Gastric Ulcers In Pigs Research Articles

Gastric Ulcers in Pigs – A Review

Gastric Ulcers in Pigs – A Review

Gastric ulcers in finishing pigs: the evaluation of selected non-dietary risk factors and impact on production performance

BackgroundThe complex aetiology of gastric lesions in pigs remains largely unknown and effective preventive measures and pharmaceutical treatment of the disease have not been developed yet. Regardless of the fact that the overwhelming majority of previous research works dealing with gastric ulceration in pigs focused on the role of the nutritional determinants, including chemical composition of feeds, cereal type, finely ground pelleted diets, and feed additives, conclusions presented therein remain highly ambiguous. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the disease on production performance, and investigate the influence of selected non-dietary risk factors on the prevalence of gastric alterations in finishing pigs reared under conditions of 11 modern farms located in Poland.ResultsA total number of 26,043 finishing pigs was examined. 15,228 (58.47%) had gastric ulcers. Intact stomachs were detected in 6176 animals (23.71%). Parakeratosis and erosion were observed in 2551 (9.80%) and 2088 (8.02%), respectively. Among eight continuous variables two were found to be significantly associated with prevalence of the gastric ulcer: the growing number of animals in the herd, which was negatively correlated (P = 0.002; ρ = -0.37), and the growing average entry weight of animals transported to the finisher farm (P = 0.047; ρ = 0.24), which increased the risk of gastric ulcers prevalence. Among 12 nominal variables, problems with the quality of farm management (P = 0.041), and usage of straw as a bedding material (P = 0.002) were identified as determinants significantly associated with occurrence of the analysed health problem.ConclusionsAmong 20 non-nutritional variables analysed in our study only few factors were found to be associated with the prevalence of the disease. The impact of broadly understood management issues on gastric health in finishing pigs deserves further research.

24. Gastric ulcers in pigs: Characterization and prevalence

24. Gastric ulcers in pigs: Characterization and prevalence

164 Out-of-Feed Events and Gastric Ulcers in Finishing Pigs fed 40% air-Classified pea Starch Diets

Abstract Air-classified pea starch (ACPS), a new feed ingredient, that is very fine and may contribute to bridging and the formation of gastric ulcers in pigs, especially if combined with extended feed outage event. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a feed-out duration event in finishing pigs fed 40% ACPS diets, on gastric ulcers and animal growth parameters. A 28-d trial was performed utilizing 90 pigs with initial BW of 90.6±2.2 kg, housed in groups of 5 in a complete randomized design. A control group of pigs were also fed standard production diets without ACPS. A total of four treatments consisting of a control group (no ACPS) that had continuous access to standard feed, and an ACPS diet group exposed to 0h, 16h and 24h feed-out events. After d 28, 3 pigs/pen from the pigs fed ACPS diets were sent to a commercial abattoir and their stomach tissues harvested. Lesions in the pars oesophagea were scored on a scale of 0 to 4. Pigs fed the ACPS diets tended to have a higher BW (P < 0.09) compared to the control pigs by d 7. However, there was no difference on the overall BW (P>0.09). ADG was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the ACPS diets in the initial 7 days than the control pigs. Overall ADFI in pigs fed ACPS diets were higher (P < 0.05) than the control pigs. The overall G:F was reduced in the ACPS-fed pigs. The 0h, 16h and 24h out of feed events produced 83%, 91% and 100% ulcers respectively. With the average ulcer scores being 1.8, 2.3 and 2.0 for the 0h, 16h and 24h, respectively. In conclusion, feeding 40% ACPS diets resulted in a high incidence of ulcers and 16h feed outage results in the highest severity.

