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Havenstein N, Langer F, Weiler U, Stefanski V, Fietz J. Bridging environment, physiology and life history: Stress hormones in a small hibernator. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 533:111315. [PMID: 34052302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge of the perception of stress and its implications for animals in the wild is limited, especially in regard to mammals. The aim of this study was therefore to identify sex specific effects of reproductive activity, body mass, food availability and hibernation on stress hormone levels in the edible dormouse (Glis glis), a small mammalian hibernator. Results of our study reveal that reproductive activity and pre-hibernation fattening were associated with high cortisol levels in both sexes. During the mating season, in particular individuals with low body masses had higher stress levels. Elevated levels of cortisol during pre-hibernation fattening were even higher in females that had formerly invested into reproduction compared to non-reproductive females. Previously observed impairments on health parameters and reduced survival rates associated with reproduction emphasize the functional relevance of high stress hormone levels for fitness. Prolonged food limitation, however, did not affect stress levels demonstrating the ability of dormice to predict and cope with food restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Havenstein
- Institute of Biology, Dep. Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franz Langer
- Institute of Biology, Dep. Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Institute of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Institute of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Joanna Fietz
- Institute of Biology, Dep. Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Institute of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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2
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Poklukar K, Čandek-Potokar M, Vrecl M, Batorek-Lukač N, Fazarinc G, Kress K, Weiler U, Stefanski V, Škrlep M. The effect of immunocastration on adipose tissue deposition and composition in pigs. Animal 2020; 15:100118. [PMID: 33712216 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocastrated pigs (IC) exhibit intensive fat deposition after immunisation, but the underlying mechanisms of intensified fat metabolism and deposition are not yet fully understood. Moreover, there is also a lack of comparative studies performed on IC, entire males (EM) and surgical castrates (SC). The main objective of our research was, therefore, to characterise the adipose tissue from the quantitative, histo-morphological and biochemical perspectives in IC 5 weeks after their immunisation in comparison to EM and SC. Immunocastrated pigs had an intermediate position in carcass fatness traits between EM (the leanest) and SC (the fattest). The histo-morphological traits of the subcutaneous adipose tissue of IC were similar to those of SC and differed from those of EM; i.e., they exhibited larger adipocytes in the outer backfat and a larger lobulus surface area in both backfat layers than EM. Intensive fat tissue development in IC was corroborated with higher activities of lipogenic enzymes (i.e., fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate cleavage enzyme), which was especially pronounced in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of IC (1.5- to 2.7-fold higher activity than in EM or SC). The fatty acid composition of the backfat in IC was similar to that in EM pigs. Both IC and EM exhibited less saturated and more polyunsaturated fatty acids than SC. In contrast, the fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat of longissimus dorsi muscle in IC pigs was more similar to SC than to EM (higher monounsaturated and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid content in IC and SC than EM). In this study, it was demonstrated that immunocastration notably influenced lipid metabolism. This was shown by increased quantity of lipid depots and with changes in adipose tissue cellularity compared to EM, with changes in the fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat and enhanced lipogenic activity compared to both EM and SC. These results provide new insights into the specificity of adipose tissue development and deposition in IC compared to EM and SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Poklukar
- Animal Science Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Čandek-Potokar
- Animal Science Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - M Vrecl
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - N Batorek-Lukač
- Animal Science Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - G Fazarinc
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - K Kress
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - U Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - V Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - M Škrlep
- Animal Science Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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3
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Tomasevic I, Bahelka I, Čítek J, Čandek-Potokar M, Djekić I, Getya A, Guerrero L, Ivanova S, Kušec G, Nakov D, Sołowiej B, Stoica M, Szabó C, Tudoreanu L, Weiler U, Font-i-Furnols M. Attitudes and Beliefs of Eastern European Consumers Towards Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071220. [PMID: 32709096 PMCID: PMC7401545 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A survey was conducted with 5508 consumers from 13 Eastern European countries. Three clusters of consumers were identified: one with consumers indifferent towards animal welfare; one with consumers concerned about animal welfare, but they believe it is difficult to achieve; and one with consumers concerned about animal welfare, and they believe it is possible to achieve it. Abstract The aim of this exploratory work, because of the existing bias on the size of the sample and some of the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, was to investigate the Eastern European consumers’ beliefs and attitudes toward animal welfare, to perform a cross-country segmentation analysis and to observe possible differences with their Western European counterparts. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with 5508 consumers from 13 Eastern European countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, North Macedonia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine) using a questionnaire with nine statements about consumers beliefs regarding animal welfare (aspects of management, ethical issues about animals, and consequences of animal welfare on meat quality and price), one statement about the willingness to pay more for meat produced under better welfare conditions, and four statements regarding attitudes toward animal welfare. Differences between countries were detected for all the statements. Moreover, three clusters of consumers were identified: one with consumers indifferent towards animal welfare; one with consumers concerned about animal welfare, but they believe it is difficult to achieve; and one with consumers concerned about animal welfare, and they believe it is possible to achieve it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Tomasevic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.F.-i.-F.)
| | - Ivan Bahelka
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Jaroslav Čítek
- Research Institute for Animal Production, Hlohovecka 2, 951 41 Luzianky, Slovakia;
| | | | - Ilija Djekić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Andriy Getya
- National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony str., 12, 03041 Kyiv, Ukraine;
| | - Luis Guerrero
- IRTA-Food Industries, Granja Camps i Armet, E-17121 Monells, Spain;
| | - Sonya Ivanova
- Agricultural Academy, 30 Suhodolska str., 1373 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Goran Kušec
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Dimitar Nakov
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, University Ss.Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, blvd. Aleksandar Makedonski bb, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Bartosz Sołowiej
- Faculty of Food Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Maricica Stoica
- Cross-Border Faculty, Dunarea de Jos University, 47 Domneasca str., 800008 Galati, Romania;
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Boszormenyi ut 138., 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Liliana Tudoreanu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bd Marasti 59, 011464 Bucuresti, Romania;
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Universitaet Hohenheim, 460 f Garben str. 17/208, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Maria Font-i-Furnols
- IRTA-Food Industries, Granja Camps i Armet, E-17121 Monells, Spain;
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.F.-i.-F.)
