Pathology of udder lesions in sows

In recent years an increasing frequency of sows with udder lesions has been observed during meat inspection. The frequency and pattern of affected mammary complexes were determined by inspection, palpation, and incision of udders of 640 sows at a local slaughterhouse. From representative lesions, tissue specimens were sampled for histological and bacteriological examination. Moreover, in seven problem cases immunohistochemistry was applied for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes. Udder lesions were recorded in 67 sows (10.5%), with mammary complex no. 7 being most frequently affected (39%). In most cases (81%), lesions were restricted to a single mammary complex. Gross lesions were characterized as focal or multiple abscesses, which most often (79%) were accompanied by dermal ulcerations. Based on histological observations and bacterial identification, two groups of lesions were identified: (I) pyogranulomatous lesions of the dermal and subcutaneous tissue caused by S. aureus; and (II) dermal and subcutaneous abscesses dominated by A. pyogenes. In neither group I nor group II lesions, the glandular mammary tissue was involved as demonstrated by immunostaining for cytokeratin, i.e. mastitis was not diagnosed in any of the cases. In conclusion, all udder lesions were caused by skin infections predominantly caused by A. pyogenes and S. aureus resulting in the development of dermal abscesses and pyogranulomatous lesions, respectively.     

Phenotypic and genetic variation in longevity of Polish Landrace sows

The influence of some production traits on the longevity of Polish Landrace sows was evaluated using survival analysis. Estimates of genetic parameters were obtained from the sire and animal components in linear and survival methodologies. Comparison between survival and linear models was based on heritabilities and ranking of estimated breeding values of sires. The same data set, 13 031 sows, was used for both methodologies, even in the presence of censored observations. The effects of herd*year and year*season of the first farrowing had the largest influence on the risk of culling of sows. Sows born in spring season (March–May) had a 24% (p < 0.001) lower hazard for removal than those born in winter (December–February). The age at first farrowing had a small but significant effect on culling: the hazard regression coefficient for this trait was 0.002 per day. Sows that had more piglets born alive and fewer stillborn in the first litter had a decreased risk of being culled. Within a contemporary group, slower growing gilts had decreased removal risk. The relative risk ratios show a marginal decreased rate of culling for sows with backfat thickness between 9.5 and 11 mm compared to the leaner sows. Loin depth had no effect on sow longevity. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.09 to 0.38 depending on the model and type of analysis. In survival analysis, all heritabilities for longevity were higher when analysed with sire models (0.21 and 0.38) compared to animal models (0.09 and 0.16). The use of animal or sire models in the linear analysis gave similar heritability estimates (0.12 and 0.10). Correlations between breeding values for sires were moderate and high, with absolute values from 0.51 to 0.99, depending on the model fitted and methodology. A stronger correlations within methodologies (0.83–0.99) than within models with different methodologies (0.51–0.63) were obtained.     

Effect of stress susceptibility on some reproductive traits in Belgian Landrace pigs

The investigation included 1413 Belgian Landrace litters (305 first, 278 second and 832 later farrowings) issued from matings between 190 halothane-positive (HP) and 304 halothane-negative (HN) sows and 139 HP and 49 HN boars on seven commercial farms of West Flanders. Four groups of matings were investigated: HP × HP; HP × HN; HN × HP and HN × HN. All HN sows and boars were heterozygotes for halothane sensitivity.The results were statistically analysed by a linear model according to Harvey (1977), including the following factors: mean, farm, year, sensitivity group, interaction year × sensitivity group. This model explained between 10 and 24% of the total variance; within this an important portion is caused by the sensitivity × farm interaction factor. Abstracting this interaction there are indications that HN sows are more prolific, but only from the second farrowings, the number of piglets born alive in the second litter being on average 9.2 in HP vs 9.6 in HN sows and in the following litters on average 9.3 vs 10.3. In all litters of HN sows an additional gain of 0.2 piglets at weaning was found. No significant conclusions could be drawn for the effect of halothane sensitivity on the age at first farrowing and on the farrowing interval.     

