival at designated slaughterhouses, the percentage pig of non-ambulatory non-injured (NANI), non-ambulatory injured (NAI), death on arrival (DOA), and total losses were recorded. Short journeys in the afternoon were shown to be more detrimental to the thermal comfort of pigs, with higher rectal temperatures recorded. The highest percentage of total losses and DOA occurred in afternoon journeys, irrespective of distance, followed by the morning, with the lowest losses observed in pigs transported at night. Additionally, total losses and DOA were further exacerbated by journey distance, with higher rates observed in short journeys. Higher percentage averages of NANI and NAI were observed in shorter journeys, but daily periods effects were only observed for NANI. These results further demonstrate the welfare and production loss risks associated with journey distance and time of day (representing varying environmental conditions) during road transport of pigs, whilst providing novel data in semiarid conditions. Careful and effective planning for pig transportation is essential to minimize heat stress and production losses. Consideration of the thermal environment on the day of travel, as well as providing flexibility to adjust travel times (e.g., early morning or evening), should help to mitigate risks of heat stress and production losses during pig transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica E Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Héliton Pandorfi
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jordânio Inácio Marques
- Chapadinha Sciences Center, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
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18
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Evidence-Based Recommendations for Herd Health Management of Porcine Post-Weaning Diarrhea. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141737. [PMID: 35883284 PMCID: PMC9311872 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this paper, you will find recommendations on how to prevent post-weaning diarrhea in pigs kept in indoor pig herds. The recommendations are based on the scientific knowledge that is currently available. The authors first validated that Danish veterinarians working with pigs demanded such recommendations. Then, we collected papers written by other researchers who had summarized the scientific knowledge on different topics related to post-weaning diarrhea. From the papers, we extracted and synthesized 79 specific recommendations that may help veterinarians and pig producers make good decisions for their pig herd. The paper exemplifies a novel approach to summarizing and transferring science into practice that may be of interest to people that are not involved with pigs and post-weaning diarrhea. Abstract Aided by their advising veterinarians, pig producers need to make difficult decisions regarding herd health management strategies. For instance, the preventive use of antimicrobials and medicinal zinc oxide must be substituted with more sustainable preventive approaches to porcine post-weaning diarrhea. Veterinarians and pig producers may find assistance in knowledge based on evidence in this regard; however, the overwhelming scientific literature is not always readily available. The overall aim of this paper is to suggest herd health management decision-support tools that can aid veterinary-assisted decision making in the control of porcine post-weaning diarrhea at a tactical level. The first objective was to validate the need for a herd health management concept, including two decision-support tools. The second objective was to develop evidence-based recommendations that can aid veterinary-assisted decision-making for the herd health management of post-weaning diarrhea. The first objective was investigated by a questionnaire-based study among veterinary pig practitioners in Denmark. For the second objective, we conducted a scientific summary based on scientific review papers identified through a systematic search in three databases. From the papers, we synthesized and extracted 79 specific recommendations. In this paper, we report comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for the herd health management of post-weaning diarrhea.
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19
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Moak KA, Bergeron R, Conte S, Bohrer BM, Arrazola A, Devillers N, Faucitano L. Use of two novel trailer types for transportation of pigs to slaughter. 1. Effects on trailer microclimate, pig behaviour, physiological response, and meat quality under Canadian summer conditions. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2022-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A total of 3,366 pigs were transported to slaughter in summer (six replicates/trailer type; July-August in southwestern Ontario) using three trailers: a modified triple-deck pot-belly (MPB), an advanced flat-deck (AFD), and a standard pot-belly (SPB). Within trailers, ambient conditions, temperature (T°C ), relative humidity (RH%), and temperature-humidity-index (THI), were monitored in three compartments (bottom front, BF, middle deck, MM, and top rear, TR). A total of 324 pigs were selected for the analysis of hematocrit, lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) levels in exsanguination blood and for the evaluation of pork quality as assessed in the longissimus (LM), semimembranosus (SM), and adductor (AD) muscles. The AFD and MPB trailers presented lower (P < 0.01) T°C and THI compared to the SPB during transit. In the SPB trailer, pigs transported in the MM compartment showed higher (P < 0.01) blood CK concentrations than those transported in the BF compartment and lower pHu values in the SM and AD muscles (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively) than those transported in the TR compartment. Although the AFD trailer design provided a better microclimate for pigs, the improvements in the design of the novel trailers only slightly reduced stress in pigs during summer transits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A.T. Moak
- University of Guelph, 3653, Animal Biosciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Renée Bergeron
- University of Guelph, Animal Biosciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabine Conte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , Sherbrooke R & D Centre , Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Aitor Arrazola
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6337, Sherbrooke R & D Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke R&D Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada,
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20
