Sow removal in Finnish commercial herds : epidemiological approaches

In sow farms, animals are actively removed and replaced to maintain target efficiency levels, herd health status and a static herd size. Sow removal has a critical effect on pig farm functionality and profitability. Excessive removal decreases lifetime production and especially during periods of small profit margins, becomes burdensome. It is also recognized as a welfare issue. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the current reality of piglet production in the rapidly changing Finnish production conditions with special emphasis on removal. The thesis is based on three individual studies which utilize diverse data from real commercial piglet producing farms. The types of data collected for each are different and the methods used reflect the differences. We showed systematic and temporal differences in removal between individuals, parities, farms and replacement circumstances in Finland. The results also demonstrated the economic value of improved animal health and removal. We benchmarked national culling and mortality rates retrieved from mandatory registrations. Especially, the average on-farm mortality may be considered relatively high although the rates accorded with published literature. However, the large differences between farms and several farms succeeding in obtaining low levels of removal imply that it is conceivable to strive for and reach certain special targets. Unfortunately, we demonstrated that optimal lifetime of a sow is not a fixed number and as such, no generally applicable policy for replacing sows can be determined. Neither can excessive removal be improved by single improvements only, because of limited resource reserves and other shortages within the individual farm. However, a few factors were found to be linked with an increased risk for removal and higher removal levels in these studies: e.g. the smallest litter sizes and the number of stillborn piglets at the sow level, and features indicative of semi-intensive or intensive farming compared with a combination of environmental animal welfare indicators (mortality) and a non-intensified farming style (culling) at the farm level. Traditional production approach of maximizing the net monetary income or quantitative measures in piglet production is likely to be changed in response to consumer’s increasing concerns around animal well-being, environmental sustainability and one health. We introduced an empirical base that could be used to motivate debate on future development of piglet production systems and delivered useful evidence relevant for stakeholders to engage in and promote research into identification, monitoring and management of sow removal and health. It may be more motivating for Finnish piglet producers, herd advisers and the industry to have specified removal levels to work towards. Our study can also be considered valid for emphasizing awareness of multidisciplinary approaches in integrating accurate epidemiological livestock data into larger frameworks as well as identifying current bottlenecks in available data and modelling methodology.Maatalous on tärkeä elinkeino, ruoantuotannon perusta ja välttämättömyys huoltovarmuuden turvaamiseksi sekä iso osa kulttuuria ja maisemaa. Suomalaisen sikatalouden kokonaiskuva on talouden tunnuslukujen valossa ollut vuosikausia kuitenkin hyvin heikko. Markkinat ovat porsastuottajille ankarat. Eläimiltäkin vaaditaan paljon: emakko synnyttää yhä enemmän porsaita, sen on imetettävä tehokkaasti, tultava viiveettä vieroituksen jälkeen kiimaan sekä pysyttävä terveenä ja tuottavana mahdollisimman pitkään. Tavoitetehokkuuden ja kannattavuuden ylläpitämiseksi sekä riskien hallitsemiseksi eläinainesta on myös uudistettava jatkuvasti. Yrittäjä voi omilla toimillaan emakoiden poistopolitiikkaa hallitsemalla vaikuttaa merkittävästi porsastuotantotilan toimivuuteen ja kustannustehokkuuteen. Varhaiset poistot estävät biologisen tuotoshuipun saavuttamisen, pienentävät elinikäistuotosta, vääristävät karjan ikärakennetta ja etenkin taloudellisesti haastavina aikoina ovat erityisen kuormittavia. Korkeat poistoprosentit voivat myös viitata hyvinvointiongelmiin. Väitöstutkimuksen yleisenä tavoitteena oli kartoittaa ja kuvata suomalaisen porsastuotannon nykytilaa ja erityisesti emakoiden poistoja maatalouden rakennemuutoksessa. Ensimmäisessä ja toisessa osatutkimuksessa selvitettiin monipuolisin kenttäaineistoin yksilö- ja tilatason riskitekijöitä poistoille. Samalla saatiin tieto tämänhetkisestä poistoprosentista ja miten se jakautuu teurastusten ja kuolleisuuden välillä. Kolmannessa osatyössä mallinnettiin taloudellisesti optimaalisinta poistotapaa ja erityisesti merkittävimpien tuotossairauksien vaikutusta siihen. Emakoiden poistoriskiin vaikuttivat yksilön ominaisuudet, tuotantokierron vaihe ja porsimakerta. Varhaiset poistot olivat edelleen yleisiä ja vain noin 60% emakoista selvisi kolmanteen porsimiseen saakka. Tilojen välillä havaittiin eroja teuraspoistoprosenteissa ja emakkokuolleisuudessa riippuen noudatetusta tuotantostrategiasta. Osoitimme lisäksi, että parempi eläinten terveys ja tuotantokestävyys parantavat taloudellista tulosta. Eläinyksilöt, maatilan fyysiset rakenteet, tuotannon laajuus ja malli muodostavat puitteet sikalan perustoiminnalle, jota edelleen ohjaavat taloudelliset seikat ja päätöksenteon perusteet. Tässä tutkimuksessa todettu hajonta tilojen välillä kertoo osaltaan siitä, että poistoja on mahdollista hallita. Toisaalta lähtökohtaisista eroista johtuen yleispätevä ohjeistus optimaalisista teurastuksista ei ole määriteltävissä. Selkeät kansalliset vertailuarvot voivat kuitenkin helpottaa asettamaan tilakohtaisia tavoitteita. Kehitetty optimointimalli havainnollistaa erilaisten eläinten terveyttä ja tuotantokestävyyttä parantavien muutosten taloudellista potentiaalia ja voi osaltaan motivoida tuottajia käytännön päätöksenteon tukena. Osoitimme lisäksi, että myös Suomessa porsastuotos on lisääntynyt viime vuosina nopeasti. Tutkimuksessa mukana olleet emakot porsivat keskimäärin jo lähes 15 porsasta kerrallaan. Pahnuekoon lisäksi yksittäisen tilan lopulliseen tehokkuuteen ja kilpailukykyyn vaikuttavat kuitenkin monet yksityiskohdat. Viime vuosina kuluttajien kiinnostus maataloustuotteiden laatuun, eettisyyteen ja turvallisuuteen on lisääntynyt. Yhteiskunta on asettanut tiukempia vaatimuksia niin tuotannon kuin ympäristönkin suhteen. Tulevaisuuden ratkaisuja kokonaiskannattavuuden heikkenemisen kompensointiin ja suomalaisen raaka-aineen saatavuuden turvaamiseen on edelleen etsittävä huomioimalla monipuolisesti eläimet yksilöinä,tilojen olosuhteet, resurssit ja tuotantostrategia sekä taloustieteelliset tekijät ja ympäristönäkökohdat monitieteellisessä viitekehyksessä

