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Ogawa NN, Silva GL, Barbon APADC, Flaiban KKMDC, Silva CAD, Rocha LM, Bridi AM. Animal Welfare Assessment and Meat Quality through Assessment of Stress Biomarkers in Fattening Pigs with and without Visible Damage during Slaughter. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:700. [PMID: 38473085 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050700] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of the animals. A total of 241 surgically castrated crossbred male pigs from Southern Brazil were analyzed, with 131 non-NANI pigs and 110 NANI pigs. Infrared orbital temperature, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, and meat quality measurements were collected. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests and principal component analysis (PCA). NANI pigs exhibited significantly higher infrared orbital temperatures and rectal temperature (p < 0.01). Hematological analysis revealed higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in NANI pigs (p < 0.05). White blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in NANI pigs (p < 0.01), indicating potential infections or inflammatory responses. Meat quality parameters showed that NANI pigs had lower pH values, higher luminosity, and increased drip loss (p < 0.01), reflecting poorer water retention and potential muscle glycogen depletion. The study highlights the physiological and meat quality differences between NANI and non-NANI pigs, emphasizing the impact of stress, health conditions, and handling procedures on the animals. Blood biomarkers proved valuable in assessing physiological stress, immune response, and potential health issues in pigs, correlating with meat quality abnormalities. Utilizing these biomarkers as predictive tools can enhance animal welfare practices and contribute to improving meat quality in the swine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Nami Ogawa
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Lima Silva
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ayub da Costa Barbon
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | - Caio Abercio da Silva
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Bridi
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
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McConn BR, Kpodo KR, Rivier JE, Behan DP, Richert BT, Radcliffe JS, Lay DC, Johnson JS. Interactions between corticotropin releasing factor signaling and prophylactic antibiotics on measures of intestinal function in weaned and transported pigs. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1266409. [PMID: 37908333 PMCID: PMC10615255 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1266409] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The study objective was to evaluate the interaction between corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) receptor signaling and prophylactic antibiotic administration on intestinal physiology in newly weaned and transported pigs. Pigs (n = 56; 5.70 ± 1.05 kg) were weaned (20.49 ± 0.64 d), a blood sample was taken, and then pigs were given an intraperitoneal injection of saline (SAL; n = 28 pigs) or a CRF receptor antagonist (CRFA; n = 28 pigs; 30 μg/kg body weight; Astressin B), and then were transported in a livestock trailer for 12 h and 49 min. A second and third intraperitoneal injection was given at 4 h 42 min and 11 h 36 min into the transport process, respectively. Following transport, 4 SAL and 4 CRFA pigs were blood sampled and euthanized. The remaining 48 pigs were individually housed and given dietary antibiotics [AB; n = 12 SAL and 12 CRFA pigs; chlortetracycline (441 ppm) + tiamulin (38.6 ppm)] or no dietary antibiotics (NAB; n = 12 SAL and 12 CRFA pigs) for 14 d post-transport. Blood was collected at 12 h and on d 3, 7, and 14, and then pigs were euthanized on d 7 (n = 24) and d 14 (n = 24) post-weaning and transport. Circulating cortisol was reduced (p = 0.05) in CRFA pigs when compared to SAL pigs post-weaning and transport. On d 7, jejunal villus height and crypt depth was greater overall (p < 0.05) in AB-fed pigs versus NAB-fed pigs. On d 14, ileal crypt depth was reduced (p = 0.02) in CRFA pigs when compared to SAL pigs. Jejunal CRF mRNA abundance tended to be reduced (p = 0.09) on d 7 in CRFA pigs versus SAL pigs. On d 14, jejunal tumor necrosis factor-alpha was reduced (p = 0.01) in AB-fed pigs versus NAB-fed pigs. On d 7, change in glucose short-circuit current tended to be increased (p = 0.07) in CRFA pigs fed the AB diet when compared to CRFA pigs fed the NAB diet. In conclusion, CRFA pigs and pigs fed AB had some similar biological intestinal function measures post-weaning and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty R. McConn
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | | | - Jean E. Rivier
- Sentia Medical Sciences Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Donald C. Lay
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (USDA), West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jay S. Johnson
