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Sun L, Liu G, Jiang X. Relationships of infrared thermography temperature with core temperature in goat. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:138. [PMID: 38649543 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Rectal temperature is widely used as an indicator of animal health. However, rectal temperature is conventionally measured by an invasive method, which may reduce animal welfare. So, this study aimed to determine the relationships between the deep-body (core) temperature and body surface temperatures in goats and develop a linear regression equation to establish the core temperature based on body surface temperatures. Body surface temperatures (head, eye, muzzle, horn, back, scrotum and groin) of goats were measured by infrared thermography (IRT). Ambient temperatures were measured by digital thermometer. Core temperatures were measured by a digital vet thermometer. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between body surface temperatures, ambient temperature, and core temperature. Simple linear regression analysis was used to develop core temperature assessment equations. Correlation analysis showed that groin temperature was highly correlated with core temperature, and low correlated with ambient temperature. The body surface temperature of other region was low correlated with core temperature, and highly correlated with ambient temperature. Regression analysis showed that the determination coefficient of core temperature assessment equation based on groin temperature was the highest (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.55), and those based on surface temperature of other regions were low (P < 0.01, R2 ≤ 0.16). We concluded that body surface temperatures obtained by IRT could be used for the assessment of goat core temperature. The core temperature assessment equations developed by the temperature of the body surface, which is less affected by ambient temperature, was found to have a higher determination coefficient than the equations developed using body surface temperature that is more affected by ambient temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Sun
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Bluhm NDP, Tomlin GM, Hoilett OS, Lehner EA, Walters BD, Pickering AS, Bautista KA, Bucher SL, Linnes JC. Preclinical validation of NeoWarm, a low-cost infant warmer and carrier device, to ameliorate induced hypothermia in newborn piglets as models for human neonates. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1378008. [PMID: 38633325 PMCID: PMC11021732 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1378008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Approximately 1.5 million neonatal deaths occur among premature and small (low birthweight or small-for gestational age) neonates annually, with a disproportionate amount of this mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypothermia, the inability of newborns to regulate their body temperature, is common among prematurely born and small babies, and often underlies high rates of mortality in this population. In high-resource settings, incubators and radiant warmers are the gold standard for hypothermia, but this equipment is often scarce in LMICs. Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-skin care (KMC/STS) is an evidence-based intervention that has been targeted for scale-up among premature and small neonates. However, KMC/STS requires hours of daily contact between a neonate and an able adult caregiver, leaving little time for the caregiver to care for themselves. To address this, we created a novel self-warming biomedical device, NeoWarm, to augment KMC/STS. The present study aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of NeoWarm. Methods Sixteen, 0-to-5-day-old piglets were used as an animal model due to similarities in their thermoregulatory capabilities, circulatory systems, and approximate skin composition to human neonates. The piglets were placed in an engineered cooling box to drop their core temperature below 36.5°C, the World Health Organizations definition of hypothermia for human neonates. The piglets were then warmed in NeoWarm (n = 6) or placed in the ambient 17.8°C ± 0.6°C lab environment (n = 5) as a control to assess the efficacy of NeoWarm in regulating their core body temperature. Results All 6 piglets placed in NeoWarm recovered from hypothermia, while none of the 5 piglets in the ambient environment recovered. The piglets warmed in NeoWarm reached a significantly higher core body temperature (39.2°C ± 0.4°C, n = 6) than the piglets that were warmed in the ambient environment (37.9°C ± 0.4°C, n = 5) (p < 0.001). No piglet in the NeoWarm group suffered signs of burns or skin abrasions. Discussion Our results in this pilot study indicate that NeoWarm can safely and effectively warm hypothermic piglets to a normal core body temperature and, with additional validation, shows promise for potential use among human premature and small neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick D. P. Bluhm
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Grant M. Tomlin
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Orlando S. Hoilett
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Elena A. Lehner
- The Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Walters
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alyson S. Pickering
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Sherri L. Bucher
- Department of Community and Global Health, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jacqueline C. Linnes
