ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS AND SERUM CORTISOL LEVELS IN SOWS AFFECTED WITH MASTITIS, METRITIS, AGALACTIA (MMA) AND SWINE UROGENITAL DISEASE (SUGD)
P.Z.E. Friendship and G. Bilkei

Abstract
In the presented study, bacteriological examination of post-parturient vulval discharges and milk samples, serum concentrations of acute phase proteins and cortisol of sows affected with mastitis, metritis, agalactia (MMA) and swine urogenital disease (SUGD) (group one, n=35) and that of healthy sows (group two, n=35) were compared. Total born, liveborn, stillborn and mummified pigs, pre-weaning piglet mortality, and weaning weights were also compared.
Escherichia coli was found in all vulval discharges and milk samples of sows affected with MMA/SUGD.
Pigs born (group one: 13.2+/-1.4 vs. group two: 13.5+/-1.9), liveborn (group one: 12.1+/-1.7 vs. group two: 11.9+/-1.8), stillborn (group one: 0.9+/-0.03 vs. group two: 1.6+/-0.02), and mummified pigs (group one: 0.6+/-0.02 vs. group two: 0.5+/-0.03) did not differ significantly between the groups. Pre-weaning mortality showed significant (P<0.001) differences between the MMA/ SUGD affected sows (20.9+/-6.1%) and healthy sows (10.9+/-2.9%). Four weeks weaning litter weights differed (P<0.01) between the MMA/SUGD affected and healthy animals (71.1+/-3.7 kg vs. 79.4+/-3.9 kg).
Mean serum alpha 1-acid glycoproteins (AGP) concentrations were higher at day one, five (P<0.05), and ten (P<0.001) post-partum in MMA/ SUGD affected sows. Mean serum haptoglobin (HPT) was higher in MMA/ SUGD affected sows at days one and five (P<0.001) of lactation. Cortisol serum concentrations were higher (P<0.001) throughout the study in MMA/ SUGD affected sows compared to the healthy ones. Alpha 1-acid glycoproteins (AGP) was negatively correlated with litter weights. Correlations were found on the overall means for weight, acute phase proteins and serum cortisol. The authors conclude that AGP negatively correlates with litter weight, indicating that an activation of cellular immune response of the sow negatively effects growth rate of the suckling piglets. Haptoglobin may be a valuable indicator of stress and disease in post-parturient sows.

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A NOTE ON THE RESPONSE OF GROWING-FINISHING PIGS TO INCREASING THE THREONINE TO LYSINE RATIO OF DIETS WITH REDUCED LYSINE CONTENT
M.K. O’Connell, P.B. Lynch and J.V. O’Doherty

Abstract
Threonine is the second limiting amino acid in most barley and wheat based pig diets. This experiment was carried out to determine the effect on pig performance of increasing the threonine to lysine (THR:LYS) ratio when the lysine content of the diet was reduced. Single-sex groups (n=40) of thirteen pigs (37.8 ? 2.2 kg), were allotted at random to one of five treatments in eight blocks. All pigs were fed a control diet until 58 kg (12 g lysine (lys) per kg diet, THR:LYS ratio of 0.60). From 58 kg until slaughter, the dietary treatments were: (A) control diet, (B) 9.5 g lys per kg, 0.60 THR: LYS ratio, (C) 9.5 g lys per kg, 0.70 THR:LYS ratio, (D) 8.0 g lys per kg, 0.60 THR:LYS ratio, (E) 8.0 g lys per kg, 0.70 THR: LYS ratio. Pig groups were slaughtered at an average liveweight of 94.0 ? 5.2 kg. Average daily liveweight gain was reduced (P<0.01) and feed conversion ratio deteriorated (P<0.01) when the lysine content was reduced from 12.0 g/kg to 9.5 g/kg, at THR:LYS ratio of 0.60 (Trt B) and when the lysine content was reduced from 12.0 g/kg to 8.0 g/kg at THR:LYS ratio of either 0.60 or 0.70 (Trts D and E). However, increasing the THR: LYS ratio to 0.70 at 9.5 g of lysine/kg, resulted in similar (P>0.05) daily liveweight gain and feed conversion ratio to Trt A. Daily carcase growth rate was higher and carcase feed conversion ratio was better for pigs on treatments A and C compared to pigs on treatment D (P<0.01). These results indicate that the THR:LYS ratio should be increased to 0.70 when the lysine content is reduced from 12.0 to 9.5 g/kg. Reducing the lysine content from 12.0 to 8.0 g of lysine per kg, in the later stages of growth, negatively affected pig performance at both THR:LYS ratios.

