Pig Breeding Farms Research Articles

Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 078 toxinotype V found in diarrhoeal pigs identical to isolates from affected humans

In diseased piglets from two Dutch pig-breeding farms with neonatal diarrhoea for more than a year, culture and PCR analyses identified the involved microorganism as Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 078 harbouring toxin A (tcdA) and B (tcdB), and binary toxin genes. Isolated strains showed a 39 bp deletion in the tcdC gene and they were ermB gene-negative. A number of 11 porcine and 21 human isolated C. difficile PCR ribotype 078 toxinotype V strains were found genetically related by multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). Moreover, a clonal complex was identified, containing both porcine and human isolates. The porcine isolates showed an antimicrobial susceptibility profile overlapping that of isolates from Dutch human patients. On the basis of these pheno- and genotypical analyses results, it was concluded that the strains from affected piglets were indistinguishable from increasingly encountered C. difficile PCR ribotype 078 strains of human C. difficile infections in the Dutch population and that a common origin of animal and humans strains should be considered.

돼지 번식형질의 산차간 유전상관

본 연구는 Bayesian method에 바탕을 둔 Gibbs sampling algorithm을 이용하여 돼지의 번식형질에 대한 산차 별 자료를 활용하여 산차의 기록에 대한 서로 다른 모델설정시의 유전모수 추정치의 변화를 통하여 종돈장에서 분석모델설정, 선발 및 육종계획 수립 시 기초자료로 활용코자 1996년부터 2006년까지 국내 N 종돈장의 요크셔종 번식능력 검정자료 9,609자료와 혈통기록 3,981두의 자료를 이용하였다. 산차에 대하여 영구환경효과로 간주하고 분석한 총 산자수의 유전력 및 영구환경효과는 각각 0.12±0.020, 10.9±1.63%로 추정되었으며, 반복력은 각각 0.22±0.012로 추정되었다. 또한 산차를 다른 형질로 간주하고 단형질로 추정한 산차 별 유전력 및 표준편차는 1산차, 2산차, 3산차, 4산차, 5산차 및 6산차에서 각각 0.11±0.032, 0.15±0.037, 0.15±0.044, 0.12±0.042, 0.07±0.046 및 0.05±0.037로 추정되었으며 산차간 유전상관은 0.99에서 －0.13으로 분포되어 산차간 간격이 커질수록 유전상관이 떨어지는 경향을 보이며, 유전력이 떨어질수록 상관도 떨어지는 것으로 조사되었다. 이러한 산차에 대한 유전상관의 변화는 선발이나 혹은 산차간 환경에 기인한다고 볼 때, 총 산자수에 대한 산차 별 유전상관이 산차가 변함에 따라 작아지거나 혹은 변하는 상황에서, 산차간 유전상관이 동일하다는 가정이 많이 달라지므로 정확한 개체의 육종가 추정을 위하여는 산차를 고려한 반복모델보다는 개체의 산차를 다른 형질로 보는 것이 타당하다고 사료된다. Heritability and genetic correlation for reproductive traits in Yorkshire pig breed were estimated using Bayesian method via Gibbs sampling. The data set consisted of 9,609 reproductive records at pig breeding farm in Korea. For estimating those parameters using Gibbs sampling, 5,000 cycles of ‘burn-in’ period were discarded among a total of 55,000 samples. Out of the remaining 50,000 samples, 5,000 estimates by each parameter were retained and used for analyses to avoid any correlation among adjacent samples. The reproductive trait considered in this study were total number of born piglets(TNB) and estimated by two different models. The estimated heritability and permanent environmental effect using Gibbs sampler were 0.12±0.020 and 10.9±1.63, respectively. Estimated genetic correlations considered parities as different traits were distributed from 0.99 to －0.13. Such results indicated that reproductive traits for sows should be considered as different traits.

