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Shi R, Li X, Xu X, Chen Z, Zhu Y, Wang N. Genome-wide analysis of BMP/GDF family and DAP-seq of YY1 suggest their roles in Cynoglossus semilaevis sexual size dimorphism. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127201. [PMID: 37793513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) characterized by different body size between females and males have been reported in various animals. Gonadectomy experiments have implied important regulatory roles of the gonad in SSD. Among multiple factors from the gonad, TGF-β superfamily (especially BMP/GDF family) attracted our interest due to its pleiotropy in growth and reproduction regulations. Thus, whether BMP/GDF family members serve as crucial regulators for SSD was studied in a typically female-biased SSD flatfish named Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Firstly, a total of 26 BMP/GDF family members were identified. The PPI network analysis showed that they may interact with ACVR2a, ACVR2b, ACVR1, BMPR2, SMAD3, BMPR1a, and other proteins. Subsequently, DAP-seq was employed to reveal the binding sites for yin yang 1 (yy1), a transcription factor involved in gonad function and cell growth partly by regulating TGF-β superfamily. The results revealed that two yy1 homologues yy1a and yy1b in C. semilaevis could regulate Hippo signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, BMP/GDF family genes including bmp2, bmp4, bmp5, gdf6a, and gdf6b were important components of Hippo pathway. In future, the crosstalk among yy1a, yy1b, and TGF-β family would provide more insight into sexual size dimorphism in C. semilaevis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shi
- Function Laboratory for Marine Science and Food Production Process, Laoshan laboratory, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xihong Li
- Function Laboratory for Marine Science and Food Production Process, Laoshan laboratory, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xiwen Xu
- Function Laboratory for Marine Science and Food Production Process, Laoshan laboratory, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhangfan Chen
- Function Laboratory for Marine Science and Food Production Process, Laoshan laboratory, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Na Wang
- Function Laboratory for Marine Science and Food Production Process, Laoshan laboratory, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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2
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Martins JM, Charneca R, Garrido N, Albuquerque A, Jerónimo E, Guerreiro O, Lage P, Marmelo C, Costa F, Ramos A, Martin L. Influence of Sex on Meat and Fat Quality from Heavy Alentejano Pigs Finished Outdoors on Commercial and High Fiber Diets. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3099. [PMID: 37835705 PMCID: PMC10571643 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to examine the effects of sex on meat and fat quality traits from thirty Portuguese Alentejano (AL) pigs reared in outdoor conditions. These pigs were divided into three groups and fed ad libitum. From ~40 to 130 kg LW, castrated (C group) and intact animals (I and IExp) consumed commercial diets. Until slaughter (~160 kg), C and I pigs remained on commercial diets, and IExp changed to a more sustainable experimental diet with locally produced pulses and byproducts. Samples were collected from the Longissimus lumborum (LL), Psoas major (PM), and dorsal subcutaneous fat (DSF). At ~160 kg, the PM muscle of intact pigs presented lower intramuscular fat content than that of C pigs, while total collagen was higher. Additionally, PM myoglobin was lower and lightness (L*) was higher in intact pigs. Regarding DSF, moisture and total protein contents were higher and total lipids were lower in intact than in castrated pigs, while color parameters were not significantly different. Finally, antioxidant capacity measured in the LL muscle showed an overall lower value in intact pigs. However, lipid oxidation values were not significantly different between the experimental groups and only increased with storage time. Outdoor-reared intact AL pigs produced leaner and less saturated pork and fat compared to castrated ones. Despite the lower antioxidant activity observed in the LL muscles of intact pigs, the lipid oxidative stability of cooked meat was not different among the experimental groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Martins
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT—Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (R.C.); (N.G.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Rui Charneca
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT—Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (R.C.); (N.G.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT—Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (R.C.); (N.G.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
| | - André Albuquerque
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT—Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (R.C.); (N.G.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Eliana Jerónimo
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), Instituto Politécnico de Beja, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (E.J.); (O.G.); (P.L.)
- MED & CHANGE, Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), 7801-908 Beja, Portugal
| | - Olinda Guerreiro
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), Instituto Politécnico de Beja, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (E.J.); (O.G.); (P.L.)
- MED & CHANGE, Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), 7801-908 Beja, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Lage
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), Instituto Politécnico de Beja, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (E.J.); (O.G.); (P.L.)
- MED & CHANGE, Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), 7801-908 Beja, Portugal
| | - Carla Marmelo
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT—Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (R.C.); (N.G.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Filipa Costa
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Amélia Ramos
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnologias, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luísa Martin
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, 3440-131 S. Comba Dão, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.R.); (L.M.)
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnologias, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
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New trends in immunocastration and its potential to improve animal welfare: a mini review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:369. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03348-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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4
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Lee VE, Arnott G, Turner SP. Social behavior in farm animals: Applying fundamental theory to improve animal welfare. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:932217. [PMID: 36032304 PMCID: PMC9411962 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.932217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental understanding of behavior is essential to improving the welfare of billions of farm animals around the world. Despite living in an environment managed by humans, farm animals are still capable of making important behavioral decisions that influence welfare. In this review, we focus on social interactions as perhaps the most dynamic and challenging aspects of the lives of farm animals. Social stress is a leading welfare concern in livestock, and substantial variation in social behavior is seen at the individual and group level. Here, we consider how a fundamental understanding of social behavior can be used to: (i) understand agonistic and affiliative interactions in farm animals; (ii) identify how artificial environments influence social behavior and impact welfare; and (iii) provide insights into the mechanisms and development of social behavior. We conclude by highlighting opportunities to build on previous work and suggest potential fundamental hypotheses of applied relevance. Key areas for further research could include identifying the welfare benefits of socio–positive interactions, the potential impacts of disrupting important social bonds, and the role of skill in allowing farm animals to navigate competitive and positive social interactions. Such studies should provide insights to improve the welfare of farm animals, while also being applicable to other contexts, such as zoos and laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E. Lee
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Victoria E. Lee
| | - Gareth Arnott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Simon P. Turner
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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5
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Pesenti Rossi G, Dalla Costa E, Filipe JFS, Mazzola SM, Motta A, Borciani M, Gastaldo A, Canali E, Pilia F, Argenton M, Caniatti M, Pecile A, Minero M, Barbieri S. Does Immunocastration Affect Behaviour and Body Lesions in Heavy Pigs? Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080410. [PMID: 36006325 PMCID: PMC9414783 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Castration of piglets is routinely practiced to prevent the presence of boar taint. In Europe, around 61% of pigs are surgically castrated, 54% of which do not receive any pain-relief therapy. The increasing public awareness towards animal welfare and the ethical characteristics of animal-derived products has led to the necessity of finding more animal-friendly alternatives. Among them, immunocastration, a process of active immunisation leading to the suppression of testicular function, has shown promising results in light pig production, both in terms of animal welfare and productivity. Besides, no study has yet investigated animal welfare in immunocastrated males intended for Italian heavy pig production. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of immunocastration on the welfare of heavy pigs by monitoring behaviour and body lesions in immunocastrated and surgically castrated pigs. Salivary testosterone levels and productive traits were also evaluated. Our results confirmed that immunocastration is a suitable alternative to surgical castration with profitable productive performance, whereas the higher activity of animals and the higher presence of body lesions before the effective immunisation caused an impairment of animal welfare, which should be further investigated as a critical aspect in heavy pig production. Abstract Immunocastration has been pointed out as an alternative to surgical castration; though, most of the scientific studies were performed in light pig production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immunocastration on animal welfare in heavy pig production through the evaluation of behaviour and body lesions. A total of 188 commercial-hybrid pigs were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: surgical castration (SC) and immunocastration with Improvac® (IC). Data on behaviour, body lesions, and salivary testosterone levels were collected the day before each vaccination at 15, 22, 32, and 36 weeks of age. IC and SC pigs were slaughtered at 40 and 41 weeks of age, respectively; productive and carcass traits data were also collected. Considering productive performance, our results confirmed that IC pigs grew faster and presented a higher weight at slaughter. A critical period for pig welfare was observed before 32 weeks: testosterone concentration and body lesion score were significantly higher in IC pigs compared to SC pigs; active behaviours were significantly more frequent in IC at 15 weeks. Immunocastration may represent a suitable alternative to surgical castration with profitable productive performances, whereas the impairment of welfare during the period before the effective vaccination should be further investigated as a potential critical aspect in heavy pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Pesenti Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Emanuela Dalla Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Silvia Michela Mazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Ambra Motta
- Fondazione C.R.P.A. Studi Ricerche, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marzia Borciani
- Fondazione C.R.P.A. Studi Ricerche, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Pilia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Marco Argenton
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Mario Caniatti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pecile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Michela Minero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Sara Barbieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Zomeño C, Gispert M, Brun A, Carabús A, Soler J, Font-I-Furnols M. Productive performance and in vivo body composition across the growing and finishing period and carcass traits in pigs of four sex types. Meat Sci 2022; 192:108909. [PMID: 35863210 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study compares performance, body and carcass composition among castrated (CM), immunocastrated (IM) and entire males (EM), and females (FE) at 30, 70, 100 and 120 kg of body weight (total of n = 92; 20-24/sex type). Overall, IM had similar growth and feed intake to CM and greater than EM and FE. At each slaughter stage, IM had a lower killing-out percentage than CM and FE, in line with their heavier liver and kidneys. Flare fat proportion and backfat thickness on the ham and at the last rib level were similar for IM, EM and FE, and these were lower than CM. In EM and FE, backfat between the 3rd and 4th last ribs was lower and carcass lean content was higher than in CM, whereas IM were intermediate and not different to the other sexes. Females showed the largest ham proportion, this cut being leaner and less fatty than in CM. Belly proportion was higher in CM than in EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zomeño
- IRTA-Food Quality and Technology Program, Finca Camps i Armet s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Marina Gispert
- IRTA-Food Quality and Technology Program, Finca Camps i Armet s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Brun
- IRTA-Food Quality and Technology Program, Finca Camps i Armet s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Anna Carabús
- IRTA-Food Quality and Technology Program, Finca Camps i Armet s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Soler
- IRTA-Infrastructure Platform, Veïnat de Sies s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain
| | - Maria Font-I-Furnols
- IRTA-Food Quality and Technology Program, Finca Camps i Armet s/n, 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain.
