Levantamento de dados de condenações pulmonares por aspiração de sangue em abate de suínos sob o Serviço de Inspeção Estadual da Bahia entre os anos de 2018 a 2020 / Data Survey on pulmonary condemnatios for blood aspiration in swine slaughter under the Bahia State, Brazil Inspection Service from 2018 to 2020

O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever os dados das condenações de pulmões por aspiração de sangue em abate de suínos do estado da Bahia, no período de janeiro de 2018 a outubro de 2020, em abatedouros sob fiscalização do Serviço de Inspeção Estadual (SIE). A coleta retrospectiva foi facilitada pela Agência de Defesa Agropecuária da Bahia (ADAB), através da Guia de Trânsito Animal (GTA), e foram coletados dados de 255.834 suínos abatidos em matadouros frigoríficos, localizados em oito municípios. Nos anos de 2018 e 2019, a aspiração de sangue foi a lesão mais encontrada. Em 2018, foram 15,45% (1131/7322) das alterações macroscópicas e 36,48% (1131/3100) das condenações pulmonares, e em 2019, foram 14,75% (1053/7138) e 36,20% (1053/2909), respectivamente. A congestão foi a lesão mais encontrada em 2020, mas não houve diferença considerável com a aspiração de sangue, que foi destaque das condenações pulmonares, com 38,07% (712/1870). Estes dados revelam a frequência de condenação por aspiração de sangue no estado da Bahia e sugerem implementação de treinamentos de manejo não violento para os funcionários dos abatedouros frigoríficos, visto que esse tipo de lesão indica estresse e uma tecnopatia associada à falha na insensibilização e sangria, em razão do animal agonizar enquanto tenta respirar após a incisão no pescoço.

This study aims to analyze data on lung condemnations for blood aspiration in pig slaughter in the state of Bahia, Brazil from january 2018 to october 2020, in slaughterhouses under supervision of the State Inspection Service (SIE). The retrospective collection was facilitated by the Agricultural Defense Agency of Bahia (ADAB), through the Animal Transit Guide (GTA), and data were collected from 255,834 pigs slaughtered in slaughter houses located in eight municipalities. In 2018 and 2019, blood aspiration was the most common lesion. In 2018, it was 15,45% (1131/7322) of macroscopic changes and 36,48% (1131/3100) of lung condemnations, and in 2019, it was 14,75% (1053/7138) and 36,20% (1053/2909), respectively. Congestion was the most common lesion found in 2020, but there was no considerable difference with blood aspiration, which was highlighted in pulmonary condemnations, with 38,07% (712/1870). These data reveal the frequency of condemnations for blood aspiration in the state of Bahia, Brazil and suggest the implementation of training in non-violent management for employees of slaughterhouses, as this type of injury indicates stress and a technopathy as sociated with failure in stunning and bleeding, because the animal agonizes while trying to breathe after the neck incision

Effect of parity segregation on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection dynamics and pneumonic lesions in pigs / Efeito da ordem de parto segregada sobre a dinâmica de infecção de Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae e lesões pulmonares ao abate

Gilts represent a group risk for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vertical transmission in swine herds. Therefore, parity segregation can be an alternative to control M. hyopneumoniae infections. The study evaluated the effect of parity segregation on M. hyopneumoniae infection dynamics and occurrence and severity of lung lesions at slaughter. For that, three multiple site herds were included in the study. Herd A consisted of the farm where gilts would have their first farrowing (parity order (PO) 1). After the first farrowing PO 1 sows were transferred to herd B (PO2-6). Herd C was a conventional herd with gilt replacement (PO1-6). Piglets born in each herd were raised in separated nursery and finishing units. Sows (n = 33 (A), 37 (B), 34 (C)) in all herds were sampled prior to farrowing and piglets (n = 54 (A), 71 (B), 66 (C)) were sampled longitudinally at 21, 63, 100, 140 days of age and at slaughter for M. hyopneumoniae detection by PCR and lung lesions scoring. M. hyopneumoniae prevalence in sows did not differ among herds. Prevalence of positive piglets was higher at weaning in the PO1 herd (A) (P < 0.05). However, prevalence of positive pigs from 100 days of age to slaughter age was higher in the PO2-6 herd (B) (P < 0.05). Lung lesion occurrence and severity were higher in herd B. The authors suggested that the lack of a proper gilt acclimation might have influenced the results, leading to sows being detected positive at farrowing, regardless of the parity.

