Metagenomic insights into isolable bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance in airborne dust from pig farms.

This study aims to investigate bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in airborne dust from pig farms. Airborne dust, pig feces and feed were collected from nine pig farms in Thailand. Airborne dust samples were collected from upwind and downwind (25 meters from pig house), and inside (in the middle of the pig house) of the selected pig house. Pig feces and feed samples were individually collected from the pen floor and feed trough from the same pig house where airborne dust was collected. A direct total bacteria count on each sampling plate was conducted and averaged. The ESKAPE pathogens together with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus were examined. A total of 163 bacterial isolates were collected and tested for MICs. Pooled bacteria from the inside airborne dust samples were analyzed using Metagenomic Sequencing. The highest bacterial concentration (1.9-11.2 × 103 CFU/m3) was found inside pig houses. Staphylococcus (n = 37) and Enterococcus (n = 36) were most frequent bacterial species. Salmonella (n = 3) were exclusively isolated from feed and feces. Target bacteria showed a variety of resistance phenotypes, and the same bacterial species with the same resistance phenotype were found in airborne dust, feed and fecal from each farm. Metagenomic Sequencing analysis revealed 1,652 bacterial species across all pig farms, of which the predominant bacterial phylum was Bacillota. One hundred fifty-nine AMR genes of 12 different antibiotic classes were identified, with aminoglycoside resistance genes (24%) being the most prevalent. A total of 251 different plasmids were discovered, and the same plasmid was detected in multiple farms. In conclusion, the phenotypic and metagenomic results demonstrated that airborne dust from pig farms contained a diverse array of bacterial species and genes encoding resistance to a range of clinically important antimicrobial agents, indicating the significant role in the spread of AMR bacterial pathogens with potential hazards to human health. Policy measurements to address AMR in airborne dust from livestock farms are mandatory.

Supplementing a carbohydrate-rich diet from late lactation to insemination increased glucose and insulin levels in weaned sows, leading to improved subsequent piglet birth weight.

Premating maternal nutrition is crucial for postweaning follicle growth, thereby influencing piglet birth weight in subsequent litters. The present study investigated the impact of supplementing a carbohydrate-rich premating diet in sows on metabolic hormones, subsequent piglet birth weight and reproductive performance. Sows were distributed into three groups, control (n=42) received standard diets; treatment I (n=41) received the same diets supplemented with 500 g of a carbohydrate-rich premating diet from weaning until insemination; treatment II (n=42) received the same diets supplemented with 500 g of a carbohydrate-rich premating diet from 7 days before weaning until insemination. Blood samples were taken from sows around weaning to measure serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin, and blood glucose after feeding. The study found that sows on a carbohydrate-rich diet (treatment II) had higher postprandial glucose (P<0.05) and insulin levels (P=0.06) than others. This diet did not affect overall reproductive performance, but it did increase piglet birth weight and reduce the number of low-birth weight piglets compared to the control (P<0.001) and treatment I groups (P<0.05). Supplementing a carbohydrate-rich premating diet for 7 days before weaning until insemination enhanced postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in weaned sows. This dietary intervention led to improved subsequent piglet birth weight and reduced the proportion of low-birth weight piglets.

Interval from Oestrus to Ovulation in Dairy Cows-A Key Factor for Insemination Time: A Review.

This review describes the oestrus-to-ovulation interval, the possibility of predicting the time of ovulation, and the optimum time for insemination relative to oestrus in dairy cows. The duration of oestrus in dairy cows is approximately 8-20 h, with differences possibly related to the methods of oestrus detection and the frequency of observations. Most cows ovulate approximately 24-33 h after the onset of oestrus and 15-22 h after the end of oestrus. The interval from the preovulatory luteinising hormone (LH) surge to ovulation is approximately 4-30 h. Ovulation occurs when follicle diameter averages 18-20 mm. When it is possible to correctly determine the beginning of oestrus, artificial insemination can be performed utilizing the "a.m.-p.m. rule", and only one insemination may be applied. In cows with too long or too short oestrus-to-ovulation intervals, fertility can be compromised. One important factor that can alter the oestrus-to-ovulation interval is acute or chronic heat stress during the warm season. When there is a risk that insemination may occur too early or too late with respect to the time of ovulation, GnRH administration can be considered.

Impacts of Fiber Supplementation in Sows during the Transition Period on Constipation, Farrowing Duration, Colostrum Production, and Pre-Weaning Piglet Mortality in the Free-Farrowing System.

