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Tail biting is detrimental to animal welfare and has negative consequences for producer economy. Poor health is one of the risk factors for tail biting. The first aim of this study was therefore to test for links between health status and behavior related to tail biting at the individual level. The second aim of this study was to test whether variation in cytokines was related to variation in social behavior. These small molecules produced upon immune activation are known to influence behavior both in the direction of withdrawal and increased aggression. This could potentially increase non-functional social behavior and thereby the risk of a tail biting outbreak. To investigate this, we collected behavioral data, health data, feeding data and blood samples from undocked boars at a test station farm in Norway. We compared groups with three different diagnoses: osteochondrosis diagnosed by computer tomography scanning (OCSAN), osteochondrosis diagnosed by clinical examination (OCCLIN) and respiratory tract disease (RESP), with healthy controls (CTR). We tested whether the diagnoses were associated with feeding and growth, social behavior and cytokine levels. We then tested whether there were correlations between cytokine levels and social behavior. We also provide raw data on cytokine levels in the extended sample (N = 305) as there are few publications on cytokine levels measured in pigs living under commercial conditions. OCCLIN pigs visited the feeder less, and fed longer compared to CTR pigs. Pigs diagnosed with RESP showed a large drop in growth the first week after filming, which corresponds to the week they were likely to have been diagnosed with illness, and a tendency to compensatory increase in the week after that. Social behavior differed between experimental groups with OCSCAN pigs receiving more social behavior (both aggressive and non aggressive) compared to CTR, and RESP pigs tending to perform more ear- and tail-biting than controls. There were no differences in absolute levels of cytokines between categories. However IL1-ra and IL-12 showed correlations with several behaviors that have been shown by others to be associated with current or future tail biting activity. To our knowledge, this is the first published study indicating a role for illness in non-functional social behavior in pigs and the first showing a correlation between cytokine levels and social behavior.

Lameness is a common health and welfare problem in sows. Little has been published about behavioral changes in lame sows. Ketoprofen is an effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat non-infectious locomotor disorders in pigs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lameness and lameness-related pain on the behavior of sows. To evaluate this effect, we studied whether pain alleviation with ketoprofen and clinical relief of lameness were associated with changes in behavior. We allocated randomly 13 lame, early pregnancy sows in three treatment groups receiving either ketoprofen 4 mg/kg, ketoprofen 2 mg/kg (these two groups were pooled for statistical analyses) or placebo. The animals were treated orally for 5 days and lameness scored before and on the last day of the treatment. Lameness was assessed with a 5-grade scoring system and behavior by scan sampling method. A clinically healthy, non-lame control sow was paired with each lame sow and they were examined the same way as lame sows but received no treatment. Lame sows were more passive, they lay more and stood and explored pen fixtures less than the control sows before treatment. After 5-days treatment, placebo-treated sows were in contact with the wall and lying more often when compared to control sows. Ketoprofen-treated sows were more seldom in contact with the wall and exploring bedding more often than placebo-treated sows. Placebo sows tended also to move and explore bedding less than control sows. Lameness had been relieved in altogether 7 out of 13 sows on day 5: six out of nine ketoprofen-medicated sows and one out of four placebo-treated sows. The behaviour of sows with relieved lameness did not differ from that of control sows on day 5. Sows with non-relieved lameness were in contact with the wall and lying more and moving and standing less than control sows. When compared to control sows, sows with non-relieved lameness tended to be more passive. When compared to sows with relieved lameness, sows with non-relieved lameness showed a tendency to be in contact with the wall more often. Our study showed that lameness reduces the activity of sows and affects their position in the pen. Passive behavior seemed at least partly be due to pain and lameness relief was associated with normalization of the behavior.

1. Experiment 1, comparing wood shavings and ground straw bedding with peat, was performed on 7 broiler farms over two consecutive batches during the winter season. Experiment 2, assessing the effect of elevated (30 cm) platforms, was conducted in three farms replicated with 6 consecutive batches. 2. Footpad lesions were inspected at slaughter following the Welfare Quality® (WQ) assessment and official programme. Hock lesions, plumage cleanliness and litter condition were assessed using the WQ assessment. Litter height, pH, moisture and ammonia were determined. 3. Footpad condition on wood shavings appeared to be worse compared with peat using both methods of assessment and was accompanied by inferior hock skin health. WQ assessment resulted in poorer footpad and hock skin condition on ground straw compared with peat. Farms differed in footpad and hock skin condition. Footpad and hock lesions were not affected by platform treatment. Peat appeared more friable than ground straw. The initial pH of wood shavings was higher and moisture was lower than in peat, but at the end of production period there were no differences. Ground straw exhibited higher initial and lower end pH, and was drier in the beginning than peat. Litter condition and quality were not affected by platform treatment. 4. This study provides new knowledge about the applicability of peat as broiler bedding and shows no negative effects of elevated platforms on litter condition or the occurrence of contact dermatitis in commercial environments. The results suggest a complicated relationship between litter condition, moisture and contact dermatitis. Furthermore, it is concluded that the farmer’s ability to manage litter conditions is important, regardless of the chosen litter material. Peat bedding was beneficial for footpad and hock skin health compared with wood shavings and ground straw.

The husbandry of pigs for meat production is a constantly developing industry. Most studies on the effects of Ascaris suum infection in pigs and its prevention with anthelmintics are over a decade old. We examined the effect of 2.5 mg fenbendazole per kg bodyweight administered in drinking water for two consecutive days on A. suum infection 1 and 6 weeks after pigs arrived to fattening units. We hypothesised that the treatment would reduce the presence of A. suum-infections, improve the average daily weight gain of pigs, reduce the percentage of liver rejections in pens by 50% and increase the lean meat percentage at slaughter by 1%. The study included a placebo group (427 pigs) and a treatment group (420 pigs) spanning four different farms previously reporting ≥15% liver rejection. The treatment was given for 2 consecutive days 1 and 6 weeks after the pigs arrived to the fattening unit. Faecal samples were collected during weeks 1, 6 and 12 from all pigs and examined for A. suum eggs. Blood was collected during weeks 1 and 12 from a subgroup of the pigs and examined for anti-A. suum antibodies and clinical blood parameters. Data on liver rejection and lean meat percentage were collected post-mortem. The proportion of Ascaris seropositive pigs changed from 8.6% to 22.2% and 20.3% to 16.3% in the placebo and treatment group respectively. Fenbendazole reduced the presence of A. suum eggs in faeces the percentage of liver rejections by 69.8%. The treatment did not affect daily weight gain or lean meat percentage. Pigs with A. suum eggs in faeces at week 6 had a lower average daily weight gain of 61.8 g/day compared with pigs without parasite eggs. Fenbendazole treatment may be a useful option for farms struggling with persistent A. suum problems and demonstrate a beneficial effect on the weight gain of the animals shedding eggs in faeces and result in fewer condemned livers at slaughter.

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for bovine intramammary infection (IMI) associated with the most common bacterial species in Finland. Large databases of the Finnish milk-recording system and results of microbiological analyses of mastitic milk samples from Valio Ltd. (Helsinki, Finland) were analyzed. The study group comprised 29,969 cows with IMI from 4,173 dairy herds. A cow with a quarter milk sample in which DNA of target species was detected in the PathoProof Mastitis PCR Assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) was determined to have IMI. Only cows with IMI caused by the 6 most common pathogens or groups of pathogens, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Corynebacterium bovis, and Escherichia coli, were included. The control group comprised 160,176 IMI-free cows from the same herds as the study group. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to study herd- and cow-specific risk factors for incidence of IMI. Pathogen-specific results confirmed those of earlier studies, specifically that increasing parity increases prevalence of IMI regardless of causative pathogen. Holsteins were more susceptible to IMI than Nordic Reds except when the causative pathogen was CNS. Occurrence of IMI caused by C. bovis was not related to milk yield, in contrast to IMI caused by all other pathogens investigated. Organic milk production was associated with IMI only when the causative pathogen of IMI was Staph. aureus; Staph. aureus IMI was more likely to occur in conventional than in organic production. Cows in older freestall barns with parlor milking had an increased probability of contracting an IMI compared with cows in tiestall barns or in new freestall barns with automatic milking. This was the case for all IMI, except those caused by CNS, the prevalence of which was not associated with the milking system, and IMI caused by Staph. aureus, which was most common in cows housed in tiestall barns. A better breeding index for milk somatic cell count was associated with decreased occurrence of IMI, indicating that breeding for improved udder health has been successful in reducing the incidence of IMI caused by the most common pathogens in Finland. In the Finnish dairy sector, the importance of other measures to control IMI will increase as the Holstein breed progressively takes the place of the Nordic Red breed. Attention should be paid to hygiene and cleanliness, especially in old freestall barns. Based on our results, the increasing prevalence of automatic milking is not a reason for special concern.

This Research Communication describes the effect of post-operative pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment on heart rate variability (HRV) of dairy cows. Postoperative pain in farm animals is often left untreated, and HRV could be a promising tool for assessing pain. The aim of this study was to assess if postoperative state after subcutaneous surgery affects HRV in dairy cows and to determine whether this could be modulated by NSAID. Nine cows were inserted with an implantable electrocardiograph logger. Cows were divided into the NSAID treatment group and the control group. The cows in the NSAID group had higher HRV than the control group, indicating a higher sympathetic activity in control animals, most likely due to untreated post-operative pain. Besides the ethical need for treating pain in production animals, ongoing pain has an adverse effect on animal productivity. Thus post-operative pain alleviation is recommended.

