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Anderson C, Backeman Hannius LM, De Oliveira D, Wallenbeck A. Social sham chewing in sows? Behav Processes 2024; 218:105042. [PMID: 38679342 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In this short communication, we describe chewing behaviour in sows with no apparent edible substrate in their mouth as a potential social behaviour. Chewing in sows during interaction with unfamiliar sows was unexpectedly observed in a study assessing social abilities and damaging behaviours in group-housed dry sows. Such chewing was observed frequently and performed by almost all sows. To our knowledge, this behaviour has not been described previously in a social context in pigs, but rather as an oral stereotypic behaviour related to chronic hunger. We describe the behaviour in its social context and speculate on reasons for its occurrence in that context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claes Anderson
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, Uppsala 75007, Sweden.
| | - Linda Marie Backeman Hannius
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Daiana De Oliveira
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Anna Wallenbeck
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
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2
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Tatemoto P, Pértille F, Bernardino T, Zanella R, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Zanella AJ. An enriched maternal environment and stereotypies of sows differentially affect the neuro-epigenome of brain regions related to emotionality in their piglets. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2196656. [PMID: 37192378 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2196656] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are important modulators of neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring of animals challenged during pregnancy. Pregnant sows living in a confined environment are challenged with stress and lack of stimulation which may result in the expression of stereotypies (repetitive behaviours without an apparent function). Little attention has been devoted to the postnatal effects of maternal stereotypies in the offspring. We investigated how the environment and stereotypies of pregnant sows affected the neuro-epigenome of their piglets. We focused on the amygdala, frontal cortex, and hippocampus, brain regions related to emotionality, learning, memory, and stress response. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were investigated in these brain regions of male piglets born from sows kept in an enriched vs a barren environment. Within the latter group of piglets, we compared the brain methylomes of piglets born from sows expressing stereotypies vs sows not expressing stereotypies. DMRs emerged in each comparison. While the epigenome of the hippocampus and frontal cortex of piglets is mainly affected by the maternal environment, the epigenome of the amygdala is mainly affected by maternal stereotypies. The molecular pathways and mechanisms triggered in the brains of piglets by maternal environment or stereotypies are different, which is reflected on the differential gene function associated to the DMRs found in each piglets' brain region . The present study is the first to investigate the neuro-epigenomic effects of maternal enrichment in pigs' offspring and the first to investigate the neuro-epigenomic effects of maternal stereotypies in the offspring of a mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tatemoto
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pértille
- Avian Behavioral Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Animal Science Department, University of São Paulo - Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Program, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thiago Bernardino
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Graduation Program in One Health, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ricardo Zanella
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna
- Avian Behavioral Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Program, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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3
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Parada Sarmiento M, Lanzoni L, Sabei L, Chincarini M, Palme R, Zanella AJ, Vignola G. Lameness in Pregnant Sows Alters Placental Stress Response. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1722. [PMID: 37889627 PMCID: PMC10251993 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111722] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant sows from commercial pig farms may experience painful states, such as lameness, an essential indicator in assessing sow welfare. We investigated the effect of lameness during the last third of pregnancy on reproductive performance and placental glucocorticoid concentrations in sows. Periodic locomotion assessments were carried out on two commercial pig farms using a validated 0-5 scoring system (from 0: normal locomotion; to 5: a downer animal). Sows from both farms (N = 511) were grouped based on their average locomotion scores. On Farm 1, 30 sows were selected and grouped as either Not Lame (NL = 16; X¯ = 0-1) or Lame (L = 14; X¯ > 1). On Farm 2, 39 sows were selected and grouped as either Not Lame (G1 = 12; X¯ = 0-1), Moderately Lame (G2 = 13; X¯ = 1.1-2), or Severely Lame (G3 = 14; X¯ ≥ 2.1). Reproductive data (gestation length, litter weight, average piglet weight, litter size, and the number of piglets born alive/mummified/stillborn) were recorded on both farms. Moreover, on Farm 2, piglet intrauterine growth restriction score and the number of piglets dead during the first week were also recorded, and placenta samples were collected to determine their cortisol/cortisone concentrations. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the data. The proportion of lameness in pregnant sows (N = 511) was >40%, and the gestation length tended to decrease with the presence of lameness (p < 0.1) in both farms. G2 sows had a higher placental cortisol/cortisone ratio than G1 and G3 sows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, lameness was high in the sows assessed, which may decrease sow gestation length and reduce placental efficiency in protecting the offspring from the sows' stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Parada Sarmiento
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga CEP 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (M.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Lydia Lanzoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (M.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Leandro Sabei
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga CEP 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Matteo Chincarini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (M.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärpl. 1, 1210 Wien, Austria;
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga CEP 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Giorgio Vignola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (L.L.); (M.C.); (G.V.)