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Engert LC, Weiler U, Pfaffinger B, Stefanski V, Schmucker SS. 0031 Photoperiodic Effects on Diurnal Rhythms in the Immune System, Rest-Activity Behavior, and Cortisol Revealed in a Diurnally Active Large Animal Model - The Domestic Pig. Sleep 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Diurnal variations in immune cell number and function are regarded important for immune competence and are thought to be mediated by rest-activity rhythms and hormones. Moreover, the photoperiod is also known to modulate the immune system and considered to affect seasonal disease susceptibility. Whereas few studies investigated seasonal effects, the present study is the first investigating the specific effect of the photoperiod on diurnal rhythms in cell numbers of peripheral leukocyte types in any species.
Methods
Domestic pigs were held either under long day (LD, 16L:8D, lights-on 07:00-23:00, n=9) or short day conditions (SD, 8L:16D, lights-on 07:00-15:00, n=11) and fed concentrate at 07:30 + 14:00 (ad libitum hay/water). Blood samples were taken every 2 h over periods of 50 h via indwelling vein catheters. Rest-activity behavior of the pigs was analyzed using continuous camera recordings.
Results
Cosinor analyses (p<.05) revealed photoperiodic differences in diurnal rhythms of cell numbers of various peripheral leukocyte subtypes, rest-activity behavior, and cortisol concentration. Cell numbers of total leukocytes, NK cells, T cells, and eosinophils in blood, rest-activity behavior, and cortisol concentration peaked earlier relative to lights-on under SD (p<.05). Relative amplitudes in rest-activity behavior and cell counts of total leukocytes, NK cells, T cells, and monocytes were higher under SD (p<.05). However, there was no photoperiodic effect on diurnal rhythms in neutrophil counts and mesor in any leukocyte type. Generalized linear mixed models revealed associations of leukocyte counts with rest-activity behavior and cortisol concentration in most cell types (p<.05). Moreover, the found photoperiodic effects on diurnal rhythms in rest-activity behavior and cortisol concentration are in agreement with research in humans and primates.
Conclusion
The present study revealed photoperiodic effects on diurnal rhythms in the immune system, rest-activity behavior, and cortisol concentration in pigs and strengthens the importance of the domestic pig as suitable model for chronoimmunology.
Support
German Research Foundation DFG (grant provided to SS, grant number SCHM3162/1-1), Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany (grant number 01PL16003), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim (scholarship provided to LE).
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Engert
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
| | - U Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
| | - B Pfaffinger
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
| | - V Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
| | - S S Schmucker
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
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Reiske L, Schmucker S, Pfaffinger B, Weiler U, Steuber J, Stefanski V. Intravenous Infusion of Cortisol, Adrenaline, or Noradrenaline Alters Porcine Immune Cell Numbers and Promotes Innate over Adaptive Immune Functionality. J I 2020; 204:3205-3216. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Škrlep M, Poklukar K, Kress K, Vrecl M, Fazarinc G, Batorek Lukač N, Weiler U, Stefanski V, Čandek-Potokar M. Effect of immunocastration and housing conditions on pig carcass and meat quality traits. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa055. [PMID: 32705051 PMCID: PMC7284115 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of immunocastration and housing conditions on carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. Immunocastrates (IC, n = 48), entire (EM, n = 48), and surgical castrates (SC, n = 48) male pigs were reared under three different housing conditions. The conditions were standard (n = 36), enriched (n = 36, twice as much space as standard and additional outdoor access), or standard with repeated social mixing (n = 72). Pigs of the IC group were vaccinated at the age of 12 and 22 wk. The animals were slaughtered in four batches, balanced for sex category and housing, at the age of 27 wk reaching 124.7 ± 1.0 kg. Immunocastration led to increased fat deposition (i.e., thicker subcutaneous fat at different anatomical locations, more leaf fat, fatter belly in IC than EM, P < 0.05) but did not affect muscularity traits. As a result, EM exhibited higher and SC lower (P < 0.05) carcass leanness than IC. Fatty acids composition of either subcutaneous or intramuscular fat (IMF) agreed with general adiposity, that is, IC were intermediate between EM and SC exhibiting the lowest and highest fat saturation (P < 0.05), respectively. Compared to SC, EM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) levels of muscle oxidation and collagen content than SC, with IC taking an intermediate position in the case of the level of peroxidation and collagen content, or closer to SC as regards to oxidation of muscle proteins (i.e., carbonyl groups). Meat quality (including marbling score, cooking loss, subjective color redness, and chroma) of IC was similar to EM, and both differed (P < 0.05) from SC. However, IC and SC had less (P < 0.05) tough meat than EM, consistent with protein oxidation. The effect of housing was less evident. Mixing of pigs resulted in lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and fatness in all sex categories with lower (P < 0.05) oleic and higher (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid in IMF of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Škrlep
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Klavdija Poklukar
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kevin Kress
- Department of Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Milka Vrecl
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Fazarinc
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Batorek Lukač
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Department of Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marjeta Čandek-Potokar
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, Pivola, Hoče, Slovenia
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Zoels S, Reiter S, Ritzmann M, Weiß C, Numberger J, Schütz A, Lindner P, Stefanski V, Weiler U. Influences of Immunocastration on Endocrine Parameters, Growth Performance and Carcass Quality, as Well as on Boar Taint and Penile Injuries. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020346. [PMID: 32098237 PMCID: PMC7070702 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Surgical castration of male pigs is associated with pain. Improvac®, a GnRH vaccine induces an endogenous immune reaction that leads transiently to a decrease in testicular steroid synthesis after second vaccination. Investigating consequences of different vaccination schemes revealed that GnRH vaccination reliably prevents boar taint, if the manufacturers’ recommendations are applied. It had beneficial effects on animal welfare as it reduced penile injuries. Animals showed improved feed efficiency, leaner carcasses, and lower PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) percentages than surgically castrated animals. Thus, immunocastration offers a reliable and animal friendly alternative to surgical castration. Abstract Castration of male pigs without anesthesia is a significant welfare issue. Improvac®, a GnRH vaccine induces an endogenous immune response leading to a decrease in testicular steroids. Consequences of different vaccination schemes on testicular function and carcass quality were evaluated in immunocastrated boars (IC), surgical castrates (SC), and entire males (EM). Therefore, 128 male piglets were assigned to five treatment-groups and a long term follow-up group. IC groups received two vaccinations (V1, V2) with Improvac® at 8 and 12, 12 and 16, or 12 and 18 weeks. Testosterone-concentrations decreased significantly two weeks after V2 in feces and dropped in serum from V2 to slaughter (S) except IC-8/12 without differing significantly. GnRH-binding results indicated the highest values for IC-12/18 animals. While IC-12/16 and IC-12/18 animals showed boar taint compounds below the threshold levels, two IC-8/12 animals had concentrations above the threshold level. Feed-efficiency was higher in EM than in SC with IC in between. In IC compared to EM, a decreasing amount of polyunsaturated-fatty-acids was obvious and GnRH-vaccination reduced penile injuries. The examined vaccination protocols reduce penile injuries, improve feed efficiency and carcass quality, and reliably prevents boar taint, if manufacturer’s recommendations concerning vaccination schedules are applied. Therefore immunocastration offers a reliable, animal friendly alternative to surgical castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Zoels
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Simon Reiter
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Mathias Ritzmann
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Christine Weiß
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Jasmin Numberger
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Aneka Schütz
- Department of Safety and Quality of Meat, Max Rubner-Institut, E.-C.-Baumann-Strasse 20, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany;
| | - Peter Lindner
- Bavarian State Research Center for Pig Farming Schwarzenau, Stadtschwarzacher Strasse 18, 97359 Schwarzach am Main, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Institute of Animal Science, Hohenheim University, Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (V.S.); (U.W.)
