Search Results (315)

Enterococcus spp. are opportunistic and nosocomial pathogens. Intensive pig farms have been recently described as important hotspots for antibiotic resistance and reservoirs of potentially pathogenic enterococci, including other species than the most known E. faecalis and E. faecium. Here, we identified Linezolid-resistant non-E. faecalis and E. faecium (NFF) Enterococcus strains isolated from different production stages (suckling piglets, weaning pigs, and fatteners) across six intensive pig farms. The transferability of the linezolid-resistance determinants was assessed by bacterial conjugation and strains were also characterized for biofilm production, hemolytic and gelatinase activity. Among 64 identified NFF Enterococcus strains, 27 were resistant to at least three different antibiotic classes and 8/27 specifically to Linezolid. E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus both transferred their Linezolid resistance determinants to the main pathogenic species E. faecium. Remarkably, this is the first report of the optrA gene transfer from E. casseliflavus to E. faecium by conjugation, which can greatly contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among pathogenic enterococcal species. The “weaning pigs” stage exhibited a significantly higher number of antibiotic-resistant enterococci than the “fatteners”. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring pig farms as hotspots for the spread of antibiotic-resistant enterococci, especially in the early stages of production. Furthermore, they underscore the significant role of NFF Enterococcus species as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes, even to last-resort antibiotics, which may be transferable to the major enterococcal species. Full article

The occurrence of PCV2 genotypes in domestic pig production is a dynamic process that undergoes continuous change. Beginning with PCV2a as the first recognized genotype, PCV2b, and subsequently PCV2d, has become the most prevalent one over time. The present study provides an update on the prevalence of the three major PCV2 genotypes in Germany in 2024. A total of 87 fattening farms were randomly selected, proportionally based on farm density within the respective federal states. On each farm, oral fluid samples (OFs) were collected from approximately 100 pigs aged 18 (±1) weeks. Oral fluids (OFs) were pooled and screened for PCV2 DNA by qPCR. Positive samples were subsequently examined by genotype specific qPCR. In total, 31.0% (27/87) of all farms were identified as PCV2-positive. PCV2a was detected in 8.0% (7/87) of farms, while 3.4% (3/87) tested positive for both PCV2a and PCV2d. Overall, 11.5% (10/87) of all farms were PCV2d-positive. No significant effect of vaccination status of the pigs on the viral load or frequency of detection of PCV2 DNA was detected. Full article

Animal production generates gas emissions. It is imperative to reduce them as projections suggest that emissions will continue to increase with rising temperatures, alongside the intensification of agriculture to meet global food demand. Slurry acidification in-house can reduce these emissions. In this study, an acidification technology was installed in a pig-fattening barn to evaluate the influence of the addition of a mixture of organic acids, mainly lactic acid and glycolic acid, on NH₃ and GHG emissions. A total of 384 pigs were allocated to four experimental rooms, two with additive applied to the slurry pits by a spraying system and two as a control. In high-temperature conditions, the spraying system discharged additive over the slurry which, in contrast with other systems, was stored inside the rooms during the whole trial. The concentration of NH₃ and GHG, the temperature, and the air extraction rate were measured continuously. A significant reduction in the emissions of the gases evaluated was achieved. NH₃ emissions were reduced by 26.8%, CH₄ by 23.6%, N₂O by 25.0%, and CO₂ by 28.7%. The role of the dynamic spraying system is considered essential to prevent the acidification effect being reversed by the buffering effect of the slurry itself. Full article

The intergenic SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) rs80860411A>C was identified as a major QTL for drip loss measured on semimembranosus muscle (SM) in pigs. The SNP is located near the GALNT15. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between rs80860411A>C and fattening, slaughter, and quality traits of Polish pigs. This study was conducted on 235 individuals belonging to two breeds, Polish Large White (n = 187) and Pulawska (n = 48). The rs80860411 genotypes were determined using the PCR-RFLP method. Association analysis was performed for each breed separately. It was shown that rs80860411A>C had a significant effect on fattening performance traits, on several slaughter performance traits, including width of the loin eye and carcass meat content (p ≤ 0.01, p ≤ 0.05), as well as on meat color—redness (a*) (p ≤ 0,05) in Pulawska breed. The obtained results indicate that the studied SNP has the potential to be a QTN and could be included in pig selection programs, especially in Pulawska pigs. Full article

