A single, episodic event of unilateral/bilateral scrotal swelling in a group of adult boars at an Austrian boar stud.

BACKGROUND: Scrotal swelling is a clinical situation which can be caused by different aetiologies. In this case report, we describe a multi-week episode of unilateral and bilateral scrotal swelling in boars at an Austrian boar stud and its diagnostic work-up. CASE PRESENTATION: In the summer of 2020, the herd veterinarian of an Austrian boar stud reported that over a period of six weeks, five out of 70 boars presented with unilateral severe swelling of the left scrotum and three out of 70 boars with bilateral severe swelling of the left and moderate swelling of the right scrotum, respectively. A complete history was obtained and an on-site evaluation of the facility was done. Five boars were necropsied, and a variety of samples harvested for further diagnostic investigations. Infectious differential diagnoses associated with unilateral swelling of the scrotum or the testis were excluded through serological and tissue testing. In three of the five boars, histopathology revealed complete acute haemorrhagic necrosis of the left testis concurrent with strongly congested blood vessels. Review of the collected information with a group of experts in the field of boar stud management resulted with consensus that, most likely, trauma was the etiologic event causing the clinical signs and pathology. Coincident with discussion of implementing video recording cameras in the boar housing area, no further clinical cases followed. As this case occurred during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that the distress and travelling restrictions may have contributed to frustration among boar stud workers, which was consequently expressed as misbehaviour against boars. CONCLUSIONS: Once all known infectious causes of unilateral swelling of the scrotum were excluded, a critical diagnostic work-up focused on non-infectious causes. Non-infectious causes, such as trauma, need to be carefully evaluated, as it may also include human misbehaviour against boars. Summarizing all findings of this case report, the authors hypothesize that a blunt trauma was the reason for the series of mainly unilateral swelling of the scrota of boars.

Reproductive health of the sow during puerperium.

The modern hyperprolific sow is susceptible to metabolic disease and chronic inflammation. The most sensitive phase is parturition, when the sow experiences systemic inflammation and stress, and major changes in metabolism and endocrinology. Resolution of inflammation and stress needs to happen quickly to ensure good reproductive health during puerperium. If the sow fails to adapt to these changes, puerperal disease may occur. The economically most important puerperal disease complex is the postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS). Other puerperal diseases include infections of the urogenital tract. Diagnosis of PPDS and urogenital disease on-farm is challenging but several diagnostic methods, including clinical examination, behavioral observations, ultrasonography and biomarkers are available. Ultrasonography is an excellent tool for monitoring the health of the urogenital tract, the mammary gland, and uterine involution and guide further diagnostic interventions. Biomarkers such as Chromogranin A, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 represent promising tools to monitor general health and the systemic state of inflammation and oxidative stress of the sow. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dopamine antagonists, and oxytocin are promising to address the symptoms of PPDS. Reducing of stress, improving nutrition and intestinal health, and supporting animal welfare-friendly husbandry help in the prevention of PPDS.