As leitoas consistem em um grupo de risco na transmissão vertical de Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae dentro do sistema de produção de suínos. Dessa forma, a segregação de partos poderia ser utilizada como alternativa para controlar as infecções por M. hyopneumoniae. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da segregação de partos sobre a dinâmica de infecção de M. hyopneumoniae e a ocorrência e severidade das lesões pulmonares ao abate. Para isso três sistemas de produção de suínos com três sítios cada foram incluídos no estudo. A granja A consistia da unidade onde as leitoas tem o primeiro parto, ou seja, alojava somente de fêmeas de ordem de parto 1 (Granja OP1). Após o primeiro parto as fêmeas OP1 foram transferidas para a granja B (Granja OP2-6), ou seja, consistia de fêmeas de ordem de parto 2 a 6, e a granja C consistiu em uma granja convencional com reposição de leitoas (Granja OP1-6), com fêmeas de ordem de parto 1 a 6. Os leitões nascidos de cada granja foram transferidos e criados em creches e terminações segregadas. As matrizes (n = 33 (A), 37 (B), 34 (C)) de todas as granjas do estudo foram amostradas previamente ao parto e os leitões (n = 54 (A), 71 (B), 66 (C)) foram amostrados longitudinalmente aos 21, 63, 100 e 140 dias de idade e ao abate. Em todos os momentos de coleta, as amostras foram avaliadas por PCR para detecção de M. hyopneumoniae. As lesões pulmonares foram avaliadas e escores de lesão foram atribuídos ao abate. A prevalência de matrizes positivas para M. hyopneumoniae não diferiu entre as granjas (P > 0,05). A prevalência ao desmame foi maior na granja A (OP1) (P < 0,05). No entanto, dos 100 dias de idade até o abate a prevalência de leitões positivos para M. hyopneumoniae foi maior na granja B (OP2-6) (P < 0,05). A ocorrência e severidade de lesões pulmonares foram maiores na granja B. Os autores sugerem que a falta de uma aclimatação adequada das leitoas pode ter influenciado nos resultados, levando à detecção de matrizes positivas ao parto, independente da ordem de parto.

Agents of pneumonia in slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil / Agentes patogênicos de pneumonia em suínos abatidos no sul do Brasil

A high prevalence of pneumonic lesions has been reported to affect slaughtered pigs in southern Brazil. In order to identify which microorganisms have been causing those lesions, 30 pig lungs presenting pneumonic gross lesions were collected from five different slaughterhouses, totaling 150 lungs. Samples for bacterial isolation, molecular, histopathologic and immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluation were taken from each lung. The pneumonic lesion scoring ranged from 1.53 to 2.83. The most frequent histopathological lesions found was the concomitant Influenza A virus (IAV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection, corresponding to 55.3% (83/150), and Pasteurella multocida type A was isolated in 54.2% (45/83) of these cases. In 102 samples (68%), there was histopathologic suggestion of involvement of more than one infectious agent. M. hyopneumoniae was the most frequent agent associated with pneumonic lesions, being present in 92.1% (94/102) of the lungs with coinfections, followed by IAV in 89.2% (91/102). Besides the coinfections, IAV lesions were observed also in six samples without another pathogenic microorganism detected. A total of 46 samples with acute and subacute IAV suspected lesions in histopathological examination were assessed for IHC and real time RT-PCR for IAV. A total of 35% (16/46) of them were positive by IHC and 13% (6/46) by real time RT-PCR. Regarding M. hyopneumoniae, 79.3% (119/150) of samples were positive by qPCR and 84.9% (101/119) of them also presented M. hyopneumoniae suspected lesions in the histopathological examination. The results of this study suggest the importance of IAV in respiratory diseases in finishing pigs, even though this virus is more frequently reported in the nursery phase. In addition, our results emphasize the importance of lung coinfections in finishing pigs.(AU)

Lesões sugestivas de pneumonia são frequentemente encontradas em altas prevalências em suínos abatidos no sul do Brasil. Para identificar quais microrganismos causam essas lesões, foram coletados 30 pulmões de suínos com lesão macroscópica sugestiva de pneumonia em cinco frigoríficos diferentes, totalizando 150 pulmões. Amostras para isolamento bacteriano, avaliação molecular, histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHC) foram coletadas de cada pulmão. O escore de lesão pulmonar variou entre 1,53 a 2,83. O achado histopatológico mais observado foi a lesão sugestiva de infecção concomitante pelo vírus Influenza A (IAV) e Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, correspondendo a 55,3% (83/150), e em 54,2% (45/83) desses casos Pasteurella (P.) multocida tipo A foi isolado. Em 102 amostras (68%), houve lesão histopatológica sugestiva do envolvimento de mais de um agente infeccioso. M. hyopneumoniae foi o microrganismo mais frequente associado a lesões de pneumonia, estando presente em 92,1% (94/102) dos pulmões com coinfecções, seguido de IAV, que foi encontrado em 89,2% (91/102). Além das coinfecções, lesões de IAV foram observadas em mais seis amostras que não aparentavam envolvimento de outro agente infeccioso. Um total de 46 amostras com suspeita de lesão aguda e subaguda de IAV no exame histopatológico foram avaliadas para IHC e RT-PCR em tempo real para IAV e 35% (16/46) delas foram positivas por IHC e 13% (6/46) foram positivas por RT-PCR em tempo real. Com relação a M. hyopneumoniae, 79,3% (119/150) das amostras foram positivas por qPCR e 84,9% (101/119) delas também apresentaram lesões suspeitas de M. hyopneumoniae no exame histopatológico. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem a importância do IAV como agente causador de pneumonias em suínos de terminação, embora esse vírus seja mais frequentemente relatado na fase de creche. Além disso, os achados deste trabalho demonstram a presença frequente de coinfecções pulmonares em suínos de terminação.(AU)