Genetic parameters for reproduction and production traits of Landrace sows in Thailand

Data from Thai Landrace sows were used to estimate genetic parameters for reproduction and production traits in first and later parities. The reproduction traits investigated were total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of stillborn piglets (SB), and number of piglets born alive but dead within 24 h (BAD). The reproduction data pertained to 12,603 litters born between 1993 and 2005. The production measures were ADG and backfat thickness (BF); these were recorded in 4,163 boars and 15,171 gilts. Analyses were carried out with a multivariate animal model using average information REML procedures. Heritability estimates of reproduction traits for first parity were 0.03 +/- 0.02 for TB, 0.04 +/- 0.02 for SB, and 0.06 +/- 0.02 for BAD. For later parities, they were 0.07 +/- 0.01 for TB, 0.03 +/- 0.04 for SB, and 0.02 +/- 0.01 for BAD. Heritability estimates for production traits were 0.38 +/- 0.02 for ADG and 0.61 +/- 0.02 for BF. Genetic correlations between ADG and TB tended to be favorable, and genetic correlations between BF and TB tended to be unfavorable in all parities. However, BF was genetically correlated unfavorably with SB in later parities, and the genetic correlations between TB and BAD tended to be unfavorable in all parities. The genetic correlations of TB, SB, and BAD between first and later parities were 0.85 +/- 0.13, 0.79 +/- 0.16, and 0.71 +/- 0.24, respectively. Selection for high growth rate will probably increase TB, and selection for low BF will decrease TB and increase SB. The results obtained also indicated that BAD will increase if there is selection pressure for high TB.     

Genetic parameters and trends for production and reproduction traits in Thai Landrace sows

Data from Thai Landrace sows were used to estimate the genetic parameters and trends for production and reproduction traits, over the first four parities. The reproduction traits investigated were age at first conception (AFC), total number of piglets born per litter (TB) and weaning to first service interval (WSI). The reproduction data was gathered from 9194 litters born between 1993 and 2005. The production measures were average daily gain (ADG) and backfat thickness (BF). These were recorded from 4163 boars and 15 171 gilts. Analyses were carried out using a multivariate animal model inputting average information restricted maximum likelihood procedures. Heritability estimates on the reproduction traits for AFC was 0.21, for TB in the first four parities it ranged from 0.02 to 0.11 and for WSI over the first three parities it ranged from 0.16 to 0.18. Heritability estimates for production traits were: 0.31 (ADG) and 0.45 (BF). AFC was genetically correlated favorably with TB (− 0.48) and WSI (0.35) in the first parity. Genetic trends were 4.71 g, − 0.23 mm and 0.23 days per year for ADG, BF and AFC respectively. There was no genetic progress for the other traits. It was concluded that selection for low AFC will increase TB and decrease WSI. The results further revealed that the ongoing selection being used improved growth rate and reduced backfat thickness. However, there was no genetic improvement in TB.     

长大二元杂种母猪泌乳性能的研究

从 5 6头长大二元杂种母猪群中选择系谱记录清楚 ,分娩时间相近 ,体型较好 ,体质健康 ,带仔数 9～ 1 1头的经产母猪 5头进行泌乳性能的观测研究 ,结果表明 ,二元杂种母猪在 35天的哺乳期内 ,日平均放乳次数 2 1 2 3次 ,日泌乳量 5 2 1kg ,全期泌乳总量 1 82 2 5kg。     

Influence of gestation energy level on the production of Large White x Landrace sows