In modern pig production there has been a steady increase in the litter size during recent decades. Large litters represent a major challenge for the sow, increase the farrowing duration and compromise sow welfare by prolonging this stressful process. Moreover, the continuous increase in litter size is a major cause of pre-weaning piglet mortality by increasing the proportion of low birth weight piglets, which are less vital and have reduced colostrum intake. Approximately 30% of hyper-prolific sows produce insufficient colostrum for their piglets. Colostrum plays an essential role in the health, survival and growth of piglets by providing energy, immunoglobulins, growth factors and many other bioactive components. Both colostrum yield and its composition are highly variable among sows, yet mechanisms and factors that regulate colostrogenesis are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate sow colostrum IgG concentration on farm using a Brix refractometer, to thus improve the management of neonatal piglets immediately after initiation of farrowing. We established colostrum evaluation criteria, to be used at herd level, by comparing the Brix results with those from ELISA. We aimed to investigate sow physiology around farrowing, acute phase protein (APP) response and their association with colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and piglet colostrum intake (CI). The impact of sow CY, colostrum composition and quality on piglet performance were also investigated. We also aimed to determine the effects of yeast hydrolysate (YD) and resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) inclusion in sows’ gestation and lactation diets on CY, colostrum immunoglobulins, nutritional composition and subsequent litter performance. We also sought to determine the influence of these two feed additives on the taxonomic profile of the hindgut microbiota of sows. Additionally we aimed to determine whether changing the gut microbiota of sows influences the microbial colonization of piglets after birth. There was a correlation between Brix refractometer measurement of colostrum and the corresponding IgG concentration measurements of ELISA (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). A classification of colostrum quality was suggested; low levels of IgG (14.5 ± 1.8 mg/ml) were recorded for colostrum samples with Brix readings below 20%. Borderline colostrum IgG content (43.8 ± 2.3 mg/ml) had Brix readings of 20% to 24%, adequate colostrum IgG content (50.7 ± 2.1 mg/ml) had Brix readings of 25% to 29% and very good IgG colostrum content (78.6 ± 8.4 mg/ml) had Brix readings >30%. Sow CY was positively correlated with plasma haptoglobin (Hp) (P = 0.029), number of live-born piglets (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with farrowing duration (P = 0.01). Piglet CI was positively associated with piglet weight at birth (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with the number of live-born piglets in the litter (P < 0.001). Both piglet CI and birth weight were positively associated with piglet average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001). Risk for piglet death, or a piglet being treated with an antibiotic before weaning, increase with a decrease in sow back fat thickness at farrowing (P = 0.04). Similarly, we found that piglets of litters with low BWB and low CI had a higher risk of death before weaning (P < 0.001). Piglets born from sows having lower levels of colostrum IgA and serum amyloid A (SAA) and high plasma progesterone at the end of farrowing had higher risk of neonatal diarrhea (P = 0.04; P = 0.05; P = 0.04). Piglets born from sows having higher back fat thickness at weaning had higher risk of developing weaning diarrhea (P = 0.02). There was a significant increase in CY in sows fed with YD during gestation (P = 0.04) and a higher level of fat in their colostrum (P = 0.01). In RAC fed sows there was a significant increase in colostrum IgG content. Piglets weaning weights of RAC fed sows were higher in two trial herds. Inclusion of YD and RAC in gestation and lactation diet increased the abundance of beneficial and fermentative fecal bacteria (Roseburia, Paraprevotella, Eubacterium, Romboutsia and Clostridium sensu stricto) significantly (P < 0.01) while, opportunistic pathogens, especially Proteobacteria, were suppressed. In addition, piglets from the sows fed YD had more beneficial microbial populations with higher diversity and fewer opportunistic pathogens at one week of age. However, feeding YD, higher CY, colostrum composition and piglet birth weight were all correlated with specific sow gut microbiota. In conclusion, Brix measurement of a sow’s fresh colostrum is an inexpensive, rapid and sufficiently accurate method of estimating IgG concentration, providing indication of differentiation between good and poor IgG content of colostrum. Although colostrum is vital for piglet survival, both CY and composition are highly variable among sows. Sow body condition and physiological status around farrowing affect CY and colostrum immunoglobulin contents. Piglet survival and risk of death before weaning also depend on CI. Therefore, to support CY and CI, measures should be taken to ease the process of farrowing, increase piglet vitality and improve colostrum availability for piglets. Functional feed ingredients such as YD and RAC may increase colostrum availability, improve colostrum IgG and its energy content for neonate piglets, and also promote beneficial maternal microbial sources for neonates. Nykyinen suuri pahnuekoko on iso ongelma emakoille. Se lisää synnytyksen kestoa ja alipainoisten vastasyntyneiden porsaiden osuutta pahnueessa, heikentäen porsaiden elinvoimaa ja ternimaidon saantia. Ternimaito on elintärkeää porsaiden terveydelle ja kasvulle. Kuitenkin, jopa joka kolmas emakko tuottaa liian vähän ternimaitoa pahnueen tarpeeseen nähden. Ternimaidon määrä ja koostumus vaihtelevat suuresti emakoiden välillä, vaikka säätelevät mekanismit ja tekijät tunnetaan huonosti. Arvioimme ternimaidon laatua tilatasolla käyttäen Brix testiä vastasyntyneen porsaan ternimaitdon parantamiseksi. Tutkimme emakon synnytyksen fysiologiaa, akuutin faasin reaktiota ja näiden yhteyttä ternimaidon laatuun, määrään ja saantiin. Tutkimme myös rehun lisäaineiden, kuten hiiva-hydrolysaatti ja resiinihappo, vaikutusta ternimaidon määrään, vasta-aine (immunoglobuliini) - pitoisuuteen, ravitsemukselliseen koostumukseen ja pahnueen imetyksen aikaiseen kasvuun. Selvitimme myös, miten emakon suoliston bakteeri-populaatioiden muutokset heijastuvat porsaiden suoliston kolonisaatioon. Osoitimme yhteyden emakon ternimaidon Brix – testitulosten ja ELISA – menetelmällä tehtyjen IgG – pitoisuuksien välillä. Laatuluokitus on seuraava: matala IgG – taso Brix testilukemalla < 20%, kohtalainen välillä 20-24%, hyvä välillä 25-29% ja erinomainen > 30%:n tasolla. Hyvä ternimaidon määrä liittyi korkeaan plasman haptoglobiini – pitoisuuteen ja syntyneiden porsaiden määrään ja lyhyeen synnytykseen. Ternimaidon saannilla ja syntymäpainolla oli positiivinen yhteys, kun taas ternimaidon saannilla ja pahnuekoolla oli negatiivinen yhteys. Sekä ternimaidon saanti että syntymäpaino olivat positiivisessa yhteydessä porsaiden päiväkasvuun. Sekä porsaskuoleman että antibioottihoidon riskin todennäköisyys kasvoivat emakon selän rasvakerroksen paksuuden pienentyessä. Syntymäpainoltaan alhaisten pahnueiden porsaat, jotka saivat vain vähän ternimaitoa, olivat alttiita kuolemaan ennen vieroitusta. Porsaat, jotka kuuluivat emakoille, joilla oli alhainen ternimaidon IgA – pitoisuus ja seerumin amyloidi A sekä korkea progesteronipitoisuus, olivat alttiita saamaan porsasripulin. Tiineyden aikana hiiva-hydrolysaatilla (YD) rikastetuilla rehuilla ruokitut emakot tuottivat enemmän ternimaitoa. Resiinihapon lisääminen emakon rehuun lisäsi myös porsaiden vieroituspainoja. Sekä hiiva – hyrdolysaatin että resiinihapon lisääminen emakon rehuun lisäsi suotuisten ja fermentatiivisten bakteerikantojen suhteellista osuutta. Toisaalta taas opportunistien patogeenisten ja etenkin Proteobakteeri – populaation osuus laski. Hiivahydrolysaatin lisääminen emakon rehuun lisäsi imevien porsaiden suotuisten suoliston bakteeri – populaatioiden osuutta. Yhteenvetona Brix – mittaukset tuoreesta emakon ternimaidosta on halpa, nopea ja tarkka menetelmä IgG – pitoisuuden määrittämiseksi. Sekä emakon kuntoluokka että fysiologinen tila synnytyksen yhteydessä vaikuttavat ternimaidon laatuun. Vastasyntyneen porsaan riski kuolla on vahvasti sidoksissa ternimaidon saantiin. Funktionaaliset rehun lisäaineet, kuten hiiva – hydrosulaatti ja resiinihappo, saattavat lisätä ternimaidon riittoisuutta, parantaa ternimaidon laatua (IgG) ja energiasisältöä vastasyntyneille porsaille.

This study aimed to examine the etiology of canine dystocia by measuring the relative expression of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) mRNA and the concentration of serum progesterone, plasma PGF(2 alpha) metabolite (PGFM), and blood ionized calcium (iCa) near term and in dystocia. Altogether 58 bitches were included in this study, 41 of which underwent cesarean section (CS). The four CS groups were based on history: complete uterine inertia (CUI; n = 7), partial uterine inertia (PUI; n = 13), obstructive dystocia (OD; n = 10), and elective cesarean section (ECS; n = 11). An additional group of medically treated dystocia without CS (MD; n = 8) and a control group (C; n = 9) with normal parturition (without CS and medical treatment) were also formed. Blood samples were taken prior to CS or medical treatment. Progesterone concentrations were highest in the ECS and a significant difference (p 0.05) was observed in iCa concentrations between the groups. Relative OXTR mRNA expression was evaluated with real-time PCR from full-thickness uterine samples taken from the incision site during CS. The expression was highest in the ECS and the difference in expression was significant (p

The present study investigated sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and factors affecting them, and their relation to piglet survivability, growth and mortality. The study included 230 sows with 3,210 live-born piglets from five Finnish and one Dutch sow herd. Sow farrowing was supervised, and piglets were individually weighed at birth (BWB) and 24 h after birth of first piglet in order to calculate piglet CI and sow CY. Colostrum nutritional composition, immunoglobulin (Ig), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) contents were assessed. Sow plasma SAA, Hp and progesterone around farrowing were also assessed. Selected ear-tagged piglets were weighed at 3 to 4 weeks of age to calculate individual average daily gain. Sow CY was positively correlated with plasma Hp (P = 0.029) and number of live-born piglets (P < 0.01). An additional minute of farrowing duration lowered the CY by 2.2 g (P = 0.01). Piglet CI was positively associated with piglet weight at birth (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with the number of live-born piglets in the litter and percentage of protein in the colostrum (P < 0.001). Both piglet CI and birth weight were positively associated with piglet average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001). Piglet survival from birth to weaning depends on CI. We established that the risk of piglet death or of a piglet being treated with antibiotic before weaning increases with a decrease in sow back fat thickness at farrowing (P = 0.04). Similarly, we found that piglets from litters with low BWB and low CI had a higher risk of death before weaning (P < 0.001). Piglets born from sows with lower levels of colostrum IgA and SAA and high plasma progesterone at the end of farrowing had a higher risk of neonatal diarrhea (P = 0.04; P = 0.05; P = 0.04). Piglets born from sows having higher back fat thickness at weaning had a higher risk of developing weaning diarrhea (P = 0.02). In conclusion, longer farrowing duration can be detrimental and can negatively influence sow CY. Sow body condition and physiological status around farrowing can also affect CY, and thereby increase piglet mortality and use of antibiotics in neonatal piglets. Neonatal piglets can benefit from higher colostrum immunoglobulins, SAA, and decreased level of plasma progesterone in sows at the end of farrowing.

