Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome Research Articles

104 Investigation Into the Serum Metabolome and Identification of Biomarkers for Early Detection of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome in Sows

Abstract The swine industry is comprised of highly productive and healthy sows capable of weaning large litters for multiple parities. This prolificacy has resulted in greater metabolic demands during lactation due to increased capacity and demand for milk production. Modern sows also have increased genetic merit for leanness which has altered the amount of energy reserves available for mobilization to support the growing demands of lactation. Together, these factors may render modern sows more vulnerable to metabolic disorders such as postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) or mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA). Described as a metabolic and hormonal disturbance, a hallmark of PDS is a reduction (dysgalactia) or cessation (agalactia) in milk production after farrowing. Insufficient milk production by the sow leads to increased piglet mortality, causing substantial economic losses, reducing sow welfare, and resulting in premature removal of sows from the herd. Our prior reports have shown differences in circulating analytes and inflammatory markers between healthy sows and sows affected with PDS following parturition. However, very few differences were observed before clinical signs were evident, rendering these analytes ineffective in early detection of PDS. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to utilize gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) to further characterize the biological conditions and metabolic pathways contributing to PDS in sows. Through this, we aimed to identify small molecules in circulation with the potential for use as a biomarker to aid in early detection of PDS. To accomplish this, a study was conducted on a commercial sow farm with a history of poor lactation performance. Sows (n = 36) with clinical signs of PDS were matched by parity and day of lactation with healthy control (CON) sows (n = 36) that remained unaffected. Blood samples collected at farrowing (timepoint 1) and at onset of clinical PDS (timepoint 2) were subjected to GC-MS. As expected, piglets from PDS sows had decreased (P < 0.01) average daily gain and greater mortality than piglets from control sows. Following GC-MS analysis, 16 and 41 molecules were identified as significantly different between CON and PDS sows at timepoint 1 and timepoint 2, respectively (P < 0.10). A difference in 2-hydroxybutyric acid, an early marker for insulin resistance and impaired glucose regulation, was observed at timepoint 1. Additional molecules identified as significantly different at timepoint 1 include D-pinitol, D-glucose, inositol (3,6)-bisphosphate, and others. These differentially abundant molecules at timepoint 1 represent potential biomarkers for early detection of PDS.

29 (P2-10). Dietary trace mineral source affects prevalence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome, backfat mobilization and therapeutic interventions in lactating sows exposed to high ambient temperatures

29 (P2-10). Dietary trace mineral source affects prevalence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome, backfat mobilization and therapeutic interventions in lactating sows exposed to high ambient temperatures

Risk factors associated with post-weaning diarrhoea in Austrian piglet-producing farms

Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) is a frequent, multifactorial disease of piglets leading to increased mortality rates and high economic losses. Due to the emergence of multi-resistant Escherichia coli isolates and the ban of zinc oxide (ZnO) in the EU since June 2022, alternative measures to prevent PWD are urgently needed. While an abundance of feed supplements is described to prevent PWD, there are hardly any studies reflecting the current situation of PWD in the field. Thus, we aimed to identify differences in management practices, housing and feeding strategies between farms with PWD and farms without PWD. Data were personally collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in 257 Austrian piglet-producing farms. Farms with PWD in more than 10% of all weaned groups within twelve months prior to data collection were defined as case farms (n = 101), while the remaining 136 farms were defined as control farms. Data from 237 farms and 69 explanatory variables were analysed via penalized binary logistic regression using elastic-net in 100 different splits into randomly selected training and test datasets (80:20). Treatment with ZnO and/or colistin (136 farms) was negatively associated with PWD in all splits and had the biggest estimated absolute log odds ratio out of all tested variables. Implementation of an all-in/all-out system in the nursery units and administration of probiotics or horseradish also had preventive effects in most splits (≥ 97%). A higher number of feeding phases for piglets within the first seven weeks of life and housing on fully slatted floors was associated negatively with the occurrence of PWD as well in > 95% of all splits. PWD was more likely to occur on farms having problems with neonatal diarrhoea or postpartum dysgalactia syndrome. While our data demonstrate that treatment with ZnO or colistin had the biggest statistical effect on PWD, we were able to identify other preventive measures like supplementation with probiotics or horseradish. Since implementation of all-in/all-out measures and fully slatted floors were also negatively associated with the occurrence of PWD on visited farms, we assume that reduction of bacterial load by the implementation of simple hygiene measures are still crucial to prevent PWD.