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Moak KA, Bergeron R, Conte S, Bohrer BM, Agostinis Ferreira G, Gonçalves Vero J, Aboagye G, Arrazola A, Devillers N, Faucitano L. Use of two novel trailer types for transportation of pigs to slaughter. 2. Effects on trailer microclimate, pig behaviour, physiological response, and meat quality under Canadian winter conditions. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In total, 3,654 market pigs were transported to slaughter in winter (six replicates/treatment; January-February in southwestern Ontario) using three trailers: a modified triple-deck pot-belly (MPB), an advanced flat-deck (AFD) trailer, and a standard pot-belly (SPB). Within trailers, ambient conditions, temperature (T°C), relative humidity (RH%) and temperature and humidity index (THI), were monitored in three compartments (bottom front, BF, middle middle deck, MM, and top rear, TR). In total, 324 pigs were selected for the analysis of hematocrit, lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) levels in exsanguination blood and for the evaluation of pork quality as assessed in the longissimus (LM), semimembranosus (SM), and adductor (AD) muscles. The SPB trailer overall was approximately 2.5°C warmer (P = 0.01) compared to the MPB and AFD trailers while stationary at the farm. No differences (P > 0.10) in blood variables were found between trailers. The pHu value of the SM muscle was greater (P = 0.05) for pigs transported in the SPB trailer than in the AFD and MPB trailers. Given the few substantial effects of trailer models on animal welfare and meat quality, these three trailer models can be used indifferently for short-distance transportation in winter conditions in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A.T. Moak
- University of Guelph, 3653, Animal Biosciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Renée Bergeron
- University of Guelph, Animal Biosciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabine Conte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada , Sherbrooke R&D Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benjamin M Bohrer
- The Ohio State University, 2647, Food Science, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | | | - Jessica Gonçalves Vero
- State University of Londrina Centre of Agricultural Sciences, 495591, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Gizella Aboagye
- University of Bologna, 9296, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Division of Animal Science, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aitor Arrazola
- Purdue University, 311308, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6337, Sherbrooke R&D Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke R & D Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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21
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Valkova L, Vecerek V, Voslarova E, Kaluza M, Takacova D, Brscic M. Animal welfare during transport: comparison of mortality during transport from farm to slaughter of different animal species and categories in the Czech Republic. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2038038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Valkova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Vecerek
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Voslarova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kaluza
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Takacova
- Department of Public Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Marta Brscic
- Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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22
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A multi-suckling system combined with an enriched housing environment during the growing period promotes resilience to various challenges in pigs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6804. [PMID: 35474326 PMCID: PMC9043182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10745-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the impact of social and environmental enrichment on improving livestock resilience, i.e. the ability to quickly recover from perturbations. We evaluated the effect of an alternative housing system (AHS) on resilience of pigs, as compared to conventional housing (CONV). The AHS consisted of multi-litter housing during lactation, delayed weaning, extra space allowance and environmental enrichment at all times. We assessed recovery to a 2 h-transport challenge, an LPS injection, 2 h-heat stress and a biopsy wound in 96 pigs. Additionally, indicators of long-term “wear and tear” on the body were determined. AHS pigs had better physiological recoveries with quicker returns to baseline in the transport and LPS challenges, showed lower cortisol accumulation in hairs and lower variance in weight gain over the experimental period compared to conventionally-housed (CONV) pigs. They also had higher levels of natural antibodies binding KLH than CONV pigs. Their response to heat stress revealed a different strategy compared to CONV pigs. Taken together, AHS pigs appear to be more resilient and experience less chronic stress. Enhancing welfare by provision of social and environmental enrichment that better meets the behavioural needs of pigs seems to be a promising approach to improve their resilience.
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23
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Romero MH, Sánchez JA, Hernandez RO. Field Trial of Factors Associated With the Presence of Dead and Non-ambulatory Pigs During Transport Across Three Colombian Slaughterhouses. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:790570. [PMID: 35141312 PMCID: PMC8820205 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.790570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transport by land is an essential component for the commercialization of fattening pigs and can have a negative impact on animal welfare. In slaughterhouses, the presence of dead and non-ambulatory animals is an indicator of poor welfare during transport. The objective of the study was to identify risk factors associated with the frequency of dead and non-ambulatory pigs during transport. A survey was conducted in three Colombian slaughterhouses. Data were collected from 372 batches (n = 18,437 gilts barrows) and transported directly from the farms to the slaughterhouses. Each truck was individually evaluated; a structured survey was administered to drivers, non-ambulatory and dead pigs on arrival were identified and blood samples were obtained from non-ambulatory pigs to assess physiological indicators of stress. Mortality rates per batch at arrival ranged from 0.08 to 0.17% and prevalence of non-ambulatory pigs per batch ranged from 0.84 to 1.37%.The results of the multilevel mixed effects linear regression model identified the following as risk factors associated with the frequency of total transport losses: truck speed (P = 0.04), distance (P < 0.01), transport time (P < 0.01), load size (P < 0.01) and the driver (P < 0.01) including the farm as a fixed effect. This study identified risk factors that increased the probability of total transport losses during land transport under Colombian commercial conditions. But more research that involves commercial drivers is needed to develop effective strategies to improve Colombian pig's transportation chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlyn H. Romero
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Animal Sciences, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Marlyn H. Romero