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Grześkowiak Ł, Saliu EM, Martínez-Vallespín B, Aschenbach JR, Brockmann GA, Fulde M, Hartmann S, Kuhla B, Lucius R, Metges CC, Rothkötter HJ, Vahjen W, Wessels AG, Zentek J. Dietary fiber and its role in performance, welfare, and health of pigs. Anim Health Res Rev 2022; 23:165-193. [PMID: 36688278 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252322000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Dietary fiber (DF) is receiving increasing attention, and its importance in pig nutrition is now acknowledged. Although DF for pigs was frowned upon for a long time because of reductions in energy intake and digestibility of other nutrients, it has become clear that feeding DF to pigs can affect their well-being and health. This review aims to summarize the state of knowledge of studies on DF in pigs, with an emphasis on the underlying mode of action, by considering research using DF in sows as well as suckling and weaned piglets, and fattening pigs. These studies indicate that DF can benefit the digestive tracts and the health of pigs, if certain conditions or restrictions are considered, such as concentration in the feed and fermentability. Besides the chemical composition and the impact on energy and nutrient digestibility, it is also necessary to evaluate the possible physical and physiologic effects on intestinal function and intestinal microbiota, to better understand the relation of DF to animal health and welfare. Future research should be designed to provide a better mechanistic understanding of the physiologic effects of DF in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ł Grześkowiak
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - E-M Saliu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - B Martínez-Vallespín
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - J R Aschenbach
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - G A Brockmann
- Breeding Biology and Molecular Animal Breeding, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Fulde
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Hartmann
- Institute of Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - B Kuhla
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - R Lucius
- Institute of Molecular Parasitology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - C C Metges
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - H J Rothkötter
- Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Medizinische Fakultät, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - W Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - A G Wessels
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - J Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Changes in Stereotypies: Effects over Time and over Generations. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192504. [PMID: 36230246 PMCID: PMC9559266 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192504] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Herein, we propose that there should be discussion about the function and effects of stereotypies in relation to the time during which they are shown. In the first stages, stereotypies may help animals deal with challenges. However, behavior can potentially alter the brain, impairing its function due the absence of a diverse repertory, and change brain connections, neurophysiology and later neuroanatomy. The neuroanatomical changes in individuals showing stereotypies could be an effect rather than a cause of the stereotypy. As a consequence, studies showing different outcomes for animal welfare from stereotypy expression could be due to variation in a timeline of expression. Stereotypies are widely used as an animal welfare indicator, and their expression can tell us about psychological states. However, there are questions about the longer-term consequences if animals express stereotypies: do the stereotypies help in coping? During the prenatal period, stereotypic behavior expressed by the mother can change the phenotype of the offspring, especially regarding emotionality, one mechanism acting via methylation in the limbic system in the brain. Are individuals that show stereotypies for shorter or longer periods all better adjusted, and hence have better welfare, or is the later welfare of some worse than that of individuals that do not show the behavior? Abstract Stereotypies comprise a wide range of repeated and apparently functionless behaviors that develop in individuals whose neural condition or environment results in poor welfare. While stereotypies are an indicator of poor welfare at the time of occurrence, they may have various consequences. Environmental enrichment modifies causal factors and reduces the occurrence of stereotypies, providing evidence that stereotypies are an indicator of poor welfare. However, stereotypy occurrence and consequences change over time. Furthermore, there are complex direct and epigenetic effects when mother mammals that are kept in negative conditions do or do not show stereotypies. It is proposed that, when trying to deal with challenging situations, stereotypies might initially help animals to cope. After further time in the conditions, the performance of the stereotypy may impair brain function and change brain connections, neurophysiology and eventually neuroanatomy. It is possible that reported neuroanatomical changes are an effect of the stereotypy rather than a cause.