Resistência a antimicrobianos de Escherichia coli isolada de dejetos suínos em esterqueiras

The antimicrobial resistance of 96 Escherichia coli strains isolated from a stabilization pond system on a pig-breeding farm was evaluated. Strains were tested for their resistance against 14 antimicrobial using the agar diffusion method. E. coli strains showed resistance to tetracycline (82.3%), nalidixic acid (64%), ampicilin (41%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprin (36%), sulfonamide (34%), cloranphenicol (274%), ciprofloxacin (19%), cefaclor (16%), streptomicyn (7.3%), neomicyn (1%), amoxacilin/ clavulanic acid (1%), and amikacin (1%). No resistance was observed to gentamicin and tobramycin, and 37.5% of E. coli strains were resistant to four or more antimicrobials. The multiresistance pattern was found in strains isolated during all sampled period. Strains showed a high variability in the antimicrobial resistance pattern.

Virucidal efficacy of nine commercial disinfectants against porcine circovirus type 2

A number of commercially available disinfectants are commonly used on pig breeding farms and are authorised by the French Agricultural Ministry. However, the efficacy of these disinfectants is unknown with regard to the emergent porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). The virucidal efficacy of nine disinfectants was evaluated by testing a suspension of PCV2 isolated in France. The assays were performed at 20 °C and the efficacy determined after 30 min contact time between virus and disinfectant. After this time, the mixture was passed through a detoxification column and then diluted to remove compounds toxic to the virus and the porcine kidney cell line. The filtrate was serially diluted and inoculated onto cell culture. The infectivity of PCV2 was determined by an immunoperoxidase monolayer assay. No reduction in PCV2 titre was demonstrated with iodine and phenolic products. Significant PCV2 titre reductions (⩾1.61 log 10) were noted for the seven other products. For five disinfectants, namely a product composed of potassium monopersulfate, two products comprising a quaternary ammonium with one or three aldehyde(s), sodium hypochlorite, and sodium hydroxide, the concentration that significantly reduced the PCV2 titre was equal or 1.5–4 times lower than the authorised use concentration. Only two disinfectants, one composed of potassium monopersulfate, the other containing peracetic acid with hydrogen peroxide, reduced the PCV2 titre with a product concentration at best equal or two times higher than the authorised use concentration.

Esterqueiras: avaliação físico-química e microbiológica do dejeto suíno armazenado

Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do armazenamento de dejetos de suínos por 120 dias, em três esterqueiras de propriedades suinícolas localizadas na bacia do lajeado Suruvi, município de Concórdia, região oeste de Santa Catarina. Os parâmetros analisados foram: decomposição do material carbonáceo, transformação de compostos nitrogenados, adsorção do fósforo e viabilidade de microrganismos patogênicos. Os resultados revelaram que: a) as maiores remoções de material carbonáceo ocorrem entre 30 e 60 dias de armazenamento; b) o ambiente anaeróbio das esterqueiras impossibilitou as remoções de nitrogênio amoniacal por nitrificação/desnitrificação; c) embora as remoções de ortofosfato na fase líquida do dejeto tenham sido significativas, a estocagem por longo período parece favorecer a migração desse elemento para a fase sólida do resíduo, e d) ao longo dos 120 dias de armazenagem, não foi possível reduzir o NMP médio de coliformes (CF e CT), porém os valores remanescentes ainda são elevados, fato que dificulta a disposição do material.

Influence of zeolite application in pig breeding on biogas production

Adding zeolite in fodder improves digestion and animal development, and as a supplement for litter it reduces ammonia (NH3)emission. The aim of the research is to determine the effect of using zeolite in pig feeding and as a supplement for litter on biogas production on pig breeding farms. Determined differences in biogas amount and content were not statistically significant, which means that zeolite application does not jeopardize biogas production.