| | - Jorge Alberto Sánchez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Animal Sciences, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
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Albernaz-Gonçalves R, Olmos Antillón G, Hötzel MJ. Linking Animal Welfare and Antibiotic Use in Pig Farming-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:216. [PMID: 35049838 PMCID: PMC8773261 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventative measures, such as biosecurity and vaccinations, are essential but not sufficient to ensure high standards of health in pig production systems. Restrictive, barren housing and many widely used management practices that cause pain and stress predispose high-performance pigs reared in intensive systems to disease. In this context, antibiotics are used as part of the infrastructure that sustains health and high levels of production in pig farms. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global emergency affecting human and animal health, and the use of antibiotics (AMU) in intensive livestock farming is considered an important risk factor for the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria from animals to humans. Tackling the issue of AMR demands profound changes in AMU, e.g., reducing their use for prophylaxis and ending it for growth promotion. In support of such recommendations, we revise the link between animal welfare and AMU and argue that it is crucial to sustainably reduce AMU while ensuring that pigs can live happy lives. In support of such recommendations, we aimed to revise the link between animal welfare and AMU in pigs by analysing stress factors related to housing and management and their impact on pig welfare. In particular, we reviewed critical management practices that increase stress and, therefore, pigs' susceptibility to disease and reduce the quality of life of pigs. We also reviewed some alternatives that can be adopted in pig farms to improve animal welfare and that go beyond the reduction in stress. By minimising environmental and management stressors, pigs can become more immunocompetent and prepared to overcome pathogenic challenges. This outcome can contribute to reducing AMU and the risk of AMR while simultaneously improving the quality of life of pigs and, ultimately, maintaining the pig industry's social license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Albernaz-Gonçalves
- Campus Santa Rosa do Sul, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Santa Rosa do Sul 88965-000, SC, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, Itacorubi, Florianópolis 88034-001, SC, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Olmos Antillón
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga 1346, Itacorubi, Florianópolis 88034-001, SC, Brazil
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25
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Golightly HR, Brown J, Bergeron R, Poljak Z, Roy RC, Seddon YM, O'Sullivan TL. Physiological response of weaned piglets to two transport durations observed in a Canadian commercial setting. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6410023. [PMID: 34695200 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Observational studies describing the impact of transport duration on weaned piglet welfare are limited. Current Canadian transport regulations are heavily informed by studies involving market hogs. Due to physiological differences between weaned piglets and market hogs, additional data on their response to transport are needed for age-specific evidence-based recommendations. A cohort study was conducted to describe and compare mortality, injury, weight change, hematological or biochemical changes in hydration, muscle injury and stress response observed in weaned piglets undergoing short duration (SD, <3 h), or long duration (LD, >30 h) commercial summertime transport events. Data collection on 440 of 11,434 transported piglets occurred the morning of the day before transport (T0), at arrival (T1) and approximately 3 to 4 d (78 to 93 h) after arrival at the nursery barn (T2). Low mortality occurred over all transport events (0.06%) with no association observed between transport duration and odds of death during transport (P = 0.62). The incidence of lameness between T0 and T1 was low (1.84% of the 435 focal piglets scored) with all lameness cases identified as mild in severity. Lesions on ears and skin were more prevalent than other injury types after transport (T1) and may have been related to mixing aggression associated with weaning rather than transport alone. LD piglets weighed 0.39 kg less than SD piglets at T1 (P < 0.01), but no difference in group weight was observed at T2 (P = 0.17). Hematological and biochemical differences were present between groups at T1. LD piglets had increased hematocrit levels compared with SD piglets (P = 0.01), suggesting increased body water losses. SD piglets showed greater levels of muscle injury compared with LD piglets including elevated aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01) and creatine kinase (P < 0.01). However, these parameters were within normal reference ranges for piglets of this age group. Indicators of physiological stress response including cortisol and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios were elevated in SD piglets compared with LD piglets (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that both short and long transport durations can result in detectable physiological changes in weaned piglets. The overall impact of these durations on piglet welfare should be further explored by analyzing behavioral time budgets during and after transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Golightly
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Renée Bergeron
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zvonimir Poljak
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Cyril Roy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Yolande M Seddon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Terri L O'Sullivan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Čobanović N, Novaković S, Tomašević I, Karabasil N. Combined effects of weather conditions, transportation time and loading density on carcass damages and meat quality of market-weight pigs. Arch Anim Breed 2021; 64:425-435. [PMID: 34712773 PMCID: PMC8546884 DOI: 10.5194/aab-64-425-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the interactive effects of weather conditions, transportation time and loading density on carcass damages and meat quality
traits of market-weight pigs under commercial conditions. The following pork quality parameters were measured: pH and temperature; colour; drip,
thawing and cooking loss; and textural traits. Pigs were assigned to one of eight groups arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design
according to the weather conditions (hot and cold), transportation time (short and long) and loading density (high and
low). A three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (multiple comparisons) were performed to assess the differences between groups in examined pork quality
traits. Pigs exposed to short transportation (∼ 20 min) at high loading density (0.29 m2/100kg) during hot weather conditions produced meat with the lowest