Evaluation of the prevalence of stomach ulcers in slaughtered pigs in a Swiss ­abattoir

The development of gastric ulcers in pigs has various reasons. In Switzerland, the last survey on the prevalence of gastric ulcers and possible risk factors was performed in 2005. We aimed to reassess gastric ulcers prevalence today, in 2021. A total of 1005 stomachs from fattening pigs from 136 batches and around 87 herds were evaluated at a Swiss abattoir. The Pars oesophagea of the stomach was scored from 0=healthy to 10=severe ulceration and strictures. Scores were compared between pigs produced under the labels «Integrierte Produktion Schweiz» (IPS, n=242 stomachs, 18 farms) and «Qualitätsmanagement-Schweizerfleisch» (QM, n=649, 58 farms) and others (n=114). The results showed a prevalence of 27,2 % mild mucosal changes (Scores 1-3), 14,9 % moderate mucosal changes (Scores 4-6) and 19,1 % severe mucosal changes (Scores 7-10). Only 38,8 % of the stomachs were rated 0 and thus considered healthy. Compared to the results from 2005, there is no difference concerning the lowest scores (0-2) and the highest scores (9-10). However, there was a shift from the medium scores (3-4) to higher scores (5-8). Stomach scores turned out to be herd specific. There were differences (p < 0,01) between labels, indicating that IPS pigs had less affected stomachs. Stomachs that were empty at slaughter showed higher scores (p < 0,001). The mean carcass weight of the pigs in the slaughter groups was negatively correlated (p < 0,05) to their median stomach score. Confiscations were not related to stomach scores. The results suggest that pig stomach health has not improved since 2005. The differences between labels seem to have resulted from different regulations prescribing a minimum particle size of enrichment material in IPS. The reasons for gastric ulcer development, including those on the individual herd within label, still have to be further clarified in order to allow targeted countermeasures. Given apparent farm-specificity, scoring of a limited number of stomachs per herd during the slaughter process could facilitate the establishment of a feedback scheme.

Non-targeted metabolomics of saliva to explore potential biomarkers for gastric ulceration in pigs fed hemp

Gastric ulceration is a common disease in pig production worldwide and is associated with economic losses as well as animal health and welfare issues. The aim of this study was to explore potential salivary biomarkers for gastric ulceration in pigs. In addition, the aim was to study the effect of hemp on the incidence of gastric ulcers. Approximately 440 growing-finishing pigs in the period from 30 to 110 kg BW were allocated to four different diets: meal feed (Meal); pelleted feed (Pellets); pelleted feed added 4% hempseed cake (Hemp Cake); pelleted feed added 4% hempseed hulls (Hemp Hulls). The day before slaughter, saliva samples from each pig were collected. After slaughter, the stomachs were emptied to assess the consistency of the stomach content and examined for gastric ulceration using an index scale (0–10). Noticeable changes of the gastric mucosa (total index score ≥ 6) were observed in 291 pigs. The odds of having index scores 0–5 relative to index scores 6–8 and 9–10, respectively, were higher (P < 0.001) for pigs fed Meal compared to pigs fed Pellets. The odds of suffering from severe gastric ulcers tended (P = 0.08) to be lower in pigs fed Hemp Hulls compared to pigs fed Pellets. A non-targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based metabolomics analysis was performed on saliva samples to determine any separation between pigs with healthy stomachs and those with gastric ulcers and to examine a possible correlation between gastric ulcer index and potential biomarkers. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis showed a separation between pigs with ulcers and those with healthy stomachs/hyperkeratosis (HK). Metabolites contributing to the separation between groups were identified. Levels of oxylipins deriving from linoleic acid were lower (P < 0.001) in pigs with ulcers compared to healthy/HK pigs. This may indicate a shift in the metabolic pathways towards more pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids, which might reflect an increased inflammatory response. Thus, reduced levels of oxylipins derived from linoleic acid seemed to be associated with active gastric ulcers, and thereby they might function as biomarkers for gastric ulceration in pigs. In addition, supplementation of hempseed hulls had a beneficial effect on severe gastric ulcers, as hempseed hulls changed the consistency of the gastric content by conferring more solidness. However, it was not possible to observe any reliable separation between pigs fed pellets supplemented with hemp products and pigs fed non-supplemented pellets according to the identified salivary metabolites.