This study investigated how dietary fiber supplementation during the transition period in sows affects constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum production, milk yield, and pre-weaning piglet mortality in the free-farrowing system. A total of 92 Landrace × Yorkshire sows and their 1272 offspring were included in the study. Sows were divided into two groups by parity: control (n = 41) and treatment (n = 51). The control group was fed a standard lactation diet 7 days before farrowing, whereas the treatment group received the same diet with 75 g/day of a dietary fiber supplement. The dietary fiber content analyses were 4.30% and 5.53% in the control and treatment groups, respectively. Sows were fed with 3.89 ± 0.92 kg per day with a diet containing 17.8% crude protein, 3732 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, and 1.1% lysine. Parameters including farrowing duration, litter characteristics, and the fecal condition of sows were measured. Piglet mortality rates were recorded at 3, 7, and 21 days of lactation. Sows had an average farrowing duration of 216 ± 159 min, with litter sizes of 13.8 ± 4.2 piglets per litter, and a 7.4% stillbirth rate. The treatment group showed a lower constipation rate compared to the control group (17.6% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.003). Farrowing duration did not significantly differ between groups, but the treatment group experienced a 43.6 min shorter duration. In sows with litter sizes of ≥16 piglets per litter, the farrowing duration for sows in the treatment group tended to be shorter than that of the control groups (202.0 ± 37.9 vs. 287.5 ± 41.3 min, p = 0.115). The mean colostrum intake of piglets in the control and treatment groups averaged 424.0 ± 13.7 g and 421.8 ± 12.6 g, respectively (p = 0.908). Likewise, the milk production of sows from Days 3 to 10 and from Days 10 to 17 of lactation in the treatment group (7.34 ± 0.27 and 8.76 ± 0.43 kg/day, respectively) did not differ from that of the control group (7.85 ± 0.30 and 9.55 ± 0.47 kg/day, respectively, p > 0.05). Pre-weaning piglet mortality was slightly lower in the treatment group (13.4% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.085). Across groups, piglet mortality rates within 3, 7, and 21 days were 10.3%, 11.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. Piglets with a ≤200 g colostrum intake had a higher pre-weaning mortality compared to those with a higher intake (p < 0.05), except for the 201-300 g intake (p = 0.472). In conclusion, introducing dietary fiber to sows during the transition period reduced constipation and tended to decrease farrowing duration, especially in sows with large litters. Additionally, it lowered pre-weaning piglet mortality by 3.9% in the free-farrowing system. Nonetheless, providing sows with a 75 g/day dietary fiber supplement for only 7 days before farrowing was not enough to enhance colostrum and milk production, nor did it lead to an increase in piglet colostrum consumption.

The influence of parity, body condition, litter size and carbetocin administration on colostrum production and immunoglobulin levels in highly productive sows within a tropical environment.

The aim of this study was to explore the factors contributing to colostrum production and the levels of colostrum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in contemporary highly productive sows within a tropical climate. We focused on variables such as parity number, litter size, sow body condition score (BCS), the timing of sample collection following the commencement of farrowing and the use of carbetocin during the birthing process. A total of 100 colostrum samples were collected from a group of 50 Danish Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. These samples were taken at two distinct time intervals: right after farrowing (0 h) and 6 h later. The colostrum samples were classified according to the sows' parity numbers, with 33 samples originating from primiparous sows and 67 from multiparous ones. Additionally, the number of live-born piglets were categorized into three groups: 7-13, 14-17 and ≥ 18 piglets per litter. Moreover, the samples were categorized based on the use of carbetocin during the birthing process, with 34 sows experiencing natural farrowing and 66 sows receiving carbetocin. The sow's BCS was assessed through visual evaluation and palpation. The piglet colostrum consumption and the amount of colostrum produced by the sows were determined. The concentrations of IgG and IgA were determined by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. On average, the colostrum production averaged 5.5 ± 1.7 kg, with IgG and IgA concentrations averaging 54.9 ± 24.6 mg/ml and 7.6 ± 3.5 mg/ml, respectively. Primiparous sows exhibited a significant 25.2% decrease in IgG concentration within 6 h of parturition (P < 0.05), whereas no such decline was observed in multiparous sows. Furthermore, multiparous sows displayed higher colostrum yields (6.2 ± 1.5 kg and 4.3 ± 1.5 kg, respectively, P < 0.001) and IgA concentrations compared to primiparous sows (8.3 ± 3.8 mg/ml and 6.3 ± 2.6 mg/ml, respectively, P = 0.002). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between IgA concentrations in colostrum and the sow's BCS at both the 0-h and 6-h post-farrowing time points (r = 0.425, P = 0.002 and r = 0.315, P = 0.031, respectively). The administration of carbetocin did not yield a significant impact on the concentrations of IgG and IgA in the sows' colostrum (P > 0.05). In conclusion, during the initial 6 h after birth, colostrum IgA levels remained stable, whereas there was a noticeable decline in IgG levels, particularly among primiparous sows. The production volume of colostrum and the concentration of IgA in sows within tropical conditions were influenced by both parity number and body condition score.

