Prevalence of common gastrointestinal nematode parasites in scavenging pigs of different ages and sexes in eastern centre province, Burkina Faso

The range and infestation intensities of gastrointestinal parasitic nematode species depend on the type of swine production system. The present study focused mainly on nematodes of veterinary importance in scavenging pigs in Burkina Faso, and aimed at determining the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites by means of faecal egg per gram (EPG) counts. Between November 2001 and October 2002, faecal samples from 383 pigs of different sexes and ages (< 5 months, 5-12 months and > 12 months) were collected from the rectum and examined for gastrointestinal nematodes parasites using the Mc Master method. Of the 383 pigs examined, 91% were infected by one or more parasites. Ascaris suum (40%; 100-1 400 EPG) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Strongyloides ransomi (21%; 100-4200 EPG), Oesophagostomum spp. (18%; 100-1000 EPG), Hyostrongylus rubidus (11%; 100-1 800 EPG), Globocephalus spp. (10%; 100-400 EPG) and Trichuris suis (1 %; 100-200 EPG). The prevalence was significantly higher in female pigs (n = 239) than in males. In addition, females excreted significantly (P < 0.05) more eggs in their faeces than males, except in the case of Globocephalus spp. The age of the animal had no effect on the prevalence of A. suum whereas there were significant differences in age categories concerning S. ransomi, H. rubidus, Oesophagostumum spp. and Globocephalus spp. Unexpectedly, the high prevalence of these common parasites was not accompanied by elevated EPG values, which suggests the existence of moderate infestations. The present work indicates that the common nematode infestations in pigs do not necessarily need a systematic herd anthelmintic treatment, as only a small number of worms is required to induce immunity. A further study is needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites in pigs in Burkina Faso.     

Distribution of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs at different ages

Ghrelin is involved in many biological processes, ranging from appetite regulation and the release of growth hormone to the regulation of gastrointestinal motility and secretion processes. Ghrelin expression is not homogenously distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract; expression is species-specific and can also depend on the animal age. This study was performed to investigate ghrelin immunolocalization in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs at different ages: 1 day (birth), 28 days (weaning), 2 months, 4 months, and 7 months (pre-puberty). Tissue samples were collected along the entire gastrointestinal tract and were examined by immunohistochemistry and double-immunofluorescence. Histometry was performed by counting the number of endocrine ghrelin immunopositive cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Ghrelin was found to be present along the swine alimentary canal from the stomach to the caecum. In all regions of the alimentary canal of the animals studied, ghrelin-immunoreactive (IR) cells co-localized with chromogranin-A and were therefore identified as endocrine cells. In the gastric fundus, ghrelin-immunoreactivity was partially detected in co-localization with H-K-adenosine triphosphatase and pepsinogen. Ghrelin-IR endocrine cells were abundant in the oxyntic mucosa but less present in the small intestine and rare in the large intestine. The cell density of the ghrelin-IR endocrine cells was lowest in the oxyntic mucosa of 1-day-old pigs. We can conclude that gastric ghrelin expression is not related merely to age but could also potentially be influenced by food intake.     

老年猪耳成纤维细胞建立及克隆胚胎发育

为保存江苏地方猪种的种质资源,通过采集猪耳结合低温运输进行老年猪耳组织块贴壁培养,建立猪耳成纤维细胞,进而将细胞扩繁传代并冷冻保存。通过规范采样流程,结合低温运输方式,使运输时间达到8h以上,扩大了采样范围,同时,使污染风险由前期的30.77%(13头)降低到目前的8.3%(12头)。虽然老年猪耳成纤维细胞在初期游离到铺满培养瓶需要21d,远高于胎儿(怀孕24d的胚胎)成纤维细胞,但其后期的冻存与解冻培养均不受影响。随后,利用手工克隆技术生产克隆胚胎,老年猪耳成纤维细胞作为供体囊胚率(27.04±4.08)%与新生猪耳成纤维细胞作为供体囊胚率(28.8±2.37)%相比,无显著差异(P>0.05)。本试验结果证明老年猪耳成纤维细胞培养及冻存的可行性,为利用体细胞与体细胞核移植对地方猪种种质资源的保存提供支持。     

Determination of hematologic and blood chemical reference values in fattening pigs of different ages

In swine medicine, the determination of hematology and blood chemistry parameters is of primary interest in connection with the detection of herd problems. For the evaluation of laboratory results the availability of reference values is a prerequisite. So far, no reference values of fattening pigs have been available in Switzerland. For this reason, in the present study reference values for hematology and blood chemistry were determined for two bodyweight categories, 40-60 kg (group 1) and 85-110 kg (group 2). Hematocrit, hemoglobin and RBC counts were lower in animals in group 1. The number of segmented neutrophils was markedly higher in group 1. Lymphocyte counts exceeded neutrophil values in both groups. Concentrations of total bilirubin, AST, CK and LDH partly reached very high levels due to hemolysis or contamination of the blood samples with muscle tissue.     