Gastric Lesions in Culled Sows: An Underestimated Welfare Issue in Modern Swine Production

Specific anatomy of the porcine stomach results in a high risk of ulceration in the pars oesophagea. A fully developed ulcer leads to intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding followed by clinical symptoms of chronic pain; thus, gastric ulceration in pigs causes significant production losses and serious welfare problems. Nowadays, gastric ulceration is common in domestic pigs throughout the world, but a great deal of attention has been directed at finishers. This paper was intended to provide new data on the prevalence of the disease in commercially reared highly prolific sows. The study was carried out on 329 culled sows from four commercial farms located in Northern Poland. The severity of gross pathological lesions of pars oesophagea was assigned to grade 0 (no lesions), 1 (parakeratosis), 2 (erosion), or 3 (gastric ulceration with or without stenosis) by a veterinary practitioner. Abattoir analysis revealed 66.6% of sows’ stomachs with some degree of alterations. Gastric ulceration was detected in 45.5% of examined organs. Parakeratosis and erosion were found in 1.2 and 15.8% of stomachs, respectively. The investigation did not find any oesphageal strictures. Our investigation of the problem in high health status hyper-prolific sows showed the lowest prevalence of gastric lesions (i.e., ulcerative and preulcerative alterations collectively) compared to earlier studies but the highest percentage of gastric ulcers. The results indicate that gastric ulcers may be a highly prevalent and underestimated welfare issue in sows in modern pig production, worth further studies focusing on particular risk factors related to feeding, genetics, management issues, and sows longevity.

Helicobacter spp. and gastric lesions association in minipigs

ABSTRACT: Due to their similarity to humans, studies regarding gastric ulcers in pigs have become of great interest. It is known that Helicobacter spp. is related to the occurrence of these ulcers, as they possess a high prevalence in pigs. This study aimed to associate gastric lesions findings naturally occurring in minipigs related to or not related to the presence of Helicobacter spp., through the ultra-rapid urease test and immunohistochemical analysis, reaffirming the disease in swine as a natural biomedical model for human cases. For this, samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gastric tissues from 40 minipigs were obtained at the Laboratório de Morfologia e Patologia Animal (LMPA) in the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF). Regarding the ultra-rapid urease test, no animal was positive in all regions. However, 18 were positive in at least one: six (15%) were positive in the aglandular region, eight (20%) in the antrum region, 13 (32.5%) in the region of the cardiac gland, and one (2.5%) in the region of the fundic gland. Regarding immunohistochemical analysis, only one animal was positive in all regions, and 32 animals were positive in at least one: four (10%) were positive in the aglandular region, 10 (25%) in the antrum region, 23 (57.5%) in the region of the cardiac gland, and three (7.5%) in the region of the fundic gland. The gastric lesion findings showed a close relationship with Helicobacter spp., enriching the laboratory animal pathologies list. The immunostaining of the bacteria not associated with gastric lesions in certain regions demonstrated the saprophytic and opportunisitic nature of Helicobacter.

Evaluation of the awareness and practices of farmers on gastric ulceration in pigs in the Oyo State​, Nigeria

Background: Gastric ulceration has been identified as a significant problem affecting pigs worldwide causing economic losses and is of a welfare concern. Limited information was available on the awareness of farmers of gastric ulcers and the exposure of pigs to some identified predisposing factors. This study sought to fill this information gap. Methods: Data were collected from 148 registered pig farmers in 12 local government areas of Oyo state using structured questionnaires. On-site assessment of farms’ facilities and management practices was done to determine the level of exposure of pigs to known predisposing factors. Results: Most (84.5%) of the farmers were males with the majority (89.2%) being Christians. The scale of production was mostly (71%) between 50-150 pigs, while many (52.7%) had farming experience of over 5 years. Most (83.1%) of the farmers were aware of the occurrence of gastric ulcers in humans while only 23% were aware that pigs were affected. A high proportion (69%) of the farmers formulated their feeds based on their discretion while some (28.4%) used standard formula. A high proportion (62.2%) of farmers were utilizing mixed sized particles while 33.1% farmers were using finely grounded grains with most farmers (84%) feeding 1-2 times daily. Only 12.2% farmers evaluated water quality parameters with some (9.5%) sourcing water from streams. Farm design and facilities supported manual processes of feeding (100%), watering (60.8%) and sorting (85.8%). Restraints were mostly (96%) dependent on physical methods. Conclusion: This study showed that the awareness of gastric ulceration in pigs among farmers in the Oyo state was limited and pigs were consistently exposed to predisposing factors such as fine feed particles, unhygienic water, and stressful handling.