[Continuous, subjective sonographic grayscale analysis of uterine involution in sows during the postpartum period]. / Kontinuierliche subjektive sonographische Graustufenanalyse der Uterusinvolution von Zuchtsauen im Puerperium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the continuous and subjective evaluation of echogenicity, echotexture of the puerperal uterus as well as the presence of intrauterine fluid in sows of differing parity stages. The goal was to determine associations between grayscale values and simultaneously assessed uterine diameter, body condition, and additional performance parameters such as farrowing duration, placenta expulsion duration, placenta weight and litter weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population included 95 sows housed either in free farrowing (n = 46) or crated (n = 49) stables. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed daily between postpartum days 2-14 (p. p.) and the day before weaning. Echogenicity (ranging between anechoic (1)-hyperechoic (6)), echotexture (homogenous/heterogeneous), and the presence of intrauterine fluid (yes/no) was evaluated on three cross-sections of the uterine horn/sow/day. RESULTS: In the first week p.p, most sows showed a medium (median = 4.0) echogenicity, whereas from day 7 p. p., echogenicity decreased (median = 3.5 to 3.0). Echotexture between days 2-7 p.p was mainly heterogeneous, whereas between days 8-14 p.p, it proved to be mostly homogeneous. Intrauterine fluid was detected until day 9. Echogenicity exhibited significant association with farrowing duration (FD) on days 8-14 p. p. (p = 0.048). Sows with FD > 300 min showed slightly lower echogenicity (median = 3.0) than sows with FD ≤ 300 min (median = 3.5). There was a positive correlation between uterine diameter and echogenicity on day 2-7 p. p. (r = 0,359, p < 0.001) and days 8-14 p. p. (r = 0,381, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Subjective grayscale analysis by ultrasonography is suitable in characterizing uterine echogenicity and echotexture as well as intrauterine fluid in post-partum sows. The presented findings suggest that this may aide in assessing patterns of the sow's puerperium. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The subjective grayscale analysis is suitable in clinically assessing echogenicity and echotexture during the postpartum phase. The subjective grayscale analysis provides initial indications concerning status of uterine health and involution in sows. Based on the ultrasonographic findings, treatment may be initiated and subsequently evaluated. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with further performance characteristics can be implemented to cull breeding sows. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with additional performance characteristics may be used in order to cull/reject sows exhibiting pathophysiologic findings from further breeding.

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) can deteriorate vaccination efficacy against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) at subtoxic levels.

BACKGROUND: Feedgrain contamination with mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON, "vomitoxin") is relatively frequently encountered. Pigs are particularly sensitive to the toxicity of DON. To assess the interplay between DON and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), we performed an experimental DON exposure-PRRSV vaccination-challenge infection trial. Three-week-old piglets were divided into four groups. Groups I, II and III (10 animals/group) were vaccinated with a PRRSV modified live vaccine and 2 weeks later challenged with a heterologous field strain. While group I was not supplemented with DON, animals in groups II and III received DON for 4 weeks prior to challenge infection at levels that can be encountered in pig feed, employing a low-dose or high-dose regime (group II: 40 µg DON/kg body weight per day; group III: 80 µg DON/kg body weight per day, corresponding to approx. 1 or 2 mg DON/kg feed, respectively). Eight animals (group IV; unvaccinated, not DON exposed) served as control animals for the challenge infection. RESULTS: We assessed clinical signs, virus load in serum and various organs as well as antibody titres in the animals. All vaccinated animals mounted an efficient PRRSV-specific antibody response within 2 weeks, except for 20% of the animals receiving the higher DON dose. Upon virus challenge, the vaccinated animals in group I were protected from clinical signs. Vaccinated DON-exposed animals in group II and III were protected from clinical signs to a lesser extent. Clinical signs in group III receiving the higher dose of DON were as severe as in the (unvaccinated, not DON exposed) control group IV. The animals of group III also displayed lower antibody titres compared with the animals in group I and II. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental vaccination/challenge study therefore revealed that exposure of pigs to DON for a period of 4 weeks deteriorates the efficacy of vaccination against clinical signs of PRRS.

[Pathomorphology und microbiology of the urogenital tract of reproductively failed sows with positive deoxynivalenol result]. / Pathomorphologie und Mikrobiologie des Urogenitaltrakts fruchtbarkeitsgestörter Sauen mit positivem Deoxynivalenol-Befund.

