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Pig Journal Volume: 66
Publication date: December 2011

General Section

VENTILATION FOR VETS: ENVIRONMENT FOR PIGS – CAN WE GET IT RIGHT?
H.G.CRABTREE

Abstract
Getting the environment right can be based on consultation, modelling or measurement. Available technology makes the empirical method – change through observation – practical in pig production. Observation over the last 15 years indicates clearly that negative events are frequent, that normality turns out to be variable and, above all, the people who are operating the systems of production are the most influential in determining success or failure. The focus of the paper is the housed, growing pig, mechanically ventilated. The author mainly uses description rather than mathematics to deal with the subject.

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SOW NUTRITION AND FEEDING UPDATE
S.JAGGER

Abstract
The increase in weight of a sow and level of productivity has had significant impacts on the level of energy and protein required for optimum productivity. The under supply of nutrients, particularly during lactation, has been demonstrated to reduce fertility and embryo survival. The energy and amino acid requirement of the pregnant animal is largely governed by the maintenance requirement but in early parities the requirement for maternal growth is also significant. The source of energy supplied has been shown to be important as during gestation, glucose is the primary source of energy for the uterus and developing foetus, and during lactation glucose is necessary for milk production through the production of lactose and fat. The complex endocrine nutrition interactions are gradually being revealed and the interaction of glucose and insulin is one of the key components that affects oocyte maturation and piglet vitality. The survival of piglets may be increased by controlling insulin levels to reduce hypoglycaemic shock, and litter size can be increased by utilising functional amino acids. The effects of protein during late gestation and early lactation have been reported which increase survival through an increase in oestrogen. Nutrient supply during lactation is vital since any degree of restriction can reduce subsequent reproductive performance. Future work examining fertility and piglet survival would be invaluable in driving the efficiency of pig production.

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THE DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK RESOURCES OF TURKEY: PIGS
R.T.WILSON, O.YILMAZ, M. ERTUGRUL

Abstract
The pig is just one species in the rich array of farm animals that is found in Turkey. There is archaeological evidence from the Neolithic age of wild pigs, Sus scrofa, undergoing the process of domestication in southeastern Turkey some 12,000 years ago. Turkey is a secular republic but its people are mainly of the Islamic faith which forbids the consumption as food of the flesh of the pig. It is thus understandable that there are very few pigs in the country and these supply a small Christian,mainly Greek community and the tourist trade. There have been no reported cases of any of the pig diseases on List A of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) (although Foot and Mouth Disease occurs in the extant wild boar population), nor of any of the zoonotic helminths, but bacterial pneumonias have been isolated on a number of occasions. There is no producer organisation for pigs and the species is not included in Turkey's otherwise extensive programme of conservation of food animals. Neglect and even antipathy by the government and its services may eventually lead to the disappearance of this species from Turkey.

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Case Studies

UNILATERAL FOOT NECROSIS AND NEUROLOGICAL DEFICITS IN GROWER PIGS ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE ISCHIATIC MONONEUROPATHY:A POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION WITH HANDLING AT WEANING
B.W. STRUGNELL, M.E.C.WHITE, S.F.E. SCHOLES, G.O.H. HATELEY, N.G.A.WOODGER

Abstract
he cause of severe foot necrosis and motor and sensory deficits affecting only one hind limb, usually the left, of four to ten-week-old weaner grower pigs on a 300 sow indoor farrow-to-finish unit was investigated. Lesions, although severe, did not appear to be painful. Severe damage to the ischial nerve, suspected to have been caused by focal trauma associated with lifting sucking piglets by a hind limb, usually the left,was identified and proposed as the cause of the clinical signs observed.

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UNUSUAL MANIFESTATION OF PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS-ASSOCIATED DISEASE (PCVAD) AMONG VACCINATED GROWER FINISHER PIGS WITH ISOLATION OF PCV2 FROM TISSUES
B.W. STRUGNELL, M.E.C.WHITE, R.J. HIGGINS, G. IBATA, S. GRIERSON, M. BANKS

Abstract
Vaccines against Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) have recently become available in the UK and have changed the landscape of Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD), resulting in significant improvements in growing pig performance,mortality rates and consequent improved pig welfare in the majority of vaccinated herds. In contrast, this case report describes an acute clinical presentation with high mortality accompanied by necrotic tonsillitis, hepatitis and splenic infarction, attributable to PCVAD, in vaccinated grower pigs soon after entering continuous flow accommodation. The PCV2 virus grew readily in tissue culture but no novel or unique features of the viral genome were detected to account for the unusual clinico-pathological presentation. It was hypothesised that despite PCV2 vaccination, new entrant grower pigs immune status proved inadequate to fully protect against the high natural PCV2 and mixed bacterial challenges in the continuous flow system. PCVAD should be included as an important differential diagnosis for such acute clinical presentations with high mortality which could be mistaken for Notifiable Diseases such as swine fever or Aujeszky’s disease.