The impact of the interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing on the duration of farrowing, stillbirth rates, and colostrum production in highly productive sows in a tropical climate.

The present study investigated impact of the interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing on the duration of farrowing, stillbirth rates, and colostrum production in highly productive sows in a tropical climate. The study involved a total of 92 Danish Landrace x Yorkshire sows (herd A) and 114 French Landrace × Yorkshire sows (herd B). In herd B, a total of 61 sows had their blood samples collected within 1 hr after the onset of farrowing to evaluate their blood glucose levels. The interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing averaged 5.9 ± 4.5 and 5.4 ± 4.1 hr in herds A and B, respectively. Neither the duration of farrowing nor the occurrence of stillborn piglets in both herds was affected by the time gap between the last meal and the onset of farrowing. At the onset of farrowing, the average blood glucose level in sows was 77.1 ± 19.3 mg/dL, with a range of 27 to 115 mg/dL. There was a positive correlation observed between the blood glucose concentration and the colostrum yield of the sows (r=0.261, P=0.042). In conclusion, the time interval between the last meal and the onset of farrowing did not have any impact on the farrowing performance of sows. However, a higher concentration of blood glucose at the onset of farrowing was associated with an improvement in the colostrum yield of the sows.

Effect of Andrographis paniculata supplementation during the transition period on colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G, and postpartum complications in multiparous sows during tropical summer.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) supplementation in sow diets before and after farrowing on the sow and piglets' performances during early postpartum period and on sows' backfat and longissimus muscle losses during lactation. METHODS: Seventy Landrace×Yorkshire sows and their offspring (1,186 piglets) were distributed into three groups: control (n = 31), treatment-250 (n = 18), and treatment-1000 (n = 21). From 110.2±0.7 days of gestation until farrowing (5.8 days) and throughout the lactation period (25.2 days), sows in the control group were given the conventional lactation diet, while sows in the treatment-250 and treatment-1000 groups received supplements of 250 ppm and 1,000 ppm of A. paniculata, respectively. RESULTS: In sows with parity 3-5, piglets from the treatment-1000 group had higher colostrum intake than the control and treatment-250 groups (p<0.05), but not in sows with parity 6-9. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased in treated sows versus controls for parity 6-9 (p<0.05), but was consistent for parity 3-5. Piglet performance until day 3 postnatal was similar across groups (p>0.05). Treatment-250 sows had higher feed intake post-farrowing than treatment-1000 sows (p<0.05). Longissimus loss was less in both treatment groups than control (p<0.05), but backfat loss was similar across groups (p>0.05). Post-partum complications were consistent across groups (p>0.05). Farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows with parity 6-9 were prolonged in the treatment-1000 group. CONCLUSION: Supplementing with 1,000 ppm A. paniculata for 5.8 days pre-farrowing and 25.2 days post-farrowing enhanced sow colostrum IgG and piglet colostrum intake, while also reducing longissimus loss in sows. However, for sows of parity 6-9, this supplementation led to prolonged farrowing, increased intervals between piglet births, increased stillbirth, and reduced piglet birth weight. These effects should be considered when using A. paniculata supplementation.

Factors associated with farrowing assistance in hyperprolific sows.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to determine risk factors associated with the frequency of farrowing assistance in hyperprolific sows in a tropical environment and to investigate the impacts of farrowing assistance on piglet colostrum consumption and sow colostrum yield. METHODS: Farrowing data from 352 Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred sows and 5,554 piglets in five commercial swine herds in Thailand were investigated. The sows were classified according to parity numbers: 1 (n = 72), 2 to 4 (n = 128), 5 to 6 (n = 84), and ≥7 (n = 68) and the total number of piglets born per litter (TB): 10 to 13 (n = 90), 14 to 16 (n = 117), and ≥17 (n = 145). The incidence of farrowing assistance and associated parameters were investigated. RESULTS: The TB and farrowing duration averaged 15.8±0.2 and 279.9±11.2 min, respectively. The percentage of sows that required farrowing assistance was 29.8% and varied among herds from 5.7% to 53.3% (p<0.001). The percentage of piglets born after birth assistance using manual intervention was 8.4%. Sows with parity numbers 1 and 2 to 4 had a lower frequency of farrowing assistance than sows with parity numbers ≥7 (p<0.01). The colostrum yield of sows that required farrowing assistance did not differ from sows that farrowed without assistance (5.3±0.2 and 5.1±0.1 kg; p = 0.288); however, the colostrum consumption of piglets born from sows that required farrowing assistance was lower than those born from sows that farrowed without assistance (302.2±15.7 and 354.2±5.6 g; p<0.001). Blood oxygen saturation of the piglets born after birth assistance tended to be lower than the piglets that farrowed without birth assistance (87.8%±1.3% vs 90.4%±0.4%; p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: The frequency of farrowing assistance in sows varied among herds and was influenced by parity number. The piglets born after receiving birth assistance should receive special care to improve their blood oxygen saturation and enhance colostrum intake.