The use of hyperprolific sow lines has increased litter size considerably in the last three decades. Nowadays, in some countries litters can reach up to 18-20 piglets being a major challenge for the sow's physiology during pregnancy, parturition and lactation. The increased number of piglets born per litter prolongs sensibly the duration of farrowing, decreases the piglets' average weight at birth and their vitality, increases the competition for colostrum intake and can affect negatively piglets' survival. This review aims to describe how large litters can affect the immune system of the sow and the piglets and proposes measures to improve this condition.

Gastrointestinal parasites, Parascaris sp. and strongyles, are common in young horses worldwide and control of these parasites is challenged by increasing anthelmintic resistance. Our aim was to identify risk factors for these infections as well as to assess the efficacy of fenbendazole (dose 7.5 mg/kg) and pyrantel embonate (dose 19 mg/kg) against Parascaris sp. We also evaluated association between owner observed symptoms and patent infections with these parasites. Fecal samples were collected from 367 young horses in Finland and a questionnaire study was conducted. Fecal egg counts were performed by Mini-FLOTAC (R) method. Univariable logistic regression models using patent infection status (Yes/No), separately for Parascaris sp. and strongyle infections as an outcome were run initially to screen potential risk factors collected by the questionnaire. After the initial screening, multiple logistic regression models were constructed and run to account for correlated data structure, risk factors and potential confounders simultaneously. Two significant risk factors for a patent Parascaris sp. infection were found: breeding farm size (p = 0.028) and frequency of horse movements (p = 0.010). Horses originating from large breeding farms were more likely (OR = 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-5.51) to shed Parascaris sp. eggs upon relocation to training stables compared to horses originating from small breeding farms. Horses living in farms with frequent horse movements to other premises had higher odds (OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.35-9.39) of a patent Parascaris sp. infection compared to farms with less frequent horse movements. Risk factors for patent strongyle infection included age (p

Tear staining (TS) in the pig has been related to different stressors and may be a useful tool for assessing animal welfare on farm. The aim of the current study was to investigate TS across the finisher period and its possible relation to age, growth, sex and experimentally induced stressors. The study included 80 finisher pens divided between three batches. Within each batch, the pens either included pigs with docked or undocked tails, had straw provided (150 g/pig/day) or not and had a low (1.21 m2/pig, 11 pigs) or high stocking density (0.73 m2/pig, 18 pigs). Tear staining (scores 1 to 4; from smaller to larger tear stain area, respectively) and tail damage were scored on each individual pig three times per week over the 9-week study period, and the individual maximum TS score within each week was chosen for further analysis. Data were analysed using logistic regression separately for each of the four possible TS score levels. The TS scores 1 and 2 decreased with weeks into the study period and were negatively related to the average daily gain (ADG) of the pigs, whereas the TS score 4 increased with weeks into the study period and was positively related to ADG. None of the TS scores differed between females and castrated males, and neither straw provision nor lowering the stocking density affected the TS scores. However, the TS score 1 decreased the last week before an event of tail damage (at least one pig in the pen with a bleeding tail wound), whereas the TS score 4 increased. The results of the current study advocates for a relation between TS and the factors such as age, growth and stress in the pig, while no relation was found between TS and the environmental factors straw provision and lowered stocking density. The relations to age and growth are important to take into consideration if using TS as a welfare assessment measure in the pig in the future.

Oral lesions in the bit area are common in horses, but not comprehensively studied in harness racing horses. This study describes the type and occurrence of oral soft tissue lesions in the area affected by the bit, hereafter called the bit area, in trotters after a race. Based on our results, we suggest a system for scoring lesions according to size, type (bruise or wound), age, and depth (superficial or deep). The data was collected during a welfare program for trotters, conducted by The Finnish Trotting and Breeding Association (Suomen Hippos ry). The rostral part of the mouth of 261 horses (151 Standardbreds, 78 Finnhorses, and 32 ponies) was examined after a race in a systematic manner, using a bright light source without sedation or a mouth gag. The lip commissures (outside and inside), bars of the mandible, buccal area near the second upper premolar teeth, tongue, and hard palate were visually examined; bars of the mandible were also palpated. Points were assigned to every lesion and then added together, such that each horse got an acute lesion score. Based on the score, the horses were divided into four groups (A- D) as follows: Group A, no lesions; B, mild lesions; C, moderate lesions; D, severe lesions. Of all the horses examined, 84% (219/261) had acute lesions in the bit area. In total, 21% (55/261) had mild lesions, 43% (113/261) had moderate lesions, and 20% (51/261) had severe lesions. Visible bleeding outside the mouth was observed in 2% (6/261) of the horses. Further, 5% of the horses (13/261) had blood on the bit when it was removed from the mouth, even though no blood was visible outside the mouth. In conclusion, soft tissue lesions in the bit area were common in the Finnish trotters examined. Moreover, the absence of blood outside the mouth does not rule out serious injuries inside the mouth. The scoring system presented can be used for evaluating the severity of oral lesions in different equestrian disciplines and populations to allow for comparable data across studies.

The importance of rest and sleep is well established; we know, for example, that lack of sleep impairs immune function in rats and increases pain sensitivity in humans. However, little is known about sleep in dairy cows, but a lack of rest and sleep is discussed as a possible welfare problem in cattle. A first step toward a better understanding of sleep in dairy cows is to quantify the time cows spend awake and asleep in different stages of lactation. Using electrophysiological recordings on 7 occasions in wk −2, 2, 7, 13, 22, 37, and 45 in relation to calving, we investigated changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time as well as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, drowsing, awake, and rumination in 19 dairy cows of the Swedish Red breed kept in single pens with ad libitum access to feed and water. The recordings on wk −2 and 45 were conducted during the dry period, and all others during lactation. The PROC MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was used to test for significant differences in REM, NREM, drowsing, awake, and rumination between the different stages of lactation cycle. Pairwise comparisons between all recording occasions showed that total REM sleep duration was shorter for cows in wk 2 relative to calving compared with wk −2, and the number of REM sleep bouts were fewer in wk 2 compared with wk −2. The REM sleep was recorded during both the day (0500–2100 h) and night (2100–0500 h), but predominantly performed at night compared with daytime, and the bout duration was longer during nighttime compared with daytime. A tendency was observed for time spent in NREM sleep to be shorter in wk 2 relative to calving compared with wk −2. The duration spent drowsing was shorter for cows in wk 2 and 13 relative to calving compared with wk −2. We found no effect of stage of lactation cycle on the duration of awake or ruminating. Our study is the first to assess sleep distribution during a lactation cycle, and our results show that stage of lactation is important to consider when moving forward with sleep investigations in dairy cows. The shortest REM sleep duration was found for cows 2 wk after calving and longest 2 wk before calving, and the difference was due a higher number of REM sleep bouts in the recording 2 wk before calving. The REM sleep and rumination predominantly occurred at night but were recorded during both day and night.

Background The main objectives of this observational, cross-sectional study were to characterize piglet producing farms in Finland and to investigate how farm profiles are associated with sow culling and mortality. The study was conducted on 43 farms during 2014. A questionnaire survey was administered in-person and supplemented with observations in the housing facilities. Annual removal figures and average monthly sow inventories were retrieved from a centralized animal data recording system (National Swine Registry) administered by the Finnish Food Authority. Multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering were used to explore the complex underlying data-driven patterns. Results Sow removal varied markedly between farms with an overall average culling percentage of 38.0% (95% CI 34.1–42.0) and a relatively high average mortality percentage 9.7% (95% CI 7.9–11.5). We identified three farm clusters, which differed both in their typologies and removal patterns. Cluster 1 included farms with features indicative of a semi-intensive or intensive kind of farming, such as larger herd and room sizes, higher stocking density and more sows per caretaker. Most of the cluster 1 farms exceeded the investigated cut-off levels for culling and mortality. Cluster 2 farms were estimated to have the best animal welfare among the sample farms based on a combination of environmental indicators (e.g. amount of bedding, rooting and nesting materials, space allowance, pen cleanliness) and the lowest level of sow mortality as an animal-based indicator. Cluster 3 farms followed a strategy of a rather non-intensified system based on the predominance of smaller herd size, lower stocking density and less sows per caretaker, combined breeding and gestation rooms and rare use of farrowing induction. This cluster showed the lowest culling levels within the sample. Conclusions This study captures the diversity among Finnish sow farms and provides a baseline assessment of their practices and facilities. Our results support the notion that farm typologies are associated with sow culling and mortality. In summary, the control of suboptimal sow removal cannot be based on single improvements only, because of other limitations within the individual farm resources.

The competent authorities of the Member States of the European Union are required to perform animal welfare inspections on livestock farms. The data obtained from these official inspections performed in Finnish cattle and pig farms in 2010&ndash, 2015 were used with the aim of estimating the prevalence of the most common non-compliances and identifying underlying risk factors. The prevalence of non-compliant cattle and pig farms was 24.2% and 27.9%, respectively. In cattle, the most common problem was an inadequate lying area followed by deficient housing conditions for calves, in pigs, it was a lack of enrichment material. The non-compliances concerning cattle were most frequently detected in autumn and in farms with small herd size, with tie-stall housing and outdoor rearing year-round. The pig farms with a farrow-to-finish unit had a higher prevalence of non-compliances than other production types. The prevalence of the non-compliant farms differed notably between the regions. It can be concluded that the cattle welfare inspections should be performed with a focus on the cold and rainy seasons and at small farms, whereas the pig welfare inspections should mainly focus on farrow-to-finish units. The data received from official inspections should be efficiently utilized in the development of animal welfare inspection system, with the aim of risk-based, consistent and uniform inspections. In addition, the data should be utilized in targeting information for farmers.