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Pérez-Ciria L, Miana-Mena FJ, Álvarez-Rodríguez J, Latorre MA. Effect of Castration Type and Diet on Growth Performance, Serum Sex Hormones and Metabolites, and Carcass Quality of Heavy Male Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081004. [PMID: 35454250 PMCID: PMC9024496 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Castration is indispensable in male pigs intended for the production of high-quality dry-cured ham; however, for welfare reasons, alternatives are being sought and, among them, immunocastration stands out. The literature shows that immunocastration might generate lower fat deposition than surgical castration, which is undesirable for the dry-curing process. Therefore, it would be interesting to confirm the impact of immunocastration in male pigs and to test feeding plans that benefit fatness. The aim of this trial was to assess the effect of type of castration (surgical vs. immunological) and diet (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein and amino acids) on growth performance, serum sex hormones and metabolites, and carcass quality of male pigs destined for the Protected Designation of Origin Teruel ham. Although immunocastration improved productive performance, it reduced carcass fatness. Also, alternative diets to control improved the feed conversion ratio but did not influence carcass quality traits. In conclusion, under a quality point of view, surgical castration would be preferable over immunocastration for dry-cured ham production, and the use of moderately high-energy or low-crude-protein and -amino-acids diets from 80 to 137 kg of body weight would not provide improvements. Abstract A trial was carried out to study the effect of type of castration and diet on pigs destined for Teruel ham production, which is a Spanish protected designation of origin for dry-cured ham. A total of 144 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) male pigs were used. Half of them were surgically castrated and the other half were immunocastrated with three doses at approximately 25, 58 and 79 kg of body weight. Furthermore, three diets (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein-CP- and amino acids-AA) were tested from 80 to 137 kg of body weight. Growth performance, serum sex hormones and metabolites, and carcass quality were evaluated. Immunocastrated males grew faster and had better feed conversion ratio than surgically castrated males, but presented lower carcass fatness. Pigs fed the high-energy diet and the low-CP and -AA diet were more efficient at transforming feed into gain than those fed the control diet, but no effect was detected on carcass quality. In conclusion, surgically castrated males are preferable than immunocastrated males for Teruel dry-cured ham elaboration. Besides, a high-energy diet or a low-CP and -AA diet might improve productive performances, but does not provide any benefit in terms of carcass quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Pérez-Ciria
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Miana-Mena
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Maria Angeles Latorre
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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8
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Shi R, Li X, Cheng P, Yang Q, Chen Z, Chen S, Wang N. Characterization of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic factor 15 in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis): Sex-biased expression pattern and promoter regulation. Theriogenology 2022; 182:119-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Changes of Androstenone Concentrations in Saliva of Boars with Age. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020157. [PMID: 35049780 PMCID: PMC8772544 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pork is one of the most consumed meats worldwide. In many countries, pork is produced only from gilts or barrows because of the presence of boar taint in boar’s meat. Boar taint is an unpleasant odour, which is present in the meat and fat of boars. This odour is related to the increasing age and body weight of boars. The absence of boar taint in the final product can be achieved by castration of boars. Regarding the welfare of the animals, it would be appropriate to find a non-invasive, reliable, and working method for the determination of boar taint during the fattening of boars. Androstenone, which is one of the main compounds responsible for boar taint, can be determined from saliva. This method appears to be a hopeful way to predict individuals with a high level of this compound. Based on the current knowledge, the early slaughter of boars could be a suitable and functional step to avoid boar taint in the meat or fat, respectively. This is a pilot study that is focused on the non-invasive determination of boar taint on live animals. In the future, this method could be simplified and adjusted for use in farm conditions. Abstract With the increasing age of boars, the possibility of androstenone (5α-androst-16-en-3-one (AND), 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol (α-AND), and 5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol (β-AND)) occurrence increases as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate concentrations of androstenone compounds in the saliva of boars concerning the age of animals. In total, 72 boars were evaluated (24 boars per replication). The effect of age (three different ages—152, 163, and 172 days) was observed, and (Landrace × Large White) × Pietrain genotypes were used. Chemical analysis of saliva samples was conducted by multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (MDGC/MS). Salivary α-AND increased with age (p < 0.05), and positive correlations were found between age and submaxillary salivary gland weight (p < 0.05), age, and salivary AND concentration (p < 0.05), body weight and submaxillary salivary gland weight (p < 0.05), submaxillary salivary gland weight and salivary β-AND concentration (p < 0.05), as well as submaxillary salivary gland weight and total salivary 5α-androstenone (AND total) concentration (p < 0.001). Nowadays, animal welfare is becoming a more and more discussed topic, and pig breeding is not an exception. Specifically, the castration ban is a current issue, so it is very important to know as much as possible about compounds responsible for boar taint. Androstenone’s appearance in boars’ saliva could be one of the most important precursors for future early detection of boar taint.
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Evolution of welfare indicators of pigs housed in deep bedding systems during growing and finishing phases: assessment of good health principles and housing conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:483. [PMID: 34570280 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to monitor the evolution of welfare indicators of pigs throughout growing and finishing phases housed in a deep bedding system by principles of good health and housing. In all, 16,500 animals, distributed in 15 facilities, were evaluated over a 4-month period. Three assessments were carried out in each facility by a single evaluator, according to the following time distribution: phase one (75 to 85 days old), phase two (86 to 161 days old), and phase three (162 to 180 days old). Only the parameters related to good health and good housing were considered. Data were analyzed by logistic regression for longitudinal data. Poisson distribution was used on the coughing and sneezing data, with subsequent chi-square analysis. There were no cases of poor body condition, shivering, panting, huddling, tail biting, pumping, twisted snout, rectal prolapse, lameness, and skin conditions. The final evaluations were associated with greater chances of hernia and bursitis, with greater prevalence in males than in females. The prevalence of wound and manure on the body parameters was influenced by the interaction of the evaluation and animal category. The incidence of coughing and the number of animals presenting this symptom gradually increased, becoming considerably higher in the final stage of evaluation. Health-related problems change throughout the production cycle. The evaluation of a broad and reliable view on animal welfare allows for the most appropriate management of production systems using deep bedding.
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11
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Moore KL, Loudon E, Dunshea FR. Increasing the Dietary Concentration of Lupinus albus L. Decreased Feed Intake and Daily Gain of Immunocastrated Male Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071866. [PMID: 34201570 PMCID: PMC8300129 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Boar taint is a major cause of consumer complaints about pork but it can be eliminated by immunizing entire males against gonadotrohpin releasing factor (immunocastrated males). However, immunocastrated males have increased feed intake and backfat compared to entire males, which is an issue in countries such as Australia, where producers are penalized for high backfat. The inclusion of an in-feed ingredient, albus lupins, is one way to suppress the voluntary intake of IC male pigs and subsequently their fat deposition, but the appropriate quantity to include in the diet had not been determined. Albus lupins are thought to reduce feed intake due to slower transit of feed through the digestive system, which then influences satiety. The albus lupin concentration to maximize growth rate, minimize feed intake, maximize carcass weight and minimize backfat depth was 120, 142, 62.7 and 138 g/kg, respectively. Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the appropriate dietary concentration of albus lupins that would lower feed intake and decrease backfat while optimizing the effect on the growth rate of immunocastrated male pigs. The pigs were fed albus lupins (varying from 0 to 200 g/kg) from 2 weeks after the last immunization against GnRF for 14 d prior to slaughter (where d 0 is the day of the last immunization against GnRF). Increasing the dietary albus lupin concentration decreased daily gain for d 15 to 28 (p = 0.004). Daily feed intake also decreased as the concentration of the albus lupins increased for d 15 to 28 (p < 0.001). Carcass weight and backfat decreased as the concentration of dietary albus lupins increased (p = 0.011 and p = 0.024, respectively). The albus lupin concentration to maximize growth rate, minimize feed intake, maximize carcass weight and minimize backfat depth was 120, 142, 62.7 and 138 g/kg, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Moore
- Pork Innovation WA Inc., Viveash, WA 3056, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Emalyn Loudon
- Pork Innovation WA Inc., Viveash, WA 3056, Australia;
| | - Frank R. Dunshea
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Steybe L, Kress K, Schmucker S, Stefanski V. Impact of Housing Condition on Welfare and Behavior of Immunocastrated Fattening Pigs ( Sus scrofa domestica). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030618. [PMID: 33652799 PMCID: PMC7996791 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study aimed to analyze if the well-known positive effects of immunocastration on the behavior and welfare of pigs are robust to varying environments. One hundred forty-four male pigs were studied with regard to their sex category (EM: entire males, IC: immunocastrates, BA: barrows) and housing environment (ENR: enriched, STD: standard, MIX: repeated social mixing). The second (=effective) vaccination was administered to the immunocastrates 5 or 6 weeks before slaughter according to the standard protocol. Regardless of housing conditions, beneficial effects of immunocastration on a reduction in undesired agonistic and sexual behavior, including penis biting and penile injuries, were observed. Enriched housing showed a beneficial effect on play, whereas the social mixing environment reduced the number of social nosing events. The novel result is that the beneficial effects of immunocastration on behavioral and welfare aspects apply independent from the housing environments assessed in this study. Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate whether the well-known positive effects of immunocastration on the behavior and welfare of pigs persist under varying environments. One hundred forty-four male pigs were studied with regard to their sex category (EM: entire males, IC: immunocastrates, BA: barrows) and housing environment (ENR: enriched, STD: standard, MIX: repeated social mixing). The vaccination of immunocastrates included two injections at the age of 12 and 22 weeks. Regardless of the housing conditions, frequencies of sexual and fighting behavior expressed by immunocastrates shifted from boar-like to barrow-like behavior after the second immunocastration vaccination (Mixed model analysis, p < 0.05). Penis biting decreased in IC after the second vaccination (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, p = 0.036) and penile injuries were lower in IC animals compared to EM (Mixed model analysis, p < 0.001). Housing-dependent effects on behavior could also be observed in the animals at a relatively young age. Enriched housing showed a beneficial effect on play behavior (Chi-square test, p < 0.001) and the social mixing environment reduced the number of social nosing events (Mixed model analysis, p < 0.05). The positive effects of immunocastration thus are robust to all housing conditions assessed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Steybe
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany or (K.K.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kevin Kress
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany or (K.K.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
- German Genetic, Schweinezuchtverband Baden-Wuerttemberg e.V., Im Wolfer 10, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sonja Schmucker
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany or (K.K.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany or (K.K.); (S.S.); (V.S.)
