Effects of weaning age and formic acid-based feed additives on pigs from weaning to slaughter

Two hundred and forty piglets were used in a 2 x 6 factorial experiment to study the effects of weaning age (26 or 36 d) and four formic acid-based feed additives on the performance of pigs from weaning to slaughter. Either formic acid (F) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and potassium sorbate (FPS) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and sodium benzoate (FPB) or formic acid in a diatomaceous earth carrier (FD) were added to the diets of weaned piglets (from weaning to 60 d of age) and growing (18-46 kg) and finishing pigs (46-107 kg) to provide 8, 6, and 6 g acid per kg feed, respectively. The negative control treatment's (C) diets contained no growth promoters, whereas the positive control treatment's weaner and grower diets were supplemented with 40 mg/kg of avilamycin (A). The piglets weaned at the age of 26 and 36 d weighed 7.6 and 10.7 kg at weaning (p < 0.001), and 18.5 and 17.9 kg at the age of 60 d (p > 0.05), respectively. There was a weaning age x feed additive interaction in the weight gain of piglets after weaning (p < 0.05). The weight gain of piglets weaned on day 26 was enhanced by A, FPS, and FD (p < 0.05), and that of piglets weaned on day 36 by A and FPB (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was not affected by weaning ages but was decreased in groups A, F, FBS, and FPB (p < 0.05). The severity of post-weaning diarrhoea was less in groups A, F, FPS, and FD than in C (p < 0.05). In piglets weaned on day 26, faecal water content and the total Escherichia coli count were highest 9 d after weaning. The total E. coli count was reduced only by FD (p < 0.05). Increased faecal water content was characterized by increased faecal Na+ and decreased K+ concentrations. Weaning age did not influence performance or carcass quality in the growing-finishing pigs. Feed additives did not affect weight gain in the growing pigs, but FPS and FPB enhanced weight gain during finishing period and total fattening (p < 0.05). In summary, the pigs' growth performance from weaning to slaughter was not affected by weaning age but it was enhanced by mixtures of formic and propionic acids with small amounts of sorbate or benzoate.     

Effects of weaning age and formic acid-based feed additives on pigs from weaning to slaughter

Abstract

Two hundred and forty piglets were used in a 2×6 factorial experiment to study the effects of weaning age (26 or 36 d) and four formic acid-based feed additives on the performance of pigs from weaning to slaughter. Either formic acid (F) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and potassium sorbate (FPS) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and sodium benzoate (FPB) or formic acid in a diatomaceous earth carrier (FD) were added to the diets of weaned piglets (from weaning to 60 d of age) and growing (18 – 46 kg) and finishing pigs (46 – 107 kg) to provide 8, 6, and 6 g acid per kg feed, respectively. The negative control treatment's (C) diets contained no growth promoters, whereas the positive control treatment's weaner and grower diets were supplemented with 40 mg/kg of avilamycin (A). The piglets weaned at the age of 26 and 36 d weighed 7.6 and 10.7 kg at weaning (p < 0.001), and 18.5 and 17.9 kg at the age of 60 d (p > 0.05), respectively. There was a weaning age×feed additive interaction in the weight gain of piglets after weaning (p < 0.05). The weight gain of piglets weaned on day 26 was enhanced by A, FPS, and FD (p < 0.05), and that of piglets weaned on day 36 by A and FPB (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was not affected by weaning ages but was decreased in groups A, F, FBS, and FPB (p < 0.05). The severity of post-weaning diarrhoea was less in groups A, F, FPS, and FD than in C (p < 0.05). In piglets weaned on day 26, faecal water content and the total Escherichia coli count were highest 9 d after weaning. The total E. coli count was reduced only by FD (p < 0.05). Increased faecal water content was characterized by increased faecal Na⁺ and decreased K⁺ concentrations. Weaning age did not influence performance or carcass quality in the growing-finishing pigs. Feed additives did not affect weight gain in the growing pigs, but FPS and FPB enhanced weight gain during finishing period and total fattening (p < 0.05). In summary, the pigs' growth performance from weaning to slaughter was not affected by weaning age but it was enhanced by mixtures of formic and propionic acids with small amounts of sorbate or benzoate.     