Prevalence of owner-reported behaviours in dogs separated from the litter at two different ages

The present study examined the prevalence of behaviours in dogs separated from the litter for adoption at different ages. Seventy adult dogs separated from their dam and littermates and adopted between the ages of 30 and 40 days were compared with 70 adult dogs that had been taken from the litter for adoption at two months. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire eliciting information on whether their dog exhibited potentially problematic behaviours when in its usual environment. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the age at which the dog was separated from the litter might predispose it to developing undesirable behaviours. The odds of displaying destructiveness, excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, reactivity to noises, toy possessiveness, food possessiveness and attention-seeking were significantly greater for the dogs that had been removed from the litter earlier during the socialisation period. In addition, dogs purchased from a pet shop at 30 to 40 days of age were reported to exhibit some of the listed behaviours with a significantly higher frequency than dogs purchased from a pet shop at two months. No significant differences were observed with dogs obtained from other types of sources. The dogs in the youngest age group (18 to 36 months) had a higher probability of displaying destructiveness and tail chasing. These findings indicate that, compared with dogs that remained with their social group for 60 days, dogs that had been separated from the litter earlier were more likely to exhibit potentially problematic behaviours, especially if they came from a pet shop.     

Prevalence of congenital abnormalities in pigs

The prevalence of congenital defects in piglets in a large intensive piggery was determined by autopsy examination of piglets dying in the first week of life and from records kept by the farm staff. A total of 1908 piglets was examined at autopsy and 14,535 were born over the period of the survey. The prevalence of defects on this farm was estimated to be 2.9% of all piglets born, and at least one piglet with a congenital defect was found in 17.4% of litters. Of the piglets dying in the first week 9.5% had a defect and of these 8% had multiple anomalies. The mean litter size at birth for litters with a malformed piglet was 10.9 compared with 9.9 for litters without a malformed piglet. The total preweaning loss in litters containing a malformed pig was higher (29.8%) than that in litters without malformations (17.4%). The antepartum and parturient deaths in litters with a malformed piglet were 35% higher than normal litters. Parturient and anteparturient deaths amounted to 7.5% of piglets born and the total preweaning mortality was 19.9%. Sixty-six per cent of these mortalities occurred within the first week of life. The litter size at birth increased with parity as did the prevalence of litters containing malformed piglets. Neonatal loss was about 2 pigs per litter for all parities. Litter size at birth in litters containing a malformed pig was consistently higher by one pig per litter from all parities, but parturient (7.1%) and anteparturient (1.4%) deaths were also higher in these litters than in litters without malformations (5.1% and 1.2% respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ontogeny of T lymphocytes and intestinal morphological characteristics in neonatal pigs at different ages in the postnatal period

To evaluate morphological characteristics and development of the immune system at different ages in neonatal pigs, 4 piglets were euthanized at 7, 14, and 18 d of age for collection of blood, bile, and intestinal tissue for morphological measurements. Blood was collected for differential cell counts, lymphocyte blastogenesis, immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations, cytokine concentrations, and flow cytometric analysis. Bile was collected for quantification of Ig-A and Ig-M. Villus width and crypt depth from duodenum sections, as well as ileum crypt depth, were reduced (P < or = 0.08) in 18-d-old pigs compared with 7-d-old pigs. No age-related differences (P > or = 0.11) were observed in the number of goblet cells with neutral and acidic mucins, serum or enteric Ig concentrations, IL-2, IL-4, spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation, or leukocyte concentrations. When measured as counts per minute (cpm) and as a stimulation index (SI), lymphocyte proliferation responses to phytohaemagglutinin increased (P = 0.05) between 7 and 14 d of age; no changes (P = 0.10) occurred at 18 d of age. No age-related changes (P = 0.39) were observed in response to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) when measured as cpm; however, the SI from PWM-induced lymphocytes decreased (P = 0.04) 4-fold between 7 and 18 d of age. The CD4+:CD8+ and populations of lymphocytes expressing CD2+CD4+CD8- (T helper cells) and CD25+CD4+CD8- (activated T helper cells) were greater (P > or = 0.04) at 7 d of age than at 14 and 18 d. Populations of T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T cells (CD2+CD4-CD8+), activated lymphocytes (CD25+), and activated cytotoxic T cells (CD25+CD4-CD8+) were greater (P > or = 0.02) in 18-d-old pigs compared with 7-d-old pigs, whereas CD2+CD4-CD8- [double negative cells] were lower (P = 0.08) in 18-d-old pigs compared with 14-d-old pigs. The percentage of CD2+ T cells was 8.4% at 7 d of age, and by the time the pigs reached 18 d of age, the percentage of CD2+ T cells was 33.8%. Moreover, the percentage of gammadelta T cells was greater (P = 0.02) in 18-d-old pigs than in 7-d-old pigs (74.8 vs. 46.1%, respectively). Results indicate that the porcine immune system and gut are continuously changing as the young pig matures. Changes occurred in lymphocyte phenotypic expression and functional capabilities, as well as morphology and mucin production, and their role may be to further protect the neonate from antigenic challenge as protection from passive immunity declines.     