Factors affecting birth weight and stillbirth in sows housed in a tropical environment.

This study analysed data from a commercial swine herd in Thailand equipped with a free-farrowing housing system, comprising 17,196 piglets from 1318 litters, to explore the impact of sow and litter characteristics on the piglet birth weight and the incidence of stillbirth. The piglets were classified into four groups based on the total number of piglets born per litter (TB): ≤9 (n = 1434), 10-12 (n = 3232), 13-15 (n = 6537) and ≥16 (n = 5993). Sows were classified into four groups based on parity number: 1, 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8. The piglets were categorized into quartiles based on their birth order ranking: Q1 (n = 4786), Q2 (n = 4143), Q3 (n = 3808) and Q4 (n = 4456). Piglet birth weight was individually measured before colostrum ingestion. On average, TB, the number of live-born piglets and the incidence of stillbirth were 13.1 ± 3.7, 11.5 ± 3.8 and 6.3%, respectively. Among these litters, 26.6% had TB numbers ≥16. The average piglet birth weight was 1.37 ± 0.36 kg, with 18.3% of piglets weighing ≤1.0 kg at birth. Piglet birth weight was influenced by birth order ranking, as Q4 piglets were found to be heavier than piglets born in Q1-Q3 (p < .001). Moreover, the percentage of piglets with a birth weight of ≤1.0 kg increased from 5.9% in litters with TB of ≤9-25.3% in litters with TB of ≥16 (p < .001). Additionally, primiparous sows had lower piglet birth weights compared to sows with parity numbers 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8 (p < .001). Piglets born in the fourth quartile (Q4) had a higher risk of stillbirth compared to those born in the first (Q1), second (Q2) and third (Q3) quartiles (12.5% vs. 2.2%, 4.1% and 6.6%, respectively, p < .001). The incidence of stillbirth in litters with TB ≥16 was also higher than that in litters with TB ≤9 and 10-12 (p < .05). Furthermore, sows with parity numbers ≥8 had a higher incidence of stillbirth (9.7%) compared to primiparous sows (4.0%, p < .001), sows with 2-4 parity (5.2%, p < .001) and sows with 5-7 parity (7.6%, p = .003). In summary, a high incidence of stillbirth was found in piglets born in the last quartile of litters, in litters with >16 piglets and for sows with parity numbers ≥8. Piglets born in the last quartile of litters were heavier than those born in the first to third quartiles.

Impacts of supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition period on behaviour, feed consumption, constipation levels, colostrum production and piglet performance in hyperprolific sows.

In the modern swine industry, inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing represent a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is rich in fibre. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods (7 days before and after farrowing) on various aspects including postpartum behaviour, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into two groups, i.e., control (n = 54) and treatment (n = 46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet at 3.0-3.5 kg per day for a period of 7 days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150 g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analysed and contained 0.24 % (w/w) cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360 mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fibre content of 4.3 %, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher dietary fibre content of 16.9 %. Video cameras were used to observe and document the behaviour of sows within the initial 24 h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5 °C was considered indicative of fever. The faecal score of the sows was assessed, and a faecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0 % and 38.9 % respectively, P = 0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, overall, sows without constipation issues spent more time consuming feed than those experiencing constipation (P = 0.006). The prevalence of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (17.4 % and 81.5 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the postpartum sows demonstrated increased feed intake following supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts (P < 0.05). Sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, piglet mortality and other piglet traits did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition periods in peri-parturient sows under tropical conditions resulted in a reduction in constipation issues and improved sow activities, such as increased time spent standing and consuming feed within the first 24 h postpartum.

Boar Seminal Microbiota in Relation to Sperm Quality under Tropical Environments.