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Institute of Animal Science, Hohenheim University, Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (V.S.); (U.W.)
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8
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Kress K, Weiler U, Schmucker S, Čandek-Potokar M, Vrecl M, Fazarinc G, Škrlep M, Batorek-Lukač N, Stefanski V. Influence of Housing Conditions on Reliability of Immunocastration and Consequences for Growth Performance of Male Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2019; 10:ani10010027. [PMID: 31877705 PMCID: PMC7022942 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Surgical castration of male piglets is societally criticized as it is painful and violates the integrity of the animals. Pork production with boars and immunocastrates are possible alternatives. Even if immunocastration is an animal-welfare-friendly alternative, its market share is low and the reliability of this technique is discussed controversially within the pork chain. Currently, the number and the reason for non-responders to vaccination are not clear. Various factors may contribute to impaired immune response including adverse and stressful housing conditions. This study, therefore, examines the influence of different housing conditions on the immune response after two Improvac® vaccinations. To determine vaccination success, testosterone concentrations, GnRH-binding, and boar taint compounds were evaluated. Furthermore, the growth performance of male pigs was compared. The results show that immunocastration is reliable under different housing systems and prevents boar taint. Moreover, the growth performance of immunocastrates is high and even superior to that of boars and barrows after the 2nd vaccination. Accordingly, immunocastration is not only animal-welfare-friendly but also economically attractive and suitable for different housing systems. Abstract Immunocastration is a sustainable alternative to piglet castration but faces limited market acceptance. The phenomenon of non-responders has not to date been examined in detail, but adverse and stressful housing conditions (e.g., mixing of groups) might impair the success of vaccinations. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of housing conditions on the immune response after two Improvac® vaccinations at an age of 12 and 22 weeks, respectively. Boars, immunocastrates and barrows (n = 48 each) were assigned to three different housing conditions (n = 36 enriched, n = 36 standard n = 72 repeated social mixing). Immune response was quantified by measuring GnRH-binding and its consequences for testosterone concentrations, development of the genital tract and boar taint. Growth performance was evaluated via average daily gain (ADG). GnRH-binding and testosterone levels revealed that immunocastration reliably suppressed testicular functions after the 2nd vaccination. Housing conditions did not modify testicular function but influenced ADG as animals under mixing grew slower than those under enriched conditions. Gonadal status had only a slight impact on ADG except in immunocastrates, which showed a temporarily higher ADG after the 2nd vaccination. The results show that immunocastration is a reliable procedure under different housing conditions and competitive in terms of growth performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kress
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (U.W.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-459-22536
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (U.W.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Sonja Schmucker
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (U.W.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Marjeta Čandek-Potokar
- KIS–Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Č.-P.); (M.Š.); (N.B.-L.)
| | - Milka Vrecl
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Preclinical Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Gregor Fazarinc
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Preclinical Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Martin Škrlep
- KIS–Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Č.-P.); (M.Š.); (N.B.-L.)
| | - Nina Batorek-Lukač
- KIS–Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Č.-P.); (M.Š.); (N.B.-L.)
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (U.W.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
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Tomasevic I, Bahelka I, Čandek-Potokar M, Čítek J, Djekić I, Djurkin Kušec I, Getya A, Guerrero L, Iordăchescu G, Ivanova S, Nakov D, Sołowiej BG, Szabó C, Tudoreanu L, Weiler U, Font-I-Furnols M. Attitudes and beliefs of Eastern European consumers towards piglet castration and meat from castrated pigs. Meat Sci 2019; 160:107965. [PMID: 31669861 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.107965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Castration of male piglets is a common practice to avoid boar taint but is being questioned. The present work has an exploratory character and aims to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of Eastern European consumers regarding boar taint, surgical castration immunocastration and perception of meat from castrated pigs and to find out possible segments of consumers regarding these attitudes and beliefs. For this purpose, a consumer study was carried out involving 5508 consumers from 13 Eastern European countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, North Macedonia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine). The questionnaire included statements related to beliefs about castration and perception of meat from castrated pigs, attitudes towards meat from castrated pigs. Results show that in general beliefs and attitudes of the consumers are not defined, probably because of the lack of knowledge (information was not provided to the consumers) towards these issues. Three different clusters of consumers were obtained with different beliefs towards castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Tomasevic
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Bahelka
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jaroslav Čítek
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ilija Djekić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivona Djurkin Kušec
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Andriy Getya
- National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Оborony str., 12, 03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Luis Guerrero
- IRTA- Food Industries, Granja Camps i Armet E-17121, Monells, Spain
| | | | - Sonya Ivanova
- Agricultural Academy, 30 Suhodolska str., 1373 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Nakov
- University Ss.Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, blvd. Aleksandar Makedonski bb, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Bartosz G Sołowiej
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Faculty of Food Sciences and Biotechnology, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
| | - Csaba Szabó
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, 4032 Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Hungary
| | - Liliana Tudoreanu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bd Marasti 59, 011464 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Universitaet Hohenheim, 460 f Garbenstr. 17 / 208, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