OBJECTIVE: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi of Fusarium spp. It causes vomiting, but also exerts immunosuppressive effects that may be seen at local level e. g. the urogenital tract, in which case these effects are of relevance for fertility. The presented report describes a DON-associated pathomorphological picture of the urogenital tract in conjunction with the associated microbiological colonization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 19 genital tracts (vagina, cervix, uterus, oviducts and ovaries) including the urinary bladder (n = 15) from reproductively failed gilts and different parity sows submitted from 8 farms in 2019/20 were examined pathomorphologically. DON as well as zearalenone (ZEA) were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography in 11 individual and 2 pooled (2 and 4 animals, respectively) bile samples. Microbiologic examinations of uterine (n = 17) and bladder (n = 12) specimens were additionally performed. RESULTS: Nearly all vaginas (n = 16), cervixes (n = 15), uteri (n = 18) and numerous oviducts (n = 11) as well as urinary bladders (n = 11) displayed a mostly medium to severe chronical inflammation. In 17 cases, ≥ 2 organs were affected. Microbiologic evaluation revealed a usually mixed flora of several gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species with E. coli, Streptococcus spp., Aeromonas spp. and Enterococcus spp. being the predominant species. A total of 8 individual and both pooled bile samples were found DON-positive (75.5 to > 200.0 µg/l). In a subset of the DON-positive samples, ZEA was simultaneously detected at low concentrations (6.57-21.20 µg/l). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the present study allow for the postulation that DON may cause fertility problems. Subsequent pathomorphological examinations of genital organs and the urinary bladder are recommended. When ≥ 2 organs are chronically inflamed and the uteri are additionally microbiologically positive, a contribution of DON may be assumed and confirmation via bile analysis is warranted.

An investigation into uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire versus German Saddleback).

Litter size in modern so called hyperprolific pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) breeds such as of crossbred Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire (LY/YL) sows increased remarkably over recent years, however, commonly associated with reduced piglet birth weight and higher within litter birth weight variability likely due to a limited uterine capacity. Since investigation into this issue is patchy, the aim of this study was to investigate uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy, that is crossbred Danish genetic (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire; DG; n = 14) and purebred German Saddleback (GS) sows (n = 12). Parameters recorded were litter size, piglet birth weight and vitality, placental weight and surface area as well as placental vascularization. Litters of DG were on average larger than of GS (p < .001). Piglets of DG weighed on average less than GS (p < .001) and were less vital (p < .001-.142). Increasing litter size was associated with reduced piglet birth weight and increased within litter birth weight variability in GS, but not in DG. DG had on average a lower placental weight (p < .001) and smaller placentae (p < .001) than GS, but the placenta was on average more efficient than of GS (based on the quotient of piglet and corresponding placental weight; p < .001). Vascularization of placentae was on average not or only slightly different between breeds (p < .05 - .982). Remarkably, however, vascularization of the lateral and apical chorionic epithelium of the chorionic ridges as the immediate foetal/maternal interface was on average slightly higher in DG than GS (p < .05-.111). Results thus demonstrate that uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics is higher in DG than GS sows.

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction.

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal's breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations.

Feasibility of transabdominal Doppler ultrasonography for studying ovarian blood flow characteristics in cycling gilts.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess ovarian blood flow characteristics by applying transabdominal color Doppler ultrasonography during the course of the estrous cycle in gilts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estrus and ovulation were synchronized in 15 pubertal gilts. During their consecutive spontaneous estrous cycle the gilts were sonographically scanned daily and ovarian blood flow was determined by imaging perfused areas of the ovarian hilus and the ovarian tissue. Recorded video clips were then analyzed for the parameters perfused area (Amix), blood flow velocity (vmix) as well as resistance (RIvmix) and pulsatility index (PIvmix) using the software PixelFlux®. RESULTS: All blood flow parameters showed an estrous cycle dependent course, with Amix and vmix being highest in diestrus, followed by proestrus, while RIvmix and PIvmix patterns were inversely proportional. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transabdominal color Doppler ultrasonography proved feasible to study ovarian perfusion characteristics in pubertal gilts. The ovarian blood flow was dependent on the stage of estrous cycle and highest in diestrus. The results of this study encourage the use of color Doppler ultrasonography to also investigate reasons of ovary-caused infertility including corpus luteum insufficiency or seasonal effects on ovary function.

Interaction of different Chlamydiae species with bovine spermatozoa.

BACKGROUND: Interaction of spermatozoa and Chlamydiae spp. might contribute to reduced fertility in cattle. To proof this hypothesis, bovine semen was incubated with viable or heat inactivated Chlamydia (C.) abortus or psittaci (Multiplicity of infection = 1) and sperm motility was monitored with a computer-assisted sperm analyzer over 24 h. Additionally, the interaction with the spermatozoa was further investigated by means of light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Only viable Chlamydiae of both species decreased sperm motility and this only after about 9 h. Taking binding rates into account, the loss of sperm motility after about 9 h could likely be a consequence of Chlamydiae attachment to the spermatozoa. About two thirds of the Chlamydiae elementary bodies were bound to the front third of the sperm, the acrosomal region. No inclusions of Chlamydiae in spermatozoa were observed in TEM after 2 h co-incubation. CONCLUSIONS: As initial motility was not affected following co-incubation of viable Chlamydiae and bovine sperm, it seems likely that sperm could serve as a carrier/vehicle for Chlamydiae facilitating cervical passage of Chlamydiae spp. in cattle. Additionally, our results suggest that spermatozoa carrying Chlamydiae may have no initial disadvantage in reaching the oviduct, but are immotile at the time of ovulation what might have an impact on fertilization capacities of the individual sperm. Consequently, high concentrations of the investigated Chlamydiae in the seminal plasma or female genital tract might play a role in reduced fertility in cattle.

GnRH-agonist deslorelin implant alters the progesterone release pattern during early pregnancy in gilts.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during recognition and establishment of pregnancy in the gilt. Therefore, the effects of eliminating episodic LH pulses on P patterns were determined during early pregnancy. To this end, a slow-release GnRH implant deslorelin was used for GnRH down-regulation. A group of gilts (GnRHa, n = 8) was implanted with the GnRH-agonist on Day 11 of pregnancy, while a control group (C, n = 5) was treated with a non-impregnated placebo implant. Blood was collected via a vena cava caudalis catheter at 10-min intervals for 8 hr on Day 16 and 21 of pregnancy. As expected, the GnRH implant reduced LH secretion (p < 0.01) and abolished LH pulses completely at Day 16 and Day 21 of pregnancy. On Day 16, there was no difference in P levels between the treatments. However, on Day 21, the GnRH-agonist treatment led to significantly increased P concentrations (p < 0.01) compared with the control gilts. Progesterone was secreted in a pulsatile manner in both treatment groups and no relationship between LH pulsatility and P pulsatility was observed. In conclusion, abolishment of LH pulsatility did not affect the pulsatile pattern of P secretion but led to an unexpected overall increase in P on Day 21 of pregnancy; this effect was delayed and occurred 10 days after commencing treatment with the GnRH depot agonist. The elevation of P on Day 21 of pregnancy in the GnRHa group suggests either a reduced negative feedback effect or an increased autocrine response by the corpora lutea.

Feasibility of transabdominal Doppler sonography for studying uterine blood flow characteristics in cycling gilts.

OBJECTIVE: To test for the feasibility of transabdominal Doppler sonography (color, power, pulse wave) to define uterine perfusion characteristics throughout the estrous cycle in gilts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 gilts were synchronized for estrus and scanned in their following spontaneous cycle while being restrained in a purpose-designed mobile crate. To define uterine perfusion characteristics, vessels in between and within uterine cross-sections were imaged and recorded as video sequences to be analyzed by PixelFlux® software for perfused area (Amix), blood flow velocity (vmix) and intensity (Imix) as well as resistance (RIvmix) and pulsatility index (PIvmix). RESULTS: Color Doppler sonography proved to be the only feasible technique, as it was less affected by animal movements than power and pulse wave sonography. As determined by color Doppler sonography, all five parameters determined showed specific patterns through the estrous cycle, i. e. Amix, vmix, Imix were high in proestrus, decreased in estrus and remained low in midestrus and most parts of diestrus; RIvmix and PIvmix with inversely paralleled patterns. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has demonstrated that transabdominal color Doppler but not power and pulse wave Doppler sonography is feasible to be performed in crate-restrained gilts for studying uterine perfusion characteristics during the estrous cycle, and that changes of uterine perfusion over the course of the estrous cycle can be clearly followed by color Doppler sonography. Results encourage the use of color Doppler sonography for studying i. e. uterine capacity or uterus related infertility such as for cases of clinically unapparent endometritis.

