Check-All-That-Apply method for sensory characterization of pork from immunocastrated male pigs fed different oil sources

In the last decade, other quality attributes have emerged as the main aspects that impact pork consumers acceptance, such as environmentally friendly production, nutritional value, and animal welfare. This study applies a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questionnaire for sensory characterization of loins from genetically lean immunocastrated male pigs fed diets containing either a standard commercial diet with 1.5 % soybean oil (control) or 3 % oil from either soybean oil (SO), canola oil (CO), or fish oil (FO) during the growing-finishing phases. Twenty CATA attributes for loin samples were generated. We interviewed 101 consumers to select all the CATA terms that they considered suitable to characterize sensory attributes of longissimus lumborum muscle samples of pigs from each dietary treatment. The CATA results indicated differences among pork loin samples depending on the source and inclusion level of dietary oil. Loins from pigs fed 3 % SO were characterized by a higher frequency of the "juicy texture" attribute (p < 0.05) and a lower frequency of the "dry texture" attribute (p < 0.05) compared to loins from 3 % FO-fed pigs. Moreover, loins from pigs fed 3 % SO had a lower citation frequency of the "tasteless" attribute (p < 0.05) compared to loins from 3 % FO-fed pigs. The attributes "cooked pork meat-like taste", "juicy texture", "tender texture", and "brightness" were placed close to the overall liking. "Tender texture", "juicy texture", "pork meat-like" (odor and taste), and "cooked pork meat-like taste" attributes were considered drivers of liking. Feeding genetically lean immunocastrated male pigs with diets containing 3 % SO may be advisable from a pork sensory quality perspective.

Genetic diversity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in finishing pigs in Minas Gerais / Diversidade de cepas de Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae em suínos em terminação brasileiros

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is one of the most challenging respiratory pathogens involved with swine pneumonia worldwide, responsible for a chronic infection with high morbidity, which predisposes secondary bacterial infections in growing and finishing pigs. Advances in diagnostic techniques allowed identification of genetic characteristics associated with high antigenic and proteomic variability among bacterial strains. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of M. hyopneumoniae strains in lungs with pneumonic lesions obtained from 52 pig farms located in Minas Gerais, one of the largest swine production states in Brazil. Genotyping was performed using multilocus variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA), targeting two loci encoding P97 and P146 adhesins VNTR. The results showed that this agent is widely disseminated in pig farms and there is a high polymorphism of M. hyopneumoniae variants circulating in the state of Minas Gerais. Different M. hyopneumoniae genotypes are randomly distributed in several regions of the state, with no specific geographic population structure pattern. M. hyopneumoniae association with viral agents was sporadic (3.17% with Influenza A and 1.9% with PCV2).

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae é um dos patógenos respiratórios mais desafiadores envolvidos com pneumonia suína em todo o mundo. É responsável por uma infecção crônica de alta morbidade, que predispõe a infecções bacterianas secundárias nas fases de crescimento e terminação. Avanços nas técnicas diagnósticas permitiram a identificação de características genéticas do agente, associadas à alta variabilidade antigênica e proteômica entre cepas. Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar a ocorrência e diversidade genética de cepas de M. hyopneumoniae em pulmões com lesões pneumônicas em 52 granjas de suínos no estado de Minas Gerais, um dos maiores estados produtores de suínos do Brasil. A genotipagem foi realizada utilizando a técnica de "multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis" (VTNR/MLVA), usando dois loci que codificam VNTR das adesinas P97 e P146. Os resultados mostraram que esse agente está amplamente disseminado em granjas de suínos e que existe alto polimorfismo das variantes de M. hyopneumoniae circulando no estado de Minas Gerais. Diferentes genótipos de M. hyopneumoniae estão distribuídos aleatoriamente em várias regiões do estado, sem um padrão de estrutura populacional e geográfica específico. Associação de M. hyopneumoniae e agentes virais foi esporádica (3,17% com Influenza A e 1,9% com PCV2).

Molecular prevalence of Mycoplasma parvum in production cycle of technified swine herds / Prevalência molecular do Mycoplasma parvum em granjas de suínos tecnificados de ciclo completo

Porcine hemoplasmosis is characterized as a geographically cosmopolitan disease caused by Mycoplasma suis and Mycoplasma parvum. Asymptomatic pigs are considered the focus of hemoplasmosis because they are carriers and reservoirs to new infections. This study aimed to determine the molecular occurrence of porcine hemoplasmas (PH) in the production cycle of technified farrow-to-finished swine herds. For this purpose, 20 swine herds were evaluated, where 501 whole blood samples were collected for qPCR and phylogenetic analyses for hemoplasmas. The epidemiological analysis was performed for the entire population and per the growth stage. The total prevalence for PH was 31.93% (161/501); 95% (19/20) of sampled herds were positive. The occurrence of PH by swine growth stages was nursery (30.47%), growing (31.29%), finishing (26.18%), and slaughter (40.25%). The quantification cycles (Cq) ranged from 3.18-39.56 and the number of PH 16S rRNA copies per µL of DNA ranged from 5,57 x10 to 2.23 x1010 . Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of five selected samples showed 100% identity with M. parvum strain Indiana and two M. parvum sequences from Brazil/Goiás. This is the first report on PH in technified herds in Southeastern Brazil by growth stages.