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Tucker BS, Jorquera-Chavez M, Petrovski KR, Craig JR, Morrison RS, Smits RJ, Kirkwood RN. Comparing surface temperature locations with rectal temperature in neonatal piglets under production conditions. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2023.2176310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryony S. Tucker
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Australia
| | | | - Kiro R. Petrovski
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Australia
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Jessica R. Craig
- Research and Innovation, Rivalea Australia Pty Ltd., Corowa, Australia
| | | | - Robert J. Smits
- Australia Research and Innovation, Australian Pork Limited, Barton, Australia
| | - Roy N. Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Australia
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Ibáñez C, Moreno-Manrique M, Villagrá A, Bueso-Ródenas J, Mínguez C. Evaluation of Non-Contact Device to Measure Body Temperature in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:98. [PMID: 38200829 PMCID: PMC10778359 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010098] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-contact devices have been used in the measurement of body temperature in livestock production as a tool for testing disease in different species. However, there are few studies about the variation and correlations in body temperature between rectal temperature (RT) and non-contact devices such as non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT) and thermal imaging/infrared thermography (IRT). The objective of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of non-contact devices to measure the body temperature in sheep, considering six body regions and the possibility of implementing these systems in herd management. The experiment was carried out at the experimental farm of the Catholic University of Valencia, located in the municipality of Massanassa in July of 2021, with 72 dry manchega ewes, and we compared the rectal temperature with two types of non-contact infrared devices for the assessment of body temperature in healthy sheep. Except for the temperature taken by NCIT at the muzzle, the correlation between RT vs. NCIT or IRT showed a low significance or was difficult to use for practical flock management purposes. In addition, the variability between devices was high, which implies that measurements should be interpreted with caution in warm climates and open pens, such as most sheep farms in the Spanish Mediterranean area. The use of infrared cameras devices to assess body temperature may have a promising future, but in order to be widely applied as a routine management method on farms, the system needs to become cheaper, simpler in terms of measurements and quicker in terms of analyzing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ibáñez
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Mártir”, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (C.I.); (C.M.)
| | - María Moreno-Manrique
- Doctoral School, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Mártir”, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Aránzazu Villagrá
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología Animal (CITA), Valencian Institute for Agricultura Research (IVIA), 12400 Segorbe, Spain;
| | - Joel Bueso-Ródenas
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Mártir”, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (C.I.); (C.M.)
| | - Carlos Mínguez
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Mártir”, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (C.I.); (C.M.)
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Tucker BS, Petrovski KR, Craig JR, Morrison RS, Smits RJ, Kirkwood RN. Associations between Surface and Rectal Temperature Profiles of Low-Birth-Weight Piglets. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3259. [PMID: 37893983 PMCID: PMC10603746 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203259] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of infrared cameras to record surface temperature has shown some promise in older pigs, but neonatal piglets are metabolically less mature and experience rapid temperature changes during their first 24 h. The present experiment aimed to compare rectal temperature to surface temperature at the base of the ear, measured using an infrared camera, for piglets of different birth weights. During farrowing, 48 multiparous sows were monitored, and rectal and surface temperatures were recorded for their lower-birth-weight (≤1.2 kg) piglets within 3 min of birth and at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.50, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h. Piglet birth weights were assigned to one of three categories (BWC): BWC1 (≤0.80 kg), BWC2 (0.81 to 1.10 kg), or BWC3 (1.11 to 1.20 kg). Piglet rectal temperatures at 1.25 h after birth were assigned to one of three categories: RC1 (≤32.0 °C), RC2 (32.1 to 35.0 °C), or RC3 (≥35.1 °C). Surface temperatures showed a similar recovery pattern to rectal temperatures in the first 24 h across all piglet birth weights, although large and variable differences seen in the current study militate against surface temperature being an appropriate replacement for neonatal rectal temperature for use in production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony S. Tucker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (K.R.P.); (R.N.K.)
| | - Kiro R. Petrovski
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (K.R.P.); (R.N.K.)