Sense of smell in workers exposed to agricultural odours

To investigate the effect of occupational exposure to agricultural odours on sense of smell. Olfaction was investigated in 60 employees of dairy and pig-breeding farms and compared to 60 non-farm controls living in the same rural area. Both groups were matched for age, sex and smoking habits. All participants underwent standardized, validated tests for olfactory function and were tested before and after the first day of a working cycle. In addition, farm subjects were also tested in the evening of Day 5 of this period. There was no difference in overall olfactory function between the two groups. Olfactory function was not related to duration of exposure to the odorous environment. These results suggest that occupational exposure to strong agricultural odours has no major impact on the sense of smell.

Simulated detection of syndromic classical swine fever on a Finnish pig-breeding farm

Although Finland has not experienced a classical swine fever (CSF) epidemic since 1917, the concern about early detection is relevant. The time until detection of CSF on a pig-breeding farm was predicted by simulation, and earlier detection of CSF-infected farms was assessed. Eight to 12 weeks will pass before CSF is detected on a Finnish pig-breeding farm, which resembles detection of the index farm for actual CSF epidemics in Europe. Although notification of suspected CSF on the infected farm accelerates detection the most, interventions aimed at promoting investigations of the general health problem noticed on the farm, or a more comprehensive testing of samples currently arriving from pig farms to the investigating laboratory could shorten detection time by 3 weeks. Results are applicable for further simulation of an event of a CSF epidemic in Finland, and for studying contingency options to promote more rapid detection of infectious diseases of swine not found at present in the country.

Heritability of clinical tail-biting and its relation to performance traits

Clinical tail-biters were identified over a 12-month period at a commercial nucleus pig-breeding farm that had a history of tail-biting problems. The breed, gender, and relative size of the tail-biters were recorded. Using pedigree data for all the pigs on the farm at the time of observations, the heritability of the tail-biting behaviour was estimated for purebred Large White (LW) and Landrace (LR) pigs. The incidence of tail-biting was 2.8% for Large White and 3.5% for Landrace (breed effects, P<0.10). Tail-biting was found to be heritable in Landrace ( h 2=0.05±0.02, P<0.05 as a 0–1 trait, equivalent to h 2=0.27 as a continuous trait), but not heritable in Large White pigs ( h 2=0.00±0.00, as a 0–1 trait). In the Landrace population, tail-biting was unfavourably genetically correlated with leanness [lean tissue growth rate (LTGR; r g=0.27, P<0.05), and back fat (BF) thickness at 90 kg ( r g=−0.28, P<0.05)]. It is concluded that past selection for desirable production traits may have resulted in increased predisposition to exhibit tail-biting behaviour. From the correlations and covariance matrix reported, it would be possible to develop a selection index to reduce the predisposition to exhibit tail-biting behaviour through selective breeding.

Prevalence, risk factors and economic importance of infestations with Sarcoptes scabiei and Haematopinus suis in sows of pig breeding farms in Hesse, Germany

A cross-sectional survey was performed in 110 randomly selected pig-breeding farms of southern Hesse, Germany to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasite infestations and to find possible risk factors. Ear scrapings of, if available, 10 sows per farm were examined for Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis (De Geer) (Acaridida: Sarcoptidae) by the potassium hydroxide digestion method, and a total of 2754 sows was inspected for skin lesions and infestations with Haematopinus suis (L.) (Anoplurida: Haematopinidae). Data on farm profiles and sows were collected by a questionnaire. In total, 19.1% and 2.5% of the sows were found to be infested with S. scabiei or H. suis, respectively. The percentage of mite or louse infestation was significantly higher in sows showing pruritus than in those without skin lesions. Both ectoparasite infestations were related neither to the age of sows nor their reproduction status, nor to the time interval to last ectoparasite treatment. Using farms as the unit of analysis, the estimated prevalence of mange mite and louse infestations was 45.4% and 14.5%, respectively. There was no significant association between the presence of S. scabiei and H. suis in the farms. Risk factors for S. scabiei infestation were mixed housing of dry and nursing sows in the same unit (vs. separate housing) and straw bedding (vs. strawless). For louse infestation, only mechanical cleaning of stable units (vs. additional use of disinfection methods) and pasturing of gilts and dry sows were identified as risk factors. The economic loss by S. scabiei infestation in the study population was assessed at euro 4200 per affected farm and year on average.

