Relationships between pig farm management and facilities and lung lesions' scores and between lung lesions scores and carcass characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the inter-relationships between pig farm management and facilities (as assessed by questionnaire) and post-mortem lung lesion (lung score assesment), which are the result of respiratory infections. The relationships between carcass characteristics and post-mortem lung lesion scores were also investigated. RESULTS: Questionnaire responses were collected from 22 self-selecting pig farmers about their farm facilities/management and health condition of the respiratory system of pigs, including the occurrence of clinical respiratory signs, results of laboratory testing for respiratory pathogens, and the use of respiratory vaccines. When fatteners were sent to the abattoir, their carcasses (n = 1,976) were examined for evidence of respiratory disease by lung lesion (pleuritis pneumonia-like (PP-like) and enzootic pneumonia-like (EP-like) lesions) scoring and the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Index (APPI) was calculated. Carcass characteristics were recorded and, retrospectively, the prevalence of cachectic pigs was calculated. Using these variables, the relationships between farm facilities/management and lung lesions scores and the relationships between the latter and carcass characteristics and cachexia were explored. The key findings relating farm facilities and management to lung lesions were: slatted floors were associated with significantly higher EP-like lesions scores than litter bedding in weaners, single-stage fattening in the same building was associated with significantly higher EP-like lesions scores than two-stage fattening, but herd size, stocking density, use of all-in/all-out (AIAO) rule, technological break duration and variation in daily temperature did not affect lung lesions scores. The key findings relating lung lesion scores to carcass characteristics were: a significant, negative correlation between EP-like scores and carcass weight but not with other carcass characteristics, a significant positive correlation between PP-like scores and carcass meat content and prevalence of cachectic carcasses and a significant positive correlation between lung APPI and prevalence of cachectic carcasses. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that both farm facilities and management affect lung lesions scores and that the latter affect carcass characteristics. Lung lesion scoring is an inexpensive technique suitable for rapid monitoring of large numbers of carcasses that can be performed after animal slaughter. It provides useful information to inform producers about possible deficits in farm facilities or management and is a predictor of economic loss due to poorer quality carcasses.

Usefulness of Selected Acute-Phase Proteins in the Postsurgical Monitoring of Arthroscopy and Splint Bone Removal in Horses.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopy and splint bone removal are the common orthopedic procedures in horses. Estimation of the dynamics of acute phase proteins in postoperative monitoring seems to be interesting diagnostic approach. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the concentrations of plasma inflammatory markers-fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and protease inhibitors-following orthopedic surgery in horses. The study involved 114 horses, divided into two study groups undergoing: arthroscopy (41 horses) and splint bone removal (13 horses). The control group consisted of 60 healthy horses. The blood was collected before the surgery and 24, 48, 72 h, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 days after the surgery. Plasma fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin and proteinase inhibitors were measured. RESULTS: In non-complicated cases of arthroscopy and splint bone removal, fibrinogen and haptoglobin increased stepwise from 24 h, achieved the maximum level at 72 h and returned to preoperative levels after 10-14 days. In one complicated case after arthroscopy surgery the marked increase in fibrinogen and haptoglobin concentrations was observed 24 h earlier than standard parameters of inflammation Conclusion: The study shows the evolution of APPs after arthroscopy and splint bone removal in 28 days postsurgery period and in the case of one complicated case of arthroscopy.

Effect of Zinc Source and Level on Growth Performance and Zinc Status of Weaned Piglets.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation in different commercial forms on the growth performance, health status, and Zn balance of weaners in field conditions. The animals were fed pre-starter (from the 28th to 47th day of life) and starter (from the 48th to 74th day of life) mixtures differing in Zn form and concentration. Group I was given ZnSO4 at 150 mg kg-1; Group II received pre-starter zinc oxide (ZnO) at 3000 mg kg-1 and starter at 150 mg kg-1; and Group III was given 150 mg kg-1 of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO). We found that the average daily gain in Group I was significantly lower, compared to Groups II and III. A commonly accepted level of Zn (150 mg kg-1) as nZnO can be recommended, instead of therapeutic doses of Zn preparations with the same efficiency. Moreover, a lower level of Zn in the diet can prevent the excessive accumulation of this element in waste and, thus, reduce environmental damage.

Ustekinumab pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous administration in swine model.

BACKGROUND: Due to multiple similarities in the structure and physiology of human and pig skin, the pig model is extremely useful for biological drug testing after subcutaneous administration. Knowledge of the differences between subcutaneous injection sites could have a significant impact on the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic profiles of biological drugs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the impact of administration site on pharmacokinetics and selected biochemical and hematological parameters after a single subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab in pigs. Drug concentrations in blood plasma were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed based on raw data using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software and ThothPro v 4.1. METHODS: The study included 12 healthy, female, large white piglets. Each group received a single dose of ustekinumab given as a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection into the internal part of the inguinal fold or the external part of the inguinal fold. RESULTS: The differences in absorption rate between the internal and external parts of the inguinal fold were not significant. However, the time of maximal concentration, clearance, area under the curve calculated between zero and mean residence time and mean residence time between groups were substantially different (p > 0.05). The relative bioavailability after administration of ustekinumab into the external part of the inguinal fold was 40.36% lower than after administration of ustekinumab into the internal part of the inguinal fold. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy breeding pigs are a relevant model to study the pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneously administered ustekinumab.

Insight into the intestinal microbiome of farrowing sows following the administration of garlic (Allium sativum) extract and probiotic bacteria cultures under farming conditions.

BACKGROUND: Due to the tendency to reduce antibiotic use in humans and animals, more attention is paid to feed additives as their replacement. Crucial role of feed additives is to improve the health status, production efficiency and performance. In this original research, we estimate the potential influence of garlic (Allium sativum) extract and probiotic formula including Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum on the intestinal microbiota of sows, using the next generation sequencing method (NGS). RESULTS: Our results indicate that the overall species richness as well as the composition of swine gut microbiota may be shaped by regular feeding with supplemented additives. On the Family and Genus level both additives (garlic extract and probiotics) seem to decrease microbiome diversity and richness. However, when it comes to garlic supplementation, we found the opposite trend on the Species level. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the selected microbial function indicates that both additives used in this study (garlic extract and composition of probiotics) seem to create a greater metabolic potential than estimated in a control group of sows. A general trend of losing or decreasing members of pathogenic species in the swine microbiome seems to occur in relation to both supplemented additives. In the prevention of some bacterial diseases supplemented additives could be considered for future use.

Differences in the relative counts of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in various age groups of pigs.

The aim of the study was to determine age-related changes in peripheral blood lymphocytes in pigs. Previous studies looking at age-related differences in lymphocyte subsets in porcine blood have not established reference ranges for these parameters. Moreover, most studies have concentrated on the dynamic changes in the first months of life, failing to continue observations in older animals. Therefore, in the present study, relative counts of various lymphocyte subpopulations (cytotoxic and helper T-cells, B-cells, and γδ T-cells) were evaluated to characterize the development of the cellular immune system at 28, 35, 135, and 200 days of age in growing pigs and adult sows (i.e., first and subsequent parity). In all examined groups, CD3+ cells constituted the largest percentage of cells. A statistically significant higher percentage of TCRγδ+CD3+ was noted in fatteners and gilts in comparison to other age groups. These results may be a reflection of antigenic pressure and show an immune response to viral or bacterial agents/environmental microbism.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer les changements associés à l'âge dans les lymphocytes du sang périphérique chez les porcs. Des études antérieures examinant les différences associées à l'âge dans les sous-populations de lymphocytes dans le sang porcin n'ont pas établi des écarts de référence pour ces paramètres. De plus, la plupart des études se sont concentrées sur les changements dynamiques dans les premiers mois de vie, omettant de continuer les observations chez les animaux plus âgés. Ainsi, dans la présente étude, les dénombrements relatifs des différentes sous-populations lymphocytaires (cellules-T cytotoxiques et helper, cellules-B, et cellules-T γδ) furent évalués afin de caractériser le développement du système immunitaire cellulaire à 28, 35, 135, et 200 jours d'âge chez des porcs en croissance et des truies adultes (i.e. première parité ainsi que les suivantes). Dans tous les groupes examinés, les cellules CD3+ constituaient le pourcentage le plus élevé de cellules. Un pourcentage significativement plus élevé de TCRγδ+CD3+ était noté chez les porcs en croissance et les cochettes comparativement aux autres groupes d'âge. Ces résultats pourraient être un reflet de la pression antigénique et montre une réponse immunitaire à des agents viraux ou bactériens du microbisme environnemental.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Infrared technology for estrous detection in Chinchilla lanigera.

