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Elmi A, Correa F, Ventrella D, Scozzoli M, Vannetti NI, Govoni N, Truzzi E, Belperio S, Trevisi P, Bacci ML, Nannoni E. Can environmental nebulization of lavender essential oil (L. angustifolia) improve welfare and modulate nasal microbiota of growing pigs? Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105251. [PMID: 38554612 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105251] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The use of phytoextracts has been proposed as a method to improve animal welfare, also in pigs, by reducing stress and anxiety and improving performances. Lavandula angustifolia (Miller) essential oil (LaEO) is an interesting calming phytoextract that could be administered by inhalation for prolonged periods of time to help pigs coping with on-farm conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of daily inhalation of vaporized LaEO on pigs' welfare and health indicators, and nasal microbiota, trying to understand whether this phytoextract represents a feasible tool to improve animal welfare under intensive farming conditions. Eighty-four crossbred barrows were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: control (C); lavender (L): 3 vaporization sessions of 10 min each of a custom made 1% solution of LaEO; sham (S): same vaporization sessions of L group but only using the solution vehicle. Experimental readouts included growth parameters, behavioural traits, tail and skin lesions, hair steroids and nasal microbiota. L group animals did not show altered growth performance and seemed calmer (increased recumbency time), with decreased amount of skin lesions also associated with lower severity class for tail lesions. They also showed decreased CORT/DHEA ratio, potentially suggesting a beneficial effect of LaEO. Inhalation of LaEO significantly affected the nasal pig microbiome by reducing its diversity. Overall, the study suggests how inhalation of Lavender essential oil may be capable of improving welfare in growing pigs, yet it is pivotal to consider the microbial modulatory capabilities of essential oils before exploiting them on larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Correa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Scozzoli
- SIROE - Italian Society for Research on Essential Oils (Società Italiana per la Ricerca sugli Oli Essenziali), Viale Regina Elena, 299, Roma 00161, Italy
| | - Niccolò Ian Vannetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadia Govoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Truzzi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Simona Belperio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Trevisi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Farrell CT, Hunter E, Wilson PB, White SJ. Genomic characterisation of bioaerosols within livestock facilities: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170722. [PMID: 38331298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Livestock facilities are widely regarded as reservoirs of infectious disease, owing to their abundance in particulate matter (PM) and microbial bioaerosols. Over the past decade, bioaerosol studies have increasingly utilised high throughput sequencing (HTS) to achieve superior throughput, taxonomic resolution, and the detection of unculturable organisms. However, the prevailing focus on amplicon sequencing has limited the identification of viruses and microbial taxa at the species-level. Herein, a literature search was conducted to identify methods capable of overcoming the aforementioned limitations. Screening 1531 international publications resulted in 29 eligible for review. Metagenomics capable of providing rich insights were identified in only three instances. Notably, long-read sequencing was not utilised for metagenomics. This review also identified that sample collection methods lack a uniform approach, highlighted by the differences in sampling equipment, flow rates and durations. Further heterogeneity was introduced by the unique sampling conditions, which makes it challenging to ground new findings within the established literature. For instance, winter was associated with increased microbial abundance and antimicrobial resistance, yet less alpha diversity. Researchers implementing metagenomics into the livestock environment should consider season, the microclimate, and livestock growth stage as influential upon their findings. Considering the increasing accessibility of long-read sequencing, future research should explore its viability within a novel uniform testing protocol for bioaerosol emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor T Farrell
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, UK
| | - Elena Hunter
- Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Nottingham Trent University, UK
| | - Philippe B Wilson
- Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Nottingham Trent University, UK
| | - Samuel J White
- Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Nottingham Trent University, UK.
