Pathogenesis of swine influenza virus (Thai isolates) in weanling pigs: an experimental trial

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 2009 | No Comments

In Thailand, pathogenesis of SIV subtype H1N1 and H3N2 infection in swine has never been studied. Since
different subtypes of the influenza type A viruses isolated from pigs are found to cause different pathogenic levels in
pigs, the objective of this study is to investigate the pathogenesis of SIV (Thai isolates) subtype H1N1 (A/swine/
Thailand/HF6/05) and H3N2 (A/swine/Thailand/S1/05) in weanling SPF pigs. Genetic characterization of the HA gene of both studied viruses were also performed in this report. The results of this study may assist in the prevention and control of SIV infection in Thailand, especially for H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes. Based on the percentages of cranioventral
pneumonic lesion and times of virus shedding, the H1N1 virus might play a major role in respiratory diseases
in weanling pigs in that farm. More works are needed in the co-infection model with other respiratory pathogens
and in the prevention and control of the SIV-related diseases in Thailand. In this study, investigations on virus
transmissibility between sentinel animals housing together with infected animals were not performed. Therefore, whether these Thai H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes will be transmitted efficiently in the field situation requires further experimental and epidemiologic studies.

For more information the full article can be found http://www.virologyj.com/archive

A whole genome scan for quantitative trait loci for leg weakness and its related traits in a large F 2 intercross population between White Duroc and Erhualian

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The aim of this study is to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for leg weakness-related traits, including leg and gait scores, and weight and length of the biceps brachii muscle in the White Duroc × Erhualian resource population.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Salmonella Piglet Vaccine Gains New Label Approval

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A new label approval for an oral or intranasal vaccine.
Salmo Shield Live, has cut the time that pork producers
can immunize pigs for salmonella from 3 weeks of age or
older to I day of age and older. “Swine salmonellosis is a
difficult disease to control, and early vaccination is often
overlooked as symptoms are not immediately visible,”
says Mark Hammer, Novartis Animal Health professional
services veterinarian. Salmo Shield Live was developed to
provide enhanced control as early as possible, a key to herd
protection against salmonellosis. “Signs of an outbreak are
not visible until it is too late; preventing the disease before
onset is vital. With the new Salmo Shield Live label, producers
can vaccinate before pigs enter the nursery, leading
10 a lower infection rate,” Hammer states. A single, l-ml
dose can be administered in healthy pigs as early as one
day after birth. The product should be administered in
herds where salmonella has been a chronic problem or
where salmonella carrier animals are common.

Reduce Feed Waste

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There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damaging feed on-farm. If
5% of feed is damaged and lost to dust and waste it can cost up to £5000/year on a
500 sow unit; this could increase to £20000 plus if finishers are included, equating
to an extra cost of 1 p/kg deadweight.

Use this guide to walk your system and reduce the risk of waste.
Working with your feed supplier and delivery driver can help a great deal.

BOARD-INVITED REVIEW: The use and application of distillers dried grains with solubles in swine diets

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Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) may be included in diets fed to pigs in all phases of production. The concentrations of DE and ME in DDGS are similar to those in corn. This paper concludes that DDGS can be included in
diets fed to growing pigs in all phases of production, beginning at 2 to 3 wk postweaning, in concentrations of
up to 30% DDGS, and lactating and gestating sows can be fed diets containing up to 30 and 50%, respectively,
without negatively affecting pig performance.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Rethinking the way we load pigs

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Powerpoint Presentation, presented at the 2009 Livestock Transportation Conference. Claims loading system results indicate that pigs loaded on the P chute during the FP have fewer total deads and total losses.

True digestibility of phosphorus in canola and soybean meals for growing pigs: Influence of microbial phytase

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The objectives of this study were to estimate the true digestibility of P (TPD) in canola (CM) and soybean meals (SM), and to determine the effect of microbial phytase on TPD, CM and SM. The results show a TPD of 41% in growing pigs fed CM or SM. This means that the addition of microbial phytase at 1,000 units/kg does improve the true digestibility of phosphorus in both canola and soybean meals.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Chemical Hazards: A Swine Worker’s Guide

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Precautionary & Hazard Symbols, Point of Entry, Protective Gear, Solvents, Veterinary Drugs, Cleaners & Sanitizers, Insecticides, Rodenticides, Disposal and Emergency Numbers

Characterisation of sows’ postures and posture changes with regard to crushing piglets

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The aim of this study was to analyse different behavioural traits of sows to describe posture changes and to determine the influences of these traits on piglet losses. Twenty sows which crushed one or more than one piglet (C-sows) were compared to 20 sows which crushed no piglets (NC-sows). It is concluded that the results suggest posture patterns of non crushing-sows and Crushing-sows are different, especially nest-building behaviour prepartum and ventral or lateral recumbence postpartum, indicating a possible use to characterise the maternal abilities of sows in minimising piglet crushing.

Tissue fatty acid profiles, plasma biochemical characteristics and cecal biogenic amines in piglets fed diets containing flaxseed and carbohydrase enzymes

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Dietary manipulation has been proposed as a strategy for optimizing performance of newly weaned pigs. Flaxseed (FS) as a feed ingredient contains a number of constituents, such as mucilage, gel forming polysaccharides, structural carbohydrates and ω-3 fatty acids (FA), which could have functional properties in relation to optimizing piglet performance. The aim of this study was to determine tissue FA profiles, systemic and portal plasma biochemical characteristics and cecal digesta biogenic amines in piglets fed diets containing FS and a multi-carbohydrase enzyme supplement (C). It was found that FS with or without C supplementation supported lactate fermentors and reduced biogenic amine levels in the gastrointestinal tract suggesting potential of FS in promoting healthier gut in piglets. Enzyme supplementation increased plasma glucose independent of FS. Overall, the results provide further implications of applying dietary strategies to maintain health and productivity of piglets.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/livsci