Effect of tolfenamic acid in postpartum gilts and the performance of their piglets

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS) is a common disorder affecting sows in intensive production systems. In most cases, hypogalactia is not clearly identified and assumes a subclinical aspect. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) based on tolfenamic acid as a prophylactic treatment for PPDS and the performance of suckling piglets. Gilts (n = 319) were randomly divided into two groups: a tolfenamic acid group (n = 157) and a control (n = 162). The tolfenamic acid group received a single intramuscular injection (1 ml/20 kg of 4% tolfenamic acid) after farrowing, whereas the control group received no treatment. The occurrence of PPDS was confirmed. All piglets (n = 4,466) were weighed at 1, 4, and 18 days of age. All litters were evaluated for weight gain, the occurrence of diarrhea, and mortality between 4 and 18 days of age. PPDS variables were analyzed using logistic regression. Piglet weights were analyzed based on covariance while considering the effects of initial weight and the presence of diarrhea. Tolfenamic acid had no significant effect on the incidence of PPDS. The tolfenamic acid group had a 0.41% lower piglet mortality rate until 18 days of age. Tolfenamic acid administered prophylactically to gilts after farrowing reduced piglet mortality during lactation and promoted weight gain.

Reproductive health of the sow during puerperium.

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

Serum Concentrations of Immunoglobulins and Cortisol Around Parturition in Clinically Healthy Sows and Sows with Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome (PDS).

IntroductionThis study aimed to determine the profile of immunoglobulins and cortisol concentrations in serum around the periparturient period in sows suffering from postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) and in healthy sows.Material and MethodsA total of 45 sows with lactation impairment (Group PDS) and 58 clinically healthy sows with a physiological peripartum period (Group H) were subjected to a serological test (ELISA) for measurement of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and cortisol concentration.ResultsThe serum contents of IgG, IgM and IgA had highly similar profiles in PDS-affected sows and healthy ones. A significantly higher concentration of IgG at 28 and 14 days ante partum compared to days 3 and 7 post partum was only observed in Group H. The mean cortisol content remained at a highly similar level throughout the entire experiment in both groups.ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that lactation impairment such as PDS did not influence the immunoglobulin or cortisol concentration in sow serum.

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows: effects on behavior of sows and piglets

BackgroundTo investigate if specific sow and piglet behavioral characteristics could be used diagnostically, this case-cohort study of the behavior of sows and piglets during the periparturient period (from 24 h before the birth of first piglet to 24 h after the birth of last piglet) was conducted. Data included 32 sows diagnosed with PDS (PDS+) vs. 37 healthy matched controls (PDS−) and their litters.ResultsA significant change from active behavior with many postural changes to a more passive behavior was noted in connection with parturition. Sow nesting behavior was less frequent in PDS+ sows compared to PDS− sows during (p = 0.04) and after parturition (p = 0.0004). No difference was found between PDS+ and PDS− in the number of postural changes, interval from last time standing to the birth of the first piglet, interval from last time eating/drinking to the birth of the first piglet, interval from the birth of the first piglet to the sow standing after farrowing, interval from the birth of the last piglet until eating/drinking, occurrence of bar biting, or frequency or duration of eating/drinking during the observation period. Piglets of PDS+ sows stayed outside the creep areas more often than piglets of PDS− sows (p < 0.0001), but there was no difference in the mean number of piglets observed massaging the udder every 10 min.ConclusionThese results confirm that sow behavior changes from active before parturition to more passive after parturition. Being diagnosed with PDS affected the periparturient behavior of sows as well as their piglets. The observed reduction in nesting behavior in PDS+ sows may suggest that a highly motivated piglet-oriented behavior was affected. However, classical sickness behaviors like lethargy and passivity seem to be poor markers for PDS.