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Poklukar K, Čandek-Potokar M, Vrecl M, Batorek-Lukač N, Fazarinc G, Kress K, Stefanski V, Škrlep M. Adipose Tissue Gene Expression of Entire Male, Immunocastrated and Surgically Castrated Pigs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1768. [PMID: 33578947 PMCID: PMC7916650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in adipose tissue deposition and properties between pig male sex categories, i.e., entire males (EM), immunocastrates (IC) and surgical castrates (SC) are relatively well-characterized, whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. To gain knowledge about the genetic regulation of the differences in adipose tissue deposition, two different approaches were used: RNA-sequencing and candidate gene expression by quantitative PCR. A total of 83 differentially expressed genes were identified between EM and IC, 15 between IC and SC and 48 between EM and SC by RNA-sequencing of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Comparing EM with IC or SC, upregulated genes related to extracellular matrix dynamics and adipogenesis, and downregulated genes involved in the control of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were detected. Differential gene expression generally indicated high similarity between IC and SC as opposed to EM, except for several heat shock protein genes that were upregulated in EM and IC compared with SC. The candidate gene expression approach showed that genes involved in lipogenesis were downregulated in EM compared with IC pigs, further confirming RNA-sequencing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klavdija Poklukar
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.P.); (M.Č.-P.); (N.B.-L.)
| | - Marjeta Čandek-Potokar
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.P.); (M.Č.-P.); (N.B.-L.)
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, Pivola 10, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - Milka Vrecl
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Nina Batorek-Lukač
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.P.); (M.Č.-P.); (N.B.-L.)
| | - Gregor Fazarinc
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Kevin Kress
- Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (K.K.); (V.S.)
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (K.K.); (V.S.)
| | - Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.P.); (M.Č.-P.); (N.B.-L.)
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Kowalski E, Vossen E, Millet S, Ampe B, De Smet S, Aluwé M. Effect of terminal sire line and timing second vaccination on effectiveness of immunocastration, performance, and carcass and meat quality. Meat Sci 2021; 175:108451. [PMID: 33556676 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2021.108451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Performance (from 10 weeks until slaughter), carcass and meat quality, and effectiveness of immunocastration was compared in crossbred offspring of stress positive (BP+) and negative (BP-) Belgian Piétrain and Canadian Duroc (CD) given the second vaccination of Improvac® at different times (4, 6, 8 weeks before slaughter). CD offspring had a significantly higher daily gain (DG) and feed intake (DFI), and lower predicted lean meat percentage (LMP) and dressing yield compared to BP+ and BP-, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ. CD offspring had significantly lower drip loss and higher pHi, intramuscular fat content than BP+ and BP- (except for pHi). No significant effect of vaccination time on DG nor FCR was observed. Predicted LMP tended to increase as time-post injection decreased, while meat quality was minor affected. Earlier vaccination had no effect on the effectiveness of immunocastration based on testosterone and GnRH-binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kowalski
- Flander Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium; Ghent University, Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - E Vossen
- Ghent University, Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Millet
- Flander Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- Flander Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium
| | - S De Smet
- Ghent University, Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Aluwé
- Flander Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Melle, Belgium.
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15
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Allison JRD, da Silva CA, Callegari MA, Dias CP, de Souza KLL, de Oliveira ER, Peloso JV, Poleze E, Mah CK, Lin D, Aldaz A. Immunization against gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnRF) in market gilts: Effect on growth and carcass parameters, and impact of immunization timing. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:127-137. [PMID: 33609970 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive cycling in fattening gilts can be associated with undesirable effects, such as estrus-related aggressive behavior, reduced feed intake and, in production systems where gilts are co-housed with entire males, unwanted pregnancy. Immunization against Gonadotrophin Releasing Factor (IM) can temporarily suppress ovarian activity, including related negative consequences on animal welfare and productivity. Feed intake has been shown to be higher after IM, resulting in both increased growth and increased carcass fat. A series of studies was conducted to confirm these effects on production and look at their dynamics over time. Three trials were performed to a similar design, each involving 240 gilts divided into 4 experimental groups at 12 weeks of age. One group remained untreated while the others had the two dose, IM course completed 8, 6 or 4 weeks before harvest, which was on a single day at 24, 25 or 26 weeks of age depending on the study. Feed intake was measured daily and bodyweight weekly, allowing growth parameters to be calculated on a weekly basis and for specific longer periods. Carcass weight, backfat depth and lean meat percentage were recorded at harvest. No effects were observed before the second application of the immunological product (V2) and completion of the IM course. Starting in the second week after V2 all IM groups showed a marked and consistent increase in Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), typically peaking at over 120% of the control group 3 to 4 weeks after V2 and then slowly declining, but still remaining elevated at 8 weeks. Weekly Average Daily Gain (ADG) showed a similar pattern but with a faster decline, resulting in the initially favorable impact on feed efficiency becoming less favorable as the V2 to harvest interval (V2H) progressed. Carcass weights were higher in IM gilts and backfat depths were greater, with the effects increasing with increasing V2H. Correspondingly, carcass lean meat percentage tended to decrease, although the higher carcass weights meant that the absolute weight of lean meat remained similar or higher. Carcass yield was generally unaffected by IM, but some between-group differences were statistically significant, and it is possible that different factors predominated at different times after V2, creating a complex relationship with V2H duration. The optimum IM protocol will depend on local conditions and production objectives but, as a generalization and assuming ad libitum feeding, a shorter V2H will favor efficient growth, while a longer duration will maximize carcass changes, such as increased fat coverage. It is suggested that the growth performance changes seen after IM in gilts might be viewed as a process of adjustment to a heavier and fatter target body type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C A da Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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16
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Djurkin Kušec I, Cimerman E, Škrlep M, Karolyi D, Gvozdanović K, Komlenić M, Radišić Ž, Kušec G. Influence of Immunocastration on Slaughter Traits and Boar Taint Compounds in Pigs Originating from Three Different Terminal Sire Lines. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010228. [PMID: 33477673 PMCID: PMC7831900 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Due to the negative public opinion and welfare issues related to surgical castration, gradual introduction of alternatives like entire males and immunocastrates is taking place. Despite several economical and welfare advantages that the alternatives offer, numerous issues (i.e., boar taint, meat quality alterations), as well as their interactions with rearing and breeding (genetic) factors remain unanswered. Therefore, the focus of this study was to investigate the possibility of using different commercial sire lines in three male sex categories (entire males, immunocastrates, surgical castrates) and to compare their carcass traits, meat quality and boar taint compounds. A significant effect of terminal sire line and/or male category together with their interaction was observed for most of the investigated carcass and meat quality traits. The observed interaction should be taken into consideration when deciding on the production of a specific male category. Abstract The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of terminal sire line (TSL) and male category (MC) on carcass and meat quality of commercial fatteners. The study was performed on 180 pigs originating from three terminal sire lines: A (Pietrain × Large White), B (pure Pietrain), and C (Pietrain × Duroc × Large White), being assigned to three groups according to MC: immunocastrates (IC, n = 60), surgical castrates (SC, n = 60) and entire males (EM, n = 60). TSL affected most of the carcass and meat quality traits, together with the androstenone concentration. At the same time, MC had a significant effect on fat thickness, ham circumference, drip loss, cooking loss and androstenone and skatole concentrations. A significant interaction effect was observed for carcass length and ham circumference, as well as for most of the measured meat quality traits (except cooking loss, CIE L*, CIE b*, and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF)). Among the three investigated sire lines, immunocastration was shown to be most beneficial for fatteners sired by the TSL C. However, if deciding to raise EM, fatteners from the TSL B are recommended in terms of carcass and meat quality, although strategies for avoiding boar taint in their carcasses must be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Djurkin Kušec
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
| | - Emilija Cimerman
- Directorate for Professional Support to the Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Croatia, Bani 110, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova Ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Danijel Karolyi
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Kristina Gvozdanović
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
| | - Miodrag Komlenić
- Belje Plus d.d., Svetog Ivana Krstitelja 1a, 31326 Darda, Croatia;
| | - Žarko Radišić
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
| | - Goran Kušec
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-31-554-866; Fax: +385-31-554-853
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17
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Liu F, Morrison RS, Lealiifano AK, Brewster CJ, Henman DJ, Smits RJ. Shortening the immunocastration-to-slaughter interval from 3 to 2 weeks reduced carcass backfat and weight, increased sexual behaviour and carcass skin blemishes in group-housed male pigs sold at fixed age. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Pig producers require strategies to temporarily slow growth rate, particularly when markets impose penalties on over-weight and fat carcasses. Immunocastrated pigs usually have higher feed intakes (e.g. during the 3–5-week immunocastration-to-slaughter interval, which is commonly used in Australian pig industry), resulting in higher carcass weight and backfat thickness. Shortening the immunocastration-to-slaughter interval by delaying the second vaccination by a week may be a fine-tuned strategy to reduce carcass backfat and weight of male pigs. However, postponing the age receiving immunocastration as a method to achieve a shorter immunocastration-to-slaughter interval may increase aggressive and sexual behaviours of pigs.
Aims
The experiment aimed to quantify the effects of shortening the interval between the second dose of immunocastration and slaughter from 3 weeks to 2 weeks on growth performance, carcass traits, aggressive and sexual behaviours, and carcass skin blemishes in group-housed male finisher pigs slaughtered at a fixed age.