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Schulz M, Zieglowski L, Kopaczka M, Tolba RH. The Open Field Test as a Tool for Behaviour Analysis in Pigs: Recommendations for Set-Up Standardization - A Systematic Review. Eur Surg Res 2022; 64:7-26. [PMID: 35732140 PMCID: PMC9808745 DOI: 10.1159/000525680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The open field test (OFT) is a common tool to assess anxiety and behavioural changes in rodents. It has been adapted to pigs with no systematic investigation of how environmental changes may alter the performance of pigs. Currently, the number of published studies including the OFT in domestic pig models is increasing without standardization. METHODS Our review aimed to investigate the open field (OF) set-ups in published studies and the similarities between performance and published parameters. RESULTS Following the PRISMA guidelines for reviews, we selected 69 studies for inclusion in this systematic review. We determined the specific set-up conditions such as dimensions, duration, and time of day for most of the included studies; we found high variability across studies with respect to these test specifics. DISCUSSION Our results indicate the inconsistent implementation of the set-up, including dimensions, timing, parameters, and additional combined tests (e.g., new object tests). Based on our findings, we have made recommendations for the performance of the OFT, according to the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Schulz
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany,
| | - Leonie Zieglowski
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marcin Kopaczka
- Institute of Imaging & Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - René H Tolba
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Lima YF, Tatemoto P, Reeves E, Burden FA, Santurtun E. Donkey Skin Trade and Its Non-compliance With Legislative Framework. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:849193. [PMID: 35372545 PMCID: PMC8968980 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.849193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Donkeys (Equus asinus) are facing a global crisis. Their welfare, and even survival, is being compromised as the demand for their skins increases. This demand is driven by the need to supply raw materials to produce ejiao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine made from collagen extracted from donkey skins. Since there is no productive chain for donkey skin production outside of China, the global trade is an entirely extractive industry that has resulted in the decimation of some local donkey populations. The donkey skin trade is demonstrably unsustainable, from the ethical issues associated with poor welfare, to the biosecurity and human health risks the trade poses; and it violates both legal frameworks and moral expectations at both a national and global level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Tatemoto
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Patricia Tatemoto
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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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How Epigenetics Can Enhance Pig Welfare? Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010032. [PMID: 35011138 PMCID: PMC8749669 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics works as an interface between the individual and its environment to provide phenotypic plasticity to increase individual adaptation capabilities. Recently, a wide variety of epi-genetic findings have indicated evidence for its application in the development of putative epi-biomarkers of stress in farm animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate previously reported stress epi-biomarkers in swine and encourage researchers to investigate potential paths for the development of a robust molecular tool for animal welfare certification. In this literature review, we report on the scientific concerns in the swine production chain, the management carried out on the farms, and the potential implications of these practices for the animals' welfare and their epigenome. To assess reported epi-biomarkers, we identified, from previous studies, potentially stress-related genes surrounding epi-biomarkers. With those genes, we carried out a functional enrichment analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the DNA of swine subjected to different stress-related conditions (e.g., heat stress, intrauterine insult, and sanitary challenges). We identified potential epi-biomarkers for target analysis, which could be added to the current guidelines and certification schemes to guarantee and certify animal welfare on farms. We believe that this technology may have the power to increase consumers' trust in animal welfare.
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The in-utero experience of piglets born from sows with lameness shapes their life trajectory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13052. [PMID: 34158529 PMCID: PMC8219680 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiences during gestation can alter the mother's behavior and physiology, thereby potentially affecting the behavioral and physiological development of the offspring. In livestock, one common challenge for pregnant animals is lameness: a multifactorial condition that causes pain, stress, resulting in poor welfare outcomes. Since maternal pain can affect offspring development, we aimed to quantify the behavioral response in 142 piglets born from sows with different degrees of lameness during pregnancy. Gait scores of 22 pregnant group-housed sows were assessed six times at 2-week intervals. Lameness scores varied from 0 (no lameness) to 5 (most severe lameness score). Saliva samples and behavior were assessed in the sows throughout pregnancy. Sows were moved to individual farrowing pens and placental tissue was collected for glucocorticoid assessment. At 28 days of age, piglets were weaned, weighed, and regrouped by body size and sex. Skin lesions were counted for each piglet on days 28, 29, and 30 after birth. During open field and novel object tests on day 30, the vocalization and activity levels were evaluated. Piglet data were grouped by the lameness score of the sows as G1 (without lameness), G2 (moderate lameness), and G3 (severe lameness). Data analysis included ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests and pairwise comparisons which were performed using Tukey and Kramer (Nemenyi) test with Tukey-Dist approximation for independent samples. G2 piglets were heavier than G3 at weaning. G1 piglets had fewer skin lesions at days 28 and 29 than G2 piglets. Moreover, G1 piglets vocalized more than G2 when they were subjected to the combined open field and novel object test. We did not identify differences among sows showing different lameness scores in the concentration of placental or salivary glucocorticoids. Lameness in pregnant sows altered the offspring's weight gain, number of skin lesions and vocalizations, together showing evidence that lameness in sows affect offspring performance and behavior.
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11
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Tatemoto P, Bernardino T, Morrone B, Queiroz MR, Zanella AJ. Stereotypic Behavior in Sows Is Related to Emotionality Changes in the Offspring. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:79. [PMID: 32226792 PMCID: PMC7080954 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some effects of expressing stereotypic behavior have not yet been elucidated. During gestation, the environment has the potential to interfere with offspring development and to have prenatal or longer-term consequences. We tested the hypothesis that the occurrence of stereotypic behavior during gestation could affect the phenotype of the offspring. Twenty-eight pregnant sows were studied by comparing two groups differing in the amount of stereotypy shown. We analyzed emotionality in the offspring from sows showing high or low stereotypy frequency using the open field and novel object tests. In the open field test, piglets from sows with a high rate of stereotypies walked more in central sectors (p < 0.0001) and lateral sectors (p = 0.04) than piglets from sows with a low rate of stereotypies. In the novel object test, the offspring from low stereotypy sows vocalized more (p = 0.008). We demonstrate for the first time that the stereotypic behavior by the mother during gestation changes the phenotype of the offspring, in particular, their emotionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tatemoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Bernardino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatrice Morrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ramos Queiroz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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