OPRACOWANIE I WALIDACJA SKUTECZNOSCI PRODUKTÓW FERMENTOWANYCH NA BAZIE ´ BACILLUS JAKO ALTERNATYWY DLA ANTYBIOTYKÓW U ZWIERZ ˛AT DOMOWYCH

Intestinal microflora plays a critical role in the process of nutrient digestion and immunomodulation. Normal gut microbiota is responsible for resistance to colonization by exogenous pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogen invasion alters the intestinal microbiota composition and causes intestinal disorder in domestic animals. Moreover, stress, infection, or dysbiosis during the feeding period also results in an imbalanced gut microbiota, which also leads to postweaning diarrhea of piglets and necrotic enteritis of chickens. It has been demonstrated that B. licheniformis and B. subtilis has antimicrobial activity against pathogens through the production of antibacterial cyclic lipopeptide surfactin. Therefore, in the present review a series research works on the Bacillus based-fermented products efficacy and validation by alleviating the diarrhea incidence, enteritis, coccidiosis, modified gut microbiota, and decrease postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in pigs and chickens.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ СВИНОМАТОК ПРИ СИНДРОМЕ ПОСЛЕРОДОВОЙ ДИСГАЛАКТИИ

The paper presents the results of the study on the effectiveness of the treatment of sows with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome. It is a pathology of the early postpartum period that causes serious economic damage to the industrial pig industry. The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of Ceftonit® Forte when used alone and together with Flunex in sows with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in comparison with the control group, which was treated according to the regimen adopted in the farm. The work was performed at the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev (RGAU-MSHA named after K.A. Timiryazev), FSBI “Central Scientific and Methodological Veterinary Laboratory”, as well as in OOO SEC Mashkino. The material for the study was 45 sick sows of Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc breeds or their hybrids, which were diagnosed with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome. According to the principle of analogues (by age, parity, fecundity, etc.), the animals were divided into three experimental groups. The results of bacteriological studies with sensitivity determination of isolated pure cultures of the microorganism to antibacterial drugs served as the basis for prescribing experimental sows of the first and second groups as the drug of choice of cephalosporin antibiotic of the 3rd generation – Ceftonit® Forte. The best results in terms of the frequency and terms of recovery were obtained when Ceftonit® Forte, a cephalosporin antibiotic with established sensitivity to all identified pathogens of postpartum infection (endometritis, mastitis), alone or together with Flunex was prescribed to sick sows, the worst – in animals of the control group treated in mono mode drug based on amoxicillin trihydrate. In terms of the proportion of recovered animals, the effectiveness of SPD therapy when using Ceftonit® Forte alone or in combination with the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug Flunex was 100%.

Changes of adenosine deaminase activity in serum and saliva around parturition in sows with and without postpartum dysgalactia syndrome

BackgroundPostpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is associated with a significantly higher activation of the inflammatory and stress response at parturition than in the healthy sow. Therefore, reliable and possibly non-invasive biomarkers for substantial increases of inflammation are searched to support the PDS diagnosis. This report studies the possible changes of the inflammatory marker enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) in serum and saliva of 38 PDS positive sows (PDS+) and 38 healthy sows (PDS-). Sampling was performed every 24 h from 60 h before to 36 h after parturition. Isoenzyme 1 (ADA1) and isoenzyme 2 (ADA2), as well as total ADA (tADA), were measured and their statistical association with several serum and saliva biomarkers of inflammation and stress was investigated.ResultsCompared to a baseline (60 to 36h prepartum), salivary activities of ADA1, ADA2 and tADA increased significantly over time in both PDS+ and PDS- sows, reaching their peaks after parturition. In serum from PDS- sows, no changes were observed over time in either ADA1, ADA2 or tADA. In PDS+ sows, serum ADA2 activity decreased temporarily after parturition followed by a significant increase compared to baseline. ADA1, ADA2 and tADA were all significantly associated with several inflammatory biomarkers and ADA1 in serum was associated with serum cortisol. Although serum activity was higher in PDS+ than in PDS- sows, the differences were not statistically significant. Further, no difference was noted between the groups in the analyses of saliva.ConclusionsSalivary ADA1 and ADA2 increased in all sows after parturition, potentially as a response to the postpartum inflammation. However, no difference in the activity of ADA1, ADA2 and tADA were found between PDS+ and PDS- sows indicating inability to diagnose PDS under the conditions described in this report.