Validation of ERIC PCR as a tool in epidemiologic research of Salmonella in slaughter pigs

The purpose of this study was to test a protocol for a standardized ERIC PCR for its capability of genotyping Salmonella, isolated from pigs and their environment, in an epidemiologic approach. To test repeatability, four different Salmonella isolates were subjected to PCR three times. Furthermore, it was tested if the profiles on gel differed when a higher annealing temperature was used. Four Salmonella isolates were subjected to four different annealing temperatures (36, 40, 48 and 55°C). Moreover it was tested if the differentiation of Salmonella isolates, based on the genotypes, differed when a higher annealing temperature was used. Eight Salmonella isolates were tested at normal (36°C) and high (55°C) annealing temperatures. The results showed that this standardized ERIC PCR protocol was an efficient tool for typing many Salmonella isolates within a short period of time. The profiles were repeatable within one PCR reaction, but some profiles differed when they were compared between reactions. A higher annealing temperature resulted in profiles that contained more or fewer bands. The differentiation between isolates, when comparing profiles, remained the same. It was concluded that the standardized ERIC PCR protocol is useful for genotyping Salmonella. Received 26 January 1998/ Accepted in revised form 3 August 1998     

Physiological indicators of stress and meat and carcass characteristics in tail bitten slaughter pigs

Background

Tail biting is a common welfare problem in pig production and in addition to being a sign of underlying welfare problems, tail biting reduces welfare in itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tail biting on different pre and post mortem indicators of stress in slaughter pigs and on carcass and meat characteristics. A total of 12 tail bitten (TB) and 13 control (C) pigs from a farm with a long-term tail biting problem were selected for salivary cortisol analyses before and after transport to the slaughterhouse. After stunning, samples were taken for the analysis of serum cortisol, blood lactate, intestinal heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and meat quality characteristics. In addition, body temperature immediately after and muscle temperature 35 min after stunning were measured, as well as lean meat percentage and carcass weight.

Results

TB pigs showed a lower cortisol response to the transport-induced stress than C pigs and also had a lower serum cortisol concentration after stunning. HSP70 content in the small intestine was higher in the TB pigs than in C pigs. TB pigs had a considerably lower carcass weight therefore produced a lower total amount of lean meat per carcass than C pigs.

Conclusions

This study suggests that prolonged or repeated stress in the form of tail biting causes a blunted stress response, possibly a sign of hypocortisolism. In addition, it underlines the importance of reducing tail biting, both from an animal welfare and an economic point-of-view.

     

Pyelonephritis in slaughter pigs and sows: Morphological characterization and aspects of pathogenesis and aetiology

Background  

Pyelonephritis is a serious disease in pig production that needs to be further studied. The purpose of this study was to describe the morphology, investigate the pathogenesis, and evaluate the aetiological role of Escherichia coli in pyelonephritis in slaughtered pigs by concurrent bacteriological, gross and histopathological examinations.     

