Marinade injection of pork as a possible technological strategy to reduce boar taint: Response and attitude of the consumer.

Sensory evaluation by consumers allows validation of a solution for the food industry to overcome boar taint and market entire male pork with high levels of boar taint considered "unfit for human consumption". One possible technological strategy for improvement is the injection marination of entire male pork to help minimise the impact of boar taint and improve its marketability. The responses of 120 regular pork consumers, to entire males with high levels of boar taint and castrated pork, both injection-marinated, were evaluated. The results showed a similar response between entire and castrated male pork regardless of sex, and the detection of unpleasant odours and flavours (as farm/animal), thus offering a new alternative to the pork sector to mask the boar taint and revalue this pork. However, it was observed that consumer information on castration and animal welfare of entire male pork is scarce, and it is important to increase their knowledge so that they can place a value on this technological strategy with entire male pork and thus increase their purchase intention.

Comparison of firocoxib and meloxicam for pain mitigation in goats undergoing surgical castration.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether firocoxib (FIRO) or meloxicam (MEL) was effective at providing analgesia after surgical castration in goats. ANIMALS: 18 intact male crossbred goats (6 to 8 months old) were enrolled with a mean weight of 32.6 (± 2.9) kg. METHODS: Surgical castration was done under injectable anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. Twelve bucks were surgically castrated and given either FIRO (n = 6) or MEL (n = 6). Six bucks served as controls (CNTLs) and were not castrated. Outcome measurements included visual analogue scale, infrared thermography, plasma cortisol, plasma substance P, and kinetic gait analysis. All outcome measurements were obtained at -24, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours. RESULTS: All 3 treatments were significantly different from each other at the 24- and 48-hour time points, with MEL animals having lower visual analogue scale scores when compared to FIRO animals; CNTL animals exhibited the lowest plasma cortisol levels (3.19 ng/mL; 95% CI, -1.21 to 7.59 ng/mL) followed by FIRO (7.45 ng/mL; 95% CI, 3.10 to 11.80 ng/mL) and MEL (10.24 ng/mL; 95% CI, 5.87 to 14.60 ng/mL). FIRO had an average mean decrease in gait velocity change (-54.17 cm/s; 95% CI, -92.99 to -15.35 cm/s), while MEL had an increase in gait velocity when compared to baseline values (14.54 cm/s; 95% CI, -24.27 to 53.36 cm/s). Control animals had an average mean of -3.06 cm/s (95% CI, -41.88 to 35.75 cm/s). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results from this study showed that there were some analgesic effects from administering MEL when compared to bucks that received a placebo treatment (CNTL).

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using a resorbable self-locking loop device in dorsally recumbent horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use and feasibility of a self-locking resorbable loop device for cryptorchidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. POPULATION: Twenty horses. METHODS: Horses suspected to have an abdominal testicle/s after admission work-up were enrolled. Horses were anesthetized in dorsal recumbency and a standard laparoscopic technique was performed. The looped device was inserted into the abdomen, glided around the testis/cord and tightened. Then, the spermatic cord was transected prior testis removal. Surgical procedure details and remarks, perioperative complications and total surgical time were recorded. Short- (>3 weeks) and long-term (>6 months) follow-ups were obtained by telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: Median total surgical time was 67 min (range: 43-189 min) and significantly shortened after the first four horses. The loop device was easily glided around 13/20 abdominal testes and required more time and technical skills around larger testes (≥3 years). Excellent intraoperative hemostasis was achieved in 17 horses. Three horses demonstrated mild intraoperative bleeding that required retightening, device replacement or adding a second device, respectively. Three horses developed mild postoperative hemoabdomen identified ultrasonographically and were successfully managed medically. Follow-up revealed no significant complications related to the procedure. One horse was euthanized for colic 4 months after surgery and one died of hemolytic shock 17 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This device represents another method to perform equine cryptorchidectomy that requires minimal training and laparoscopic expertise but demands knowledge of the device and application to prevent complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using this device is an alternative technique for horses <3 years.

