Health and Performance Indicators in Pigs Using Oral Fluid Biomarkers
Author Information
Author(s): Ornelas Mario Andre S., Manzanilla Edgar Garcia, Cerón José J., Ortín-Bustillo Alba, López-Martínez María José, Correia-Gomes Carla, Leonard Finola C., Franco-Martínez Lorena
Primary Institution: Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
Hypothesis
This study investigates the associations between oral fluid biomarker measurements and farm indicators of health and performance in commercial pig farms.
Conclusion
Oral fluid biomarkers like haptoglobin and procalcitonin can help assess pig herd health and predict performance.
Supporting Evidence
- Haptoglobin levels were higher in low-performing farms compared to high-performing farms.
- Oxytocin levels tended to decrease from high-performing to low-performing farms.
- Procalcitonin levels were lower in high-performing farms compared to intermediate-performing farms.
Takeaway
Scientists studied pig saliva to see how it can show if pigs are healthy and doing well on farms.
Methodology
Eighteen commercial pig farms were analyzed for oral fluid biomarkers and farm performance indicators using principal component analysis and regression trees.
Limitations
The study had a limited number of farms and biomarkers measured late in the production cycle may have limited predictive value.
Participant Demographics
The farms varied in size from 130 to 2400 sows and included different health statuses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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