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Jessica R. Craig
- Rivalea Australia Pty. Ltd., JBS Australia Pork Division, Corowa, NSW 2646, Australia; (J.R.C.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Rebecca S. Morrison
- Rivalea Australia Pty. Ltd., JBS Australia Pork Division, Corowa, NSW 2646, Australia; (J.R.C.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Robert J. Smits
- Research and Innovation, Australian Pork Limited, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia;
| | - Roy N. Kirkwood
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (K.R.P.); (R.N.K.)
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Liedel C, Rieckmann K, Baums CG. A critical review on experimental Streptococcus suis infection in pigs with a focus on clinical monitoring and refinement strategies. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:188. [PMID: 37798634 PMCID: PMC10552360 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03735-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pig pathogen worldwide with zoonotic potential. Though different research groups have contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of S. suis infections in recent years, there are still numerous neglected research topics requiring animal infection trials. Of note, animal experiments are crucial to develop a cross-protective vaccine which is highly needed in the field. Due to the severe clinical signs associated with S. suis pathologies such as meningitis and arthritis, implementation of refinement is very important to reduce pain and distress of experimentally infected pigs. This review highlights the great diversity of clinical signs and courses of disease after experimental S. suis pig infections. We review clinical read out parameters and refinement strategies in experimental S. suis pig infections published between 2000 and 2021. Currently, substantial differences exist in describing clinical monitoring and humane endpoints. Most of the reviewed studies set the body temperature threshold of fever as high as 40.5°C. Monitoring intervals vary mainly between daily, twice a day and three times a day. Only a few studies apply scoring systems. Published scoring systems are inconsistent in their inclusion of parameters such as body temperature, feeding behavior, and respiratory signs. Locomotion and central nervous system signs are more common clinical scoring parameters in different studies by various research groups. As the heterogenicity in clinical monitoring limits the comparability between studies we hope to initiate a discussion with this review leading to an agreement on clinical read out parameters and monitoring intervals among S. suis research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Liedel
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Karoline Rieckmann
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Christoph G Baums
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 29, Leipzig, 04103, Germany.
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7
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Gómez-Prado J, Pereira AMF, Wang D, Villanueva-García D, Domínguez-Oliva A, Mora-Medina P, Hernández-Avalos I, Martínez-Burnes J, Casas-Alvarado A, Olmos-Hernández A, Ramírez-Necoechea R, Verduzco-Mendoza A, Hernández A, Torres F, Mota-Rojas D. Thermoregulation mechanisms and perspectives for validating thermal windows in pigs with hypothermia and hyperthermia: An overview. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1023294. [PMID: 36532356 PMCID: PMC9751486 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1023294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific anatomical characteristics make the porcine species especially sensitive to extreme temperature changes, predisposing them to pathologies and even death due to thermal stress. Interest in improving animal welfare and porcine productivity has led to the development of various lines of research that seek to understand the effect of certain environmental conditions on productivity and the impact of implementing strategies designed to mitigate adverse effects. The non-invasive infrared thermography technique is one of the tools most widely used to carry out these studies, based on detecting changes in microcirculation. However, evaluations using this tool require reliable thermal windows; this can be challenging because several factors can affect the sensitivity and specificity of the regions selected. This review discusses the thermal windows used with domestic pigs and the association of thermal changes in these regions with the thermoregulatory capacity of piglets and hogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Gómez-Prado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo M. F. Pereira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Polo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | - Dehua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dina Villanueva-García
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ramiro Ramírez-Necoechea
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Astrid Hernández
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fabiola Torres
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
