Causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in two technified farms in southern Brazil / Causas de morte em suínos de crescimento e terminação em duas granjas tecnificadas no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to investigate the main causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in southern Brazil. During a one-year period (from 2018 to 2019), two industrial pig herds (18 and 20 thousand pigs each farm) in southern Brazil were monitored along the four seasons of the year (12 days per season on each farm), in order to perform necropsies of all pigs that died in that period. The two farms had an average monthly mortality rate ranging from 0.94 to 3.93% in the evaluated months. At necropsy, tissues were collected, fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed routinely for histopathological examination. When necessary, samples were sent for bacterial culture and PCR to identify etiologic agents. A total of 601 necropsies were performed, with 94.9% of conclusive diagnoses. Infectious diseases corresponded to 64.4% of conclusive diagnosis and non-infectious diseases to 35.6%. The most prevalent causes of death were: pneumonia (33%), gastric ulcers (15.4%), circovirosis (9.9%), systemic bacterial embolism (5.4%), polyserositis (4.4%), dilated cardiomyopathy and torsion of abdominal organs (4.3% each), and bacterial pericarditis (3.4%). Regarding pneumonias (199/601), the main agents identified in these cases were Pasteurella multocida, Influenza A virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, mainly in associations.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar as principais causas de morte de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação no Sul do Brasil. Durante o período de um ano (entre 2018 e 2019), duas granjas tecnificadas de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram acompanhadas nas quatro estações (12 dias por estação em cada granja), para realização de necropsias dos suínos que morreram nesse período. As duas propriedades apresentavam mortalidade mensal média entre 0,94 e 3,93% nos meses avaliados. Na necropsia, amostras de órgãos foram colhidas, fixadas em formol 10% e processadas rotineiramente para o exame histopatológico. Quando necessário, amostras foram enviadas para o cultivo bacteriano e PCR para identificação de agentes etiológicos. Foram realizadas um total de 601 necropsias, com 94,9% de diagnósticos conclusivos. As doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 64,4% dos diagnósticos conclusivos e as não infecciosas a 35,6%. As principais causas de morte foram: pneumonias (33%), úlcera gástrica (15,4%), circovirose (9,9%), embolia bacteriana sistêmica (5,4%), polisserosite (4,4%), cardiomiopatia dilatada e torção de órgãos abdominais (4,3% cada) e pericardite bacteriana (3,4%). Com relação às pneumonias (199/601), os principais agentes associadas as lesões foram Pasteurella multocida, vírus da Influenza A e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, principalmente associados entre si.(AU)

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitic diseases of swine in different production phases in commercial pig farms from the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil / [Ocorrência de parasitoses gastrointestinais dos suínos, nas diferentes fases de produção, em granjas comerciais de Santa Catarina, Brasil]

Gastrointestinal parasites are important, since they can cause a decrese in the performance of swine. The occurrence of parasites in pig farms can create economic losses such as reduction in the value of carcasses and increasing expenses with medicines and veterinary assistance. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of intestinal parasites in different phases of production reared pigs in intensive prodution systems in the western region of the State of Santa Catarina. A total of 403 fecal samples were analyzed, of which 51.86% were positive for one or more parasites in different phases of production. Finishing pigs had the highest prevalence of parasites (60.19%) followed by nursery pigs (55.44%), pigs in breading sows (50.49%), and suckling piglets (40.81%). Strongylida parasites had higher occurrence (28.78%), and were also the most frequent in the finishing, breading sows, and nursery phases. Coccidia were more occurrent in suckling piglets. This study highlights the need of implementing suitable antiparasitic control measures in all phases of swine production associated with a surveillance system for the diagnosis of endoparasite infection in pigs. Our results demonstrate that endoparasites are highly occurring in pigs, even in intensive system animals on technified farms.(AU)

Parasitas gastrointestinais são importantes, pois podem causar uma diminuição no desempenho dos suínos. A ocorrência de parasitas em granjas de suínos pode gerar perdas econômicas, como redução no valor das carcaças e aumento de gastos com medicamentos e assistência veterinária. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de parasitas intestinais nas diferentes fases de produção de suínos criados em sistemas intensivos, na região oeste do estado de Santa Catarina. Foram analisadas 403 amostras fecais, das quais 51,86% foram positivas para um ou mais parasitas nas diferentes fases de produção. Os suínos de terminação apresentaram a maior prevalência de parasitas (60,19%), seguidos por suínos de creche (55,44%), suínos em gestação (50,49%) e leitões em lactação (40,81%). Parasitas da ordem Strongylida tiveram maior ocorrência (28,78%) e também foram os mais frequentes nos estágios de terminação, reprodução e creche. Coccídios foram mais ocorrentes em leitões lactentes. Este estudo destaca a necessidade de implementar medidas de controle antiparasitário adequadas em todas as fases da produção suína, associadas a um sistema de vigilância para o diagnóstico de infecção por endoparasitas em suínos. Os resultados demonstram que os endoparasitas são altamente ocorrentes em suínos, mesmo em animais de criação intensiva em granjas tecnificadas.(AU)