Methods
Pigs (n = 58 pens; 45 pigs per pen) were selected into the experiment at 16 weeks of age. Half of the pens received the second anti-GnRH vaccine (V2) as a means of immunocastration at 19 weeks (a common immunocastration age used in Australian pig industry; control group), and the remaining half of the pens received V2 at 20 weeks of age. All the pigs were slaughtered at 22 weeks of age. Growth performance was recorded between 16 and 22 weeks of age. Behavioural observation was conducted at 20 and 21 weeks of age. Carcass weight, backfat thickness and severity of skin blemishes on carcasses were recorded in the abattoir.
Key results
Results showed that shortening the immunocastration-to-slaughter interval from 3 to 2 weeks reduced average daily feed intake by 9%, growth rate by 8%, carcass weight by 3%, and backfat thickness by 7% (all P < 0.05), but the percentage of pigs that displayed sexual behaviour and carcasses with >25 lesions both increased (both P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Shortening the immunocastration-to-slaughter interval from 3 to 2 weeks by delaying V2 is an effective strategy to reduce feed intake, growth rate, carcass weight and backfat in group-housed male pigs, but at a risk of increasing carcass skin blemishes.
Implications
The increased sexual behaviour and carcass skin blemishes will need to be managed when using a shortened immunocastration-to-slaughter interval to temporarily reduce carcass weight and backfat.
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Srisuwatanasagul K, Srisuwatanasagul S, Roongsitthichai A. Expressions of cytochrome P450 aromatase and anti-Müllerian hormone in testes of fattening pigs by the timing of the first vaccination for immunocastration. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:400-407. [PMID: 33295050 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In practice, two injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine are recommended for pig immunocastration for effective outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the expressions of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom ) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in testes, testicular length and testicular histomorphometry of the fattening pigs receiving the first injection of GnRH vaccine 6 weeks earlier than the standard protocol. Based on vaccination protocol, 24 pigs were equally divided into three groups: T1 was vaccinated at 15 and 19 weeks of age, T2 received vaccine at 9 and 19 weeks of age and C remained intact. P450arom and AMH expressions were analysed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results revealed that testicular length was highest in C pigs, but not different between T1 and T2 groups (6.5 ± 0.2 versus 6.9 ± 0.3 cm, p = .538). Histomorphometry demonstrated that the height of spermatogenic epithelia, the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the number of seminiferous tubules between T1 and T2 groups were not different (p > .05). For P450arom , immunohistochemistry revealed that H-score of C group was significantly higher than that of both T1 and T2 groups. Western blot analysis showed that C group possessed the densest protein band. Moreover, H-score between T1 and T2 groups was not significantly different. Protein band intensity between both groups was not apparently different. As for AMH, C pigs had significantly lower H-score than both T1 and T2 pigs. Furthermore, T2 pigs possessed significantly higher H-score than T1 pigs. Western blot analysis showed that the most intense protein band was found in T2 group. In summary, GnRH vaccine affected testicular development and functions. The first injection could be performed either at 9 or 15 weeks of age since both protocols contributed to comparable results in aspect of testicular length, histomorphometry and expressions of P450arom and AMH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sayamon Srisuwatanasagul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Santos ÉR, Bridi AM, Silva CA, Giangareli BL, Ferreira GA, Vero JG, Fregonesi JA, Costa SC. Reproductive status effects of pair-housed male pigs on natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours. Animal 2020; 15:100072. [PMID: 33516005 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Boar rearing, which avoids pain and suffering caused by surgical castration, provides better performance, a greater deposition of muscle tissue and leaner carcasses and thus has beneficial effects on both animal welfare and the product. Some countries that do not slaughter boars must consider their boar taint and aggressive and sexual behaviours. Considering that pigs are housed in large groups, which may complicate the formation of social hierarchies and increase fighting and mounting behaviours, some studies have conducted research with reduced numbers of pigs per pen, but these behaviours continued to be observed. However, a study of the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs has yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the reproductive status of uncastrated, immunocastrated and surgically castrated pair-housed male pigs alters their natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours. A total of 48 male pigs from Agroceres PIC™ genetics were assigned to three groups: surgically castrated (barrows), immunocastrated and uncastrated (boars). Natural, aggressive and sexual behaviours of the pigs were assessed by direct observations during four periods of 12 h each (six, five and three weeks before slaughter and the slaughter week). The pigs were housed in pairs from the growing phase until slaughter. Animal behaviour was observed from the finishing phase to slaughter. Carcass lesions were assessed according to five different classes (one: no injury; two to five: severely injured). Overall, boars spent more time lying and less time eating and drinking than barrows. In total of all the periods (48 h), boars expressed more aggressive and sexual behaviours than barrows, whereas immunocastrated pigs displayed similar behaviours to boars, before and after the second vaccine dose. No differences in carcass lesions between treatments and no prevalence of carcasses with severe injuries were observed. In conclusion, the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs did not change the natural behaviour of boars, immunocastrated pigs or barrows. The agonistic and sexual behaviours of boars and barrows remained unchanged. When housing pigs in pairs, immunocastrated pigs presented similar agonistic and sexual behaviours to boars before and after the second immunocastration vaccine dose. The use of pair-housed uncastrated male pigs has generated welfare benefits for these animals, as the number of carcasses with injuries did not differ from barrows and immunocastrated pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- É R Santos
- Veterinary Medice Departament, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil.
| | - A M Bridi
- Zootecnia Department, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - C A Silva
- Zootecnia Department, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - B L Giangareli
- Veterinary Medice Departament, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - G A Ferreira
- Veterinary Medice Departament, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - J G Vero
- Veterinary Medice Departament, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - J A Fregonesi
- Zootecnia Department, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - S C Costa
- Statistics Department, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Highway Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), Km 380, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
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Welfare Aspects of Raising Entire Male Pigs and Immunocastrates. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112140. [PMID: 33213105 PMCID: PMC7698590 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Surgical castration of male piglets without pain treatment and anaesthesia is not only a welfare problem but also violates the integrity of the animals. The favoured alternatives of raising entire male pigs (EM) with or without immunocastration (vaccination against boar taint) may, however, impose additional welfare problems under the current housing and management conditions. This focused review is intended to summarise the current state of scientific knowledge and practical reports on critical welfare issues and risk factors. Raising EM with or without subsequent immunocastration could be a welfare conform, future-oriented alternative to conventional surgical castration of pigs, provided that they are kept in a healthy and socially stable environment with sufficient physical resources, as safeguarded by measures of enhanced animal care and management control. Abstract For a long time, scientists assumed that newborns have a severely limited sense of pain (if any). However, this assumption is wrong and led to a “start of the exit” from piglet surgical castration. Some of the currently discussed or already implemented alternatives such as general or local anaesthesia during surgical castration raise additional welfare concerns as well as legal problems and/or are hardly applicable. The favoured long-term, welfare-friendly “gold standard” is to raise entire male pigs (EM). However, this may also impose certain welfare problems under the current conventional housing and management conditions. The specific types of behaviour displayed by EM such as mounting and aggressive behaviours but also increased exploration, which are partially linked to sexual maturation, increase the risk for injuries. The current status of knowledge (scientific literature and farmer experiences) on housing of EM suggests that environmental enrichment, space, group-stability, social constellation, feeding (diet and feeder space), health and climate control are critical factors to be considered for future housing systems. From an animal welfare point of view, an intermediate variant to be favoured to reduce problematic behaviour could be to slaughter EM before reaching puberty or to immunize boars early on to suppress testicular function. Immunization against endogenous GnRH can reduce EM-specific problems after the 2nd vaccination.
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Bee G, Quiniou N, Maribo H, Zamaratskaia G, Lawlor PG. Strategies to Meet Nutritional Requirements and Reduce Boar Taint in Meat from Entire Male Pigs and Immunocastrates. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1950. [PMID: 33114075 PMCID: PMC7690666 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the current knowledge on the nutritional requirements of entire male and immunocastrated pigs to obtain an efficient growth, low boar taint level, and good carcass and meat quality. We present the reasons for offering entire males ad libitum access to the diets in order to optimize their protein deposition potential. Boar taint is one of the major issues in the production of entire males; therefore, the impact of various skatole- and indole-reducing feed ingredients is discussed regarding their efficiency and the possible mechanism affecting skatole and indole production in the hindgut. Entire males have lean carcasses, so their intramuscular fat content can be lower than that of surgical castrates or females and the adipose tissue can be highly unsaturated. The possible nutritional strategies to counteract these effects are summarized. We conclude that immunocastrates can be fed similarly to entire males until the second vaccination. However, due to the metabolic changes occurring shortly after the second vaccination, the requirements for essential amino acids are markedly lower in immunocastrates than in entire males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bee
- Agroscope, Institute for Livestock Sciences, La Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Quiniou
- IFIP-Institut du Porc, La Motte au Vicomte, 35650 Le Rheu, France;
| | - Hanne Maribo
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Galia Zamaratskaia
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7015, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Peadar G. Lawlor
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Co. Cork, Ireland;
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Škrlep M, Tomašević I, Mörlein D, Novaković S, Egea M, Garrido MD, Linares MB, Peñaranda I, Aluwé M, Font-i-Furnols M. The Use of Pork from Entire Male and Immunocastrated Pigs for Meat Products-An Overview with Recommendations. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1754. [PMID: 32993171 PMCID: PMC7601181 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the strong public initiative in Europe and increased regulator focus to mitigate pain, surgical castration of pigs is being gradually abandoned, while the importance of other sex categories like entire males (EM) and immunocastrates (IC) increases. Although beneficial for animal welfare and economics, their use also brings forward several quality problems. Besides the occurrence of boar taint in EM, these include excessive carcass leanness, softer fat, meat color and pH deviations, inferior water holding capacity and increased meat toughness. In this paper, the raw material differences between the male sex categories and their influence on product quality are reviewed, and possible solutions are presented. Using EM for dried or thermally processed products may result in lower processing yields and inferior sensory quality, which may partially be prevented by applying specific processing adaptations. Immunocastration is a viable solution, especially when prolonging the vaccination to slaughter interval. Low to medium levels of boar taint can be effectively managed in most of the meat products, applying procedures like cooking, microbial inoculation or masking (by spices and especially smoking), while highly tainted material can be valorized only by combining various methods and/or with dilution of the tainted meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova ulica 17, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Tomašević
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.T.); (S.N.)