Cross-sectional survey in pig breeding farms in Hesse, Germany: seroprevalence and risk factors of infections with Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum in sows

A cross-sectional survey was performed to estimate the prevalences of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (ELISA, IFAT), Sarcocystis spp. (ELISA, using S. miescheriana as antigen) and Neospora caninum (ELISA, immunoblotting) in sows from breeding farms in southern Hesse, Germany. A total of 2041 plasma samples of sows from 94 randomly selected farms was examined. Data on farm profiles, husbandry management and sows were collected by a questionnaire and exploratively analysed. For T. gondii the ELISA results agreed well with the results obtained by IFAT (kappa = 0.71). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected by ELISA in 19% of the sows. Sixty-nine percent of the farms had at least one seropositive sow, and a within-farm seroprevalence of ≥50% was observed in 14% of all farms. The prevalence of anti- T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age of sows. The within-herd seroprevalence was significantly higher in farms with reproductive disorders than in those without such problems. On the farm level, the farm type ‘piglet production’ (versus ‘pedigree breeding’ or ‘farrow-to-finish’) was the only risk factor associated with the presence of T. gondii-seropositive sows. Antibodies to Sarcocystis spp. were found in 29% of the sows. Seventy-two percent of the farms harboured at least one seropositive sow, and a within-farm seroprevalence of ≥50% was detected in 23% of all farms. The seroprevalence increased significantly with the age of sows. On the farm level, only the farm type ‘piglet production’ (versus ‘pedigree breeding’) and the replacement of sows by purchasing (versus raising on the own farm) were identified as risk factors for seropositivity. Antibodies to N. caninum were detected in one sow using both the screening ELISA and the confirmatory immunoblotting technique. This may indicate the first natural N. caninum infection in pigs.

Immunoblotting, ELISA and culture evidence for Chlamydiaceae in sows on 258 Belgian farms

The prevalence of Chlamydiaceae infections on 258 closed pig breeding farms in Belgium was examined. For this purpose, 258 farms were randomly selected in the provinces West-Vlaanderen (44%), Oost-Vlaanderen (20%), Antwerpen (10%) and Vlaams-Brabant (6%). Of all farms examined, 96.5% were positive for Chlamydia-specific antibodies in ELISA and most were moderately to strongly positive. ELISA results revealed only 9 (3.5%) sero-negative farms. None of the ELISA negative sera reacted in immunoblotting. Only 212 of 249 ELISA positive sera reacted positive in immunoblotting. Additionally, 23 autopsy samples were examined by isolation in Vero cells. The major outer membrane sequence of the one isolate obtained showed 98.6% amino acid homology to the one of Chlamydophila psittaci strain CP3, formerly isolated from a pigeon. Present observations indicate that chlamydial infections are nearly endemic in the Belgian pig population and that Belgian pigs can become infected with C. psittaci. Nevertheless, the role and significance of Chlamydiaceae as pathogens in pigs remain unsolved and require further investigation.

Estimating Farm Productivity Differentials using Panel Data: The Hausman‐Taylor Approach

This paper investigates the relation between unobserved farm productivity and other production factors in a system of netput equations for specialised pig breeding farms in the Netherlands. In order to estimate the system, a Hausman‐Taylor panel data estimator is developed for a system of equations with unbalanced panel data. Tests on the correlation between model variables and farm‐effects are performed, yielding an insight into the sources of differences in total factor productivity and its components (e.g. managerial ability and scale economies). Results indicate that specialised pig breeding farms that are characterised by high total factor productivity have more buildings and machinery than farms with low total factor productivity.

