The effect transport and space allowance on the physiology of breeding age gilts

Posted in: Production, Welfare by admin on August 22, 2011 | No Comments

Long duration transport of pigs is an important welfare issue world-wide. Current transportation legislation in the United States dictates that animals cannot be transported over 28 h without being rested and given food and water; however there is limited information available on the acute physiological effects of long distance transport on pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 h transport period on the physiology of breeding age gilts. Eight weight matched gilts were allocated to one of 15 treatment groups. Treatments included: Gilts that remained in their home pen for 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 h (CON); Gilts that were transported for 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 h at the transport quality assurance guidelines specified space allowance (TQA); or Gilts that were transported for 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 h at the TQA specified space allowance plus 20% extra space (TQA+). Every 6 h, pigs in one pair of compartments (TQA and TQA+) were removed from the trailer (after a 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 h transport period). Blood samples and body weights were collected from gilts and their respective controls before and after transport. The granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio was greater in TQA and TQA+ gilts transported for 6 h compared with controls. The percentage of lymphocyte and granulocytes, platelet counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit concentrations were affected by transport and the duration of transport. Total white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were lower and albumin, glucose, total bilirubin, and total protein concentrations were greater in TQA and TQA+ compared to controls regardless of transport period. Creatine kinase concentrations were greater in TQA compared with controls. Percent body weight was decreased in TQA and TQA+ gilts after a 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 h transport period compared with controls. Physiological measures of acute stress were observed in transported gilts (TQA and TQA+) after a 6 h transport period, but then returned to similar levels as non-transported control gilts. Physiological measures of dehydration and muscle breakdown were observed in gilts after transport, regardless of transport duration. Overall, these data indicate that gilts transported for a period of up to 30 h experience acute stress and changes in homeostasis probably due to dehydration, food deprivation, and transport. 

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The Effect of Environmental Manipulation on Behavior, Salivary Cortisol, and Growth of Piglets Weaned at 14 Days of Age

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Environmental enrichment can be a useful tool to reduce belly nosing behaviors in early weaned piglets. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of environmental enrichment on behavior, salivary cortisol, and productivity of piglets weaned at 14 days of age. The study assigned 112 piglets (line Camborough 22 of PIC™) into 2 treatments, control and enriched, and observed them for 192 hr in 3 periods: 14 to 28 days of age (Phase 1), 28 to 42 days of age (Phase 2), and 42 to 54 days of age (Phase 3). The study obtained saliva samples in each phase from 56 piglets selected randomly from each group for cortisol determination. Comparisons between both treatments and phases included the following: proportion of time belly nosing, latency of approaching a person, average levels of salivary cortisol, and daily weight gain. Belly nosing was higher and latency of approaching a person lower in the control group than in the enriched one. Belly nosing was lower in Phase 3; latency of approaching a person was higher in Phase 1 with respect to Phase 2, and this was higher with respect to Phase 3. There were no differences in salivary cortisol levels between treatments or phases. Weight gain was higher in the enriched group. Environmental enrichment in piglets weaned at 14 days of age resulted in a reduced proportion of time nosing, reduced latency of response to humans, and better growth than piglets in barren environments.

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A Combination of Behavioral and Physiological Indicators for Assessing Pig Welfare on the Farm

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The purpose of this research was to identify pig welfare indicators that could help in recognizing stressful practices on farm. The study evaluated behavioral and physiological indicators (cortisol and negative acute phase proteins) in 2 groups of 20 female pigs 4 months old after a 48-hr transport. The first group (A) was transported at the end of May, the second (B) in June. Behavioral observations and blood collection occurred at arrival (D1) and 28 days later (D28). Compared with within-animal control samples obtained 28 days later, pigs of Group A had increased cortisol levels and decreased albumin concentrations after arrival. As demonstrated by lesion and behavior observations, the effect on cortisol and albumin was higher in Group B pigs after a tail-biting episode occurred. The study has reported no evidence of Retinol Binding Protein (RBP) in pigs. A method developed for swine RBP quantification found RBP strongly reduced in D28 samples of Group B, confirming it to be a negative protein in pigs. The suggested combination of physiological and behavioral indicators could provide useful information on the welfare state of an animal

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An investigation into human pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 on an Alberta swine farm

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On May 2, 2009 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified the World Organization for Animal Health that an emerging novel influenza A virus (pandemic H1N1 2009) had been confirmed on a swine farm in Alberta. Over a 4-week period pigs in this farrow-to-finish operation were clinically affected by respiratory disease consistent with an influenza A virus infection and the presence of active viral infection was confirmed in all production areas by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Despite clinical recovery of animals, there was reluctance by purchasers to receive animals from this operation due to concerns about the effect on both domestic and international markets. The owner decided to depopulate the entire herd due to impending welfare issues associated with overcrowding and economic concerns resulting from the inability to market these animals. Carcasses were rendered or composted and did not enter the human food or animal feed chain. The source of virus in this herd was determined to be an infected human. Zoonotic transmission to 2 individuals responding to the outbreak was suspected and recommendations to prevent occupational exposure are discussed.