Thermography is one of the most modern methods for non-invasive monitoring of animal behavior, health status and physiological state. The sparcity of scientific reports related to this subject in fur animals prompted the use of thermography in Chinchilla lanigera. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of a thermal imaging camera to diagnose or confirm estrus in Chinchilla lanigera. The subjects included 100 female chinchillas from three different breeds, selected during ovulation after parturition, which were evaluated twice: measurements were taken over three successive days starting from the 2nd day post partum and again through the same time period 6 weeks later when the females were ready to mate. A picture of the external genital area was taken with a FLIR C2 thermal imaging camera and the temperature was determined and recorded from the selected area using the FLIR TOOLS computer program. There were distinct differences between chinchillas with and without a confirmed estrus. Chinchillas in estrus had ROI temperatures that were greater (2.33 °C) than non-estrous females. During estrus, the temperature of the external genital area clearly increases, which could be due to genital hyperemia. This fact can be used for non-invasive estrous diagnosis, which is especially important because of the absence of typical estrous behavior in this species. Monitoring the greater surface temperature of the vulval area allows determination of the optimal time to place a female with a male and expect effective copulation.

Effect of long-term storage in Safe Cell+ extender on boar sperm DNA integrity and other key sperm parameters.

BACKGROUND: There is some controversy about the extent of changes in different sperm cell features in stored boar semen, especially regarding the potential role of the DNA fragmentation assay for assessment of sperm fertilizing ability. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of time of storage and the dynamic changes in sperm cell characteristics in normospermic boar semen stored in long-term extender, in order to determine the susceptibility to damage of particular structures of spermatozoa during cooling and storage at 17 °C for 240 h post collection. The study included five ejaculates from each of seven boars of the Polish Large White breed (n = 35 ejaculates). The sperm characteristics were assessed using a flow cytometer and a computer assisted sperm analyzer on samples at 0, 48, 96, 168 and 240 h post collection. RESULTS: The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) showed a significant abrupt increase (P < 0.01) in the DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) after 48 h of semen storage with only subtle changes thereafter, not exceeding 5% on average after 240 h of storage. The use of a combination of SYBR-14/PI stains did not reveal any significant changes in the percentage of live sperm cells up to 168 h of semen storage. A significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosomes was observed after prolonged semen storage (168 h). A significant and progressive decrease in sperm motility was recorded during the whole period of semen storage. CONCLUSIONS: Storage of boar semen extended in long-term diluent at 17 °C for 48 h initially induced a decrease in the integrity of sperm DNA. This suggests that the structure of boar sperm DNA is susceptible to damage, especially during semen extension and at the beginning of sperm storage. These findings support the opinion that the SCSA test has only a low potential for routine assessment of boar semen preserved in the liquid state and for assessment of sperm quality changes during 10 days of semen preservation. Remarkably, the integrity of acrosomes and plasma membranes remained nearly unchanged for 7 days.

The Efficacy of Isolated Bacteriophages from Pig Farms against ESBL/AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli from Pig and Turkey Farms.