Porcine circoviruses are significant pathogens that affect swine populations worldwide, with implications for animal health and productivity. While PCV2 is well-documented, particularly due to widespread vaccination programs, PCV3 is less understood, and its epidemiological impact is still under investigation. This study screened for PCV2 and PCV3 in pigs and wild boars across Portugal to assess their prevalence. Also, nucleotide sequence determination was performed to evaluate the genetic diversity of these viruses. Stool samples from 160 pigs belonging to different groups (quarantine, nursery, fattening and adult pigs), as well as organ samples from 120 hunted wild boars, were analyzed. Samples were collected from twelve of the eighteen mainland Portuguese districts with positive cases being detected in nine of them. Pigs had a lower prevalence of PCV2 (1.9%) than PCV3 (11.2%), but the opposite was true in wild boars (76.7% for PCV2 and 55.0% for PCV3). The lower PCV2 prevalence in pigs can be attributed to the PCV2 vaccination program implemented. Additionally, these viruses were significantly more prevalent in wild boars (90.8% were infected with at least one of the viruses) than in domestic pigs (only 12.5%). This significant difference highlights the impact of the controlled environment in pig farms on disease prevention in contrast to the higher exposure risks faced by wild boars in their natural habitat. Compared to a previous study from 2023, we observed a slight decrease in the percentage of positive cases for both PCV2 and PCV3. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences obtained by Sanger sequencing allowed us to conclude that the samples from domestic pigs belong to the PCV2a and PCV3c clades, in contrast to the PCV2-positive cases detected in domestic pigs in 2023 that were classified in the PCV2d genotype. Conversely, samples from wild boars belong to the PCV2d and PCV3a clades. These results reveal genotype differences between wild and domestic pigs and shifts from 2023 to 2024. Our findings provide some information about the circulation of these viruses and emphasize the importance of vaccination and continued monitoring for a deeper understanding of their epidemiology to mitigate potential risks to swine health and production. Full article

Fermented feed has considerable potential as a high-quality protein source in animal production. This research aimed to examine the effects of a low-protein (LP) diet, supplemented with fermented feed, on the meat quality and intestinal health of growing–fattening pigs. The pigs were randomly divided into three groups, and a total of 72 growing–fattening pigs were subjected to the experiment. They were fed the control (CON) diet, LP diet, and LP diet supplemented with fermented rapeseed meals and fermented distiller’s grains (FLP), respectively. The results indicated that the FLP diet altered the structure of the intestinal microbiota and regulated the composition of unsaturated fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi. Furthermore, the FLP diet upregulated the expression of genes associated with myosin heavy chain isoforms (p < 0.05) and modified the content of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of fermented distiller’s grains (FDGs) and fermented rapeseed meals (FRMs) to the LP diet enhanced fatty acid metabolism and intestinal barrier function in growing–fattening pigs. Full article

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis, an enteric disease that can affect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. Pigs play a potential role in the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. to humans, although infections are most often subclinical. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in swine farms located in Aragón, northeastern Spain. Fecal samples (n = 72) were collected from 10 breeding farms, encompassing various production stages (lactation, nursery, fattening, and/or wean-to-finish). Data regarding the type of production system (two- or three-stage), production stages, and farming facilities (the type of flooring and water source) associated with the parasite presence were also analyzed using a questionnaire. The results showed that Cryptosporidium spp. were more frequently detected in fecal samples originating from three-stage production systems (21.9%) compared to two-stage systems (12.5%). Samples from the fattening stage exhibited the highest positivity rate and estimated oocyst count (3.0 oocyst/microscopic field). Furthermore, the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. revealed the circulation of multiple species both among farms and within the same pig production flow, with Cryptosporidium scrofarum being the most prevalent species (7/72; 9.7%), followed by Cryptosporidium suis (1/72; 1.4%). These findings underscore the importance of the surveillance and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. for controlling infections in pigs, considering the potential for the zoonotic transmission of this parasite to humans. Full article