Sixty-four Large White x Landrace primiparous sows were utilized to evaluate the influence of feeding 6 vs 9 Mcal ME/d during gestation on reproductive performance. The sows remained on their respective gestation diets for four parities if they successfully farrowed, rebred and conceived. Sows fed 9 Mcal ME/d gained more weight (P less than .05) through the gestation period during parities 1 and 2 and were heavier (P less than .01) on d 110 of gestation for combined parities. Lactation weight loss was greater (P less than .05) for the sows fed 9 Mcal ME/d, resulting in similar weights at weaning. Ultrasonic backfat measurements were greater (P less than .01) on d 110 of gestation for sows fed 9 Mcal ME/d during parity 1 and remained higher (P less than .01) through the fourth-parity gestation. Although sow weaning weights were similar, sows receiving 6 Mcal ME/d scanned less backfat thickness. Gestation treatment significantly affected consumption of a common lactation diet provided ad libitum. Sows fed 6 Mcal ME/d during gestation consumed an average of 22 kg more feed (P less than .01) during lactation than those sows receiving 9 Mcal ME/d. Litter performance as measured by number and weights of pigs born alive and weaned was not altered (P greater than .10) by gestation energy intake. Days to return to estrus and the number of sows remaining in the study for four parities were similar (P greater than .10) between the two treatment groups. The number of farrowings for the four parities totaled 164, with 83 and 81 farrowings for the sows fed 6 and 9 Mcal ME/d, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Effect of leg conformation on survivability of Duroc, Landrace, and Large White sows

Sow longevity influences farm economy and can be considered an important indicator of animal welfare. Body features such as leg conformation can play a key role in sow longevity, although little is known about its effect on culling decisions. Within this context, longevity data from 587 Duroc, 239 Landrace, and 217 Large White sows were analyzed with special emphasis on the effect of leg conformation. Sow longevity was analyzed twice for each breed, testing the effect of a subjective overall score for leg conformation, or the presence or absence of 6 specific leg conformation defects. Each preliminary model also included a teat conformation score with 3 levels, farm or origin, backfat thickness at 6 mo of age, and 2 continuous sources of variation, namely the age at the first farrowing and the number of piglets born alive at each farrowing. Overall leg conformation score influenced (P < 0.01) sow longevity in Duroc, Landrace, and Large White sows, with a greater hazard ratio (HR) for poorly conformed sows (1.56, 2.16, and 1.79, respectively) than for well-conformed sows (0.32, 0.66, and 0.68, respectively). Abnormal hoof growth reduced survivability in Duroc (HR = 2.78; P < 0.001) and Landrace sows (HR = 1.88; P < 0.01); the presence of splayed feet (P < 0.05) or bumps and injuries (P < 0.001) increased the risk of culling in Duroc sows (HR = 2.08 and 3.57, respectively), whereas the incidence of straight pastern increased the HR in Large White sows (HR = 2.49; P < 0.01). In all 3 breeds, longevity decreased for plantigrade sows, with a greater HR in Duroc (HR = 3.38; P < 0.001) than in Landrace (HR = 1.53; P < 0.10) and Large White sows (HR = 1.73; P < 0.05). Teat conformation did not influence sow longevity (P > 0.10). Estimates of heritability for longevity in Duroc sows ranged from 0.05 to 0.07 depending on the algorithm applied. Leg conformation had a substantial effect on sow longevity, where an accurate removal of poorly leg-conformed candidate gilts before first mating could improve sow survival and reduce culling costs. These moderate estimates of heritability indicated that survivability of Duroc sows could be genetically improved by direct selection for leg conformation.     

Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret

Abstract A case report of an 8-month-old ferret with severe ulcerative dermatitis of the ventral abdomen and medial thigh regions is presented. Cutaneous biopsies of the periphery of the ulcerative lesions revealed large, confluent, superficial epidermal pustules containing inflammatory cellular debris and Gram-positive cocci, as well as perifollicular dermal necrosis. These histological findings are consistent with superficial spreading pyoderma in conjunction with dermal coagulative necrosis. Résumé— Un furet mâle de 8 mois est présenté pour une dermite ulcérative sévère du ventre et des faces internes des cuisses. Des biopsies cutanées réalisées à la périphérie des lésions ulcératives montrent la présence d'importantes pustules épidermiques contenant des débris cellulaires inflammatoires et des bactéries cocci Gram positif, ainsi qu'une nécrose dermique périfolliculaire. Ces éléments histopathologiques sont en faveur d'une pyodermite superficielle extensive associée à une nécrose de coagulation du derme. [King, W. W., Lemarié, S. L., Veazey, R. S., Hodin, E. C. Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret (Pyodermite extensive superficielle et dermite ulcérative chez un furet). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 43–47.] Resumen Presentamos el caso clínico de un hurón de 8 meses con una dermatitis ulcerativa grave en abdomen ventral y muslo medial. El estudio de biopsias de la periferia de las zonas ulceradas reveló la presencia de grandes pústulas superficiales epidérmicas confluentes que contenían restos celulares inflamatorios y cocos Gram-positivo, así como necrosis perifolicular en la dermis. Estos hallazgos histológicos son compatibles con una pioderma de extensióin superficial en conjunción con necrosis dérmica coagulativa. [King, W. W., Lemarié, S. L., Veazey, R. S., Hodin, E. C. Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret (Pioderma de extension superficial y dermatitis ulcerativa en un huron). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 43–47.] Zusammenfassung— Es wird ein Fallbericht vorgestellt, bei dem ein 8 Monate altes Frettchen an schwerer ulzerativer Dermatitis des ventralen Abdomens und der medialen Schenkelregionen leidet. Hautbiopsien aus der Peripherie der ulzerativen Veränderungen zeigten große, konfluierende, oberflächliche epidermale Pusteln, die entzündlichen Zelldebris und Gram-positive Kokken enthielten, sowie eine perifollikuläre dermale Nekrose. Diese histologischen Befunde stimmen mit der oberflächlich ausgebreiteten Pyodermie in Verbindung mit einer dermalen Koagulationsnekrose überein. [King, W. W., Lemarié, S. L., Veazey, R. S., Hodin, E. C. Superficial spreading pyoderma and ulcerative dermatitis in a ferret (Oberflächlich ausgebreitete Pyodermie und ulzerative Dermatitis bei einem Frettchen). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 43–47.]     

P-80 Clinical aspects of chronic progressive pastern dermatitis in Belgian draft horses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fungi present on the skin surface in healthy horses with a particular interest in Malassezia on predisposed skin areas. Twenty-five mares were included, each sampled on nine skin areas including those most likely contaminated by Malassezia : nostrils, lips, ear pinnae, base of the mane, pasterns, pectoral areas, lateral thorax, udder and perianal areas. Two sterile carpets were applied to the skin, and then used for inoculation of agar (Sabouraud's plus cycloheximide and chloramphenicol), both with and without lipids for isolation of different species of Malassezia . This method is currently successful in isolating Malassezia in dogs. Cultures were incubated at 32°C, observed on day 5 for Malassezia , and then maintained at 27°C for complementary morphological identifications. From 223 cultures on standard medium, only seven remained sterile. The most common fungi were filamentous (number of positive samples): Scopulariopsis (156), Penicillium (79), Acremonium (67), Aspergillus (53), Paecilomyces spp. (38), and Stachybotrys (33). Interestingly, Microsporum gypseum was also isolated (14 samples from seven areas) from 10 horses. Yeast or yeast-like fungi were Geotrichum (52), Trichosporon (21), and an additional 33 samples being positive for yeast other than Malassezia . Results from the other 223 cultures on lipid-rich agar were similar. Most of the fungi were isolated from the nine areas selected, but Malassezia was never isolated from 446 cultures.
Funding: Self-funded.     