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Han J, Li M, Li X, Liu C, Li XL, Wang K, Qiao R, Yang F, Han X, Li XJ. Effects of microbes in pig farms on occupational exposed persons and the environment. AMB Express 2023; 13:136. [PMID: 38032532 PMCID: PMC10689614 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01631-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In terms of pig farming, pig gut microbes have a significant effect on farmers and the farm environment. However, it is still unclear which microbial composition is more likely to contribute to this effect. This study collected a total of 136 samples, including pigs' faeces samples, farmers' faeces samples, samples from individuals who had no contact with any type of farm animal (referred to as 'non-exposed' persons), and environmental dust samples (collected from inside and outside pig houses and the farm) from two pig farms, pig farm A and pig farm B. Whereafter, 16S rRNA sequencing and taxonomic composition analysis were performed. According to the study, compared to non-exposed persons, pig farmers had a significantly higher abundance of 7 genera. In addition, the farmers were grouped according to the duration of their occupational exposure, and it was shown that 4 genera, including Turicibacter, Terrisporobacter, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, exhibited a rise in more frequent contact with pigs. As compared to outside the pig house, the environmental dust has a greater concentration of the 3 bacteria mentioned before. Therefore, these 3 microbes can be considered as co-occurring microbes that may exist both in humans and the environment. Also, the 3 co-occurring microbes are involved in the fermentation and production of short-chain fatty acids and their effectiveness decreased as distance from the farm increased. This study shows that the 3 microbes where pig farmers co-occur with the environment come from pig farms, which provides fresh ideas for preventing the spread of microbial aerosols in pig farms and reducing pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Mengyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Xiu-Ling Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Ruimin Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Feng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Xuelei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Xin-Jian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Science, Sanya, China.
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Carrazana E, Ruiz-Gil T, Fujiyoshi S, Tanaka D, Noda J, Maruyama F, Jorquera MA. Potential airborne human pathogens: A relevant inhabitant in built environments but not considered in indoor air quality standards. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165879. [PMID: 37517716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Potential airborne human pathogens (PAHPs) may be a relevant component of the air microbiome in built environments. Despite that PAHPs can cause infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients at medical centers, they are scarcely considered in standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) worldwide. Here, we reviewed the current information on microbial aerosols (bacteria, fungal and viruses) and PAHPs in different types of built environments (e.g., medical center, industrial and non-industrial), including the main factors involved in their dispersion, the methodologies used in their study and their associated biological risks. Our analysis identified the human occupancy and ventilation systems as the primary sources of dispersal of microbial aerosols indoors. We also observed temperature and relative humidity as relevant physicochemical factors regulating the dispersion and viability of some PAHPs. Our analysis revealed that some PAHPs can survive and coexist in different environments while other PAHPs are limited or specific for an environment. In relation to the methodologies (conventional or molecular) the nature of PAHPs and sampling type are pivotal. In this context, indoors air-borne viruses are the less studies because their small size, environmental lability, and absence of efficient sampling techniques and universal molecular markers for their study. Finally, it is noteworthy that PAHPs are not commonly considered and included in IAQ standards worldwide, and when they are included, the total abundance is the single parameter considered and biological risks is excluded. Therefore, we propose a revision, design and establishment of public health policies, regulations and IAQ standards, considering the interactions of diverse factors, such as nature of PAHPs, human occupancy and type of built environments where they develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Carrazana
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Tay Ruiz-Gil
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - So Fujiyoshi
- Center for Holobiome and Built Environment (CHOBE), Hiroshima University, Japan; Microbial Genomics and Ecology, PHIS, The IDEC institute, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tanaka
- School of Science Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Jun Noda
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Fumito Maruyama
- Center for Holobiome and Built Environment (CHOBE), Hiroshima University, Japan; Microbial Genomics and Ecology, PHIS, The IDEC institute, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Milko A Jorquera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana Aplicada, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center for Holobiome and Built Environment (CHOBE), Hiroshima University, Japan; Network for Extreme Environment Research (NEXER), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Peng S, Luo M, Long D, Liu Z, Tan Q, Huang P, Shen J, Pu S. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and machine learning reveal the bacterial composition of inhalable particles from two different breeding stages in a piggery. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114712. [PMID: 36863163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial loading aggravates the harm of particulate matter (PM) to public health and ecological systems, especially in operations of concentrated animal production. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and influencing factors of bacterial components of inhalable particles at a piggery. The morphology and elemental composition of coarse particles (PM10, aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm) and fine particles (PM2.5, aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) were analyzed. Full-length 16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to identify bacterial components according to breeding stage, particle size, and diurnal rhythm. Machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to further explore the relationship between bacteria and the environment. The results showed that the morphology of particles in the piggery differed, and the morphologies of the suspected bacterial components were elliptical deposited particles. Full-length 16 S rRNA indicated that most of the airborne bacteria in the fattening and gestation houses were bacilli. The analysis of beta diversity and difference between samples showed that the relative abundance of some bacteria in PM2.5 was significantly higher than that in PM10 at the same pig house (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in the bacterial composition of inhalable particles between the fattening and gestation houses (P < 0.01). The aggregated boosted tree (ABT) model showed that PM2.5 had a great influence on airborne bacteria among air pollutants. Fast expectation-maximization microbial source tracking (FEAST) showed that feces was a major potential source of airborne bacteria in pig houses (contribution 52.64-80.58 %). These results will provide a scientific basis for exploring the potential risks of airborne bacteria in a piggery to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Peng
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Min Luo
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Dingbiao Long
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 402460, China; Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team for Livestock Environment Control and Equipment R&D, Chongqing 402460, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for pigs, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Zuohua Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for pigs, Chongqing 402460, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Qiong Tan
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for pigs, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for pigs, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for pigs, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Shihua Pu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, No. 51, Changlong Avenue, Rong chang District, Chongqing 402460, China; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing 402460, China; Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team for Livestock Environment Control and Equipment R&D, Chongqing 402460, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for pigs, Chongqing 402460, China.
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Characteristics and Traceability Analysis of Microbial Assemblage in Fine Particulate Matter from a Pig House. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061058. [PMID: 36978598 PMCID: PMC10044456 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can carry numerous substances and penetrate deep into the respiratory tract due to its small particle size; associated harmful microorganisms are suspected to increase health risks for humans and animals. To find out the microbial compositions of PM2.5 in piggeries, their interaction and traceability, we collected PM2.5 samples from a piggery while continuously monitoring the environmental indicators. We also identified pathogenic bacteria and allergens in the samples using high-throughput sequencing technology. We analyzed the microbial differences of PM2.5 samples at different heights and during different times of day and investigated the microbial dynamics among the PM2.5 samples. To better understand the interaction between microorganisms and environmental factors among different microbial communities, we applied the network analysis method to identify the correlation among various variables. Finally, SourceTracker, a commonly used microbial traceability tool, was used to predict the source of airborne microorganisms in the pig house. We identified 14 potential pathogenic bacteria and 5 allergens from PM2.5 in the pig houses, of which Acinetobacter was the dominant bacterium in all samples (relative abundance > 1%), which warrants attention. We found that bacteria and fungi directly affected the the microbial community. The bacterial community mainly played a positive role in the microbial community. Environmental variables mainly indirectly and positively affected microbial abundance. In the SourceTracker analysis using fecal matter and feed as sources and PM2.5 sample as sink, we found that fecal matter made the greatest contribution to both bacterial and fungal components of PM2.5. Our findings provide important insights into the potential risks of pathogens in PM2.5 to human and animal health and their main sources.
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Sim S, Lee H, Yoon S, Seon H, Park C, Kim M. The impact of different diets and genders on fecal microbiota in Hanwoo cattle. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:897-910. [PMID: 36287745 PMCID: PMC9574620 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Bovine fecal microbiota is important for host health and its composition can be
affected by various factors, such as diet, age, species, breed, regions, and
environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of diet and
gender on fecal microbiota in Korean native Hanwoo cattle. The 16S rRNA gene
amplicon sequencing of fecal microbiota was conducted from 44 Hanwoo cattle
divided into four groups: (1) 11 heifers fed an oat hay plus total mixed ration
(TMR) diet for breeding (HOTB), (2) 11 heifers fed an early fattening TMR diet
(HEFT), (3) 11 steers fed the early fattening TMR diet (SEFT), and (4) 11 steers
fed the late fattening TMR diet (SLFT). Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were the
first and second most dominant phyla in all the samples, respectively. The
Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio associated with feed efficiency was
significantly greater in the SLFT group than in the other groups. At the genus
level, Romboutsia, Paeniclostridium, and
Turicibacterwere the most abundant in the SLFT while
Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and
Monoglobus were the most abundant in the HOTB group.
