Search

The aim of the present study was to explore whether marginal dietary zinc (Zn) concentrations affect claw quality measurements in weaned pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups: (1) 42 mg Zn/kg diet from ingredients only (unsupplemented, marginal dietary Zn concentration below Zn requirements of 80 mg Zn/kg feed); and (2) 106 mg Zn/kg diet, where Zn was added as ZnO (common commercial dietary Zn concentration). Claw conformation characteristics were measured at the start (day 0, 4 weeks of age) and at the end (day 36) of the study, and the histological claw characteristics of horn wall and heel horn were examined on samples collected at 9 weeks of age. Non-supplemented pigs had narrower claw widths (P= 0.028) and lower toe heights (P= 0.010) at 9 weeks. The length of the dorsal border tended to be lower for the non-supplemented piglets (P= 0.092). Claw volume and claw horn size were lower (P= 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively) for the non-supplemented pigs at 9 weeks of age. Horn growth and wear were lower for the non-supplemented pigs (P= 0.044 and P < 0.001, respectively), but net horn growth (horn growth minus wear) was not different (P= 0.406). No changes in the histological claw characteristics were observed. Differences in claw quality measurements were found between lateral and medial claw digits and between fore and hind claws. It was concluded that marginal dietary Zn concentration affected various claw quality measurements. Marginal dietary Zn concentrations may not be sufficient to maintain claw quality in pigs., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Due to the high prevalence of obesity in some horses and ponies (especially in the leisure horse sector), effective and safe weight loss strategies are required. The present study evaluated the effect of two different energy restriction rates on physical, morphometric and welfare parameters in 18 obese (body condition score [BCS] 7-9/9) Shetland geldings. The trial was divided into three periods: (1) a 4 week adaptation period, during which the maintenance energy intakes to maintain a stable obese bodyweight were determined (100% MERob); (2) a 16.5-week weight loss period during which the ponies were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group) comprising a control group (CONTROL), moderate energy restricted (MOD), and severe energy restricted (SEV) groups that were respectively fed at 100%, 80% and 60% of their individual MERob; and (3) a 3 week follow up period in which the ponies were again fed at their outset individual 100% MERob. Between the start and end of the weight loss period, significant pairwise differences between the three treatment groups were seen for bodyweight, BCS, heart girth, belly girth, and relative ultrasound fat depth at the level of loin and ribs at several time points (P < 0.05). The higher energy restriction was associated with a faster decrease in BCS, tail head, and heart plus belly girth, but no gastric ulcers or stereotypic behaviours were seen., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Lameness is a frequently occurring, painful condition of breeding sows that may result in hyperalgesia, i.e., an increased sensitivity to pain. In this study a mechanical nociception threshold (MT) test was used (1) to determine if hyperalgesia occurs in sows with naturally-occurring lameness; (2) to compare measurements obtained with a hand-held probe and a limb-mounted actuator connected to a digital algometer; and (3) to investigate the systematic left-to-right and cranial-to-caudal differences in MT. Twenty-eight pregnant sows were investigated, of which 14 were moderately lame and 14 were not lame. Over three testing sessions, repeated measurements were taken at 5 min intervals on the dorsal aspects of the metatarsi and metacarpi of all limbs. The MT was defined as the force in Newtons (N) that elicited an avoidance response, and this parameter was found to be lower in limbs affected by lameness than in normal limbs (P<0.05). Forelimbs had higher MTs than hindlimbs (P<0.001). The hand-held probe systematically yielded lower values than the actuator (P<0.001), and the MT differed between morning and afternoon testing sessions (P<0.001), as well as between days (P<0.001). The findings provide evidence that lame sows experience hyperalgesia. Systematic differences between forelimb and hindlimb MT must be taken into account when such assessments are performed., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Chickens have been raised as food for human consumption for over 4000 years. Over this time they have been continuously selected for specific desirable characteristics by active selection of parents to produce birds which fit perceived needs. Despite this long history of selective breeding and improvements in rearing techniques, the efficiency with which broiler meat is produced has shown a remarkable leap in recent decades. Persistent selection for rapid growth, high feed utilisation efficiency and large cut yield has resulted in modern meat-type poultry lines with superior genetic potential with regard to productivity. However, mortality and the incidence of metabolic diseases has increased in parallel with growth rate. One such disease is broiler ascites syndrome, which has been shown to be closely associated with the fast growth and high meat yield resulting from intense selection and with modern rearing techniques. The review is focused on the historical background, pathogenesis, epidemiology and prevention of broiler ascites syndrome in modern broiler production., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to investigate management and strategy-related risk factors for the occurrence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in commercial pig herds. A questionnaire was sent to 250 pig herdsmen. Of the responding herdsmen (n=110), 37 reported occurrences of PDS, whereas 73 reported no cases of PDS. Data were then analysed using logistic regression. After univariate analysis, eight variables associated with PDS (P<0.2) were retained and these were used to construct a multivariable logistic regression model. Four significant risk factors were found: (1) moving pregnant sows to the farrowing unit 4 days or less before expected farrowing (Odds Ratio [OR] 6.272); (2) farrowing induction (OR 4.804); (3) feeding sows ad libitum during lactation (OR 3.149) and (4) frequent farrowing supervision (OR 0.085). This study has demonstrated that a considerable number of modern pig herds still suffer from problems with PDS, and that control measures should include optimising management and feeding practices., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To determine whether plasma leptin concentrations and glucose tolerance are affected by changes in energy balance, nine healthy Shetland ponies were fed at 140% followed by 75% of their maintenance requirements for 13 days in each of the two periods. Bodyweight was recorded every three days. Blood samples were taken every two days and analysed for leptin and cortisol. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 7 of each period. Serial blood samples were analysed for glucose and insulin. Although bodyweight was not affected, plasma leptin concentrations increased (P<0.001) initially during overfeeding, but returned to previous values after 7 days. During underfeeding, plasma leptin concentrations decreased (P<0.001). Underfeeding was associated with a higher AUC for plasma glucose (P=0.02) and plasma insulin (P=0.05) resulting in a decreased glucose tolerance (AUC glucose/AUC insulin; P=0.008), probably due to a plasma cortisol increase caused by the reduced feed intake. It is concluded that changes in energy balance, without altering bodyweight, can influence plasma leptin concentrations in ponies.