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A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY OF VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS: AN APPROACH TO CLARIFYING EMERGING ISSUES OF PIG INFERTILITY
D.F. Twomey, J.C. Gibbens, A.J.C. Cook, C.A. Byrne, J.R. Thomson, S. Kennedy and C.E. Glossop

Abstract
A survey of veterinary practitioners providing services to breeding pig enterprises in the United Kingdom was carried out to investigate a perceived problem of poor reproductive performance in pigs, reported in the autumn of 2002. In total, 126 veterinary practitioners completed questionnaires for the survey, representing 937 breeding farms visited during the months of September, October and November, 2002. Infertility had been reported on 316 (34%) of the farms visited during this period, the majority of which were in England. The cause of infertility remained unexplained after veterinary consultation on 163 of them, giving an estimate of prevalence of the syndrome of 17%. There was little evidence of an unexplained infertility syndrome in Scotland or Northern Ireland, and few breeding herds in Wales were represented.
Where the cause of infertility remained unexplained, the syndrome was mainly characterised by increased regular and irregular returns to service, reduced farrowing rate and reduced numbers of pigs born. Abortion and other presentations were infrequently recorded. There was no clear parity pattern on most affected farms. Responding veterinary practitioners were invited to suggest causes of unexplained infertility. Many, both infectious and non-infectious, were suggested, highlighting the difficulty of confirming many of the differential diagnoses of pig infertility.
The approach used to investigate the problem was successful. There was a high response rate from veterinary practitioners providing advice to clients with breeding pigs. This rapid survey gathered data that supported anecdotal reports of an increased prevalence of unexplained infertility, and indicated that this may have been due in part to the recognised difficulty in investigating and confirming known causes.

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NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES OF THE PIG: AN OVERVIEW
S.H. Done and G.A.H. Wells

Abstract
Assuming that conditions affecting bones, muscles, joints, and tendons are ruled out, then the number of conditions affecting the nervous system is relatively small. On the grounds of national security, ASF (the closest potential threat), CSF, FMD, VS, VE and SVD must be considered. Aujesky's is now more remote. Blue-eye, West Nile, and EMCV have not yet occurred in the UK, but EMCV has produced antibodies in UK pigs, without manifesting disease as yet. The remaining 2 common causes of non-suppurative encephalitis are HEV and Enteroviruses, of which the most notable is Teschen. Suppurative encephalitides associated with S. suis and H. parasuis are much more common. The other causes of CNS disorders such as toxicities (other than salt or water deprivation syndrome and possibly selenium) are unlikely; although bowel oedema is still extant, as are the deficiencies. The recent submissions of these diseases to the VLA are also discussed.

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POLIOENCEPHALOMYELITIS: A CASE REPORT
S.H. Done, C.M. Gaudie, D.A.R. Hannam, P.O.D. Higgins, T. Drew, M. Banks, M.A. Jones and R. Graham

Abstract
A case report of a non-suppurative encephalitis in a group of pigs is described. These initially had a fore limb lameness that progressed to a hind limb lameness with para1ysis. There were no gross lesions and histopathological lesions were restricted to the brain. In the absence of clinical signs and gross or histological lesions of the major epizootics, other potential causes were examined. Diseases not seen in the UK (EMCV, Blue-eye, West Nile virus) were ruled out. The occurrence of the disease in a group of pigs too old to be infected with HEV suggested that the most likely cause of the condition was porcine enterovirus. These are now divided by genetic analysis into three groups (PTV, PEV-A and PEV-B) of which the first is Teschovirus.