A hemoplasmose suína é uma doença geograficamente cosmopolita, causada por Mycoplasma suis e Mycoplasma parvum. Suínos assintomáticos são considerados foco de hemoplasmose por serem portadores e reservatórios de novas infecções. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a ocorrência molecular de hemoplasmas suínos (HP) no ciclo de produção de rebanhos suínos tecnificados. Foram avaliados 20 rebanhos suínos e coletadas 501 amostras de sangue total para qPCR e análises filogenéticas para hemoplasmas. A análise epidemiológica foi realizada pela população e por estágio de crescimento. A prevalência total de HP foi de 31,93% (161/501); 95% (19/20) dos rebanhos amostrados foram positivos. A ocorrência de HP por fases de crescimento dos suínos foi: creche (30,47%), em crescimento (31,29%), acabamento (26,18%) e abate (40,25%). Os ciclos de quantificação (Cq) variaram de 3,18-39,56 e o número de cópias de rRNA PH 16S por µL de DNA variou de 5,57 x102 a 2,23 x10¹0. O sequenciamento e a análise filogenética de cinco amostras selecionadas mostraram 100% de identidade com a cepa indiana de M. parvum e duas sequências de M. parvum do Brasil / Goiás. Este é o primeiro relato de HP em rebanhos tecnificados, na região Sudeste do Brasil, por estágios de crescimento.

Stress levels of mangalita, large white, and pietrain pigs reared in different housing systems in south eastern Europe / Níveis de estresse de mangalita, grandes porcos brancos e pietrain criados em diferentes sistemas de alojamento no sudeste europeu

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates a wide range of vital processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response. It also has a very important role in helping the body respond to stress. Numerous studies have been conducted around the world to compare the development rates of pigs raised indoors to those raised outdoors, but the results have been ambiguous and, in many cases, conflicting. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various housing systems (indoors with no free access to outdoor runs or indoors with free access to outdoor runs) on stress levels and slaughter value in growing-finishing pigs.

O cortisol é um hormônio esteroide que regula uma ampla gama de processos vitais em todo o corpo, incluindo o metabolismo e a resposta imune. Ele também tem um papel muito importante em ajudar o corpo a responder ao estresse. Numerosos estudos foram realizados em todo o mundo para comparar as taxas de desenvolvimento de porcos criados em ambientes fechados com aqueles criados ao ar livre, mas os resultados foram ambíguos e, em muitos casos, conflitantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os efeitos de vários sistemas de alojamento (dentro de casa sem acesso livre a corridas ao ar livre ou dentro de casa com acesso livre a corridas ao ar livre) nos níveis de estresse e no valor de abate em suínos em crescimento e terminação.

Performance, carcass characteristics, and health parameters of growing and finishing pigs fed with diets supplemented with isoquinoline alkaloids and essential oils / Desempenho zootécnico, características de carcaça e parâmetros de saúde de suínos em crescimento e terminação submetidos a dietas suplementadas com alcaloides isoquinolínicos e óleos essenciais

The goal of this study was to evaluate, in a commercial herd, the use of isoquinoline alkaloids and carvacrol versus a preventive antibiotic program, such as feed additives, on the performance, carcass traits, and health status of pigs in the growing and finishing phase. There were 576 PIC immunocastrated males and females, at 70 days of age and 28.429 ± 2.302 kg of initial weight used. The experimental design was a 4 × 2 factorial randomized block, with four preventive programs, two sexes, and six repetitions per treatment (the pen with 12 animals of the same sex was the replicate). The treatments were T1 (positive control program with antibiotic shocks at preventive level), T2 (negative control with the absence of antibiotics as a growth promoter or as preventive), T3 (isoquinoline alkaloids at 100 to 150 g ton-1), T4 (isoquinoline alkaloids at 90 g ton-1 + carvacrol essential oil at 1 kg ton-1). T1 and T3 presented higher daily feed intakes, followed by T2, and T4 showed the worst feed consumption (P < 0.05). T1 showed higher daily weight gain compared to T4 (P < 0.05), without differences between T2 and T3. T2 showed better feed conversion than T1 and T3, but it was similar to T4. There were no effects of the treatments on the carcass traits. Intestinal crypt hyperplasia and crypt abscesses (lesions caused by Lawsonia intracellularis) were significantly higher for T2 and T3 compared to T1, which was similar to T4. T2 presented the highest carcass condemnation at slaughter (7%), differing (P < 0.05) from T1, T3, and T4 (1, 2, and 3%, respectively). Isoquinoline alkaloids are an alternative for antibiotic-free diets for pigs in the growing and finishing phase, preserving the performance and carcass indices and minimizing sanitary carcass condemnations at the slaughterhouse.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, em um rebanho comercial, o uso de alcalóides isoquinolínicos e do carvacrol frente a um programa preventivo com antibióticos, como aditivos alimentares, sobre o desempenho zootécnico, características de carcaça e o status de saúde de suínos em fase de recria e terminação. Foram utilizados 576 suínos PIC, machos imunocastrados e fêmeas, com 70 dias de idade e 28.429 ± 2.302 kg de peso médio inicial. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, modelo fatorial 4 x 2, com quatro programas preventivos e dois sexos e 6 repetições por tratamento (baia com 12 animais do mesmo sexo representou a unidade experimental). Os tratamentos foram: T1 - Controle Positivo (programa com choque antibiótico em nível preventivo), T2 - Controle Negativo (ausência de aditivos promotores de crescimento ou preventivos), T3 - Alcalóides isoquinolínicos (100 a 150 g ton-1), T4 - Alcalóides isoquinolínicos (90 g ton-1) + Óleo essencial - carvacrol (1 kg ton-1). T1 e T3 apresentaram maior consumo diário de ração, seguidos de T2, sendo que T4 apresentou o pior consumo (P < 0,05). O ganho de peso diário foi maior para T1 em relação a T4 (P < 0,05), não sendo verificada diferença entre T1 versus T2 e T3. T2 apresentou melhor conversão alimentar que T1 e T3, não diferindo de T4. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos para as características da carcaça. A hiperplasia e o abscesso das criptas intestinais (lesões causadas pela Lawsonia Intracellularis) foram significativamente superiores para T2 e T3 comparado com T1, que foi semelhante a T4. T2 apresentou maiores condenações de carcaça ao abate (7%), diferindo (P < 0,05) de T1, T3 e T4, respectivamente, 1, 2 e 3%. Os alcaloides isoquinolínicos são uma alternativa para dietas isentas de antibióticos para suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação, preservando o desempenho e os índices de carcaça e minimizando as condenações sanitárias de carcaças no frigorífico.(AU)