Although insufficient milk production in lactating sows may cause tremendous economic losses, reliable methods for estimating milk production in sows under field conditions are not available. This study aimed to investigate whether urine parameters could be used to predict milk production in sows. The milk production of 18 sows was determined during early and mid-lactation. Morning (a.m.) and afternoon (p.m.) urinary levels of potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), lactose and creatinine were analysed. The absolute concentrations, the ratios relative to creatinine, and the fractional excretions of all elements in urine were not significantly associated with milk production. The p.m./a.m. ratios of K, Na and Ca concentrations in urine (K(R), Na(R), and Ca(R)) were significant predictors for milk production, but only during mid-lactation. The total variation in milk production (r(2) value) explained by K(R), Na(R), Ca(R) amounted to 72%, 55%, 42%, respectively. Analysis of minerals and especially K in the a.m. and p.m. urine of sows during mid-lactation provided an acceptable indication of milk production. Further research is necessary to investigate whether the present results can be used to estimate milk production in hypogalactic sows under field conditions.

Reference values have been established for serum biochemical parameters in sows from high producing pig herds. In total, 132 clinically healthy sows from eight breeding herds were serially sampled three weeks and one week before farrowing, and at one week and three weeks after farrowing. Fourteen serum biochemical parameters, focusing mainly on energy and protein metabolism, hepatobiliary and kidney function and inflammation, were investigated. The reproductive state significantly influenced the investigated parameters, other than for urea and non-esterified fatty acids. First parity sows showed higher concentrations of gamma-glutamyltransferase, phosphorus and haptoglobin, and higher albumin/globulin and haptoglobin/albumin ratios compared to sows with 2 parities. The concentrations of creatinine, globulin and total protein however were lower in first parity sows. Between-herd variations were especially high (>50%) for gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and non-esterified fatty acids. Serum biochemical parameters constitute an important diagnostic tool to assess the health status of sows, but to interpret the outcome properly, it is important to consider reproductive state and parity.

To determine the influence of feeding frequency on apparent digestibility and blood metabolites in horses, four geldings were fed a complete ration either once (at 08:00 h) or three times a day (at 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00 h). Horses were provided with a mixture of cereals and chopped alfalfa hay at maintenance level for energy supply, 344 kJ/kg BW(0.75) on a daily basis. After three weeks' adaptation, total amounts of faeces and urine were collected for five days, using collection harnesses. Serial blood samples were taken at -30, -15, 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 480 and 600 min after feeding and analysed for glucose, L-lactate, triglycerides (TG), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and triiodothyronine (T(3)). Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), ash and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were not significantly different (P>0.05) between the two feeding frequencies. Basal plasma glucose, plasma glucose curves and other plasma blood metabolites were not affected by meal frequency. The horses fed the whole ration in one morning feeding did not consume the entire meal at once, but spared feed for ingestion throughout the day, which may explain the lack of effect. Feeding frequency did not affect plasma glucose response (area under curve :AUC) (P=0.705), but AUC (glucose) was negatively correlated with CP (R(2)=0.76; P=0.005) and CF digestibility (R(2)=0.61; P=0.022). Further research is needed to clarify whether different endocrine responses or differences in passage rate can explain these correlations.