Associação de alterações anatomopatológicas com o Helicobacter spp. por meio de análise imuno-histoquímica em estômagos de leitões

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar os achados anatomopatológicos das lesões gástricas subclínicas de ocorrência natural em leitões com a presença, ou não, de Helicobacter spp. por meio da imuno-histoquímica. Foram utilizados 48 leitões de linhagem genética comercial. Os animais foram adquiridos em uma granja comercial, com peso médio de 34 Kg e idade média de 79 dias; após o abate, seus estômagos foram coletados e avaliados. Avaliações histopatológicas e imuno-histoquímicas foram realizadas em amostras das regiões anatômicas aglandular e glandular. Macroscopicamente, 34 (70,83%) leitões apresentaram lesões na região aglandular, enquanto que em 14 animais (29,17%) não foram encontradas alterações nesta região. Dos estômagos com lesão, 14 foram classificados como grau 1, seis como grau 2 e 14 como grau 3. Microscopicamente, 44 amostras (91,66%) apresentaram paraqueratose. Deste total, 22 apresentaram a forma discreta, 20 a moderada e dois a acentuada. Na avaliação macroscópica da porção glandular, 41 (85,4%) animais apresentaram alteração em pelo menos uma das três regiões, e em somente sete (14,6%) não foram encontradas lesões em nenhuma delas. Em 14 deles, houve aumento da atividade mucípara, em dois, houve erosão e, em cinco, hiperemia.  As lesões na região glandular do estômago foram mais extensas no antro e no cárdia, seguidas do fundo. Em relação à análise imuno

The aim of this study was to relate the anatomopathological findings of naturally occurring subclinical gastric lesions in piglets, with or without Helicobacter spp. through immunohistochemistry. Forty-eight piglets of commercial genetic lineage were used. The animals were acquired in a commercial farm, with an average weight of 34 kg and an average age of 79 days, and after slaughter, their stomachs were collected and evaluated. Samples from the glandular and aglandular anatomical regions were evaluated. Macroscopically, 34 (70.83%) samples had lesions on aglandular region, while 14 (29.17%) nothing had. Of the injured stomachs, 14 were classified as grade 1, six as grade 2 and 14 as grade 3. Microscopically, 44 samples (91.66%) showed parakeratosis. Of these, 22 showed a discreet manner, 20 moderate and two severe. In the glandular region, in 41 (85.4%) samples there was a change in at least one of the three regions, and only seven animals (14.6%) showed no change in any of the three. Fourteen samples showed increased muciparous activity, two showed erosion and five hyperemia. The lesions were higher in antral regions and cardic, followed the fundus. In relation to immunohistochemistry, 21(43.8%) samples were negative in all areas, 24 (50%) were positive in at least one, and none were positive in all. The anatomopathological findings showed a statistical relationship with the bacteria, and its immunostaining, not associated with gastric lesions in certain regions, demonstrates its saprophytic and opportunistic character.

Cricothyroidotomy needle length is associated with posterior tracheal wall injury: A randomized crossover simulation study (CONSORT).

BACKGROUND: Cricothyroidotomy is the final strategy in the "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" scenario, but half of needle cricothyroidotomy attempts result in failure. The most frequent complication in needle cricothyroidotomy is posterior tracheal wall injury. We hypothesized that needle length is related to posterior wall injury and compared needle cricothyroidotomy with a commercial kit to a modified shorter needle to evaluate success and posterior wall injury rates. METHODS: The commercial kit has a needle stopper to prevent posterior wall injury, with a penetrating length of 25 mm. We made long stopper to shorten the length by 5 mm (net 20 mm penetrating length). Residents were recruited, received a lecture about cricothyroidotomy and practiced needle cricothyroidotomy using the commercial kit on a simulator. They then performed cricothyroidotomy using the commercial kit or the shorter needle on an ex-vivo porcine larynx covered with artificial skin. An intra-tracheal endoscope recorded the procedure. The video was evaluated for success/failure or posterior wall injury by independent evaluators. Larynxes with a distance from the outer surface to the inner lumen exceeding 13 mm were excluded. The distance in each larynx was measured by dissection after the study. Success and posterior wall injury rates were analyzed using Fisher exact test (P < .05 was statistically significant). RESULTS: Forty-seven residents participated in the study. Data for two residents were excluded. There was no statistically significant difference in success rate between the commercial kit (100%, 45/45) and the shorter needle (91%, 41/45, P = .12). Failure was defined if the needle tip did not reach the lumen in four trials. Cannulated but complicated by posterior wall injury occurred in 33% (15/45) with the commercial kit and 5% (2/43) with the shorter needle (P < .01). CONCLUSION: During needle cricothyroidotomy, force is needed for the needle to penetrate the cricothyroid ligament. The advancing needle sometimes cannot be stopped after penetrating the cricothyroid ligament. These data suggest that needle length is associated with posterior wall injury.