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (USDA), West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Rodríguez-González D, Guerrero Legarreta I, Cruz-Monterrosa RG, Napolitano F, Titto CG, Abd El-Aziz AH, Hernández-Avalos I, Casas-Alvarado A, Domínguez-Oliva A, Mota-Rojas D. Assessment of thermal changes in water buffalo mobilized from the paddock and transported by short journeys. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1184577. [PMID: 37252398 PMCID: PMC10217363 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1184577] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the welfare of buffaloes during transport is key to obtaining and commercializing high-quality meat products; however, effective assessments require recognizing several stressors that activate physiological mechanisms that can have repercussions on the health and productive performance of species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface temperatures of different body and head regions in this species during events prior, and posterior, to transport for short periods; that is, from paddock to loading. The second goal was to determine the level of correlation between thermal windows. This study used infrared thermography (IRT) to evaluate the surface temperature of 624 water buffaloes (Buffalypso breed) during 12 short trips (average duration = 2 h ± 20 min) by focusing on 11 regions of the body (Regio corporis), in the head regions (Regiones capitis) the face regions (Regiones faciei), Orbital region (Regio orbitalis) with special attention to structures such as the lacrimal caruncle, periocular area and lower eyelid (Regio palpebralis inferior); nasal region (Regio nasalis) with special attention to nostril thermal window; and regions of the skull (Regiones cranii) such as auricular region (Regio auricularis) with special attention to auditory canal and frontal-parietal region (Regio frontalis-parietalis) and trunk region (Truncus regionis) such as thoracic and abdominal regions, regions of the vertebral column (Columna vertebralis) with the thoracic vertebral region (Regio vertebralis thoracis) and lumbar region (Regio lumbalis); and regions of the pelvis limb (Regiones membri pelvini). Recordings were made during seven phases: paddock (P1), herding (P2), corral (P3), chute handling (P4), shipping (P5), pre- (P6), and post-transport (P7). A total of 48,048 readings were obtained from 11 thermal windows. The results showed that the surface temperatures of the windows increased by as much as 5°C during P2, P3, P5, P6, and P7 compared to P1 and P4 (p < 0.0001). Differences of at least 1°C were also observed between thermal windows in the craniofacial, lateral corporal, and peripheral zones (p < 0.0001). Finally, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.9, p < 0.0001) was found between the thermal windows. These findings lead to the conclusion that the surface temperature of the craniofacial and corporal regions of buffaloes transported for short periods varied in relation to the phase of mobilization (from paddock to post-transport), likely as a response to stressful factors, since herding and loading increased the thermal values in each window. The second conclusion is that there are strong positive correlations between central and peripheral thermal windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodríguez-González
- Master’s Program in Agricultural and Livestock Sciences [Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias], Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Guerrero Legarreta
- Department of Biotechnology: Food Science, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa Campus (UAM-I), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosy G. Cruz-Monterrosa
- Department of Food Science, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM-L), Campus Lerma, Lerma City, Mexico
| | - Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Cristiane Gonçalves Titto
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia e Etologia, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, FZEA-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Ayman H. Abd El-Aziz
- Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Department of Biological Science, FESC, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
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Kumar P, Ahmed MA, Abubakar AA, Hayat MN, Kaka U, Ajat M, Goh YM, Sazili AQ. Improving animal welfare status and meat quality through assessment of stress biomarkers: A critical review. Meat Sci 2023; 197:109048. [PMID: 36469986 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.109048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Stress induces various physiological and biochemical alterations in the animal body, which are used to assess the stress status of animals. Blood profiles, serum hormones, enzymes, and physiological conditions such as body temperature, heart, and breathing rate of animals are the most commonly used stress biomarkers in the livestock sector. Previous exposure, genetics, stress adaptation, intensity, duration, and rearing practices result in wide intra- and inter-animal variations in the expression of various stress biomarkers. The use of meat proteomics by adequately analyzing the expression of various muscle proteins such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), acute phase proteins (APPs), texture, and tenderness biomarkers help predict meat quality and stress in animals before slaughter. Thus, there is a need to identify non-invasive, rapid, and accurate stress biomarkers that can objectively assess stress in animals. The present manuscript critically reviews various aspects of stress biomarkers in animals and their application in mitigating preslaughter stress in meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004, India
| | - Muideen Adewale Ahmed
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abubakar Ahmed Abubakar
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Nizam Hayat
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ubedullah Kaka
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mokrish Ajat
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Meng Goh
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Awis Qurni Sazili