Estimation of productive losses caused by withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoter from pig diets Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to simulate productive and economic losses due to the withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) from pig diets. Articles that compared diets with AGP (AGP+) or without AGP (AGP) for pigs were collected from electronic databases and the performance results were entered in a database. A meta-analysis was performed following the sequence: graphical analysis, correlation, and variance-covariance. The performance results observed in the meta-analysis, feed cost, and AGP costs were used to build equations to estimate the economic effect of withdrawing AGP. The database comprised 81 scientific articles containing 103 experiments totalizing 42,923 pigs. Avilamycin (24.7 %) was the most frequent AGP in the database, followed by Colistin (15.4 %), Tiamulin (11.7 %), Tylosin (8.0 %), Lincomycin (9.4 %), and Bacitracin (5.4 %). Weight gain (p 0.05) increased in AGP+ diets during post-weaning (6.5 %). However, there was no effect of AGP on weight gain of growing-finishing pigs. There was better (p 0.05) feed conversion in pigs fed AGP+ diets in all rearing phases. Weight gain and feed conversion improved (p 0.05) with the addition of Avilamycin, Bacitracin, and Tylosin. AGP withdrawal in the post-weaning phase increased feed costs by US$ 0.86 per animal and in growing-finishing phase the increase was US$ 3.11. Thus, pigs fed AGP+ diets have a better performance than pigs fed AGP- diets and the withdrawal of AGP increases feed costs.

Dietary chromium yeast supplementation length in diets for growing-finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate different periods of chromium yeast (CrY) supplementation on growth performance and quantitative carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. We used eighty barrows (Duroc/Pietran × Large White/ Landrace) with an initial body weight of 24.5±2.4 kg. A completely randomized block design was used within four periods of dietary CrY supplementation (control diet: CrY-free, from 25 to 110 kg; Cr25-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 25 to 110 kg; Cr50-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 50 to 110 kg; and Cr70-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 70 to 110 kg), with ten replicates and two animals each. The CrY supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) either the grow performance or the carcass characteristics evaluated. The dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY for growing-finishing pigs (25 to 110 kg) does not alter the performance neither the quantitative carcass characteristics.

Estimation of productive losses caused by withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoter from pig diets – Meta-analysis

This study was designed to simulate productive and economic losses due to the withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) from pig diets. Articles that compared diets with AGP (AGP+) or without AGP (AGP–) for pigs were collected from electronic databases and the performance results were entered in a database. A meta-analysis was performed following the sequence: graphical analysis, correlation, and variance-covariance. The performance results observed in the meta-analysis, feed cost, and AGP costs were used to build equations to estimate the economic effect of withdrawing AGP. The database comprised 81 scientific articles containing 103 experiments totalizing 42,923 pigs. Avilamycin (24.7 %) was the most frequent AGP in the database, followed by Colistin (15.4 %), Tiamulin (11.7 %), Tylosin (8.0 %), Lincomycin (9.4 %), and Bacitracin (5.4 %). Weight gain (p < 0.05) increased in AGP+ diets during post-weaning (6.5 %). However, there was no effect of AGP on weight gain of growing-finishing pigs. There was better (p < 0.05) feed conversion in pigs fed AGP+ diets in all rearing phases. Weight gain and feed conversion improved (p < 0.05) with the addition of Avilamycin, Bacitracin, and Tylosin. AGP withdrawal in the post-weaning phase increased feed costs by US$ 0.86 per animal and in growing-finishing phase the increase was US$ 3.11. Thus, pigs fed AGP+ diets have a better performance than pigs fed AGP- diets and the withdrawal of AGP increases feed costs.

Estimation of productive losses caused by withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoter from pig diets Meta-analysis

This study was designed to simulate productive and economic losses due to the withdrawal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) from pig diets. Articles that compared diets with AGP (AGP+) or without AGP (AGP–) for pigs were collected from electronic databases and the performance results were entered in a database. A meta-analysis was performed following the sequence: graphical analysis, correlation, and variance-covariance. The performance results observed in the meta-analysis, feed cost, and AGP costs were used to build equations to estimate the economic effect of withdrawing AGP. The database comprised 81 scientific articles containing 103 experiments totalizing 42,923 pigs. Avilamycin (24.7 %) was the most frequent AGP in the database, followed by Colistin (15.4 %), Tiamulin (11.7 %), Tylosin (8.0 %), Lincomycin (9.4 %), and Bacitracin (5.4 %). Weight gain (p < 0.05) increased in AGP+ diets during post-weaning (6.5 %). However, there was no effect of AGP on weight gain of growing-finishing pigs. There was better (p < 0.05) feed conversion in pigs fed AGP+ diets in all rearing phases. Weight gain and feed conversion improved (p < 0.05) with the addition of Avilamycin, Bacitracin, and Tylosin. AGP withdrawal in the post-weaning phase increased feed costs by US$ 0.86 per animal and in growing-finishing phase the increase was US$ 3.11. Thus, pigs fed AGP+ diets have a better performance than pigs fed AGP- diets and the withdrawal of AGP increases feed costs.(AU)

