Effect of the number of incisions and use of local anesthesia on the physiological indicators of surgically-castrated piglets.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of local anesthesia and the number of incisions performed on the physiological blood profile of piglets after surgical castration. A total of 60 male piglets were divided into five groups of 12 each, based on the surgical method employed and the use, or not, of local anesthesia, as follows: surgical castration using one horizontal incision in both testicles with (C1+L) and without (C1) local anesthesia; surgical castration using two vertical scrotal incisions with and without local anesthesia (C2+L and C2); and control piglets which were removed from their pens and held head-down by their hind limbs for approximately 90 s to simulate castration (SIM). Reference blood samples were drawn 24 h before castration (RV), immediately after surgery or simulated castration (PC), and at 24 and 48 h post-castration, to determine physiological profiles including; pH, hematocrit, glucose, electrolytes, lactate, pCO2 (mmHg), SO2 (mmHg), and bicarbonate. Results showed increases in lactate and hematocrit immediately after surgical or simulated castration with decreases in pH, HCO3- and base excess (BE). Surgical castration produced marked alterations of the physiological profile, detected by reduced pH and HCO3, higher lactate levels and BE alterations. These changes indicated metabolic acidosis that was greater in the piglets castrated surgically with one horizontal incision than in those castrated with two vertical incisions. More research is needed on the use of lidocaine during surgical castration, as it showed no effect on physiological profile in this study, but did alter hematocrit values.

Efecto de la aplicación de oxitocina en variables críticas sanguíneas de cerdas distócicas / Effects of oxytocin on critical blood variables from dystocic sows

The aim of the study was to monitor the sow maternal response to a low oxitocin dose in an advanced parturition stage in eutocic and maternal-foetal dystocia. Sixty York x Landrace sows, 30 with eutocic farrowing and 30 with maternal-foetal dystocia were assigned into two different groups: 15 received 0.083 IU/kg of oxytocin after the expulsion of the fifth piglet, and 15 received no treatment at all. Blood samples from every sow in trial were taken from the ear vein at three different times: immediately after membrane rupture, after the fifth piglet was born, and at the end of the farrowing. A third generation blood gas analyzer was used. Results show that when parturition was resumed, sows with maternal-foetal dystocia had significantly greater lactate, pCO2 and ear temperature (P < 0.001), compared with the eutocic sow group. Results from physiological variables and neonatal traits monitored in this experiment show evidence that oxytocin should not be used in normal parturition without stillbirths, since oxytocin in this case had adverse effects on sow performance. Oxytocin administered at the beginning of the second half of parturition decreased 50% the number of born alive with asphyxia in eutocic and dystocic sows, and on the other hand, decreased 50% the number of intra-partum stillbirths in the dystocic group. This is the first study describing the critical blood variables in dystocic sows (pH, pCO2, pO2, glucose, lactate and HCO3), using a third generation gasometry device.

Con el propósito de evaluar las respuestas maternas a dosis baja de oxitocina en estado avanzado del parto en cerdas con eutocia y distocia materno-fetal, se seleccionaron 60 cerdas de la cruza Yorkshire x Landrace, 30 eutócicas y 30 con distocia materno-fetal. Las cerdas de cada grupo fueron divididas en subgrupos: 15 recibieron 0.083 UI/kg de oxitocina después de la expulsión del quinto lechón, las otras 15 no fueron tratadas. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas en cada una de las cerdas mediante punción de vena auricular después de la rotura de la fuente, al quinto lechón y al finalizar el parto; las muestras fueron evaluadas con un analizador de gases sanguíneos. Al finalizar el parto, las cerdas que presentaron partos con distocia materno-fetal incrementaron significativamente (P < 0.001) los niveles de lactato, pCO2 y temperatura, respecto de las hembras que presentaron partos eutócicos. Los resultados de las variables fisiológicas y los indicadores neonatales evaluados en este experimento son evidencia de que la oxitocina no debe aplicarse en partos con evolución normal sin nacidos muertos, ya que posee efectos adversos sobre el desempeño de la cerda. La oxitocina en cerdas, administrada al inicio de la segunda mitad del parto, disminuyó en 50% los nacidos con asfixia en cerdas eutócicas y distócicas; asimismo, redujo en 50% el número de muertes intraparto en las hembras distócicas. Los resultados del presente experimento determinan por primera vez la evolución de los parámetros críticos sanguíneos de la cerda con partos distócicos (pH, pCO2, pO2, glucosa, lactato y HCO3) utilizando equipo de gasometría de tercera generación.

