scholarly journals The Effects of Environmental Enrichment on the Physiology, Behaviour, Productivity and Meat Quality of Pigs Raised in a Hot Climate

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Fàbrega ◽  
Míriam Marcet-Rius ◽  
Roger Vidal ◽  
Damián Escribano ◽  
José Joaquín Cerón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Health Performance ◽  
Production Conditions ◽  
Stimulation Of

Some positive effects regarding the use of enrichment material on the stimulation of pig exploration and a reduction in redirected behaviour was reported. This study aims to evaluate the effects of four enrichment materials on the behaviour, physiology/health, performance and carcass and meat quality in pigs kept in Spanish production conditions. Ninety-six male pigs (six pigs/pen) ranging from 70 to 170 days old were used. Chains were used for the control group (CH), and wooden logs (W), straw in a rack (S) or paper (P) were also used. The pigs were subjected to two pre-slaughter treatments: 0 or 12 h of fasting. Their behaviour was observed for 12 weeks using scan and focal sampling. Samples of the Neutrophil: Lymphocyte (N:L) ratio and lactate were obtained from the pigs at 66 and 170 days old. Saliva samples for Chromogranin-A (CgA) were obtained at 67, 128, 164 and 170 days old. The weight, skin lesions and feed intake of the pigs were recorded. S triggered more exploratory behaviour than W and CH (P < 0.001). Skin lesions and redirected behaviour were lower for pigs with S (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The pigs offered S presented lower CgA after no fasting than pigs with P or CH (P = 0.055). Lactate was higher in pigs with W and CH treatments, regardless of fasting (P < 0.05). The N:L ratio increased over time (P < 0.05). No other significant effects were found. Overall, straw in a rack was the enrichment material that enhanced pig inherent behaviour.

Influence of provision of toys during transport and lairage on stress responses and meat quality of pigs

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 591-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Peeters ◽  
R. Geers
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Lactate Production ◽  
Blood Sampling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Plastic Ball

AbstractTransport and accompanying mixing of pigs causes fights among pigs and stress resulting in decreased welfare and reduced meat quality. This study investigates the effect of toys available during transport and lairage on behaviour, stress responses, and meat quality of slaughter pigs. Cross-bred (Piétrain×Hypor) pigs (109·1±10·1 kg) were allocated to one of three treatments during transport and lairage: 1) no toys (control) 2) rubber toys and 3) balls. The rubber toy consisted of two fixed rubber sticks; the plastic ball was filled with pieces of maize, which became available for the pigs in small amounts by manipulating the ball. Per group of 11 pigs, two toys were provided. Totally, divided over 4 replicates, 144 pigs were involved, of which 72 were used for blood sampling and meat quality measurements. Five minutes scans during lairage revealed that treatment did not affect the percentage of pigs that lay (P=0·20), stood (P=0·83) or sat (P=0·12) and that in almost all scans at least one pigs was manipulating a ball, compared with half of the scans in which at least one animal was manipulating a rubber toy (P=0·02). However both toys resulted in a lower incidence of shoulder lesions compared with the control group (P=0·06; 31·1% and 28·9% of the pigs for the rubber toys and balls respectively, versus 51·1% for the control group). Blood sampling at sticking showed that pigs with the balls during transport and lairage tended to have lower cortisol concentrations (P=0·07) than pigs with the rubber toys. Also, a decrease in plasma lactate concentration was observed for these pigs in comparison with the control group (P=0·08), and a higher pH of the m. longissimus dorsi 45 min post mortem for the pigs with the balls was found than for the pigs with the rubber toys (P=0·01). These results indicate that enrichment of compartments during transport and lairage with balls reduced glycolysis in muscle resulting in a lower lactate production and a slower pH decline. The pH 45 min post mortem of the m. biceps femoris and the pH, electrical conductivity, colour, and water-holding capacity of the loin 48 h post mortem were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, environmental enrichment with toys during transport and lairage can decrease shoulder lesions and lower the pH decline 45 min post mortem, especially by provision of plastic balls filled with maize.

scholarly journals Effect of BioPlus YC Probiotic Supplementation on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of Pigs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1581
Author(s):  
Artur Rybarczyk ◽  
Elżbieta Bogusławska-Wąs ◽  
Alicja Dłubała
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Bacillus Licheniformis ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Probiotic Bacteria ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Feed Conversion