Optimising the sampling procedure for forensic investigation of bruises on pigs.

BACKGROUND: Human-inflicted bruises on pigs are a violation of the law and affected tissue is regularly sent for forensic investigation. The authors aimed to evaluate the variation in inflammation within and between human-inflicted porcine bruises in order to determine the optimal sampling procedure. METHODS: Skin and muscle tissues from the centre and ends of 21 bruises were evaluated histologically. Moreover, RNA was extracted from the subcutaneous fat tissue. The bruises were detected during meat inspection at the slaughter line, and all carcases were kept at 5°C for 12-24 hours before sampling. RESULTS: The sampling site with the most infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages differed between bruises inflicted on the same pig and between bruises inflicted on more pigs within the same delivery. The extracted RNA had RIN (RNA integrity number) values from 3 to 6.5. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue samples should always be taken from both skin and underlying muscle tissue. Samples should be collected from several sites along each bruise, and all bruises should be sampled in order to include the site of maximum tissue damage and inflammation. Moreover, RNA of sufficient quality for quantitative PCR and subsequent age estimation cannot be obtained from carcases kept for 12-24 hours at 5°C.

Intravenous and Intraosseous Blood Transfusion With Three Different Pediatric Pressure Transfusion Strategies in an Immature Swine (Sus scrofa) Model of Hemorrhagic Shock: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Exsanguination remains the leading cause of preventable death in military conflicts, and pediatric casualties are common. Transfusion is crucial to preserve life, but vascular access is challenging in children, so intraosseous (IO) access is often required. However, the optimal transfusion method is unclear. There was therefore the need for feasibility testing of a model for contrasting the efficacy of blood infusion devices via intravenous (IV) and IO access in immature swine with bone densities similar to children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen immature swine (21 ± 1 kg) were bled 31% of estimated blood volume and then received autologous blood delivered by pressure bag, push-pull (PP), or LifeFlow Rapid Infuser via IO (15-gauge IO needle placed in the humeral head) or IV (auricular 20-gauge), with monitoring for 60 minutes. RESULTS: Flow rates for LifeFlow (172 ± 28 mL/kg) were 4-fold higher than pressure bag (44 ± 13 mL/kg, P < 0.001) and 80% higher than PP (95 ± 28 mL/kg, P < 0.02). However, higher hemolysis was evident in the IV LifeFlow condition, with 6-fold more plasma-free hemoglobin than other conditions (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: IV LifeFlow conferred higher flows, but higher hemolysis in this pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of an immature swine model toward determining optimal methods for resuscitating children with hemorrhagic shock.

Histopathological Evidence of Multiple Organ Damage After Simulated Aeromedical Evacuation in a Swine Acute Lung Injury Model.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid aeromedical evacuation (AE) is standard of care in current conflicts. However, not much is known about possible effects of hypobaric conditions. We investigated possible effects of hypobaria on organ damage in a swine model of acute lung injury. METHODS: Lung injury was induced in anesthetized swine via intravenous oleic acid infusion. After a stabilization phase, animals were subjected to a 4 hour simulated AE at 8000 feet (HYPO). Control animals were kept at normobaria. After euthanasia and necropsy, organ damage was assessed by combined scores for hemorrhage, inflammation, edema, necrosis, and microatelectasis. RESULTS: Hemodynamic, neurological, or hematologic measurements were similar prior to transport. Hemodynamic instability became apparent during the last 2 hours of transport in the HYPO group. Histological injury scores in the HYPO group were higher for all organs (lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, and adrenal glands) except the brain, with the largest difference in the lungs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Swine with mild acute lung injury subjected to a 4 hour simulated AE showed more injury to most organs and, in particular, to the lungs compared with ground transport. This may exacerbate otherwise subclinical pathology and, eventually, manifest as abnormalities in gas exchange or possibly end-organ function.

Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel, Low-Cost, Junctional Tourniquet in a Porcine Model of Hemorrhagic Shock.

