Changes in haptoglobin, C-reactive protein and pig-MAP during a housing period following long distance transport in swine.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a housing period following long distance transport on haptoglobin (Hp), C-reactive protein (CRP) and pig major acute phase protein (pig-MAP) in swine. After transportation, 80 gilts were allotted to group A, B, C, or D. Blood samples were collected on arrival and 28 days later; additional samples were collected from Group C on day 14, and from Group D on days 3, 5 and 14. Acute phase proteins (APPs) in Group A were significantly lower on day 28 than on day 1; the opposite occurred in Group B because of a tail biting episode. In Group C, values remained elevated on day 14 and showed a reduction on day 28; in Group D elevated levels detected on day 14 were preceded by a decrease from days 1 to 5. The results indicate that stressors associated with transportation and new accommodation can cause an increase in APPs that could be useful indicators of welfare during transport and routine management.
Salamano
Germana
G
IZS-State Veterinary Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley, Turin, Italy.
Mellia
Elisabetta
E
Candiani
Denise
D
Ingravalle
Francesco
F
Bruno
Renato
R
Ru
Giuseppe
G
Doglione
Luca
L
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006242:Haptoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006799:Housing, Animal; D011897:Random Allocation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014186:Transportation
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D006242:Haptoglobins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein