Categories Of Pigs Research Articles

LInear measurements of carcases of the Myrhorod breed pigs

Objective. To evaluate the dependence of carcass characteristics of pigs of the Myrhorod breed on the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Methods. Three groups of pigs were formed, differing among themselves in the number of piglets in the litter at birth. For the purpose of comparative assessment, indexes for three groups as a whole were also determined. Young boars were selectedfor fattening and further slaughter. All piglets were received in one period, had free access to feed in accordance with the needs of sex and age groups. This stage of research was conducted at the experimental base of Institute of Pig Breeding and AIP NAAS. The main measurements of pig carcasses were taken at the meat processing plant of "Prodfoodservice" LLC in Poltava. Animals with a live weight of 100 kg were selected for the assessment. General rules were followed for the assessment of pig carcasses. The topography of fat deposition on the carcass was determined by the following points of taking measurements of the thickness of lard with skin: at the withers; at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae; on the waist; on the crosses in three points; at chest level. The formula proposed by N. V. Pivniak was used to determine the average thickness of lard along the spine (watering of the carcass). To compare animals of different groups of pigs of the Myrhorod breed, the full meatiness index (FMI) was calculated. The research results were processed using the traditional method of variational statistics. Results. The differences between the different groups were insignificant in relation to the girth of the sternum. According to the latitudinal parameters of the bacon half of the carcass, there were also no significant differences between different groups of pigs, with a slight shift of preference towards the third group. Regarding the ratio of the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the smallest values were found in the animals of the second group, and the largest in the first group. Regarding the determination of fat thickness at different points of taking measurements, a clear picture regarding the superiority of a certain group was not determined, although according to most indexes, the carcasses of animals of the first group were marked by larger actual measurements. The animals of all three groups did not meet the requirements for the first extra and the second category of pigs for slaughter according to the fat thickness index at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae. All evaluated carcasses were assigned to the third category, which corresponds to the type of productivity of Myrhorod breed of pigs. According to the comprehensive assessment of carcass watering, the highest values were obtainedfor the first group, the average values for the second group, and the smallest values for the third group, respectively. The opposite picture was observed for the full meatiness index, although differences in this index were also unlikely. By comparing the main and most important indexes of the linear diameters of the carcasses of three different groups with the same indexes for all evaluated animals, the animals of the third group were the closest to the average values in relation to the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the thickness of the lard at the level of the 6 - 7th thoracic vertebrae. At the same time, the animals of the second group were the closest to the average values according to the full meatiness index. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that there is no dependence of meatiness indexes, quality characteristics ofpig carcasses, and in particular, their salinity, etc. from the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Non-compliance with the requirements for the first extra and second categories of pigs for slaughter was found, which indicates that the productivity of the new generation of animals of the Myrhorod breed still belongs to animals of universal and fatty genotypes, although the carcasses according to the lard thickness index are at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae were at the lower limit of the third category of pigs for slaughter. Keywords: pigs, Myrhorod breed, slaughter qualities, pig carcasses, lard, meatiness, watering of carcasses.

LInear measurements of carcases of the Myrhorod breed pigs

Objective. To evaluate the dependence of carcass characteristics of pigs of the Myrhorod breed on the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Methods. Three groups of pigs were formed, differing among themselves in the number of piglets in the litter at birth. For the purpose of comparative assessment, indexes for three groups as a whole were also determined. Young boars were selectedfor fattening and further slaughter. All piglets were received in one period, had free access to feed in accordance with the needs of sex and age groups. This stage of research was conducted at the experimental base of Institute of Pig Breeding and AIP NAAS. The main measurements of pig carcasses were taken at the meat processing plant of "Prodfoodservice" LLC in Poltava. Animals with a live weight of 100 kg were selected for the assessment. General rules were followed for the assessment of pig carcasses. The topography of fat deposition on the carcass was determined by the following points of taking measurements of the thickness of lard with skin: at the withers; at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae; on the waist; on the crosses in three points; at chest level. The formula proposed by N. V. Pivniak was used to determine the average thickness of lard along the spine (watering of the carcass). To compare animals of different groups of pigs of the Myrhorod breed, the full meatiness index (FMI) was calculated. The research results were processed using the traditional method of variational statistics. Results. The differences between the different groups were insignificant in relation to the girth of the sternum. According to the latitudinal parameters of the bacon half of the carcass, there were also no significant differences between different groups of pigs, with a slight shift of preference towards the third group. Regarding the ratio of the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the smallest values were found in the animals of the second group, and the largest in the first group. Regarding the determination of fat thickness at different points of taking measurements, a clear picture regarding the superiority of a certain group was not determined, although according to most indexes, the carcasses of animals of the first group were marked by larger actual measurements. The animals of all three groups did not meet the requirements for the first extra and the second category of pigs for slaughter according to the fat thickness index at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae. All evaluated carcasses were assigned to the third category, which corresponds to the type of productivity of Myrhorod breed of pigs. According to the comprehensive assessment of carcass watering, the highest values were obtainedfor the first group, the average values for the second group, and the smallest values for the third group, respectively. The opposite picture was observed for the full meatiness index, although differences in this index were also unlikely. By comparing the main and most important indexes of the linear diameters of the carcasses of three different groups with the same indexes for all evaluated animals, the animals of the third group were the closest to the average values in relation to the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the thickness of the lard at the level of the 6 - 7th thoracic vertebrae. At the same time, the animals of the second group were the closest to the average values according to the full meatiness index. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that there is no dependence of meatiness indexes, quality characteristics ofpig carcasses, and in particular, their salinity, etc. from the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Non-compliance with the requirements for the first extra and second categories of pigs for slaughter was found, which indicates that the productivity of the new generation of animals of the Myrhorod breed still belongs to animals of universal and fatty genotypes, although the carcasses according to the lard thickness index are at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae were at the lower limit of the third category of pigs for slaughter. Keywords: pigs, Myrhorod breed, slaughter qualities, pig carcasses, lard, meatiness, watering of carcasses.

Hepatobiliary Ascariasis in a Piglet

PurposeAscariasis caused by the helminth Ascaris suum is the most common parasitosis of swine worldwide and it may involve all age categories of pigs. The present study reports an unusual localization of A.suum worms in the biliary system of a piglet slaughtered for human consumption.MethodsThe liver was subjected to ultrasound scan and pathological examination. The isolated worms were morphologically examined and the DNA was extracted for the molecular identification of the species involved.ResultsA total of 43 preadult nematodes were found within the gallbladder and the bile ducts. Parasites were morphologically identified as belonging to the genus Ascaris and molecularly as A. suum. At gross examination, the liver was moderately enlarged, with the bile ducts severely dilated. A chronic inflammatory infiltrate was noted, often centered around ectatic bile ducts (up to 5 mm in diameter), lined by hyperplastic epithelium and filled with sections of nematodes. The worm sections showed smooth cuticle, coelomyarian musculature, and an intestinal tract lined by columnar, uninucleated cells within a pseudocoelom. The ex vivo ultrasonographic examination of the liver allowed the visualization of several nematodes in the bile duct lumen and could be suggested for in vivo diagnosis. Unfortunately, the absence of the intestine did not allow to define the pathogenesis of the infection.ConclusionAlthough, given the unusual nature of this finding, it is difficult to identify predisposing factors for this A. suum localization, it suggests that ascariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pigs with hepatobiliary disease.

The use offunctional amino acids indifferent categories ofpigs - Areview.

The present review deals with aparticularly important topic: the use offunctional amino acids indifferent categories ofpigs. Itis especially relevant inthe context ofthe current efforts toreduce the use ofantibiotics inpig farming and the search for possible alternatives toreplace them. The review isbased onthe definition that functional amino acids (FAAs) are classified asdispensable amino acids, but with additional biological functions, i.e., not only are they used for protein formation, but they are also involved inregulating essential metabolic pathways toimprove health, survival, growth, and development. Wedescribe the mechanism ofaction ofindividual FAAs and their potential use inpigs, including glutamate, glutamine, arginine, branched-chain amino acids (i.e.,leucine, isoleucine, and valine), tryptophan and glycine. The work isdivided into three parts. The first part deals with the FAAs and their role inthe overall health ofsows and their offspring. The second part describes the use offunctional amino acids inpiglets after weaning. Part three examines the use offunctional amino acids ingrowing and fattening pigs and their impact onmeat quality.

Analysis of Faecal pH in Piglets from Birth to Weaning

Abstract The health of the gastrointestinal system of pigs is still a topical issue. When focusing on the youngest categories of pigs, we routinely evaluate it on the basis of appetite assessment and physical examination of faeces. A piglet’s gut health is also related to the development and changes of pH in the digestive system. Because there is little scientific work in this area, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological range of faecal pH in healthy suckling piglets from birth to weaning. Faecal pH measurements were performed in thirty-five suckling piglets at the time of the piglets’ birth, on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day of their life. We found the mean pH values to be 6.38 ± 0.46 within 24 hours after birth; 7.14 ± 0.23 on the 7th day after birth; 7.23 ± 0.23 on the 14th day after birth; 7.42 ± 0.60 on the 21st day after birth; and 7.72 ± 0.61 on the 28th day after birth. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the pH of the faeces of new-born piglets and the samples taken in the following weeks of the experiment (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). Measuring faecal pH can be a simple, quick and inexpensive method used to determine the health status of piglets’ intestines.

SEROPREVALENCE OF PORCINE RESPIRATORY CORONAVIRUS AND TRANSMISSIBLE GASTROENTERITIS VIRUS INFECTIONS ON COMMERCIAL PIG FARMS IN SERBIA

Porcine respiratory coronavirus is an enzootic, viral, respiratory disease of pigs, which manifests with mild clinical signs, but it takes part in the etiopathogenesis of the porcine respiratory disease complex. The virus was first discovered in Belgium in 1984 as a deletion mutant of the transmissible gastroenteritis virus. The two viruses are strongly antigenically related which is why they cross-react in serological tests. In this study, we tested 276 serum samples from different categories of pigs using ELISA test, which allows differentiation between the porcine respiratory coronavirus infection and transmissible gastroenteritis. The seroconversion for coronavirus infection was determined in 80.4% of tested samples. Out of 222 positive samples, 219 samples (98.6%) were positive for porcine respiratory coronavirus antibodies, while 3 (1.01%) samples were positive for transmissible gastroenteritis virus antibodies. Depending on the production category, 97.7% of piglets, 83% of sows, and 35% of gilts tested positive for porcine respiratory coronavirus antibodies. In total, 2.3% of piglets tested positive for transmissible gastroenteritis virus antibodies. Taking into account the characteristics of the ELISA test, its sensitivity and specificity, this result can be considered a false positive, because of a cross-reaction between the porcine respiratory coronavirus antibodies and the transmissible gastroenteritis virus. Specific antibodies in other swine production categories against the transmissible gastroenteritis virus were not determined.

Welfare of pigs on farm.

This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of pigs on farm, and is based on literature and expert opinion. All pig categories were assessed: gilts and dry sows, farrowing and lactating sows, suckling piglets, weaners, rearing pigs and boars. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system, highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, as well as related animal‐based measures (ABMs), and hazards leading to the welfare consequences. Moreover, measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate the welfare consequences are recommended. Recommendations are also provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of pigs related to tail biting and related to the European Citizen's Initiative ‘End the Cage Age’. For example, the AHAW Panel recommends how to mitigate group stress when dry sows and gilts are grouped immediately after weaning or in early pregnancy. Results of a comparative qualitative assessment suggested that long‐stemmed or long‐cut straw, hay or haylage is the most suitable material for nest‐building. A period of time will be needed for staff and animals to adapt to housing lactating sows and their piglets in farrowing pens (as opposed to crates) before achieving stable welfare outcomes. The panel recommends a minimum available space to the lactating sow to ensure piglet welfare (measured by live‐born piglet mortality). Among the main risk factors for tail biting are space allowance, types of flooring, air quality, health status and diet composition, while weaning age was not associated directly with tail biting in later life. The relationship between the availability of space and growth rate, lying behaviour and tail biting in rearing pigs is quantified and presented. Finally, the panel suggests a set of ABMs to use at slaughter for monitoring on‐farm welfare of cull sows and rearing pigs.

The third wave of Seneca Valley virus outbreaks in pig herds in southern Brazil.

Seneca Valley virus (SVV) is the only representative member of the Senecavirus genus of the Picornaviridae family. Since 2014, SVV has been identified as a causative agent of vesicular disease outbreaks in pigs of different ages from Brazil, the USA, Canada, China, Thailand, Colombia, Vietnam, and India. From May 2020, several pig herds, from the Brazilian states Parana and Santa Catarina reported vesicular disease in different pig categories. This study aimed to report the third wave of SVV outbreaks in pig herds in southern Brazil. A total of 263 biological samples from 150 pigs in 18 pig herds were evaluated. The samples were obtained from pigs with clinical signs of vesicular disease (n = 242) and asymptomatic animals (n = 21). Seneca Valley virus RNA was detected in 96 (36.5%) of the biological samples evaluated, with 89 samples from symptomatic and 7 from asymptomatic pigs. The data show that asymptomatic pigs, but in viremia, are possible sources of infection and can act as carriers and possibly spreaders of SVV to the herd. In this study, we report the third wave of vesicular disease outbreaks caused by SVV in different categories of pigs from herds located in southern Brazil.

Economic Feeding of Pigs in Mizoram: A Field Study for Assessment of Nutritional Constraints and Identifying the Useful Local Feed Resources for Economic Feeding

The study was conducted in the Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Aizawl, Mizoram during 2018-19. The objective of the research was to assess the nutritional constraints of feeding pigs in Mizoram and to put forward some solutions by identifying and utilizing local feed resources for economic feeding. Numbers of unconventional feeds were used for feeding pigs in Mizoram and fourteen among them were identified to be commonly used in day-to-day preparation of home-made cooked feed, which was the composite feed given to all categories of pigs. Constraints of the existing feeding practice were identified as high cost of conventional feeds, low dry matter intake causing deficient energy consumption, poor digestibility of nutrients when home-made cooked feed was fed, high tannin content of unconventional feeds. Except crude protein, apparent digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and organic matter were low under the existing feeding practice. Based on nutrient contents, unconventional local feeds were categorized as protein and energy rich for substitution of conventional ingredients in ration formulation. Few rations with unconventional feeds substituting conventional ones suggested for grower and finisher pigs. Complete feed block of conventional and unconventional feeds was found acceptable to pigs. The study indicated the possibility of economic feeding of pigs by utilizing the local feeds keeping in view their nutritive and anti-nutritive contents and taking into consideration the constraints associated with nutrient intakes under the existing feeding management.

Pigs' skin lesions at weaning are primarily caused by standoff and being bullied instead of unilateral active attack at the individual level

To evaluate the relationship between skin lesion scores and aggressive behavior categories (unilateral active attack, standoff, and being bullied) of individual pigs when placed into pens after weaning, duration and frequency of three aggressive behavior categories were observed from video. Behavior of 500 weaned pigs was recorded and observed during the first 48 h after mixing. The skin lesion scores at 24 h before mixing and at 2, 24, and 48 h after mixing was assessed. Canonical correlations and generalized linear mixed models analyses between three aggressive behavior categories and skin lesion scores were performed. The score of skin lesion on the front body was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those on the middle and rear body at 2, 24, and 48 h after mixing. These behavior categories and skin lesion scores of weaned pigs reached the maximum at 2 h after mixing and then decreased gradually. Skin lesion score on the front of the body at 2 and 24 h were associated with CSS (comprehensive standoff score), and CBS (comprehensive being bullied score). The skin lesion score on front body at 2 h after mixing were positively associated with CBS and CSS during the first (P < 0.01) and the second (P < 0.01) hour after mixing. After mixing the skin lesion score on the front body at 2 h was positively associated with CAS (comprehensive unilateral active attack score) at the first hour (P < 0.01), but not at the second hour after mixing. The skin lesion score on the front body at 24 h were positively associated with CBS at the first 12 h and at the second 12 h (from 13 to 24 h) after mixing (P < 0.01). CAS was negatively associated with the skin lesion score on front body at the first 12 h after mixing, and negatively associated at the second 12 h after mixing (P < 0.05). In conclusion, skin lesion score of weaned pigs was the greatest on the front body at 2 h after mixing. The skin lesion score on front body at 24 h after mixing was positively associated with behavior of standoff and being bullied, but not unilateral active attack. These results suggest that the severity of skin lesions is not primarily caused by unilateral active aggressive behavior of weaned pigs after mixing at the individual pig level.

Multivariate analysis of body weight, morphometric and thermo-physiological traits of indigenous pigs under tropical conditions

The study aimed at describing objectively the interdependence among the morphological and heat tolerance traits of Nigerian indigenous pigs and to predict body weight from conformation traits. Data on body weight, eight linear body measurements (BL, CG, CD, WH, RH, EL, SL and TL) and three thermo-physiological parameters were measured on 150 randomly selected pigs of three growth stages (piglets, growers and finishers) from February to December, 2020. The animals were managed in an extensive system in Plateau State, north central Nigeria. General linear model was used to study growth stage and sex effects including their interaction. Multivariate principal component analysis was used for the size, shape and heat tolerance determination while the animals were classified using canonical discriminant analysis. The stepwise regression was used for body weight prediction. The results showed that finishers had significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) body weight, body length, chest girth, chest depth, withers height, rump height, ear length, snout length and tail length, followed by growers while the least values were recorded in piglets. Pulse rate was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) between piglets and finishers, although the latter had higher respiratory rate (39.48±0.53 vs. 39.90±0.53 vs. 36.77±0.75). However, rectal temperature was similar (P&gt;0.05) among the three pig categories. With the exception of tail length, sexual dimorphism was observed in all the morphometric traits with higher values recorded for males. However, the three thermo-physiological traits were not affected by sex (P&gt;0.05). BW was highly and positively correlated with most biometric traits (r = 0.80-0.93, 0.66-0.80 and 0.83-0.93; P&lt;0.01 for piglets, growers and finishers, respectively). Three principal components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) were extracted for optimal balance of the animals. Withers height, ear length and body weight were found to be the most discriminating variables to separate the pig categories. Classification results showed that 100% of piglets, 96.7% of growers and 96.7% of finishers were correctly assigned to their distinct populations. The present Information could be exploited in devising appropriate management and breeding programs for tropically adapted pigs in Nigeria.

Swine erysipelas, clinical diagnosis and medical management: cases in farm near the city of Lubumbashi

The general objective of our work was to diagnose swine erysipelas, treat infected pigs and determine the prevalence of this pathology on the farm near the city of Lubumbashi. It is located 30 km from the city of Lubumbashi, on the axis of the Kasenga road, to the east of the Haut-Katanga Province. This disease plays a key role in perpetuating the downfall of pig farms. That’s why we asked ourselves the following questions: · What would be the categories of pigs most affected by this disease? · What would be the level of information for breeders and the risk of infection? · At what rate would the losses be assessed on the farms examined? This work concerns a farm that experienced swine fever a year earlier and whose pigs were not vaccinated against erysipelas. This disease is a major cause of death in pigs. The prospective method in clinical diagnosis and care was applied to 98 pigs from 4 zootechnical categories, namely piglets, sows, castrated males and boars. The data collected in this study revealed a prevalence of 81.6% with a mortality rate of 61.2% and a cure rate of 20.4%. Only 18.4% of pigs were not affected by the disease. The study carried out, involved 98 pigs of different categories including 37 piglets, 35 sows, 6 boars and 20 castrated. These pigs were of exotic Land race, large white, Piétrain and Duroc. There are also hybrid pigs. We concluded that the results obtained in our research on swine erysipelas concern 98 study animals divided into 4 zootechnical categories. It appeared 80 pigs or 81.6% were struck by erysipelas and only 18 or 18.4% had remained healthy. The infection rate was thus 81.6%.

Polymorphic fingerprint as an approach to authenticate Iberian pig categories

AbstractHigh‐commercial‐value products are often susceptible to food fraud. Among them, Iberian dry‐cured ham is highly appreciated due to its particular and sensory, but also nutritional, properties. There are four different Iberian ham categories (namely bellota, recebo, cebo de campo and cebo), which directly depend on the rearing system of the pig during the last stage of the fattening phase. However, there is still a lack of a normalized and robust method capable of authenticating the different product categories and, therefore, preventing mislabeling. In the present work, we characterized the polymorphic behavior of raw (before curing) lipid extracts belonging to the four categories of Iberian pig. A total of 80 different samples were analyzed by DSC, and synchrotron radiation XRD experiments were carried out for selected ones. The results obtained showed that bellota and recebo categories exhibited essentially the same crystallization and polymorphic behavior and this was significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) from that of cebo de campo and cebo. The latter exhibited higher crystallization and melting temperatures than bellota and recebo samples, due to the occurrence of an additional β′‐2L polymorphic form. By considering the differences in rearing systems of pigs belonging to the different categories, we concluded that the key factor which determined the polymorphism of Iberian pig lipid extracts was not the physical exercise practiced by the pig, but the inclusion of acorns in the feeding system. This work demonstrated that thermal and crystallographic techniques, like DSC and XRD, may be promoted to be used as fingerprinting tools for the authentication of high‐value food products.

PRELIMINARY STUDIED ON SIMULATION MODELS FOR DETERMINING PROTEIN REQUIREMENT OF WEANLING AND GROWING PIGS IN TEMPERATE AND TROPICAL ENVIROMENTS.

Data on protein requirements of two weight categories of pigs, 4-9kg and 4-28kg, reared under temperate and tropical environments were obtained. These data were used to predict the protein requirement of pigs at different ambient temperature. Models Y1= 156.21 + 0.20(A) +0.79(t) and Y2= 190.25- 1.115(I) + 0.202(t) were derived respectively for animals weighing from 4-9kg and from 4-28kg.when these models were simulated using the simplest 1 simulation program, animals in the tropics weighing from 4-9kg were predicted to require 15.80g kg-1 or 11.11% of protein more than their temperate counterparts. Those weighing from 4-28kg in the tropics were predicted to require 4.04g kg-1 or about 2.0% more of protein than their corresponding counterparts reared under temperate climatic conditions.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibody levels in large swine farms in selected regions of Yunnan province, China

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV), and it is a widespread disease that severely affects swine production in all age groups. Detection of PRRSV antibody levels in pig farms is beneficial for immunity evaluations. In this study, a total of 1,206 serum samples of breeding boars, breeding sows, reserve pigs and commercial pigs from 16 large-scale swine farms in 4 different regions of Yunnan province in China were collected during 2019 and detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the average positive rate of PRRSV antibody was 88.32%, among which the antibody-positive rates were 89.03%, 89.18%, 92.11%, and 82.95% in East Yunnan (E. Yunnan), Central Yunnan (Cent. Yunnan), Northwest Yunnan (N.W. Yunnan) and Northeast Yunnan (N.E. Yunnan), respectively (P &gt; 0.05). For the different pig categories, the reserve pigs (93.51%) showed much higher antibody-positive rates, followed by breeding sows (92.44%), commercial pigs (87.34%) and breeding boars (85.62%). Statistical analysis revealed that the rates were significantly different among different pig categories (P &lt;0.05). These s results indicated that pig categories were significantly associated with PRRSV antibody levels in this study. All the positive rates in this study fulfilled the requirement of ≥ 70% set by the National Animal Disease Surveillance Plan of China (2011). The study could provide evidence of the antibody response of PRRSV at the farm level.

A molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 3 using oral fluid, faeces and serum

BackgroundPorcine circovirus type 3 is the most recently discovered porcine circovirus, and an emerging pathogen. In this study the status of its presence on some Slovenian farms is reported. The effectiveness of the vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was assessed against porcine circovirus type 3.Group samples of oral fluid, faeces and individual serum samples were taken from six different pig categories and tested for presence of viral DNA, using both real time and conventional PCR. Positive samples were subjected to direct Sanger sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed and compared to GenBank PCV3 sequences.ResultsPositive samples were sent for genome sequencing, which confirmed the presence of virus in all different pig categories on five farms. A high to moderate correlation of strong statistical significance was found between individual serum samples, oral fluid and faeces. Slovenian PCV3 was found to be distributed in a way similar to that of other countries. Slovenian PCV3 nt sequences are highly related, sharing more than 99.5% nt identity. On one farm a commercially available vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was used on 3-week-old pigs. It did not affect the presence of porcine circovirus type 3 in oral fluid or sera of any of the seven age groups of pigs, each with two control groups.ConclusionsThe results constitute the first discovery of the virus in Slovenia. Genome sequencing has revealed a high degree of similarity between Slovenian and GenBank isolates.

Molecular detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine circovirus 2 and hepatitis E virus in oral fluid compared to their detection in faeces and serum

BackgroundPorcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are common and economically important viral disease causative agents detected in pig oral fluid (OF), faeces and serum at some infection stages. The purpose of this study was to detect PRRSV, PCV2 and HEV on six pig farms to determine which of the three sample types, OF, faeces or serum is appropriate for the diagnosis of these viruses in different pig categories.The following pig categories were included: 5 weeks-old (w/o), 7 w/o, 9 w/o, 11 w/o weaners, fatteners and breeding sows. Pursuant to the preliminary detection of each pathogen at the selected farms, OF samples, faeces, serum pools and 10 individual sera were examined, using PCR, for each age category. If any of the viruses were found in pools of faeces and OF, then faeces and OF from positive farms were tested separately for each pig category. The viral nucleic acids were detected using RT-PCR, PCR and real-time RT-PCR, for PRRSV, PCV2 and HEV respectively.ResultsPRRSV and HEV were detected on one farm and PCV2 on three others, positive results being more often obtained from the OF than from the faeces of the same animals. Ten individual serum samples from pigs from the same group of animals were also tested. The viruses were detected in almost all individual sera and OF in the same pig category with some exceptions: PRRSV was detected in the OF of fatteners but was absent in their sera; on Farm 2, PCV2 was detected in sera of 11 w/o pigs and fatteners but absent in group samples of their OF and, vice versa, in case of 9 w/o animals; HEV was detected in the OF of the youngest, 5 w/o weaners and absent in sera of the same age group.ConclusionsThe primary finding of the study is that OF is a welfare-friendly, non-invasive and highly efficient matrix for pathogen detection, thus evidencing the usefulness of pig OF as a matrix in which each of the three viruses considered can be detected with the highest probability.

The Health and Welfare of Pigs from the Perspective of Post Mortem Findings in Slaughterhouses.