The effects of three dietary protein levels on growth, meat, and carcass traits were studied in organic pigs fed a three-phase diet. Assuming lysine was the first limiting amino acid, feeds were formulated to ileal digestible (ID) lysine content, with the ID lysine:crude protein ratio set at a constant of 4%. Feeds were also formulated to an isocaloric rate (net energy: 9.4 MJ/kg during the first feeding phase, 9.25 MJ/kg during the second feeding phase and 9.1 MJ/kg during the finisher phase), with a high (HP), a medium (MP) or a low (LP) protein content ranging from 20% to 14% crude protein (CP). ID lysine content of the LP and MP feed was, respectively, 80% and 90% of the ID lysine content of the HP feed. The nutrient formulation of the HP feed was similar to nutrient levels commonly used in conventional Belgian pig farming. From 20 to 40 kg liveweight, the pigs showed better feed conversion ratios, with an increasing dietary protein concentration (r(2)=0.84). This effect was not observed in the second and third phases, although a significant effect of protein concentration on voluntary feed intake in the second phase did occur (P=0.018), probably as a compensation for the lower protein concentration in the LP diet. Analysis of the carcasses showed a lower meat percentage with lower protein concentration (P<0.05), whereas influences on meat quality were limited. It was concluded that whereas during the first phase of growth, higher protein concentration leads to better performance, from the second phase onwards (45 kg), at least with isocaloric diets, a decrease in protein content (corresponding to a 10% reduction in dietary ID lysine levels compared to conventional pig fattening) may be used in organic growing-finishing pig nutrition.

Two consecutive experiments were performed to evaluate the effects on the immune response of corn cob mix (CCM) in an organic pig diet. The immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgA and IgG responses against an intramuscularly injected model antigen, bovine thyroglobulin, were used as indicator. The experiments were performed in an organic barn with nine pens of four crossbred pigs (two barrows and two sows) from 45 kg to slaughter. In the first experiment, the organic concentrate was mixed with organic CCM-silage to obtain three concentrate: CCM ratios of 100:0, 80:20 and 60:40 (w:w). In the second experiment, three concentrates were produced to obtain diets with equal nutrient levels on a dry matter basis after 0%, 20% and 40% CCM inclusion. Higher inclusion rates of CCM in the ration were accompanied by lower thyroglobulin-specific IgG responses. These effects could not be attributed to one specific component of the CCM, such as fatty acid composition, although there was a degree of correlation with lower vitamin A concentrations. Mycotoxin concentrations were absent or minimal. The study indicated that dietary ingredient composition may affect immunocompetence.

The effect of organic or conventional feeding on the immune response of pigs was determined using organic or conventional housing in a pig fattening unit. The experimental design involved four pens of four animals per housing and diet combination (organic housing and organic nutrition; organic housing and conventional nutrition; conventional housing and organic nutrition and conventional housing and conventional nutrition). The IgM, IgA and IgG responses against intramuscularly injected bovine thyroglobulin were determined as indicators of the antigen-specific immune responsiveness. Some general health and welfare related parameters were evaluated by measuring haptoglobin concentrations at selected times; blood lactate concentration was measured at slaughter. Conventional housing led to a higher IgG response three weeks after the first immunisation. Organic housing led to lower haptoglobin and lactate concentrations at slaughter, indicating a higher stress resistance in these pigs. No major differences between the two feeding types were found. We conclude that the immune responses following either a conventional or an organic diet are comparable, whereas organic housing can increase stress resistance at slaughter compared to conventional housing.

Urolithiasis in sows and neonatal pigs is well-known, but information on its occurrence and impact in finishing pigs is sparse. This study reports three outbreaks of urolithiasis in finishing pigs. In one herd, no symptoms were observed, whereas in the other herds the presence of calculi caused obstruction of the urinary tract resulting in death. Using infra-red spectroscopy, the predominant mineral-type found in the uroliths was calcium carbonate (calcite). Only small amounts of calcium oxalate (< 1%) could be detected. A high urinary pH, small abnormalities in the mineral composition of the feed and insufficient drinking water were the most important risk factors identified. To prevent urolithiasis, it is important to ensure adequate water intake, to provide a balanced mineral diet, and to avoid urinary tract infections.