initial and ultimate meat pH value and sensory colour scores, and the highest initial temperature and the occurrence of pale, soft and exudative
pork. The occurrence of pale, soft and exudative pork was reduced 5-fold during hot weather conditions when pigs were exposed to longer
transportation (∼ 210 min) and low loading density (0.53 m2/100kg). Pigs exposed to short transportation
(∼ 20 min) at high loading density (0.41 m2/100kg) during cold weather conditions produced the highest quality pork (the
highest percentage of red, firm and non-exudative pork) characterised by lowest drip loss and b∗ value and the highest sensory colour
scores. The highest percentages of carcass damages were recorded in pigs exposed to both low (0.50 m2/100kg) and high
(0.33 m2/100kg) loading density during long transportation (∼ 210 min) in cold weather conditions. In conclusion, weather
conditions and loading density are of greater importance for the occurrence of carcass damages and pork quality variation than transportation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Čobanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Saša Novaković
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Igor Tomašević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nedjeljko Karabasil
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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27
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Chen L, Wen K, Chen FE, Trick AY, Liu H, Shao S, Yu W, Hsieh K, Wang Z, Shen J, Wang TH. Portable Magnetofluidic Device for Point-of-Need Detection of African Swine Fever. Anal Chem 2021; 93:10940-10946. [PMID: 34319068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With a nearly 100% mortality rate, African swine fever (ASF) has devastated the pork industry in many countries. Without a vaccine in sight, mitigation rests on rapid diagnosis and immediately depopulating infected or exposed animals. Unfortunately, current tests require centralized laboratories with well-trained personnel, take days to report the results, and thus do not meet the need for such rapid diagnosis. In response, we developed a portable, sample-to-answer device that allows for ASF detection at the point of need in <30 min. The device employs droplet magnetofluidics to automate DNA purification from blood, tissue, or swab samples and utilizes fast thermal cycling to perform real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), all within an inexpensive disposable cartridge. We evaluated its diagnostic performance at six farms and slaughter facilities. The device exhibits high diagnostic accuracy with a positive percent agreement of 92.2% and a negative percent agreement of 93.6% compared with a lab-based reference qPCR test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liben Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Kai Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fan-En Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Alexander Y Trick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Hebin Liu
- Beijing Mingrida Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing 100095, China
| | - Shibei Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenbo Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kuangwen Hsieh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.,Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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28
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Urrea VM, Bridi AM, Ceballos MC, Paranhos da Costa MJR, Faucitano L. Behavior, blood stress indicators, skin lesions, and meat quality in pigs transported to slaughter at different loading densities. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6226921. [PMID: 33860321 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 1,936 pigs were transported through 8 trips (8.4 ± 0.5 hr) from 2 grow-to-finish farms to a commercial slaughter plant, all located in Southern Brazil. On each trip, a sub-sample of each load (36 barrows/load, weighing 118.9 ± 9.8 kg) was randomly allocated into one of the following loading densities during transport: 200 kg/m2 (D200), 235 kg/m2 (D235), and 270 kg/m2 (D270). Behavioral recordings of postures and activities were made during transportation and lairage using video-cameras. At slaughter, blood samples were collected to assess the concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate. Carcass weights and skin lesion scores were assessed on-line, and meat quality was evaluated in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle by assessing pH, color, and drip loss. During transportation, the proportion of animals lying down was higher (P < 0.05) in D200 and D235 groups compared with D270. The proportion of sitting animals during transportation was higher (P < 0.01) in D270 compared with D200. In lairage, D200 and D235 pigs stood more compared with D270 (P = 0.01), while the proportion of lying pigs was higher (P = 0.02) for D270 pigs compared with D200 and D235. The frequency of drinking bouts in lairage was higher (P < 0.05) for D200 group compared with D235 and D270. The levels of CK were lower (P < 0.05) in D200 pigs transported compared with D270. Lesion scores tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in D270 carcasses compared with D200 and D235. A tendency for lower (P = 0.10) pH1 values in the LT muscle of D270 pigs compared with D200 pigs was also found. Based on the results of this study, the application of lower loading densities (≤235 kg/m2) in the truck allows pigs to have sufficient space to rest, travel more comfortably and arrive less fatigued at the slaughter plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Montoya Urrea
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal 14.884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Bridi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Ceballos
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, T3R 1J3, Canada
| | - Mateus J R Paranhos da Costa
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal 14.884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal 14.884-900, SP, Brazil.,Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, J1M C08, Canada
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29