The feral pig populations of many countries continue to increase. Scientific studies on population size are scarce, while the numbers of reported observations on presence of and damage caused by feral pigs are increasing. Feral pigs can carry and spread several diseases (including zoonotic), but African Swine Fever (ASF) is of most concern. It is a highly transmissible viral disease associated with an extremely high mortality rate. Since 2009 ASF has appeared in several European countries, with cases being identified first among local feral pigs and consequently in domestic pig production units, indicating a clear linkage with the movement of the feral pig population and the spread of the disease across national boundaries. Control of feral pig populations is currently under discussion. Because massive culling raises questions of animal welfare and ethics, fertility control could represent an important and effective means to control feral pig populations. Contraceptive vaccines have been used with some degree of success in many wild species because they are able to provide a long-term effect without any consequent health problems. However, extensive and efficacious use of vaccines to control feral pig populations is not simple. The aim of this article was to review the progress in immunocontraception use in feral pigs, providing an account of the current status and future perspectives.

Mycoplasma bovis causes bovine respiratory disease, mastitis, arthritis and otitis. The importance of M. bovis has escalated because of recent outbreaks and introductions into countries previously free of M. bovis. We characterized the course of M. bovis infection on 19 recently infected dairy farms over 24 months. Our objective was to identify diagnostic tools to assess the efficacy of control measures to assess low risk infection status on M. bovis infected farms. PCR assays and culture were used to detect M. bovis, and in-house and BioX ELISAs were used to follow antibody responses. Cows and young stock were sampled on four separate occasions, and clinical cases were sampled when they arose. On 17 farms, a few cases of clinical mastitis were detected, mostly within the first eight weeks after the index case. Antibodies detected by in-house ELISA persisted in the serum of cows at least for 1.5 years on all farms, regardless of the M. bovis infection status or signs of clinical disease or subclinical mastitis on the farm. Six out of 19 farms became low risk as the infection was resolved. Our results suggest that, for biosecurity purposes, regular monitoring should be conducted on herds by screening for M. bovis in samples from cows with clinical mastitis and calves with pneumonia, in conjunction with testing young stock by screening longitudinally collected nasal swabs for M. bovis and sequential serum samples for antibody against recombinant antigen.

Background: Severe outbreaks of bovine interdigital phlegmon (IP) have occurred recently in several free stall dairy herds in Finland. We studied the aetiology of IP in such herds, and the association of bacterial species with the various stages of IP and herds of various morbidity of IP. Nineteen free stall dairy herds with IP outbreaks and three control herds were visited and bacteriological samples collected from cows suffering from IP (n = 106), other hoof diseases (n = 58), and control cows (n = 64). The herds were divided into high morbidity (morbidity ≥50%) and moderate morbidity groups (9-33%) based on morbidity during the first two months of the outbreak. Results: F. necrophorum subspecies necrophorum was clearly associated with IP in general, and T. pyogenes was associated with the healing stage of IP. Six other major hoof pathogens were detected; Dichelobacter nodosus, Porphyromonas levii, Prevotella melaninogenica, Treponema spp. and Trueperella pyogenes. Most of the samples of acute IP (66.7%) harboured both F. necrophorum and D. nodosus. We found differences between moderate morbidity and high morbidity herds. D. nodosus was more common in IP lesion in high than in moderate morbidity herds. Conclusions: Our result confirms that F. necrophorum subspecies necrophorum is the main pathogen in IP, but also T. pyogenes is associated with the healing stage of IP. Our results suggest that D. nodosus may play a role in the severity of the outbreak of IP, but further research is needed to establish other bacteriological factors behind these severe outbreaks.

Legumes are particularly susceptible to clostridial fermentation when ensiled because of their high buffering capacity and water-soluble carbohydrate contents. The aim of the study was to investigate if a sodium nitrite treatment (900 g t(-1) herbage in fresh matter [FM]) impairs butyric acid fermentation of red clover-timothy-meadow fescue silage compared with formic acid-treated (4 l t(-1) FM) and untreated silage. The sward was harvested after wilting at low dry matter (DM) (LDM, 194 g kg(-1)) and high DM (HDM, 314 g kg(-1)) concentrations and half of the herbage batches were inoculated with Clostridium tyrobutyricum spores before additive treatments. No butyric acid fermentation was observed in HDM silages probably because of the relatively high DM and nitrate contents of the herbage mixture. In LDM silage butyric acid was detected only in formic acid-treated silage, and the number of clostridia copies was higher in formic acid-treated than in sodium nitrite treated silage. Sodium nitrite treatment was superior to FA treatment in suppressing clostridial fermentation in the LDM silages.

The aim was to study if overconsumption of grass silage during the far-off dry period (FODP) and decreasing feed allowance in close-up dry period (CUDP) affect body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) changes, as well as lactation performance and body tissue mobilization after calving in dairy cows. Control diet (CON) was fed to meet the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements, the test diet (HEI) averaged 144% and 119% of ME requirements in the FODP and CUDP, respectively. All cows were fed concentrates in the CUDP (30% of ME d-1). Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were lower and insulin tended to be higher in HEI vs. CON prepartum. No dietary effects in accretion or mobilization of body reserves were observed, and accordingly no differences in silage DMI, ME balance and plasma parameters postpartum were detected. Concentrate DMI and milk yield tended to be lower in HEI vs. CON during early lactation.

High energy intake in the dry period has reportedly had adverse effects on mobilization of body reserves, dry matter intake, and productivity of dairy cows. We investigated whether grass silage (GS) fed ad libitum (high energy intake, HEI; 141% of daily metabolizable energy requirements) in an 8-wk dry period affects metabolic adaptation-specifically, peripheral insulin resistance-compared with a total mixed ration consisting of GS, wheat straw, and rapeseed meal (55/40/5%; controlled energy intake, CEI; 108% of metabolizable energy/d) fed ad libitum. Multiparous Ayrshire dairy cows (n = 16) were used in a randomized complete block design until 8 wk after parturition. Commercial concentrates were fed 1 and 2 kg/d during the last 10 to 6 and 5 to 0 d before the expected calving date, respectively. Postpartum, a similar lactation diet with ad libitum access to GS and increasing concentrate allowance (maximum of 16 kg/d) was offered to all. The HEI group gained more body weight and had higher plasma insulin, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations than the CEI group prepartum. Postpartal plasma glucose tended to be higher and milk yield was greater from wk 5 onward for HEI compared with CEI cows. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed at -13 +/- 5 d and 9 +/- 1 d relative to calving. The HEI cows had greater insulin response to glucose load and smaller area under the response curve for glucose than CEI cows in prepartal IVGTT. Thus, compensatory insulin secretion adapted to changes in insulin sensitivity of the peripheral tissues, preserving glucose tolerance of HEI cows. Higher insulin levels were needed in HEI cows than in CEI cows to elicit a similar decrement of nonesterified fatty acid concentration in prepartal wurr, suggesting reduced inhibition of lipolysis by insulin in HEI cows before parturition. In conclusion, high energy intake of moderately digestible GS with low concentrate feeding in the close-up dry period did not have adverse effects on metabolic adaptation, insulin sensitivity, and body mobilization after parturition. Instead, this feeding regimen was more beneficial to early-lactation performance than GS-based total mixed ration diluted with wheat straw.

Efficient dairy-beef production relies on good quality of purchased calves, defined by breed, health, and growth characteristics. Several management factors, such as commingling of calves and large group size, predispose calves to diseases. Acute phase proteins are sensitive detectors of calf diseases. We studied the associations between group size, serum acute phase proteins, immunoglobulin G (IgG), calf morbidity and growth of dairy-beef calves in a random field trial in a calf-rearing unit in Finland. The randomized trial was carried out at a calf rearing unit, where approximately 80 dairy or crossbred calves were allocated either into a single group of 40 calves or into four groups of 10 on arrival at the calf-rearing unit (at age 24.1 SD +/- 9.2 days). The study was carried out on 6 arrival batches: 476 calves. Calves were clinically examined and blood sampled on arrival (day 0), and haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), albumin and IgG were determined. Calves were weighed on arrival (day 0, average age 24.1 days), at the end of the milk feed period (day 49), at approximately 200 days of age and at slaughter (carcass weight) at 15-18 months of age. During the rearing calves were observed by the farm workers and treated, if necessary, according to pre-determined instructions of the veterinary surgeon. All NSAID and antimicrobial treatments were recorded and used as morbidity indicators in statistical analysis. There were no differences in the numbers of antimicrobial treatments or growth among the groups. The majority (84.1%) of antimicrobial treatments were used against respiratory tract infections. Higher concentrations of albumin and IgG on arrival extended the time before the first and the second antimicrobial treatments. Complex relationships between group size, morbidity, concentrations of serum acute phase proteins and IgG at arrival, and growth of calves were explored. Group size of 10 calves did not protect calves from respiratory tract infections, when the small groups were sharing the air space with a large group. An increased SAA concentration on arrival was associated with poorer average daily gain at two rearing periods and with lower carcass weight at slaughter. Serum proteins could be valuable health indicators for purchased calves because they have numerous and variable associations with health and growth. The mechanisms that connect increased SAA concentration and poorer average daily gain over the long term remain unclear.

This observational retrospective cohort study provides benchmarking information on recent sow productivity development in Finnish herds. It focuses on parity cycle specific trends in sow removal patterns, and especially on the role of litter performance (size and piglet survival) in sow removal. In addition, the generated models offer a tool for calculating sow removal risks in any period, which could be used in economic and other simulation models. The data used in the study pool information of sows starting the same parity cycle (1 through 8) over the enrollment period of July 1st, 2013 through June 30th, 2014 and followed until the end of the study period (December 31st, 2014), and their performance histories across their entire previous productive life. Out of 71,512 individual sow parity cycle observations from the first to the eighth, 15,128 ended up in removal. Average litter sizes exceeded 13 piglets born in total in all of the most recent farrowings. Yet, even larger litter sizes were favored by the implemented culling policies, as sows having medium and large early life litters had lower risks of removal compared to those with the smallest litters, particularly in younger animals. With regard to piglets born just prior to removal, the smallest litter sizes were associated with the greatest culling risk for sows of that particular parity. In addition, having more than one stillborn piglet in the first and second litter put the sow at higher risk of being removed in all but the last (sixth through eighth) of the studied parity cycles. Investigation of removal patterns revealed a negative linear relationship between parity count and the mean days from farrowing to removal. More specifically, the median (mean) times to removal varied across the parity cycles from 62 (72) in the first to 34 days in both the seventh and eighth (47 and 42, respectively). Moreover, one in every six sows was removed within the first and second parity cycle. The findings especially in the earliest cycles may be a reflection of removal decisions not made according to any clear and pre-determined policy, or of biological issues that prevent farmers from firmly adhering to their policy. Quantitative performance should be linked to overall system functionality and profitability while taking animal welfare into consideration in identifying opportunities to improve herd parity structure and future farm success.