Molecular evidence of Helicobacter suis infection in pigs in Nigeria

Helicobacter suis mainly colonizes the stomach of pigs and occasionally infects humans. It is a prevalent cause of gastritis and gastric ulcers in both species. This study was designed to determine the colonization rate of H. suis in the stomach of pigs in Nigeria. Pig slaughter house surveys were conducted and stomach mucosa samples were collected from the fundus of the stomach of a total of 160 pigs in four locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Delta, Enugu and Plateau States). In each location, 50% of the samples were collected from stomachs with ulceration in the fundus, while the rest were from those with no gross lesions. DNA was extracted and PCR assay was conducted using standard primers. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square test (p< 0.05). H. suis was detected in 8.75% of the samples across the four locations at a frequency of 15, 7.5, 10 and 2.5% in Lagos, Delta, Enugu and Plateau states, respectively. H suis was detected in 12.5 and 5% of the stomachs with ulcers and without ulcers, respectively. H suis colonizes pigs in Nigeria at a relatively low rate with its colonization rate being higher in stomachs with ulcers. There is need for characterization of the strains of the organism in Nigeria for a better understanding of its possible role in gastric ulceration in pigs. Key words: Gastric ulcer, Helicobacter suis, pigs, stomach.

A study of associations between gastric ulcers and the behaviour of finisher pigs

Gastric ulcers are a common condition in finisher pigs. A study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that gastric ulceration alters the behaviour of finisher pigs. Two one-hour observations (from video recordings) of home pen behaviour were conducted in finisher pigs, at two farms (one in Denmark and one in Scotland), in the days immediately prior to slaughter. Stomach condition was assessed post mortem according to a pre-established ulcer score index. The behaviour of pigs with healthy stomachs (n = 36) was compared with the behaviour of pigs with deep ulceration of the pars oesophagea (n = 26). Assessment of various predefined postures and behaviours was made by an observer blind to the gastric ulcer status of the observed pigs. Behavioural data from the two sites were combined in a single analysis. Pigs with gastric ulcers tended to spend less time idle (p = 0.081) and less time lying on their left side (p = 0.064), and significantly more time standing (p = 0.009), or walking (p = 0.038) compared to healthy pigs. Pigs with ulcers also showed an increased frequency of posture changes (p = 0.02). A decrease in time spent lying on the left and an increase in standing/walking could both be interpreted as attempts to avoid liquid gastric contents pooling in the cranial region of the stomach. This along with the higher level of posture changes observed may indicate some degree of pain/discomfort associated with the presence of gastric ulcers in pigs. This study is the first to identify apparent behavioural differences between finisher pigs with or without gastric ulcers, and further work is needed to establish to what extent the apparent behavioural differences are a consequence of pain or discomfort for the animals concerned. Since gastro-oesophageal ulceration of pigs is associated with pelleting and fine grinding of feed which in turn is linked to increased growth efficiency there may be a dilemma between on one hand concern for preventing gastric ulcers and on the other hand concern for the efficiency and sustainability of pig production.

A 3-year prospective study of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda.

Aim:Determination of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda.Materials and Methods:Stomachs from all 5040 pigs that were slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda from August 2012 to August 2015 were examined for the presence and location of gastric ulcers. The results of the inspections were recorded and analyzed. Statistical analysis for Chi-square values was performed using the Software Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. The Z test for comparison of proportions was used and p<0.05 was considered significant.Results:Overall as well as per district, significantly more male pigs than female pigs were slaughtered (p<0.05). The incidence of gastric ulcers in slaughter pigs was 12.86%. The incidence of gastric ulcers in males (13.36%) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that in female pigs (12.84%) in all three districts. A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (69.03%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (30.97%) in slaughtered males (p<0.05). A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (79.59%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (20.41%) in slaughtered females (p<0.05). The overall incidence of esophageal ulcers (9.44%) in the slaughtered pigs was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of glandular region ulcers (3.41%). Pigs with carcass weight over 60 kg showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher (44.44%) incidence of ulcers than those between 40 and 60 kg (33.33%) and those below 40 kg (22.22%).Conclusions:It was concluded that the incidence of gastric ulceration in slaughter pigs at Base Abattoir was not associated with source (district) or sex of pigs but was associated with the carcass weight.