Simple SummaryThe health and welfare of pigs was evaluated on the basis of the data on patho-anatomic findings obtained during the veterinary examination of pigs slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2017. The highest numbers of lesions in organs were found in lungs (finisher pigs 41%, sows 24% and piglets 52%), kidneys (finisher pigs 14%, sows 32% and piglets 15%) and liver (finisher pigs 12%, sows 18% and piglets 19%). The character of most findings was chronic, however, acute findings were also detected. Parasitic lesions were found mainly in finisher pigs (finisher pigs 4%, sows 1% and piglets 1%). Incidence of traumatic lesions (finisher pigs 0.08%, sows 0.14% and piglets 0.15%) was far below the frequency of other findings. Overall, post mortem findings in the slaughterhouses varied among pig categories (p < 0.001). In order to decrease the number of lesions detected post mortem, it is essential to improve health and welfare of pigs on farms and in transit.The health and welfare of pigs was evaluated on the basis of the data on patho-anatomic findings obtained during the veterinary examination of pigs slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2017. High numbers of lesions in organs found especially in lungs (finisher pigs 41%, sows 24% and piglets 52%), kidneys (finisher pigs 14%, sows 32% and piglets 15%) and liver (finisher pigs 12%, sows 18% and piglets 19 %) indicate impaired health and welfare of pigs transported for slaughter. The differences in the number of findings between finisher pigs, sows and piglets were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The character of most findings was chronic, which document health and welfare problems occurring on farms as a result of the current pig husbandry. However, acute findings were also detected and indicated processes occurring shortly before and during transport to the slaughterhouse. An important finding is the incidence of parasitic lesions in the liver in finisher pigs (finisher pigs 4%, sows 1% and piglets 1%) that documents persistent occurrence of parasitic invasions on pig farms. Findings of traumatic lesions on limbs in sows and piglets (finisher pigs 0.08%, sows 0.14% and piglets 0.15%) are far below the frequency of the findings in organs; however, their incidence should be further reduced by adjusting the technology of housing, transport and handling. In conclusion, the level of health and related welfare of pigs based on the assessment of post mortem findings in the slaughterhouses vary. Overall, the worst situation is in piglets, followed by sows and the best evaluated are finisher pigs. Post mortem inspection revealed significant numbers of patho-anatomic changes even in pigs considered fit to be transported to the slaughterhouse and slaughtered for human consumption. It is clear that there is still a considerable space for improving the level of health and welfare of the individual categories of pigs.

Patho-anatomic findings in finisher pigs, sows, and piglets detected during veterinary slaughterhouse inspection

The number of patho-anatomic findings detected during the veterinary examination of slaughtered pigs was analyzed. From 2010 to 2017, a total of 20 550 072 finisher pigs, 484 710 sows, and 94 279 piglets were slaughtered in the Czech Republic. By comparing the overall amount of patho-anatomic findings expressed as an index of the ratio of the number of findings to the number of slaughtered animals, the highest incidence of patho-anatomic findings was determined in piglets (index 1.52), followed by sows (index 1.23), and the lowest in finisher pigs (index 0.81). The most numerous was the occurrence of chronic findings (finisher pigs: index 0.724%, sows: 0.926, piglets: 0.877). Furthermore, a high frequency of acute findings was found (finisher pigs: index 0.037, sows: 0.207, piglets: 0.373). The findings of traumatic and parasitic nature were significantly (P &lt; 0.001) lower than those of chronic and acute character. The differences in the total number of findings and in the number of findings by the type of damage were significant (P &lt; 0.001) between the individual pig categories. The results show that the worst health condition was observed in piglets, followed by sows, and the best in finisher pigs. Furthermore, the number of findings was significantly decreasing in finisher pigs (r = -0.7143, P = 0.047); no significant change was found in sows (r = -0.643, P = 0.086); however, it was significantly increasing in piglets (r = +0.857, P = 0.007). Therefore, there is a particular need for health improvement in piglets and also in sows.

First detection and characterisation of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus in the Czech Republic

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV) is a highly neurovirulent coronavirus that invades the central nervous system in piglets. The incidence of PHEV among pigs in many countries is rising, and the economic losses to the pig industry may be significant. Serological studies suggest that PHEV is spread worldwide. However, no surveillance has been carried out in the Czech Republic. In this study, eight pig farms were screened for the presence of members of the Coronaviridae family with the use of reverse transcription PCR. A collection of 123 faecal samples and 151 nasal swabs from domestic pigs were analysed. In PHEV-positive samples, almost the complete coding sequence of the nucleocapsid gene was amplified and the acquired sequences were compared to those of geographically dispersed PHEV strains; phylogenetic analyses were also performed. PHEV was present in 7.9% of nasal swabs taken from different age categories of pigs. No other swine coronaviruses were detected. The amino acid sequence of the Czech PHEV strains showed 95.8–98.1% similarity to other PHEV reference strains in GenBank. PHEV strains collected from animals on the same farm were identical; however, strains from different farms have only exhibited only 96.7–98.7% amino acid sequence identity. Our study demonstrates the presence of PHEV in pigs in the Czech Republic. The Czech PHEV strains were evolutionarily closest to the Belgium strain VW572.