Effects of assessment method (real-time versus video-recorded) on a validated pain-altered behavior scale used in castrated piglets.

We aimed to compare two assessment methodologies (real-time vs. video-recorded) using the Unesp-Botucatu Pig Composite Acute Pain Scale (UPAPS) in piglets before and after castration. Twenty-nine male piglets were castrated. Four observers scored the UPAPS over three perioperative timepoints of castration following two assessment methodologies. In real-time assessments, the observers were in-person observing the piglets in front of the pen. After two weeks, the observers did video-recorded assessments randomizing piglets and timepoints. Modeling was conducted to compare the UPAPS and each pain-altered behavior between methodologies. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were conducted to investigate agreement between methodologies. UPAPS was statistically equivalent between methodologies (P = 0.4371). The ICC for each method was very good (0.85 to 0.91). The agreement of the UPAPS assessed between methodologies had minimal bias (- 0.04), no proportion bias, and 53% of the assessments presented a perfect agreement. However, CCC of the UPAPS was moderate (0.65), and only one pain-altered behavior ("presents difficulty in overcoming obstacles or other animals") occurred more in real-time assessments (P = 0.0444). In conclusion, piglet pain assessment by UPAPS can be conducted in real-time based on a suitable agreement between the real-time and video-recorded assessment methods.

Behavioural issues: castration may not be the solution.

Removing the source of reproductive hormones may not be a panacea for unwelcome or unwanted behaviours - in fact, it may compound them.

Charities consider their castration policies.

While population control remains a key priority for the UK's leading dog welfare charities, it must increasingly be balanced with concerns about the possible health impact of castration.

To castrate or not to castrate? That is the question .

There is growing evidence that surgical castration of dogs may not bring all the benefits previously assumed. Times have changed too, and vets and clients are increasingly questioning whether routine castration should continue to be considered best practice.

Evaluation of chemical castration using intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate into the testis of the male donkey versus surgical castration: antimullerian hormone as an endpoint marker.

BACKGROUND: Chemical castration of male animals is an alternative to surgical castration for inducing azoospermia, consequent sterility. Intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate has been used for chemical castration in several animal species. However, its application to equine species, such as donkeys, has yet to be reported. This study aimed to evaluate the use of zinc gluconate for the chemical castration of male donkeys and to compare its effectiveness relative to routine surgical castration. For this purpose, investigations of serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, testicular ultrasonographic echogenicity, and histopathological findings were performed. METHODS: Fourteen clinically healthy adult male donkeys were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The donkeys in group I (n = 7) underwent surgical castration. The donkeys in group II (n = 7) received intra-testicular zinc gluconate injections. The donkeys were kept under close clinical observation for 60 days. Abnormalities in donkey behavior and gross alterations in the external genitalia were recorded daily. Serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured 15 days before the start of the treatment and 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after treatment. The testicles of group II donkeys were evaluated ultrasonographically. At the end of the study, the testes were removed and histologically examined. RESULTS: Serum testosterone levels significantly declined compared to pre-castration levels in surgically castrated donkeys (group I), but donkeys exposed to chemical castration (group II) showed a non-significant reduction in testosterone levels. Donkeys in the surgical group had considerably lower serum AMH levels. In contrast, there was a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in AMH levels in the chemical group compared with the pre-sterilization level. In addition, ultrasonographic examination revealed that the testicular echo-density had changed, as observed by a few scattered hyperechoic regions throughout the entire testis parenchyma. The histopathological investigation confirmed the presence of necrosis of the spermatogenic epithelium, increased thickness of the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules, marked interstitial fibrosis, and shrinkage of the seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, syncytial giant cells were present in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and were associated with Sertoli cell vacuolation. Donkeys subjected to chemical castration (group II) had orchitis, as confirmed histopathologically. CONCLUSION: Intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate resulted in histopathological and ultrasonographic testicular changes in adult male donkeys, which may affect their reproductive potential. However, it did not significantly alter serum testosterone or AMH levels, indicating that it cannot be used as a substitute for surgical castration in male donkeys.