Postpartum metritis in mares is a life-threatening condition associated with severe clinical signs due to endotoxemia, and it is often followed by complications such as laminitis. Repeated large-volume uterine lavages are commonly recommended as a part of the treatment protocol to remove endotoxin-laden contents from the uterus. It has, however, also been suggested that lavages may increase the uptake of endotoxin into the circulation, leading to a deterioration of clinical signs. Endotoxemia is associated with the release of a multitude of inflammatory mediators regulating the immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate if uterine lavage influences serum levels of the inflammation markers soluble CD14 (sCD14), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and interleukin (IL)-10 in mares with postpartum metritis. Serum samples were collected from eight mares treated for metritis at a university teaching hospital. Mares with fever, tachycardia, and/or leukopenia and hemosanguineous or purulent intrauterine fluid within 1 week of foaling were included in the study. Serum samples were taken before uterine lavage and 15 and 30 minutes after starting the lavage. The concentrations of sCD14, CCL2, and IL 10 were determined with a fluorescent beadebased immunoassay. There were no significant differences between sCD14, CCL2, or IL-10 levels at different sampling times. Heart rate was significantly lower after uterine lavage than before. The differences in body temperature and leukocyte count before and after lavage were not significant. In conclusion, uterine lavage had no immediate effect on the serum concentration of sCD14, CCL2, or IL-10, nor did it affect clinical parameters negatively. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mastitis remains the most expensive disease of dairy cows, and antibiotic dry cow therapy (DCT) at dry-off is an important part of mastitis control. Regardless of the infection status, blanket DCT is administered to all quarters of all cows, which is controversial due to the worldwide problem of antimicrobial resistance. Even though selective DCT of only infected cows is a more sustainable approach, choosing animals for treatment is not always straightforward. Our aim was to evaluate whether the herd-level DCT approach is associated with early lactation udder health problems, taking into account the cow characteristics. The information source was 2015?2017 Dairy Herd Improvement data with 7461 multiparous cows from 241 Finnish dairy herds. Information on the herd-level DCT approach was obtained from farmers? questionnaire responses in 2017, and the three different approaches were selective DCT, blanket DCT, and no DCT. The statistical tool for the data analysis was a generalized linear mixed model with a random herd effect for binary outcomes and a linear mixed model with a random herd effect for a continuous outcome. The two binary outcomes were the odds of having high milk somatic cell count (SCC ? 200 000 cells/mL) on the first test-day within 5?45 days in milk (DIM) and the odds of mastitis treatment in early lactation up to 45 DIM. The third outcome was the mean milk lnSCC (? 1000 cells/ mL) within 120 DIM. Selective DCT was the prevailing treatment practice in our data. Blanket DCT was associated with lower SCC after calving. Cows more likely to have high SCC after calving were older cows, cows with high average SCC during the previous lactation, and cows with high milk yield near dry-off. A mastitis treatment in the early lactation was more likely if, during the previous lactation, the cow had high average SCC, high peak milk production, or high milk yield near dry-off. Our findings indicate that DCT is still effective in mastitis control. Cows with high milk yield, especially near dry-off, and cows with persistently high SCC require attention when considering next lactation udder health. Mastitis remains the most expensive disease of dairy cows, and antibiotic dry cow therapy (DCT) at dry-off is an important part of mastitis control. Regardless of the infection status, blanket DCT is administered to all quarters of all cows, which is controversial due to the worldwide problem of antimicrobial resistance. Even though selective DCT of only infected cows is a more sustainable approach, choosing animals for treatment is not always straightforward. Our aim was to evaluate whether the herd-level DCT approach is associated with early lactation udder health problems, taking into account the cow characteristics. The information source was 2015?2017 Dairy Herd Improvement data with 7461 multiparous cows from 241 Finnish dairy herds. Information on the herd-level DCT approach was obtained from farmers? questionnaire responses in 2017, and the three different approaches were selective DCT, blanket DCT, and no DCT. The statistical tool for the data analysis was a generalized linear mixed model with a random herd effect for binary outcomes and a linear mixed model with a random herd effect for a continuous outcome. The two binary outcomes were the odds of having high milk somatic cell count (SCC ? 200 000 cells/mL) on the first test-day within 5?45 days in milk (DIM) and the odds of mastitis treatment in early lactation up to 45 DIM. The third outcome was the mean milk lnSCC (? 1000 cells/ mL) within 120 DIM. Selective DCT was the prevailing treatment practice in our data. Blanket DCT was associated with lower SCC after calving. Cows more likely to have high SCC after calving were older cows, cows with high average SCC during the previous lactation, and cows with high milk yield near dry-off. A mastitis treatment in the early lactation was more likely if, during the previous lactation, the cow had high average SCC, high peak milk production, or high milk yield near dry-off. Our findings indicate that DCT is still effective in mastitis control. Cows with high milk yield, especially near dry-off, and cows with persistently high SCC require attention when considering next lactation udder health.

In barren environments of commercial farms, pig often redirect their rooting and chewing behaviours at other pigs, which can lead to tail biting. When materials such as straw are provided, the quantity is usually too small to have an effect. The aim of this study was to test whether small provisions of straw and species-relevant point- source objects would have an additive effect in reducing pen-mate manipulation. The animals were 167 gilts with undocked tails on a commercial farm in Finland, housed in 12-m2 pens with partly slatted floors, on average 7 pigs/pen. Liquid feed and 20 g/pig of long straw were provided once a day. The pigs had continuous access to suspended objects: in each control pen (N =12), a 40cm ×10cm ×2 cm piece of commercially sourced wooden board and a 60-cm metal chain, and in each experimental pen (N =12), an 80-cm piece and two 40-cm pieces of birch trees with a diameter of 5–7 cm, harvested 1 month earlier. After 2 months of exposure, frequencies of pig- and object-directed manipulation before and after consuming the feed and straw were recorded by continuous observation on video. Pre-consumption pig-directed manipulation did not differ between the treatments (means: 39.3 events/pig/hour (SD =11.7) in the experimental pens and 42.1 events/pig/hour (SD =12.1) in the control pens; t =-0.6, df =21, P >0.1), but post-consumption manipulation was significantly lower in frequency in the experimental treatment (means: 31.5 events/pig/hour (SD =10.4) in the experimental pens and 41.0 events/ pig/hour (SD =8.6) in the control pens; t =2.4, df =21, P

The aim of the present study was to test the FXCycle PI/RNase kit for routine DNA analyses in order to detect breeding bulls and/or insemination doses carrying cytogenetic aberrations. In a series of experiments we first established basic DNA histogram parameters of cytogenetically healthy breeding bulls by measuring the intraspecific genome size variation of three animals, then we compared the histogram profiles of bulls carrying cytogenetic defects to the baseline values. With the exception of one case the test was able to identify bulls with cytogenetic defects. Therefore, we conclude that the assay could be incorporated into the laboratory routine where flow cytometry is applied for semen quality control.

Several Finnish dairy herds have suffered from outbreaks of interdigital phlegmon (IP). In these new types of outbreaks, morbidity was high and clinical signs severe, resulting in substantial economic losses for affected farms. In our study, we visited 18 free stall dairy herds experiencing an outbreak of IP and 3 control herds without a similar outbreak. From a total of 203 sampled cows, 60 suffered from acute stage IP. We demonstrated that acute phase response of bovine IP was evident and therefore an appropriate analgesic should be administered in the treatment of affected animals. The response was most apparent in herds with high morbidity in IP and with a bacterial infection comprising Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus, indicating that combination of these two bacterial species affect the severity of the disease.

During their migration through the pig's body, Ascaris suum larvae cause significant damage to the lungs. Little is known about the actual impact of this tissue damage on the occurrence and severity of respiratory problems in industrial pig fattening farms. In this study, we evaluated the link between the serological response to two different A. suum antigen preparations and respiratory or meat inspection outcomes. Two different serological tests were used that measure antibodies against either the A. suum haemoglobin molecule or complete homogenate of the 3rd stage larva that migrate through the lungs. Firstly, serum samples were analysed that were collected from 19 herds in which the cause of acute clinical respiratory symptoms was either Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, A. suum, or a miscellaneous cause. This was done to test whether serological results could confirm pathological findings. Secondly, serum samples from 60 herds of finishing pigs with a history of high or low frequency of pleuritis at meat inspection (MI), but without acute respiratory symptoms at the time of sampling, were also submitted for serological evaluation using both tests. Regression models were used to search for potential associations between the proportion of pigs testing seropositive with MI results, in particular pathological changes related to the lungs. The results of both ELISAs were strongly associated (P

The liver of dairy cow naturally undergoes metabolic adaptation during the periparturient period in response to the increasing demand for nutrients. The hepatic adaptation is affected by prepartal energy intake level and is potentially associated with inflammatory responses. lb study the changes in the liver function during the periparturient period, 16 cows (body condition score = 3.7 +/- 0.3, mean +/- standard deviation; parity = second through fourth) were allocated to a grass silage-based controlled-energy diet (104 MJ/d) or a high-energy diet (135 MJ/d) during the last 6 wk before the predicted parturition. Liver samples were collected by biopsy at 8 d before the predicted parturition (-8 d) and at 1 and 9 d after the actual parturition (1 and 9 d). The lipidomic profile of liver samples collected at -8 and 9 d was analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based lipidomics. Liver samples from all the time points were subjected to microarray analysis and the subsequent pathway analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software (Ingenuity Systems, Mountain View, CA). Prepartal energy intake level affected hepatic gene expression and lipidomic profiles prepartum, whereas little or no effect was observed postpartum. At. 8 d, hepatic lipogenesis was promoted by prepartal high-energy feeding through the activation of X receptor/retinoid X receptor pathway and through increased transcription of thyroid hormone-responsive (THRSP). Hepatic inflammatory and acute phase responses at -8 d were suppressed (z-score = -2.236) by prepartal high-energy feeding through the increase in the mRNA abundance of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS9) and the decrease in the mRNA abundance of interleukin 1 (IL1), nuclear factor kappa B 1 (NFKB1), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), haptoglobin (HP), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 3 (ITIH3). Moreover, prepartal high-energy feeding elevated hepatic concentrations of C18- (7%), C20- (17%), C21(26%), C23-sphingomyelins (26%), and total saturated sphingomyelin (21%). In addition, cows in both groups displayed increased lipogenesis at the gene expression level after parturition and alterations in the concentration of various sphingolipids between the first and last samplings. In conclusion, prepartal high-energy feeding promoted lipogenesis and suppressed inflammatory and acute phase responses in the liver before parturition, whereas only minor effects were observed after parturition.