The present study was carried out to determine the seminal microbiota of boars and their correlation with sperm quality. A total of 17 ejaculates were collected from 17 Duroc boars and were classified according to sperm quality into two groups: low-quality (n = 8) and high-quality (n = 9). Each ejaculate was subjected to (i) semen evaluation, (ii) bacterial culture and MALDI-TOF identification, and (iii) 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. No difference in the total bacterial count, alpha diversity, and beta diversity between the high-quality group and the low-quality group was detected (p > 0.05). While Globicatella sanguinis was negatively correlated with sperm quality (p < 0.05), Delftia acidovorans was positively correlated with sperm quality (p < 0.05). Lactobacillales (25.2%; LB) and Enterobacterales (10.3%; EB) were the most dominant bacteria and negatively correlated: EB = 507.3 - 0.5 × LB, R2 = 0.24, p < 0.001. Moreover, the abundance of Escherichia-shigella was negatively correlated with LB (r = -0.754, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with Proteus (r = 0.533, p < 0.05). Alysiella was positively correlated with Lactobacillus (r = 0.485, p < 0.05), Prevotella (r = 0.622, p < 0.01), and Staphylococcus (r = 0.489, p < 0.05). In conclusion, seminal microbiota is significantly associated with boar semen qualities. The distributions of the most dominant bacterial genera, the differences in the abundance of small subset microbes, and their correlation appear to have far more impact than the overall seminal bacterial content (e.g., total bacterial count, alpha diversity, and beta diversity) on sperm quality.

Quantification of domestic cat hepadnavirus DNA in various body fluid specimens of cats: the potential viral shedding routes.

Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family together with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) that remains to be a major health problem worldwide. The transmission of HBV infectious virion has been one of the essential factors that contribute to high number of HBV infection in humans. It has been long known that various body fluid specimens of human with chronic HBV infection contain HBV DNA and demonstrated to be infectious. In contrast to this knowledge, the detection of DCH in various body fluid specimens of cats, has not been reported. This study explored the detection of DCH DNA in various body fluid specimens of cats by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and investigated whether the detection of DCH DNA from broader routes was correlated with any genomic diversity by phylogenetic analysis. A total of 1,209 body fluid specimens were included, and DCH DNA was detected not only in 4.70% (25/532) of blood samples; but also in 12.5% (1/8), 1.14% (1/88), 2.54% (10/394), and 1.65% (3/182) of auricular swab (AS), nasal swab (NS), oral swab (OS), and rectal swab (RS) specimens, respectively. Furthermore, the level of DCH DNA detected in the blood was significantly correlated with DCH DNA detection in OS (P = 0.02) and RS (P = 0.04) specimens. Genomic analysis revealed that there was no notable genomic diversity within the complete genome sequences obtained in this study. In conclusion, this study highlighted the presence of DCH DNA in various body fluid specimens of cats, and the potential role of these specimens in DCH horizontal transmission within the cat population warrants further studies.

Administration of ketoprofen in postpartum sows to control the incidence of post-parturient disorders and improve piglet survival rate.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation and pain management in postpartum hyperprolific sows is currently an important animal welfare issue in the swine industry. The present study investigates effects of ketoprofen treatment on the incidence of post-parturient disorders, feed intake, colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and piglet mortality rate during the first 3 days of postnatal life. METHODS: In total, 61 Danish Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred sows and their offspring (n = 833) were included in the experiment. The sows were randomly distributed into two groups: i) control (n = 31), sows were treated with tolfenamic acid 2 mg per kg for 2 days postpartum; ii) ketoprofen (n = 30), sows were treated with ketoprofen 3 mg per kg for 2 days postpartum. The farrowing process of the sows was monitored for 24 h daily, and data associated with farrowing were collected. Piglet colostrum intake, sow colostrum yield and colostrum IgG were determined. RESULTS: During the first 3 days postpartum, the incidence of sows that had fever did not differ between control and ketoprofen groups (51.6% and 56.7%, respectively, p = 0.692). Piglet colostrum intake did not differ between control and ketoprofen groups (p = 0.736). However, the proportions of piglets that had inadequate colostrum intake were 71.3%, 22.6%, and 5.4% in those with birth weights of <1.0 kg, 1.0 to 1.29 kg, and ≥1.30 kg, respectively (p<0.001). The piglet mortality rate did not differ between control and ketoprofen groups (p = 0.808). CONCLUSION: Administration of ketoprofen in postpartum sows for 2 days can control the evidence of post-parturient disorders in sows as effectively as the use of tolfenamic acid. No deleterious effect of ketoprofen was detected on sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake and piglet mortality. Therefore, ketoprofen can be recommended as an alternative anti-inflammatory drug used in postpartum sows.

Bacteriospermia and its antimicrobial resistance in relation to boar sperm quality during short-term storage with or without antibiotics in a tropical environment.