Virulence genes of Escherichia coli vaginal isolates associated with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows

Objective: Identify the occurrence of certain virulence genes of Escherichia coli vaginal isolates associated with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in sows. Materials and methods: Two hundred and two sows from 5 Macedonian pig farms were clinically examined for PDS 12 to 24 hours after farrowing. Vaginal swabs for bacteriological testing were taken from PDS-affected (PDSA, n = 47) and PDS-unaffected (PDSU, n = 155) sows. In total, 74 isolates of E coli were tested by multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the presence of virulence genes related to specific pathogenic strains. Results: Genes associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic E coli (ExPEC) strains were the most prevalent among all tested E coli isolates. The most dominant gene among all E coli isolates was fimC. The iss gene was more prevalent in PDSA sows compared to PDSU sows (P = .02). Multivariable logistic regression showed that lower parity sows (P ≤ .001) and presence of the iss (P = .003) and astA genes (P = .03) were correlated with the occurrence of PDS. Implications: Lower parity sows vaginally infected with E coli associated with particular ExPEC strains are at higher risk of developing PDS. Positive vaginal swabs for E coli and iss gene found early after farrowing were associated with PDS in sows. Classification of E coli into specific ExPEC pathotype was not possible by virulence genotyping only.

Effects of dietary fibre on metabolism and performance in sows.

The etiology of Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) includes stress οn preparturition and constipation associated with low water intake or low fiber intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a raw crude fibre concentrate (Arbocel®) on sow's metabolism and performance. 100 sows from a farm suffering from PDS, were divided into two groups, with equal distribu- tion of their parity (1 to 5 parity): a) T1 group (control group): 50 sows were fed with regular gestation feed (GF), pre-farrowing feed (PFF), and lactation feed (LF), b) T2 group: 50 sows were fed with regular GF, PFF and LF supplemented with topdress Arbocel® from 104th day of gestation until 7th day of lactation). Health parameters [faeces score (FS), PDS score (PDSS), body condition score (BCS)], performance parameters and liter characteristics were recorded. Blood samples were collected from 25 sows / group (5 sows per parity) 24 h after birth of last piglet and on 14th day of lactation for the evaluation of insulin, leptin and ghrelin levels in the serum, using commercial ELISA kits. In T2 group, BCS at farrowing (p⟨0.001), FS (p=0.001) and PDSS (p=0.003) were improved significantly. The number of piglets stillborn and dead due to crushing decreased (p=0.001), while the number of liveborn (p=0.016) and weaned piglets (p=0.001) increased in T2 group. Moreover, in T2 group, the BW of piglets at weaning was higher (p⟨0.001). A significant increase of insulin (p=0.032) and leptin (p=0.032) levels in serum was noticed in T2 group 24 h after farrowing. In conclusion, the supplementation of extra crude fibre in breeding stock with PDS problems due to nutritional imbalance has beneficial effects on their health and performance.

Informative value of the use of infrared thermography in the complex diagnosis of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows

The article presents scientific materials on the use of the method of remote infrared thermography in the complex diagnosis of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows. The general body temperature and the temperature of the skin surface of individual parts of its body are important indicators of the functional state of the animal body. In veterinary practice, they are widely used for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of various diseases. Now, the most perfect way to register the spatial distribution of temperatures is the method of infrared thermography. Infrared thermography is the process of obtaining a visible image of an object based on its infrared radiation, which is low-energy and invisible to the human eye. Infrared radiation from the skin depends on both external and internal factors. Their change will undoubtedly affect the thermal conductivity of the body and reflect itself on thermograms in the form of thermal patterns of various color grading. Despite the abundance of factors affecting skin radiation, infrared thermography is a promising method for the timely diagnosis of many diseases. The undoubted advantages of this method are its non-invasiveness, the absence of contraindications and species-specificity, and the non-invasiveness of the examination. In this connection, the purpose of this study was to determine the information content of the use of infrared thermography in the complex diagnosis of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows.