Although porcine sapelovirus (PSV) is generally subclinical, it can cause a wide range of clinical signs in some individuals, including respiratory distress, acute diarrhea, pneumonia, skin lesions, reproductive failure, and neurological diseases. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genotype of PSV isolated from domestic pigs and wild boars in Korea. We also analyzed potential recombination events, and assessed the pathogenicity of the virus through animal experiments. In wild boars, the prevalence of PSV antibodies decreased slightly (by 1.8%) over 5 years (from 2019 to 2024); however, prevalence increased significantly (by 17.8%) in breeding sows. In samples from animals with diarrhea and respiratory clinical signs, the prevalence of PSV alone was 21.1%, whereas the prevalence of PSV mixed with other pathogens was also 21.1%. The whole genome of the PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 strain isolated from a piglet with diarrhea was closely related to the Jpsv447 strain isolated in Japan in 2009, and recombination analysis predicted that the PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 strain was generated by genetic recombination between the KS05151 strain and the Jpsv447 strain. However, when the PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 strain was orally administered to 5-day-old suckling pigs, diarrhea clinical signs were mild, and no significant changes were observed in villus height and ridge depth in the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum. In addition, no neurological clinical signs were observed when the isolated virus was administered to 130-day-old pigs, and no specific lesions were found upon histopathological examination of brain tissue. In conclusion, PSV/Goryeong/KR-2019 appears to be a weakly pathogenic virus that does not cause severe diarrhea in suckling pigs, and does not cause neurological clinical signs in fattening pigs. Therefore, it is presumed that most PSVs detected in Korean pig farms are weakly pathogenic strains. Full article

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) are among the most cultivated plants in tropical and subtropical regions due to the high demand around the world. Following the harvesting and processing of pineapple, cashew and mango fruits, a huge amount of waste is generated, which is generally discarded into the environment, contributing to global pollution and water contamination. This study aims to propose alternative feeds for pigs by characterizing cashew, pineapple and mango fruit by-products through an in vitro two-step (gastro-intestinal and caecum) study to provide feeds not competing with humans and promoting eco-sustainable livestock. Ten by-products [i.e., pineapple peel and pomace; cashew nut testa, cashew (var. yellow) whole fruit and pomace; cashew (var. red) whole fruit and pomace; mango peel, kernel and testa] were sampled in Benin. The samples involved chemical analysis and an in vitro two-step digestion method (enzymatic + microbial digestibility). The results report a low dry matter (DM) content specifically in the pomace, peel and whole apple (13.0–27.2%), while higher lipids were observed for cashew nut testa and mango kernel (26.4 and 11.2% DM). The investigated by-products fall within the interval of referenced feeds for structural carbohydrates (NDF: 7.6–47.1% DM) and protein (6.21–51.2% DM), except mango by-products with a low content of protein (2.51–4.69% DM). The total dry matter digestibility, short-chain fatty acid and gas production were low for cashew by-products and stopped after 48 h of incubation. Pineapple pomace, cashew whole apple, pomace and testa can be considered as feedstuff in fattening pigs, presenting characteristics partly similar to beet pulp. Indeed, mango peel and kernel should be combined with a protein feed source to feed pigs. Presently, fruit by-products, such as those from cashew, pineapple and mango, are thrown into the environment, contributing to global warming and water pollution. These problems would be reduced by recycling these wastes in other fields, such as pig nutrition, creating a circular economy to provide feeds promoting eco-sustainable livestock. Indeed, in vivo studies are needed before proposing these by-products for pig diets. Full article