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WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN FINISHING PIGS
D.C.J. Main, H.R. Whay and A.J.F. Webster

Abstract
Providing assurances to consumers on animal welfare is an important element of organic and farm assurance schemes. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has funded a study aimed at identifying valid, feasible and repeatable welfare assessment measures in pigs. Subsequently this protocol has been converted into an assessment tool for use by farm assurance schemes. This has provided consistency in the evaluation of welfare standards in organic and conventional farming systems. Where concerns arise, further investigation is encouraged. Management requirements are also evaluated in respect of necessary preventive and corrective action that should be included within the written health plans. Furthermore, the proposed assessment system should enable certification bodies and relevant third parties to monitor the ability of schemes to deliver good welfare outcomes.

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AGGRESSION IN PIGS: ORIGINS AND SOLUTIONS
A.B. Lawrence, R.B. D’Eath, S.P. Turner and S. Jarvis

Abstract
In the past, welfare concerns have focussed on the immediate and visible aspects of production systems. In this paper, an alternative approach is presented, which focuses on two different forms of aggressive behaviour (aggression that occurs when pigs are mixed and aggression by the sow towards her piglets) which cause significant welfare and production problems under commercial conditions. An understanding of the environmental and genetic origins of these behaviours can be used to guide and inform strategies aimed at reducing the impact of aggressive behaviour on pig welfare and on the farm business.

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LACTATIONAL ANOESTRUS IN THE SOW
P. Langendijk, R. Gerritsen, W. Hazeleger, N.M. Soede and B. Kemp

Abstract
Typically, a sow experiences anoestrus during lactation, due to suckling-induced inhibition of LH secretion. After weaning, pulsatile LH secretion increases, and final antral follicle growth, ovulation and oestrus can take place. Because of this, piglets are weaned at a relatively young age, in order to achieve a high number of litters per sow per year. To avoid the risks of weaning at a young age, the lactation period would have to be extended, but without postponing the next pregnancy. To achieve this, follicle growth and ovulation have to be established during lactation in a predictable manner. This review describes the principles of lactational anoestrus, and suckling regimes that can induce follicle growth, ovulation and conception during lactation.

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NATIONAL HEALTH REGISTER OF FINLAND’S PIGGERIES
V. Tuovinen and P. Kortesniemi

Abstract
Herd health matching restricts the spread of infectious diseases by preventing the mixing of pigs of different disease status. Finland's piggeries are classified according to their health status - either high health or basic. High health class herds were first established in 1994 and the national scheme began in 2002. Pigs from high health herds are transported separately from basic class pigs. Top category herds are subject to a health care contract, which entails a viable health programme, involving constant veterinary supervision. Production methods must conform to all existing rules and regulations and management must follow the directions of the Animal Disease Prevention Union (ETT). Herds must be free of mange, enzootic pneumonia, progressive atrophic rhinitis, swine dysentery and salmonella. All health class herds, as well as most of the basic class herds, are included in a national health register. This register, which is on the internet, brings together information from different sources and establishes the validity of herd health classification. Register address is www.etu-palvelut.net. Its trial version in English is www.fahs.fi/registry. ETU-services, a special unit of ETT, is responsible for health classification administration. The register was devised by Finnish Animal Health Service (FAHS).

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COCCIDIOSIS IN REPLACEMENT GILTS
C.M. Gaudie, R.J. Evans and S.H. Done

Abstract
The authors describe an outbreak of coccidiosis, involving bought-in gilts. Six species of coccidia were identified. A full case history is set out and two key conclusions reached. First, the need for rigorous hygiene measures prior to the reception of replacement stock, especially those of high health status. Second, the crucial importance of submitting only acutely affected animals for disease investigation - fresh tissues being essential where examination of intestinal tissues is concerned.