Effect of a GnRH analogue (peforelin) on the litter performance of gilts and sows.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining optimal reproductive and litter performance is essential for meeting economic targets in commercial pig production. Treatment with exogenous gonadotropins in sows after weaning or in gilts after altrenogest treatment has been used to stimulate follicular development leading to more piglets born and eventually higher birth weights. The effect of peforelin on litter performance was investigated in 212 gilts, primi- and pluriparous sows in three herds. Animals were randomly allocated to three treatments 24 h after weaning: peforelin (P group), eCG (E group), and physiological saline solution (C group). Numbers of total, liveborn and stillborn piglets and mortality rate during lactation were recorded. Birth weights and coefficient of variation in weights within litter were assessed. All parameters were compared among treatments. RESULTS: Over all parities, no difference was found among treatments in litter size nor mortality rate, but birth weights were significantly lower in the E group. Stillbirth numbers in pluriparous sows were 2.2, 0.9 and 1.4 for P, E and C groups, respectively (p = 0.04). Piglets in the P group had significantly higher live born birth weights in gilts, compared to the E group (1.36, 1.26, 1.32 kg (p < 0.02) for P, E and C group, respectively). No significant differences were found for the other investigated parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Peforelin treatment showed no improvement of litter performance compared to no treatment.

Analytic validation of commercially available immunoassays for the measurement of serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Cobalamin (vitamin B12 ) and folate (vitamin B9 ) are important for the amino acid metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis. Immunoassays for the measurement of both vitamins in serum are routinely used in people, cats, and dogs, serving as indicators for clinical disorders including cobalamin and/or folate deficiency, small intestinal dysbiosis, or inadequate dietary supply of these vitamins. The analysis of these analytes may also be clinically useful in pigs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analytically validate immunoassays for the measurement of cobalamin and folate concentrations in porcine serum, and to determine serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in healthy newborn pigs pre- and postweaning. METHODS: Assay validation for both vitamins included the determination of linearity, accuracy, and intra- and inter-assay variability using serum samples from 10 pigs. Also, serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were compared in piglets between pre- and postweaning. RESULTS: For both vitamins, observed-to-expected ratios for linearity and accuracy were 93.2 ± 14.3% and 100.3 ± 8.1% (mean ± standard deviation), respectively. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation for serum were ≤ 8.7% and ≤12.5%, respectively. Significantly higher serum cobalamin and lower folate concentrations were observed in piglets at the time of weaning than at postweaning (P < .0061; P < .0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both immunoassays are linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for measurement of porcine serum cobalamin and folate concentrations. Piglets differing in age by only 12 days had significantly different serum cobalamin and folate concentrations. The implications of differing serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in pigs at different stages of life should be further investigated.

Effect of a GnRH analogue (Maprelin) on the reproductive performance of gilts and sows.