Sequential feeding with diets varying in amino acid content for growing-finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily phase feeding (DP) and sequential feeding (SEQ) on the feeding behavior, performance, and body composition of growing-finishing pigs. Sixty barrows at 29.7 ± 2.8 kg body weight (BW) were assigned to one of four treatments: DP with a blended proportion of feeds A (high nutrient density) and B (low nutrient density) was adjusted to match 100 % of daily amino acid (AA) diet recommendations (DP100); a negative treatment, which matched 70 % of daily AA diet recommendations (DP70); and two SEQ with a blend of feeds A and B, adjusted twice a day (at 00h00 and 12h00), to match 70 or 110 % of daily AA diet recommendations during two 12 h intervals: SEQ110-70 and SEQ70-110. DP70 and SEQ showed a lower feed consumption rate compared to DP100 (p < 0.05). Compare to DP100, pigs in both SEQ programs had a similar average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency ratio (G:F) and body fat and lean mass ( p > 0.05). SEQ110-70 and SEQ70-110 showed similar ADFI, ADG, G:F and body lean mass (p > 0.05). However, fat gain was greater in SEQ110-70 than in SEQ70-110 (p < 0.05). Overall, the SEQ program does not improve performance and body composition. Furthermore, feeding pigs a diet with a higher AA level during the first 12 h of the day and a lower AA level during the remainder of the day increases fat deposition.(AU)

Sequential feeding with diets varying in amino acid content for growing-finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily phase feeding (DP) and sequential feeding (SEQ) on the feeding behavior, performance, and body composition of growing-finishing pigs. Sixty barrows at 29.7 ± 2.8 kg body weight (BW) were assigned to one of four treatments: DP with a blended proportion of feeds A (high nutrient density) and B (low nutrient density) was adjusted to match 100 % of daily amino acid (AA) diet recommendations (DP100); a negative treatment, which matched 70 % of daily AA diet recommendations (DP70); and two SEQ with a blend of feeds A and B, adjusted twice a day (at 00h00 and 12h00), to match 70 or 110 % of daily AA diet recommendations during two 12 h intervals: SEQ110-70 and SEQ70-110. DP70 and SEQ showed a lower feed consumption rate compared to DP100 (p 0.05). SEQ110-70 and SEQ70-110 showed similar ADFI, ADG, G:F and body lean mass (p > 0.05). However, fat gain was greater in SEQ110-70 than in SEQ70-110 (p < 0.05). Overall, the SEQ program does not improve performance and body composition. Furthermore, feeding pigs a diet with a higher AA level during the first 12 h of the day and a lower AA level during the remainder of the day increases fat deposition.

Evaluation of piglet birth weight on growth performance and qualitative and quantitative characteristics of carcasses of immunocastrated pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of birth weight on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of immunocastrated male pigs. Seventy-two boars were assigned to three birth weight categories (BiW): light BiW pigs (LP: 0.98±0.083 kg BW; n = 24), normal BiW pigs (NP: 1.42±0.067 kg BW; n = 24), and heavy BiW pigs (HP: 1.85±0.096 kg BW; n = 24). For treatment design, we considered a weight range of two standard deviations (SD) in relation to the average population body weight (from 0.785 to 2.155 kg BW−1 ). The animals were housed in six pens with 12 animals per pen, with ad libitum access to water and feed throughout the study. In the growing and finishing phases, pigs were immunocastrated with two doses of vaccine at 112 and 161 days of age. The three BiW categories were different up to departure from the nursery (70 days). After this period, there was no difference between NP and HP in terms of BiW. Measurements showed that a low BiW reduced the loin eye area (9.4%), longissimus thoracis muscle depth (7.6%), and meat:fat ratio (21.6%). Backfat thickness (21.5%) and fat area (11.8%) were higher in LP as compared with the NP and HP categories. Light BiW pigs presented a lower weight steak (7.0%) and belly + rib (8.6%) compared with NP and HP, but did not differ within the LP group. Light BiW pigs required a greater lodging time (14 days), generating higher accumulated feed intake to reach the same slaughter BiW as the other categories. Growth performance and carcass characteristics are influenced by the birth weight (BiW) category. Light BiW pigs require more time and feed intake to reach the same slaughter weight. Birth weight has positive effects on meat quality and weight of commercial cuts.

Diseases of the central nervous system in swine in Southern Brazil / Doenças do sistema nervoso central de suínos no Sul do Brasil

Brazil is the fourth largest exporter of pork worldwide, with its production concentrated in the Southern region of the country. To reduce the economic impacts and increase herd health, an efficient diagnosis of diseases is necessary. The frequency, seasonal, and annual distribution of diseases that affecting the swine nervous system in Southern Brazil were determined through a retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. A total of 231 pigs were evaluated, and distributed in the following phases: suckling piglets, nursery, growing, finishing, and adults. Piglets in the nursery phase were the most affected with 58.01%. Infectious diseases accounted for 87.01% (201/231) of lesions in the nervous system. Bacterial meningitis was observed in 58.87% of cases, presenting an endemic distribution, and a propensity to occur in the months of autumn/winter. The highest number of cases of porcine circovirus-2 were observed in 2008 and 2009, with a subsequent decline. Porcine circovirus, salt poisoning, and brain abscesses exhibited no association between the seasonal occurrence and annual distribution. Salt poisoning was observed more frequently in the last years of this study. Both, non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and selenium toxicosis exhibited an association between their occurrence and seasonal distribution in, the months of winter, and summer, respectively.(AU)