Aspectos relevantes del bienestar del cerdo en tránsito / Relevant aspects of swine welfare in transit

Current globalization policies demand animal welfare standards on animal transportation. In spite of international tendencies to commercialize meat cuts while decreasing live animal transit, transport is still one of the major problems in terms of animal welfare, besides carcass and meat by-products' quality. The present review analyzes, in general terms, the different definitions on animal welfare and factors affecting pig welfare in transit. Several case studies are referred to as examples, showing the animal response to stress during transport and its effects on both meat quality and the economic impact. In addition, legal requirements and Mexican regulations for pig transportation are also described. Information in regard to swine stress and welfare in transit, considers a number of factors that alter the animal metabolic homeostasis with subsequent negative effects on pork quality. It is conclude that knowledge on basic animal behavioral and physiological needs during transport, as well as a suitable training of personnel, are necessary for reducing animal welfare problems. Last but not least, some recommendations on handling practices are given in order to improve swine welfare during transit.

En el marco actual de la globalización, hablar de transporte animal conlleva realizar prácticas que mejoren el bienestar animal, aunque existe la tendencia mundial de incrementar el mercado de la carne en cortes, así como disminuir el comercio de animales vivos, el transporte constituye uno de los factores más preocupantes en términos del bienestar animal, además del impacto en la calidad de la canal y los subproductos respectivos. En la presente revisión se analizan, en términos generales, las distintas definiciones de bienestar animal, así como los factores más importantes que alteran el bienestar de los cerdos durante el transporte; se describen los requisitos legales y la normatividad mexicana para el transporte de animales, así como varios estudios de la respuesta fisiológica del animal durante condiciones adversas del transporte, se señalan, además, las repercusiones sobre la calidad de la carne y su impacto económico. La información con respecto al estrés de los cerdos y su bienestar durante el transporte, considera numerosos factores que alteran el equilibrio homeostático animal y que propician efectos negativos sobre calidad de la carne. Se concluye que tanto el conocimiento de la biología de la especie, como un entrenamiento del personal, son necesarios para disminuir los problemas de bienestar. Finalmente, se recomiendan algunas prácticas derivadas de los hallazgos presentados, con el fin de que se mejore el bienestar de los cerdos en tránsito.

Influence of time at which oxytocin is administered during labor on uterine activity and perinatal death in pigs

Oxytocin is extensively used to induce or augment uterine contractions, especially to facilitate the third stage of labor in humans. Administration of oxytocin to parturient sows reduces duration of labor whereas mortality of the offspring may remain unchanged. This study aimed to evaluate whether time of administration of oxytocin during parturition may alter the uterine response and fetal outcomes. Two hundred parturient sows were randomly assigned to intramuscularly receive either saline solution (control group) or oxytocin 0.083 IU/kg immediately after the delivery of the 1st, 4th or 8th piglet (groups O-1, 0-4 and 0-8, respectively). Uterine effects and fetal outcomes were registered in all groups. The duration of labor was 20-40 min shorter (P < 0.0001) and time interval between babies was reduced by 3-5 min (P < 0.0001) in the three groups receiving oxytocin. The duration and intensity of contractions, meconium-stained piglets and intrapartum deaths decreased as time at which oxytocin administered during labor was increased. In group 0-8, we observed approximately 70 percent less meconium-stained piglets and intrapartum deaths than in the control group. In conclusion, oxytocin administered at early phases of parturition to sows may increase duration and intensity of uterine contractions as well as adverse fetal outcomes.

Morphological changes in the lungs of meconium-stained piglets.

Meconium staining of the skin is a common event associated with fetal hypoxia, stillbirths, weak-born piglets, and neonatal mortality. Aspiration of meconium leads to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the degree of meconium staining of the skin at birth, meconium aspiration, and pulmonary changes in porcine neonates. A total of 353 farrowing sows and 3,693 born piglets were monitored during parturition and for 15 days after delivery. Umbilical cords were classified as normal or ruptured. Meconium staining in the skin was graded as nonstained, mildly, moderately, and severely stained. Mortality from birth to 15 days of age was 8.4%. The lungs from 60 meconium-stained piglets and 60 lungs from nonstained piglets were collected and microscopically examined for meconium aspiration and inflammation. Rupture of the umbilical cord was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in meconium-stained piglets. Microscopically, 32% and 40% of the lungs had evidence of meconium for the stained and nonstained groups, respectively. The microscopic grade of meconium aspiration and inflammatory cells was not different between nonstained and meconium-stained piglets. Aspiration of meconium induced a granulomatous response in the lungs. It was concluded that the grade of meconium staining is a good indicator of fetal hypoxia, but not a good predictor for meconium aspiration and MAS in piglets.