BACKGROUND: In tropical environments, boar semen is prepared either from a boar on the same farm as the sow herd or collected in semen collection centers and then transported to other farms. Thus, the semen doses can be used for artificial insemination either immediately or preserved for 2-3 days. The present study investigated the bacteriospermia and its antimicrobial resistance in relation to boar sperm quality during short-term storage in semen extender with or without antibiotics in Thailand. M&M: In total, 20 Duroc ejaculates were collected. Each ejaculate was diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution extender either with 0.25 g of gentamicin per liter (ANTIBIOTIC) or without gentamicin (NO-ANITIBIOTIC) to create semen doses containing 3,000 × 106 sperm/100 mL. These were stored at 17 °C for 4 days. Semen characteristics and total bacterial count (CFU per mL, log10) were measured after collection and during storage. RESULTS: Sperm viability was decreased by 6.4% for every 1.0 log10 increase in total bacterial count (p = 0.026) and Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated across ejaculates. Throughout the 4 days of storage, sperm motility, viability and acrosome integrity in the ANTIBIOTIC group were higher than those in the NO-ANTIBIOTIC group (p < 0.05), while the total bacterial count was lower (1.9 ± 0.1 versus 3.9 ± 0.1 log10, respectively; p < 0.001). Without antibiotic supplementation, the total numbers of bacteria counted on days 2 and 3 of storage were higher than those determined on days 0 and 1 (p < 0.001). Differences in semen quality were detected on days 2 and 3 between the NO-ANTIBIOTIC and ANTIBIOTIC groups in high-viability semen (p < 0.05). However, no differences in sperm quality between the NO-ANTIBIOTIC and ANTIBIOTIC groups were detected in the low-viability semen on each storage day (p > 0.05). On the last day of preservation, Globicatella sanguinis (57.2%), Delftia acidovorans (18.9%) and Micrococcus spp. (5.9%) remained as the top three most abundant contaminants in the semen with antibiotic. CONCLUSION: Our findings contribute new insights toward reducing antibiotics as well as rational antibiotic use in the boar AI industry. The growth of bacteria was significantly greater only after 2 days of preservation in the semen without antibiotic. For semen doses diluted from highly viable ejaculates, it is possible to store for 2 days without any antibiotic supplementation. Moreover, bacterial counts increased at the end of storage in the presence of gentamycin, suggesting the loss of bacteriostatic properties of gentamicin to the growth of bacteria during storage.

Seasonal Effects on Body Condition and Characteristics of the Estrous Cycle in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand: A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of season on the body condition score (BCS), the characteristics of the estrous cycle (luteal phase [LPL], follicular phase [FPL], estrous cycle [ECL] lengths, and the start of the luteal phase [SLP] and follicular phase [SFP]), and progesterone levels (baseline and peak) of eight captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand. From 2014 to 2019, blood samples were collected weekly for serum progesterone enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Estrous cycles (n = 70), including the luteal and follicular phases, and BCS (n = 70) were recorded. Based on the BCS, the LPL, FPL, and ECL were assigned to the following two groups: normal (BCS = 3.0-4.0, n = 38) and overweight (BCS = 4.5-5.0, n = 32). The findings demonstrated that there was no difference in LPL between the groups. However, in the normal group, the ECL was one week longer (14.9 ± 1.7 vs. 13.9 ± 1.7 weeks; p < 0.05), and the FPL also tended to be one week longer (7.2 ± 1.7 vs. 6.4 ± 1.5 weeks; p = 0.06) than in the overweight group. The mean progesterone level during the rainy, hot, and cool seasons was not statistically different. Based on the yearly averaged BCS from three seasons, the baseline and peak levels of progesterone were classified into the normal (n = 16) and overweight (n = 12) groups. Females with a normal BCS tended to exhibit higher progesterone peak levels (p = 0.08). The majority of peaks appeared during the rainy season (53.57%). The BCS was highest during the hot (4.47) and rainy (4.38) seasons, but not during the cool (4.12) season. The LPL, FPL, and ECL were not affected by the season in which the luteal phase occurred. On the other hand, the rainy season had a significant effect on the SFP, resulting in a longer LPL (p < 0.05) and ECL (p = 0.01); both were the longest during the rainy season. In conclusion, the effects of season on BCS may be related to characteristics of the estrous cycle and peak progesterone levels. Ultimately, these findings provide ground knowledge to assist elephant managers and owners in planning breeding activities using seasonal effects and BCS measurements in tropical climates.

Pen Versus Crate: A Comparative Study on the Effects of Different Farrowing Systems on Farrowing Performance, Colostrum Yield and Piglet Preweaning Mortality in Sows under Tropical Conditions.