Brasil é o quarto maior exportador de carne suína do mundo, com sua produção concentrada na região Sul do país. Para reduzir os impactos econômicos e aumentar a saúde do rebanho, é necessário o diagnóstico eficiente das doenças. A frequência, distribuição sazonal e anual das doenças que afetam o sistema nervoso de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram determinadas através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2008 a 2018. Foram avaliados 231 suínos, distribuídos nas seguintes fases: maternidade, creche, crescimento, terminação e adultos. Leitões da fase de creche foram os mais afetados com 58,01%. As doenças de origem infecciosa foram responsáveis por 87,01% (201/231) das causas de lesões no sistema nervoso. Meningite bacteriana foi observada em 58,87% dos casos, apresentando distribuição endêmica, e uma tendência a ocorrer nos meses de outono/inverno. O maior número de casos de circovírus suíno foram observados em 2008 e 2009, com declínio posterior. Circovírus suíno, intoxicação por sal e os abscessos encefálicos não apresentaram associação entre a ocorrência sazonal e distribuição anual. A intoxicação por sal foi observada com maior frequência nos últimos anos deste estudo. A encefalomielite não supurativa e a intoxicação por selênio exibiram associação entre a sua ocorrência e distribuição sazonal, nos meses de inverno e verão, respectivamente.(AU)

Diseases of the central nervous system in swine in Southern Brazil / Doenças do sistema nervoso central de suínos no Sul do Brasil

Brazil is the fourth largest exporter of pork worldwide, with its production concentrated in the Southern region of the country. To reduce the economic impacts and increase herd health, an efficient diagnosis of diseases is necessary. The frequency, seasonal, and annual distribution of diseases that affecting the swine nervous system in Southern Brazil were determined through a retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. A total of 231 pigs were evaluated, and distributed in the following phases: suckling piglets, nursery, growing, finishing, and adults. Piglets in the nursery phase were the most affected with 58.01%. Infectious diseases accounted for 87.01% (201/231) of lesions in the nervous system. Bacterial meningitis was observed in 58.87% of cases, presenting an endemic distribution, and a propensity to occur in the months of autumn/winter. The highest number of cases of porcine circovirus-2 were observed in 2008 and 2009, with a subsequent decline. Porcine circovirus, salt poisoning, and brain abscesses exhibited no association between the seasonal occurrence and annual distribution. Salt poisoning was observed more frequently in the last years of this study. Both, non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and selenium toxicosis exhibited an association between their occurrence and seasonal distribution in, the months of winter, and summer, respectively.(AU)

Brasil é o quarto maior exportador de carne suína do mundo, com sua produção concentrada na região Sul do país. Para reduzir os impactos econômicos e aumentar a saúde do rebanho, é necessário o diagnóstico eficiente das doenças. A frequência, distribuição sazonal e anual das doenças que afetam o sistema nervoso de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram determinadas através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2008 a 2018. Foram avaliados 231 suínos, distribuídos nas seguintes fases: maternidade, creche, crescimento, terminação e adultos. Leitões da fase de creche foram os mais afetados com 58,01%. As doenças de origem infecciosa foram responsáveis por 87,01% (201/231) das causas de lesões no sistema nervoso. Meningite bacteriana foi observada em 58,87% dos casos, apresentando distribuição endêmica, e uma tendência a ocorrer nos meses de outono/inverno. O maior número de casos de circovírus suíno foram observados em 2008 e 2009, com declínio posterior. Circovírus suíno, intoxicação por sal e os abscessos encefálicos não apresentaram associação entre a ocorrência sazonal e distribuição anual. A intoxicação por sal foi observada com maior frequência nos últimos anos deste estudo. A encefalomielite não supurativa e a intoxicação por selênio exibiram associação entre a sua ocorrência e distribuição sazonal, nos meses de inverno e verão, respectivamente.(AU)

Effects of in feed removal of antimicrobials in comparison to other prophylactic alternatives in growing and finishing pigs / [Efeitos na remoção de antimicrobianos na ração em comparação a alternativas profiláticas em suínos nas fases de crescimento e de terminação]

The utilization of antimicrobials in animal production, causes selection of resistant bacteria. The objective of this study was to compare the utilization of alternatives in association with preventive antibiotic therapy in swine feed during the growing and finishing phases. 1,045 animals were used from 60 to 190 days of age and were subjected to six treatments with 16 repetitions as follows: 1) antibiotic free; 2) antibiotics; 3) prebiotic; 4) probiotic; 5) essential oils; and 6) organic acid. Animals were weighted, and clinical history was recorded including mortality and diarrhea. At the abattoir, pneumonia index and gastric ulcers were investigated. The cost for each treatment was discussed. No difference between treatments were observed (P>0.05) regarding feed conversion rate (2.64±0.03), overall average weight gain (107.06±0.9kg), average daily weight gain (856.49±7.7g) and carcass weight (92.4±0.7kg). The application injectable drugs in animals presenting clinical symptoms, represented US$ 0.56/intervention, without difference between the treatments (P>0.05). Furthermore, independently of the treatment, high frequency of pneumonia was observed (>0.90). No difference for the degree of gastric ulcer nor feces consistency were observed (P>0.05). The utilization of antibiotic therapy and alternatives to antibiotics in feed did not produce benefits to the production indices and sanitary performances of the animals.(AU)