| | - Daniel Mörlein
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Saša Novaković
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.T.); (S.N.)
| | - Macarena Egea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - María Dolores Garrido
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - María Belén Linares
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - Irene Peñaranda
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (M.E.); (M.D.G.); (M.B.L.); (I.P.)
| | - Marijke Aluwé
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium;
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Pork Production with Entire Males: Directions for Control of Boar Taint. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091665. [PMID: 32947846 PMCID: PMC7552340 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Castration of male piglets has traditionally been carried out to control boar taint, but animal welfare concerns about surgical castration has brought this practice under scrutiny. In addition, castration decreases growth performance and increases the environmental impact of pork production, so alternatives to castration are needed to control boar taint. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on boar taint metabolism and outline some key areas that require further study. We also describe some opportunities for controlling the boar taint problem and propose that by defining the differences in metabolic processes and the genetic variations that can lead to boar taint in individual pigs, we can design effective custom solutions for boar taint. Abstract Boar taint is caused by the accumulation of androstenone and skatole and other indoles in the fat; this is regulated by the balance between synthesis and degradation of these compounds and can be affected by a number of factors, including environment and management practices, sexual maturity, nutrition, and genetics. Boar taint can be controlled by immunocastration, but this practice has not been accepted in some countries. Genetics offers a long-term solution to the boar taint problem via selective breeding or genome editing. A number of short-term strategies to control boar taint have been proposed, but these can have inconsistent effects and there is too much variability between breeds and individuals to implement a blanket solution for boar taint. Therefore, we propose a precision livestock management approach to developing solutions for controlling taint. This involves determining the differences in metabolic processes and the genetic variations that cause boar taint in specific groups of pigs and using this information to design custom treatments based on the cause of boar taint. Genetic, proteomic or metabolomic profiling can then be used to identify and implement effective solutions for boar taint for specific populations of animals.
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Sødring M, Nafstad O, Håseth TT. Change in Norwegian consumer attitudes towards piglet castration: increased emphasis on animal welfare. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:22. [PMID: 32456651 PMCID: PMC7249416 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Male piglets are surgically castrated at a young age primarily to prevent pork meat from being tainted with boar taint, an offensive taste and odor that can be present in uncastrated male pigs. The practice of surgical castration is considered to be both stressful and painful for the piglets, and is therefore under scrutiny due to animal welfare concerns. Rearing of intact males or vaccination against boar taint (immunocastration) are two potential alternatives to surgical castration, but in order to successfully implement either of these alternatives, consumer acceptance of the different methods must be taken into consideration as it will be central for future sales of pork products. A consumer survey mapping Norwegian consumers’ attitudes toward piglet castration was conducted to explore whether the consumers’ position regarding castration has changed since an almost identical study was completed in 2008. Results The internet-based survey found that Norwegian consumers are comfortable with the current practice of surgical castration with anesthesia, but also that they are open to the alternative method of vaccination against boar taint. When provided additional information stating that vaccination against boar taint may not be able to reduce boar taint to the levels that castration with anesthesia does, consumer skepticism towards vaccination increased. When evaluating castration methods, animal welfare was the most important influencing factor. Since the original survey from 2008, animal welfare was also the single factor that has increased the most among a set of assessment criteria when purchasing pork products. Conclusion Norwegian consumers regard animal welfare as an important factor both when purchasing pork products and when evaluating different methods of castration, and animal welfare as a factor has increased in importance since the initial survey in 2008. Although the current practice of castration using local anesthesia is still widely accepted among consumers, the acceptance of today’s method has declined since the original survey in 2008.
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Škrlep M, Poklukar K, Kress K, Vrecl M, Fazarinc G, Batorek Lukač N, Weiler U, Stefanski V, Čandek-Potokar M. Effect of immunocastration and housing conditions on pig carcass and meat quality traits. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa055. [PMID: 32705051 PMCID: PMC7284115 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of immunocastration and housing conditions on carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. Immunocastrates (IC, n = 48), entire (EM, n = 48), and surgical castrates (SC, n = 48) male pigs were reared under three different housing conditions. The conditions were standard (n = 36), enriched (n = 36, twice as much space as standard and additional outdoor access), or standard with repeated social mixing (n = 72). Pigs of the IC group were vaccinated at the age of 12 and 22 wk. The animals were slaughtered in four batches, balanced for sex category and housing, at the age of 27 wk reaching 124.7 ± 1.0 kg. Immunocastration led to increased fat deposition (i.e., thicker subcutaneous fat at different anatomical locations, more leaf fat, fatter belly in IC than EM, P < 0.05) but did not affect muscularity traits. As a result, EM exhibited higher and SC lower (P < 0.05) carcass leanness than IC. Fatty acids composition of either subcutaneous or intramuscular fat (IMF) agreed with general adiposity, that is, IC were intermediate between EM and SC exhibiting the lowest and highest fat saturation (P < 0.05), respectively. Compared to SC, EM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) levels of muscle oxidation and collagen content than SC, with IC taking an intermediate position in the case of the level of peroxidation and collagen content, or closer to SC as regards to oxidation of muscle proteins (i.e., carbonyl groups). Meat quality (including marbling score, cooking loss, subjective color redness, and chroma) of IC was similar to EM, and both differed (P < 0.05) from SC. However, IC and SC had less (P < 0.05) tough meat than EM, consistent with protein oxidation. The effect of housing was less evident. Mixing of pigs resulted in lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and fatness in all sex categories with lower (P < 0.05) oleic and higher (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid in IMF of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Škrlep
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Klavdija Poklukar
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kevin Kress
- Department of Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Milka Vrecl
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Fazarinc
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Batorek Lukač
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Department of Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Department of Behavioural Physiology of Livestock, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marjeta Čandek-Potokar
- Animal Production Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Maribor, Pivola, Hoče, Slovenia
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Dalla Costa OA, Tavernari FDC, Lopes LDS, Dalla Costa FA, Feddern V, de Lima GJMM. Performance, carcass and meat quality of pigs submitted to immunocastration and different feeding programs. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:137-145. [PMID: 32360912 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The feed restriction of pigs aims to improve the nutrient utilization of the diet, reduce carcass fat and increase lean meat. Immunocastration is a painless, reversible technique that improves animal welfare, decreases boar taint in meat, leading to lower fat deposition and increases lean meat. This study aimed at evaluating either feeding (restricted) programs (FP) and castration categories (surgically castrated × immunocastration) in terms of pig performance, carcass traits and meat quality. Castration category and FP did not influence marbling, initial pH and drip loss in loin and ham. However, immunocastrated pigs presented lighter loins and hams with lower ultimate pH, compared to the surgically castrated pigs. The FP with lower feed volume resulted in higher ultimate pH. Immunocastrated males had a higher live weight than those surgically castrated. Also, the more the feed supply decreased, the better the feed conversion. Immunocastrates had lower carcass yields, however these pigs had their backfat thickness decreased and lean meat increased in the carcass, without affecting the loin depth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Filipe A Dalla Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP - São Paulo State University, 14.884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Maneja bem-estar animal, MANEJA, 89710-037 Concórdia, SC, Brazil.
| | - Vivian Feddern
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153, km 110, 89715-899 Concórdia, SC, Brazil
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Zoels S, Reiter S, Ritzmann M, Weiß C, Numberger J, Schütz A, Lindner P, Stefanski V, Weiler U. Influences of Immunocastration on Endocrine Parameters, Growth Performance and Carcass Quality, as Well as on Boar Taint and Penile Injuries. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020346. [PMID: 32098237 PMCID: PMC7070702 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Surgical castration of male pigs is associated with pain. Improvac®, a GnRH vaccine induces an endogenous immune reaction that leads transiently to a decrease in testicular steroid synthesis after second vaccination. Investigating consequences of different vaccination schemes revealed that GnRH vaccination reliably prevents boar taint, if the manufacturers’ recommendations are applied. It had beneficial effects on animal welfare as it reduced penile injuries. Animals showed improved feed efficiency, leaner carcasses, and lower PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) percentages than surgically castrated animals. Thus, immunocastration offers a reliable and animal friendly alternative to surgical castration. Abstract Castration of male pigs without anesthesia is a significant welfare issue. Improvac®, a GnRH vaccine induces an endogenous immune response leading to a decrease in testicular steroids. Consequences of different vaccination schemes on testicular function and carcass quality were evaluated in immunocastrated boars (IC), surgical castrates (SC), and entire males (EM). Therefore, 128 male piglets were assigned to five treatment-groups and a long term follow-up group. IC groups received two vaccinations (V1, V2) with Improvac® at 8 and 12, 12 and 16, or 12 and 18 weeks. Testosterone-concentrations decreased significantly two weeks after V2 in feces and dropped in serum from V2 to slaughter (S) except IC-8/12 without differing significantly. GnRH-binding results indicated the highest values for IC-12/18 animals. While IC-12/16 and IC-12/18 animals showed boar taint compounds below the threshold levels, two IC-8/12 animals had concentrations above the threshold level. Feed-efficiency was higher in EM than in SC with IC in between. In IC compared to EM, a decreasing amount of polyunsaturated-fatty-acids was obvious and GnRH-vaccination reduced penile injuries. The examined vaccination protocols reduce penile injuries, improve feed efficiency and carcass quality, and reliably prevents boar taint, if manufacturer’s recommendations concerning vaccination schedules are applied. Therefore immunocastration offers a reliable, animal friendly alternative to surgical castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Zoels
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Simon Reiter
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Mathias Ritzmann
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Christine Weiß
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Jasmin Numberger
- Clinic for Swine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Sonnenstrasse 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.R.); (M.R.); (C.W.); (J.N.)
| | - Aneka Schütz
- Department of Safety and Quality of Meat, Max Rubner-Institut, E.-C.-Baumann-Strasse 20, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany;
| | - Peter Lindner
- Bavarian State Research Center for Pig Farming Schwarzenau, Stadtschwarzacher Strasse 18, 97359 Schwarzach am Main, Germany
| | - Volker Stefanski
- Institute of Animal Science, Hohenheim University, Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (V.S.); (U.W.)
| | - Ulrike Weiler
- Institute of Animal Science, Hohenheim University, Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (V.S.); (U.W.)