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Engert LC, Weiler U, Pfaffinger B, Stefanski V, Schmucker SS. Photoperiodic Effects on Diurnal Rhythms in Cell Numbers of Peripheral Leukocytes in Domestic Pigs. Front Immunol 2019; 10:393. [PMID: 30915069 PMCID: PMC6422931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The photoperiod is known to modulate immune cell number and function and is regarded essential for seasonal disease susceptibility. In addition, diurnal variations in the immune system are regarded important for immune competence. Whereas few studies investigated the influence of season, none investigated the specific effect of the photoperiod on these diurnal immune rhythms until now. Therefore, the present study compared diurnal rhythms in cell numbers of peripheral leukocyte types in domestic pigs held either under long day conditions (LD) or short day conditions (SD). Cosinor analyses of cell numbers of various peripheral leukocyte subtypes investigated over periods of 50 h revealed distinct photoperiodic differences in diurnal immune rhythms. Relative amplitudes of cell numbers of total leukocytes, NK cells, T cells, and monocytes in blood were higher under SD than LD. In addition, cell counts of total leukocytes, NK cells, T cells including various T cell subtypes, and eosinophils peaked earlier relative to the time of lights-on under SD than LD. In contrast, diurnal rhythms of neutrophil counts did not show photoperiodic differences. Mesor values did not differ in any leukocyte type. Generalized linear mixed model analyses revealed associations of leukocyte counts with plasma cortisol concentration and activity behavior in most investigated cell types. Moreover, the present study demonstrated photoperiodic effects on diurnal rhythms in plasma cortisol concentrations and activity behavior, which is in agreement with human and primate studies. The results of the present study imply stronger rhythmicity in leukocyte counts in general under SD. Common intrinsic mechanisms seem to regulate photoperiodic effects on diurnal rhythms in leukocyte counts, except for neutrophils, in domestic pigs. Our results reveal considerable insights into the regulation of immune rhythms in diurnally active species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa C Engert
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Birgit Pfaffinger
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sonja S Schmucker
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Schalk C, Pfaffinger B, Schmucker S, Weiler U, Stefanski V. Pregnancy-Associated Alterations of Peripheral Blood Immune Cell Numbers in Domestic Sows Are Modified by Social Rank. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E112. [PMID: 30909543 PMCID: PMC6466169 DOI: 10.3390/ani9030112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is characterized by a shift from adaptive to innate immune functions. Besides, the immune system can be influenced by social rank. Detailed knowledge of pregnancy-associated immune changes and of the interplay of rank-associated and gestation-induced immunomodulations is still fragmentary in sows. This study investigates both the numbers of various blood leukocyte subpopulations during pregnancy and the influence of social rank position on progressing pregnancy-associated alterations in group-housed sows. Sows were classified as low (LR), middle (MR), or high-ranking (HR). Five blood samples were collected from each of the 35 sows throughout pregnancy to evaluate the distribution of blood lymphocyte subpopulations and plasma cortisol concentrations. The numbers of T, natural killer (NK), and B cells, cytotoxic T cells (CTL), and CD8⁺ γδ- T cells decreased during the last trimester of pregnancy, while neutrophils and plasma cortisol concentration increased before parturition. Social rank revealed different effects on B cells and monocytes with MR sows showing higher numbers than LR sows. Plasma cortisol concentrations also tended to be higher in MR sows as compared to LR sows. In conclusion, sows show pregnancy-associated alterations in the immune system, which are influenced by social rank, as middle-ranking sows in particular display signs of stress-induced immunomodulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Schalk
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Birgit Pfaffinger
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Sonja Schmucker
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Schalk C, Pfaffinger B, Schmucker S, Weiler U, Stefanski V. Effects of repeated social mixing on behavior and blood immune cells of group-housed pregnant sows (Sus scrofa domestica). Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Marro P, Bauer A, Stefanski V, Weiler U. Effect of processing on the concentrations of boar taint compounds skatole and androstenone in different types of sausage. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Marro
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science; University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17; 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Aneka Bauer
- Department of Safety and Quality of Meat; Max Rubner Institute, E.-C.-Baumann-Str. 20; 95326 Kulmbach Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science; University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17; 70599 Stuttgart Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science; University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17; 70599 Stuttgart Germany
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Abstract
This data article is related to the original research article “Diurnal rhythms in peripheral blood immune cell numbers of domestic pigs” of Engert et al. [1] and describes diurnal rhythms in the number of CD8α− and CD8α+ γδ T cells in peripheral blood of domestic pigs. Blood samples were taken from 18 animals over periods of up to 50 h and immune cell subtypes were determined by flow cytometry. Diurnal rhythmicity of cell numbers of γδ T cell subtypes was analyzed with cosinor analysis and different properties of rhythmicity (mesor, amplitude, and peak time) were calculated. In addition, associations between cell numbers of the investigated cell types in porcine blood with plasma cortisol concentration, hematocrit, and experimental conditions were identified with linear mixed model analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa C Engert
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sonja S Schmucker
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Engert LC, Weiler U, Pfaffinger B, Stefanski V, Schmucker SS. Diurnal rhythms in peripheral blood immune cell numbers of domestic pigs. Dev Comp Immunol 2018; 79:11-20. [PMID: 29017838 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Diurnal rhythms within the immune system are considered important for immune competence. Until now, they were mostly studied in humans and rodents. However, as the domestic pig is regarded as suitable animal model and due to its importance in agriculture, this study aimed to characterize diurnal rhythmicity in porcine circulating leukocyte numbers. Eighteen pigs were studied over periods of up to 50 h. Cosinor analyses revealed diurnal rhythms in cell numbers of most investigated immune cell populations in blood. Whereas T cell, dendritic cell, and eosinophil counts peaked during nighttime, NK cell and neutrophil counts peaked during daytime. Relative amplitudes of cell numbers in blood differed in T helper cell subtypes with distinctive differentiation states. Mixed model analyses revealed that plasma cortisol concentration was negatively associated with cell numbers of most leukocyte types, except for NK cells and neutrophils. The observed rhythms mainly resemble those found in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa C Engert
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Birgit Pfaffinger
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sonja S Schmucker
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Engert LC, Weiler U, Stefanski V, Schmucker SS. Glucocorticoid receptor number and affinity differ between peripheral blood mononuclear cells and granulocytes in domestic pigs. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017; 61:11-16. [PMID: 28554109 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to characterize the number and affinity of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and granulocytes of domestic pigs because glucocorticoid signaling is considered important for animal health and welfare. To investigate GR binding characteristics in intact porcine immune cells, blood samples of 6 castrated male pigs were collected via indwelling vein catheters. Porcine PBMC and granulocytes were isolated using two-layer density gradients, followed by radioligand binding assays to determine the number of GR sites per cell and the dissociation constant Kd as a measure for GR binding affinity. The present study revealed a greater number of GR sites per cell (P = 0.039) in PBMC (mean ± SEM: 1,953 ± 207 sites/cell) compared to granulocytes (1,561 ± 159 sites/cell) in domestic pigs. Furthermore, porcine PBMC had a higher GR binding affinity than porcine granulocytes (P = 0.003) as the dissociation constant Kd of PBMC (1.8 ± 0.2 nM) was lower than that of granulocytes (3.5 ± 0.4 nM). Our results point to differences in underlying mechanisms of glucocorticoid signaling in different porcine leukocyte populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Engert