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Research Papers

PMWS AND PCV2 ASSOCIATED DISEASES: HISTORICAL PROGRESS AND A REFLECTION ABOUT DISEASE EMERGENCE IN PIGS
F. MADEC

Abstract
Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) was first described in 1996 in North America, and soon spread worldwide. The pig industry and scientific community witnessed the devastating consequences with dismay. Intensive research was carried out throughout the world.A virus named Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was detected in the damaged tissues of affected pigs and considered as the causative infectious agent of the disease. Some genetic changes in the virus have been observed over the years. However, additional conditions were required to obtain clinical disease and the crucial role of the environment offered to the pig was clearly apparent. Thus, infection with PCV2 must be distinguished from clinical disease, which makes PMWS very different from other potentially devastating diseases. The details of pathogenesis have not yet been fully clarified. However, the way the immune system is challenged in infected pigs seems to be of pivotal importance.Vaccines became available 10 to 11 years after the PMWS crisis began. After discussing the reasons for PMWS emergence, based on personal experience, the author considers disease emergence in pigs in general.

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RISK OF MYCOTOXINS TO PIG HEALTH: IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS
I.P. OSWALD

Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites elaborated by filamentous fungi belonging mainly to the genuses Aspergillus, Penicilium and Fusarium. They are produced on a wide variety of raw materials before, during and after harvest. Mycotoxins are very resistant to technological treatments and can be present in foodstuffs intended for man and animals,where they present a wide spectrum of toxic effects. Most mycotoxins can alter immune function. The sensitivity of the immune system to mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression arises fromthe vulnerability of the continually proliferating and differentiating cells that participate in immunemediated activities and regulate the complex communication network between cellular and humoral components. Mycotoxin induced immunosuppression may be manifested as depressed T or B lymphocyte activity, suppressed antibody production and impaired macrophage/neutrophil-effect or functions. The immune system is primarily responsible for defence against invading organisms. Suppressed immune function by mycotoxinsmay eventually decrease resistance to infectious diseases, reactivate chronic infections and/or decrease vaccine and drug efficacy. In this review,we shall summarise the work demonstrating the immunosuppressive effects of mycotoxin on pig and the consequences in terms of pig health.

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DIAGNOSIS OF TRICHINELLOSIS BY ELISA TEST WITH THREE TYPES OF ANTIGENS OF TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS IN PIGS RAISED UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF CONFINEMENT
M.RIBICICH, H.R. GAMBLE, J. BOLPE, E. SCIALFA, S. MUNDO, M. PASQUALETTI, N. CARDILLO, C. SAN MARTIN, E.VIZIO, P. BORRÁS, F. FARIÑA, A. ROSA

Abstract
In Argentina, many pigs are raised outdoors and Trichinella infection is endemic. In this report, 21 pig farms were selected for study, including some using total and partial confinement management, some where pigs were raised in outdoor housing, and some where pigs were raised under poor hygienic and sanitary conditions.A total of 3,224 muscle samples were collected from pigs on the 21 farms and these muscle samples were used to determine the presence of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) larvae by artificial digestion (DAR). Serum samples from these same 3,224 pigs were tested for antibodies to T. spiralis using three Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests. The laboratory ELISA, the Microwell ELISA and the Glycan Microwell (ELISA) had sensitivities and specificities of 100%, 100% and 95.5%, and 100%, 95.5% and 100% respectively, when compared with the results of artificial digestion testing. Assuring that pigs are free from Trichinella infection is a priority for the pork processing industry in Argentina. Permanent monitoring systems performed in pig establishments, including the use of serology tests, as we describe here, would help to reduce or eliminate the risk for human exposure to Trichinella in pork.