The ability of peforelin (l-GnRH-III) to stimulate follicular growth, FSH release, and estrus in gilts after altrenogest treatment and in sows after weaning was investigated. In three farrow-to-wean herds, with at least 600 sows and average production performance, 216 gilts, 335 primiparous, and 1299 pluriparous sows were randomly allocated to three treatments: peforelin (M group: Maprelin), eCG (F group: Folligon), and physiological saline solution (C group). Animals were treated 48 hours after their last altrenogest treatment (gilts) or 24 hours after weaning (sows). The weaning-to-estrus interval, estrus duration, estrus rate (ER), pregnancy rate, and total born (TB), live born, and stillborn (SB) numbers were recorded and compared between treatments for the different parity groups (gilts and primiparous and pluriparous sows). Follicle sizes were measured in representative animals from each group on the occasion of their last altrenogest treatment or at weaning, and also on the occasions of their first (FS1) and second (FS2) attempted inseminations. Blood samples were taken to determine FSH concentrations at weaning and 2 hours after injection, and progesterone concentrations 10 days after the first insemination attempt. The relative change in FSH concentrations was calculated. Significant differences were found for ER within 7 days of weaning in pluriparous sows (95%, 91%, and 90% for the M, F, and C groups, respectively, P = 0.005). Gilts in the F-group had high TB numbers, and pluriparous sows in the M group had high SB numbers (TB gilts = 13.6, 15.4, and 14.9 [P = 0.02] and SB pluriparous sows = 1.8, 1.4, and 1.7 [P = 0.05] for the M, F, and C groups, respectively). The M group had the highest FS1 (for gilts) and FS2 (for pluriparous sows) values: FS1 = 5.4, 4.9, and 4.9 mm [P = 0.02] and FS2 = 6.8, 5.3, and 6.3 mm [P = 0.03] for the M, F, and C groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the different treatments within each parity group with respect to any of the other variables. Overall, peforelin treatment had small but positive effects on the ER and follicle growth in certain parity groups but did not seem to affect litter sizes or FSH and progesterone levels in sows on the occasions of the corresponding examinations.

Effects of long-term treatment with the GnrH agonist deslorelin (Suprelorin) on sexual function in boars.

Immunization against GnRH has been proven effective for boar taint removal, and long-term treatment with GnRH analogues has been shown to suppress GnRH dependent reproductive processes in several species. This study was conducted to treat boars (n = 5) with Suprelorin, i.e., an implant that contains 4.7 mg of the long-acting GnRH analogue deslorelin, and to test the effects on sexual function. Insertion of the implant occurred at the age of 5 weeks and animals were observed until market age at 26-27 weeks. Surgically castrated (n = 4) and intact boars (n = 3) served as controls. Testes growth was markedly reduced and steroidogenesis (testosterone, estrone, estrone sulphate, estradiol 17beta) as well as spermatogenesis suppressed in 4 of 5 GnRH treated boars, respectively. The remaining fifth boar resumed testes growth after week 17 of age and had high hormone concentrations when tested at weeks 26 and 27. Restoration of spermatogenesis was observed at 34 weeks of age. There were no effects of treatment on general health, nor were there local inflammatory reactions. Results indicate that suppression of sexual functions in boars due to long-term treatment with the GnRH agonist deslorelin through an implant such as Suprelorin is possible and can last for several months up to market age; thus it has potential as an alternative to other methods used for boar taint removal. Because the maximum duration of suppression seems to vary between boars, further studies are necessary to refine the treatment.

Use of B-mode ultrasound and grey-scale analysis to study uterine echogenicity in the pig.

This study was conducted to determine uterine echogenicity by grey-scale analysis (GSA) and transcutaneous ultrasonography in pregnant sows (P-sows; n=16) and gilts (P-gilts; n=13) vs. cyclic gilts (C-gilts; n=9) between days 8 and 16 post ovulation (po) with the aims of testing for feasibility of uterine GSA and of gathering reference data. Estruses and ovulations were hormonally synchronized and the animals artificially inseminated. Ovulation was monitored by ultrasound. The equipment used was a HS 2000 ultrasound unit and a 5 MHz linear probe. Unit settings were standardized for all GSA scanning sessions and the animals crated during scanning. For GSA, cross-sections of the uterine horns were imaged, entirely defined as regions of interest, and pixel analyses done. A total of 342 scanning sessions were performed, 341 GSA accomplished, and 1-13 cross-sections analyzed per session. Comparison of coefficients of variation suggests that analysis of two cross-sections per session is sufficient for a reliable GSA per animal. P-sows and P-gilts were similar in their echogenicity course, but differed from C-gilts. Most noticeable, echogenicity declined in pregnant animals on day 12 po, while it increased in cyclic gilts. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that GSA using transcutaneous ultrasound is a feasible procedure for the determination of uterine echogenicity in the pig, and that pregnant and cyclic pigs differ in the uterine echogenicity, particularly during the time when maternal recognition of pregnancy occurs.