The aim of this study was to determine the intramammary dose of benzylpenicillin required to maintain a concentration in the milk above the MIC for the Gram-positive bacteria that cause mastitis. The product used in this study was a commercially available procaine benzylpenicillin in an oily suspension with micronized particles. Three dose levels were used: 200,000, 300,000, and 600,000IU. Concentrations of benzylpenicillin in cow milk and plasma were determined after a single intramammary dose was administered into one quarter of each of the five cows in each treatment group. Samples were analyzed using an HPLC-MS/MS method, which was validated during the study. Concentrations in the milk were well above the MIC for the target pathogens for all doses tested. There was a linear dose-dependent increase in the mean AUCs of benzylpenicillin concentrations in plasma and milk. At the first milking, 12hr after dosing, there was a significant difference between the mean milk benzylpenicillin concentrations in cows treated with a dose of 600,000IU, and those treated with 200,000 or 300,000IU. Although this study shows a linear relationship between the dose of procaine benzylpenicillin administered and the concentration in the milk in the healthy udder, it would be useful to conduct studies on cows with mastitis to define the optimum dose and duration of intramammary treatment with benzylpenicillin.

Mastitis is the most common and economically damaging production disease of dairy cows. In the majority of cases it is induced by intramammary infection with a pathogen. Identification of mastitis-causing pathogens enables treatments to be targeted appropriately, avoiding unnecessary antimicrobial treatments, and enabling design of the best possible herd level management protocols. Diagnosis of bovine IMI has been traditionally based on microbial culture of aseptically taken quarter milk samples. Due to the requirements of modern dairy production and development of molecular technologies, milk samples can be examined for target pathogens with DNA-based methods such as multiplex real-time PCR assays. Despite several years of routine use of PCR assays in some countries, scientific knowledge concerning interpretation of the results is sparse. This dissertation focuses on providing new information for diagnosing bovine mastitis using multiplex real-time PCR. In order to accomplish that, first a commercial multiplex real-time PCR assay was compared with the current reference method, conventional culture (I). It showed that PCR was a reliable diagnostic method for Staphylococcus aureus, but less reliable for diagnosing true non-aureus staphylococci infections. In an experimental challenge study (IV), elimination of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. simulans was followed with PCR in addition to conventional culture. The results showed that PCR yielded target-positive results for several days after the culture results were negative. Subsequently, the time of sampling related to the onset of inflammation may be of importance when interpreting the PCR results. Secondly, quarters with suspected mastitis were sampled using two experimental techniques, in addition to the conventional aseptic technique (II, III), and examined with multiplex real-time PCR. In the needle technique, the whole teat and teat area were bypassed. With the cannula technique, the teat orifice and the teat canal were bypassed. The results showed that samples taken with alternative techniques were of better hygienic quality. We also reported that over half of the non-aureus staphylococci findings in our PCR results originated from sites other than the mammary gland. A diagnosis of a true IMI or mastitis, with possible outcome of an antimicrobial treatment course for the animal, cannot be based solely on a PCR result, but must be combined with all the available information about a cow`s history, symptoms, changes in milk and indicators of inflammation. Some microbes detected with PCR can be considered to be contaminants, especially when present with low levels of DNA. If the signs of the cow or the degree of udder inflammation do not fit the usual signs caused by the pathogen detected, the possibility of contamination should be considered. Lypsylehmien yleisin ja kallein tuotannollinen sairaus on utaretulehdus. Lypsylehmän elinympäristö on täynnä erilaisia mikrobeja ja yleisin syy utaretulehdukselle on yhden mikrobilajin aiheuttama infektio utareneljänneksessä. Tulehdusta aiheuttavat mikrobit tulee tunnistaa luotettavasti ja nopeasti, jota voidaan arvioida hoitotarve, kohdistaa hoito oikein ja välttää turhia antibioottikuureja. Utaretulehdusten aiheuttajista muodostuu ajan kuluessa tilakohtaista tietokantaa, jota käytetään apuna utareterveyden hallinta- ja utaretulehduksen ennaltaehkäisysuunnitelmissa. Utaretulehdusten diagnosoinnin viitemenetelmä on bakteeriviljely. Viljelyssä tulehdusten aiheuttajat tunnistetaan ottamalla aseptinen neljänneskohtainen maitonäyte ja viljelemällä maitoa erilaisille kasvatusalustoille. Bakteerien lajitunnistus perustuu niiden ulkonäköön, kasvuun tietyillä alustoilla ja kemiallisiin reaktioihin. Viljelyssä nähdään aina vain elinkelpoisia bakteereita. Tällöin voidaan olettaa, että ne pystyvät myös aiheuttamaan taudin. Lisäksi bakteerikantoja on voitu tallettaa tutkimuskäyttöön. Näytteiden käsittely, kuljetus ja tulehdusmaito itsessään tuovat omat haasteensa viljelyn onnistumiseen. Selvästi sairaastakin utareneljänneksestä peräisin olevan maitonäytteen viljelytulos voi usein olla negatiivinen. Lisäksi lajitunnistus kestää kuljetukseen kuluvan ajan lisäksi vähintään kaksi vuorokautta, joka on pitkä aika odottaa tulosta ja sen mukaisia toimenpiteitä nykyaikaisilla, tehokkuuteen pyrkivillä tiloilla. Modernit, molekyylibiologiaan perustuvat menetelmät tulivat bakteeriviljelyn rinnalle 2000-luvun alussa. Yleisin Suomessa käytetty menetelmä on PCR (polymerase chain reaction), jossa reaaliaikaisesti voidaan tunnistaa jopa viisitoista eri utaretulehduksen taudinaiheuttajaa. PCR perustuu tietyn, kullekin bakteerille ominaisen geenin monistamiseen suoraan maidosta, ilman viljelyä. Jos maitonäyte sisältää kohdebakteerin DNA:ta, sen monistumisen aiheuttama fluoresenssi voidaan havaita tietyllä aallonpituudella. Mitä nopeammin monistuminen havaitaan, sitä enemmän kyseistä bakteeri-DNA:ta näytteessä on. Maitonäytteeseen voidaan lisätä säilöntäainetta, mikä helpottaa kuljetusta. PCR on nopea ja objektiivinen testi. Lajitunnistus on erittäin tarkkaa, mutta bakteerin elinvoimaisuudesta ei voida tehdä päätelmiä. Suomessa PCR-testi (PathoProofTM Mastitis PCR Assay) on ollut utaretulehdusdiagnostiikan rutiinimenetelmä jo vuodesta 2010, mutta tieteelliseen tietoon perustuvia ohjeita tulosten tulkinnasta ei ole ollut saatavilla. Tämän väitöskirjan tarkoituksena oli tuoda uutta tietoa helpottamaan PCR-tulosten tulkintaa naudan utaretulehdusdiagnostiikassa. Tämä tehtiin vertailemalla PCR:ää ja perinteistä viljelyä, sekä tutkimalla, kuinka erilaiset näytteenottotekniikat vaikuttavat PCR-tuloksiin. Ensimmäisessä, PCR- ja viljelytuloksia vertailevassa tutkimuksessa todettiin, että verrattuna perinteiseen viljelyyn, PCR on luotettava menetelmä Staphylococcus aureuksen tunnistamiseen puhtaasti otetusta maitonäytteestä. Tulosten perusteella suosittelimme, että pienetkin määrät S. aureus DNA:ta tulisi huomioida näytetuloksissa. Sen sijaan muiden stafylokokkien (non-aureus staphylocci, NAS, tai koagulaasi-negatiiviset stafylokokit) osalta vähäinen määrä tunnistettua DNA:ta ei välttämättä ole kliinisesti merkittävä löydös. PCR-paneelin todettiin olevan riittävän kattava rutiinikäyttöön. Viljelyä ja PCR tuloksia verrattiin myös väitöskirjan neljännessä osassa, jossa kahden eri stafylokokkilajin poistumista utareneljänneksestä seurattiin kahden viikon jaksoissa. PCR-tulokset olivat positiivisia vielä useita päiviä sen jälkeen, kun neljännes oli todettu perinteisen viljelyn avulla parantuneeksi. PCR-tuloksen luotettavuus oli paras, jos näyte otettiin heti tulehduksen akuutissa vaiheessa. Tulehduksen loppuvaiheessa positiivinen PCR-tulos voi olla peräisin jo kuolleesta, poistuvasta bakteerimassasta. Tutkielman toisessa ja kolmannessa osassa vertailtiin näytteenottotekniikan vaikutusta PCR-tuloksiin. Perinteisen, aseptisen maitonäytteenottotekniikan lisäksi käytimme kokeellisia neula- ja kanyylimenetelmiä. Kanyylinäytteenotossa vedinkanava ohitettiin kokonaan steriilin kanyylin avulla. Neulanäyte otettiin ohuella neulalla suoraan maitokammiosta, jolloin koko vedin ja sen alue ohitettiin. Kokeellisesti otetut näytteet sisälsivät vähemmän lajeja per näyte ja olivat siten hygieeniseltä laadultaan parempia kuin perinteisesti otetut näytteet. Vetimen alueelta näytteeseen joutuneet bakteerit esiintyivät tuloksissa pääosin vähäisillä DNA-määrillä. Jos vakavina taudinaiheuttajina pidettyjä bakteereita (kuten Streptococcus uberis, Str. dysgalactiae ja S. aureus) havaittiin sekä vaihtoehtoisella että perinteisellä menetelmällä otetuissa tuloksissa, niiden DNA-määrä oli suuri. Utaretulehdusdiagnoosi koostuu lehmän esitiedoista, tulehduksen voimakkuutta kuvaavasta soluluvusta, näkyvistä oireista sekä maitomuutoksista. Bakteerin laji ja määrä ovat diagnoosia täydentäviä tietoja, joiden todenmukaisuutta tulee peilata edellä mainittuihin seikkoihin. Näiden tietojen perusteella voidaan päättää lehmän mahdollisesta antibioottihoidosta tai muista toimenpiteistä. Etenkin PCR-pohjaisessa diagnostiikassa vaarana on, että epähygieenisesti otettu maitonäyte antaa kliinisesti merkityksettömän tai jopa virheellisen diagnoosin. Jos lehmän oireet ja saatu tulos eivät eläinlääkärin mielestä ole yhteneväisiä, näytteen likaantumisen riski sekä mahdollisuus jonkin PCR-paneelin ulkopuolisen mikrobin aiheuttamaan tulehdukseen tulee pitää mielessä. Suosittelemme, että uusintanäyte lähetetään tällöin perinteiseen viljelyyn.