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Clinical Practice

REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC CARCASE SUBMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE DISEASES IN ENGLAND AND WALES (2004-2010)
D.F. TWOMEY

Abstract
Laboratory results were reviewed for porcine reproductive disease submissions over a seven year period (2004-2010) to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in England and Wales. Nine hundred and thirty-five submissions were examined which included “carcase” (e.g. foetus, adult animal) or “non-carcase” (e.g. blood sample, vaginal swab) samples. Seasonal variation in submission numbers was noted,with a rise detected in the third and fourth quarters (July to December). Only diagnoses from carcase submissions, representing approximately 10% of total submissions,were included in the review because non-carcase submissions did not usually yield a specific diagnosis for the problem investigated. Sixty-six foetus and 20 adult carcase submissions yielded a definitive diagnosis. The following organisms were identified in foetal submissions: porcine parvovirus (20 cases), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (13), Streptococcus species (11), Escherichia coli (10), Pasteurella species (5), Actinobacillus species (3),Actinomyces hyovaginalis (2), Arcanobacterium pyogenes (2), Arcobacter species (2), Aspergillus species (2), Leptospira species (2), Acholeplasma laidlawii (1), Bacillus licheniformis (1), Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (1), Salmonella London (1) and Staphylococcus hyicus (1). Diagnostic findings in adult carcases included metritis (11), orchitis/epididymitis (4), ovarian tumour (1), vaginal perforation (1), abscessation of male accessory sex glands (1), congenital penis shortening (1) and hydrocele with testicular degeneration (1).

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AZAPERONE, BUTORPHANOL AND KETAMINE: ANANAESTHETIC CONCEPT FOR CASTRATION OF YOUNG PIGS
I. NUSSBAUMER

Abstract
Castration of piglets in Switzerland is forbidden without pain relief. This paper looks at an alternative to inhalation anaesthesia.

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Topical Symposium - Tail Biting and Tail Docking

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT TAIL BITING TODAY?
S. EDWARDS

Abstract
This review was first presented at the 3rd European Symposium on Porcine Health Management, Espoo, Finland 25-27 May 2011.

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TAIL BITING IN PIGS: THE PREVALENCE AT SIX UK ABATTOIRS AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF TAIL BITING WITH DOCKING, SEX AND OTHER CARCASS DAMAGE
E.J. HUNTER, T.A. JONES, H.J. GUISE, R.H.C. PENNY, S. HOSTE

Abstract
The prevalence of tail biting at six UK abattoirs and its relationship with tail docking, sex, carcass damage and ear damage was investigated between August-October 1997. A week was spent at each abattoir, and 62,971 pigs were examined.On average (n=6) 80.9% of pigs had docked tails (range 70.7 - 90.9%).A mean of 3.1% of docked and 9.2% of long-tailed pigs showed evidence of tail biting. Mean levels of severe biting (score 3) were low (0.1% of docked and 0.5% of long-tailed pigs) but these figures may be an underestimate as pigs with severely bitten tails are sometimes slaughtered locally. At abattoirs two, four and six, docked pigs were less likely than long-tailed pigs to have bitten tails (p<0.001). At abattoirs one and three fewer docked pigs had mild tail damage (p<0.001) but there was no difference in severe cases. At abattoir five, there was no effect of docking on levels of tail biting. When the data was analysed as a binary variable (bitten or not bitten) the odds of a docked pig being not bitten were 2.73 times better than the odds of a long-tailed pig. The mean percentage (n=6) of tail bitten gilts was 3.4% (range 1.8 - 6.9%) and for males was 4.6%(range 2.6 - 7.2%). The odds of a male pig being not bitten were 0.70 times worse than the odds for a female pig. With the exception of abattoir three, where pigs had very low levels of ear damage, pigs with bitten tails had significantly higher levels of ear damage than those with unbitten tails. A mean of 12.5% of tail-bitten pigs had damaged ears (n=6, range 0 - 21.4%). The corresponding mean for pigs without bitten tails was 5.5% (range 0.4 - 9.4%, p<0.001). Tail bitten pigs also had higher levels of other carcass damage than those with unbitten tails (p<0.001). Docked pigs had more damaged carcasses than long-tailed pigs and fewer slightly damaged carcasses (p<0.001) but there was no difference at more severe carcass damage scores. Testing for a linear trend between carcass damage and tail biting in docked and long-tailed pigs separately, showed that there was a stronger association between carcass damage and tail biting in pigs with docked tails. Overall docked pigs had higher levels of ear damage (p<0.05), but this was not the case at abattoirs two and five where long-tailed pigs had higher levels (p<0.001).

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TAIL BITING AND TAIL DOCKING IN PIGS
S.H. DONE, J. GUISE, D.J. CHENNELLS

Abstract
A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of tail docking on behaviour following docking, using different methods and to determine the effect of tail docking on the physical structure of the tail. This study was prompted to investigate the very limited study of Simonsen et al., (1991) who showed the presence of neuromas in the docked tails.

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TAIL BITING: THOUGHTS ON CAUSATION WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO ANATOMY AND THE PORCINE BRAIN
S.H. DONE

Abstract
This paper was first given to the National Pig Association Working Party on tail docking and biting on the 8th February 2011, at Haycock Hotel, Wansford.

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