Prophylactic Use of Meloxicam and Paracetamol in Peripartal Sows Suffering From Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS) is a major economic problem in modern sow farms. General treatment of PPDS consists of the use of oxytocin to promote milk ejection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate inflammatory processes. So far, studies investigated the use of a single administration of NSAIDs after parturition in healthy and non-healthy sows. The current study investigated whether administration of meloxicam or paracetamol in sows prior to parturition improves sow and piglet health as well as performance in a farm with PPDS problems in sows. Sixty sows and 978 piglets from a Belgian farrow-to-finish farm were enrolled. Sows were randomly divided into three groups: a non-treated control group, a meloxicam-treated group and a paracetamol-treated group. Treatment was administered orally for 7 days from gestation day 113 onwards. Performance and health parameters investigated in sows were gestation length, farrowing duration, litter characteristics, colostrum yield and quality (Immunoglobulin G), litter weight gain, weaning-to-estrus interval, pregnancy rate, rectal temperature, acute phase proteins and inflammatory markers serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, interferon γ, interleukin 1β and 6 backfat, constipation and feed refusal. Performance and health parameters in piglets were birthweight, average daily weight gain, colostrum intake and mortality. Paracetamol-treated sows showed a significantly (P = 0.04) lower rectal temperature (mean ± SD: 38.09 ± 0.18°C) than the meloxicam-treated sows (38.24 ± 0.18°C), but not than the control group (38.22 ± 0.18°C). Sows of the paracetamol-treated group had a significantly (P = 0.001) longer gestation length (116.3 ± 0.9 days) than sows of the control group (115.3 ± 0.6 days), but not than meloxicam-treated sows (115.9 ± 0.9 days). No significant differences between the three groups were found for all the other parameters. In conclusion, the prophylactic oral administration of either meloxicam or paracetamol for 7 days starting 2 days prior to farrowing did not show beneficial effects on both health and performance parameters of sows and piglets.

The Effect of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products and Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome on Litter Performance Traits, Milk Composition, and Fecal Microbiota in Sows.

Simple SummarySupplementation of probiotics can shape the gut microbiota of sows and further influence their offspring’s gut microbiota. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is a common disease in sows worldwide. Sows with PDS have depressed milk production and increased piglet mortality. The bacterial pathogen is an important factor in the etiology of PDS. Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) containing probiotics and antimicrobial substances can prevent disease and improve growth performance in broilers and weaning piglets. However, little is known about the effect of BLFP, PDS, and interaction on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows. In this study, the effects of BLFP and PDS on sows were evaluated. Results show that BLFP supplementation in the diet of sows improves the piglet body weight at weaning. Dietary supplementation of BLFP or PDS differentially regulates the fecal microbiota of sows.This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows in a commercial farrow to finish pig farm. Fifty multiparous cross-bred pregnant sows were randomly assigned to two groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet (pregnancy and nursery diet) as control and basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/kg of BLFP. Sows with PDS in the two groups were further verified 12 h post-partum. Results show that the piglet body weight at weaning was increased in sows fed the BLFP compared to those fed the control diet. The milk fat content of prepartum sows was reduced in sows fed the BLFP. Postpartum sows with PDS had increased milk solid content compared with healthy sows. Microbial composition and species relative abundance analysis indicated distinct bacterial clusters between the groups. The abundance of the family Prevotellaceae in the feces decreased in sows with PDS. BLFP increased the average abundance of the genus (Eubacterium) coprostanoligenes group in feces of sows. These findings demonstrate that BLFP in the diet of sows can improve the piglet body weight at weaning and modulate the fecal microbiota of sows. PDS also has an impact on milk composition and fecal microbiota in sows.

Update on postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows.