Body condition, live weight and success in agonistic encounters in mixed parity groups of sows during gestation

Group housing of gestating sows benefits their welfare by allowing them freedom of movement and the opportunity for social interaction. However, social life could also bring disadvantages for individuals who receive direct aggression or are displaced from the feeder. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between social behaviour, body condition and live weight. Gestating sows (n=298) were investigated on a commercial farm. Sows were housed in mixed parity groups where two single space, ad libitum trough feeders served 12 animals. Sows were weighed, body condition scored and had their back fat layer measured at mixing, 4 weeks after insemination and again before farrowing. Social status was estimated based on the numbers of won and lost agonistic interactions at mixing and at the end of gestation. In addition, tear staining was scored before the farrowing and reproductive performance data were collected. With the aid of video recordings, 100 to 150 interactions per group were observed. Winning percentage at mixing and at the end of gestation were associated (PPeer reviewe

Prevalence of comorbidities and secondary health conditions among the Finnish population with spinal cord injury

Study design A cross-sectional study. Objectives To explore the prevalence of comorbidities, secondary health conditions (SHCs), and multimorbidity in the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting The data were collected from the Finnish Spinal Cord Injury Study (FinSCI). Participants were identified from three SCI outpatient clinics responsible for the lifelong follow-up of persons with SCI in Finland, (n = 884 participants, response rate; 50%). Methods The FinSCI-questionnaire included a question from the National Study of Health, Well-being, and Service (FinSote) for screening 12 comorbidities. The reference data of the general population for that question were received from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. The Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Condition Scale (SCI-SCS) was used to screen 16 SHCs. The data were analysed with univariate testing and multivariable negative binomial regression modelling. Results The most common comorbidities were high blood pressure/hypertension (38%), back problems (28%), and high cholesterol (22%). The most common SHCs were joint and muscle pain (81%), muscle spasms (74%), chronic pain (71%), and bowel problems (71%). The prevalence of comorbidities was highest among persons aged >= 76 years (mean; 2.0; scale range; 0-12). The prevalence of SHCs was highest in the severity of SCI group C1-4 AIS A, B, and C (mean; 8.9; scale range; 0-16). Conclusions Further research on geriatrics in SCI, non-traumatic SCI, and knowledge of the needs of persons with cervical lesion AIS A, B, or C is required, due to the fact that the prevalence of multimorbidity is high in these groups.Peer reviewe