Artificial insemination (AI) with cooled stallion semen has increased markedly during the last decades in all countries, but fertility is often lower than when fresh semen or natural mating is used. The objective of this study was to examine field data (1634,cycles 523 Standardbred (SB) mares, 575 Finnhorse (FH) mares, and 90 stallions) using multivariable logistic regression for factors influencing the pregnancy rate (PR) after Al with cooled transported semen from SB and FH stallions. The PR per cycle for the material was 47%: Finnhorses 42% and Standardbreds 53%. When assessed with multivariable logistic regression analyses with a generalized linear mixed model, variables that affected the PR were breed, the number of inseminated estrus cycles, the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMOT) in the ejaculate/AI dose at the time of shipment, and the number of progressively motile sperm in the Al dose at the time of insemination. In Standardbreds, variables that increased the per cycle PR were the number of Al per estrus cycle (multiple inseminations increasing the probability of pregnancy compared to only one insemination), the number of inseminated cycles, and PMOT in the AI dose at the time of insemination. In Finnhorses, the number of Al per estrus cycle (two and three inseminations increasing the probability of pregnancy compared to only one), the number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate and in the Al dose, and PMOT in the ejaculate/AI dose at the time of shipment increased the per cycle PR. Non-significant factors for the whole material included the type of artificial vagina (open-ended or closed), transport time, place of Al (stud farm or home stable), insemination done by veterinarian or technician, weekday, month, age of the mare (all age classes combined), age of the stallion, ejaculate parameters (sperm concentration, total number of sperm), and insemination dose parameters (volume proportion of seminal plasma, sperm concentration, PMOT, total number of sperm). In conclusion, breed, breeding opportunity in more than one cycle, more than one insemination/estrus, PMOT of the ejaculate/AI dose and the number of progressively motile sperm in the Al dose at the time of insemination are important for the outcome of inseminations with cooled semen. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to broaden the understanding of Finnish cattle and pig farmers’ perceptions of the on-site animal welfare inspections carried out by official authorities in livestock farms. The study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire, aimed at 500 Finnish cattle and 500 pig farmers. Responses were received from 96 cattle farmers and 105 pig farmers, of which 20 and 55, respectively, had undergone an animal welfare inspection. It was found that most of the farmers recognised the need for animal welfare inspections, but also that a more negative attitude was prevalent among farmers who had undergone these inspections. The inspection itself was a far more negative experience if the farmer had not understood the reason for the inspection, no opportunity existed to be heard, or the findings of the report were found to be unclear. The results suggest that although the farmers generally approve of inspections, their own negative experiences affect their perceptions. Moving forward, efforts should be made by inspectors to enhance the level of communication, thereby ensuring the findings of the report are clear to the farmer.

Group housing of gestating sows benefits their welfare by allowing them freedom of movement and the opportunity for social interaction. However, social life could also bring disadvantages for individuals who receive direct aggression or are displaced from the feeder. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between social behaviour, body condition and live weight. Gestating sows (n=298) were investigated on a commercial farm. Sows were housed in mixed parity groups where two single space, ad libitum trough feeders served 12 animals. Sows were weighed, body condition scored and had their back fat layer measured at mixing, 4 weeks after insemination and again before farrowing. Social status was estimated based on the numbers of won and lost agonistic interactions at mixing and at the end of gestation. In addition, tear staining was scored before the farrowing and reproductive performance data were collected. With the aid of video recordings, 100 to 150 interactions per group were observed. Winning percentage at mixing and at the end of gestation were associated (Plt;0.05) and appeared relatively stable within individuals. Tear staining scores and litter sizes were not associated with winning percentage at the end of gestation. However, live weight, relative weight, body condition and back fat thickness were associated with winning percentage (Plt;0.05), giving heavier animals an advantage. Low winning percentage related to lower live weight gain, probably due to poorer success in competition for feed. Live weight within a mixed parity group could be used as a proxy measure for social status. Sows with low body condition score and submissive sows might need special attention with regard to group dynamics and housing to alleviate the effects of competition in group housing.

On-farm death (OFD) of a dairy cow is always a financial loss for a farmer, and potentially a welfare issue that has to be addressed within the dairy industry. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between OFD of dairy cows, housing, and herd management in freestall barns. To achieve the goal, we followed 10,837 cows calving in 2011 in 82 herds. Data were gathered with observations and a structured interview during farm visits and from a national dairy herd improvement database. The hazard of OFD was modeled with a shared frailty survival model, with SAS 9.3 PHREG procedure (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The study population was 58% Ayrshire and 42% Holstein cows. The median herd size and mean milk yield in the study herds were 116 cows and 9,151 kg of milk per cow per year. The overall probability of OFD was 6.0%; 1.8% of the cows died unassisted and 4.2% were euthanized. Variation in OFD percentage between individual herds was large, from 0 to 16%, accounting for 0 to 58% of all removals in the herds. Keeping close-up dry cows in an own group was associated with higher hazard of OFD [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.37] compared with keeping them in the same pen with far-off dry cows. Higher hazard on OFD was observed when barns had only one kind of calving pens; single (HR = 2.09) or group pens (HR = 1.72), compared with having both of those types. The hazard of OFD was lower if the whole herd was housed in barns or pens that had only 1 type of feed barrier at the feed bunk, namely post-and-rail (HR = 0.51) or a type with barriers between the cow's heads (HR = 0.49), compared with having 2 types. Lower OFD hazard was observed with wider than 340 cm of walking alley next to the feeding table (HR = 0.75), and with housing a whole herd in pens with only 1 type of walking alley surface, specifically slatted (HR = 0.53) or solid (HR = 0.48), compared with having both types. The hazard of OFD was higher with stalls wider than 120 cm (HR = 1.38) compared with narrower stalls. The hazard of OFD was also associated with breed, parity, and calving season. This study identified many factors that contribute to the incidence of OFD of dairy cows. The solutions for reducing on-farm mortality include housing, management, and breeding choices that are most probably herd specific.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the predominant legume used in northern European agriculture. Official red clover variety trials are conducted by Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) to determine the value of field crop varieties. The trials used for the current analysis were conducted in Luke units in southern Finland (Mikkeli) and northern Finland (Ruukki) in two consecutive years. Plant samples for isoflavone analyses were collected from four varieties grown as four replicates and harvested twice during both growing seasons. The four main isoflavones biochanin A, genistein, daidzein and formononetin were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography. Total phytoestrogen content in the varieties varied in the range of 11.2−14.8 mg g-1 dry matter (DM). The variety and the time of harvest had most effect on the isoflavone, especially formononetin, contents of red clover. A more northern growing area and challenging weather conditions were associated with increased isoflavone concentrations.

The present study aimed to use behavioural measures to assess pain induced by surgical castration of piglets, and evaluate the efficacy of pain-relief medications. In total, 143 male piglets from 29 sows were used. The treatments included: 1) non-castration (NC; n = 28), 2) castration without medication (SC; n = 29), 3) castration with meloxicam injection 0.4 mg/kg i.m. (ME; n = 28), 4) castration with 0.5 ml of 2% lidocaine in each testicle (LA; n = 29), and 5) castration with general inhalation anaesthesia using isoflurane (1.5%) and meloxicam injection (GA; n = 29). Behaviour was monitored continuously for a ten minute period one hour prior to castration (−1 h), as well as immediately (0 h), one hour (1 h), and two hours (2 h) after castration. Behaviour was also monitored twice (08:00 and 20:00) during the following day. Compared to −1 h, castration induced changes in several behavioural measures in SC piglets at 0 h, suggesting that castration was painful. Furthermore, inactive standing or sitting, tail wagging and aggressive behaviour differed between SC and NC piglets at 0 h. ME and LA piglets spent less time standing or sitting inactively, and LA and GA piglets showed more tail wagging than SC piglets at 0 h (P

The farrowing crate restricts the performance of natural behaviour of sows, such as nest building, by limiting both sow movement and use of suitable nest-building materials. Restriction leads to short- and long lasting changes in farrowing, maternal behaviour and lactation. We investigated the effects of the provision of a variety of nest-building materials in a restricted farrowing environment on sow behaviour, the course of farrowing, saliva cortisol concentrations and piglet performance. The study was carried out in two parts. In the first phase six materials were either attached to the farrowing crate or offered in amounts of 1– 2 litres in front of the sows (n = 40): Object on the ground, Object on the side, Wood shavings, Straw, Shredded paper and Newspaper. Video recordings of sow behaviour were analysed from 12 hours prepartum until the sixth piglet of each litter was born. No differences in sow behaviour between the treatments were found. The results and functionality of the materials entailed that straw, wood shavings and newspaper were investigated further in second phase of our investigation. Data on the mortality of the piglets were collected by the farmer (n = 199 litters), post mortem examinations were performed on all dead piglets of 66 litters. Video recordings were analysed for pre- and peripartum behaviour (n = 19), salivary cortisol samples were collected twice daily and analysed from days −2 to +2 pre- and postpartum (n = 47). Mean litter weights were determined on days 2, 4, 6 and at weaning (n = 55). The newspaper group performed more nest-building (p = 0.04) and less bar-biting (p

This study examined the extent to which prolonged farrowing and parity are associated with plasma oxytocin concentrations and follicular development of oestrous sows during subsequent insemination. A total of 30 sows were allocated to two groups based on farrowing duration: (i) SHORT (n = 14): 159 ± 29 min, (ii) LONG (n = 16): 533 ± 190 min. The sows were also divided into two parity classes: (i) YOUNG (n = 14): parity 2.5 ± 0.8, (ii) OLD (n = 16): parity 6.4 ± 2.3. After weaning, the ovaries were examined daily with transrectal ultrasound. On the second day of oestrus, blood samples were collected for oxytocin (OT) assay at -15, -10, -5, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +6, +8, +10, +15, +20, +25, +30, +40, +50 and +60 min with a boar contact between 0 and +10 min. Boar presence stimulated an increase in OT concentrations (p < .05). During boar presence, OT in the LONG group was higher than in the SHORT group (p < .01). The sows in the OLD group had a longer farrowing duration than in the YOUNG group (p < .05). OT levels and diameters of follicles were more relevant for parity than was the duration of farrowing. We therefore conclude that the OT levels and follicular development of oestrous sows are associated due to parity but difficult to be predicted from the duration of previous farrowing.