Prevalence and risk factors for gastric ulceration in pigs slaughtered at 170 kg

Oesophago-gastric ulcers (OGU) are a production and welfare problem in pigs. Stomach condition was scored for 22 551 pigs in 228 batches over a 7-month period at an abattoir in Italy processing heavy pigs for ham production. Mild or severe ulceration was observed in 20.7% of pigs, of which 13% had scar tissue. Variation between batches was high (0% to 36% prevalence of severe ulcers) and showed a significant effect of farm of origin (P<0.001). Overnight lairage increased the prevalence of mild ulcers (P<0.001), but not severe or scarred ulcers. Scarred ulcers increased in the hottest summer months. Prevalence of ulcers showed only few and weak correlations at batch level with pathologies of the pleura, lungs and liver, but a strong correlation with on-farm mortality of the batch. Analysis of farm risk factors for OGU was assessed by questionnaire with a response rate of 17% of farms. Risk factors retained in a multivariable model included a protective effect of anthelmintic treatment (risk ratio (RR)=5.1, P=0.03), increased risk in farms using Mycoplasma vaccination (RR=5.6, P=0.04) and a tendency for association with type of flooring (P=0.06). Univariable analyses also highlighted possible influences of other stress-inducing factors including lack of enrichment objects and mixing of pigs during fattening, suggesting that the role of on-farm stressors merits further investigation. It is concluded that abattoir screening of OGU in future programmes for the assessment of well-being on farm should encompass only severe lesions and scarring, and results be returned to farmers to facilitate improvement of production and welfare.

Impact of the amount of straw provided to pigs kept in intensive production conditions on the occurrence and severity of gastric ulceration at slaughter

This study examined effects of the amount of straw offered on occurrence and severity of gastric lesions in pigs kept in pens (18 pigs, 0.7m2/pig) with partly slatted flooring and 10, 500 or 1000g straw/pig/day from 30kg live weight. The pigs had ad libitum access to dry feed. Forty-five pigs were used, three from each of 15 pens. After euthanization, the dimension of the non-glandular region of the stomach was measured. Lesions were characterized and scored. Irrespective of straw provided, 67% of the pigs showed signs of gastric pathology. Pigs provided with 500 or 1000g straw were pooled as ‘permanent access’. The proportion of pigs with ulcerations was reduced by permanent access to straw (7 vs. 33%; P<0.05), suggesting that permanent access to straw may improve animal health, and be considered as one possible strategy to limit gastric ulceration in pigs.

Effects of grinding intensity and pelleting of the diet – fed either dry or liquid – on intragastric milieu, gastric lesions and performance of swine

The risk of pigs developing gastric ulcers is higher when fed finely ground and pelleted diets, the supposed mechanism being the liquid gastric digesta – resulting in a consistent pH level in all areas of the stomach. In order to better understand the mechanisms involved in the higher incidence of impaired epithelium of pars nonglandularis (PN) after intake of finely ground and pelleted diets, the present study aimed at generating detailed information regarding the local intragastric milieu in pigs. In addition, the effects of the water content of the offered diet on dry matter (DM), pH, buffering capacity (BC) and chloride (Cl) content of gastric digesta of pigs were investigated as several studies had implied that a liquid gastric digesta is a major risk factor for the development of gastric ulcers in pigs. Both diets (coarsely ground fed as meal (CM) vs. finely ground, pelleted (FP)) were identical in botanical and chemical composition and were either offered dry or in liquid form (250g DM/kg) ad libitum to 24 piglets. Weight gain and gain:feed ratio were not affected by the grinding intensity of the diet (P>0.05). However, a higher daily feed intake (P=0.015) and weight gain were observed in pigs fed liquid diets (P=0.009). After six weeks the animals were slaughtered and samples of gastric digesta were taken from different areas (pars nonglandularis, fundus, cardia and pylorus). The moisture content of the diet did not influence the pH (P≥0.1), whereas the structure of the diet (particle size and form of compaction) had a significant effect on the pH in the fundic area (P≤0.001). The FP diet caused a more liquid digesta (P≤0.05) in most areas and very homogenous pH values within the gastric digesta of different regions. In contrast, CM resulted in marked differences in the pH (P<0.05) in different areas with the highest values at PN and the lowest values at the fundus. None of the pigs fed CM showed gastric ulcers while the score of macroscopical evaluation of the epithelium at the PN was higher in pigs fed FP (P≤0.001) regardless of whether diets were fed dry or liquid. The BC at the PN was lower (P≤0.001) while Cl content at PN was higher (P≤0.001) in pigs fed FP. Particle size distribution of the diet seemed to be the predominant factor for intragastric milieu, while the moisture content of the offered diet had no effect (P>0.05) on observed parameters.