A comparison of seasonal effects on fertility of Landrace and Large White sows in a subhumid tropical environment

Forty sows comprising equal numbers of Landrace (LR) and Large White (LW) breeds were studied for 20 months to determine the effects of dry and rainy seasons on their fertility traits in Nigeria. Ambient temperature (14.0-35.5 degrees C) was lowest at night and highest in the day and peaked during the dry season. A relative humidity range of 60-82% peaked during the late rainy season. LR produced 218 and 278 piglets from 23 and 28 litters, while LW produced 193 and 316 piglets from 20 and 30 litters during dry and rainy seasons respectively. Fertility traits did not differ significantly between the breeds due to season (P greater than 0.05). Mean post-weaning oestrus at 10.9 and 9.0 days and preweaning mortality rates of 14.2% and 16.9% during dry and rainy seasons for LR differed significantly (P less than 0.5) from those of LW which were 12.2 and 8.2 days and 14.5% and 18.9% respectively. The significance of seasonal effects on sow fertility and necessary management techniques are discussed.     

Focal ulcerative dermatitis ("breast buttons") in marketed turkeys

Features of focal ulcerative dermatitis ("breast buttons"), a skin disease occurring most commonly in male turkeys, are described. Single or, less commonly, multiple ulcers 16 to greater than 900 mm2 in size were located in the unfeathered breast skin over the anterior keel. Ulcer margins were raised, and the center was filled with a firmly adherent, hard scab. Microscopically, there was a sharp demarcation between the ulcer and adjacent hyperplastic epithelium. Vasculitis, necrosis of dermal vessels, mild to moderate heterophil infiltration, and fibrosis were found in the dermis. The characteristic granulomatous response to exudate seen in avian species was absent. Although bacterial colonies, foreign debris, and (rarely) fungi were found on the lesion surface, they were absent deep in the ulcer, suggesting they are not its cause. The lesion had no clinical effect on the turkey but was frequently trimmed at processing, resulting in downgrading and economic loss. There is no correlation between the size of "breast buttons" and occurrence of "breast blisters," an inflammation of the sternal bursa.     

Effects of genetic line and supplemental dietary fat on lactation performance of Duroc and Landrace sows.

A total of 124 Duroc and 99 Landrace primiparous and multiparous sows were assigned, within breed and contemporary group, to control (N) or 10% added fat (F) diets on d 105 of gestation based on parity and genetic line (control or selected for improved sow productivity), to determine the effects of genetic line and fat addition to the lactation diet on sow and litter performance. Weekly feed intake was not affected (P greater than .10) by genetic line for Duroc and Landrace sows but feed intake was reduced (P = .08) during wk 1 to 4 for Duroc sows and during wk 1 and 4 for Landrace sows (P less than .05) when they were fed diet F compared with diet N. Select (S)-line Duroc and Landrace sows lost more weight during lactation (P less than .01) than did control (C)-line sows. Select-line Landrace sows lost more backfat during lactation (P less than .05) than did C-line sows. Landrace sows lost less weight during lactation (P less than .05) when fed diet F than when fed diet N. The total number of pigs born, born alive, and alive at 21 d and at weaning were higher (P less than .01) for S-line Duroc sows, and litter size at 21 d and at weaning was higher (P less than .01) for S-line Landrace sows than for C-line litters within each breed. Pig survival from birth to weaning was increased (P = .07) for Duroc sows fed diet F but not for Landrace sows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Survey among Belgian pig producers about the introduction of group housing systems for gestating sows