INTRODUCTION: Commercially available junctional tourniquets (JTQs) have several drawbacks. We developed a low-cost, compact, easy to apply JTQ. The aim of this study was to assess the tourniquets' safety and efficacy in a swine model of controlled hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five pigs were subjected to controlled bleeding of 35% of their blood volume. Subsequently, the JTQ was applied to the inguinal area for 180 minutes. Afterwards, the tourniquet was removed for additional 60 minutes of follow up. During the study, blood flow to both hind limbs and blood samples for tissue damage markers were repeatedly assessed. Following sacrifice, injury to both inguinal areas was evaluated microscopically and macroscopically. RESULTS: Angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of femoral artery flow, which was restored following removal of the tourniquet. No gross signs of tissue damage were noticed. Histological analysis revealed mild necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Blood tests showed a mild increase in potassium and lactic acid levels throughout the protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The tourniquet achieved effective arterial occlusion with minimal tissue damage, similar to reports of other JTQs. Subjected to further human trials, the tourniquet might be a suitable candidate for widespread frontline deployment because of its versatility, compactness, and affordable design.

Ex-Vivo Normothermic Limb Perfusion With a Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier Perfusate.

INTRODUCTION: Ex-vivo normothermic limb perfusion (EVNLP) has been proven to preserve limb viability better than standard cold storage. Perfusates containing packed red blood cells (pRBC) improve outcomes when compared to acellular perfusates. Limitations of pRBC-based perfusion include limited availability, need for cross match, mechanical hemolysis, and activation of pro-inflammatory proteins. Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC)-201 (Hemopure) is a solution of polymerized bovine hemoglobin, characterized by low immunogenicity, no risk of hemolytic reaction, and enhanced convective and diffusive oxygen delivery. This is a preliminary study on the feasibility of EVNLP using HBOC-201 as an oxygen carrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three porcine forelimb perfusions were performed using an established EVNLP model and an HBOC-201-based perfusate. The perfusion circuit included a roller pump, oxygenator, heat exchanger, and reservoir. Electrolytes, limb temperature, weight, compartment pressure, nerve conduction, and perfusion indicated by indocyanine green angiography and infra-red thermography were monitored. Histological evaluation was performed with hematoxylin and eosin and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Three limbs were perfused for 21.3 ± 2.1 hours. Muscle contractility was preserved for 10.6 ± 2.4 hours. Better preservation of the mitochondrial ultrastructure was evident at 12 hours in contrast to crystallization and destruction features in the cold-storage controls. CONCLUSIONS: An HBOC-201-EVNLP produced outcomes similar to RBC-EVNLP with preservation of muscle contractility and mitochondrial structure.

Gap Analysis of Swine-Based Hemostasis Research: "Houses of Brick or Mansions of Straw?"

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage control is the top priority in far-forward care. Preclinical studies are essential for determining safety and efficacy before novel therapeutics can be tested in humans. Unfortunately, poor methodological quality jeopardizes translational potential. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 136 recent publications describing swine models of hemostasis and hemorrhage reduction to assess compliance with established standards for scientific reporting. Quality measures were summarized by descriptive statistics; randomization was assessed by using baseline group differences to test the uniform distribution assumption for observed P-values. RESULTS: Most articles did not report information essential to assess study validity and reliability of experimental results. Studies claiming random allocation showed clear evidence of systematic bias. Sample sizes were small, but nearly all studies reported statistically significant effects in the direction of "benefit." Excessive hypothesis testing increased the risk of false positives. CONCLUSIONS: Methodological quality was poor. Although funding agencies actively promote good scientific practice, investigators have been slow to comply. Poorly executed and reported animal research is an ethical and translational issue, wasting animals and potentially harming patients. To properly assess the therapeutic benefit of novel interventions, investigators must rely less on rote hypothesis testing, develop skills in experimental design and quantitative analysis, and comply with best-practice reporting guidelines.

An investigation into the effectiveness of compressed straw blocks in reducing abnormal behaviour in growing pigs.

The provision of manipulable material to pigs is a legal requirement to ensure their good welfare. Loose straw is edible, chewable, investigable and manipulable, and has been proven to be effective in reducing abnormal behaviour. However, it is incompatible with slatted systems and therefore not a viable option for many intensive units. Thus, there is a need to identify enrichment materials that are as effective as loose straw and compatible with slatted floors. This study investigated the viability of using compressed straw blocks on a commercial farm in terms of cost and effectiveness in reducing biting relative to plastic hanging toys. A total of 880 slaughter pigs were used, among which half (n = 440, 8 groups) were provided with commercial pig toys (TOY) and the other half (n = 440, 8 groups) were provided compressed straw blocks (STRAW BLOCK). Animals were separated according to sex to investigate whether there was a higher propensity to tail and ear bite depending on sex. Pigs were monitored from weaning to slaughter, with tails being examined post scalding and any condemnations recorded at the abattoir. Throughout their life, the tails and ears of all pigs were examined individually, and behavioural observations of each pig group were conducted fortnightly. Salivary cortisol was also obtained from a subsample of pigs from each group every fortnight to monitor stress levels. The highest straw usage was recorded in the second weaner stage (39 to 67 days after weaning). Enrichment type or sex had no effect on tail lesion scores or cold carcass weight recorded at the abattoir. There was also no effect of enrichment type or sex on body, tail, or ear lesion scores during either the weaner (0 to 39 days after weaning) or finisher stage (67 to145 days after weaning). Female pigs showed more biting behaviour than males, and female pigs that were provided STRAW BLOCK performed better than those provided TOY. In both the weaner and finisher accommodation, more instances of interaction were recorded with TOY pens as enrichment than with STRAW BLOCK, but the interaction duration was not recorded. There was no effect of sex on either stage. More instances of aggression were observed with the TOY than with STRAW BLOCK in the weaner stage (P < 0.05). Enrichment type or sex had no effect on cortisol levels. Thus, relative to plastic hanging toys, compressed straw blocks provided in this manner did not benefit pig welfare.