探讨模拟冷空气降温过程对健康大鼠和高血压大鼠凝血功能的影响

目的:通过模拟冷空气温度变化过程给予健康大鼠和高血压大鼠冷刺激,以此探讨冷空气过程对机体凝血功能的影响。方法:收集张掖市2011年3月一次典型冷空气过程数据,利用气象环境模拟箱模拟其温度变化过程。将24只雄性健康大鼠和24只雄性高血压大鼠分别随机分成最低温组(Tmin组)、Tmin对照组、复温组(Tr组)和Tr对照组。将Tmin组和Tr组大鼠放入气候箱中暴露冷空气温度变化过程。在Tmin和Tr时点分别停止Tmin组大鼠和Tr组大鼠冷空气暴露,并采血以测定其凝血功能指标—凝血四项。结果:与对照组相比,健康大鼠和高血压大鼠活化部分凝血酶原时间(APTT)、凝血酶原时间(PT)、凝血酶时间(TT)在降温后与对照组相比没有显著差异(P>0.05),但血浆纤维蛋白原(Fbg)含量在高血压大鼠和健康大鼠Tmin组明显高于其对照组(P<0.01)。温度恢复后,其在健康组含量仍然高于其对照组(P<0.05),而在高血压大鼠中没有差异(P>0.05)。同Fbg,反应Fbg的纤维蛋白原时间(Fbg-time)在健康大鼠Tmin和Tr组中短于对照组(P<0.01,),而在高血压大鼠中仅在Tmin组短于对照组(P<0.01)。高血压大鼠血中的Fbg含量和Fbgt明显高于和短于健康大鼠(P<0.01)。结论:①冷空气降温过程能增加机体血中Fbg含量,使凝血功能增强,可能增加心血管疾病危险性;②冷空气刺激对健康大鼠凝血功能影响强于高血压大鼠。     

Utilization of yeast grown on n-paraffins in the feeding of heavy pigs,from weaning to slaughter

The effects of the substitution of n-paraffin-grown yeast for soya bean meal or herring meal in pig diets have been studied.Fifty-four pigs, subdivided into three groups of 18 each (9 male and 9 female) were used. Between 9 and 155 kg live-weight, one group was given a control diet without yeast, and the other two received diets containing 5–10% or 6.5–15% yeast, according to the different phases.The results for the groups fed with yeast were the same as those for the control group, for growth, food conversion, quality of carcass, and for health conditions and hygienic characteristics of the carcass.These results show that n-paraffin-grown yeast can be used successfully in pig feeding.     

Factors associated with pleurisy in pigs: a case-control analysis of slaughter pig data for England and Wales

A case-control investigation was undertaken to determine management and health related factors associated with pleurisy in slaughter pigs in England and Wales. METHODS: The British Pig Executive Pig Health Scheme database of abattoir pathology was used to identify 121 case (>10% prevalence of pleurisy on 3 or more assessment dates in the preceding 24 months) and 121 control units (≤5% prevalence of pleurisy on 3 or more assessment dates in the preceding 24 months). Farm data were collected by postal questionnaire. Data from respondents (70 cases and 51 controls) were analysed using simple logistic regression models with Bonferroni corrections. Limited multivariate analyses were also performed to check the robustness of the overall conclusions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Management factors associated with increased odds of pleurisy included no all-in all-out pig flow (OR 9.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3-29), rearing of pigs with an age difference of >1 month in the same airspace (OR 6.5 [2.8-17]) and repeated mixing (OR 2.2 [1.4-3.8]) or moving (OR 2.2 [1.5-3.4]) of pigs during the rearing phase. Those associated with decreased odds of pleurisy included filling wean-to-finish or grower-to-finish systems with piglets from ≤3 sources (OR 0.18 [0.07-0.41]) compared to farrow-to-finish systems, cleaning and disinfecting of grower (ORs 0.28 [0.13-0.61] and 0.29 [0.13-0.61]) and finisher (ORs 0.24 [0.11-0.51] and 0.2 [0.09-0.44]) accommodation between groups, and extended down time of grower and finisher accommodation (OR 0.84 [0.75-0.93] and 0.86 [0.77-0.94] respectively for each additional day of downtime). This study demonstrated the value of national-level abattoir pathology data collection systems for case control analyses and generated guidance for on-farm interventions to help reduce the prevalence of pleurisy in slaughter pigs.     

Sensitivity analysis of amino acids in simulated moving bed chromatography

We conducted a sensitivity analysis of the simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography with the case model of the separation of two amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan. We consider a four-zone SMB chromatography where the triangle theory is used to determine the operating conditions. Competitive Langmuir isotherm model was used to determine the adsorption isotherm. The finite difference method is used to solve nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) systems numerically. We examined the effects of alterations in the operating conditions (feed-extract, feed-raffinate, eluent-extract, eluent-raffinate, recycle, and switching time) and the adsorption isotherm parameters (Langmuir isotherm parametersa andb) on SMB efficiency. The variation range of operating conditions and Langmuir isotherma was between −50 and 50% of original value and the variation range of the Langmuir isothermb was between 2.25⁻⁵ and 2.25⁵ times of original value.     