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - U Weiler
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - V Stefanski
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - S S Schmucker
- Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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von Au A, Weiler U, Stefanovic S, Wallwiener M, Heil J, Golatta M, Rom J, Sohn C, Schneeweiss A, Schuetz F, Domschke C. Breast cancer presentation and therapy in migrant versus native German patients: contrasting and convergent data of a retrospective monocentric study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015; 294:145-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Wesoly R, Stefanski V, Weiler U. Influence of sampling procedure, sampling location and skin contamination on skatole and indole concentrations in adipose tissue of pigs. Meat Sci 2015; 111:85-91. [PMID: 26348413 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Skatole leads to off-odor in pork and is influenced by several factors such as sex and management conditions of pigs, but the causal relationships have not yet been clarified. In the present study, physiological skatole concentrations along the carcass were monitored and the transdermal diffusion of skatole was experimentally studied with skatole-spiked feces. Additionally, the impact of different biopsy techniques on skatole in fat and blood was studied. Monitoring of skatole along the carcass revealed higher skatole concentrations in the belly than in dorsal cuts. Topical application of spiked feces increased skatole in fat strictly at the application site. In contrast to punch biopsies, surgical biopsies significantly affected skatole and cortisol levels in blood, but not in fat. We conclude that biopsies for skatole measurements should be taken without anesthesia from the dorsal side of the animals. Fecal contaminations on the ventral side are not likely to influence overall concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Wesoly
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Science, Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Garbenstrasse 17, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Science, Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Garbenstrasse 17, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Science, Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Garbenstrasse 17, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Wesoly R, Jungbluth I, Stefanski V, Weiler U. Pre-slaughter conditions influence skatole and androstenone in adipose tissue of boars. Meat Sci 2015; 99:60-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Grün V, Schmucker S, Schalk C, Flauger B, Weiler U, Stefanski V. Influence of Different Housing Systems on Distribution, Function and Mitogen-Response of Leukocytes in Pregnant Sows. Animals (Basel) 2013; 3:1123-41. [PMID: 26479755 PMCID: PMC4494368 DOI: 10.3390/ani3041123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The European Union imposes housing of pregnant sows in social groups since 2013 for animal welfare reasons. Nevertheless, the consequences of different housing conditions for the immune system of pregnant sows remain poorly investigated. We therefore analyzed important aspects of blood cellular immunity and cortisol concentrations of sows either housed in individual crates or in a group during gestation. The results show that individually housed sows had lower T cell numbers, but higher cortisol concentrations. Obviously, common housing conditions can differentially affect key elements of the adaptive immune system and hormonal indicators of stress in pregnant sows. Abstract In pig production, pregnant sows are either housed in individual crates or in groups, the latter being mandatory in the EU since 2013. The consequences of different housing conditions on the immune system are however poorly investigated, although immunological alterations may have severe consequences for the animal’s health, performance, and welfare. This study assessed measures of blood celluar immunity with special emphasis on T cells in pregnant German Landrace sows either housed in individual crates or in a social group. Blood samples were taken at four samplings pre partum to evaluate numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine-producing T cells. Plasma cortisol concentrations were evaluated as an indicator of stress. We found lower blood lymphocyte numbers (p < 0.01) in individually housed as opposed to group-housed sows, an effect due to lower numbers of cytotoxic T cells, naive TH cells, and CD8+ γδ-T cells. Individually housed sows showed higher cortisol concentrations (p < 0.01), whereas lymphocyte functionality did not differ between sows of both housing systems. Possible implications and underlying mechanisms for the endocrine and immunological differences are discussed. We favor the hypothesis that differences in the stressfulness of the environment contributed to the effects, with crate-housing being a more stressful environment—at least under conditions of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Grün
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Institute for Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Sonja Schmucker
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Institute for Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Christiane Schalk
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Institute for Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Birgit Flauger
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Institute for Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Institute for Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals, Institute for Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Weiler U, Font I Furnols M, Fischer K, Kemmer H, Oliver MA, Gispert M, Dobrowolski A, Claus R. Influence of differences in sensitivity of Spanish and German consumers to perceive androstenone on the acceptance of boar meat differing in skatole and androstenone concentrations. Meat Sci 2012; 54:297-304. [PMID: 22060699 DOI: 10.1016/s0309-1740(99)00106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/1998] [Revised: 03/05/1999] [Accepted: 04/01/1999] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The reactions of German (n=472) and Spanish (n=480) consumers of the European boar taint study to boar meat were evaluated according to their androstenone sensitivity. Consumers were checked with pure substance for their androstenone sensitivity. Eighteen per cent of the German and 31% of the Spanish participants were highly sensitive to androstenone, with a significantly higher proportion of women. For insensitive/mildly sensitive consumers, skatole level was the main determinant for the rating of flavour and odour of pork. For highly sensitive consumers, androstenone significantly influenced the rating of odour (Spain and Germany) and flavour (Germany) and is the predominant problem for that group, due to the high percentage of carcasses with high androstenone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Weiler
