1
|
Tavares MCMS, Silveira RMF, Arno A, de Lara IAR, Salvador ML, de Freitas SM, da Silva IJO. Environmental enrichment in finishing pigs: does it promote any changes in bone biomechanics? Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:408. [PMID: 37987872 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03830-x] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The resistance of pigs' bone structure was evaluated for the first time, reared with and without environmental enrichment (EE) in the finishing phase using techniques in bone biomechanics; 432 swine from the Hampshire breed, being males and females, with initial body weight between 22 and 27 kg and final body weight between 110 and 125 kg were evaluated for 112 days. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 6 treatments, distributed in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme (sex × conditions in creation), with 12 repetitions/treatment, totaling 72 pens. The treatments were as follows: branched chain for males (T1), sisal branched string for males (T2), males without EE (T3), branched chain for females (T4), sisal branched string for females (T5), and females without EE (T6). At the end of the experimental period, all animals were slaughtered in an industrial slaughterhouse, having their femur bones collected for bone biomechanics analysis. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the interaction (enrichment × sex) and individual factors for bone weight. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) of the interaction for flexion force, being higher in males enriched with branched ropes and chains. For breaking stress, there was an interaction effect (P = 0.04), being the females without EE the ones showing the lowest breaking stress, favoring bone fragility. The use of branched ropes and chains strengthens the bone structure in swine in the termination phase (110-125 kg BW - 183-190 days in age), being an important strategy used to meet the animal welfare requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Coelly Modesto Santos Tavares
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Arno
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Idemauro Antonio Rodrigues de Lara
- Department of Exact Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Letícia Salvador
- Department of Exact Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Maria de Freitas
- Department of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici, Science Center, Block 910, Fortaleza, CE, CEP: 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Iran José Oliveira da Silva
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tavares MCMS, Arno A, Silveira RMF, de Lara IAR, Salvador ML, de Freitas SM, Silva IJO. Evaluation of environmental enrichment on thermophysical responses, carcass traits, and meat quality of finishing pigs. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:235. [PMID: 37300601 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03634-z] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment consists of a way to provide better living conditions for animals, but its influence on physical integrity, thermoregulatory responses, and quality of pork meat is not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermoregulatory responses, lesion score, lameness, carcass traits, and meat quality of pigs with and without access to environmental enrichment (EE) in the finishing phase. A total of 432 pigs of the Hampshire lineage, males and females, with average initial and final weights between 22-27 kg and 110-125 kg respectively were evaluated. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, with 6 treatments, distributed in a 2×3 factorial scheme (sex × environmental enrichment), with 12 repetitions per treatment, totaling 72 stalls. The treatments were branched chain for males (T1), branched sisal rope for males (T2), males without EE (T3), branched chain for females (T4), branched sisal rope for females (T5), and females without EE (T6). Weekly, two assessments of physiological data were performed, in loco, in the morning and afternoon. Lesions on the tail, ear, body, and lameness were evaluated on the 1st, 16th, 37th, 51st, 79th, 93rd, and 112th days. On the 112th day, 72 animals were slaughtered for carcass traits and meat quality analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized and mixed linear models. There was no effect (p>0.05) of the interaction of the studied factors (environmental enrichment × sex × period) on the head, back, leg, and average temperature. However, there was an effect of the period factor (p<0.01), with higher temperatures in the afternoon compared to the morning. For tail injury, there was no association between injury degree and gender (p=0.56) and between injury degree and enrichment (p=0.99), and there was no interaction effect (p=0.15). For ear injury, there was no association between the degree of ear injury and gender (p=0.72), as well as for the degree of ear injury and enrichment (p=0.99) and interaction (p=0.47). There was a higher occurrence of categories 2, 3, and 4 for lesions on the body in males (p=0.0257), regardless of the EE. Water retention, carcass yield, cut yield, marbling pattern, pH, and color showed no effect for sex, enrichment, and interaction between the two factors (p>0.05). The use of environmental enrichment with sisal ropes and branched chains does not change the thermophysical responses, carcass traits, and meat quality of finishing pig.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Coelly Modesto Santos Tavares