Effects of perceived and imagined odors on taste detection

We assessed the influence of different odors on detection of a sweet tastant, and the ability of imagined odors to elicit the same effects as perceived odors on taste perception. The tastant used was sucrose, and the two odorants were strawberry and ham. In the first experiment, participants either smelled or imagined one of two odors during taste detection tasks (between-subject design), whereas in the second one, subjects completed both the odor imagery and perception conditions with taste detection tasks (within-subject design). The effect was odorant-specific: detection of sucrose was significantly better when subjects smelled strawberry than when they smelled ham. Furthermore, imagined odors influenced taste perception in the same way as did perceived odors. We concluded that the odor-specific effect on taste perception is an authentic perceptual phenomenon. Our results also support the notion that odor-induced changes in taste perception are mediated centrally. Finally, our findings are in agreement with reports supporting the existence of odor imagery.     

Effects of exposing Drosophila melanogaster parents to ethanol on expression of vestigial in their progeny

When parental Drosophila melanogaster were chronically exposed at 28 degrees C or 24 degrees C to ethanol during their larval and pupal stages of development, their progeny, produced when parents were 5-16-day-old adults, showed modified expression of vestigial alleles in heterozygous and homozygous combinations. Parental alcohol effects were dependent on parental rearing temperature. We conclude that parental environment (alcohol, temperature) causes heritable but transitory changes in progeny phenotype that are elicited by exposure of germ cells to alcohol.     

Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. from pigs at slaughter in Spain in 1993 and 2001

AIM: To compare the incidence of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonella serotypes isolated in a pig slaughterhouse in Zaragoza (Spain) during 1993 and 2001. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 168 isolates representing 10 serotypes were examined by disc diffusion method using 17 antibiotics. Data showed that the majority of the strains were resistant to streptomycin (97%), sulfadiazine (93.4%) and tetracycline (83.3%). A large proportion of the collection was multidrug resistant (MDR, resistance to four or more antibiotics) with a greater incidence in 2001. The findings imply an increasing incidence of MDR amongst S. Typhimurium, and all S. Typhimurium-definitive phage type (DT) 104 isolates were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulphonamide and tetracycline (R-ACSSuT). This resistance phenotype had spread among other phage and serotypes. Salmonella Ohio was also a MDR serotype and this is not a serotype normally associated with drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of the strains were MDR and this showed that pork products could be a potential vehicle of MDR Salmonella food-borne infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The findings may have significant public health consequences and could contribute to the development of useful practices aimed at limiting the transmission of MDR Salmonella serotypes through the food chain.     

Adjustments of the protein level for slaughter pigs and supplementation with lysine and methionine

In two replicate experiments, pigs were fed on a diet in which protein was progressively reduced as they grew from 20 to 70 kg, and thereafter on a cereal mixture alone (treatment VPC), or on a diet in which the protein content was the same from beginning to slaughter, at 95 kg live weight (treatment FPC).Diet VPC resulted in statistically faster growth and better feed efficiency than FPC. Diet VPC, with 0.12% lysine added to the cereal component (VPCL), significantly improved the growth rate in comparison to both VPC and FPC, and also feed efficiency as compared to FPC. Methionine added at a level of 0.1% instead of lysine (VPCM) did not produce any improvement.Carcass quality was not significantly affected by the various treatments.Compensatory growth was not visible on FPC, which was deficient in protein in the beginning and excessive later.     