Isolation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in porcine cell cultures and experimental infection of pigs of different ages

This paper describes the isolation of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus in Vero and porcine cell cultures, and the influence of age on disease in experimental infection. PED virus was isolated from the small intestine of piglets inoculated with PED samples and cultured in Vero, porcine bladder and kidney cells propagated in collagen-coated tissue culture plates in maintenance medium (MM) containing trypsin. In porcine bladder and kidney cell cultures inoculated with isolated PED virus, cytopathic effects (CPE) including cell fusion were detected. Specific brilliant fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasm of these cells. Two- and 7-day old, and 2-, 4-, 8- and 12-week old specific pathogen-free (SPF) pigs were orally inoculated with PED virus isolated from an outbreak. All 2- and 7-day old pigs inoculated developed severe watery diarrhea from post-inoculation day (PID) 1 and died between PID 3 and 4. Although three of five 2-week old pigs developed diarrhea on PID 1-4, they eventually recovered. In the 4-week old group, three of five pigs had mild diarrhea for 1-2 days. None of the 8- and 12-week old pigs showed any clinical signs. Antibodies against PED virus were detected in all surviving pigs by virus neutralization (VN) test and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Therefore, there is an age-dependent resistance to pathogenic PED virus infection in pigs.     

广西不同年龄猪群中2型猪链球菌抗体水平调查分析

为调查规模化猪场不同年龄猪群中2型猪链球菌(S.suis 2)抗体水平,本研究采用以荚膜多糖为抗原的间接ELISA对来自广西地区母猪群、肥猪群、生长猪群共1 908份血清样品进行了S.suis 2抗体检测和分析。结果显示:成年猪群中抗S.suis 2的抗体水平普遍较高,种猪场母猪血清抗体阳性率可高达95%以上,不同地区屠宰场的育肥猪血清抗体阳性率在39.2%~97.5%。对不同日龄仔猪群抗体水平检测分析显示:14日龄~42日龄期间,抗体水平随仔猪日龄的增长而呈逐渐下降的趋势;而42日龄~130日龄期间,抗体水平随日龄的增长而呈逐渐上升的趋势。此外,经产母猪群抗体水平略高于后备母猪群,并且随胎次的增加,抗体的离散度缩小。以上结果表明S.suis 2抗体在仔猪生长阶段的空白期即42日龄时,仔猪群抗体水平最低。因此,在这个阶段和之前做好S.suis的预防和免疫工作对猪群链球菌病的防控至关重要。     

The prevalence of internal and external parasites in pigs of different ages and sexes in Southeast District, Botswana

Botswana imports most pig-based products from neighbouring countries. Pig farming is limited by, among other things, the negative effect of parasites and diseases on production. The object of this study was to determine the prevalence of ecto- and endoparasites in pigs of different ages and sexes in the Southeast District of Botswana. Thirty-nine pigs were sampled for endoparasites and 19 for ectoparasites during a period of 2 1/2 months. Of all the pigs sampled, 54,55% were infected with Ascaris suum, 20,45% with Trichostrongylus spp. and 6,82% with Trichuris suis. Ascaris suum was found to be the most common endoparasite infesting both mature, i.e. 12 months and older, and young, i.e. less than 12 months old, pigs. Although not significantly different (P > 0,05), the prevalence of this parasite species was slightly higher (68,42% with an average of 1,023 +/- 545 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces per pig) in mature than in young pigs (55% with an of average 1,500 +/- 846 EPG of faeces per pig). The prevalence of Trichostrongylus spp. was lower in mature (5,26% with 20 +/- 14 EPG of faeces per pig) than in young pigs (25% with 22 +/- 9 EPG of faeces per pig). The prevalence of T. suis was also lower in mature (0% infection) than in young pigs (15% with 9 +/- 4 EPG of faeces per pig). The prevalence of the three endoparasite species was not significantly different between the sexes A. suum (1,020 +/- 883 v. 1,503 +/- 522 EPG of faeces per pig), Trichostrongylus spp. (24 +/- 14 v. 18 +/- 8 EPG of faeces per pig) and T. suis (11 +/- 6 v. 2 +/- 4 EPG of faeces per pig) for male and female pigs respectively. Sarcoptes scabiei was the only ectoparasite identified on the pigs sampled for external parasites. It infested 40% of all pigs but the infestation on young pigs (70%) was higher than on the mature ones (33,33%). Since the infection of internal and external parasites was similar in young and old pigs of both sexes, controlling parasites is of great importance since these generally lead to reduced production and are also of public health concern. It is recommended that a further study be carried out to investigate the effect of internal and external parasites on productivity.     