- Fachgebiet Tierhaltung und Leistungsphysiologie (470), Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Wesoly R, Weiler U. Nutritional Influences on Skatole Formation and Skatole Metabolism in the Pig. Animals (Basel) 2012; 2:221-42. [PMID: 26486918 PMCID: PMC4494329 DOI: 10.3390/ani2020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skatole is a tryptophan (TRP) metabolite with fecal odor. Together with the testicular steroid androstenone it is regarded as a main determinant of boar taint, even if elevated concentrations of skatole occur occasionally in gilts and barrows. Skatole concentrations in adipose tissue result from a complex process, which includes the availability of TRP and the presence of specialized bacteria in the gut in need of TRP for energy production, as well as absorption, transport and accumulation of skatole in adipose tissue. Several steps of this process are influenced by diet and specific feed compounds. In the present paper the current knowledge about physiological mechanisms of skatole dynamics is summarized. Additionally mechanisms are discussed, by which effective feeding strategies and feed additives exert their influence in the prevention of high skatole concentrations in adipose pig tissue. It was concluded that the most effective measures are those which influence several steps of skatole formation. Despite the numerous studies carried out in the field of skatole physiology, interesting aspects still need clarification, such as the effect of adipose tissue turnover. Reliable control of skatole accretion in fat of boars is one of the main prerequisites for pork production with entire males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Wesoly
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals (470a), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Breeding, Behavioral Physiology of Farm Animals (470a), University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Kumar V, Khalil WKB, Weiler U, Becker K. Influences of incorporating detoxifiedJatropha curcaskernel meal in common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.) diet on the expression of growth hormone- and insulin-like growth factor-1-encoding genes. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2011; 97:97-108. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01247.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Treyer D, Linderoth P, Liebl T, Pegel M, Weiler U, Claus R. Influence of sex, age and season on body weight, energy intake and endocrine parameter in wild living wild boars in southern Germany. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-011-0557-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Osteocalcin is a bone specific protein which is secreted by mature osteoblasts and is measurable in peripheral blood plasma. In growing female pigs (n = 6) osteocalcin was measured in daily blood samples between an age of 125 to 238 days and the values were compared to IGF-I and cortisol. Mean concentrations of osteocalcin were 158 +/- 2.7 ng/ml and the concentrations were significantly correlated to those of IGF-I (r = 0.12 p < or = 0.01 n = 581) and cortisol (r = 0.13 p < or = 0.01 n = 503). Both hormones and less pronounced osteocalcin revealed a rhythm-like pattern with a period of 10-14 days. In addition, rhythm-like variations with a period of about 5 weeks are visible. The highest correlation was found between IGF-I and cortisol both within the animals (r = 0.28, n = 508, p < or = 0.001) and between the individuals (r = 0.94, n = 6, p < or = 0.01). Thus a dialog between IGF-I and cortisol may be assumed. A possible physiological role is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Claus
- Fachgebiet Tierhaltung und Leistungsphysiologie 470, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Gekeler F, Szurman P, Grisanti S, Weiler U, Claus R, Greiner TO, Völker M, Kohler K, Zrenner E, Bartz-Schmidt KU. Compound subretinal prostheses with extra-ocular parts designed for human trials: successful long-term implantation in pigs. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2007; 245:230-41. [PMID: 16645861 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-006-0339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2006] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subretinal implants aim to replace photoreceptor function in patients suffering from degenerative retinal disease like retinitis pigmentosa by topically applying electrical stimuli in the subretinal space. This study-as a last step before upcoming human trials-explored a newly developed surgical technique for permanent implantation of complex subretinal implants with extra-ocular parts. METHODS The implant consisted of a microphoto-diode array (MPDA) with 1550 electrodes and a 4x4 array of gold electrodes for direct electrical stimulation; both were mounted onto a polyimide foil for transscleral placement into the subretinal space. The foil carried connection lanes to a silicone cable that was implanted under the skin and led to a stimulator box in the animal's neck. Surgery was performed in 11 domestic pigs. Improved vitreo-retinal surgical technique consisted of a 180 degrees peripheral retinotomy and use of diathermy to penetrate the choroid in order to avoid choroidal haemorrhage. Subretinal forceps were used to place the implant safely onto the retinal pigment epithelium before the retina was flattened, peripheral laser photocoagulation was applied and the eye was filled with silicon oil. The implant was stabilized by a scleral fixation patch, use of a metal clamp with bone screws on the animal's skull and a tissue ring under the animal's skin in the neck. Behaviour was observed in the freely moving animals after direct subretinal electrical stimulation and funduscopy, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography and histology were performed. RESULTS All implants were successfully placed subretinally. In three animals a proliferative vitreo-retinopathy was observed after approximately 2 weeks. Otherwise, funduscopy and OCT demonstrated complete retinal attachment and FA showed no retinal vascular abnormalities over and around the implant. The animals showed clear behavioural reactions to electrical stimulation over the whole examination period. Histological examination failed to show any voltage-induced alteration in the cellular architecture of the retina overlying the stimulation electrodes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the feasibility of a new surgical procedure for highly safe and controlled implantation of complex subretinal devices with extra-ocular parts. The new implant design proved to be safely implantable in free-moving pigs for an observation period of 4 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Gekeler
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Schleichstrasse 12-16, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Abstract
The influence of short-term confinement and moderate exercise on tibia development was investigated in growing pigs (36-41 kg, 10 weeks at the beginning of the study). Animals were kept for 2 weeks either in individual crates of 0.8 m(2) ('confinement', n = 4) or kept in groups of four animals in large crates of 5.6 m(2) without ('control') or with additional exercise (30 min walking at 5 days/week; 'exercise'). Bone density and morphological parameters were evaluated by computer tomography (CT). Periosteal apposition and longitudinal growth were determined after polychrome sequential labelling in weekly intervals. Cortical areas of the cross sections at the mid-shaft and at 75% of the length of the bone measured distal to the carpus by CT were significantly correlated to each other (r = 0.70) and revealed a significant reduction in confined animals. This difference was explained by lower periosteal apposition rates in these animals compared with exercised and group-housed pigs. Similarly longitudinal growth and the formation and calcification of spongiosa of the tibiae were inhibited by confinement. Thus, 2 weeks of confinement led to significant differences in bone growth and metabolism in young growing piglets when compared with animals with moderate activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Weiler