The present study was performed to determine the farrowing performance of sows, newborn piglet characteristics, colostrum yield, milk yield and piglet preweaning mortality in a free-farrowing pen compared to a conventional farrowing crate system in a tropical environment. A total of 92 sows and 1344 piglets were included in the study. The sows were allocated by parity into two farrowing systems, either a free-farrowing pen (n = 54 sows and 805 piglets) or a crate (n = 38 sows and 539 piglets). Backfat thickness and loin muscle depth of sows at 109.0 ± 3.0 days of gestation were measured. Reproductive performance data including total number of piglets born (TB), number of piglets born alive (BA), percentage of stillborn piglets (SB) and percentage of mummified foetuses (MF) per litter, farrowing duration, piglet expulsion interval, time from onset of farrowing to the last placental expulsion, piglet preweaning mortality rate, percentage of piglets crushed by sows and number of piglets at weaning were analysed. In addition, piglet colostrum intake, colostrum yield, Brix index and milk yield of sows were evaluated. On average, TB, BA, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and milk yield during 3 to 10 and 10 to 17 days of lactation were 14.7 ± 2.8, 12.8 ± 3.1, 213.2 ± 142.2 min, 5.3 ± 1.4 kg, 8.6 ± 1.5 kg, and 10.4 ± 2.2 kg, respectively. Sows kept in the free-farrowing pen tended to produce more colostrum than crated sows (5.5 ± 0.2 vs. 4.9 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.080). Piglets born in the free-farrowing pen had a higher colostrum intake than those in the crate system (437.0 ± 6.9 and 411.7 ± 8.3 g, p = 0.019). However, the piglet preweaning mortality rate (26.8 ± 2.9 vs. 17.0 ± 3.8, p = 0.045) and the proportion of piglets crushed by sows (13.1 ± 2.1 vs. 5.8 ± 2.7, p = 0.037) in the free-farrowing pen were higher than those in the crate system. Interestingly, in the free-farrowing pen, piglet preweaning mortality rate in sows with high backfat thickness was higher than that in sows with moderate (37.8 ± 5.1% vs. 21.6 ± 3.6%, p = 0.011) and low (21.0 ± 6.2%, p = 0.038) backfat thickness. Moreover, the incidence of crushing in sows with high backfat thickness was higher in the free-farrowing pen than in the crate system (17.6 ± 3.6 vs. 4.0 ± 5.7, p = 0.049), but this difference was not detected for sows with moderate and low backfat thickness (p > 0.05). Milk yield of sows during 3 to 10 days (8.6 ± 0.2 vs. 8.6 ± 2.3, p > 0.05) and 10 to 17 days (10.2 ± 0.3 vs. 10.4 ± 0.4, p > 0.05) did not differ between the two farrowing systems. In conclusion, piglets born in the free-farrowing pen had a higher colostrum intake than those in the crate system. However, the piglet preweaning mortality rate and the proportion of piglets crushed by sows in the free-farrowing pen were higher than in the crate system. Interestingly, a high proportion of piglet preweaning mortality in the free-farrowing system was detected only in sows with high backfat thickness before farrowing but not in those with low and moderate backfat thickness. Therefore, additional management in sows with high backfat thickness (>24 mm) before farrowing should be considered to avoid the crushing of piglets by sows.

Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels and Estrous Monitoring of GnRH Agonist Deslorelin-Induced Estrus in Bitches: A Pilot Study.

This study was performed to monitor estrous patterns and, more importantly, changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations during the peri-ovulatory period in deslorelin-induced estrous bitches. Healthy anestrous bitches (n = 4) were used. Estrus and ovulation were monitored after deslorelin implantation. Blood samples were collected for analysis of progesterone, estradiol-17ß and AMH concentrations before implantation (day 0) and on days 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 after implantation. Six days following treatment, all bitches showed estrus signs. Ovulation took place between days 12 and 15. Circulating AMH concentrations varied among bitches from 0.12 to 3.08 ng/mL. However, no significant differences in AMH levels (mean ± SD) were observed between day 0 and days following post-implantation (p > 0.05). There were no significant correlations between AMH and estradiol or AMH and progesterone (p > 0.05). Ultrasonographically, the number of clearly identifiable ovarian follicles was higher before ovulation and the area of ovaries increased after ovulation (p < 0.05). Except for AMH, changes in vaginal cytology, estradiol-17ß and progesterone levels observed in our study were similar to naturally occurring estrus. Large intra- and inter-individual variation in AMH were observed suggesting that AMH is currently not suitable as a canine fertility marker to monitor ovarian response to deslorelin treatment for estrus induction.

Managing prolific sows in tropical environments.