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Putra Infoport, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Sommer DM, Young JM, Sun X, López-Martínez G, Byrd CJ. Are infrared thermography, feeding behavior, and heart rate variability measures capable of characterizing group-housed sow social hierarchies? J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad143. [PMID: 37158284 PMCID: PMC10199786 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad143] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Group gestation housing is quickly becoming standard practice in commercial swine production. However, poor performance and welfare in group housed sows may result from the formation and maintenance of the social hierarchy within the pen. In the future, the ability to quickly characterize the social hierarchy via precision technologies could be beneficial to producers for identifying animals at risk of poor welfare outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the use of infrared thermography (IRT), automated electronic sow feeding systems, and heart rate monitors as potential technologies for detecting the social hierarchy within five groups of sows. Behavioral data collection occurred for 12 h after introducing five sow groups (1-5; n = 14, 12, 15, 15, and 17, respectively) to group gestation housing to determine the social hierarchy and allocate individual sows to 1 of 4 rank quartiles (RQ 1-4). Sows within RQ1 were ranked highest while RQ4 sows were ranked lowest within the hierarchy. Infrared thermal images were taken behind the neck at the base of the ear of each sow on days 3, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 of the experiment. Two electronic sow feeders tracked feeding behavior throughout the gestation period. Heart rate monitors were worn by 10 randomly selected sows per repetition for 1 h prior to and 4 h after reintroduction to group gestation housing to collect heart rate variability (HRV). No differences were found between RQ for any IRT characteristic. Sows within RQ3 and RQ4 had the greatest number of visits to the electronic sow feeders overall (P < 0.04) but spent shorter time per visit in feeders (P < 0.05) than RQ1 and RQ2 sows. There was an interaction of RQ with hour for feed offered (P = 0.0003), with differences between RQ occurring in hour 0, 1, 2, and 8. Higher-ranked sows (RQ1 and RQ2) occupied the feeder for longer during the first hour than lower ranking sows (RQ3 and RQ4; P < 0.04), while RQ3 sows occupied the feeder longer than RQ1 sows during hour 6, 7, and 8 (P < 0.02). Heart beat interval (RR) collected prior to group housing introduction differed between RQ (P < 0.02 for all), with RQ3 sows exhibiting the lowest RR, followed by RQ4, RQ1, and RQ2. Rank quartile also affected standard deviation of RR (P = 0.0043), with RQ4 sows having the lowest, followed by RQ1, RQ3, and RQ2 sows. Overall, these results indicate that feeding behavior and HRV measures may be capable of characterizing social hierarchy in a group housing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique M Sommer
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Jennifer M Young
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Byrd
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Govindasamy K, Gonmei C, Singh NS, Singh NM. Thermal stress-related physiological, behavioral, and serum biochemical responses in indigenous pigs adapted to Eastern Himalayan region. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1034635. [PMID: 36590794 PMCID: PMC9797681 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1034635] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current study was carried out to investigate the effect of micro-environmental variations on physiological, behavioral, and serum biochemical parameters of indigenous (Niang Megha), Hampshire, and crossbred (75% Hampshire X 25% Niang Megha). Methods Rectal temperature (TR), skin surface temperature (TSS), respiration rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) were recorded at 0,900 and 1,600 h weekly once for 2 months for each season in grower pigs of each genotype. CCTV video cameras were utilized to observe the behavioral changes. Five milliliters of blood samples was collected to estimate different biochemical parameters. Results Season affected (p < 0.05) all physiological parameters which generally increased during summer except TR and RR of indigenous pig. TR, TSS, RR, and HR were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for Hampshire than for indigenous and crossbred in the summer season. The frequency and behavioral activities to heat loss or to conserve heat such as shivering and wallowing were lower except for physical activity that was higher at all times in indigenous pigs. Seasonal variations influenced metabolic activity and serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine transaminase (ALT), which rose in summer in all genotypes. Serum ALP and thyroxine (T4) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for indigenous pig in both the seasons. The insulin level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in indigenous pigs with no significant difference between Hampshire and crossbred in summer whereas there was significant difference among the genotypes in winter. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no significant difference in the study. Indigenous pigs had the lowest serum cortisol concentrations, whereas Hampshire had the highest. Conclusion The current study's findings on several parameters of three different genotypes suggest that indigenous pigs in this region are more adaptable to the region's changing climatic conditions.