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Duttlinger AW, Centeno Martinez RE, McConn BR, Kpodo KR, Lay DC, Richert BT, Johnson TA, Johnson JS. Replacing dietary antibiotics with 0.20% l-glutamine in swine nursery diets: impact on intestinal physiology and the microbiome following weaning and transport. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6182313. [PMID: 33755169 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research demonstrates that supplementing 0.20% l-glutamine (GLN) in the diets of newly weaned and transported pigs improves growth rate to a similar extent as providing dietary antibiotics (AB). However, research comparing the effects of GLN vs. AB on intestinal physiology and the microbiome is limited. Therefore, the study objective was to compare the effects of supplementing nursery diets with GLN, AB, or no dietary antibiotics (NA) on intestinal physiology and the microbiome of pigs in a production environment following weaning and transport. Mixed-sex piglets (N = 480; 5.62 ± 0.06 kg body weight [BW]) were weaned (18.4 ± 0.2 d of age) and transported for 12 h in central Indiana, for two replicates, during the summer of 2016 and the spring of 2017. Pens were blocked by BW and allotted to one of the three dietary treatments (n = 10 pens/dietary treatment/replicate [8 pigs/pen]): AB (chlortetracycline [441 ppm] + tiamulin [38.6 ppm]), GLN (0.20% as-fed), or NA fed for 14 d. From day 14 to 34, pigs were fed common AB-free diets in two phases. On day 33, villus height:crypt depth tended to be increased (P = 0.07; 7.0%) in GLN and AB pigs vs. NA pigs. On day 33, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) mRNA abundance was decreased (P = 0.01; 50.3%) in GLN and NA pigs vs. AB pigs. Crypt depth was increased overall on day 33 (P = 0.01; 16.2%) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. Villus height:crypt depth was reduced (P = 0.01; 9.6%) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate on day 33. On day 13, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and occludin mRNA abundance was increased (P ≤ 0.04; 45.9% and 106.5%, respectively) and zonula occludens-1 mRNA abundance tended to be greater (P = 0.10; 19.2%) in the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. In addition, AB pigs had increased (P = 0.01; 101.3%) GLP-2 mRNA abundance compared with GLN and NA pigs. Microbiome analysis indicated that on day 13, dietary treatment altered the microbiota community structure (P = 0.03). Specifically, the AB pigs tended to be distinct from both the NA and GLN pigs (P = 0.08), and Lactobacillus was increased nearly 2-fold in AB compared with NA pigs (q = 0.04) and GLN pigs (q = 0.22). In conclusion, GLN supplementation tended to improve some morphological markers of intestinal health similarly to AB pigs, while the microbiome composition in GLN pigs was more similar to NA pigs than AB pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan W Duttlinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Betty R McConn
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Kouassi R Kpodo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Donald C Lay
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Brian T Richert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Timothy A Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jay S Johnson
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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30
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Carnovale F, Xiao J, Shi B, Kaart T, Arney D, Phillips CJC. The Effects of Vehicle Type, Transport Duration and Pre-Transport Feeding on the Welfare of Sheep Transported in Low Temperatures. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061659. [PMID: 34199657 PMCID: PMC8227339 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low temperatures can provide a risk to the welfare of sheep during transport because of increased ventilation chilling the sheep, and we examined the importance of three factors-covering the vehicle, duration of transport, and feeding prior to transport-on the welfare of sixty transported 4-month-old Dorper × Mongolian female sheep in a cold climate. Sheep in a covered vehicle had greater increases in head and ear temperatures than those in an open vehicle. Sheep transported for 2 h increased their leg temperatures, whereas those transported for 1 h had reduced leg temperatures. Increases in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood samples during the long transport suggested that sheep had more muscular and metabolic activity, compromising their well-being. Feeding prior to transport did not affect body temperatures, but those not fed prior to transport had reduced alanine transferase, HSP and cortisol in their blood, whereas those that were fed had reduced NEFAs, LDH and creatine kinase. Prior feeding had no effect on the sheep temperature indices over a two-hour transport period. Thus, the sheep most at risk of the adverse effects of cold temperatures were those transported in open vehicles, those transported for a longer time, and those not fed before transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carnovale
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 306 Zhaowuda Road, Inner Mongolia, Hohhot 010018, China; (F.C.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 46, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (T.K.); (D.A.)
| | - Jin Xiao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 306 Zhaowuda Road, Inner Mongolia, Hohhot 010018, China; (F.C.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Binlin Shi
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 306 Zhaowuda Road, Inner Mongolia, Hohhot 010018, China; (F.C.); (B.S.)
| | - Tanel Kaart
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 46, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (T.K.); (D.A.)
| | - David Arney
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 46, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (T.K.); (D.A.)
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, PKent St., Bentley, WA 6102, Australia;
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31
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Yang Y, Li X, Cao Z, Qiao Y, Lin Q, Liu J, Zhao Z, An Q, Zhang C, Zhang H, Pan H. Effects of Different Ambient Temperatures on Caecal Microbial Composition in Broilers. Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:33-43. [PMID: 33815525 PMCID: PMC8008768 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term or acute temperature stress affect the immune responses and alters the gut microbiota of broilers, but the influences of long-term temperature stress on stress biomarkers and the intestinal microbiota remains largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of three long-term ambient temperatures (high (HC), medium (MC), and low (LC) temperature groups) on the gene expression of broilers’ heat shock proteins (Hsps) and inflammation – related genes, as well as the caecal microbial composition. The results revealed that Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels in HC group significantly increased, and levels of Hsp70, Hsp90, IL-6, TNF-α, and NFKB1 in LC group were significantly higher than in MC group (p < 0.05). In comparison with the MC group, the proportion of Firmicutes increased in HC and LC groups, while that of Bacteroidetes decreased in LC group at phylum level (p < 0.05). At genus level, the proportion of Escherichia/Shigella, Phascolarctobacterium, Parabacteroides,and Enterococcus increased in HC group; the fraction of Faecalibacterium was higher in LC group; and the percentage of Barnesiella and Alistipes decreased in both HC and LC groups (p < 0.05). Functional analysis based on communities’ phylogenetic investigation revealed that the pathways involved in environmental information processing and metabolism were enriched in the HC group. Those involved in cellular processes and signaling, metabolism, and gene regulation were enriched in LC group. Hence, we conclude that the long-term temperature stress can greatly alter the intestinal microbial communities in broilers and may further affect the host’s immunity and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Li