Changes of vaginal epithelium in creole pigs ovulating during lactation

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar mudanças do epitélio vaginal em fêmeas de Cerdo Pelón Mexicano, que ovularam durante o lactação, estágio causado pelo efeito da presença de macho e retirada da leitegada. A avaliação do estro foi feita através de citologia de raspado vaginal, observação do comportamento das fêmeas e por determinação de 17 ß estradiol e de progesterona no 8° dia após o início de lactação. Foram formados quatro grupos de fêmeas: Grupo 1 não sofreu estímulo; Grupo 2 permaneceu com o macho; Grupo 3 foi separado sua leitegada por 4 h e grupo 4 recebeu ambos estímulos. Amostras de raspado vaginal foram coletadas a cada 24 horas durante 5 dias após o estímulo. ANOVA para amostras repetidas foi realizada durante os 5 dias do teste. O estímulo utilizado no Grupo 4 causou modificações significativas (P < 0 001) quando comparado aos Grupos 1, 2 e 3. Os níveis de estradiol foram mais altos que 30 pg/ml no Grupo 4 no 10° dia pós parto e 4.5 ng/ ml de progesterona nos 11 ° e 12° dias pós parto. Ficou evidente que 100% das fêmeas nos Grupos 1,2 e 3 não mostraram atividade de estro quando foi relacionado citologia vaginal com o comportamento estral e determinação hormonal da fase de lactação das fêmeas, ao passo que 100% das fêmeas no Grupo 4 apresentaram estro 72 horas após os estímulos e ovularam 24 a 36 horas do início do cio, o que foi comprovado pela determinações de estradiol e progesterona, respectivamente.

Efecto de la pérdida de grasa dorsal y peso corporal sobre el rendimiento reproductivo de cerdas primíparas lactantes alimentadas con tres diferentes tipos de dietas / Effect of loss of backfat and body weight on the reproductive performance of primiparous lactating sows fed with three different diets

Se evaluaron 90 cerdas híbridas primíparas de traspatio, que se clasificaron de acuerdo al tipo de dieta en 3 grupos: G1, escamocha (residuos alimenticios de consumo humano); G2, escamocha y concentrado y/o granos, y G3, alimento balanceado. La grasa dorsal se registró a la altura de la décima vértebra torácica mediante ultrasonido. Para evaluar el efecto de las reservas corporales sobre 10 indicadores productivos se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher; con una significancia de P<0,01. Los resultados señalaron diferencias significativas entre los tres grupos en los indicadores: peso (Kg) de la cerda al parto (X: G1 101,66; G2 111,3; G3 124,1) y al destete (X: G1 94,30; G2 104,5; G3 118,9); grasa dorsal (mm) al parto (X: G1 11,20 G2 12,66; G3 16,2) y al destete (X: G1 9,46; G2 10,70; G3 13,7); intervalo (días) destete estro (X: G1 23,16 G2 20,1; G3 14,5) y destete concepción (X: G1 27,43; G2 23,73; G3 17,16), y peso (g) individual del lechón al nacimiento en el segundo parto (X: G1 891,40; G2 958,5; G3 1054). En todos los grupos las cerdas perdieron en promedio 6 kg y 2 mm de grasa. Estos datos confirman que a medida que la calidad nutritiva de la dieta mejora, decrecen progresivamente los días que las cerdas requieren para entrar en calor una vez que son destetadas. A pesar del bajo peso al destete de las cerdas con alimentación con base en escamocha, éstas entraton en estro y su gestación fue exitosa aunque con un número moderado de lechones nacidos vivos y un pobre peso al nacimiento

Lactational estrus induction in the Mexican hairless sow.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on the reproductive performance of the Mexican hairless pig (MHP) while inducing fertile lactational estrus. Lactational estrus was induced on day 8, postpartum, in 20 primiparous sows during two consecutive reproductive cycles. Boar presence and temporary litter withdrawal were used as stimuli. Group I did not receive stimuli (control, C); group II had a 15 min boar stimulus (B); group III had litter withdrawal for 4 h (LW), and group IV received both stimuli (B + LW). Fertile estrus was detected by sow behavior, exfoliative vaginal cytology, and 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone samples. Individual stimuli did not induce fertile lactational estrus; nevertheless, when used together, both stimuli induced 100% of females into estrus, and 80% of them got pregnant while lactating. The partial withdrawal of the litter had a significant and positive effect on the number of live born piglets. Sows pregnant during lactation had shorter reproductive cycles, by not having non-productive days and litter size was greater. Pregnancy induction during lactation allowed the Mexican hairless sow to reduce the period between parturition's without diminishing the lactation length and litter performance.