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Gómez-Prado J, Pereira AMF, Wang D, Villanueva-García D, Domínguez-Oliva A, Mora-Medina P, Hernández-Avalos I, Martínez-Burnes J, Casas-Alvarado A, Olmos-Hernández A, Ramírez-Necoechea R, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Hernández A, Torres F, Mota-Rojas D. Thermoregulation mechanisms and perspectives for validating thermal windows in pigs with hypothermia and hyperthermia: An overview. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1023294. [PMID: 36532356 PMCID: PMC9751486 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1023294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific anatomical characteristics make the porcine species especially sensitive to extreme temperature changes, predisposing them to pathologies and even death due to thermal stress. Interest in improving animal welfare and porcine productivity has led to the development of various lines of research that seek to understand the effect of certain environmental conditions on productivity and the impact of implementing strategies designed to mitigate adverse effects. The non-invasive infrared thermography technique is one of the tools most widely used to carry out these studies, based on detecting changes in microcirculation. However, evaluations using this tool require reliable thermal windows; this can be challenging because several factors can affect the sensitivity and specificity of the regions selected. This review discusses the thermal windows used with domestic pigs and the association of thermal changes in these regions with the thermoregulatory capacity of piglets and hogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Gómez-Prado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo M. F. Pereira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Polo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | - Dehua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dina Villanueva-García
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ramiro Ramírez-Necoechea
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Astrid Hernández
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fabiola Torres
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
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Lai F, Li X, Liu T, Wang X, Wang Q, Chen S, Wei S, Xiong Y, Hou Q, Zeng X, Yang Y, Li Y, Lin Y, Yang X. Optimal diagnostic fever thresholds using non-contact infrared thermometers under COVID-19. Front Public Health 2022; 10:985553. [PMID: 36504995 PMCID: PMC9730337 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.985553] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fever screening is an effective method to detect infectors associated with different variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on the fact that most infectors with COVID-19 have fever symptoms. Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) are widely used in fever screening. Nevertheless, authoritative data is lacking in defining "fever" at different body surface sites when using NCITs. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal diagnostic threshold for fever screening using NICTs at different body surface sites, to improve the accuracy of fever screening and provide theoretical reference for healthcare policy. Participants (n = 1860) who were outpatients or emergency patients at Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital were recruited for this prospective investigation from March 1 to June 30, 2021. NCITs and mercury axillary thermometers were used to measure neck, temple, forehead and wrist temperatures of all participants. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to reflect the accuracy of NCITs. Linear correlation analysis was used to show the effect of age on body temperature. Multilinear regression analysis was used to explore the association between non-febrile participant's covariates and neck temperature. The mean age of participants was 3.45 ± 2.85 years for children and 28.56 ± 7.25 years for adults. In addition 1,304 (70.1%) participants were children (≤12), and 683 (36.7%) were male. The neck temperature exhibited the highest accuracy among the four sites. Further the optimal fever diagnostic thresholds of NCITs at the four body surface measurement sites were neck (36.75 °C, sensitivity: 0.993, specificity: 0.858); temple (36.55 °C, sensitivity: 0.974, specificity: 0.874); forehead (36.45 °C, sensitivity: 0.961, specificity: 0.813); and wrist (36.15 °C, sensitivity: 0.951, specificity: 0.434). Based on the findings of our study, we recommend 36.15, 36.45, 36.55, and 36.75 °C as the diagnostic thresholds of fever at the wrist, forehead, temple and neck, respectively. Among the four surface sites, neck temperature exhibited the highest accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Lai
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Li
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianjiao Liu
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Chen
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Sumei Wei
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiannan Hou
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zeng
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Psychiatry Department, The Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yalan Li
| | - Yonghong Lin
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,Yonghong Lin
| | - Xiao Yang
- Obstetrics Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,Xiao Yang
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The livestock farming digital transformation: implementation of new and emerging technologies using artificial intelligence. Anim Health Res Rev 2022; 23:59-71. [PMID: 35676797 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252321000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Livestock welfare assessment helps monitor animal health status to maintain productivity, identify injuries and stress, and avoid deterioration. It has also become an important marketing strategy since it increases consumer pressure for a more humane transformation in animal treatment. Common visual welfare practices by professionals and veterinarians may be subjective and cost-prohibitive, requiring trained personnel. Recent advances in remote sensing, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) have helped developing new and emerging technologies for livestock biometrics to extract key physiological parameters associated with animal welfare. This review discusses the livestock farming digital transformation by describing (i) biometric techniques for health and welfare assessment, (ii) livestock identification for traceability and (iii) machine and deep learning application in livestock to address complex problems. This review also includes a critical assessment of these topics and research done so far, proposing future steps for the deployment of AI models in commercial farms. Most studies focused on model development without applications or deployment for the industry. Furthermore, reported biometric methods, accuracy, and machine learning approaches presented some inconsistencies that hinder validation. Therefore, it is required to develop more efficient, non-contact and reliable methods based on AI to assess livestock health, welfare, and productivity.