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhui Cao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yinging Qiao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuye Lin
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, The People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Zhao
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Qingcong An
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyong Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Pan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, The People's Republic of China
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Machado NAF, Martin JE, Barbosa-Filho JAD, Dias CTS, Pinheiro DG, de Oliveira KPL, Souza-Junior JBF. Identification of trailer heat zones and associated heat stress in weaner pigs transported by road in tropical climates. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102882. [PMID: 33863446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress is major welfare concern during transport of pigs in tropical climates, which can also lead to direct production costs. This study evaluated the dynamics of heat zones through the load and their relationship with heat stress of weaner pigs during road transport in a tropical climate. Both environmental (e.g. temperature and relative humidity) and physiological (e.g. respiratory frequency and lactate) measures were recorded from four vehicle journeys (70 km distance, 216 weaner pigs within each trailer load) within Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Geostatistics and fluid dynamics simulation techniques were applied to understand the dynamics of heat zones and ventilation patterns the truckload. Statistics based on canonical discriminant analysis and ANOVA were performed to verify the relationship between heat zones and heat stress in pigs. The results showed that, during transport, the generation of heat zones occurred with different magnitudes along the load (P < 0.05), which was harmonized by the ventilation dynamics. There was a heat core with high energy content, in the front region of the lower deck (LD) of the trailer. In this zone, weaners pigs had higher rectal temperature (+1.8 °C temperature difference), respiratory frequency (LD = 94 ± 1.3 breaths/min; UD = 86 ± 1.3 breaths/min), and blood cortisol concentration (LD = 32.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL; UD = 30.18 ± 0.6 ng/mL) (all P < 0.05). Weaners pigs transported in the upper deck (UD) compartments had the highest skin temperature (LD = 38.13 ± 0.3 °C; UD = 38.9 ± 0.22 °C) and the highest mean values of blood lactate (LD = 65.5 ± 1.11 m/M; UD = 71.60 ± 1.19 m/M) and Creatine kinase (LD = 3891.23 ± 69U/L; UD = 4107.43 ± 62U/L) (P < 0.05). Weaners transported in compartments of the LD of trailer were more susceptible to heat stress, while weaners in the UD compartments were more susceptible to physical stress and muscle exhaustion. These results provide additional evidence of heat zones within trailer compartments and highlight the requirement for the planning of pig transport operations in tropical climates to mitigate risks of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nítalo A F Machado
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Jessica E Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Carlos T S Dias
- Department of Exact Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Daniel G Pinheiro
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Kenio P L de Oliveira
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - João B F Souza-Junior
- Laboratory of Biometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Brazil
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Sardi L, Gastaldo A, Borciani M, Bertolini A, Musi V, Garavaldi A, Martelli G, Cavallini D, Nannoni E. Pre-Slaughter Sources of Fresh Meat Quality Variation: The Case of Heavy Pigs Intended for Protected Designation of Origin Products. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122386. [PMID: 33327382 PMCID: PMC7764830 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focused on loin quality in Italian heavy pigs intended for the production of PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) products, and investigated the pre-slaughter factors which negatively affect the quality of fresh meat. Data were collected on 44 shipments (loads) of pigs. Shipments were carried out under commercial conditions. Several pre-slaughter parameters were recorded within the entire process (on-farm, during transport, and at the slaughterhouse). On a subset of pigs (10 animals from every load, N = 440), serum cortisol and creatine kinase were measured and loin samples were analyzed for pH, instrumental color, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and sensory quality. Cluster analysis of the instrumentally-assessed meat quality parameters allowed the categorization of the shipments into two clusters: lower quality (LQ) and higher quality (HQ). Our results showed that the factors with significant differences between the two clusters were journey duration, ambient temperature, distance traveled, and irregular behaviors (slipping, falling, and overlapping) at unloading (all greater in LQ, p < 0.05). The pre-slaughter conditions associated with lower loin quality were ambient temperatures above 22 °C, distance traveled above 26 km, travel duration between 38-66 min, more than 5.9% of animals showing irregular behaviors at unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
| | - Alessandro Gastaldo
- Foundation C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production) Studies and Researches, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Marzia Borciani
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Bertolini
- Foundation C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production) Studies and Researches, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Valeria Musi
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Anna Garavaldi
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
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Driessen B, Freson L, Buyse J. Fasting Finisher Pigs before Slaughter Influences Pork Safety, Pork Quality and Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2206. [PMID: 33255610 PMCID: PMC7761097 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The final phase in pork production is the transport of finisher pigs to the slaughterhouse. Fasting is one of the parameters that influence the stress coping ability of the pigs during transport and lairage. When implemented correctly with attention to the local factors, pre-slaughter fasting can improve animal welfare, pathogen risk and carcass hygiene. The length of pre-slaughter feed withdrawal time is important to the success of the production practice. In practice, a fasting time before slaughter between 12 and 18 h enhances pork safety, pork quality, and animal welfare. This means that communication between producer and slaughterhouse is essential when planning the fasting and lairage times to avoid carcass and technological pork quality problems (such as pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat or dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Driessen