Wound inflammation post-orchiectomy affects the social dynamic of Nelore bulls.

BACKGROUND: Confinement of cattle imposes spatial restrictions and predisposes to aversive social encounters that can lead to contusions, wounds, pain, stress, fright, and reduced productivity. Although endogenous testosterone concentrations are linked to agonistic dominance behaviors in males, it is unknown whether decreased blood testosterone concentrations after castration alter social hierarchy rank in Nelore bulls. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of the surgical would inflammation post-orchiectomy on social dynamics in a group of Nelore bulls (Bos indicus). Fourteen Nelore (Bos indicus) bulls were castrated and assessed pre- and post-surgically. Parameters evaluated were agonistic (mounting, headbutting, and fighting) and affiliative (head-play) behavior, plasma testosterone concentrations, average daily weight gain (ADG), and a score for severity of post-surgical infection. Exploratory statistics included social network analysis (SNA), hierarchy rank delta (Δ), and principal component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, statistical inferences included the Wilcoxon test, multiple logistic regression models, and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: The social dynamic of Nelore bulls was modified after castration based on the findings of the SNA and the PCA. The moderate correlation between the postoperative inflammation level with the Δ, and the significant effect of this level in the logistic model post-castration were partially attributed to effects of pain on social relations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the severity of post-surgical inflammation, which has an association with pain intensity, was closely associated with changes in the social hierarchy.

Application of a topical anesthetic reduces pain-associated parameters during spermatic cord transection in piglet castration using a minimal anesthesia model.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the use of a topical anesthetic as a feasible approach to reduce pain during piglet castration using a minimal anesthesia protocol. ANIMALS: 18 male piglets, aged 3-6 days, were included in this study. METHODS: A minimal anesthetic state was induced with isoflurane administered by facemask, with anesthetic depth individually adjusted based on responses to interdigital pinch. To desensitize the scrotal skin, a vapocoolant was applied 3 times. Scrotal incisions were made subsequently and Tri-Solfen (TS) or Placebo (P) was administered in both incisional gaps. After 30 seconds, the spermatic cords were severed followed by a further application of TS/P to both incision edges. Nociception-related variables, such as mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and nocifensive movements, were assessed. RESULTS: Significant differences in MAP changes were assessed between the TS (14 ± 4 mmHg) and the P group (36 ± 8 mmHg) for cutting the spermatic cords. Furthermore, significantly fewer nocifensive movement score points appeared in the TS than in the P group (0; IQR = 0 vs 5; IQR = 6). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this anesthesia model, the application of TS after skin incision significantly reduced MAP responses and nocifensive movements with spermatic cord transection compared with the application of P. However, the waiting period between TS-application and spermatic cord transection might limit the benefit of the method in conscious piglets, as pain during castration is reduced but additional stress is caused by the prolonged handling. Furthermore, using a vapocoolant did not provide anesthesia for skin incisions.

Comparison between the effects of epidural lidocaine, tramadol, and lidocaine-tramadol on postoperative pain in cats undergoing elective orchiectomy.

BACKGROUND: In veterinary clinical practice, orchiectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures for cats and is performed mainly in young animals. The purpose of this study was to compare three different epidural (EP) analgesic protocols used in cats undergoing orchiectomy in order to determine which protocol resulted in superior outcomes in terms of perioperative analgesia. Twenty-one client-owned male cats were premedicated with a combination of dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) injected intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol. Cats were randomly divided in three treatment groups of seven animals each: Group L received EP lidocaine (2 mg/kg), Group T received EP tramadol (1 mg/kg), and Group LT received EP lidocaine (2 mg/kg) plus tramadol (1 mg/kg). The post-operative pain level was assessed using two different scales: the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-F) and the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS). Rescue analgesia was administered when the CMPS-F total score was ≥5 or the FGS total score was ≥4. RESULTS: No adverse effects related to tramadol or lidocaine were observed. Based on post-operative pain assessments, significant differences between groups were observed according to both pain scoring systems. In particular, in Group LT, the CMPS-F and FGS scores decreased significantly in the first six hours following castration. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, EP lidocaine plus tramadol provided the best post-operative analgesic effects in cats submitted to orchiectomy lasting 6 h and could also be a choice to consider for longer surgical procedures.