A utilização de antimicrobianos na produção animal provoca seleção de bactérias resistentes. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a utilização de alternativas associadas à antibioticoterapia preventiva na alimentação de suínos nas fases de recria e de terminação. Foram utilizados 1.045 animais de 60 a 190 dias de idade, submetidos a seis tratamentos com 16 repetições, como segue: 1) sem antibióticos; 2) com antibióticos; 3) prebióticos; 4) probióticos; 5) óleos essenciais; e 6) ácidos orgânicos. Os animais foram pesados, e a história clínica foi registrada, incluindo mortalidade e diarreia. No abatedouro, foram investigados índices de pneumonia e úlceras gástricas. O custo de cada tratamento foi discutido. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) em relação à taxa de conversão alimentar (2,64 ± 0,03), ao ganho de peso médio geral (107,06 ± 0,9kg), ao ganho de peso médio diário (856,49 ± 7,7g) e ao peso de carcaça (92,4 ± 0,7kg). A aplicação de medicamentos injetáveis em animais com quadro clínico representou US$ 0,56/intervenção, sem diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). Além disso, independentemente do tratamento, foi observada alta frequência de pneumonia (>0,90). Não foi observada diferença para o grau de úlcera gástrica nem na consistência das fezes (P>0,05). A utilização de antibioticoterapia e de alternativas aos antibióticos na ração não trouxe benefícios aos desempenhos zootécnico e sanitário dos animais.(AU)

Causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in two technified farms in southern Brazil / Causas de morte em suínos de crescimento e terminação em duas granjas tecnificadas no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to investigate the main causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in southern Brazil. During a one-year period (from 2018 to 2019), two industrial pig herds (18 and 20 thousand pigs each farm) in southern Brazil were monitored along the four seasons of the year (12 days per season on each farm), in order to perform necropsies of all pigs that died in that period. The two farms had an average monthly mortality rate ranging from 0.94 to 3.93% in the evaluated months. At necropsy, tissues were collected, fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed routinely for histopathological examination. When necessary, samples were sent for bacterial culture and PCR to identify etiologic agents. A total of 601 necropsies were performed, with 94.9% of conclusive diagnoses. Infectious diseases corresponded to 64.4% of conclusive diagnosis and non-infectious diseases to 35.6%. The most prevalent causes of death were: pneumonia (33%), gastric ulcers (15.4%), circovirosis (9.9%), systemic bacterial embolism (5.4%), polyserositis (4.4%), dilated cardiomyopathy and torsion of abdominal organs (4.3% each), and bacterial pericarditis (3.4%). Regarding pneumonias (199/601), the main agents identified in these cases were Pasteurella multocida, Influenza A virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, mainly in associations.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar as principais causas de morte de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação no Sul do Brasil. Durante o período de um ano (entre 2018 e 2019), duas granjas tecnificadas de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram acompanhadas nas quatro estações (12 dias por estação em cada granja), para realização de necropsias dos suínos que morreram nesse período. As duas propriedades apresentavam mortalidade mensal média entre 0,94 e 3,93% nos meses avaliados. Na necropsia, amostras de órgãos foram colhidas, fixadas em formol 10% e processadas rotineiramente para o exame histopatológico. Quando necessário, amostras foram enviadas para o cultivo bacteriano e PCR para identificação de agentes etiológicos. Foram realizadas um total de 601 necropsias, com 94,9% de diagnósticos conclusivos. As doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 64,4% dos diagnósticos conclusivos e as não infecciosas a 35,6%. As principais causas de morte foram: pneumonias (33%), úlcera gástrica (15,4%), circovirose (9,9%), embolia bacteriana sistêmica (5,4%), polisserosite (4,4%), cardiomiopatia dilatada e torção de órgãos abdominais (4,3% cada) e pericardite bacteriana (3,4%). Com relação às pneumonias (199/601), os principais agentes associadas as lesões foram Pasteurella multocida, vírus da Influenza A e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, principalmente associados entre si.(AU)

Causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in two technified farms in southern Brazil / Causas de morte em suínos de crescimento e terminação em duas granjas tecnificadas no Sul do Brasil

The aim of this study was to investigate the main causes of death in growing-finishing pigs in southern Brazil. During a one-year period (from 2018 to 2019), two industrial pig herds (18 and 20 thousand pigs each farm) in southern Brazil were monitored along the four seasons of the year (12 days per season on each farm), in order to perform necropsies of all pigs that died in that period. The two farms had an average monthly mortality rate ranging from 0.94 to 3.93% in the evaluated months. At necropsy, tissues were collected, fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed routinely for histopathological examination. When necessary, samples were sent for bacterial culture and PCR to identify etiologic agents. A total of 601 necropsies were performed, with 94.9% of conclusive diagnoses. Infectious diseases corresponded to 64.4% of conclusive diagnosis and non-infectious diseases to 35.6%. The most prevalent causes of death were: pneumonia (33%), gastric ulcers (15.4%), circovirosis (9.9%), systemic bacterial embolism (5.4%), polyserositis (4.4%), dilated cardiomyopathy and torsion of abdominal organs (4.3% each), and bacterial pericarditis (3.4%). Regarding pneumonias (199/601), the main agents identified in these cases were Pasteurella multocida, Influenza A virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, mainly in associations.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar as principais causas de morte de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação no Sul do Brasil. Durante o período de um ano (entre 2018 e 2019), duas granjas tecnificadas de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram acompanhadas nas quatro estações (12 dias por estação em cada granja), para realização de necropsias dos suínos que morreram nesse período. As duas propriedades apresentavam mortalidade mensal média entre 0,94 e 3,93% nos meses avaliados. Na necropsia, amostras de órgãos foram colhidas, fixadas em formol 10% e processadas rotineiramente para o exame histopatológico. Quando necessário, amostras foram enviadas para o cultivo bacteriano e PCR para identificação de agentes etiológicos. Foram realizadas um total de 601 necropsias, com 94,9% de diagnósticos conclusivos. As doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 64,4% dos diagnósticos conclusivos e as não infecciosas a 35,6%. As principais causas de morte foram: pneumonias (33%), úlcera gástrica (15,4%), circovirose (9,9%), embolia bacteriana sistêmica (5,4%), polisserosite (4,4%), cardiomiopatia dilatada e torção de órgãos abdominais (4,3% cada) e pericardite bacteriana (3,4%). Com relação às pneumonias (199/601), os principais agentes associadas as lesões foram Pasteurella multocida, vírus da Influenza A e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, principalmente associados entre si.(AU)