Frequência, caracterização e fatores associados à ocorrência de fraturas na coluna vertebral de suínos abatidos em Uberlândia - MG / Frequency, characterization and factors associated with occurrence of fractures in the vertebral column of swine in Uberlândia - MG

A ocorrência de fratura em coluna vertebral de suínos representa uma grande preocupação para a indústria pois resulta em condenação de partes da carcaça durante a toalete. Desse modo, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar fatores que influenciam a ocorrência destas fraturas em suínos abatidos em Uberlândia-MG. Foram coletadas informações sobre a origem dos animais, peso, conformidade da eletrocussão e localização da fratura de 745 suínos. Do total analisado, 274 (36,8%) apresentaram fratura, em sua maioria na posição medial (80,2%). Dentre os fatores analisados, o único que influenciou a ocorrência de fraturas vertebrais foi a origem dos animais (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a origem dos animais exerce influência sobre a ocorrência de fraturas de coluna em suínos e estudos subsequentes podem ajudar a justificar esta relação.

Pilot Study of a Novel Swine Model for Controlling Junctional Hemorrhage Using the iTClamp in Conjunction With Hemostatic Agents.

Exsanguinating hemorrhage is a primary cause of battlefield death. The iTClamp is a relatively new device (FDA approval in 2013) that takes a different approach to hemorrhage control by applying mechanism wound closure. However, no previous studies have explored the feasibility of utilizing the iTClamp in conjunction with hemostatic packing. To fill this important gap in the literature, a novel swine model was developed, and a total of 12 trials were performed using QuikClot Combat Gauze or XSTAT sponges in conjunction with the iTClamp to treat arterial injuries through 5 cm or 10 cm skin incisions in the groin, axilla, or neck. First-attempt application success rate, application time, and blood loss were recorded. Hemostasis was achieved on all wounds, though reapplication was required in one Combat Gauze and three XSTAT applications. Application averaged ~50% slower for Combat Gauze (M = 41 seconds, 95%CI: 22-32 seconds) than for XSTAT (M = 27 seconds, 95%CI: 35-47 seconds). XSTAT application was faster than Combat Gauze for each wound location and size. The 10 cm wounds took ~10 seconds (36%) longer to close (M = 27 seconds, 95%CI: 35-47 seconds) than the 5 cm wounds (M = 27 seconds, 95%CI: 35-47 seconds). Blood loss was similar for Combat Gauze (M = 51 mL, 95%CI: 25-76 mL) and XSTAT (M = 60 mL, 95%CI: 30-90 mL). Blood loss was roughly twice as great for 10 cm wounds (M = 73 mL, 95%CI: 47-100 mL) than for 5 cm wounds (M = 38 mL, 95%CI: 18-57 mL). This pilot study supports the feasibility of a novel model for testing the iTClamp in conjunction with hemostatic packing towards controlling junctional hemorrhage.

On the Development of Interspecies Traumatic Brain Injury Correspondence Rules.

Traumatic brain injury analysis in human is exceedingly difficult due to the methods in which data can be collected, thus many researchers commonly implement animal surrogates. However, use of these surrogates is costly and restricted by ethical concerns and test logistics. Computational models and simulations do not have these constraints and can produce significant amounts of data in relatively short periods. This paper shows the development of a human head and neck model and a full body porcine model. Both models are developed from high-resolution CT and MRI scans and the latest low-to-high strain rate mechanical data available in the literature to represent tissue component material behaviors. Both models are validated against experiments from the literature and used to complete an initial interspecies correspondence rule development study for blast overpressure effects. The results indicate the similarities in the way injury develops in the pig brain and human brain but these similarities occur at very different insult levels. These results are extended by a study, which shows that blast peak pressure is the driving factor in injury prediction and, depending on the injury metric used, significantly different injuries could be predicted.