Litter size in modern sows has been dramatically improved in recent decades by genetic selection for highly prolific sows. In a tropical environment, the average total number of pigs born and number born alive are reported to be as high as 17.2 and 15.1 piglets per litter, respectively. Therefore, the new production target in many herds aims to achieve 30-40 pigs weaned per sow per year. Despite the improvements in litter size, the mean preweaning piglet mortality rate remains high, at between 10% and 20%, in major pig-producing countries. A sufficient daily feed intake by lactating sows is important for high milk production as sow milk yield is the limiting factor for piglet growth rate. Heat stress, which can occur when the ambient temperatures rise above 25°C, is one of the major problems that decreases daily feed intake and compromises milk yield. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage high feed intakes to achieve high milk yields. However, even with high nutrient intakes, productivity can be constrained by intestinal barrier function, limiting digestive ability, and allowing potential pathogens and/or toxins to become systemic. This is more likely greater under tropical conditions because of heat stress, exacerbating sow fertility problems. Underpinning sow herd performance, including responses to environmental challenges, is the selection of appropriate gilts, for example, selection and management for early puberty, thus presumably selecting the more fertile gilts and the correct management of lactation to improve the number of weaned piglets are some of the key factors for future reproductive efficiency of the farm under tropical conditions.

Factors Associated with Farrowing Duration in Hyperprolific Sows in a Free Farrowing System under Tropical Conditions.

The ongoing selection for increased litter size has had significant impacts on sow husbandry practice. The present study investigated factors associated with farrowing duration and the proportion of sows that had prolonged farrowing in modern hyperprolific sows kept in a free farrowing system in a tropical environment. Farrowing data from 2493 Landrace x Yorkshire cross-bred sows in a commercial swine herd in Thailand were included in the study. The time of farrowing, parity number, litter size, and the birth status of each piglet were recorded. Farrowing duration was analysed using multiple analyses of variance. Total number of piglets born per litter (TB), parity, and time onset of farrowing were included in the statistical models. On average, TB, piglets born alive, and farrowing duration were 13.7, 12.1, and 221.0 min, respectively. Of these sows, 26.4% had TB ≥ 16 and 21.7% had a prolonged farrowing duration (≥300 min). Farrowing duration was positively correlated with TB (r = 0.141, p < 0.001), percentage of stillborn (SB) piglets per litter (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), percentage of mummified foetuses (MF) per litter (r = 0.049, p = 0.015), piglet birth weight (r = 0.068, p < 0.001), and litter birth weight (r = 0.041, p = 0.043). The proportion of SB per litter was higher and piglet birth weight lower in litters that had ≥16 TB than those with 8−12 TB (p < 0.05). The farrowing duration of sows with parity numbers 5−7 (247.7 ± 5.1 min) and 8−10 (237.1 ± 5.1 min) was longer than that of sows with parity numbers 1 (188.3 ± 5.2 min) and 2−4 (214.3 ± 3.9 min) (p < 0.05). Sows that had started farrowing during working hours had longer farrowing durations (229.3 ± 3.6 min) than those that had started farrowing during non-working hours (217.6 ± 3.4 min, p = 0.017). In multiparous sows, the duration of farrowing was positively correlated with the maximum temperature (r = 0.056, p = 0.012) and the maximum temperature−humidity index (r = 0.059, p = 0.008) in the 7 days before farrowing. The present data confirm that TB, sow parity, and time of onset of farrowing are significant risk factors for a prolonged farrowing.

Domestic cat hepadnavirus associated with hepatopathy in cats: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Whether domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection is associated with clinical disease remains to be determined. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between DCH detection, hematology, serum bichemistry and liver histology in DCH-positive cats. ANIMALS: One thousand twenty-two cats in Thailand without concurrent diseases and not undergoing treatments adversely affecting the liver. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Samples derived from cats with concurrent virus detection were excluded. DCH detection was determined in blood and fresh-frozen liver by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and further investigated in liver sections showing histological parenchymal disorders (HPD) and normal liver (HNL) using in situ hybridization (ISH). Proliferative/apoptotic activities were determined using immunohistochemistry and ISH panels. Biochemical variables and risk factors for DCH infection were investigated. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-one (557 blood and 119 liver samples) cats were included. DCH was detected in 18.50% (103/557), 13.85% (9/65), and 3.70% (2/54) of the blood, HPD, and HNL groups, respectively. Cats with DCH revealed abnormally high activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = .001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < .001). Among DCH-positive HPD case 2/9 an 7/9 were acute and chronic hepatitis, of which 4/7 had hepatitis. Log viral copy number (LVCN) was positively correlated with ALT (P < .001), triglyceride (P < .001), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (P = .022). The LVCN also had a positive association with degree of hepatitis (P < .05). There was hepatocyte proliferation activity in DHC positive cats. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Domestic cat hepadnavirus infection was associated with high serum activity of liver enzymes and chronic lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis (LPH).