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Applications of Smart Technology as a Sustainable Strategy in Modern Swine Farming. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14052607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The size of the pork market is increasing globally to meet the demand for animal protein, resulting in greater farm size for swine and creating a great challenge to swine farmers and industry owners in monitoring the farm activities and the health and behavior of the herd of swine. In addition, the growth of swine production is resulting in a changing climate pattern along with the environment, animal welfare, and human health issues, such as antimicrobial resistance, zoonosis, etc. The profit of swine farms depends on the optimum growth and good health of swine, while modern farming practices can ensure healthy swine production. To solve these issues, a future strategy should be considered with information and communication technology (ICT)-based smart swine farming, considering auto-identification, remote monitoring, feeding behavior, animal rights/welfare, zoonotic diseases, nutrition and food quality, labor management, farm operations, etc., with a view to improving meat production from the swine industry. Presently, swine farming is not only focused on the development of infrastructure but is also occupied with the application of technological knowledge for designing feeding programs, monitoring health and welfare, and the reproduction of the herd. ICT-based smart technologies, including smart ear tags, smart sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), deep learning, big data, and robotics systems, can take part directly in the operation of farm activities, and have been proven to be effective tools for collecting, processing, and analyzing data from farms. In this review, which considers the beneficial role of smart technologies in swine farming, we suggest that smart technologies should be applied in the swine industry. Thus, the future swine industry should be automated, considering sustainability and productivity.
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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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Jeong Y, Choi Y, Kim D, Min Y, Cho E, Kim J. Effects of cooling systems on physiological responses and intestinal microflora in early gestating sows exposed to high-temperature stress. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 63:904-918. [PMID: 34447966 PMCID: PMC8367400 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cooling systems on reproductive performance, body temperature, blood metabolites, and the intestinal microbiome in early gestating sows exposed to high ambient temperature. In total, 39 pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; 2 parities) were randomly assigned to and maintained in the following three treatment groups (13 sows per group) over days 0 to 35 of pregnancy: (i) air cooling (AC; 26.87 ± 1.23°C), (ii) water-drip cooling (WC; 28.81 ± 0.91°C), and (iii) a lack of cooling with heat stress (HS; 30.72 ± 0.70°C). Backfat thickness was measured before and after HS. Feces were collected on day 0 and 35 d of the trial for microbiome analysis, whereas blood was taken at day 35 of pregnancy and analyzed. Reproductive performance and physiological responses were identified at day 35. Respiration rate along with rectal and skin temperatures were lower (p < 0.05) in the AC group than in the HS and WC groups. Serum blood urea nitrogen values were increased (p < 0.05) in the WC group compared with those measured in the AC and HS groups. Triiodothyronine was found at greater levels (p < 0.05) in the AC than in the HS group. Reproductive performance was not affected by the cooling systems. At the phylum level, fecal pathogenic Spirochaete and Euryarchaeota were found in higher numbers (p < 0.05) in all groups after HS. Similarly, at the genus level, the amount of Treponema was greater (p < 0.05) in all groups after HS. In conclusion, our results suggest that AC or WC can ameliorate or mitigate the adverse effects of HS on the physiological parameters of pregnant sows reared under high temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdae Jeong
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Yohan Choi
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Doowan Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Yejin Min
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Eunsuk Cho
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
| | - Joeun Kim
- Swine Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan 31000, Korea