[Aspects of animal health, animal welfare and biosecurity during 101 transports of piglets in Switzerland]. / Untersuchung von Tiergesundheit, Tierwohl und Biosicherheit während 101 Transporten von Mastferkeln in der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: The transfer of piglets is associated with stress for the transported animals. In addition, animal transports are a risk factor for the spread of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and for the introduction of diseases into the herd. In the present study, 101 randomly selected transports of piglets were accompanied from the breeding facility to the pig farm. Parameters related to animal health, animal welfare and biosecurity were assessed. Transported piglets showed signs of abscesses, hernias or cannibalism in 30% and diarrhea or cough in 15% of the cases. The proportion of animals with injuries from conflicts were higher after (15%) than before transport (8%). Suboptimal conditions in regard to density, temperature and lighting were found in 19%, 55% and 36% of the transports. Vehicles were cleaned and disinfected only in 55% of transports before arriving at the breeding facility. Thirty percent of the vehicles were soiled and 20% had already loaded piglets when arriving at the sending facility. Vehicles were neither cleaned nor disinfected in 83% between two piglet transports. Overall, there was a great potential for improvement in animal loading and risk of disease transmission in the investigated piglet transports.

INTRODUCTION: Les transports sont associés à du stress pour les animaux. Ils sont en outre un facteur de risque pour la dissémination de germes pathogènes et antibio-résistants ainsi que pour l'introduction de maladies dans les effectifs d'animaux. Pour la présente étude, on a accompagné 101 transports de porcelets choisis au hasard depuis l'exploitation de production jusqu'à celle d'engraissement. A cette occasion, des paramètres relatifs à la santé des animaux, à leur bien-être et à la biosécurité ont été jugés. Dans environ 30% des cas, des porcelets présentant des abcès, des hernies ou des signes de cannibalisme ont été transportés et dans 15% des cas des animaux souffrant de diarrhée ou de toux. La proportion d'animaux présentant des traces de bagarres était plus élevée de 15% après le transport qu'avant (8%). En ce qui concerne le taux d'occupation, la température et l'éclairage, des carences ont été constatées dans respectivement 19%, 55% et 36% des transports. Les véhicules n'avaient été nettoyés et désinfectés avant leur arrivée dans l'exploitation de production que dans 55% des cas. Trente pour cent des véhicules étaient souillés par des excréments et 20% transportaient déjà des porcelets à leur arrivée sur l'exploitation. Lors de 83% des transports, les véhicules n'ont été ni nettoyés ni désinfectés entre deux transports de porcelets. Il existe un grand potentiel d'amélioration dans les transports de porcelets que nous avons accompagnés, que ce soit du point de vue de l'exposition des animaux au stress ou de la dissémination potentielle de germes.

Evaluation of a Novel Fibrin Sealant Patch in Hemorrhage Control After Vascular or Hepatic Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Acute hemorrhage remains the leading cause of death in potentially survivable injuries. The use of topical hemostatic agents has increased over the last two decades with the evolution of damage control surgery. By 2008, the military widely adopted Combat Gauze as the hemostatic dressing of choice for compressible hemorrhage. The goal of this study was to compare the performance of a novel fibrin sealant patch to Combat Gauze in two clinically relevant models of hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Yorkshire swine underwent unilateral femoral artery puncture or a grade V liver laceration with timed free bleeding then received either the fibrin patch or Combat Gauze packing with 3 minutes of standardized pressure. Animals were then resuscitated to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 60 mmHg for 4 hours. Hemostasis, blood loss, resuscitation volume, survival, vessel patency, and hematologic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Hemostasis was equivalent in both groups after hepatic and vascular injury. Survival was 80% in the fibrin patch vascular injury group and 100% in all other groups. Hematologic parameters were not significantly different between treatment groups. Femoral artery patency was 80% in both groups after vascular injury. With simulated ambulation after vessel injury, 60% of the Combat Gauze group and 80% of the fibrin patch group remained hemostatic (p > 0.05). In simulated re-exploration with packing removal, all animals rebled after hemostatic product removal. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in hemostasis between a novel fibrin patch and Combat Gauze after extremity arterial or hepatic injury. This novel fibrin patch may have a clinical advantage over the Combat Gauze, as it can be left in the body, thereby limiting the potential need for reoperation.

PWD: Treatment Platform for Both Prolonged Field Care and Definitive Treatment of Burn-Injured Warfighters.