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Arno
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Idemauro Antonio Rodrigues de Lara
- Department of Exact Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Letícia Salvador
- Department of Exact Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Maria de Freitas
- Department of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Campus do Pici, Science Center, Block 910, CE, 60440-900, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Iran José Oliveira Silva
- Environment Livestock Research Group (NUPEA), Department of Biosystems Engineering - "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Castro Lippi IC, Caldara FR, Morais HB, Vargas LB, Odakura AM, de Castro Burbarelli MF, Felix GA, Garcia RG, Almeida Paz ICL, Dos Santos LS. Effects of Auditory Enrichment on Welfare and Performance of Sows During Pregnancy and Farrowing/lactation Periods. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37224626 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2023.2215930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study is an observational study that aimed to evaluate whether exposure to music in the final third of sows' gestation and during farrowing/lactation would change behavior, reduce stress, and improve reproductive rates. Forty-eight sows were used at 90 days of gestation until the weaning of their piglets. During gestation, sows were divided into two treatments: control and with music enrichment. In farrowing/lactation, sows were divided into four treatments: control - control (without music); control - music (music during farrowing/lactation); music - control (music during pregnancy); music - music (music in both phases). Sows' behavior, eye temperature, and reproductive performance were evaluated. In the gestation phase, control group sows remained standing more times and had more negative interactions with the other sows in the pen. In the farrowing/lactating phase, sows exposed to music presented more nursing behaviors. The number of weaned piglets was higher in litters in which the sows had environmental enrichment in at least one of the phases of reproductive lives. Music may be used as environmental enrichment for sows in their reproductive phases due to beneficial responses in behavior, stress relief, and reproductive rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Agnês Markiy Odakura
- Faculty of Agricultural Science, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Gisele Aparecida Felix
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University Centre of Grande Dourados Region, UNIGRAN-Street Balbina de Mattos, 2121, Jardim Universitário, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luan Sousa Dos Santos
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Pastures, Animal Science Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dervishi E, Bai X, Cheng J, Fortin F, Dyck MK, Harding JCS, Seddon YM, Dekkers JCM, Canada P, Plastow G. Exploration of plasma metabolite levels in healthy nursery pigs in response to environmental enrichment and disease resilience. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:7008185. [PMID: 36705540 PMCID: PMC9982359 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore plasma metabolite levels in young healthy pigs and their potential association with disease resilience and estimate genetic and phenotypic correlation with the change in lymphocyte concentration following disease challenge. Plasma samples were collected from 968 healthy nursery pigs over 15 batches at an average of 28 ± 3.23 d of age. Forty-four metabolites were identified and quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance. Pigs were then introduced into a natural disease challenge barn, and were classified into four groups based on the growth rate of each animal in the grow-to-finish phase (GFGR) and treatment rate (TR): resilient (RES), average (MID), susceptible (SUS), and dead (pigs that died before harvest). Blood samples were collected from all pigs before and 2 wk after disease challenge and complete blood count was determined. Environmental enrichment (inedible point source objects) was provided for half of the pigs in seven batches (N = 205) to evaluate its impact on resilience and metabolite concentrations. Concentration of all metabolites was affected by batch, while entry age affected the concentration of 16 metabolites. The concentration of creatinine was significantly lower for pigs classified as "dead" and "susceptible" when compared to "average" (P < 0.05). Pigs that received enrichment had significantly lower concentrations of six metabolites compared with pigs that did not receive enrichment (P ≤ 0.05). Both, group classification and enrichment affected metabolites that are involved in the same pathways of valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation. Resilient pigs had higher increase in lymphocyte concentration after disease challenge. The concentration of plasma l-α-aminobutyric acid was significantly negatively genetically correlated with the change in lymphocyte concentration following challenge. In conclusion, creatinine concentration in healthy nursery pigs was lower in pigs classified as susceptible or dead after disease challenge, whilst l-α-aminobutyric may be a genetic biomarker of lymphocyte response after pathogen exposure, and both deserve further investigation. Batch, entry age, and environmental enrichment were important factors affecting the concentration of metabolites and should be taken into consideration in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elda Dervishi
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Xuechun Bai
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Frederic Fortin
- Centre de developpement du porc du Quebec inc. (CDPQ), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Mike K Dyck
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - John C S Harding
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Yolande M Seddon
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jack C M Dekkers
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - PigGen Canada
- PigGen Canada Research Consortium, Guelph, ON N1H4G8Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Effect of wither application of an analogue of pig appeasing pheromone on encounters between unfamiliar mini-pigs. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:50. [PMID: 36514149 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00294-7] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The practice of mixing unfamiliar pigs on farms is common but results in fighting, welfare problems and performance issues. Pigs have different ways of resolving social conflicts, including aggressive and affiliative behaviours. Synthetic appeasing pheromones have demonstrated many positive effects in animal husbandry and are regularly used by breeders to improve animal welfare and performance. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a new method of applying pig appeasing-pheromone (PAP) to the withers in an experimental model of pig mixing to determine whether PAP reduced aggression and fighting, increased prosocial behaviours, and improved behavioural and physiological indicators of welfare. RESULTS PAP reduced fighting between mini-pigs (df = 1; F = 13.47; P = 0.001; mixed logistic regression). Even if not significant, agonistic behaviours tended to be reduced when the treatment was applied (df = 1; F = 4.14; P = 0.058; mixed logistic regression). Likewise, mini-pigs seemed to be scored as not aggressive at all (df = 1; F = 3.61; P = 0.070; GLMM) and to be less aggressive toward the other pig than when placebo was applied. Concerning the latency of the first contact without aggression, a significant effect was found between the PAP and placebo groups (df = 1; χ2 = 4.74; P = 0.0295; Cox model). Moreover, even if not significant, the treated mini-pigs seemed to spent more time looking at each other (df = 1; F = 3.59; P = 0.071; GLMM) and immobile and/or ground sniffing (df = 1; F = 3.18; P = 0.088; GLMM) than those that received placebo. No significant difference was found between groups for salivary cortisol concentration (df = 1; F = 0.10; P = 0.752; GLMM), but variances between groups were heterogeneous at every time. No significant difference was found between groups regarding alpha-amylase activity (df = 1; F = 0.25; P = 0.621; GLMM), but variances between groups were heterogeneous at T0, T1 and T3. These results indicate that the variability (dispersion) within each group was lower when PAP was applied than when the placebo was applied. CONCLUSIONS The new method of applying PAP improved welfare of mini-pigs (as models of domestic pigs) by reducing fighting, among other interesting results. PAP seems thus a promising biomimetic tool to enhance animal welfare in pig production systems.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bučková K, Muns R, Cerón J, Kyriazakis I. Consequences of timing of organic enrichment provision on pig performance, health and stress resilience after weaning and regrouping. Animal 2022; 16:100637. [PMID: 36183434 PMCID: PMC9596380 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested fodder beet and jute bags as novel enrichment for pigs in slatted systems. We investigated if enrichment mattered more when offered at weaner or finisher stage. Weaner enrichment improved ear lesions and performance at both stages. Enrichment provision throughout reduced finisher body lesions. Fodder beet and jute bags could be feasible enrichment for pigs in slatted systems.