Biotechnische Fortpflanzungssteuerung bei Sauen und mögliche verdeckte Genfrequenzänderung für das Brunstverhalten

Abstract. Title of the paper: Biotechnical control of reproduction in sows and the opportunity of a hidden change of gene frequency for estrous behaviour Since more than three decades hormones have been used for the synchronisation of ovulation in sows often combined with timed artificial insemination. This will be done without considering the estrous behaviour. A selection with regard to symptoms of standing behaviour is not necessary. Regarding to that it is possible to breed pigs that are not suitable for that purpose. The aim of this study was to examine the opportunity of hidden gene frequency changes in the genetics of pigs in two herds of German Landrace. This will be shown by the example of the standing behaviour and especially the time they need to come in heat after weaning of the piglets. The basic datas was provided by two pig-breeding farms. The calculation is based only on the information to the 2nd and 3rd litter of these sows in order to reduce the influence of selection. It is assumed that the path of heredity is monofacturial. Only pigs with the genotype “aa” will be negatively affected. At the beginning the father of boars (SS) is the sole carrier of the defect gene. The gene frequency, frequency for homozygotes and the correct number of concerned pigs after 10 generations will be calculated for a more accurate description of the expansion of this gene. The gene frequency results in the balance of 0.4 %. This figure has already been achieved after eight generations. According to this value the frequency of homozygotes is 0.0017 % on all paths of heredity. After ten generations the population will contain 0.0093 animals of the homozygot recessive genotype “aa”. There will be 0.0055 male and 0.0038 female pigs of the negative genotype. Finally, no negative effect of the usage of hormones for the synchronisation of ovulation in pigs has been proved.

Sobrevivência e perfil de resistência a antimicrobianos de Salmonella sp. isoladas em um sistema de tratamento de dejetos de suínos

No presente estudo, foi avaliada a sobrevivência de Salmonella sp., presente em dejetos suínos, durante tratamento em um sistema de separação física e lagoas de estabilização ligadas em série. Nas amostras de Salmonella sp. isoladas foi determinado o perfil de resistência pelo método de difusão em ágar, usando 14 antimicrobianos. Das 20 coletas realizadas, foi possível isolar Salmonella sp. em 13 coletas no ponto correspondente ao início do sistema de tratamento e em apenas uma no ponto final do mesmo. Amostras de Salmonella sp. isoladas (161/163) pertenciam ao sorotipo Typhimurium e demonstraram resistência contra sulfonamida (100%), tetraciclina (99,4%), estreptomicina (90,1%), sulfa/trimetoprima (84,5%), ácido nalidíxico (77,6%), ampicilina (76,4%), cloranfenicol (29,2%), cefaclor (25,5%), tobramicina (13,7%), gentamicina (6,2%), amoxacilina/ácido clavulânico (5%), neomicina (5%) e amicacina (3,7%). A maioria (94,5%) das amostras isoladas foram resistente a 4 ou mais antimicrobianos e apresentaram grande variabilidade nos perfis de resistência. O nível de resistência e a variabilidade dos perfis mantiveram-se em nível semelhante ao longo do sistema.

Open status of pig-breeding farms is associated with slightly higher seroprevalence of F18 +Escherichia coli in northern Belgium

F18 + enterotoxigenic and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli ( E. coli) are widespread and induce post-weaning diarrhoea and oedema disease, respectively. No commercial vaccine exists. Therefore, the F18 herd seroprevalence of 178 randomly selected pig-breeding farms in northern Belgium was evaluated by determining F18-specific IgG antibody titres in pooled sera of sows per breeding farm. This survey reported the first data concerning F18 herd seroprevalence and showed that F18 + E. coli seroprevalence was common in northern Belgium. Significantly more open pig-breeding farms were F18 seropositive (96.4%) compared to closed (88.8%). Furthermore, no clear association was determined between the F18 herd seroprevalence and the number of sows per breeding farm ( r sp=0.19), or with the number of fattening pigs per breeding farm ( r sp=0.17).