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THE MUCOSAL IMMUNE SYSTEM OF THE NEONATAL PIGLET
C.F. Inman, P. Jones, C. Harris, K. Haverson, B. Miller, C. Stokes and M. Bailey

Abstract
The gut is a major site of exposure to pathogenic organisms and a large antigenic load in the form of food proteins and commensal bacteria. Therefore, the intestinal mucosal immune system must be capable of responding to pathogens, as well as regulating responses against harmless antigens. This is achieved by a complex balance of effector and regulatory mechanisms within the gut. The mucosal immune system of the neonatal pig is essentially absent, but these studies show that this situation changes rapidly with an influx of immune cells (both T lymphocytes and APCs) to the intestine from 2 days of age. They have also found confirmed clustering of T cells with APCs, suggesting an active role for these APCs in antigen sampling and the maintenance of appropriate balance between active immune responses and tolerance.
Examination of the effects of rearing environment on these cells in pigs of different ages has revealed that lymphocytes from pigs reared in a high hygiene environment are more responsive to activation and secrete less IL-4. APCs from the same pigs express more MHC II without association with other cell surface molecules. Thus, rearing environment clearly affects the detail of development of the immunological architecture of the intestine. While the biological consequences of these alterations in lymphocyte and APC phenotype and function remain to be determined, it seems likely that these differences will reflect differences in ability of the neonate to express appropriate immune responses.

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FINISHING PIGS SYSTEMS RESEARCH: 1. PRODUCTION AND MEAT QUALITY
J.E. Thompson, K.R. Matthews, L. Taylor and B.P. Gill

Abstract
Food production trials, involving both slatted and straw-based housing, are currently in progress. Results of the first trial, initiated by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) at Stotfold, are set out in this paper. Pigs on the same diet, but liquid or dry fed and in either housing system, were compared in terms of growth, carcase quality and consumer preference. Liquid feeding showed improvements over dry feeding. The effects of housing were inconclusive.

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SALMONELLA CONTROL IN PIGS USING A LIVE ATTENUATED SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM VACCINE
J. Hayden

Abstract
(TAD Salmonella vac® T. Lohmann Animal Health)
This clinical paper examines the use in pigs of an oral attenuated vaccine for the control of salmonellosis. Its trial use over a period in a 400- sow unit leads the author to conclude that, together with improved hygiene, there may well be a place for such a vaccine on a routine herd basis.

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PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (PRRS) - IS IT CHANGING IN THE UK?
S.H. Done, T. Drew, C. Gaudie, C. Featherstone, R. Reichel, J-P. Frossard, G. Ibata, D. Westcott, J. Owen, R. Evans and E. Button

Abstract
This paper describes three unusual outbreaks of respiratory or reproductive disease in which there was serological and virological evidence of PRRS infection. The virus was also isolated from tissues or pigs submitted to the regional laboratory. Animals examined had interstitial pneumonia. There was confirmed immunohistochemistry on the lung tissues. Animals examined also had evidence of Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) infection and a wide variety of secondary bacterial infections. Sophisticated sequencing allowed the Open Reading Frame 7 of the virus to be sequenced and it was shown to be around 92-95% similar to the Lelystad virus. It was also less similar to the recent local viruses isolated. The consequences for the immunogenicity and the virulence of the European variety of the virus is unknown. What can be said with certainty is that the virus is changing fairly rapidly and monitoring of the changes is required.

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ELECTROCUTION OF SOWS: A CASE REPORT
A. Hughes

Abstract
Fifty sows were found dead overnight in a pig unit as a result of electrocution. Three sows were euthanased as a result of injuries caused by electrocution. An investigation was carried out to determine the origin of the incident and to prevent further incidents. Other causes of sudden death in sows are also discussed.