Effects of exposing chicken eggs to a cell phone in "call" position over the entire incubation period

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of exposing fertile chicken eggs to a cell phone repeatedly calling a ten-digit number at 3-min intervals over the entire period of incubation. A pre-experiment was performed first to adjust incubation conditions in an experimental chamber devoid of metallic content and without automatic turning until the overall performance of hatchability was reproducible in the absence of the cell phone. The experimental period consisted of a series of 4 incubations referred to as "replicates". For each replicate, one batch of 60 eggs was exposed to the immediate environment (相似文献   

Effects of exposure to a simulated altitude of 3,500 m on calves and oxen

Nine calves and nine oxen were divided into 6 groups and exposed in a climatised low pressure chamber to the following conditions: 2 weeks at 400 m and 4 weeks at 3,500 m. High altitude produced the following changes: increases in heart rate and pulmonary artery pressure, both these changes being larger in the calves than in the oxen. During 4 weeks continuous exposure to 3,500 m, heart rate declined, whereas pulmonary arterial pressure rose. There were increments in respiratory rate, blood-pH, leucocyte number, rectal temperature, blood lactate and blood pyruvate, but no changes in the lactate/pyruvate ratio. Increases in erythrocyte number, haemoglobin, haematocrit, blood specific gravity and blood viscosity were more pronounced in the oxen than in the calves. Feed intake in all animals tended to be depressed in the first half of the high altitude periode. Water intake showed a fall during the first day at 3,500 m, but recovered thereafter. It is concluded that in response to high altitude the calves activated preferentially the circulatory, the oxen the erythropoetic system.     

Method of exposing cells to ultrasound]

A simple chamber for studying the influence of ultrasound on low quantities of cell suspension is suggested. It consists of an organic glass cylinder, which is placed on the head of the apparatus YTP-1, the surface of which forms the floor of the chamber. Thanks to this, the loss of ultrasonic energy is eliminated, and a possibility of a rather exact determination of the intensity of ultrasound, which influences the suspension cells, is attained.     

Standing wave design and experimental validation of a tandem simulated moving bed process for insulin purification

A tandem simulated moving bed (SMB) process for insulin purification has been proposed and validated experimentally. The mixture to be separated consists of insulin, high molecular weight proteins, and zinc chloride. A systematic approach based on the standing wave design, rate model simulations, and experiments was used to develop this multicomponent separation process. The standing wave design was applied to specify the SMB operating conditions of a lab-scale unit with 10 columns. The design was validated with rate model simulations prior to experiments. The experimental results show 99.9% purity and 99% yield, which closely agree with the model predictions and the standing wave design targets. The agreement proves that the standing wave design can ensure high purity and high yield for the tandem SMB process. Compared to a conventional batch SEC process, the tandem SMB has 10% higher yield, 400% higher throughput, and 72% lower eluant consumption. In contrast, a design that ignores the effects of mass transfer and nonideal flow cannot meet the purity requirement and gives less than 96% yield.     

Lysine maintenance requirement and efficiency of its utilisation in young pigs as estimated by comparative slaughter technique

An experiment was carried out on weaner pigs (initial BW 10.8 kg) to estimate the maintenance requirement for lysine (Lys) and its marginal efficiency of utilisation using a comparative slaughter technique. Three groups of six pigs each were fed purified diets for 21 days supplying Lys at 19.5, 78 or 195 mg/kg W^0.75, which corresponded to 50, 200 or 500% of the assumed maintenance requirement. All other essential amino acids were given at 50% excess. At the end of the experiment, pigs were killed for whole-body nitrogen (N) and amino acid analysis. A representative group of six pigs was analysed at the beginning of the experiment. Based on regression equations, relating Lys or N retention to Lys intake, Lys requirement for zero Lys retention was estimated to be 121 mg/kg W^0.75, while Lys requirement corresponding to zero N retention was 41.7 mg/kg W^0.75. At N equilibrium, the pigs lost 65 mg of Lys per kg W^0.75 daily while at zero Lys retention, the daily N retention was 156 mg/kg W^0.75. The marginal efficiency of lysine utilisation was 0.91. It is concluded that zero lysine retention is a better criterion of lysine maintenance requirement than zero N retention.