Effects of encapsulated sodium butyrate and phytogenic on growth performance, carcass traits and health of growing-finishing pigs / Efeitos do butirato de sódio encapsulado e fitogênico sobre o desempenho, características da carcaça e saúde de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação

The aim of this study was to evaluate two feed additives, one based on encapsulated sodium butyrate (Adimix® Precision) (AD) and the other, a phytogenic (Apex® 5) (AX), associated or not with an antimicrobial growth promoter (tylosin) during the growth and finishing phases on performance, carcass characteristics and health conditions. A total of 300 barrows and females were distributed in six treatments in a randomized block design with ten replicates. The treatments consisted of a negative control (NC), positive control (PC) (tylosin), AD (encapsulated sodium butyrate), AX (phytogenic), PC+AD (tylosin+encapsulated sodium butyrate), and PC+AX (tylosin+phytogenic). The performance (live weight, daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion) and carcass data (carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin depth, lean meat on the carcass) were submitted to ANOVA plus Tukeys test, and the health conditions (occurrence of diseases, culling, and spontaneous deaths) were analyzed by 2. Animals of the AD group had the highest average daily gain (ADG) over the evaluation period and the highest live weight at 120, 140, and 164 days of age, in addition to the highest carcass weight compared to NC and PC groups. The AX treatment increased the ADG in growth phase II and the live weight at 120 and 140 days of age in relation to the NC. The PC+AX group had a higher final live weight compared to the NC and PC groups and higher carcass weight in relation to the NC group. There was no difference among treatments for backfat thickness, percentage of lean meat in the carcass, or occurrence of diseases and deaths. The inclusion of encapsulated sodium butyrate (AD treatment) was effective in increasing ADG, final live weight, and carcass weight compared to supplementation with tylosin (PC treatment), as was the inclusion of a phytogenic (AX treatment) on FC compared to the PC.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar dois aditivos alimentares, um a base de butirato de sódio encapsulado (Adimix® Precision) (AD) e outro a base de um fitogênico (Apex® 5) (AX), associados ou não a um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (tilosina), durante as fases de crescimento e terminação, sobre o desempenho, características da carcaça e status de saúde. Foram utilizados 300 suínos machos castrados e fêmeas distribuídos em seis tratamentos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com dez repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em um controle negativo (CN), controle positivo (CP) (tilosina), AD (butirato de sódio encapsulado), AX (fitogênico), CP+AD (tilosina+butirato de sódio encapsulado) e CP+AX (tilosina+fitogênico). Os dados de desempenho (peso vivo, consumo diário de ração, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar) e de carcaça (peso de carcaça, espessura de toucinho, profundidade do lombo e carne magra na carcaça) foram submetidos à ANOVA seguido por teste de Tukey, e os dados de condição de saúde (ocorrência de doenças, animais eutanasiados e mortos espontaneamente) foram analisados pelo teste de 2. Os animais do grupo AD apresentaram maior ganho de peso diário (GPD) durante o período de avaliação e maior peso vivo aos 120, 140 e 164 dias de idade, além de maior peso de carcaça em comparação aos grupos CN e CP. O tratamento AX aumentou o GPD na fase crescimento II e o peso vivo aos 120 e 140 dias de idade em relação ao CN. O grupo CP+AX apresentou maior peso final em relação aos grupos CN e CP e maior peso de carcaça em relação ao CN. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para espessura de toucinho, porcentagem de carne magra na carcaça e ocorrência de doenças e óbitos. A inclusão de butirato de sódio encapsulado (tratamento AD) foi efetiva no aumento de GPD, peso final e peso de carcaça em comparação à suplementação com tilosina (tratamento CP), assim como a inclusão fitogênico (tratamento AX) melhorou a conversão alimentar em comparação ao grupo CP.(AU)

Infectious diseases dynamics in growing/finishing pigs in Southern Brazil (2005-2016) / Dinâmica de ocorrência das doenças infecciosas em suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação no sul do Brasil (2005-2016)