Effect of diet grinding and pelleting fed either dry or liquid feed on dry matter and pH in the stomach of pigs and the development of gastric ulcers

The physical form of diets has a marked impact on the development of gastric ulcers in pigs. Earlier studies showed effects of fine grinding and pelleting on the integrity of gastric mucosa as well as on local intragastric milieu. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dry or liquid feeding on intragastric milieu (DM and pH) in pigs. The 23 piglets were housed individually and fed with test diets and water ad lib for 6 wk. Both experimental diets [coarsely ground diet fed as mash (CM) vs. finely ground pelleted diet (FP)] were identical in ingredients (39.5% wheat, 34% barley, 20% soybean meal) and chemical composition and were either offered dry or in liquid (25% DM) form. At the end of the trial the animals were slaughtered; the stomach was removed and samples were taken from different localizations. Feeding diets dry or liquid had no effect on the pH (P > 0.05). The diet noticeably affected the gastric content. The FP diets resulted in a more liquid chyme (P < 0.05), and the intragastric pH did not differ between regions. Feeding CM caused marked effects of localization regarding pH (highest values: pars nonglandularis; lowest values: fundus). None of the pigs fed CM showed signs of gastric ulcers, but the score was markedly higher (P < 0.05) when pigs were fed FP. Therefore the predominant factor for development of gastric ulcers seems to be the structure (particle size) of the diet.

Impact of diets' physical form (particle size; meal/pelleted) on the stomach content (dry matter content, pH, chloride concentration) of pigs

Pars nonglandularis (PN) is the main affected area of gastric ulcers in pigs. Several factors are discussed to affect integrity of porcine gastric mucosa, but special emphasis is given to physical form of the feed. A total of 26 pigs (bw: 36.4 ± 10.5 kg) were housed individually and test diets were fed ad libitum for 3 days. The four diets used in this study were identical in botanical and chemical composition, but differed in grinding intensity (fine/coarse) and physical form (pelleted/meal). On day 3, animals were sacrificed 6 hours after free access to feed (after an overnight fast). The stomach was withdrawn in toto and frozen immediately at − 80 °C. A sagittal cut was made and samples of the frozen gastric content were taken from 15 standardized localisations to determine dry matter content, pH and chloride (Cl) concentration using standard methods. Physical form of diets noticeably affected quality and composition of stomach content. Marked effects were found in the PN. The finely ground and pelleted diet (FP) resulted in a more liquid chyme and a significantly higher Cl-concentration at PN in comparison to the results observed after feeding the unpelleted diets (CM/FM). There was no distinct pH gradient between the regions after feeding FP. However, the coarsely ground meal (CM) caused highest pH values at PN and low pH values at fundus region. Cl-concentrations at PN were markedly lower when pigs were fed the unpelleted diets (CM/FM). In pigs fed FP a significantly higher Cl-secretion rate of the upper gastrointestinal tract was found. Therefore this study shows clearly effects of grinding intensity and physical form of the diet on composition and quality of gastric chyme within the different regions of porcine stomach. The relatively high pH at PN after feeding the FP indicates that pH presumably is not the key factor for development of gastric ulcers in pigs at PN.