Contents The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during recognition and establishment of pregnancy in the gilt. Therefore, the effects of eliminating episodic LH pulses on P patterns were determined during early pregnancy. To this end, a slow-release GnRH implant deslorelin was used for GnRH down-regulation. A group of gilts (GnRHa, n = 8) was implanted with the GnRH-agonist on Day 11 of pregnancy, while a control group (C, n = 5) was treated with a non-impregnated placebo implant. Blood was collected via a vena cava caudalis catheter at 10-min intervals for 8 hr on Day 16 and 21 of pregnancy. As expected, the GnRH implant reduced LH secretion (p

Current macroscopic meat inspection cannot detect the most common pork-borne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Toxoplasma gondii). Furthermore, food chain information (FCI) may not provide sufficient data for visual-only inspection, which is supposed to be the common way of inspection of pigs in the European Union. Our observational study aimed to evaluate the serological monitoring and the clinical evaluation of on-farm health status of pigs and assess the feasibility of these data as part of the FCI in meat inspection. We studied the serological status of Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and T. gondii in pigs during the fattening period. Additionally, we evaluated the association between on-farm health status and meat inspection findings. On 57 indoor fattening pig farms in Finland, we collected blood samples (mean of 20 pigs/farm) and assessed the on-farm health (coughing, tail biting, lameness) at the end of the fattening period. We visited 34 of these farms also at the beginning of the fattening for sampling and on-farm health evaluation of the same pigs. Meat inspection results were obtained after slaughter for all 57 farms. Salmonella seroprevalence was low at the end of the fattening period: it was 17.6%, 10.6% or 1.9%, with the cut-off values of OD15% (recommended by the test manufacturer), OD20% (used by Danish monitoring programme) and OD40% (used by German monitoring programme), respectively. The overall seroprevalence of Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. increased significantly (P

In human sleep studies, the probability of discomfort from the electrodes and the change in environment usually results in first-night recordings being discarded. Sleep recordings from the first night in human subjects often differ in amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and the overall sleep architecture. This study investigated whether recordings of sleep states in dairy cows also show a first-night effect. Non-invasive electrophysiological recordings were carried out on nine cows of the Swedish Red breed during three consecutive 24-hour periods (recording days 1–3). Overall, cows spent 12.9 ± 1.4 hours awake, 8.2 ± 1 hours ruminating, 57.2 ± 20.3 min drowsing, 44.1 ± 20.2 min in REM sleep and 64.3 ± 38.1 min in NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep (mean ± SD) and there were no significant differences between recording days in total duration for any of the sleep and awake states. However, the bouts of REM sleep and rumination were longer, and the awake bouts were shorter, at night time compared to daytime, regardless of recording day. The awake bouts also showed an interaction effect with longer bouts at daytime during day 1 compared to daytime on day 3. Data on sleep and awake states recorded in adult dairy cows during three consecutive 24-h periods showed great variation in sleep time between cows, but total time for each state was not significantly affected by recording day. Further and more detailed studies of how sleep architecture is affected by recording day is necessary to fully comprehend the first-night effect in dairy cows.

Background: The intracellular bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis is an important pathogen in modern swine production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a live attenuated L. intracellularis vaccine (Enterisol-Ileitis (R)) on the health and production parameters of weaned and finishing pigs in a commercial Finnish 850-sow farm with diagnosed L. intracellularis infection. The herd was free from enzootic pneumonia, swine dysentery, progressive atrophic rhinitis, sarcoptic mange and salmonellosis. Four weekly groups of approximately 500 piglets were included in the study for a total of approximately 2000 piglets. Half of these piglets were vaccinated at 3 weeks of age and the other half served as controls. The study piglets were ear-tagged with individual numbers and colour-coded and were individually weighed at weaning (4 weeks), delivery to the finishing farm (12-14 weeks) and at slaughter. Mortality, symptoms of diseases and medications of the study piglets were registered in the nursery and finishing unit. Feed conversion rate was calculated for the finishing period and lean meat percentage was measured at slaughter. Results: Vaccinated piglets had a higher live weight than unvaccinated piglets at delivery to the finishing unit (+ 1.18 kg, P = 0.002) and at slaughter (+ 3.57 kg, P

The objective of this study was to survey drying-off practices and use of dry cow therapy (DCT) in Finland through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was accessible to all dairy farmers of the Finnish dairy herd recording system in 2016 (approximately 5,400 farms). In total, 715 dairy producers across the country, representative of the Finnish dairy industry, participated in the survey. Cows were dried off gradually in most of the farms. Most farms (78%) reported using selective DCT, whereas 9% of farms did not use any DCT, and 13% of farms applied blanket DCT. A significant trend was observed with increasing herd size and proportion of farms using blanket DCT. Percentage of farms using blanket DCT was also higher in farms with automatic milking system. Farmer's own experience was the most commonly reported reason for choosing a particular approach to DCT. Microbiological testing of milk samples at dry-off was the preferred method of selecting cows for DCT; 82 and 64% of farms using selective and blanket DCT approach, respectively, reported testing milk samples before treatment. The second most common criteria for using antibiotic DCT were clinical mastitis history and high somatic cell count. A high number of farms using selective DCT reported treating only up to one-fourth of their cows at dry-off. Information acquired on drying-off practices in Finland allows for future monitoring of prudent antimicrobial usage at dry-off.

Most of us have experienced deterioration of mood while ill. In humans, immune activation is associated with lethargy and social withdrawal, irritability and aggression; changes in social motivation could, in theory, lead to less functional interactions. This might also be the case for animals housed in close confinement. Tail biting in pigs is an example of damaging social behavior, and sickness is thought to be a risk factor for tail biting outbreaks. One possible mechanism whereby sickness may influence behavior is through cytokines. To identify possible mediators between immune activation and behavioral change, we injected 16 gilts with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; O111:B4; 1.5 mu g kg(-1) IV through a permanent catheter). In LPS-treated pigs, a significant increase in cortisol, TNF-alpha, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, and IL-8 was observed alongside decreased activity within the first 6 h after the injection. CRP was elevated at 12 and 24 h after injection, and food intake was reduced for the first 24 h after injection. Three days post-injection, LPS pigs had lower levels of noradrenaline in their hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex compared to saline-injected pigs. Pigs injected with LPS also had higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma in their frontal cortex compared to saline-injected pigs. Thus, a low dose of LPS can induce changes in brain cytokine levels and neurotransmitter levels that persist after inflammatory and stress markers in the periphery have returned to baseline levels.

Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) are most commonly isolated from subclinical mastitis. Different NAS species may, however, have diverse effects on the inflammatory response in the udder. We determined the genome sequences of 20 staphylococcal isolates from clinical or subclinical bovine mastitis, belonging to the NAS speciesStaphylococcus agnetis, S. chromogenes,andS. simulans, and focused on the putative virulence factor genes present in the genomes. For comparison we used our previously published genome sequences of fourS. aureusisolates from bovine mastitis. The pan-genome and core genomes of the non-aureus isolates were characterized. After that, putative virulence factor orthologues were searchedin silico. We compared the presence of putative virulence factors in the NAS species andS. aureusand evaluated the potential association between bacterial genotype and type of mastitis (clinical vs. subclinical). The NAS isolates had much less virulence gene orthologues than theS. aureusisolates. One third of the virulence genes were detected only inS. aureus. About 100 virulence genes were present in allS. aureusisolates, compared to about 40 to 50 in each NAS isolate.S. simulansdiffered the most. Several of the virulence genes detected among NAS were harbored only byS. simulans, but it also lacked a number of genes present both inS. agnetisandS. chromogenes. The type of mastitis was not associated with any specific virulence gene profile. It seems that the virulence gene profiles or cumulative number of different virulence genes are not directly associated with the type of mastitis (clinical or subclinical), indicating that host derived factors such as the immune status play a pivotal role in the manifestation of mastitis.

Mycoplasma bovis infections are responsible for substantial economic losses in the cattle industry, have significant welfare effects and increase antibiotic use. The pathogen is often introduced into naive herds through healthy carrier animals. In countries with a low prevalence of M. bovis, transmission from less common sources can be better explored as the pathogen has limited circulation compared to high prevalence populations. In this study, we describe how M. bovis was introduced into two closed and adequately biosecure dairy herds through the use of contaminated semen during artificial insemination (AI), leading to mastitis outbreak in both herds. Epidemiological analysis did not reveal an infection source other than semen. In both farms the primary clinical cases were M. bovis mastitis in cows inseminated with the semen of the same bull four weeks before the onset of the disease. One semen straw derived from the semen tank on the farm and other semen lots of this bull were positive for M. bovis. In contrast, semen samples were negative from other bulls that had been used for insemination in previous or later oestrus to those cows with M. bovis mastitis. Furthermore, cgMLST of M. bovis isolates supported the epidemiological results. To our knowledge this is the first study describing the introduction of M. bovis infection into a naive dairy herd via processed semen. The antibiotics used in semen extenders should be re-evaluated in order to provide farms with M. bovis-free semen or tested M. bovis-free semen should be available.