- Institut für Tierhaltung und Tierzüchtung, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Drochner W, Schollenberger M, Piepho HP, Götz S, Lauber U, Tafaj M, Klobasa F, Weiler U, Claus R, Steffl M. Serum IgA-promoting effects induced by feed loads containing isolated deoxynivalenol (DON) in growing piglets. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2004; 67:1051-1067. [PMID: 15205033 DOI: 10.1080/15287390490447313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON), a Fusarium toxin belonging to the trichothecene group, has been reported to produce a variety of adverse health effects in farm animals, such as inhibition of protein synthesis, reduction of feed intake, and alteration of the immune system. In pigs, the effects of increasing levels of chemically pure DON in a semisynthetic diet on performance, health, and serum immunglobulin A (IgA) levels were examined. A diet, without grain components and trichothecene free (8 main trichothecenes), with doses of 0, 300, 600, and 1200 microg pure DON/kg was fed to 34 female pigs for a period of 8 wk after weaning under standardized conditions. Body weight gain and biochemical and hematological values in the blood and serum, including concentrations of IgA, blood glucose, cortisol, and insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1), were determined. Increasing levels of DON in the feed induced a significant depression of glucose levels. Cortisol and IGF-1 levels were not significantly affected but differed between groups at the end of the experiment. A significant increase of IgA concentration in the serum even at a dosage level of 600 microg DON/kg feed was observed. This is the first report demonstrating in vivo that limited dosages of DON are able to stimulate IgA levels in the serum of growing piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Drochner
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Weiler U, Finsler S, Claus R. Influence of cortisol, gonadal steroids and an energy deficit on biochemical indicators of bone turnover in Swine. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2003; 50:79-87. [PMID: 12667198 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2003.00493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the pig a high growth potential seems to favour a disposition for skeletal problems. Hormones of growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I axis as well as cortisol and gonadal steroids are endocrine determinants of the anabolic potential but their effects on bone turnover in pigs have not been described. Thus, key hormones were either infused for 7 days (cortisol, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestradiol) or influenced by Metyrapone (inhibition of cortisol synthesis) or energy deficit (increasing GH). Each treatment was carried out in six growing barrows/treatment. Bone turnover was characterized by daily measurements indirect parameter of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, osteocalcin (OC) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) respectively. All treatments except cortisol infusion seemed to favour bone formation, as they led either to a pronounced increase in OC (Metyrapone: +14%) or to significantly reduced TRAP (DHT: -9%, E2: -17%, energy deficit: -25%) followed by significantly higher OC (DHT: +9%, E2: +6%, energy deficit: +18%). Cortisol infusion affected bone loss mainly by a severe inhibition of osteoblastic activity (OC: -61%). Some reactions are explained by direct effects of the infused gonadal steroids on bone cells (inhibition of osteoclasts) or of the experimentally modified cortisol levels (inhibition of osteoblasts by cortisol). Other effects seem to be mediated by concomitant changes of IGF-I (inhibition of osteoclasts after energy deficit or cortisol) and GH-secretion (increased osteoblastic activity during energy deficit), respectively. Consequences for co-ordinated bone turnover are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Weiler
- Universität Hohenheim, Fachgebiet für Tierhaltung und Leistungsphysiologie (470), Garbenstr. 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Dehnhard M, Claus R, Munz O, Weiler U. Course of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in mammary secretions of the goat during end-pregnancy and early lactation. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2000; 47:533-40. [PMID: 11244861 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00315.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a crucial role in mammogenesis in many species. In ruminants, studies are limited, as EGF does not occur in peripheral plasma and specific analytical systems do not exist. Therefore a heterologous radioimmunoassay based on rhEGF was set up to monitor EGF in mammary gland secretions from goats during end-pregnancy and early lactation. IGF-I was measured with an established radioimmunoassay. Samples were collected from 13 goats for 25 days ante-partum and 25 days post-partum. Mammary gland secretions were obtained ante-partum by removing a small amount of the udder secretions (control half) or milking (stimulated half). Post-partum normal milk samples were collected. Blood samples were drawn by jugular venipuncture for the same period. EGF was found to occur in different molecular weight forms in the mammary glands. For routine measurements these proteins were extracted with acetone and not further separated. IGF-I and EGF concentrations in mammary secretions and similarly IGF-I in blood were high ante-partum and decreased slightly towards birth. IGF-I but not EGF is found in the peripheral plasma. Whereas IGF-I concentrations in blood were quite constant post-partum, IGF-I and EGF dropped in mammary secretions close to the detection limits. The decrease was more pronounced in the stimulated half than in the control half. The data support a synergistic role for EGF and IGF-I for mammogenesis. Both factors are further influenced by the milking stimulus and thus the functional state of the udder.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dehnhard
- Institut für Tierhaltung und Tierzüchtung, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Bonneau M, Kempster A, Claus R, Claudi-Magnussen C, Diestre A, Tornberg E, Walstra P, Chevillon P, Weiler U, Cook G. An international study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar taint: I. Presentation of the programme and measurement of boar taint compounds with different analytical procedures. Meat Sci 2000; 54:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s0309-1740(99)00102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/1998] [Revised: 03/05/1999] [Accepted: 04/30/1999] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bonneau M, Walstra P, Claudi-Magnussen C, Kempster A, Tornberg E, Fischer K, Diestre A, Siret F, Chevillon P, Claus R, Dijksterhuis G, Punter P, Matthews K, Agerhem H, Béague M, Oliver M, Gispert M, Weiler U, von Seth G, Leask H, Font i Furnols M, Homer D, Cook G. An international study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar taint: IV. Simulation studies on consumer dissatisfaction with entire male pork and the effect of sorting carcasses on the slaughter line, main conclusions and recommendations. Meat Sci 2000; 54:285-95. [DOI: 10.1016/s0309-1740(99)00105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/1998] [Revised: 03/05/1999] [Accepted: 04/30/1999] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Weiler U. [A "moving" experience.--an inquiry about the execution of basal stimulation]. Kinderkrankenschwester 1999; 18:8-9. [PMID: 10426045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- U Weiler
- Johanniter Kinderklinik, Sankt Augustin
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Weiler U, Claus R, Schnoebelen-Combes S, Louveau I. Influence of age and genotype on endocrine parameters and growth performance: a comparative study in Wild boars, Meishan and Large White boars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0301-6226(97)00165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Weiler U, Claus R, Dehnhard M, Hofäcker S. Influence of the photoperiod and a light reverse program on metabolically active hormones and food intake in domestic pigs compared with a wild boar. Can J Anim Sci 1996. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas96-080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The pattern of food intake, IGF-I and testosterone secretion were monitored in entire and castrated domestic boars (n = 4/group) either under a light program simulating changes of the natural photoperiod ("natural photoperiod") or a light program simulating the natural photoperiod with a shift of 6 mo ("light reverse program") over a 14-mo period. For comparison, a European wild boar was also investigated under a light reverse program for 23 mo. Under decreasing and short daylength, testosterone secretion increased in the wild and the domestic boars. During the testosterone maximum, the wild boar refused food for about 6 wk (25% weight loss). In parallel, IGF-I concentrations decreased by 50%, whereas under long daylength, IGF-I concentrations reached their seasonal maximum of about 200 ng mL−1. In domestic boars and barrows, lowest IGF-I concentrations (boars: 105 ng mL−1, barrows: 76 ng mL−1) were measured under early increasing daylength (natural photoperiod: February March; light reverse program: August/October). In boars, IGF-I concentrations started to increase under long daylength and reached a maximum of 155 ng mL−1 in October (photoperiod) or April (light reverse program). In barrows, maxima (105 ng mL−1) were measured m September (photoperiod) or March (light reverse program). In domestic boars, IGF-I secretion was stimulated by gonadal steroids even if the food intake was significantly reduced by testosterone. Key words: Pig, wild boar, food intake, photoperiod, testosterone, IGF-I