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Epidemiological investigation of femoral fractures in market pigs and the associated economic implications

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The cause of an increased number of femoral fractures in market pigs from a single producer is described. Blood chemical, bone ash, radiographic, and feed analyses revealed that the fractures were caused by insufficient calcium in the diet. Associated economic and welfare implications are discussed.

Decreased mortality of weaned pigs with Streptococcus suis with the use of in-water potassium penicillin G

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This study evaluated the efficacy of potassium penicillin G in drinking water of weaned pigs to reduce mortality and spread of infection caused by Streptococcus suis. A total of 896 18-day-old weaned pigs were randomly assigned to either treatment with potassium penicillin G in-water (Treated), or no treatment (Control). The outcomes analyzed were total mortality, mortality due to S. suis, and overall counts of S. suis colonies. The risk of mortality due to S. suis and total mortality were significantly increased in the Control group compared with Treated pigs. Bacterial culture of posterior pharyngeal swabs indicated that Control pigs were significantly more likely to have $ 1000 colonies of S. suis per plate than were Treated pigs. This study demonstrates that potassium penicillin G administered in drinking water is effective in reducing mortality associated with S. suis infection and reducing tonsillar carriage of S. suis.

Prenatal flavor exposure affects growth, health and behavior of newly weaned piglets

Posted in: Production, Welfare by admin on August 12, 2011 | No Comments

Young animals can learn about flavors from the maternal diet that appear in the amniotic fluid and mother’s milk, which may reduce neophobia for similarly flavored food types at weaning. Flavor learning may be beneficial for piglets, which after the rather abrupt weaning in pig husbandry frequently show a period of anorexia, reduced health, and stress-induced behaviors. We investigated the effects of pre- and postnatal flavor exposure through the maternal diet on acceptance of a similarly flavored food and subsequent growth, health and behavior of newly weaned piglets. Sows were offered anise-flavored (F) or control (C) food during late gestation. Piglets were cross-fostered after birth, with each sow fostering 5 piglets from an F sow and 5 from a C sow. During lactation, sows were offered F or C food, resulting in FF, CF, FC and CC piglets. Piglets were weaned on day 25 and were given both control and flavored food for two weeks using a double food choice approach. The flavored food was not preferred. Yet, prenatally exposed animals showed a higher food intake and a higher body weight in the first days after weaning, and a lower occurrence of diarrhoea than non-exposed piglets. Prenatal exposure also increased the latency to fight, and reduced oral manipulation of pen mates and mounting during the first two weeks after weaning. Prenatal exposure, but not postnatal exposure alone, to anisic flavor through the maternal diet reduced weaning-associated problems in piglets and enhanced their health and welfare in the period after weaning.

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The effect of nesting material on the nest-building and maternal behavior of domestic sows and piglet production

Posted in: Production, Welfare by admin on August 11, 2011 | No Comments

Nest building is an important part of maternal behavior in domestic pigs. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of nesting material sawdust vs. straw on sow behavior 24 h before and after birth of the first piglet (BFP) and piglet production. Sows, housed in farrowing crates, were randomly divided into 2 treatments: sawdust (n = 12) and straw (n = 13). Sawdust and straw were provided during the pre- and parturient period; after parturition, straw was given to both experimental groups. The prepartum nesting period (the time interval between the first and last nest-building records, including all other activity and resting before BFP), the nesting records (number of nesting records), nesting duration (duration of all nesting records), the start and termination of nesting, and the frequency of prepartum postural changes were collected 24 h before BFP. After BFP, number of nesting records and time to first sucking of the litter were collected. Frequency of postural changes and duration of udder access were collected 24 h after BFP during 3 time periods (during parturition, from the end of parturition to 12 h after BFP, and 12 to 24 h after BFP) and the frequency of nursing during 2 time periods (from the end of parturition to 12 h after BFP, and 12 to 24 h after BFP). Piglet BW gain and mortality were estimated 24 h after BFP. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and the probability of the piglet mortality using PROC GENMOD in SAS. Nesting material did not affect most of sow prepartum nesting behavior and had no effect on the prepartum frequency of postural changes. Sows from the sawdust treatment had a longer nesting period, and nest building tended to start sooner than in the straw treatment. Nesting material had only a small effect on later maternal behavior. Sows from the straw treatment tended to have more nesting records after BFP. The frequency of postural changes was affected by the interaction between treatments and time period: sow from the straw treatment had more postural changes during parturition compared with other time periods and sawdust treatment. No effect of the nesting material on piglet BW gain and mortality was found. The results suggest that sawdust compared with straw as nesting material provided to sows before and through parturition does not negatively affect maternal behavior during the 24 h before and after parturition or piglet production. Therefore, sawdust can be recommended as a suitable nesting material for farrowing sows when straw is not available.