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis on microbiological properties of feed mixtures and on the digestive tract content as applicable to production traits and carcass characteristics of fatteners. The experiment was performed on 83,838 fatteners from four successive (insertions) productions in two groups. From the seventy eighth day of age till marketing to the slaughter plant, the pigs were supplied with BioPlus YC probiotic (Chr. Hansen) in the amount of 400 g/t. The preparation contained a complex of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis DSM 5749, and Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750 spores in a 1:1 ratio. From the fourth insertion, after reaching a body weight of approximately 112 kg, 60 fatteners were selected from each group to measure carcass quality and half of them for meat quality evaluation. Moreover, microbiological analyses in feed and colon were performed. The study showed that BioPlus YC probiotics supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis in the feed, a higher count of B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and LAB, as well as a lower count of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Clostridium and Bacillus sp. in the mucosa and in the colorectal content of the test pigs. Our work has shown that supplementation with the BioPlus YC probiotic had a positive effect on the production traits of pigs mainly by reducing mortality (2.83%, p = 0.010), lowering feed conversion ratio—FCR (2.59 kg/kg, p = 0.013), better average daily gain—ADG (0.95 kg/day, p = 0.002) and shorter fattening period (77.25 days, p = 0.019) when compared to the control group (4.19%; 2.79 kg/kg; 0.89 kg/day; 92.8 days, respectively). The addition of the specific Bacillus bacteria did not influence carcass and meat characteristics of the test fatteners.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Whole Body Vibration Platforms on Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3007
Author(s):  
José Antonio Mingorance ◽  
Pedro Montoya ◽  
José García Vivas Miranda ◽  
Inmaculada Riquelme
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Therapy Program

Whole body vibration has been proven to improve the health status of patients with fibromyalgia, providing an activation of the neuromuscular spindles, which are responsible for muscle contraction. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two types of whole body vibrating platforms (vertical and rotational) during a 12-week training program. Sixty fibromyalgia patients (90% were women) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (n = 20), who performed the vibration training with a vertical platform; group B (n = 20), who did rotational platform training; or a control group C (n = 20), who did not do any training. Sensitivity measures (pressure pain and vibration thresholds), quality of life (Quality of Life Index), motor function tasks (Berg Scale, six-minute walking test, isometric back muscle strength), and static and dynamic balance (Romberg test and gait analysis) were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after the therapy program. Although both types of vibration appeared to have beneficial effects with respect to the control group, the training was more effective with the rotational than with vertical platform in some parameters, such as vibration thresholds (p < 0.001), motor function tasks (p < 0.001), mediolateral sway (p < 0.001), and gait speed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, improvements disappeared in the follow-up in both types of vibration. Our study points out greater benefits with the use of rotational rather than vertical whole body vibration. The use of the rotational modality is recommended in the standard therapy program for patients with fibromyalgia. Due to the fact that the positive effects of both types of vibration disappeared during the follow-up, continuous or intermittent use is recommended.

scholarly journals Effect of Diet Supplementation with Quinoa Seed and/or Linseed on Immune Response, Productivity and Meat Quality in Merinos Derived Lambs

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosaria Marino ◽  
Mariangela Caroprese ◽  
Giovanni Annicchiarico ◽  
Francesco Ciampi ◽  
Maria Ciliberti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Close Link ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Strong Relation ◽  
And Control

In the last years several studies have investigated the strong relation between nutrition and immune response in the livestock production, particularly in dairy cattle and sheep. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation based on linseed, quinoa seeds and their combination on welfare, productivity and quality of meat from merinos derived lambs. 32 weaned lambs were divided into 4 experimental groups: quinoa (Q), linseed (LS) and combination of quinoa and linseed (LS + Q) that received the respective supplementation and control group (C) without supplementation. Lambs from all supplemented groups showed lower plasma urea, creatinine and cholesterol than control. Both linseed and quinoa supplementation enhanced the cell-mediated immune responses of lambs, furthermore, linseed supplementation resulted in the lowest level of cortisol secretion after handling, loading and transport. Meat from lambs supplemented with linseed and LS + Q showed the highest pH, at 1 and 3 h post-mortem, while, meat from all supplemented groups was more tender than meat from control. Results indicated that linseed and quinoa seeds supplementation can help the animal to cope with stressful events due to the close link between stress responses and the immune system and for improving meat quality in terms of better tenderness.

scholarly journals Perspectives approach to the assessment of the quality of the vaccine plague live in terms of immunogenicity. Epidemiology and Vaccinal Prevention

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
S. E. Gostischeva ◽  
N. V. Abzaeva ◽  
E. L. Rakitina ◽  
D. G. Ponomarenko ◽  
M. V. Kostuchenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Control Group ◽  
In Vitro Tests ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Early Activation ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Stimulation Of