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Giannetto C, Acri G, Pennisi M, Piccione G, Arfuso F, Falcone A, Giudice E, Di Pietro S. Short Communication: Use of Infrared Thermometers for Cutaneous Temperature Recording: Agreement with the Rectal Temperature in Felis catus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101275. [PMID: 35625121 PMCID: PMC9137465 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101275] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The recording of body temperature by rectal temperature assessments is a stressful procedure for cats. For this purpose, alternative methods for using rectal digital thermometers to monitor body temperature were investigated. Skin temperature was recorded in 20 cats, in 5 different body regions, and compared with the rectal temperature. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. Abstract In veterinary medicine, the gold standard for assessing body temperature is rectal temperature assessment. Considering that this procedure is stressful for many species, in particular for cats, it could be clinically important to consider an alternative approach for the monitoring of core body temperature. The aim of this study was to test if cutaneous temperature measurements by means of different infrared thermometers are in agreement with the most commonly used method for body temperature measurement in cats. The cutaneous temperature was recorded in the jugular, shoulder, rib, flank, and inner thigh, using three different non-contact infrared thermometers (IR1, IR2, and IR3) in 20 cats. The cutaneous temperature was then compared to the rectal temperature, recorded by means of a digital thermometer. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. In cats, the use of non-contact infrared thermometers gave no reproducible or constant data to justify their application for the recording of body temperature instead of rectal temperature recording. In addition, the infrared temperature measurement devices generated results that were not in good agreement among themselves, providing a novel result of clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Acri
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Melissa Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Annastella Falcone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
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9
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Liu X, Song P, Yan H, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhao F, Gao H, Hou X, Shi L, Li B, Wang L. A Comparison of the Behavior, Physiology, and Offspring Resilience of Gestating Sows When Raised in a Group Housing System and Individual Stalls. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072076. [PMID: 34359203 PMCID: PMC8300341 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The housing patterns of gestating sows affect their health and welfare. In this study, the differences between behavior and stress hormone levels were assessed when sows were housed in a group housing system compared to individual stalls; in addition, the disease resistance and resilience of their piglets were compared. In our investigation, the group-housed sows showed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, less sitting behavior, and lower stress hormone levels throughout pregnancy. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection test revealed that the offspring of group-housed sows showed better resistance and resilience to disease. Therefore, the gestating sows raised in a group housing system and their piglets are healthier and have improved welfare. Our results show that a group housing system provides higher welfare standards, with conditions that are more suitable for gestating sows in modern pig production. Abstract Being in a confined environment causes chronic stress in gestating sows, which is detrimental for sow health, welfare and, consequently, offspring physiology. This study assessed the health and welfare of gestating sows housed in a group housing system compared to individual gestation stalls. After pregnancy was confirmed, experimental sows were divided randomly into two groups: the group housing system (GS), with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system; or individual stall (IS). The behavior of sows housed in the GS or IS was then compared; throughout pregnancy, GS sows displayed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, and less sitting behavior (p < 0.05). IS sows showed higher stress hormone levels than GS sows. In particular, at 41 days of gestation, the concentration of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenaline (A) in IS sows was significantly higher than that of GS sows, and the A level of IS sows remained significantly higher at 71 days of gestation (p < 0.01). The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) test was carried out in the weaned piglets of the studied sows. Compared with the offspring of gestating sows housed in GS (PG) or IS (PS), PG experienced a shorter period of high temperature and showed a quicker return to the normal state (p < 0.05). Additionally, their lower levels of stress hormone (p < 0.01) suggest that PG did not suffer from as much stress as PS. These findings suggested that gestating sows housed in GS were more able to carry out their natural behaviors and, therefore, had lower levels of stress and improved welfare. In addition, PG also showed better disease resistance and resilience. These results will provide a research basis for the welfare and breeding of gestating sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Pengkang Song
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Longchao Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Ligang Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Fuping Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Hongmei Gao
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Xinhua Hou
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Lijun Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Bugao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-010-6281-8771 (L.W.)
| | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.L.); (P.S.); (H.Y.); (L.Z.); (L.W.); (F.Z.); (H.G.); (X.H.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-010-6281-8771 (L.W.)
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