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The effect of dentition on feeding development in piglets and on their growth and behavior after weaning

Posted in: Production, Welfare by admin on August 8, 2011 | No Comments

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dentition on feed-oriented behavior and feed consumption before weaning at 28 d, and whether premolar eruption or occlusion at the time of weaning influenced postweaning growth or behavior. Over 3 trials, 24 litters of Yorkshire piglets (n = 233) were provided with creep feed marked with 1% chromic oxide on d 5. Dental exams were performed on d 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, and 27. Fecal samples were visually assessed for feed consumption (via fecal color) on the same day as dental exams, beginning on d 6. The duration of time spent at, and frequency of visits to, the creep feeder were determined from continuous video recordings on d 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, and 24 for 6 h/d (0700 to 1000 h, 1300 to 1600 h). After weaning, behavior was recorded every 5 min for three 2-h time periods (0600 to 0800 h, 1100 to 1300 h, and 1600 to 1800 h) on d 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Piglets younger than 17 d with their premolars erupted and occluded spent less time at the creep feeder and visited it less often than piglets without their premolars erupted and occluded [duration: p3 (premolar position 3 on maxilla), d 7; p4 (premolar position 4 on mandible), d 7, d 10; p4 (premolar position 4 on maxilla), d 17; occlusion, d 7, d 10; visits: p3, d 7; p4, d 7, d 10; p3 (premolar position 3 on mandible), d 14; p4, d 17; occlusion, d 7, d 10]. By d 21 of age, this trend reversed such that piglets with premolars erupted and occluded spent more time at the feeder and visited it more frequently [duration: p3, d 24; p4, d 24; occlusion, d 21, d 24; visits: p3, d 21, d 24; p4, d 24; occlusion, d 21, d 24]. The percentages of piglets with positive fecal scores were 0, 1.4, 4.6, 8.0, 29.0, 44.9, and 60.6% on d 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 27, respectively between each day). No associations were found between the eruption or occlusion of premolars and feed consumption before weaning, and no dental measures influenced growth rates or behavior after weaning. A more precise method may be necessary for detecting associations between dental eruption and feed consumption. However, the behavioral results indicate that, before weaning at 28 d, younger piglets are inhibited from feeding when their premolars first erupt, whereas older piglets with a more advanced dentition are more attracted to feed.

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

Effect of temperature on thermal acclimation in growing pigs estimated using a nonlinear function

Posted in: Environment, Production, Welfare by admin on August 5, 2011 | No Comments

Ninety-six Large White growing barrows were used to determine the effect of temperature on thermoregulatory responses during acclimation to increased ambient temperature. Pigs were exposed to 24°C for 10 d and thereafter to a constant temperature of 24, 28, 32, or 36°C for 20 d. The study was conducted in a climate-controlled room at the INRA experimental facilities in Guadeloupe, French West Indies. Relative humidity was kept constant at 80% throughout the experimental period. Rectal temperature, cutaneous temperature, and respiratory rate were measured [breaths per minute (bpm)] 3 times daily (0700, 1200, and 1800 h) every 2 or 3 d during the experiment. The thermal circulation index (TCI) was determined from rectal, cutaneous, and ambient temperature measurements. Changes in rectal temperature, respiratory rate, TCI, and ADFI over the duration of exposure to hot temperatures were modeled using nonlinear responses curves. Within 1 h of exposure to increased temperature, rectal temperature and respiratory rate increased by 0.46°C/d and +29.3 bpm/d, respectively, and ADFI and TCI decreased linearly by 44.7 g∙d−2∙kg−0.60 and 1.32°C/d, respectively until a first breakpoint time (td1). This point marked the end of the short-term heat acclimation phase and the beginning of the long-term heat acclimation period. The td1 value for ADFI was greater at 28°C than at 32 and 36°C (2.33 vs. 0.31 and 0.26 d, respectively), whereas td1 for the TCI increase was greater at 36°C than at 28 and 32°C (1.02 vs. 0.78 and 0.67 d, respectively). For rectal temperature and respiratory rate responses, td1 was not influenced by temperature and averaged 1.1 and 0.89 d, respectively. For respiratory rate and rectal temperature, the long-term heat acclimation period was divided in 2 phases, with a rapid decline for both variables followed by a slight decrease. These 2 phases were separated by a second threshold day (td2). For rectal temperature, td2 increased significantly with temperature (1.60 vs. 5.16 d from 28 to 36°C). After td2, the decline in rectal temperature during the exposure to thermal challenge was not influenced by temperature, suggesting that the magnitude of heat stress would affect thermoregulatory responses only at the beginning of the long-term heat acclimation period. The inclusion of random effects in the nonlinear model showed that whatever the temperature considered, interindividual variability of thermoregulatory responses would exist.

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