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC ß-lactamases are plasmid (but also chromosomally) encoded enzymes found in Enterobacteriaceae, determining resistance to a variety of important antibiotics including penicillins, cephalosporins, and monobactams. In recent decades, the prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria has increased rapidly across the world. Here, we evaluate the potential use of bacteriophages in terms of a reduction of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthy animals. The aim of our studies was to isolate bacteriophages capable of destroying ESBL/AmpC-producing Escherichia coli isolated from livestock habitats. The efficacy of isolated phages against ESBL/AmpC E. coli strains varies, but creation of a phage cocktail with broad activity spectrum is possible. This may indicate that the role of phages may not be limited to phage therapy, but bacterial viruses may also be applied against spread of bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes in the environment. We also addressed the hypothesis, that phages, effective for therapeutic purposes may be isolated from distant places and even from different environments other than the actual location of the targeted bacteria. This may be beneficial for practical purposes, as the construction of effective phage preparations does not require access to disease outbreaks.

Age-related changes of platelet and plasma coagulation parameters in young pigs.

The literature on hemostatic processes in swine is sparse and often fragmentary; hence, we conducted our study to characterize age-related changes in selected parameters of primary and secondary hemostasis in 50 growing pigs between day 2 and week 24 of age. We measured platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume, platelet-to-large cell ratio, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen concentration. Among primary hemostasis parameters, PLT underwent the largest fluctuation with the animals' age, ranging from 340 to 730 × 10(9)/L. However, statistical significance was only detected for 4-week-old piglets compared to 18-week-old animals. Of the secondary hemostasis parameters measured, TT and aPTT were the most changeable. Activated partial thromboplastin time displayed a characteristic biphasic course, being relatively short before week 5 of age (17.8-19.9 s) and then becoming much longer (28.7-52.5 s). The aPTTs measured in animals 6 weeks of age and older were statistically different (p < 0.01) from those in younger piglets. The 2 main components of hemostasis, platelet hemostasis and plasma coagulation, did not develop at the same time. It took much longer for secondary hemostasis to stabilize, whereas platelet parameters were stable early in life.

Sexual dimorphism in socioeconomic differences regarding the risk factors, symptomatology and management of patients with stable coronary artery disease in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and the risk factors, applied treatment and outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have been demonstrated in Western European countries, however analogous evidence is missing from Eastern and Central European countries. The aim of the study was to investigate SES gradients regarding the risk factors, symptoms and management of patients with stable CAD in Poland, separately in men and women. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 2,593 participants of the RECENT study. SES was assessed based on the level of education attainment: university, secondary school or primary school. RESULTS: Socioeconomic differences in risk profile were most markedly seen in women: lower the education, higher body mass index (p < 0.01), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), resting heart rate (p < 0.01), and greater prevalence of heart failure (p < 0.05) and dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Importantly, smoking habit was the most frequent in women who graduated from univer-sity (p < 0.01). In men, socioeconomic gradients were only seen within resting heart rate (p < 0.01), LDL cholesterol level (p < 0.05) and smoking habit (p < 0.05). In both genders, better education was associated with less severe symptoms of angina and more frequent use of statins (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SES stratified based on education level differentiates patients with stable CAD in Poland regarding their risk profile, symptom control and the use of statins. Sexual dimorphism is found mainly within SES gradients regarding the prevalence of risk factors.

Statistical aspects of genetic association testing in small samples, based on selective DNA pooling data in the arctic fox.

We analysed data from a selective DNA pooling experiment with 130 individuals of the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), which originated from 2 different types regarding body size. The association between alleles of 6 selected unlinked molecular markers and body size was tested by using univariate and multinomial logistic regression models, applying odds ratio and test statistics from the power divergence family. Due to the small sample size and the resulting sparseness of the data table, in hypothesis testing we could not rely on the asymptotic distributions of the tests. Instead, we tried to account for data sparseness by (i) modifying confidence intervals of odds ratio; (ii) using a normal approximation of the asymptotic distribution of the power divergence tests with different approaches for calculating moments of the statistics; and (iii) assessing P values empirically, based on bootstrap samples. As a result, a significant association was observed for 3 markers. Furthermore, we used simulations to assess the validity of the normal approximation of the asymptotic distribution of the test statistics under the conditions of small and sparse samples.