Research objective–studying of a possibility of application antigen – stimulated cellular in vitro tests and technology of the cytometric analysis for control of immunogene activity of batches of vaccine plague live.Materials and methods.As biomodels used white laboratory mice, immunized commercial medicine of vaccine of the plague NIIEG line, live from a strain of Yersinia pestis EV, in doses – 8 х 102, 4 х 103, 2 х 104 and 1 х 105 of living microbic cells. Blood for a research was taken from intact mice and on 7, 14 and 21 days after immunization. The intensity of an antigenreaktivnost of lymphocytes was defined in cellular in vitro tests, analyzing a marker of early activation (CD45+CD3+CD25+) of lymphocytes with use of the monoclonal antibodies conjugated from fluorokhroma. As specific antigen used a complex of water-soluble antigens of a plague microbe.Results.As a result of a research it is shown that at the animals vaccinated by doses 4 х 103 – 1 х 105 living microbic cells, the highest level of an expression activation marker lymphocytes at anti-gene stimulation of in vitro is registered on 14 days after immunization, at the same time the quantity of CD25 – positive lymphocytes are on average 6.8 times higher, than in control group. High degree of direct link (coefficient of correlation of r = 1,000) quantities of the survived animals with increase in level of lymphocytes, expressiruyushchy markers of early activation – CD25 is established.Conclusions.The offered technique can be used as the additional test when studying degree of immunogenicity of new (kandidatny) vaccines against plague.

scholarly journals Influence of probiotic and prebiotic on meat quality of broiler chicken carcasses

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 04009
Author(s):  
Irina Chervonova
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Broiler Chicken ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Muscle Weight ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

The article presents the results of studying the impact of the spore-forming probiotic “Olin” and the prebiotic “Eсofiltrum” on the meat quality of broiler chicken carcasses of the Ross-308 cross. In the course of the research, it has been found that the inclusion of these preparations in the broiler diet has a positive effect on the studied indicators: the pre-slaughter weight increased by 4.3-5.7%, the weight of the gutted carcass by 4.6-6.2%, the muscle weight 4.8-6.5%, the weight of the loin muscles by 5.7-8.2%. The ratio of edible parts to inedible parts is 4.14 in the third experimental group, 4.08-in the second, and 4.04-in the control. Based on the results of the anatomical cutting of broiler carcasses and according to the fatness indicators the poultry carcasses of the third and second experimental groups, 87.5% and 87.2%, respectively, belong to the first grade, and the yield of the first grade carcasses is 86.2% in the control group. Meat products obtained from both the control poultry and the poultry of both experimental groups has no off-aroma odor and taste, the meat is juicy, tender and aromatic. The products obtained from broiler chickens, whose ration includes the probiotic “Olin” and the prebiotic “Ecofiltrum”, do not have any deviations from the established standards and norms. During the research, it has been found that the use of the studied drugs has a positive effect on the meat quality of poultry carcasses. However, broiler chickens receiving the probiotic “Olin” has more pronounced meat qualities.

scholarly journals Effect of Amniotic Injection of N-Carbamylglutamate on Meat Quality of Broilers

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 576
Author(s):  
Feng-dong Zhang ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Hai-jun Zhang ◽  
Shu-geng Wu ◽  
Jing Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Pectoral Muscle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Saline Injection ◽  
In Ovo ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Lactic Acid Content ◽  
Injection Control

The current study was performed to determine the influence of amniotic injection of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on meat quality of pectoral muscle in broilers. A total of 792 alive broiler embryos at 17 d of incubation were assigned to three treatments randomly (non-injected control, saline-injected control, or NCG-injected treatment). The two injection treatments were an injection with 0.1 mL 0.85% aseptic saline alone or containing 2 mg NCG per egg at 17.5 d of incubation. After hatching, 72 healthy male chicks were selected from each treatment and housed in six pens for a 42 day feeding study. Pectoral muscles from six 42-day-old broilers were collected from each treatment group and were dissected for meat quality assays. The results showed that arginine contents in pectoral muscle in either free or hydrolytic form in the NCG group were higher than those in the non-injection control group (p < 0.05). In comparison to the non-injection or saline-injection control groups, NCG injection resulted in a lower lactic acid content in pectoral muscle (p < 0.05). Muscular antioxidant capacity in the NCG group was higher, as evidenced by the higher activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase and lower content of malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). In addition, the group of in ovo administration of NCG had decreased drip loss and increased crude fat content in pectoral muscle in comparison to those of either control group (p < 0.05) and had enhanced crude protein content compared to that of the saline-injection control group (p < 0.05). Briefly, these results indicate that amniotic administration of NCG in the late incubation phase increased the arginine content, improved the nutritional properties, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and improved the meat quality in the pectoral muscle of broilers. Amniotic injection of NCG may serve as a novel approach to improving the meat quality of broilers.

scholarly journals Effects of Long-Term Gentle Handling on Behavioral Responses, Production Performance, and Meat Quality of Pigs