- Research, Control & Consult-Belgium bv, B-3583 Paal, Belgium;
- Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Department of Biosystems, B-3001 KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Louis Freson
- Agricultural Buildings Research, Department of Biosystems, B-3001 KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium;
- Laboratory of Humane Biology, Department of Physiology, B-3000 KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Buyse
- Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Department of Biosystems, B-3001 KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
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Flores-Peinado S, Mota-Rojas D, Guerrero-Legarreta I, Mora-Medina P, Cruz-Monterrosa R, Gómez-Prado J, Guadalupe Hernández M, Cruz-Playas J, Martínez-Burnes J. Physiological responses of pigs to preslaughter handling: infrared and thermal imaging applications. Int J Vet Sci Med 2020; 8:71-84. [PMID: 33062662 PMCID: PMC7534282 DOI: 10.1080/23144599.2020.1821574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Loading, transport, unloading, lairage and stunning are the principle ante-mortem events that generate negative responses associated with stress in pigs. For this reason, it is important to verify the condition of animals throughout the supply chain in order to ensure their welfare and obtain, at the end of the slaughtering process, high-quality carcases and meat. Several studies have identified the indicators and samples that need to be taken into account to properly measure and evaluate the responses that these animals emit to the stressors involved. However, these procedures must be carried out quickly and by non-invasive means so as not to impede the flow of animals through the operations of loading, transport, unloading and lairage. Therefore, the objective of this review article is to analyse the stressful events that pigs experience during these events and discuss the use of the infrared thermography (IRT) as an alternative tool for measuring stress based on temperature changes on the surface of pigs’ skin. We argue that infrared thermography can be used as a strategy to improve animal welfare during loading, transport, unloading and lairage by preventing fatigue and deaths, and decreasing negative impacts on meat quality, such as pale, soft and exudative (PSE), or dark, firm and dry (DFD) conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Flores-Peinado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Guerrero-Legarreta
- Department of Biotechnology, Emeritus Professor Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, (UAM-I), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Livestock Science Department, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - Jocelyn Gómez-Prado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Hernández
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesús Cruz-Playas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Graduate and Research Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City, Mexico
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López-Arjona M, Escribano D, Mateo SV, Contreras-Aguilar MD, Rubio CP, Tecles F, Cerón JJ, Martínez-Subiela S. Changes in oxytocin concentrations in saliva of pigs after a transport and during lairage at slaughterhouse. Res Vet Sci 2020; 133:26-30. [PMID: 32919235 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is associated with reproductive physiology but also with welfare and positive emotions. In this study, oxytocin was measured in saliva samples of 45 pigs that were collected before being transported to the slaughterhouse, at the time of arrival and 4 h after arrival to the slaughterhouse. Two previously validated assays, one that measures free oxytocin and other that measures oxytocin linked to proteins, were used. In addition, cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), total esterase activity (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which are biomarkers associated with stress and pain in pigs, were measured. The results showed a decrease in free and protein-linked oxytocin concentrations at 4 h after transport compared with the time before transport, while cortisol, sAA, TEA, BChE and LDH showed an increase at 4 h after transport compared with the time before transport. Based on these results it can be concluded that the transport and lairage at slaughterhouse in the conditions of this study produce a decrease in oxytocin in the saliva of pigs that could indicate a reduced emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina López-Arjona
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Damián Escribano
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sandra V Mateo
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Dolores Contreras-Aguilar
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila Peres Rubio
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Tecles
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
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Duttlinger AW, Kpodo KR, Schinckel AP, Richert BT, Johnson JS. Effects of increasing dietary L-glutamine to replace antibiotics on pig health and performance following weaning and transport. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa157. [PMID: 33123679 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplementing nursery diets with 0.20% L-glutamine (GLN) may provide similar growth and health benefits as dietary antibiotics, but it was unknown if greater inclusion levels may provide additional benefits. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the impact of replacing dietary antibiotics with increasing GLN levels on growth performance, therapeutic antibiotic treatment rates, welfare measures, and production costs in pigs after weaning and transport. We hypothesized that withholding dietary antibiotics may negatively impact performance and increase therapeutic treatment rate, and that diet supplementation with 0.20% to 1.00% GLN may incrementally improve productivity and reduce therapeutic antibiotic treatment rates compared with dietary antibiotics. Mixed sex pigs (N = 308; 5.64 ± 0.06 kg body weight [BW]) were weaned (19.1 ± 0.2 d of age) and transported in central Indiana in 2017. Pigs were blocked by BW and allotted to one of seven dietary treatments (n = 8 pens/dietary treatment): dietary antibiotics (positive control [PC]; chlortetracycline [441 mg/kg] + tiamulin [38.6 mg/kg]), no antibiotics or added GLN (negative control [NC]), 0.20% GLN, 0.40% GLN, 0.60% GLN, 0.80% GLN, or 1.00% GLN fed for 14 d. From d 14 to 35, pigs were provided nonantibiotic common diets in two phases. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was reduced (P = 0.01; 17.7%) from d 0 to 14 in NC, 0.20% GLN, 0.60% GLN, 0.80% GLN, and 1.00% GLN pigs compared with PC pigs, but no ADG differences were detected between 0.40% GLN pigs and PC pigs. Increasing GLN in the diet tended to increase ADG (linear; P = 0.10). Overall, d 35 BW was greater (P = 0.01) in 0.80% GLN and PC pigs compared with NC, 0.20% GLN, and 0.60% GLN pigs, and was greater for 0.40% GLN and 1.00% GLN pigs vs. 0.20% GLN pigs. However, no d 35 BW differences were detected (P > 0.05) between PC, 0.40% GLN, 0.80% GLN, and 1.00% GLN pigs. Increasing GLN in the diet tended to increase (linear; P = 0.08) d 35 BW. Overall, income over feed and therapeutic injectable antibiotics cost (IOFAC) for enteric and unthrifty challenges were greater (P = 0.02) in 0.80% GLN pigs compared with NC, 0.20% GLN, and 0.60% GLN pigs, but no IOFACs for enteric and unthrifty challenges differences were detected between 0.80% GLN pigs and 0.40% GLN, 1.00% GLN, and PC pigs. In conclusion, GLN supplemented pigs had improved performance after weaning and transport compared with the NC pigs with 0.40% GLN being the most effective level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan W Duttlinger