This study aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of infectious diseases diagnosed through necropsy examination and histopathological analysis in growing/finishing pigs along 12 years (2005-2016) in Southern Brazil. We evaluated 1906 anatomopathological exams of pigs at growing/finishing phases, of which the infectious diseases corresponded to 75.6% of the cases (1,441/1,906). Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections were the most frequent, accounting for 51.3% of the cases (739/1,441) with a higher frequency from 2005 to 2007, characterizing an epidemic distribution, with a gradual decline after 2008. Infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system were the second major cause with 30.1% of the cases. Among these, necrotizing bronchiolitis caused by swine Influenza (15.1%, 218/1,441) and bacterial pneumonia (15%, 216/1,441) were the main conditions. Influenza was mostly diagnosed from 2010 to 2013, accounting for 43.1% (167/387) of the cases. After this period, both respiratory infectious diseases were endemic. Digestive system infectious diseases accounted for 10.5% of the diagnoses (151/1,441), with the following main conditions: Salmonella spp. enterocolitis (43.7%, 66/151), Lawsonia spp. proliferative enteropathy (41.7%, 63/151), and Brachyspira spp. colitis (14.6%, 22/151). The latter had a higher incidence from 2012 to 2014 with all cases detected in this period. Polyserositis and bacterial meningitis represented, respectively, 5.8% (84/1,441) and 2.3% (33/1,441) of the cases diagnosed, with a constant endemic character.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em determinar a frequência e a distribuição das doenças infecciosas diagnosticadas através de exame de necropsia e análise histopatológica em suínos nas fases de crescimento/terminação ao longo de 12 anos (2005-2016) no sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados 1906 laudos anatomopatológicos de suínos nas fases de crescimento/terminação, dos quais as doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 75,6% (1441/1906) do total. As infecções por circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) foram as mais frequentes, contabilizando 51,3% (739/1441) dos casos, com uma alta frequência de 2005 a 2007 caracterizando uma distribuição epidêmica neste período, e um declínio gradual após o ano de 2008. A segunda principal causa incluiu as doenças infecciosas que afetam o sistema respiratório (30,1% dos casos). Dentre essas, destacaram-se a influenza suína (15,1%; 218/1441) e pneumonias bacterianas (15%; 216/1441). O diagnóstico de influenza apresentou uma frequência elevada de 2010 a 2013, totalizando 43,1% (167/387) dos casos. Após este período, ambas doenças infecciosas respiratórias exibiram caráter endêmico. As doenças infecciosas do sistema digestório totalizaram 10,5% (151/1441) dos diagnósticos, com as seguintes principais condições: enterocolite por Salmonella spp. (43,7%; 66/151), enteropatia proliferativa por Lawsonia spp. (41,7%; 63/151) e colite por Brachyspira spp. (14,6%; 22/151). A colite por Brachyspira spp. apresentou uma alta incidência de 2012 a 2014 com todos os casos detectados no período. As polisserosites e meningites bacterianas representaram 5,8% (84/1441) e 2,3% (33/1441) dos casos diagnosticados, respectivamente, com um caráter endêmico constante.(AU)

Infectious diseases dynamics in growing/finishing pigs in Southern Brazil (2005-2016) / Dinâmica de ocorrência das doenças infecciosas em suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação no sul do Brasil (2005-2016)

This study aimed to determine the frequency and distribution of infectious diseases diagnosed through necropsy examination and histopathological analysis in growing/finishing pigs along 12 years (2005-2016) in Southern Brazil. We evaluated 1906 anatomopathological exams of pigs at growing/finishing phases, of which the infectious diseases corresponded to 75.6% of the cases (1,441/1,906). Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections were the most frequent, accounting for 51.3% of the cases (739/1,441) with a higher frequency from 2005 to 2007, characterizing an epidemic distribution, with a gradual decline after 2008. Infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system were the second major cause with 30.1% of the cases. Among these, necrotizing bronchiolitis caused by swine Influenza (15.1%, 218/1,441) and bacterial pneumonia (15%, 216/1,441) were the main conditions. Influenza was mostly diagnosed from 2010 to 2013, accounting for 43.1% (167/387) of the cases. After this period, both respiratory infectious diseases were endemic. Digestive system infectious diseases accounted for 10.5% of the diagnoses (151/1,441), with the following main conditions: Salmonella spp. enterocolitis (43.7%, 66/151), Lawsonia spp. proliferative enteropathy (41.7%, 63/151), and Brachyspira spp. colitis (14.6%, 22/151). The latter had a higher incidence from 2012 to 2014 with all cases detected in this period. Polyserositis and bacterial meningitis represented, respectively, 5.8% (84/1,441) and 2.3% (33/1,441) of the cases diagnosed, with a constant endemic character.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em determinar a frequência e a distribuição das doenças infecciosas diagnosticadas através de exame de necropsia e análise histopatológica em suínos nas fases de crescimento/terminação ao longo de 12 anos (2005-2016) no sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados 1906 laudos anatomopatológicos de suínos nas fases de crescimento/terminação, dos quais as doenças infecciosas corresponderam a 75,6% (1441/1906) do total. As infecções por circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) foram as mais frequentes, contabilizando 51,3% (739/1441) dos casos, com uma alta frequência de 2005 a 2007 caracterizando uma distribuição epidêmica neste período, e um declínio gradual após o ano de 2008. A segunda principal causa incluiu as doenças infecciosas que afetam o sistema respiratório (30,1% dos casos). Dentre essas, destacaram-se a influenza suína (15,1%; 218/1441) e pneumonias bacterianas (15%; 216/1441). O diagnóstico de influenza apresentou uma frequência elevada de 2010 a 2013, totalizando 43,1% (167/387) dos casos. Após este período, ambas doenças infecciosas respiratórias exibiram caráter endêmico. As doenças infecciosas do sistema digestório totalizaram 10,5% (151/1441) dos diagnósticos, com as seguintes principais condições: enterocolite por Salmonella spp. (43,7%; 66/151), enteropatia proliferativa por Lawsonia spp. (41,7%; 63/151) e colite por Brachyspira spp. (14,6%; 22/151). A colite por Brachyspira spp. apresentou uma alta incidência de 2012 a 2014 com todos os casos detectados no período. As polisserosites e meningites bacterianas representaram 5,8% (84/1441) e 2,3% (33/1441) dos casos diagnosticados, respectivamente, com um caráter endêmico constante.(AU)