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Wang ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Yanju Bi ◽  
Peng Zhao ◽  
Hanqing Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Significant Difference

In order to investigate the effect of gentle handling on the behavior, performance, and meat quality of pigs from weaning to slaughter, 144 6-week-old weaned hybrid Min piglets (a native breed) were selected and divided into a handling group (HG: 9 pens × 8 pigs) and a control group (CG: 9 pens × 8 pigs). After 6 weeks of handling, we observed and then evaluated the pigs’ responses to a handler with behavioral scores. Moreover, we measured heart rate and production performance. Three pigs were randomly selected from each of the 18 pens and divided into a handling group (HG: n = 27) and a control group (CG: n = 27), and the HG pigs were given gentle handling until slaughter. Subsequently, we evaluated meat quality and the production performance of six pigs from each group. The results show that AA test (approaching–avoidance test) scores in HG pigs, the number of contacts with the handler and absence of contact with the handler, were significantly higher than in the CG pigs (p < 0.01). The occurrences of avoidance and looking at the handler were lower in the HG than in the CG group (p < 0.01); however, heart rate was not found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.63). No significant difference was found in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between the two groups during the two periods (p > 0.05). The b* value was determined 45 min after slaughter, and it was significantly lower in the HG than that in the CG group (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 2 h after slaughter, the L value of the HG group was significantly higher than that of the CG group (p = 0.047), but no difference was observed in carcass quality or other meat quality indicators between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that gentle handling could reduce pigs’ anxiety and increase their willingness to approach the handler, increasing the intimacy of the pigs and handlers. However, long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig performance, carcass quality, and meat quality.

Effect of dietary supplementation of salts of organic acids on gut morphology and meat quality of broilers

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinus Vinus ◽  
M. A. Akbar ◽  
B. S. Tewatia ◽  
Sushil Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Organic Acids ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Morphology ◽  
Salts Of Organic Acids

The present investigation was conducted to appraise the effect of different levels of salts of organic acids on the gut morphology and meat quality of broilers. A total 300 day-old commercial chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatments. Each treatment consists of 6 replicates having 10 birds per replicate. The control diet was formulated to contain approximately the same metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein and limiting amino acids (methionine and lysine) as per the requirements of birds. The first group (T1) was fed on control diet without any feed additives, while, groups (T2, T3, T4 and T5) were fed on basal diets containing sodium butyrate and calcium propionate @ 0.5% and 1.0% respectively. Six birds from each treatment (1 per replication) were randomly selected for slaughter and collection of samples and microbial study at day 42. Performance of birds in terms of body weight and feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in treated groups. Results showed that in gut morphology, pH was reduced significantly (P less than 0.05) in T3 and T5 (6.24 and 6.22, respectively) as compared to the control group (6.64) while significant improvement was observed in villus height and crypt depth in all treatment groups and were highest in T3 (539.50µm,135.67 µm). Lowest Coliform bacteria (log CFU/g.)was recorded in T3 (16.57) which was significantly differ with the T1 (19.17) and Lactobacilli count was significantly increased in all treatments as compared to control.Supplementation of organic acids reduced meat cholesterol level significantly and lowest was in T5(48.03mg/dL) followed by T3 (48.30mg/dL). Similarly SFA decreased while PUFA content was increased significantly on supplementation of salts as compared to control.

scholarly journals Effect of partial substitution of standard meal in chicken feed by rape seed on carcass and meat quality

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5-6-2) ◽  
pp. 323-329
Author(s):  
N. Dzinic ◽  
Lj. Petrovic ◽  
V. Tomovic ◽  
T. Tasic ◽  
S. Filipovic
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Corn Germ ◽  
Partial Substitution ◽  
Chicken Breast ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Meat ◽  
Rape Seed ◽  
Nutritive Quality ◽  
Breast Meat Yield

Effect of partial substitution of crushed soybean by different portions of rape seed on yield and chicken breast quality (nutritive and technological) was investigated in the paper. ROSS 308 hybrids were used for investigations. Control group (K) was fed with standard mixture and experimental groups with mixture in which crushed soybean partially substituted by 10% (O1), 15% (O2) and 20% (O3) extruded rape seed (EZUR). Rape seed was extruded with corn germ in ratio 50:50. It was concluded that there are no significant differences in breast meat yield between control and experimental groups (P > 0.05). The changes in chicken meal had no influence (P > 0.05) on nutritive quality of breast meat (the contents on protein, connective tissue protein, free fat and total ash). Additionally was found that the technological quality of breast meat of the control and experimental groups averagely corresponds to "normal" meat quality considering the parameters and criteria for quality determination (pHu, L*, water holding capacity).

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