Porcine circoviruses (PCVs), encompassing porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), and porcine circovirus type 4 (PCV4), have been documented in China and represent a significant threat to the swine industry. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data regarding the infection characteristics of PCVs across different age groups within intensive pig farming operations. In this investigation, a systematic cross-sectional methodology was employed to collect 415 testicular processing fluid samples and 1583 serum samples from 30 breeding farms and 27 fattening farms in China. All samples underwent analysis using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Among the testicular fluid samples from suckling pigs, the detection rates for PCV1, PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 were 56.9%, 31.1%, 75.4%, and 2.2%, respectively. The lowest mean cycle threshold (Ct) values for PCV1 and PCV3 were observed in testicular fluid as opposed to serum samples. At the individual level, the detection rate of PCV1 was significantly higher in fattening pigs (28.7%) and sows (28.7%) compared to nursery pigs (8.5%). The detection rate of PCV2 was highest in fattening pigs (43.1%) and lowest in sows (19.2%). The infection profile of PCV3 contrasted markedly with that of PCV2, exhibiting the lowest prevalence in fattening pigs (8.1%) and the highest in sows (46.1%). PCV4 was infrequently detected across all age groups, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% to 1.7%. Furthermore, the incidence of mixed infections involving the four PCV types was observed to be 12.7% in nursery pigs, 16.8% in fattening pigs, and 22.4% in sows. Notably, no strong correlation was identified between any two co-detected PCV types across all pig age categories. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the infection dynamics of PCVs across different pig age groups. Additionally, this research offers critical reference information for devising strategies to prevent PCV infections in intensive pig farming operations in China. Full article

The European Commission’s ban on routine tail docking has prompted this retrospective observational study to evaluate the short-term effects of transitioning to a fully undocked system. Twenty-two farms were assessed during three subsequent phases: total tail docking (step 1), subgroups of undocked pigs (step 2), and fully undocked pigs (step 3). Farmers received training in long-tail management and independently implemented it on their own farms. However, straw provision as environmental enrichment was mandatory, at least supplied during periods of pigs’ restlessness. Overall, going through step 2 appears to be successful. However, transitioning to step 3 worsened mortality (p = 0.010) and the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.015) in weaners. Compared to step 1, the cost of producing 1 kg of meat in step 3 was 33.9% greater during weaning and 7.4% during fattening. Tail lesion prevalence at slaughter was greater in step 3 (41%), followed by step 2 (10%) and step 1 (1%). The hypothetical labour required to optimize straw management compared to the adopted system, ensuring its continuous availability, was estimated as 35 min/100 piglets/weaning cycle (EUR 4.37) and 10.5 h/100 pigs/fattening cycle (EUR 109). Under the conditions of this study, transitioning to a fully undocked system was not successful. Mandating only the non-continuous use of straw has proven insufficient, and greater efforts must be systematically implemented. Full article

Gastrointestinal health is critical to the productivity and welfare of pigs. The transition from milk to plant-based feeds represents an intestinal challenge at wean that can result in dysbiosis and pathogen susceptibility. Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates that can reach the hind gut to promote gut health, either by enhancing the abundance of beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota or via direct interaction with the gut epithelium. Amongst the changes in the intestinal microbiota, GOS and XOS promote populations of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus. SCFAs benefit the host by providing nutritional support for the gut, enhance intestinal barrier function and regulate inflammatory responses. By modifying the indigenous microbiota, prebiotics offer a sustainable alternative to the use of antimicrobial growth promoters that have led to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and represent a growing threat to public health. This review examines microbial and cellular mechanisms whereby prebiotic feed supplements can support the development of a diverse and robust microbiota associated with a healthy and productive digestive system over the lifetime of the animal, and which is in sharp contrast to the development of dysbiosis often associated with existing antimicrobial treatments. The application of prebiotic feed supplements should be tailored to their modes of action and the developmental challenges in production, such as the provision of GOS to late gestational sows, GOS and XOS to pre-weaning piglets and GOS and XOS to growing/fattening pigs. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of tea residue combined with complex enzymes on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality, and intestinal microbiota of Xiangling fattening pigs. A total of 120 healthy Xiangling fattening pigs, with an average weight of 47.93 kg (±15.28 kg), were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each comprising four replicates of six pigs. The control group (CON) received a basal diet; the experimental groups received a diet containing 5.8% fermented tea residue as an alternative energy and protein source (dry matter basis) and mixed additional 0 (CZ), 200 (M200), 400 (M400), and 800 (M800) complex enzymes. The trial lasted for 83 days. The results showed that tea residue and complex enzymes failed to affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Tea residue reduced the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities (p < 0.01), and complex enzyme supplementation lowered the total cholesterol levels and reduced the alanine aminotransferase activity (p < 0.05). Additionally, tea residue decreased the pH_24h and b*_1h values (p < 0.05), and complex enzyme supplementation increased the L*_24h value and pork shear force (p < 0.05). In terms of amino acid content, tea residue significantly elevated aspartic acid and inosine monophosphate (p < 0.05), and complex enzyme addition increased the glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, valine, tyrosine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine levels (p < 0.05). The 800 mg/kg complex enzyme group exhibited a reduction in the C10:0, C15:0, and C17:0 contents (p < 0.05). Microbial analysis showed that tea residue promoted the abundance of Oribacterium and Butyricicoccus, while enzyme supplementation enriched Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospirales, and Peptococcaceae. Overall, the combination of tea residue and complex enzymes improved the pork quality, enhanced metabolic health markers, and modulated the gut microbiota composition, with the 400 mg/kg enzyme dose (M400) achieving the most pronounced benefits. These findings suggest a potential feeding strategy for improving pork quality without compromising growth performance. Full article