Postparturient disorders in sows represent an economically important disease complex in modern piglet production worldwide. Possible findings affecting the mammary glands and/or the reproductive tract and the sow’s general condition are summarized as a syndrome consisting of a set of symptoms such as mastitis and/or metritis. The term postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is most commonly used (Klopfenstein et al., 2006), but other names such as mastitis–metritis–agalactia (MMA) (Martin et al., 1967), agalactia toxemica (Ringarp, 1960), agalactia complex (Penny, 1970), agalactia postpartum (Hermannson et al., 1978), lactation failure (Elmore and Martin, 1980), periparturient hypogalactia syndrome (Smith et al., 1992) or puerperal septicemia and toxemia (Bostedt et al., 1998) have been suggested, too. The predominant symptom is reduced milk production with or without apparent mastitis during the first days after farrowing (Ross et al., 1981; Wegmann et al., 1986; Heinritzi and Hagn, 1999). Increased piglet losses due to high mortality rates caused by a lack of sufficient milk production lead to a significantly reduced number of weaned piglets. Possible causes of PDS vary, and the etiology of the syndrome is clearly multifactorial (Gerjets and Kemper, 2009). In most cases, PDS is limited to a few animals and may only be sporadic. Nonetheless, almost epidemic cases in affected herds were described with documented incidence in sow herds of up to 60% (Hirsch et al., 2004). The average incidence thereof was described as being approximately 13% (Hermannson et al., 1978; Jorsal, 1983; Bäckström et al., 1984; Madec and Leon, 1992; Papadopoulos et al., 2008a). However, these epidemiological studies on incidence at herd level are not directly comparable because of different trait definitions of PDS with no commonly defined phenotype. Sows in herds of different hygienic practices and standards may show PDS. It even occurs on excellently managed farms with optimized disinfection practices. Most research on this topic was conducted between the 1970s and 1990s (Gerjets and Kemper, 2009). Despite continued research activities, no real breakthrough has been made, and no single pathway has been identified. This either confirms the multifactorial etiology or indicates that if there is one single pathway, it may be masked by other overlaying factors. Both can be expected in a syndrome defined as a set of symptoms. However, PDS is still regularly diagnosed on farms. In practice, most clinical cases can be treated effectively with anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones, or antibiotics. Nevertheless, because of the evolving need for the prudent use of antimicrobials in the last decade, a more detailed look into pathoetiology and possible prevention of PDS has become necessary. As clinical signs are as varying as possible etiologies, this review aims to summarize recent insights into PDS gained in the last decade, with a main emphasis on mastitis and its prevention by considering the respective contributory factors.

Dynamics of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine changes in serum and assessment of their diagnostic utility during lactation impairment in pigs

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in sows is a frequent and important clinical problem in the field. Currently, the diagnosis is based on physical examination performed during first days after the farrowing.The present study aimed at evaluation the dynamics of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α) changes in serum of sows during peripartum period (day − 28 to + 28) and assessment of their diagnostic utility during lactation impairment in pigs. The study was done on 139 sows divided into 3 groups: clinically healthy sows, sows with lactation disorders, sows which had experienced difficult parturitions, lameness, etc. In order to measure the level of serum cytokines, the quantitative species-specific ELISA assays were used.The investigation demonstrated a different kinetics of changes of studied cytokines in sows from various groups. IL-6 and TNF-alfa shown high dynamic changes after farrowing in in sows. The levels of IL-8 and IL-10 were relatively stable in healthy sows, while in sows with peripartum disorders usually increased during lactation. However, the detailed examination revealed that investigated cytokines cannot be a useful early diagnostic markers of lactation impairments in sow. They do not allow to detect with high probability which sows are susceptible to lactation disorders before the parturition.

Lack of evidence of mastitis as a causal factor for postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows.

To investigate the prevalence of mastitis in sows suffering from postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS), we examined milk constituents and concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained from the udder vein (v. epigastrica). As part of a case–cohort study, 109 sows were monitored daily from 60 h antepartum (a.p.) to 36 h postpartum (p.p.). Over time, 38 sows were diagnosed with PDS (PDS+) and were retrospectively matched with 38 healthy sows (PDS−). The study period was divided into 7 smaller time periods (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and E), allowing the studied values, in period B to G, to be compared with period A that served as a baseline, and PDS+ and PDS− sows were compared within the time periods. All sows were subjected to a thorough daily clinical examination and blood was sampled from v. epigastrica for LPS detection. Milk samples were obtained for bacteriological evaluation and detection of N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), β-glucuronidase (β-glu; for evaluation of mastitis), isocitrate (isoC), free glucose, uric acid (UA; for evaluation of the mammary energy status), β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA; for evaluation of ketosis), and milk urea (for evaluation of the protein status). The results revealed that PDS+ sows had decreased concentrations of UA in milk (P < 0.0001), increased heart rates (P < 0.01), increased mammary edema (P < 0.05), and prolonged capillary refill time in the vulvar mucosa (P < 0.01) compared with PDS− sows. Compared with baseline, feces became more solid 0 to 36 h p.p. (P < 0.0001) and the respiration rate decreased 12 to 24 h p.p. (P < 0.0001) for both PDS+ and PDS− sows. No differences were found between PDS+ and PDS− sows for severe bacterial infections, concentrations of LPS in blood or LDH, NAGase, BHBA, free glucose, isoC, or urea in milk. Concentrations of LPS in blood were not associated with signs of mastitis or edema in the mammary glands. However, a difference over time was seen for redness (P < 0.0001), warmth (P < 0.0001), and hardness (P < 0.05) of the 6 most anterior glands in both PDS+ and PDS− sows from 60 h a.p to 36 h p.p. The PDS− sows had greater concentrations of β-glu than the PDS+ sows, but no change over time was demonstrated for this marker. In conclusion, signs of mastitis were not consistently linked to PDS in sows. However, the cardiovascular system seemed to be compromised in PDS+ sows and the cause should be investigated to elucidate the pathogenesis of PDS.