Serum haptoglobin concentrations in dairy cattle with lameness due to claw disorders.

In cattle, elevated blood serum concentrations of haptoglobin, an acute phase protein, have been demonstrated in association with several diseases, but not with lameness. Serum haptoglobin was measured in 60 Holstein dairy cattle diagnosed with lameness due to four claw disorders, pododermatitis septica (PS; n=41), pododermatitis circumscripta (PC; n=8), interdigital necrobacillosis (IN; n=7), papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD; n=4). Haptoglobin was measured on day 1 (0-3 days after lameness was observed but before treatment) and on days 3 and 5. A total of 10 healthy cows served as controls (haptoglobin values <1.0 mg/dL). Each of the claw disorders was associated with elevated haptoglobin on day 1 (PS, PC, IN and PDD: 65.9%, 37.5%, 71.4% and 25.0%, respectively). Trimming and antibiotic treatment led to a reduction in the number of PS and IN cows with increased haptoglobin concentrations, respectively (P<0.05), but trimming did not lead to any reduction in cows with PC. The study showed that lameness due to claw disorders can be associated with a systemic acute phase response and elevated serum haptoglobin in dairy cattle. Based on the course of haptoglobin, treatments seemed effective for all claw disorders except for PC.

Ultrasonographic characterization of the urinary bladder in sows with and without urinary tract infection.

The urinary bladders of sows (n=10) without urinary tract infection (UTI) were longitudinally transrectally scanned after emptying and refilling with 200, 400, 600 and 800mL saline, and a volume dependence was found for bladder depth (BD), dorsal (dWT) and ventral wall thicknesses (vWT), wall regularity (WR) and mucosal wall surface (mWS). When another 31 sows without and 15 with UTI (as defined on the basis of high bacterial count and macroscopic/biochemical urine abnormalities) were compared for these parameters using BD as volume equivalent, no differences were found. Sows with UTI more often had moderate to high amounts of sediment than animals without UTI. Ultrasonographic assessment of dWT, vWT, WR and mWS of the urinary bladder of sows requires knowledge of bladder volume, and BD may be used as a volume equivalent. However, the parameters are inappropriate for the diagnosis of UTI as defined in this study, while moderate/high amounts of sediment seem to be indicative. Sediment can be visualized by transrectal scanning, but this is also possible using the transcutaneous route.

Perinatal zearalenone exposure affects RXFP1, RXFP2, and morphoregulatory gene expression in the neonatal porcine uterus.

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that can contaminate cereal feeds and lead to reproductive disorders. To determine effects of perinatal ZEA exposure on uterine expression of genes associated with endometrial development in the neonatal gilt, pregnant sows were fed ZEA (1500 microg ZEA/kg of feed/day) or vehicle from 14 days before farrowing through postnatal day (PND) 20-21, when neonatal uterine tissues were collected. At birth, gilts were cross-fostered to generate four ZEA exposure groups (n= 5-6/group): unexposed controls or exposures limited to prenatal, postnatal, or pre- and postnatal (continuous) periods. Results showed that at PND 20-21, uterine Wnt7a, Hoxa10, estrogen receptor alpha, and RXFP2 mRNA levels were decreased in neonates exposed continuously to ZEA (P < 0.05). Uterine RXFP1 transcripts were decreased in postnatally and continuously exposed groups (P < 0.05). Neonatal uterine Wnt4 mRNA levels were unchanged.