Prevalence of pleurisy in pigs at slaughter

The mean (+/- sd) batch prevalence of pleura stripping of finished pigs going for slaughter in four abattoirs in eastern England was 0.15 +/- 0.04, and the average batch proportion of lungs totally condemned was 0.23 +/- 0.05. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of carcases requiring total lung condemnation and the number of carcases requiring pleura stripping. There was no significant differences between the type of producer, the herd size or the mean batch live weight and the prevalence of pleurisy, either within individual abattoirs or combining the data from the four abattoirs. There was considerable variation in the batch prevalence of pleurisy from the same producer, indicating the need to monitor a number of batches in order to determine the prevalence of pleurisy on a farm.     

Prevalence of coccidia in pigs in Zimbabwe.

Faecal specimens from 162 piglets, aged 1-5 months, from four farms around Harare were examined for coccidia during 1989-1990. Oocyst count per gram (OPG) of faeces was determined by the McMaster technique. Identification of Eimeria species was done after sporulation of oocysts in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Measurements of sporulated oocysts were taken from 20 positive cases by using calibrated eye micrometer. Overall incidence was 25.3% (41/162) varying between 15 and 39.5% at different farms. The OPG ranged between 150 and 11,300. Eight species of Eimeria were identified, namely, Eimeria debliecki, Eimeria perminuta, Eimeria suis, Eimeria polita, Eimeria neodebliecki, Eimeria porci, Eimeria scabra and Eimeria spinosa, shown in the order of their prevalence. Eimeria debliecki was the most predominant, showing highest oocyst counts in 45% of 20 pigs, followed by E. suis (25%) and E. polita (20%). On two occasions only one Eimeria sp. was found while in the other 18 (90%) cases, mixed infections of two to six species were recorded.     

Prevalence of Treponema hyodysenteriae in healthy pigs.

The prevalence of Treponema hyodysenteriae in faecal samples from healthy pigs of various ages in different farrowing units was investigated.Samples from herds designated as Category I were processed within 2 hrs. of sampling. Samples from herds designated as Category II were transported 2 to 3 days before cultivation procedures started. T. hyodysenteriae was demonstrated in 53.7 % to 93 % of the samples collected from Category I herds. No marked difference in the frequency of positive samples from the various age groups of pigs was found. In Category II herds, the organism was demonstrated in 10 % of the samples.The degree of beta-haemolysis shown by isolated strains was grouped into 3 groups: weak, moderate and strong. Strongly betahaemolytic strains, supposedly enteropathogenic, were demonstrated in all Category I herds. Such strains were found in 4.6 % to 25 % of the positive samples in these herds. In Category II herds, 2 out of 17 positive samples harboured strongly beta-haemolytic strains of T. hyodysenteriae.The amount of growth of T. hyodysenteriae on primary plates inoculated with sample material originating from the 2 categories of herds was mostly moderate or abundant. Strongly beta-haemolytic isolates originating from Category I herds produced abundant growth on primary plates in approx. 60 % of samples harbouring such strains. In samples from Category I herds with strains producing weak or moderate beta-haemolysis sparse and moderate amount of growth of the organism was predominant.     

Prevalence of chromosomal aberrations in breeding pigs in Spain

The main aim of this study was to document the prevalence of chromosomal aberrations found to date on the pig population in Spain, a country in which this production sector has a critical role, being the fourth country in the world in pig production and the second one within the European Union. The total number of animals studied was 849, and the founded frequency of carrier pigs with chromosomal alterations was 3.8%. When only the structural alterations were considered, the prevalence in males was 3.3%. This percentage is far from the 0.5% of carrier boars that has been estimated in France, a country where there is a systematic cytogenetic screening of future breeding pigs since 1992. In order to avoid the productive and economic losses caused by karyotype alterations in breeding pigs, it would be important to establish a cytogenetic screening of breeding animals at artificial insemination centres and genetic selection farms.     

Prevalence of Sarcocystis in domestic pigs in India.

Muscle samples from 890 slaughtered pigs were examined for the presence of sarcocysts. A high prevalence rate of 67.98% was observed. Two types of microsarcocysts were recorded. The sarcocyst wall of one type had redial striations and the other possessed hair-like villar protrusions. The species were identified as Sarcocystis miescheriana and Sarcocystis suihominis; there was a slightly higher incidence of the latter species (47.11%) than of the former (43.14%). S. suihominis has been identified for the first time from pigs in India.