Pharmacokinetics and effect on renal function and average daily gain in lambs after castration and tail docking, of firocoxib and meloxicam.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetics of IM and oral firocoxib, and IM meloxicam, and detect their effect on renal function and average daily gain (ADG) in lambs undergoing tail docking and castration. METHODS: Seventy-five male Romney lambs, aged 3-6 weeks, were randomised into five treatment groups (n = 15 per group): IM firocoxib (1 mg/kg); oral firocoxib (1 mg/kg); IM meloxicam (1 mg/kg); normal saline (approximately 2 mL, oral); or sham. Following the treatment administration, hot-iron tail docking and rubber ring castration were performed in all groups except the sham group, which did not undergo the procedures, but the animals were handled in the same manner as castrated and tail docked lambs. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after treatment administration, and drug concentrations in plasma were quantified by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Plasma urea and creatinine concentrations were determined at a commercial laboratory. Lamb body weights were recorded before and 2, 4 and 8 weeks after tail docking and castration. The pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out using a non-compartmental approach. Between-group and between-time-point differences were compared using mixed model analyses. RESULTS: There was no evidence for a difference in plasma elimination half-life between firocoxib given IM (LSM 18.6 (SE 1.4) hours), firocoxib given orally (LSM 18.2 (SE 1.4) hours), and meloxicam given IM (LSM 17. 0 (SE 1.4) hours). Firocoxib (IM) had a significantly greater volume of distribution (LSM 3.7 (SE 0.2) L/kg) than IM meloxicam (LSM 0.2 (SE 0.2) L/kg). Lambs in the meloxicam group had higher (p < 0.05) plasma urea and creatinine concentrations than those in the firocoxib, saline and sham groups. Lambs' ADG was decreased (p < 0.01) compared to the other treatment groups in the 0-2 week period following meloxicam administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both formulations of firocoxib had a long plasma elimination half-life and large volume of distribution. There was a transient reduction in ADG in the meloxicam group, possibly due to mild renal toxicity. Comparative studies on dose-response effects of firocoxib and meloxicam in lambs following the procedures are required.Abbreviations: ADG: Average daily gain; Cmax: Maximum concentration; COX: Cyclooxygenase; LOD: Limit of detection; NSAID: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; CL: Plasma clearance; T1/2el: Plasma elimination half-life; Tmax: Time to achieve Cmax; Vd: Volume of distribution.

Comparison of spermatic cord ligation and the vas plexus ligation in canine orchiectomy: A prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Orchiectomy with a vas deferens to pampiniform plexus ligation (VPL) is a novel method, and it is unclear how its short-term outcomes compare with the results of a conventional method, spermatic cord ligation (SCL). OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term outcomes of SCL and VPL on inflammation, surgery time, bleeding, pain and surgeon satisfaction during canine open orchiectomy. METHODS: Thirty male crossbred dogs undergoing open orchiectomy were enrolled the study. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of the SCL or VPL groups, with 15 patients in each. In the SCL group, the spermatic cord was ligated using absorbable sutures. The vas deferens, and pampiniform plexus self-tying were performed in the VPL group. Surgery time, bleeding and surgeon satisfaction scores were recorded. Inflammation at the surgical site was assessed using infrared thermal camera over three days, and pain associated with inflammation was scored on the third day. RESULTS: On Day 3, the average temperature in the SCL group was significantly higher than that of the VPL group, with a mean difference of 4.63°C (95% CI: 2.34-6.93, p < 0.001). Moreover, the surgery time in the VPL group was significantly longer compared to the SCL group, with a mean difference of 1.7 min (95% CI: 0.28-3.11, p = 0.021). The bleeding score was also significantly higher in the VPL group (p = 0.012). On the other hand, surgeon satisfaction and pain scores were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Both SCL and VPL methods are safe and effective for orchiectomy in dogs. VPL is comparable in efficacy and safety and has the additional benefit of less inflammation.