Infectious diseases dynamics in growing/finishing pigs in Southern Brazil (2005-2016) / Dinâmica de ocorrência das doenças infecciosas em suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação no sul do Brasil (2005-2016)

This study aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of infectious diseases diagnosed through necropsy examination and histopathological analysis in growing/finishing pigs along 12 years (2005-2016) in Southern Brazil. We evaluated 1906 anatomopathological exams of pigs at growing/finishing phases, of which the infectious diseases corresponded to 75.6% of the cases (1,441/1,906). Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections were the most frequent, accounting for 51.3% of the cases (739/1,441) with a higher frequency from 2005 to 2007, characterizing an epidemic distribution, with a gradual decline after 2008. Infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system were the second major cause with 30.1% of the cases. Among these, necrotizing bronchiolitis caused by swine Influenza (15.1%, 218/1,441) and bacterial pneumonia (15%, 216/1,441) were the main conditions. Influenza was mostly diagnosed from 2010 to 2013, accounting for 43.1% (167/387) of the cases. After this period, both respiratory infectious diseases were endemic. Digestive system infectious diseases accounted for 10.5% of the diagnoses (151/1,441), with the following main conditions: Salmonella spp. enterocolitis (43.7%, 66/151), Lawsonia spp. proliferative enteropathy (41.7%, 63/151), and Brachyspira spp. colitis (14.6%, 22/151). The latter had a higher incidence from 2012 to 2014 with all cases detected in this period. Polyserositis and bacterial meningitis represented, respectively, 5.8% (84/1,441) and 2.3% (33/1,441) of the cases diagnosed, with a constant endemic character.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em determinar a frequência e a distribuição das doenças infecciosas diagnosticadas através de exame de necropsia e análise histopatológica em suínos nas fases de crescimento/terminação ao longo de 12 anos (2005-2016) no sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados 1906 laudos anatomopatológicos de suínos nas fases de crescimento/terminação, dos quais as doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 75,6% (1441/1906) do total. As infecções por circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) foram as mais frequentes, contabilizando 51,3% (739/1441) dos casos, com uma alta frequência de 2005 a 2007 caracterizando uma distribuição epidêmica neste período, e um declínio gradual após o ano de 2008. A segunda principal causa incluiu as doenças infecciosas que afetam o sistema respiratório (30,1% dos casos). Dentre essas, destacaram-se a influenza suína (15,1%; 218/1441) e pneumonias bacterianas (15%; 216/1441). O diagnóstico de influenza apresentou uma frequência elevada de 2010 a 2013, totalizando 43,1% (167/387) dos casos. Após este período, ambas doenças infecciosas respiratórias exibiram caráter endêmico. As doenças infecciosas do sistema digestório totalizaram 10,5% (151/1441) dos diagnósticos, com as seguintes principais condições: enterocolite por Salmonella spp. (43,7%; 66/151), enteropatia proliferativa por Lawsonia spp. (41,7%; 63/151) e colite por Brachyspira spp. (14,6%; 22/151). A colite por Brachyspira spp. apresentou uma alta incidência de 2012 a 2014 com todos os casos detectados no período. As polisserosites e meningites bacterianas representaram 5,8% (84/1441) e 2,3% (33/1441) dos casos diagnosticados, respectivamente, com um caráter endêmico constante.(AU)

Efecto del espacio disponible/tamaño de grupo sobre el balance de nutrimentos en cerdos en finalización / Effect of the available space/group size on the nutrient balance of finishing pigs

The nitrogen and energy utilization of finishing pigs allocated individually or in groups of two was evaluated. Thirty two castrated males were used with an initial weight of 68.6 ± 1.0 kg that were assigned in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement in three treatments: a pig allocated individually with free access to feed and 0.81 m² of floor space (D1AL); two pigs allocated in group with free access to feed and 0.405 m² of floor space/pig (D2AL); a pig allocated individually paired-fed to the average consumption of pigs in D2AL and floor space similar to D1AL (D1P). The experiment was divided in two periods of excreta collection: days 1-4 and 18-21, respectively. There were eight repetitions per treatment. The nutrient consumption in period 1 was higher in D1AL compared to D2AL and D1P (density x period, P < 0.01); in period 2, the nutrient consumption was higher in D1AL, intermediate in D1P and lower in D2AL. The nitrogen (P < 0.05) and energy (P < 0.10) retained in period 1 was similar among densities (density x period interaction); in period 2 it was higher in D1AL compared to D2AL. The pigs housed in groups of two with free access to feed had lower nutrient consumption and retention at the end of the trial, probably as a consequence of chronic stress due to the competition for the feed, complicated by the restriction of available floor space.