Although the same early fattening TMR diet was fed to Hanwoo heifers and steers,
Marvinbryantia and Coprococcus were the
most abundant in the HEFT group while Alistipes and
Ruminococcus were the most abundant in the SEFT group.
Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were significantly lower in the SLFT group
than in the other groups. Distribution of fecal microbiota and functional
genetic profiles were significantly different among the four treatment groups.
The present study demonstrates that different diets and genders can affect fecal
microbiota and the F/B ratio may be associated with feed efficiency in Hanwoo
cattle. Our results may help develop strategies to improve gut health and
productivity through manipulation of fecal microbiota using the appropriate diet
considering Hanwoo cattle gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghyeun Sim
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Huseong Lee
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea,Graduate School of Agricultural Science,
Tohoku University, Sendai 980-0845, Japan
| | - Sang Yoon
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Hyeonsu Seon
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Cheolju Park
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam
National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea,Corresponding author Minseok Kim,
Division of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea.
Tel: +82-62-530-2128, E-mail:
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The Distribution Characteristics of Aerosol Bacteria in Different Types of Pig Houses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121540. [PMID: 35739876 PMCID: PMC9219456 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Microbial aerosols from pig houses can be released into the environment, posing a serious threat to biosafety and public health. At present, there are few studies on the structural characteristics of aerosol bacteria in piggeries at different growth stages. It is important to understand the characteristics of aerosol bacteria in pig houses to solve the problems of air pollution and disease control in pig houses at different growth stages. In this study, bacterial aerosol concentrations and bacterial communities were compared in pig houses at different growth stages in Hebei Province, China. It was found that bacterial concentrations, community richness, and diversity in the air increased with the age of pigs. There are many pathogenic bacteria in the microbial aerosols of piggery. Our study highlights the importance of more comprehensive research and analysis of microbial aerosols in pig houses. Precautions for air pollution should be instituted in pig houses, including wearing masks, rigorous disinfection, and hygiene procedures. Abstract With the development of modern pig raising technology, the increasing density of animals in pig houses leads to the accumulation of microbial aerosols in pig houses. It is an important prerequisite to grasp the characteristics of bacteria in aerosols in different pig houses to solve the problems of air pollution and disease prevention and control in different pig houses. This work investigated the effects of growth stages on bacterial aerosol concentrations and bacterial communities in pig houses. Three traditional types of closed pig houses were studied: farrowing (FAR) houses, weaning (WEA) houses, and fattening (FAT) houses. The Andersen six-stage sampler and high-volume air sampler were used to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify the bacterial communities. We found that the airborne bacterial concentration, community richness, and diversity index increased with pig age. We found that Acinetobacter, Erysipelothrix, Streptococcus, Moraxella, and Aerococcus in the microbial aerosols of pig houses have the potential risk of causing disease. These differences lead us to believe that disinfection strategies for pig houses should involve a situational focus on environmental aerosol composition on a case-by-case basis.
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Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) represents an air quality management challenge for confined swine production systems. Due to the limited space and ventilation rate, PM can reach relatively high concentrations in swine barns. PM in swine barns possesses different physical, chemical, and biological characteristics than that in the atmosphere and other indoor environments. As a result, it exerts different environmental and health effects and creates some unique challenges regarding PM measurement and mitigation. Numerous research efforts have been made, generating massive data and information. However, relevant review reports are sporadic. This study aims to provide an updated comprehensive review of swine barn PM, focusing on publications since 1990. It covers various topics including PM characteristics, sources, measurement methods, and in-barn mitigation technologies. As PM in swine barns is primarily of biological origins, bioaerosols are reviewed in great detail. Relevant topics include bacterial/fungal counts, viruses, microbial community composition, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, endotoxins, and (1→3)-β-D-glucans. For each topic, existing knowledge is summarized and discussed and knowledge gaps are identified. Overall, PM in swine barns is complicated in chemical and biological composition and highly variable in mass concentrations, size, and microbial abundance. Feed, feces, and skins constitute the major PM sources. Regarding in-barn PM mitigation, four technologies (oil/water sprinkling, ionization, alternation of feed and feeders, and recirculating air filtration) are dominant. However, none of them have been widely used in commercial barns. A collective discussion of major knowledge gaps and future research needs is offered at the end of the report.
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