INTRODUCTION: Burns are a very frequent injury type in the battlefield, comprising 5-20% of combat casualties in the recent conflicts. Almost 80% of the burns occur to the face, in part because the face is often not protected. Immediate treatment is critical in the first hours after severe burn injury in order to prevent infection and wound progression. Immediate treatment in the battlefield can be a serious challenge especially if the injury occurs in a remote area with limited transport options. Therefore, novel treatment modalities for prolonged field care when transport to the definitive care is delayed are needed. The purpose of this study was to utilize the platform wound device (PWD) with negative pressure capabilities for the immediate and definitive treatment of porcine full-thickness head burns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-thickness burn wounds were created on foreheads of seven Yorkshire pigs. Burns were created on day 0, immediately enclosed with the PWD and treated topically with minocycline and lidocaine. On day 3, the burns were surgically debrided. Subsequently, new PWDs were placed on the wounds and continuous negative pressure wound therapy was initiated with either -50 mmHg or -80 mmHg. On day 7, the animals were euthanized and wounds were harvested for analyses. Control wounds were treated with silver sulfadiazine cream. RESULTS: The PWD treatment with negative pressure significantly reduced erythema and edema in the injured tissue and promoted granulation tissue and neocollagen formation by day 7 in comparison to control wounds. In addition, the PWD with both topical minocycline and negative pressure (-80 mmHg or -50 mmHg) reduced bacterial counts in the wounds similar to the current standard of care. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the PWD is an effective platform for delivery of antibiotics and negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of full-thickness burns. Therefore, the PWD may be utilized for both prolonged field care and definitive treatment of burn- and blast-injured warfighters.

Lesões pulmonares em suínos abatidos no matadouro Público Municipal de Esperança, Paraíba / Pulmonary lesions of slaughtered pigs at the municipal public slaughterhouse of Esperança, Paraíba

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as lesões macroscópicas e histológicas em pulmões de suínos abatidos no abatedouro público de Esperança, Paraíba. Foram inspecionados pulmões de 180 suínos entre julho e dezembro de 2013. Destes, 34 (18,8%) apresentaram lesões. Na análise anatomopatológica dos fragmentos coletados, 82,3% (28/34) exibiram lesões sugestivas de Pneumonia Enzoótica Suína (PES). Seis (17,7%) amostras apresentaram alterações causadas pela distribuição irregular de sangue. Casos sugestivos de PES crônica foram observados em 57,1% (16/28) dos fragmentos coletados. Em 42,9% (12/28) das amostras foram definidos como sugestivos de PES subaguda. Nenhum pulmão apresentou lesões sugestivas de PES aguda. A pesquisa demonstrou que lesões pulmonares em suínos são frequentemente detectadas no abatedouro de Esperança, Paraíba, sendo a maioria destas lesões sugestivas de PES.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the macroscopic and histological lesions in the lungs of slaughtered pigs at the public slaughterhouse of Esperança, Paraíba. Lungs from 180 pigs were inspected between July and December 2013. Lesions were observed in 34 (18.8%) lungs. In the anatomopathological analysis of the collected fragments, 82.3% (28/34) presented suggestive lesions of Swine Enzootic Pneumonia (SEP). Six (17.7%) samples presented alterations caused by irregular blood distribution. Suggestive cases of chronic SEP were observed in 57.1% (16/28) of the collected fragments. In 42.9% (12/28) of the samples were defined as suggestive of subacute SEP. No lungs presented lesions suggestive of acute PES. The research showed that lung lesions in pigs are frequently detected in the Esperança, Paraíba slaughterhouse, with the majority of these lesions suggestive for SEP.

Effects of group housing on reproductive performance, lameness, injuries and saliva cortisol in gestating sows.

In many countries sows are kept in individual stalls from insemination up to just few days prior to farrowing. The overall objective of this study was to examine group housing management system for sows during gestation as an alternative for individual confinement stalls, and the possible effects on their welfare, production and reproduction performances. Accordingly, the study included three specific objectives: (1) to compare parameters of production, reproduction, and welfare of sows housed in groups (either 30 or 7 sows/group; Large Group: LG, Small Group: SG, respectively) during gestation as compared to individual confinement stalls (IS); (2) to compare saliva cortisol of pregnant sows throughout gestation, when housed in groups of three different sizes (either 7, 15 or 30 sows per pen group); and (3) to compare sows' production and reproduction performances at the herd level, before, during and after practically transforming from a management of individual confinement stalls to a group housing system, in a large commercial swine farm over a six-year period. Mean cycle length (weaning-to-weaning) was shorter in group housing management as compared to individual stalls (P = 0.0110), but gestation length did not differ among the three groups. Overall farrowing rate (sows farrowed out of those inseminated) was higher (P ≤ 0.0134) for sows housed in groups (either SG or LG). Furthermore, there was a tendency towards a higher number of total born (P = 0.1033), and born alive piglets (P = 0.0862), in group housing system as compared to individual housing management; however, it did not differ between the LG and SG groups. Injuries and lameness index (ILI) of sows improved significantly over the gestation period in group housing management. Group saliva cortisol during gestation did not differ significantly among groups of 7, 15, or 30 sows, except on the first saliva sampling, just after sows were mixed into groups, where cortisol level was significantly higher in sows housed in a pen of 30 sows. Production and reproduction performances at the herd level, over a 6-years period- before, during and after transforming to a group housing system, improved significantly: shortened cycle length, increased farrowing rate, and increased number of total born and born alive piglets. In conclusion, group housing management during gestation was associated with better reproduction, productivity and welfare of sows, as compared to individual stalls. A welfare friendly housing system can be beneficial and effective for both the farmers and the animals.