Se evaluó la utilización de nitrógeno y energía en cerdos en finalización, alojados individualmente y en grupos de dos. Se usaron 32 machos castrados con un peso inicial de 68.6 ± 1.0 kg que fueron asignados al azar, en un diseño de bloques completos con arreglo en parcelas divididas en tres tratamientos: un cerdo alojado individualmente con libre acceso al alimento y 0.81 m² de espacio de piso (D1AL); dos cerdos alojados en grupo con libre acceso al alimento y 0.405 m² de espacio de piso/cerdo (D2AL); un cerdo alojado individualmente con consumo pareado con base en el consumo de los cerdos en D2AL y espacio de piso similar a D1AL (D1P). El experimento se dividió en dos periodos de recolección de excretas: días 1-4 (periodo 1) y 18-21 (periodo 2). Se tuvieron ocho repeticiones por tratamiento. El consumo de nutrimentos en el periodo 1 fue mayor en D1AL con respecto a D2AL y D1P (densidad x periodo, P < 0.01); en el periodo 2, el consumo de nutrimentos fue mayor en D1AL, intermedio en D1P y menor en D2AL. La retención de nitrógeno (P < 0.05) y de energía (P < 0.10) en el periodo 1 fue similar entre densidades (interacción densidad x periodo); en el periodo 2 fue mayor en D1AL comparado con D2AL. Los cerdos alojados en grupos de dos con alimentación a libertad tuvieron menor consumo y retención de nutrimentos en la fase final de la prueba, probablemente como consecuencia del estrés crónico debido a la competencia por el alimento, complicado por la restricción de espacio disponible de piso.

EFFECTS OF FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDE ON CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM IN FINISHING PIGS / 营养学报

Objective: To study the effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on cholesterol metabolism in finishing pigs. Methods: A total of 96 finishing pigs (Duroc?Landrance?Jia) were randomly alotted to four groups each of which was replicated three times with eight pigs per replicate. The groups received the same basal corn-soybean meal diet and FOS was added to the basal diet at 0,0.5%,1 0%,1.5% at the expense of corn, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, eight pigs with similar body weights from each treatment were slaughtered. Results: (1) Supplementation with FOS significantly improved average daily gain and feed efficiency. (2) Pigs fed 1.0% and 1.5% FOS had significantly lower serum TC and LDL-C concentrations and greater HDL-C/LDL-C ratio compared with the control. Pigs fed 1.5% FOS had significantly lower serum VLDL-C and ApoB concentrations and Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio. (3) Supplementation with 1.0% and 1.5% FOS significantly decreased the activities of HMG-CoA reductase. (4) Supplementation with 1.5% FOS significantly increased the colonic acetate and butyrate and plasma acetate. Supplementation with 0.5%,1.0% and 1.5% FOS significantly increased colonic propionate. (5) Fecal cholesterol excretion was significantly greater in the pigs fed 1.0% and 1.5% FOS and fecal bile acid excretion was significantly greater in the pigs fed 1.5% FOS than the control. Conclusion: FOS may improve cholesterol metabolism by alteration in the absorption and synthesis of cholesterol resulted from the changes in colonic fermentation, and by increase in the fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid.

EFFECTS OF PROPIONATE ON CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM IN FINISHING PIGS / 营养学报

Objective: To study the effects of dietary sodium propionate on cholesterol metabolism in finishing pigs. Methods: A total of 96 finishing pigs (Duroc?Landrance?Jia) were randomly alotted to four groups. The groups received the same basal corn-soybean meal diet and sodium propionate was added to the basal diet in the concentrations of 0.5、1.0、1.5 % at the expense of corn, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, eight pigs from each treatment were slaughtered. Results: (1) Pigs supplemented with 1.0% and 1.5% sodium propionate had significantly lower serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and greater ratios of high density lipoprotein/low density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to the control. Pigs supplemented with 1.5% sodium propionate had significantly lower serum very low density lipoprotein cholesterol. (2) Supplementation with 1.0% and 1.5% sodium propionate significantly decreased the cholesterol content in liver and the activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. (3) Supplementation with sodium propionate had no significant effects on growth performance, colonic or serum short-chain acid concentrations, fecal cholesterol or bile acid excretion. Conclusion: Sodium propionate may decrease the activity of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and suppress the synthesis of cholesterol.