Phytosterols (PSs) are widely present in plants, particularly abundant in plant oils and seeds. PSs are reported to have various biological activities, such as lowering cholesterol, alongside antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This research examined the effects of PSs in finishing pigs, including growth performance, serum biochemistry, and fecal bacteria. Two treatment groups (each treatment group consisted of five biological replicates, and each replicate comprised five pigs housed communally) were randomly assigned to the fifty finishing pigs (equally divided by sex) of “Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire” three-way cross with 79.76 ± 1.29 (kg) body weight. The control group (CON) was given basic food, while the experimental group was given basic food containing 300 mg PS/kg (PS). Dietary PS supplementation markedly raised the levels of average daily feed intake (ADFI) and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE) in comparison to the CON (p < 0.05). Additionally, PSs also significantly boosted the concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total protein (TP), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), immunoglobulin G (IgG), motilin (MTL), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (p < 0.05), and lowered the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level (p < 0.05). Both at the phyla and genus levels, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Streptococcus increased significantly, and the relative abundance of Acinetobacter decreased significantly when adding phytosterols (p < 0.05). Overall, phytosterols dietary supplementation promotes immunity and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs and boosts growth performance by improving nutrient digestibility. Full article

Contract farming has become a sustainable strategy in agriculture around the world. Formal farming contract in pig production is one of the priorities of the Vietnamese Government for livestock development. Due to the differences in husbandry methods, a comparison of the technical efficiency between contract and noncontract pig farms has not been studied in Vietnam yet. This study attempts to do so and proposes implications for the sustainable development of pig production in Vietnam. In this study, we surveyed 201 pig farms (63 contract farms and 138 noncontract farms) in Hanoi, Vietnam, and applied data envelopment analysis (DEA) with a meta-frontier. Under group frontiers, the technical efficiency of the contract and noncontract farms are 96.11% and 88.64%, respectively. However, the meta-technology ratios of the two groups are 82.30% and 99.99%, respectively, which means that contract farms’ technical efficiency is lower than noncontract farms. An interesting finding is that although the technical efficiency of contract farms is lower than noncontract farms, their annual pig income is significantly higher, making contract farming attractive to farmers. Results of Tobit regression models showed that land rent is one of the important factors that reduce the technical efficiency of both contract and noncontract farms. This result implies that the Vietnamese government should revise the land limit policy so that farms can own more land. Another finding is that the high feed price reduces the technical efficiency of noncontract farms. The policy implication from this finding is that the Vietnamese government should develop domestic raw material areas for feed production to lessen the dependence on imported raw materials from abroad, which contributes to reducing the feed prices in Vietnam. Full article