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An attempt of implementation of immunocastration in swine production – impact on meat physicochemical quality and boar taint compound concentration in the meat of two native pig breeds. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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The effect of sex and slaughter weight on performance, carcass quality and gross margin, assessed on three commercial pig farms. Animal 2019; 14:1546-1554. [PMID: 31854287 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119003033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Economic margins on pig farms are small, and changing slaughter weights may increase farm profitability. However, one can question if the optimal slaughter weight is the same for each sex. On three farms, crossbred pigs (n = 1128) were used to determine the effect of sex and slaughter weight on performance, carcass quality and gross margin per pig place per year. On each farm, an equal number of entire males (EMs), barrows (BAs), immunocastrates (IC) and gilts (GIs) were housed separately in group pens. Pens were randomly divided into three categories of different slaughter weights: 105, 117 and 130 kg BW. In BA, the high average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the lower capacity to gain muscle led to a higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lower lean meat percentage in comparison to EM and IC. In all sexes, ADFI and FCR increased with an increasing slaughter weight but the effect of slaughter weight on carcass quality varied between sexes. In BA and GI, slaughter weight had no effect on carcass quality, but in EM and IC, carcass quality improved at higher slaughter weights. Gross margin per pig place per year was calculated as gross margin per pig × barn turnover per year, taking into account fixed costs per round, feed costs and output price per pig. The slaughter weight that gained the highest gross margin per year differed between sexes. Slaughtering BA and GI at 130 kg BW, compared to 105 or 117 kg BW, decreased the gross margin per pig place per year due to the lower margin per pig and barn turnover at higher weights. In IC and EM, no difference in gross margin per pig place per year could be demonstrated between slaughtering at 105, 117 or 130 kg BW. In IC, the increasing gross margin per pig with increasing slaughter weights counteracted with the lower barn turnover. In EM, gross margin per pig did not differ between slaughter weights, but the effect of barn turnover was too small to demonstrate significant differences between slaughter weights on gross margin per pig place per year. In conclusion, slaughter weight has an impact on profitability in BA and GI: they should not be slaughtered at 130 kg BW but at lower weights, but no effect could be demonstrated in EM and IC.
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Pros and Cons of Alternatives to Piglet Castration: Welfare, Boar Taint, and Other Meat Quality Traits. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110884. [PMID: 31671665 PMCID: PMC6912452 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the pros and cons of various alternatives to the surgical castration of male piglets without pain relief. Castration is mostly motivated by the presence of boar taint in the meat from some entire male pigs. It results in pain during surgery and markedly increases feed costs and the fat content of the carcass. Raising entire male pigs avoids pain at castration, but animals can suffer from increased stress during the finishing period because of aggressive and mounting behavior. Feed efficiency and carcass quality are much better than in surgical castrates. The quality of meat from entire male pigs is lower because of boar taint, a reduced intramuscular fat content, and increased unsaturation of the fat. Immunocastration prevents boar taint, pain associated with surgery, and stress related to aggressive and mounting behavior. Feed efficiency and carcass quality are intermediate between surgical castrates and entire males. Meat quality is similar to surgical castrates. Anesthesia alone prevents pain during surgery, but not after, while analgesia alone mitigates pain after surgery, but not during it. With the currently available methods, the cost of combined anesthesia and analgesia is too high for conventional production systems in most countries.
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Abstract
Immunocastration, a technique to replace surgical castration of piglets, consists of two consecutive vaccinations to induce antibodies which transiently suppress testicular functions and avoid boar taint. It is a method to ensure both a high product quality and a high level of animal welfare. The impact of immunocastration on the three pillars of sustainability has been studied extensively. While all aspects of sustainability have been studied separately, however, a contemporary global overview of different aspects is missing. In immunocastrates, performance results are better than in barrows, but worse than in boars. The environmental impact of pork production with immunocastrates is lower than with barrows, but higher than with boars. The level of aggression is considerably lower in immunocastrates compared to boars. Societal concerns are mainly related to food safety, and are not supported by scientific evidence. After second vaccination, immunocastrates switch from a boar- to a barrow-like status. Therefore, the timing of second vaccination is a fine-tuning tool to balance advantages of boars with environmental and economic benefits against increased risk of welfare problems and boar taint. Nevertheless, both synergic and conflicting relationships between the pillars of sustainability must be communicated along the value chain to produce tailored pork products.
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Monitoring of behavior, sex hormones and boar taint compounds during the vaccination program for immunocastration in three sire lines. Res Vet Sci 2019; 124:293-302. [PMID: 31026762 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunocastration (vaccination against boar taint) is an alternative method to prevent boar taint without the need for surgical castration. This study investigates the evolution of boar taint compounds in serum and fat, serum steroid compounds as well as behavior in immunocastrated pigs from 3 sire lines: 15 stress positive Belgian Piétrain (BP), 20 stress negative French Piétrain (FP), and 20 stress negative Canadian Duroc (CD). Hormone and boar taint compounds in serum were determined at 4 time points; boar taint compounds in fat were determined at 3 time points. Behavior, skin lesions, animal and pen fouling were also recorded before the first vaccination (<V1), between the first and second vaccination (<V2), and after the second vaccination (>V2). Aggressiveness, eating and drinking and general activity behavior declined from <V1 to <V2 and > V2 for all sire lines. Pigs from BP were cleaner than FP and CD pigs. Even though immunocastration was effective in general (reduced testosterone, estradiol as well as androstenone in serum) for all sire lines, some individual pigs showed either androstenone or skatole levels in fat above cutoff values. While the immunocastration mechanism works as intended for androstenone, and also for skatole for the three sire lines, the risk of carcasses with boar taint compounds above cutoff levels (respectively 1.9 and 3.7%) still remains to some extent.
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Burkemper MC, Pairis-Garcia MD, Moraes LE, Park RM, Moeller SJ. Effects of Oral Meloxicam and Topical Lidocaine on Pain associated Behaviors of Piglets Undergoing Surgical Castration. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2019; 23:209-218. [PMID: 30905178 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2019.1590717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to find a practical means of reducing pain associated with surgical castration by evaluating the effects of oral meloxicam and topical lidocaine, separately and in combination, on behavioral indicators of pain in piglets. Two hundred thirty-five piglets were surgically castrated between three and seven days of age. Immediately following castration, piglets received one of four treatments: (1) No pain mitigation (C; control; n = 58); (2) NSAID only (M; meloxicam; n = 59); (3) Topical anesthetic (L; lidocaine spray; n = 60); or (4) NSAID and topical anesthetic (X; meloxicam and lidocaine spray; n = 59). Behaviors were recorded by direct observation of individual piglets using five-minute scan samples over a five-hour period, for three days post-castration. Results of the experiment demonstrate the administration of oral meloxicam and topical lidocaine spray at the time of castration under the current methods did not mitigate pain associated with the procedure (P = 0.09; C: 2.1 ± 0.1, L: 2.4 ± 0.1, M: 2.1 ± 0.1 and X: 2.1 ± 0.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Burkemper
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - M D Pairis-Garcia
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - L E Moraes
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - R M Park
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Station, TX, USA
| | - S J Moeller
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Park J, Campbell C, Squires E, de Lange C, Mandell I. Effects of pig genotype, immunological castration, and use of ractopamine on growth performance, carcass traits, and pork quality for entire male pigs. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2017-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Entire male (EM) pigs (152; ∼30 kg body weight) were used to examine immunocastration using Improvest and feeding ractopamine on growth performance, carcass and meat quality, and fatty acid composition. Timing for administering second dose of Improvest compared dosing at 4 and 8 wk pre-slaughter. A factorial arrangement evaluated two genotypes [Large Whites and Duroc crossbreds (Durocs)] by five management regimens (EM fed control diet, EM fed ractopamine, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 8 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter plus ractopamine). Average daily gain and gain to feed (G:F) were generally greater (P ≤ 0.01) in Durocs. Immunocastration increased (P < 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI); feeding ractopamine decreased (P < 0.02) DMI and increased (P < 0.03) G:F. Immunocastration decreased (P < 0.04) carcass and lean yields; feeding ractopamine increased (P < 0.04) carcass weights, lean yield, muscling, and longissimus shear force while decreasing (P < 0.01) backfats. Immunocastration did not affect loin pH, color, drip loss, and shear force. Timing for second Improvest dose did not affect most growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits except for greater (P < 0.02) backfats when administering dose 8 wk pre-slaughter. Effects of immunocastration and (or) feeding ractopamine were relatively consistent in both genotypes evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Park
- ADM Animal Nutrition, Woodstock, ON N4S 0A8, Canada
| | - C.P. Campbell
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E.J. Squires
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - C.F.M. de Lange
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - I.B. Mandell
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Xue Y, Zheng W, Zhang F, Rao S, Peng Z, Yao W. Effect of immunocastration on growth performance, gonadal development and carcass and meat quality of SuHuai female pigs. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an16733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was aimed to compare growth performance, gonadal development, carcass characteristic and meat quality among SuHuai entire, immunocastrated and surgically castrated female pigs. Eighty 12-week-old SuHuai gilts were randomly assigned to the following four treatment groups with four pigs per pen and five replicate pens per treatment: control (PBS injection), two-dose Improvac regimen (V2), three-dose Improvac regimen (V3) and surgical castration (S). All pigs had ad libitum access to standard diets and water. The performance and occurrence of oestrus were recorded in the trial. Backfat thickness and loin eye muscle area were recorded ultrasonically. The pigs were slaughtered to measure the weight and size of the uterus, and the weight and activity of the ovaries, to determine the serum concentrations of progesterone, and to evaluate the quality of carcass and meat. There were no significant differences in growth performance among the four groups, except for the V2, which had a better average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). Carcass and meat quality were comparable among the four groups; however, the intramuscular fat in control was higher than the V2 and V3 (P < 0.01). Mean ovary and uterus weights and oestrus of female pigs in V2 and V3 were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than in control, but the difference between the V2 and V3 was not significant. The concentration of progesterone in the control was significantly higher than that in the V2, V3 and S (P < 0.05). These results indicated that immunocastration successfully suppressed gonadal development and had no adverse effects on growth performance, or carcass or meat-quality traits in Chinese SuHuai female pigs.