An estimate of heritability of clinical tail biting on a commercial pig breeding farm

Recent research suggests that the genetic makeup of a pig may contribute to the expression of tail biting (Breueret al., 2002). To date there has been little investigation into the genetics of tail biting. A significant population of tail biters was found at a commercial pig breeding farm at which an experiment on the genetic basis of the expression of harmful social behaviour was being performed. As pedigree data for each pig on the farm were available, the opportunity was taken to investigate the heritability of tail biting by recording the perpetrators of clinical tail biting.

Prevalence of levamisole and benzimidazole resistance in oesophagostomum populations of pig-breeding farms in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in porcine strongylid populations in northern North Rhine-Westphalia. A random, weighted sample of 144 pig-breeding farms, stratified by organisation and herd size, was selected from a total of 706 farms with at least ten sows associated with three breeding organisations. On 61 of all visited farms, no or insufficient strongylid eggs were found in the faecal samples. Eighty-three farms were surveyed for resistance by a larval development test (LDT) using a cut-off concentration of 0.58 microg ml(-1) for levamisole and of 0.0113 microg ml(-1) for thiabendazole. The results indicated resistance to levamisole and benzimidazole in Oesophagostomum spp on one and two farms, respectively. Quantitative LDT showed increased LD50 values of levamisole (0.24 microg ml(-1)) and thiabendazole (0.01-0.015 microg ml(-1)) for these field populations when compared with a drug susceptible laboratory strain of O. dentatum (0.084 microg ml(-1) levamisole; 0.0093 microg ml(-1) thiabendazole). Faecal egg count reduction tests using single standard doses of levamisole and flubendazole corroborated the LDT results. Thus, the prevalence of levamisole and benzimidazole resistance was estimated to be 2-3.5% in sow herds of northern North Rhine-Westphalia. The economic importance of these data is assessed.

Characteristics of a flubendazole resistant isolate of Oesophagostomum dentatum from Germany

Two controlled tests were performed to investigate the benzimidazole resistance of a nodular worm isolate “GIBZ” from a pig breeding farm in Germany. In Trial I, groups of five pigs, artificially infected with Oesophagostomum larvae isolated from that farm were treated with flubendazole at a single dose of 5 mg kg −1 bodyweight (BW) or remained untreated. In Trial II, three groups of three pigs each infected with larvae after a further laboratory passage of this isolate were treated with flubendazole either at a single dose of 5 mg kg −1 BW or at a divided dose of 1.5 mg kg −1 BW daily for 5 consecutive days, or with fenbendazole at a single dose of 5 mg kg −1 BW, the fourth infected group remained untreated. The respective doses of anthelmintics were mixed with a small amount of feed and administered to individual pigs in both trials. Fecal egg counts before and after treatment and post-mortem worm burdens 7 days after (last) treatment were examined to assess the anthelmintic efficacies. Only infections with Oesophagostomum dentatum were found in both trials. In Trial I, the mean worm count reduction by flubendazole was 30% as compared to the untreated controls. In Trial II, flubendazole administered at a single or divided dose reduced the mean worm burden by 0 and 85%, respectively, whereas fenbendazole was 100% effective. These results establish resistance to flubendazole in the isolate “GIBZ” of O. dentatum. The failure to reveal side resistance to fenbendazole may be explained by that the currently recommended dose rate of this compound is supra-optimal for porcine nodular worms.

Les zoonoses infectieuses des animaux de rente

The main bacterial and viral zoonoses that are diagnosed in cattle, sheep, goat, pig or poultry breeding farms in France are presented according to modalities of their transmission to man. Some zoonoses are occupational diseases that principally affect breeders, veterinarians or slaughterhouse workers: this is the case of rabies, tuberculosis, brucellosis, Q fever, chlamydiosis, leptospirosis, anthrax, erysipelas, Streptococcus suis infection, pasteurellosis, cowpox, paravaccinia, orf and influenza. Other zoonoses are mainly transmissible from animal to man through contaminated food: bovine spongiform encephalopathy, salmonellosis, listeriosis, campylobacteriosis and Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection. The authors underline the epidemiological features of these zoonoses in animals and indicate the prophylactic programmes aimed at their control in the breeding farms.