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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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Using infrared thermography to detect subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in compost barn systems. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102881. [PMID: 33863445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the use of thermal imaging obtained by infrared thermography (IRT) to detect cases of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows under commercial conditions of compost barn systems in a region of Brazil with a semiarid climate. Twenty-eight crossbred cows were evaluated twice a day for one week using IRT. Three thermal images were obtained for each cow, referring to the anatomical regions of the right and left fore udder and rear udder. A computer program was used to analyze the images and obtain the right fore udder temperature (RFUT, °C), left fore udder temperature (LFUT, °C), rear udder temperature (RUT, °C), and average udder temperature (AUT, °C). In addition, samples of milk from each quarter of the udder were collected for somatic cell count (SCC) to correlate the diseases observed on the thermal image with any infection in the udder region. The results obtained using IRT were subjected to regression and correlation analyses. It was observed that LFUT, RAQT, RUT, and AUT were adjusted in quadratic polynomial models with good prediction of SCC (i.e., infection) with R2 = 0.92, 0.97, 0.86, and 0.94, respectively. The region of the anterior quarters of the udder was the most promising for imaging, stronger correlations were obtained between LFUT and RFUT with SCC (r = 0.87 and 0.88, respectively). The IRT is a practical technology capable of detecting cases of mastitis in dairy cows with good precision, especially with thermal images from the anatomical region of the front quarters of the udder. However, more detailed studies are needed to make thermal imaging processing a more useful method for routine activities on farms in compost barn systems.
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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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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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Effects of Housing, Short Distance Transport and Lairage on Meat Quality of Finisher Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050788. [PMID: 32370126 PMCID: PMC7278422 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Knowledge of stressful stimuli is a fundamental aspect to improve and evaluate animal welfare. Animal stressors vary in function of, for example, housing, climate and handling technique. That is why it is important to investigate animal welfare in different circumstances (e.g., type of housing, climate and region). Belgian pig production is based on the Piétrain breed which is associated with the halothane gene and hence with the genetic susceptibility to stress. In pigs, there is a negative correlation between stress in the last few hours of their life and the final meat quality. In our research we investigated several potential parameters that could influence the meat quality of pork. We can conclude that numerous parameters on farm, during transport and in slaughterhouse influence meat quality. Specifically, reducing lung lesions by vaccination during raising, no mixing of pigs during the transport process, sufficient lairage time and transporting no extreme muscled pigs can improve meat quality. Adequate control and application of guidelines on farm, transport and slaughterhouse level are necessary to improve animal welfare, but also to reduce deterioration of meat quality important for the financial aspect and the appreciation of the consumer. Abstract Transport and associated handling can have adverse effects on pig welfare and meat quality. The purpose of the study was to determine (the variation of) effects of farm management, climate parameters, transport and lairage conditions on the meat quality of fattening pigs, heterozygous for the halothane gene. A total of 4763 fattening pigs were transported from 1 farm to a commercial slaughterhouse (distance 110 km) in 121 transports. From 2404 carcasses, carcass temperature and pH were measured 45 min post-mortem; 48 hours post-mortem pH, electrical conductivity, drip loss and meat color were registered. During the raising period sex, conditions at weaning (purchased or not as piglet, vaccination against mycoplasma) and (type of) pen during fattening (i.e., from about 22 kg to 105 kg) were registered to relate with pork quality. Transport season, weather parameters, regrouping or not during loading, transport combination (truck, trailer and driver), transport compartment and transport conditions (loading density, transport duration and unloading time) were monitored. At the slaughterhouse, duration of lairage and carcass conformation were followed up to examine correlations with meat quality parameters. Effects of farm management, climate parameters during transport, transport and slaughterhouse conditions on pork quality were demonstrated. Specifically, reducing lung lesions by vaccination during raising, no mixing of pigs during the transport process, sufficient lairage time and transporting no extreme muscled pigs can improve meat quality.
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