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Srisuwatanasagul K, Prapaiwan N, Srisuwatanasagul S, Kunavongkrit A, Roongsitthichai A. Immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 protein, androgen receptor, and estrogen receptor beta in testicular tissues of male pigs immunocastrated with different times of GnRH vaccination. Anat Histol Embryol 2018; 47:475-480. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nawarus Prapaiwan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health; Mahidol University; Nakhon Pathom Thailand
| | - Sayamon Srisuwatanasagul
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; Department of Anatomy; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Annop Kunavongkrit
- School of Agricultural Resources; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Atthaporn Roongsitthichai
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Veterinary Clinic Research Unit; Mahasarakham University; Maha Sarakham Thailand
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Office of Academic Affairs; Mahasarakham University; Maha Sarakham Thailand
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Akit H, Collins C, Fahri F, Hung A, D'Souza D, Leury B, Dunshea F. Dietary lecithin improves feed efficiency without impacting meat quality in immunocastrated male pigs and gilts fed a summer ration containing added fat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 4:203-209. [PMID: 30140760 PMCID: PMC6103466 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sex and dietary lecithin on growth performance, meat quality, muscle collagen content and gene expression of key genes involved in collagen synthesis in finisher pigs. A total of 256 pigs (Large White × Landrace) were allotted to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement involving sex (gilt or immunocastrated [IC] male) and dietary treatment (0 or 5 g/kg of dietary lecithin). All diets were formulated to contain 4.6% tallow with relatively high total fat of 6.3%. After 5 weeks of dietary treatment, pigs were slaughtered and Longissimus dorsi muscle was obtained for evaluation of meat quality and collagen content. Rectus abdominis muscle was analysed for gene expression of key genes involved in collagen synthesis namely, type I (α1) procollagen (COL1A1), type III (α1) procollagen (COL3A1), α-subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H), lysyl oxidase and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). The results showed that lecithin improved feed efficiency of all pigs (P < 0.05) but it had no effect on feed intake, average daily gain and dressing percentage (P > 0.05). Lecithin also had no effect on meat compression, shear force, collagen content and gene expression (P > 0.05). Immunocastrated male had higher growth rate and increased COL1A1 expression than gilts. However, sex had no effect on fat depth at the P2 site (65 mm from the midline over the last rib), collagen content and expression of other genes (P > 0.05). In conclusion, lecithin improved feed efficiency in finishing pigs without impacting pork quality. Thus, inclusion of lecithin in diets containing high amount of tallow during the summer period could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henny Akit
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Fahri Fahri
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Alex Hung
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Darryl D'Souza
- Australian Pork Ltd., Level 2, 2 Brisbane Avenue, Barton Capital Territory, 2600, Australia
| | - Brian Leury
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Frank Dunshea
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Abstract
During oestrus, fattening female pigs are more prone to lameness, fractures and wounds due to mounting and agonistic behaviours of penmates. This study assessed the effect of sexual maturity on the behaviour and welfare of heavy female pigs slaughtered at 36 weeks of age (180±10 kg) for dry-cured ham production. An immunocastrated control group was used for comparison. In all, 56 15-week-old female pigs, individually identifiable by back tattoos were equally distributed among four pens. All animals from two pens were subject to a three-dose immunocastration schedule at 16, 20 and 32 weeks of age. Skin lesions and behaviours were assessed at 18, 23, 28, 33 and 36 weeks of age. A blood sample was collected at 20, 24, 28 and 32 weeks of age for assessing health/stress parameters and GnRH antibodies. At slaughter, ovaries were weighed, measured and histologically examined; stomachs, carcasses and lungs were scored for lesions and a further blood sample was taken. Immunocastrated pigs did not significantly differ from controls in growth rate, feed efficiency and slaughter performances (lung score, gastric score, backfat thickness). However, they showed a lower frequency of aggressive interactions at 33 and 36 weeks, lower front lesions at 28 weeks, but higher at 30 weeks; a lower haptoglobin level at 28 weeks, a lower level of cortisol and back lesions at slaughter (36 weeks). These findings suggest a low, yet not negligible, impact of sexual maturity on the welfare of heavy female pigs.
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Eating quality traits of shoulder roast and stir fry cuts outperformed loin and silverside cuts sourced from entire and immunocastrated male pigs. Meat Sci 2017; 136:104-115. [PMID: 29121524 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of ageing period (2 or 7days), endpoint temperature (70 or 75°C), cut type (loin (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum), silverside (M. biceps femoris), blade (M. triceps brachii) and chuck tender (M. supraspinatus)), cooking method (roast and stir fry (all cuts) and steak (loin only)) on eating quality attributes of pork from entire and immunocastrated male pigs. Higher intramuscular fat levels were found in all cuts from immunocastrated males compared with entire males. Of the seven cut type×cooking method combinations evaluated, shoulder cuts had the lowest fail rate (P<0.001) and loin steak and silverside cuts scored lowest (P<0.001) for tenderness, juiciness, overall liking, quality grade and re-purchase intention. Although no differences in sensory scores due to gender were observed, boar taint was identified in 10% of entire males. Minimising adverse risks in eating quality due to boar taint in males remains a key industry issue to ensure consistent delivery of high quality pork.
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Čandek-Potokar M, Škrlep M, Zamaratskaia G. Immunocastration as Alternative to Surgical Castration in Pigs. Theriogenology 2017. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.68650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Morales J, Dereu A, Manso A, de Frutos L, Piñeiro C, Manzanilla EG, Wuyts N. Surgical castration with pain relief affects the health and productive performance of pigs in the suckling period. Porcine Health Manag 2017; 3:18. [PMID: 28879020 PMCID: PMC5585944 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-017-0066-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical castration is still practiced in many EU countries to avoid undesirable aggressive behavior and boar taint in male pigs. However, evidence shows that castration is painful and has a detrimental influence on pig health. This study investigated the clinical and productive effects of surgical castration in the suckling period. A total of 3696 male pigs, 3 to 6 days old, comprising of 721 litters from two different farms were included in the study. Within each litter, half of the males were kept as intact males (IM) and half were surgically castrated (CM). Surgical castration was conducted by a trained farmer. Average daily gain (ADG), body weight at weaning (BWW), percentage of pre-weaning mortality (PWM) and antibiotic usage were measured. Pig major acute phase protein (PigMAP) serum concentrations were analyzed prior to castration, and on days 1 and 10 after castration. Productive performance data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Mortality and percentage of pigs treated with antibiotics were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS No overall differences in BWW and ADG were observed between the two groups. However, differences were observed when the same effects were analyzed in the 25% lightest, 50% medium and 25% heaviest pigs at birth. PWM was higher in CM than in IM groups (6.3% vs 3.6%; p < 0.001), especially in the light (12.2% vs 6.2%; p = 0.02) and in the medium (5.5% vs 2.7%; p = 0.04) weight groups. In the heaviest pigs group PWM was not affected by castration, but IM tended to show higher ADG (p = 0.06) and showed higher BWW (8.0 kg vs 7.8 kg; p = 0.05) than CM. There were no differences in percentage of pigs treated with antibiotics between the two groups (5.8% vs 5.8%; p = 0.98) in this study. Furthermore, PigMAP was increased in CM the day after castration (0.944 mg/ml vs 0.847 mg/ml; p = 0.025), but there was no difference between CM and IM groups at day 10. CONCLUSIONS Surgical castration has a negative impact on production in the suckling period because it causes an increase in PWM, especially in pigs in the three lower quartiles for body weight, and negatively affects the BWW in pigs born in the highest quartile for body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Morales
- PigCHAMP Pro Europa S.L. c, Santa Catalina, 10, Segovia, Spain
| | - Andre Dereu
- Zoetis Inc, Hoge Wei 10, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Alberto Manso
- PigCHAMP Pro Europa S.L. c, Santa Catalina, 10, Segovia, Spain
| | - Laura de Frutos
- PigCHAMP Pro Europa S.L. c, Santa Catalina, 10, Segovia, Spain
| | - Carlos Piñeiro
- PigCHAMP Pro Europa S.L. c, Santa Catalina, 10, Segovia, Spain
| | | | - Niels Wuyts
- Zoetis Inc, Hoge Wei 10, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium
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FERNANDES AR, PENA MSD, CARMO MAD, COUTINHO GDA, BENEVENUTO JUNIOR AA. Desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade de carne de suínos sob castração cirúrgica ou imunológica. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE E PRODUÇÃO ANIMAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-99402017000200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar o desempenho e as características quantitativas e qualitativas de carcaça de suínos machos castrados cirurgicamente e imunocastrados em terminação. Foram utilizados 32 animais obtidos do cruzamento entre Landrace e Large White com peso inicial médio de 92 kg, sendo 16 machos castrados cirurgicamente e 16 machos imunocastrados. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos, machos castrados cirurgicamente ou machos imunocastrados, com oito repetições e dois animais por repetição. Não foi constatada diferença (P>0,05) no consumo de ração diário entre os animais castrados e imunocastrados. Entretanto, observou-se aumento (P=0,05) no ganho de peso diário dos machos imunocastrados em relação aos castrados cirurgicamente. Constatou-se ainda que suínos imunocastrados obtiveram uma espessura de toucinho inferior em relação aos suínos castrados cirurgicamente (P<0,05). A forma de castração não influenciou as demais características de carcaça. As características qualitativas não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelo método de castração. Conclui-se que a imunocastração aumenta o ganho de peso diário, reduz a espessura de toucinho e não afeta as características qualitativas de carcaças.