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Weiler U, Appell HJ, Kremser M, Hofäcker S, Claus R. Consequences of selection on muscle composition. A comparative study on gracilis muscle in wild and domestic pigs. Anat Histol Embryol 1995; 24:77-80. [PMID: 8588708 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.1995.tb00013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
European domestic pigs are derived from the European wild pig by genetic selection and differ in their muscular-growth ability. Thus, it was the aim of this study to investigate the consequences of genetic selection on muscle composition and fibre size in the gracilis muscle. Fibre typing based on the ATPase reaction revealed that this muscle in wild pigs is composed mainly of type-I and -IIa fibres, whereas, in domestic pigs, type-IIb fibres were predominant. For all fibre types, domestic pigs had about threefold larger fibres than wild pigs. Type-I fibres tended to be the smallest fibres in domestic pigs, but the largest fibres in wild pigs, which may be due to long-term training effects in the free-ranging animals. Giant fibres as an indicator of degeneration were obvious only in the domestic-pig samples. Their occurrence, as well as the larger fibre size and the predominance of type-IIb fibres in domestic pigs, may be ascribed to high concentrations of growth hormone. It is concluded that selection for muscular growth may favour metabolic dysbalances within the muscle and, therefore, degenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Weiler
- Fachgebiet Tierhaltung und Leistungsphysiologie, Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Experimentelle Morphologie, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Germany
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Claus R, Moshammer T, Aumüller R, Weiler U. Replenishment of AI-doses with oestrogens in physiological amounts: effect on sow prolificacy in a field trial. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A 1989; 36:797-800. [PMID: 2515690 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1989.tb00794.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Basing on results about physiological functions of seminal oestrogens in the genital tract of sows, the effects of an oestrogen replenishment to AI-doses were investigated in a field trial. Each ejaculate was split into two halves, which were either diluted to normal AI-doses (controls, n = 353) or diluted and replenished with oestrogens in physiological amounts (n = 384). Insemination by qualified technicians led to an improvement of the pregnancy rate (82.8% vs. 77.1%; p less than 0.05) and the litter size (10.8% vs. 10.3%; p less than 0.05) in favour of the oestrogen replenishment. These results partly explain the known differences in prolificacy between natural mating and AI and thus provide a basis for improvement of pig AI.
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Claus R, Hoang-Vu C, Schopper D, Weiler U. Seasonal variation of the ovarian function in unmated sows revealed by the measurement of progesterone and 17 beta-oestradiol in peripheral bloodplasma. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A 1987; 34:344-52. [PMID: 3113117 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1987.tb00291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Claus R, Hoang-Vu C, Ellendorff F, Meyer HD, Schopper D, Weiler U. Seminal oestrogens in the boar: origin and functions in the sow. J Steroid Biochem 1987; 27:331-5. [PMID: 3480392 DOI: 10.1016/0022-4731(87)90324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The boar produces considerable amounts of oestrogens in the Leydig-cells also occurring in semen. Very high oestrogen concentrations are measurable in the fluid of the tubuli, which contribute the main part of seminal oestrogens. Additionally, the accessory sex glands add 22% of the unconjugated oestrogens and 12% of conjugated oestrogens to the ejaculate. Concentrations vary considerably according to season and individuals. So far a maximum of 15.3 micrograms was measured in one ejaculate. Infusion of oestrogens (simulation of the oestrogen content of an ejaculate) at oestrus through a catheter into the uterus lumen leads to an increase of the myometrial contraction-frequency for 3 h. Additionally "inseminations" with oestradiol-17 beta (Oe 2), oestrone (Oe 1), and oestrone-sulfate (Oe 1-S) (naturally occurring in the ejaculate) in 10-micrograms amounts at oestrus may lead to an increase of PGF2 alpha concentrations in the uterine veins within a few minutes. This increase may be found after "insemination" with each of the three steroids but not after saline. A parallel rise of the "inseminated" oestrogen is measurable in the uterine vein plasma and may reach concentrations up to several thousand pg/ml. This rise also leads to significantly increased concentrations in peripheral plasma for about 30 min after the "insemination" of Oe 2 (increase of Oe 2 and Oe 1-S) and Oe 1 (Oe 1 and Oe 1-S). Consequences of seminal oestrogens for sperm transport and the timing of ovulation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Claus
- Universität Hohenheim, Fachgebiet Tierhaltung-470-, Stuttgart, Federal Republic of Germany
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Brdiczka D, Knoll G, Riesinger I, Weiler U, Klug G, Benz R, Krause J. Microcompartmentation at the mitochondrial surface: its function in metabolic regulation. Adv Exp Med Biol 1986; 194:55-69. [PMID: 3019104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4684-5107-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Abstract
A functional coupling between bound hexokinase and the inner mitochondrial compartment has been shown. It is based structurally on the binding of hexokinase to a pore protein which is present in zones of contact between the two boundary membranes. The latter was observed by electron microscopic localization of antiporin and hexokinase at the mitochondrial surface. The four isoenzymes present in liver differ considerably in their activity after binding to the mitochondrial surface. This was found by binding studies using the four isoenzymes isolated from the supernatant. Isoenzyme IV did not bind at all. Isoenzymes I-III did bind and became activated: I, 5.9-fold; II, 39-fold; and III, 1.3-fold. These results suggest that the in vivo activity of hexokinase in the mitochondrial fraction is much larger than so far observed. Furthermore the binding of isoenzymes was differently affected by metabolites. Glucose-6-phosphate exclusively desorbed isoenzyme I from the mitochondrial membrane whereas free fatty acids predominantly liberated isoenzymes II and III. A reciprocal change of the levels of free fatty acids and glucose 6-phosphate in livers of starved rats therefore, can explain why exclusively mitochondrial-bound isoenzymes II and III decreased 10-fold while at the same time isoenzyme I increased.
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Claus R, Weiler U, Wagner HG. Photoperiodic influences on reproduction of domestic boars. II. Light influences on semen characteristics and libido. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A 1985; 32:99-109. [PMID: 3922171 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.1985.tb01921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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