Sex impacts pain behaviour but not emotional reactivity of lambs following ring tail docking.

Studies in humans have shown sex differences in response to painful events, however, little is known in relation to sex differences in sheep. Understanding sex differences would enable improved experimental design and interpretation of studies of painful procedures in sheep. To examine sex differences in response to pain, 80 lambs were tested across five cohorts of 16. The lambs were penned in groups containing two male and two female lambs with their respective mothers. Lambs were randomly allocated from within each block to one of four treatment groups; FRing-Female lamb, ring tail docked without analgesia, MRing-Male lamb, ring tail docked without analgesia, FSham-Female lamb, tail manipulated and MSham-Male lamb, tail manipulated. Following treatment, lambs were returned to their pen and were video recorded for 45 mins for behavioural observations of acute pain and posture. An hour after treatment, lambs then underwent an emotional reactivity test that consisted of three phases: Isolation, Novelty and Startle. Following treatment, Ring lambs displayed more abnormal postures (mean = 2.5 ± 0.5) compared to Sham lambs (mean = 0.05 ± 0.4, P = 0.0001). There was an effect of sex on the display of acute pain-related behaviours in lambs that were tail docked (P < 0.001), with female lambs displaying more acute behaviours (mean count = +2.2). This difference in behaviour between sexes was not observed in Sham lambs. There was no effect of sex on display of postures related to pain (P = 0.99). During the Novelty and Startle phase of the emotional reactivity test, Ring lambs tended to (P = 0.084) or did (P = 0.018) show more fear related behaviours, respectively. However, no effect of sex was observed. The results of this study indicate that a pain state may alter the emotional response of lambs to novel objects and potential fearful situations. It was also demonstrated that female lambs display increased sensitivity to the acute pain caused by tail docking compared to males.

Validation of the Unesp-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (UPAPS) in piglets undergoing castration.

To accurately assess pain and support broadly-based analgesic protocols to mitigate swine pain, it is imperative to develop and validate a species-specific pain scale. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical validity and reliability of an acute pain scale (UPAPS) adapted for newborn piglets undergoing castration. Thirty-nine male piglets (five days of age, 1.62 ± 0.23 kg BW) served as their own control, were enrolled in the study and underwent castration in conjunction with an injectable analgesic administered one-hour post-castration (flunixin meglumine 2.2 mg/kg IM). An additional 10, non-painful female piglets were included to account for the effect of natural behavioral variation by day on pain scale results. Behavior of each piglet was video recorded continuously at four recording periods (24 h pre-castration, 15 min post-castration, 3 and 24 h post-castration). Pre- and post-operative pain was assessed by using a 4-point scale (score 0-3) including the following six behavioral items: posture, interaction and interest in surroundings, activity, attention to the affected area, nursing, and miscellaneous behavior. Behavior was assessed by two trained blinded observers and statistical analysis was performed using R software. Inter-observer agreement was very good (ICC = 0.81). The scale was unidimensional based on the principal component analysis, all items except for nursing were representative (rs ≥ 0.74) and had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.85). The sum of scores were higher in castrated piglets post-procedure compared to pre-procedure, and higher than in non-painful female piglets confirming responsiveness and construct validity, respectively. Scale sensitivity was good when piglets were awake (92.9%) and specificity was moderate (78.6%). The scale had excellent discriminatory ability (area under the curve > 0.92) and the optimal cut-off sum for analgesia was 4 out of 15. The UPAPS scale is a valid and reliable clinical tool to assess acute pain in castrated pre-weaned piglets.