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BIOSECURITY: STOPPING THE BUGS FROM GETTING IN
S.F. Amass

Abstract
Currently, there is little science validating the effectiveness of biosecurity procedures; but the base of knowledge continues to expand. Veterinarians are encouraged to approach biosecurity protocols as one would approach protocols for medication and vaccination. Protocols should be based on actual risk, not fear. Biosecurity procedures should be strategically implemented based on risk assessment of individual farms. Farm personnel should participate in the development and implementation of procedures to improve buy-in and compliance. One should expect variability in the effectiveness of procedures due to differences in livestock, personnel, and premises. Once implemented, protocols should be regularly monitored for compliance and efficacy. Practices should be modified as scientific advances are made in the field and as new pathogens emerge. Practices that are not effective, or not cost-effective, should be eliminated.

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REDUCED COPPER LEVELS IN PIG DIETS: IS THE LOSS OF PERFORMANCE GREATER THAN EXPECTED?
P. Toplis

Abstract
Copper is one of the oldest minerals known to man. It has been routinely added to pig diets to increase growth rates for the last 50 years, due to the work of Dr Braude and his team at the National Institute for Research into Dairying at Shinfield in the UK. This led to the widespread use of around 200 mg/kg of copper in pig feeds for growth promotion. However, the intensification of agriculture has increased the addition of heavy metals to agricultural soils and spreading of slurry onto arable and grassland has itself constituted an increasing threat to the sustainability of agriculture. Animal manures alone contribute 42% to the 1700 tonnes of copper and 38% of the 5100 tonnes of zinc applied to agricultural soils each year. Hence the need for a review of copper usage in pig diets set out in this paper.

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FAECES AND DIAGNOSIS
S.H. Done

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to remind the reader of the value of certain diagnostic tests in the diagnosis of alimentary disease in the pig. The faeces sample is perhaps the most easily collected raw material, but is it necessarily the best? What are the limitations and can better choices of diagnostic test be made on some occasions?

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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE PIG LUNG
S.H. Done

Abstract
In this paper, a discussion of the environment, the design of the respiratory tract and the potential and actual threats from the microbiological agents are reviewed. The defensive systems are very extensive and are defeated either by agents disturbing mucociliary clearance (Ammonia, swine influenza) or the alveolar macrophage PRRS and PCV2. Epitheliotropic agents such as Bordetellae, Pasteurellae and swine influenza and toxin producers such as Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are particularly disturbing. As yet, the complex pathogenetic mechanisms of Pasteurella multocida and Haemophilus suis are not well understood. The interactions of PRRS in disrupting both cellular and humoral immunity are increasingly appreciated with time and more research but the pathogenesis of PCV infections and its interaction with other pathogens and the host is still a mystery.

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THERAPY OF SWINE RESPIRATORY DISEASES: RELEVANCE OF PHARMACOLOGICAL CRITERIA IN THE CHOICE OF DRUGS
R. Odore, P. Badino, R. Barbero and G. Re

Abstract
Since respiratory diseases are one of the main causes of economic losses in the swine industry, the knowledge of the mechanism of action and of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs commonly used for this purpose is a crucial point to assess therapeutic protocols that may ensure a favourable cost/benefit ratio. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents are essential tools for the control of swine respiratory diseases. Besides the fact that some of these molecules have been known for a long time, therapeutic protocols are often based on clinical and/or microbiological criteria, while the importance of considering the pharmacological characteristics of such drugs is sometimes underestimated. Moreover, it should be emphasized that the pharmacological treatments may be successful only if associated with a good management of the herd and with a high degree of environmental hygiene. The review describes the main pharmacological characteristics of chaemo-antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, emphasizing the importance of integrating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters in order to obtain

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AN APPROACH TO THE THERAPY OF PORCINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE
P. Martelli

Abstract
This paper aims at providing some information about the practical approach to porcine respiratory disease, with particular regard to individual and group antibiotic treatment. Oral and parenteral anti-bacterial therapy is considered. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is still of interest as it markedly contributes to the recovery from respiratory distress associated with broncho-pneumonia in pigs.

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