Integrity of gastric mucosa in reared piglets – effects of physical form of diets (meal/pellets), pre‐processing grinding (coarse/fine) and addition of lignocellulose (0/2.5 %)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of different particle fractions in non-pelleted (meal) and pelleted diets on the development of pre-ulcerative gastric alterations. Furthermore, the effect of increased crude fibre supply (lignocellulose) on the integrity of gastric mucosa were investigated. For that purpose, 49 piglets were divided into eight feeding groups and fed pelleted diets differing in grinding intensity (very coarse/coarse/fine/very fine) and addition of lignocellulose (0/2.5%) for 6 weeks. A coarsely ground meal was used as control diet. Mucosal integrity of the pars non-glandularis was characterised by macroscopical and histological score and basal epithelial conductance. Feed structure was assessed by sieve analysis (wet/dry). The use of coarsely ground meal (25% >2 mm, 29% <0.4 mm) had almost no negative effects on the gastric wall: three of seven pigs had slight histological and none had macroscopical lesions. Irrespective of the original grinding intensity before pelleting, offering pelleted diets led to mucosal changes similar in severity (one out of seven pigs fed coarsely ground and pelleted diets had no macroscopical alterations, whereas all pigs fed finely ground and pelleted diets showed altered tissues). Increasing the proportion of coarse particles in the pellet (from 25 to 29% >2 mm) did not show any ulceroprotective effect. An increase of crude fibre content (42-54 g/kg dm) by adding lignocellulose did not result in a decreased ulcerogenity. Unpelleted diets are recommended as more favourable for alleviating the problem of gastric ulcers in pigs as the pelleting process is equal to a secondary grinding process. According to our results, an upper level of fine particles seems to be reasonable (a minimum level of coarse particles is not ulceroprotective). In this study, an amount of 30% <0.4 mm resulted in higher risks for ulcerations.

Gastric ulcers in pigs affected with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome

Samples of gastric lymph nodes and the stomachs from 24 pigs selected from herds affected by postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and sudden death associated with gastric ulcers were studied. Pigs were selected on the basis of unthriftiness, decreased feed intake, and wasting. The stomachs were opened, inverted, and classified into 0-3 score according the severity of the gross lesions present in pars oesophagica (non-glandulargastric mucosa). Selected samples were processed for paraffin embedding and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry using anti-PCV2 (porcine circovírus type 2) antibody, anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody and a wide-spectrum anti-cytokeratin antibody was performed. Gross changes in pars oesophagea were classified according to the severity of lesions as score 3, 2, and 1 in 8, 6, 5 stomachs respectivelly. Microscopically, hyperplastic lymphoid follicles, lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrates and focci of necrosis in the gastric mucosa were common findings. Large amounts of PCV2 antigen were observed in the cytoplasm and nuclei from intralesional cells and debris from the gastric glandular mucosal zone; however, in the fundus, anti-PCV2 immunostaining was restricted to the surface mucosal cells and foveolar compartment. All gastric lymph nodes were positive for PCV2 antigen. Anti-H. pylori immunostaining was seen in eleven cases, mainly in the antrum, on the mucosal surface and foveolar compartment. The association of the anti-PCV2 immunostaining with the glandular mucus-producing cells suggests a role for PCV2 as an additional factor for the swine ulcer development.

Effect of feed withdrawal prior to slaughter on prevalence of gastric ulcers in pigs.

To determine whether withdrawing feed from pigs prior to slaughter had any effects on prevalence or severity of gastric ulcers. Split-plot design. 873 pigs. At the finishing barn, pigs were assigned to 30 pens. Feed withdrawal times (0, 12, or 24 hours) were assigned to pens at random, and pigs in each pen were marketed in 3 groups over a period of 4 weeks. The first marketing group consisted of the 10 heaviest pigs in each pen, the second consisted of the next 10 heaviest, and the third consisted of all remaining pigs. Feed was withheld from all pigs in each pen prior to removal of each marketing group. Thus, feed was withheld once, twice, or 3 times for pigs in the first, second, and third marketing groups, respectively. Feed withdrawal time was not significantly associated with ulcer score at the time of slaughter. Ulcer scores and prevalence of chronic damage were higher in the third marketing group, regardless of feed withdrawal time. Prevalence of severe damage, prevalence of chronic damage, and prevalence of esophageal constriction increased as carcass weight decreased. No pigs died of gastric ulceration. Results suggest that withdrawal of feed from pigs prior to slaughter does not increase damage to the stomach and that repeated feed withdrawal does not result in fatal gastric ulceration.