Prevalence and Clinical Signs of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome at The First Day after Farrowing in Farmed Sows in The Republic of Macedonia

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) and associated clinical signs in farmed sows in the Republic of Macedonia (RM) in the first 12-24 h postpartum. A total of 202 sows of different parity and different genetic lines from 5 pig farms in RM were included in the study. The sows and their litters were clinically examined 12-24 hours after farrowing. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome was detected in 23.3% of all clinically examined sows, while prevalence between farms ranged from 14.8% to 38.1%. Altered piglet’s behavior was the most frequent clinical pattern observed in 68.1% of the PDS–affected (PDSA) sows. Regarding the clinical signs in PDSA sows detected among farms, significant differences were observed in the altered piglet’s behavior (p&lt;0.05) and hypogalactia (p&lt;0.05). Endometritis was more often detected in older sows (90%) compared to endometritis in younger animals (44.4%). In addition, fever was also more frequently diagnosed in higher parity (≥3 parity) sows (55.0%) in contrast to other PDSA sows (22.2%). This study has demonstrated the presence of PDS in farmed sows in RM. High frequency of altered piglet’s behavior found in this study could be an useful indicator for early detection of lactation problems in sows. Frequent pathological vaginal discharge in older sows indicates that endometritis plays an important role in the clinical manifestation of PDS. Further investigations should be conducted in order to identify specific risk factors associated with clinical PDS in farmed sows in RM.

Hormonal and metabolic indicators before and after farrowing in sows affected with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome

BackgroundPostpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in sows is difficult to diagnose and the pathogenesis is obscure. Hormonal changes related to the disease are often difficult to distinguish from those found in the normal transition period from gestation to lactation. The study aimed to investigate metabolic and hormonal changes related to PDS with the goal of identifying potential biomarkers in sows suffering from PDS (PDS+). Selected biomarkers were examined by comparing 38 PDS+ sows with 38 PDS negative (PDS-) sows. The sows were sampled every 24 h from 60 h ante partum (a.p.) to 36 h post partum (p.p.).ResultsCompared to the baseline (60 to 36 h a.p.), cortisol in serum and saliva and fasting blood glucose concentrations increased in PDS+ as well as PDS- sows. C-peptide decreased relative to the baseline in PDS+ sows, and prolactin and 8-epi prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-epi-PGF2α) decreased in PDS- sows. Concentrations of cortisol in serum and saliva, salivary chromogranin A (CgA), fasting blood glucose, C-peptide, and 8-epi-PGF2α differed significantly between PDS+ and PDS- sows, with levels of cortisol in serum and saliva, salivary CgA, and 8-epi-PGF2α in serum being different in the two groups already before parturition. Concentrations of salivary CgA were significantly lower in PDS- sows than in PDS+ sows during the entire study period.ConclusionsThe results suggest that salivary CgA, cortisol and serum 8-epi-PGF2α may potentially serve as early diagnostic indicators for PDS. The consistently higher salivary CgA concentration in PDS+ sows compared to PDS- sows may indicate that homeostatic disturbances are present between 36 to 60 h before parturition in sows developing PDS. The higher serum and saliva cortisol concentration in PDS+ sows compared to PDS- sows could reflect an early sign of inflammation or stress. The significantly lower C-peptide in PDS+ sows compared to PDS- sows may reflect a lower food intake. Our results contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of PDS, and the homeostatic disturbances detected before parturition warrants further investigation. The diagnostic potential of the markers identified in this study should be investigated further in a larger population of sows.