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Puls CL, Rojo A, Matzat PD, Schroeder AL, Ellis M. Behavior of immunologically castrated barrows in comparison to gilts, physically castrated barrows, and intact male pigs. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:2345-2353. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Moore KL, Mullan BP, Kim JC, Payne HG, Dunshea FR. Effect of feed restriction and initial body weight on growth performance, body composition, and hormones in male pigs immunized against gonadotropin-releasing factor. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:3966-3977. [PMID: 27898886 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs immunized against gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnRF) have increased carcass fatness compared to entire males; however, the timing of this increase in fatness after the second immunization against GnRF has not been determined. An experiment was conducted to identify and compare the growth performance, body composition, and physiological changes in immunocastrated males (IC males) at different BW and feeding levels. A total of 64 pigs were used in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment with the treatments being 1) sex (entire males or IC males), 2) initial BW (45.9 kg [light] or 78.3 kg [heavy]), and 3) feeding regime (2.5 times maintenance [restricted] or ad libitum). The pigs were individually housed, and the diets were fed for 4 wk after the second immunization against GnRF until slaughter at either 68.4 kg BW (light) or 105.8 kg BW (heavy). Immunocastrated males on a restricted feed intake had a lower ADG compared to entire males from d 15 to 28 and d 0 to 28 ( 0.011 and 0.011, respectively). Fat deposition was not affected by sex from d 0 to 14, but from d 15 to 28 IC males deposited 45 g/d more fat than entire males ( = 0.025). Immunocastrated male pigs fed ad libitum deposited 87 g/d more fat from d 15 to 28 than entire males fed ad libitum ( = 0.036). However, there was no difference in fat deposition between IC males and entire males when feed intake was restricted from d 15 to 28. Plasma urea nitrogen levels were greater in IC males compared to entire males from d 7 after the second immunization against GnRF ( 0.05 for d 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28). Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 were lower for IC males compared to entire males on d 3, 7, 10, and 28 ( 0.05 for all days). The following conclusions were made: 1) when pigs are immunized at a light BW (50 kg) and/or are on a restricted feed intake, they have a reduced propensity to deposit fat; however, the restriction in feed intake adversely affects growth rate. 2) The majority of fat deposition for males immunized at heavy BW (80 kg) occurs from d 15 to 28 after the second immunization against GnRF.
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Growth responses of entire and immunocastrated male pigs to dietary protein with and without ractopamine hydrochloride. Animal 2017; 11:1482-1487. [PMID: 28215197 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between dietary balanced protein, ractopamine (RAC) and Improvac (IMP) on the growth response of 120 individually penned male PIC© pigs was evaluated. The pigs entered the trial at 16 weeks of age and were assigned to 12 treatments using a 2×2×3 factorial design. Three balanced protein diets, formulated with standard illeal digestible lysine levels of 7.50 (low), 9.79 (medium) and 12.07 g/kg (high), were fed from 20 weeks. Improvac was administered at 16 and 20 weeks, the booster being given 4 weeks before slaughter. Ractopamine was supplemented at 10 mg/kg to the applicable treatments from 20 weeks. Live weight, backfat depth and food intake were measured on a weekly basis. Primary vaccination had no influence on the parameters measured. Immunocastration, RAC and higher protein diet treatments increased weight gain, but food intake was increased only with the use of IMP. Although weight gain increased in IMP-treated males, the increased feed intake resulted in their feed conversion efficiencies (FCE) being inferior to the intact controls. Feeding RAC only benefitted FCE when a high or medium protein diet was fed. Immunocastrates deposited more backfat after the booster vaccination than did entire males. Thus the cost of using RAC, IMP and of increasing dietary protein content needs to be weighed up against the additional revenue generated through the use of these interventions.
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Behavior of Pigs Reared in Enriched Environment: Alternatives to Extend Pigs Attention. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0168427. [PMID: 28060849 PMCID: PMC5218552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Three trials were carried out in a completely randomized design aiming to assess the behavior of pigs in growth phase in enriched environments. Trial 1 evaluated the effects of frequency of availability of environmental enrichment. The animals were assigned to four treatments: 1) control with no enrichment object; 2) objects provided for six consecutive days uninterruptedly; 3) objects provided on alternate days, and 4) objects provided for six consecutive days taken away by the end of the afternoon and replaced at dawn. Trial 2 assessed the effects of scent on animals’ acceptance and maintenance of interest in objects. Animals were assigned to four treatments: 1) unscented object; 2) object with banana scent; 3) object with rum scent; 4) object with scents alternated every other day. Trial 3 aimed to assess the influence of environmental enrichment based on providing rewards at different difficulty levels. Animals were assigned to three treatments: 1) object with no reward; 2) object with a reward at an easy level; 3) object with a reward at a difficult level. Each trial had six days of behavioral observations every ten minutes for eight hours each day using images from video cameras. Enrichment objects stimulated the animals’ natural behavior of nuzzling and exploring the environment. The way the objects were available did not impact the success of their use. Offering enrichment on alternate days or removing the objects by the end of the day was not an effective strategy to extend the animals’ interest. The olfactory stimulus in environmental enrichment objects had no positive effect on extending the animals’ interest on them, nor did alternating the aromas. The tactile stimulus was a key factor for object attractiveness. Providing environmental enrichment objects with rewards stimulated the exploratory behavior of pigs. The level of difficulty to obtain the reward may discourage the animals.
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Channon HA, D'Souza DN, Dunshea FR. Guaranteeing consistently high quality Australian pork: are we any closer? ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/an17266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Considerable investment has been made by the Australian pork industry over several decades, to address key factors that affect pork quality, so as to improve consumer acceptability of pork and pork products. These outcomes have been utilised to inform on-farm quality assurance programs, develop effective solutions to negate boar taint issues associated with the production of entire males, drive continuous improvement in animal management and encourage new technologies to be implemented in both the production and processing sectors of the Australian pork supply chain. Australian Pork Limited’s Strategic Plan 2015–20 is focused on maintaining profitable and sustainable growth in existing markets and developing strong foundations to support new opportunities, both in Australia and internationally. Guaranteeing that pork available for purchase is always consistently high in eating quality will support ongoing consumer demand for pork through increased consumption frequency. However, achieving this on an everyday basis presents industry with significant challenges due to the many complex interactions among the production, processing and post-slaughter factors experienced by pigs, carcasses and pork that can influence final product quality, either singularly or in combination. The present paper describes recent quantitative studies to determine the size and effect of pathway parameters on eating quality attributes of fresh pork and knowledge gaps identified. Outcomes of consumer sensory studies to inform the development of a non-prescriptive cuts-based eating quality system for pork and commercially validate particular pathway interventions are detailed. Through the implementation of validated pathway interventions to optimise pork eating quality, the overall industry objective is to reduce eating quality fail rates of different pork cuts to less than 10%.
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The influence of vaccination interval on growth, carcass traits and testicle parameters of immunocastrated ram lambs. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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The Effect of Lupinus albus and Calcium Chloride on Growth Performance, Body Composition, Plasma Biochemistry and Meat Quality of Male Pigs Immunized Against Gonadotrophin Releasing Factor. Animals (Basel) 2016; 6:ani6120078. [PMID: 27916928 PMCID: PMC5187501 DOI: 10.3390/ani6120078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pigs immunized against gonadotrophin releasing factor (immunocastrated (IC) males) have an increased feed intake, growth rate, back fat and fat deposition compared to entire males. It is desirable to develop management strategies to limit the increase in feed intake and fat deposition in IC males. This experiment used in-feed ingredients (Lupinus albus (albus lupins) or a combination of calcium chloride and sodium tri-polyphosphate (mineral salts)) to try to suppress the voluntary feed intake of IC male pigs and subsequently fat deposition. Mineral salts decreased feed intake with no effect on fat deposition while albus lupins reduced both feed intake and fat deposition in pigs. Abstract Two hundred and ninety-four pigs were used to assess the effect of two ingredients (Lupinus albus (albus lupins) or a combination of calcium chloride and sodium tri-polyphosphate (mineral salts)) on growth performance, body composition and objective meat quality of pigs immunized against gonadotrophin releasing factor (immunocastrates) and entire male pigs in the late finishing phase. Pigs fed mineral salts ate less feed than those fed the control diet with no effect on growth rate (p > 0.05), backfat (p > 0.05) or fat deposition (p > 0.05). Pigs fed albus lupins had a reduced feed intake (p < 0.001 for all time periods), lower growth rate (p < 0.001 for all time periods), lower backfat (p < 0.005) and decreased fat deposition (p < 0.001 for all time periods) compared to those fed the control diet or mineral salts. From day (d) 0–28 pigs fed mineral salts had a better feed conversion ratio (p = 0.001) than those fed albus lupins who in turn had an improved feed conversion compared to the control diet. Immunocastrates had thicker backfat than entire males at the end of the experiment (p < 0.001), however, feeding albus lupins to immunocastrated males reduced backfat thickness to similar to entire males fed the control diet (p = 0.01). With the exception of the increased muscle pH at 45 min post-exsanguination in mineral salts and albus lupins compared with the control diet (p = 0.03) there was no effect of diet on objective pork quality. Pork from IC males had a higher ultimate pH (p < 0.001), was lighter (L*; p = 0.003), more yellow (p = 0.008) and had a higher drip loss (p < 0.001) compared to entire males. Albus lupins show potential in reducing the increase in feed intake and backfat associated with immunocastration. Mineral salts may be useful in situations where a reduction in feed intake and an improvement in feed conversion is desired and reducing fat deposition is not the objective.
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Dunshea F, D'Souza D, Channon H. Metabolic modifiers as performance-enhancing technologies for livestock production. Anim Front 2016. [DOI: 10.2527/af.2016-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F.R. Dunshea
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 VIC Australia
| | - D.N. D'Souza
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 VIC Australia
| | - H.A. Channon
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 VIC Australia
- Australian Pork Limited, P.O. Box 4746, Kingston ACT 2604 Australia
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