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, IN.,USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Kouassi R Kpodo
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, IN.,USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Allan P Schinckel
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Brian T Richert
- Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Jay S Johnson
- USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN
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Ritter MJ, Yoder CL, Jones CL, Carr SN, Calvo-Lorenzo MS. Transport losses in market weight pigs: II. U.S. incidence and economic impact. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa041. [PMID: 32705038 PMCID: PMC7209761 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An industry survey representing approximately 310 million (M) market weight pigs was conducted with 20 U.S. slaughter facilities over the calendars years of 2012 to 2015 to determine the incidence, seasonal patterns, and estimated economic impact of dead and non-ambulatory pigs. Each plant entered daily totals in a secure online database for the following variables: 1) pigs slaughtered, 2) dead on arrival (DOA; dead on the truck), 3) euthanized on arrival (EOA; non-ambulatory pig with an injury that required euthanasia), 4) dead in pen (DIP; died after unloading), and 5) non-ambulatory (pig unable to move or keep up with the rest of the group from unloading to stunning). Total dead pigs were calculated as DOA + EOA + DIP, and total losses were calculated as non-ambulatory + total dead. The economic impact was estimated based on the 4-yr weighted averages from USDA annual reports for market swine slaughtered (108,470,550 pigs), live market weight (126.9 kg), and live market price ($1.44/kg). The 4-yr weighted averages for total dead, non-ambulatory, and total losses were 0.26%, 0.63%, and 0.88%, respectively. Total dead consisted of 0.15% DOA, 0.05% EOA, and 0.05% DIP. The months with the highest rates of total dead were July (0.29%), August (0.32%), and September (0.30%), while the lowest incidence rates occurred in February (0.22%), March (0.22%), and April (0.22%). The months with the highest rates of non-ambulatory pigs were observed during the months of October (0.70%), November (0.71%), and December (0.70%), whereas the lowest rates of non-ambulatory pigs were observed during the months of April (0.57%), May (0.53%), and June (0.54%). The following assumptions were used in the economic analysis: 1) dead pigs received no value and 2) non-ambulatory pigs were discounted 30%. Based on these assumptions, the annual cost to the industry for dead and non-ambulatory pigs was estimated to be $52 M ($0.48 per pig marketed) and $37 M ($0.35 per pig marketed), respectively. Therefore, total losses represent approximately $89 M in economic losses or $0.83 per pig marketed. This is the first industry-wide survey on the incidence of transport losses in market weight pigs at U.S. slaughter facilities, and this information is important for establishing an industry baseline and benchmark for transport losses that can be used for measuring industry improvements.
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Distillation remnants of shochu, a traditional Japanese liquor, improve pork meat quality by reducing stress. Food Chem 2020; 318:126488. [PMID: 32151924 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126488] [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: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Distillation remnants of Shochu, a traditional Japanese liquorare fed to livestock, but their effects on livestock health have not been investigated. Here, we investigated the effects of these remnants on pig stress and pork quality (N = 6/group). The remnants reduced plasma cortisol (17.94 ± 0.92 [control] and 10.59 ± 1.28 [sample]) and increased salivary IgA (6.06 ± 2.21 [control] and 21.60 ± 5.37 [sample]). Blind sensory assessments showed that, in remnant-fed pork, sirloin tenderness (3.18 ± 0.19 [control] and 4.27 ± 0.38 [sample]) and the juiciness, umami, and fat tastiness of fillets were improved. Oleic acid percentages were higher (35.23 ± 0.65 [control] and 37.87 ± 0.60 [sample]) in remnant-fed pork, contributing to a favorable sensory evaluation. Two-group comparisons were analyzed by student's t test. p < 0.05. This study promotes the reutilization of remnants to reduce livestock stress and improve meat quality.
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Identification of Possible Pre-Slaughter Indicators to Predict Stress and Meat Quality: A Study on Heavy Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10060945. [PMID: 32486015 PMCID: PMC7341522 DOI: 10.3390/ani10060945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at identifying possible pre-slaughter indicators and/or indexes to be used to predict pig stress response and meat quality variation. Data were collected on 44 shipments (loads) of Italian heavy pigs. For each shipment, several pre-slaughter parameters were recorded on farm, during transport, and at the slaughterhouse. Blood and meat samples were taken from 10 pigs from every of the 44 loads included in the study (N = 440). Blood samples were used to assess cortisol and creatine kinase levels, whereas meat samples were used to assess meat quality (pH, instrumental color, tenderness, water-holding capacity, and sensory analysis). Cluster analysis of blood parameters allowed the categorization of the shipments into two main clusters: Lower Stress (LS) and Higher Stress (HS). The variables/indexes statistically differing between the two clusters were: average vehicle speed during transport, welfare index at slaughter (i.e., "slaughter score"), overall transport and slaughter welfare index (TSWI), distance travelled, and behaviors (slips, falls, overlaps) during unloading, which appeared to be the best descriptors of the welfare conditions experienced by Italian heavy pigs during pre-slaughter handling. No consistent effects of the stress level experienced on meat quality was detected, which warrants the need for further studies conducted under more variable pre-slaughter conditions, with the aim of simplifying and improving the TSWI.
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