Most pigs in slatted systems are provided with enrichment meeting only minimum legal requirements. We aimed to explore the effects of a novel enrichment treatment consisting of daily provided fodder beet and jute bags for pigs in slatted systems, and investigate the timing of enrichment provision on performance, health and stress resilience. We used 280 weaners allocated into standard (S, meeting only legal requirements consisting of a plastic toy and softwood) or enriched (E) treatment (n = 14 groups/treatment). At regrouping during the grower to finisher transition, pigs were either kept in the same treatment (EE, SS) or switched from enriched to standard (ES) and vice versa (SE); each treatment was replicated on five groups. Pigs were weighted at the start and end of weaner, and finisher stage, and feed intake was recorded. Occurrence of scouring, respiratory problems, locomotor disorders, tail, ear, and body lesions were recorded twice a week. Ten males per treatment were sampled for saliva on days 1, 2 and 4, either postweaning or after the housing switch. Saliva samples were analysed for cortisol, alpha-amylase, haptoglobin (Hp), and adenosine deaminase. Additionally, these pigs were sampled for hair at the start and end of weaner, and end of finisher stage to analyse for hair cortisol and cortisone. We found that E weaners consumed less feed (P = 0.04), had better FCR (feed conversion ratio, P = 0.03) and less ear lesions for two weeks postweaning (P = 0.04), and tended to have lower occurrence of scouring (P = 0.07) and higher salivary cortisol concentrations (P = 0.09) than S weaners. Effects of enrichment treatment during weaner stage on performance were carried through to finisher stage, with EE and ES pigs having better FCR (P = 0.0009) and higher BW (P = 0.0001) compared to SS and SE pigs. E treatment during finisher stage decreased feed intake (P = 0.04) and tended to decrease Hp levels (P = 0.07). There was a significant interaction between enrichment treatments during weaner and finisher stages on finisher body lesions: EE finishers had less lesions than SS, ES, and SE finishers (P = 0.04). There were no other significant differences caused either by enrichment treatment during weaner/finisher stage or their interaction. We conclude that the novel enrichment applied at weaner stage had positive effects on ear lesions and performance, which were carried through to finisher stage. Body lesions were affected by its application during both stages, with finishers receiving the enrichment treatment throughout (EE) having reduced body lesions than the rest of the finishers.
Collapse
|
7
|
Dervishi E, Reimert I, van der Zande LE, Mathur P, Knol EF, Plastow GS. Relationship between indirect genetic effects for growth, environmental enrichment, coping style and sex with the serum metabolome profile of pigs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23377. [PMID: 34862433 PMCID: PMC8642533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02814-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Including Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE) in breeding programs to reduce aggression in group housed animals has been proposed. However, the effect of selection for IGE for growth on animal metabolism and physiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) To investigate the effects of this new breeding method along with two housing (barren and straw), coping style (high and low resisters) and sex (female and castrated males) options on the metabolome profile of pigs. (2) To identify and map biological processes associated with a regrouping test at 9 weeks of age. We used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to quantify 49 serum metabolites at week 8, 9 and 22. Also, we quantified 3 catecholamines (tyramine, epinephrine, phenylethylamine) and serotonin and three water soluble vitamins (B2, B5 and B7). Overall, no significant differences were observed between negative and positive IGE animals. The magnitude of change (delta) of many metabolites as a response to the regrouping test was significantly affected by IGE, especially that of the amino acids (P < 0.05), being greater in positive IGE pigs. The regrouping test was associated with alteration in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. In conclusion positive and negative IGE animals respond differently to the regrouping test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elda Dervishi
- Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, 116 St and 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Inonge Reimert
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette E van der Zande
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pramod Mathur
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Egbert F Knol
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center B.V, 6640 AA, Beuningen, The Netherlands
| | - Graham S Plastow
- Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, 116 St and 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yin SW, Meng YL, Li C, Wang Y. Enriched environment for offspring improves learning and memory impairments induced by sevoflurane exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1293-1298. [PMID: 34782574 PMCID: PMC8643064 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327347] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in animals indicate that sevoflurane exposure in the second trimester of pregnancy has harmful effects on the learning and memory of offspring. Whether an enriched environment can reverse the damage of sevoflurane exposure in the second trimester of pregnancy on the learning and memory of rat offspring remains unclear. In this study, rats at 14 days of pregnancy were exposed to 3.5% sevoflurane for 2 hours and their offspring were treated with an enriched environment for 20 successive days. We found that the enriched environment for offspring increased nestin and Ki67 levels in hippocampal tissue, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, inhibited glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity, and increased the expression of cell proliferation-related β-catenin and apoptosis-related Bcl-2, indicating that an enriched environment reduces sevoflurane-induced damage by increasing the proliferation of stem cells in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that an enriched environment can reverse the effects of sevoflurane inhaled by rats during the second trimester of pregnancy on learning and memory of offspring. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (approval No. 2018PS07K) on January 2, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Yin
- Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi-Lin Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chuang Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Salivary stress markers in dogs: Potential markers of acute stress. Res Vet Sci 2021; 141:48-55. [PMID: 34673347 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Along with the growing awareness of psychological stress in companion animals, several treatments have become available to address fear- and anxiety-related behaviors in dogs. To detect vulnerable individuals and apply effective treatments, reliable evaluations that can quantify individual stress responses are in high demand. To develop measurable variables that have clinical applications, more investigations are needed to increase our knowledge. When stress responses are activated by the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes, the immune system is also activated. Although the peripheral cortisol level is commonly used as a stress biomarker, it primarily reflects the HPA axis response and does not sufficiently reflect the complexity of the stress response. Thus, this review primarily focuses on the available salivary biomarkers that mainly reflect the acute stress response through the activity of the SAM axis and the immune system in dogs. We hope that this review will promote the validation of these biomarkers in dogs and aid in the development of future studies to evaluate stress responses in dogs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Effects of dietary roughage on organic pig performance, behaviour and antioxidants accretion in perirenal adipose tissue. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
11
|
Application of extended feed withdrawal time preslaughter and its effects on animal welfare and carcass and meat quality of enriched-housed pigs. Meat Sci 2020; 167:108163. [PMID: 32387878 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A total of 144 barrows were distributed into four treatment groups. One group was housed conventionally and fasted for 16 h preslaughter, while the other three groups were housed in enriched conditions (straw-bedding and low density) and fasted for 16, 24 and 32 h preslaughter. When compared with conventionally-housed pigs, enriched-housed pigs were heavier (P < .05) and fatter (P < .01), but easier to handle at loading (P < .05) and produced less exudative pork (P < .05) possibly resulting from a lower post-mortem muscle glycolytic potential (P = .10). Extending fasting time up to 32 h reduced dressing yield (P < .001) and increased skin lesion scores (P < .01), but did not result in any clear or major effect on muscle metabolism and meat quality. In conclusion, given the beneficial effects of enriched housing conditions on stress response and pork quality, the application of an extended fasting time (32h) preslaughter is not required for this production.
Collapse
|
12
|
Physiological and economic benefits of abandoning invasive surgical procedures and enhancing animal welfare in swine production. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16093. [PMID: 31695123 PMCID: PMC6834556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Food-animal welfare is a major ethical and social concern. Pork is the most consumed meat worldwide, with over a billion pigs slaughtered annually. Most of these pigs routinely undergo painful surgical procedures (surgical castration, tail docking, teeth clipping), which farmers often reluctant to avoid, claiming it would increase cost and reduce production efficiency. Herein, this study indicates that these procedures compromise pigs' health and condition. Replacing surgical castration with immunocastration, avoiding tail docking and teeth clipping, and providing environmental enrichment, resulted in significant increase in weight gain, lowered risks for injuries and death, and reduced saliva and hair cortisol, both biomarkers for stress. Testosterone and DHEA analyses confirmed that immunocastration was an effective alternative to surgical castration. Economic models for the entire US swine market revealed that following across-the-board acceptance of this management, pork meat price is expected to drop, while the total annual social welfare (combined consumer and producer surplus) is expected to increase by $US 1.48 to 1.92 billion. In conclusion, sustainable swine farming management can be beneficial for both animals and farmers. Applying such welfare-friendly management is expected to reduce stress, enhance piglet/pig welfare and production, and improve the economics of swine operations in the global agro-food system.
Collapse
|
13
|
Buijs S, Muns R. A Review of the Effects of Non-Straw Enrichment on Tail Biting in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100824. [PMID: 31635339 PMCID: PMC6826462 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tail biting, a damaging behaviour that one pig directs at another, causes pain, wounding and health problems. It reduces both pig welfare and market value. Enrichment can reduce tail biting substantially. Many pig producers are reluctant to use straw as enrichment, but many non-straw alternatives exist. We aimed to evaluate their ability to reduce tail biting based on studies on the effects of enrichment on tail damage and manipulation of other pigs, and on the duration of interaction with enrichment. Additionally, we reviewed how pigs interact with different enrichments (e.g., by rooting or chewing it). This was done to clarify which type of enrichment could satisfy which behavioural motivation (that may lead to tail biting if not satisfied). However, very little information on separate enrichment-directed behaviours was uncovered. Several effective types of non-straw enrichment were identified, but these correspond poorly with the types of enrichment commonly applied on commercial farms. More detailed observations of how pigs interact with different enrichments, other pigs, and their environment would improve our understanding of how to combine enrichments to minimize tail biting. This is essential because although single non-straw enrichments can reduce tail biting significantly, the remaining levels of damage can still be high. Abstract Tail biting remains a common problem in pig production. As producers are reluctant to use straw to reduce this behaviour, we review studies on the effectiveness of other types of enrichment. Roughage, hessian sacks, compost, fresh wood, space dividers, rope, and providing new objects regularly can significantly reduce tail damage. These results should be interpreted with some caution, as often only one study per enrichment could be identified. No evidence was found that commonly applied enrichment objects (processed wood, plastic or metal) reduce tail biting significantly unless exchanged regularly, even though multiple studies per type of enrichment were identified. Many studies evaluated the duration of enrichment use, but few evaluated the manner of use. This hampers identification of combinations of enrichment that will satisfy the pig’s motivation to eat/smell, bite, root and change enrichments, which is suggested to reduce tail biting. New objects designed to satisfy specific motivations were shown to receive high levels of interaction, but their effectiveness at reducing tail damage remains unknown. More in-depth study of how pigs interact with non-straw enrichment, which motivations this satisfies and how this affects behaviour towards conspecifics, is necessary to optimize enrichment strategies. Optimization is necessary because ceasing tail docking in a way that improves pig welfare requires more effective enrichments than those described in this review, or alternatively, better control over other factors influencing tail biting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Buijs
- Agriculture Branch, Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, UK.
| | - Ramon Muns
- Agriculture Branch, Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Marcet-Rius M, Fàbrega E, Cozzi A, Bienboire-Frosini C, Descout E, Velarde A, Pageat P. Are Tail and Ear Movements Indicators of Emotions in Tail-Docked Pigs in Response to Environmental Enrichment? Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E449. [PMID: 31315235 PMCID: PMC6680777 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of emotional indicators in farm monitoring methods can improve welfare assessments. Studies in controlled conditions have suggested that increased tail movement is an indicator of positive emotions in pigs, while others have proposed that increased ear movements are linked to negative emotions. This study aimed to investigate these indicators in pig farm conditions to analyze their validity and the effect of enrichment on welfare. Thirty-six pigs received one of the following enrichment materials: straw in a rack, wooden logs, or chains. Behavioral observations were performed by focal sampling. The results showed that tail movement duration was significantly higher when pigs exhibited "high use" (three or more pigs in a pen interacting with the enrichment) than when they exhibited "low use" (fewer than three) of enrichment (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between tail movement frequency and duration (r = 0.88; p = 0.02). The increase in tail movement could be considered an indicator of positive emotions in pigs when measured with other categories of indicators. Regarding ear movements, no significant difference was found. Future studies should further investigate these indicators thoroughly, as the results could be useful for improving the assessment of emotions in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Physiological and Behavioral Mechanisms of Adaptation Department, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France.
| | - Emma Fàbrega
- Animal Welfare Program, IRTA (Insitute of Agrifood Research and Technology), Centre de Control i Avaluació de Porcí, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandro Cozzi
- Research and Education Board, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Physiological and Behavioral Mechanisms of Adaptation Department, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
| | - Estelle Descout
- Statistical Analysis Service, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
| | - Antonio Velarde
- Animal Welfare Program, IRTA (Insitute of Agrifood Research and Technology), Centre de Control i Avaluació de Porcí, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Patrick Pageat
- Semiochemicals' Identification and Analogs' Design Department, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
| |
Collapse
|