There is a global move from individual to group housing of gestating sows. In the European Union, individual gestating stalls will be banned by 2013. Just like in other industrialized regions, these stalls have been the standard housing system for intensively kept sows from the 1960s onward in the Flemish region of Belgium. Because the socioeconomic consequences for the pig industry may be far-reaching and because farmer attitude may influence the realization of the hoped-for improvement in animal welfare in practice, we conducted a survey from 2003 until 2009 among representative samples of Flemish pig producers every 2 yr. The share of farms with group housing increased from 10.5% in 2003 to 29.8% in 2007, but then dropped to 24.6% in 2009. It appears that after 2005 users of old group housing systems in particular stopped farming. Because sow herd size increased more on farms with vs. without group housing and because the proportion of the herd that was group-housed also tended to increase between 2003 to 2009, the change to group housing took place faster when expressed at the level of the sow (from 9.1% in 2003 to 34.1% in 2009) instead of farm. The percentage of farmers planning to convert to group housing within 2 yr was 4.1% in 2003, and 6 to 7% thereafter. These were typically young farmers (P = 0.006) with a large sow herd (P < 0.001) and with a likely successor (P = 0.03). Free access stalls were the most common group housing system (31% of farms, 37% of sows). Their popularity is expected to increase further at the expense of electronic feeding stations, ad libitum feeding, and stalls/troughs with manual feed delivery. User satisfaction was generally high but depended on whether or not all gestating sows were kept in group (P < 0.001), the provisioning of environmental enrichment (P = 0.057), and the age (P = 0.012) and type (P = 0.016) of system. The main criteria for choosing a certain group housing system were the investment costs and sow health and welfare. The importance of economic reasons (P = 0.007) and type of labor (P = 0.043) decreased with the age of the system. In 2003 and 2005 the main reason for not having converted to group housing was that farmers would stop keeping sows by 2013. In 2007 and 2009 the reasons mainly concerned uncertainty about the future and maximally delaying the conversion. Belgium is one of the European Union countries where the pig industry is expected to undergo drastic changes during the few years remaining before the ban on individual housing.     

梅山与长白母猪粪样微生物体外发酵八种纤维底物的特性比较

本研究旨在比较不同品种母猪(梅山猪与长白猪)粪样中微生物对不同纤维底物的体外降解能力,同时分析粪样中的主要纤维降解菌数量。采集梅山(n=5)和长白(n=5)母猪新鲜粪样作为发酵接种物,以果胶、纤维素、菊粉、麦壳、麸皮、木聚糖、玉米芯渣及苜蓿作为纤维底物进行体外发酵,测定产气量和发酵液挥发性脂肪酸(volatile fatty acid,VFA)浓度。粪样同时用于提取细菌总核酸,变性梯度凝胶电泳(denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis,DGGE)和real-time PCR对菌群区系进行分析。体外发酵结果表明,从发酵后9 h至96 h结束,长白猪接种物各组的累积产气量、有机物校正产气量分别显著(P<0.05)和极显著(P<0.01)高于梅山猪,长白猪T_1/2和T_max显著低于梅山猪(P<0.05),且发酵终产物中乙酸和总VFA浓度显著高于梅山猪接种物(P<0.05),整个发酵过程中不同底物间累积产气量差异显著(P<0.05),累积产气量从高到低的组别依次为:菊粉>麸皮>果胶>苜蓿>麦壳>玉米芯渣>木聚糖>纤维素。DGGE分析表明,梅山与长白母猪粪样菌群图谱中存在许多共同条带。Real-time PCR定量分析表明,梅山母猪粪样中的总细菌的16S rRNA基因拷贝数显著高于长白母猪(P<0.05),而拟杆菌、产琥珀酸丝状杆菌、黄化瘤胃球菌和白化瘤胃球菌等纤维降解菌数量及其占总菌比例差异均不显著(P>0.05)。结果显示,尽管2个品种母猪粪样中纤维降解菌数量无显著差异,但是长白母猪粪样微生物体外发酵纤维底物的能力高于梅山母猪。     

加系长白和大约克种猪哺乳期饲粮适宜营养水平的研究

加系哺乳母猪54头随机分成9组，分别饲喂以消化能、蛋能比、赖氨酸在粗蛋白质中的比例为试验因素，采用L9（3）^4正交试验设计的9种饲粮，试验期从分娩当天开始到21日龄结束。以哺乳期失重和断奶至发情间隔为评价指标，求得哺乳母猪饲粮适宜营养水平为：DE14MJ/kg，CP17/5，Lys0.04%，（M C）AA0.59%。