Health-related factors for work participation in persons with spinal cord injury in Finland

Objective: To explore work participation and the health-related factors affecting work participation among the Finnish Spinal Cord injury (FinSCI) study population (n = 884). Methods: A cross-sectional explorative observational study in the FinSCI community survey applying Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) forms on Social Health and Global Health. Analyses of socio-demographic and injury-related data were performed. Results: Employment among the study population (n = 452) was 26.5%. Physical, Mental, Social and General Health were better in the employed group compared with work-age persons not working. Logistic regression showed that work participation was related to all health domains, but Physical Health and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities in Social Health were the strongest indicators of likelihood of being at work. Paraplegia and young age were associated with increased likelihood of work participation. Conclusion: The first national survey among people with spinal cord injury in Finland shows low level of employment. The results suggest that pain, physical function, and ability to participate in social roles should be monitored by health and vocational professionals when assessing a person's likelihood of being in work.Peer reviewe

International consensus conference recommendations on ultrasound education for undergraduate medical students

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide expert consensus recommendations to establish a global ultrasound curriculum for undergraduate medical students. Methods: 64 multi-disciplinary ultrasound experts from 16 countries, 50 multi-disciplinary ultrasound consultants, and 21 medical students and residents contributed to these recommendations. A modified Delphi consensus method was used that included a systematic literature search, evaluation of the quality of literature by the GRADE system, and the RAND appropriateness method for panel judgment and consensus decisions. The process included four in-person international discussion sessions and two rounds of online voting. Results: A total of 332 consensus conference statements in four curricular domains were considered: (1) curricular scope (4 statements), (2) curricular rationale (10 statements), (3) curricular characteristics (14 statements), and (4) curricular content (304 statements). Of these 332 statements, 145 were recommended, 126 were strongly recommended, and 61 were not recommended. Important aspects of an undergraduate ultrasound curriculum identified include curricular integration across the basic and clinical sciences and a competency and entrustable professional activity-based model. The curriculum should form the foundation of a life-long continuum of ultrasound education that prepares students for advanced training and patient care. In addition, the curriculum should complement and support the medical school curriculum as a whole with enhanced understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiological processes and clinical practice without displacing other important undergraduate learning. The content of the curriculum should be appropriate for the medical student level of training, evidence and expert opinion based, and include ongoing collaborative research and development to ensure optimum educational value and patient care. Conclusions: The international consensus conference has provided the first comprehensive document of recommendations for a basic ultrasound curriculum. The document reflects the opinion of a diverse and representative group of international expert ultrasound practitioners, educators, and learners. These recommendations can standardize undergraduate medical student ultrasound education while serving as a basis for additional research in medical education and the application of ultrasound in clinical practice

Functional independence in the Finnish spinal cord injury population

Study design: A cross-sectional survey of the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (FinSCI database). Objectives: To describe the functional independence of the population with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Finland and to identify how generic and lesion characteristics affect their functional independence. Setting: The participants were recruited from the registers of three SCI outpatient clinics responsible for lifelong follow-up and care for people with SCI in Finland. Methods: The data were retrieved from FinSCI (n = 1772). The response rate was 50% (n = 884). The Spinal Cord Independence Measure-Self Report (SCIM-SR) was used. The data were analyzed with univariate testing, factor analyses, and multiple linear regression models. Results: The median (percentiles 25; 75) SCIM-SR total score was 76.0 (58.8; 89.0), and the score was 18.0 (13.0; 20:0) for the self-care sub-scale, 33.0 (25.0; 39.0) for the respiration and sphincter management sub-scale and 29.0 (16.0; 36.8) for the mobility sub-scale. The higher the neurological level in groups AIS A, B, and C, the lower the functional ability. Group AIS D at any injury level had the highest level of functional ability. Age and the number of years since injury negatively influenced the SCIM-SR scores for every sub-scale. Conclusion: Based on the International Spinal Cord Injury Core Data Set, the severity of SCI can differentiate persons with SCI according to their functional ability. The results suggest that SCI affects individuals’ health more than ageing alone does, thereby reducing the functional ability and independence of persons with SCI over time.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Prevalence of comorbidities and secondary health conditions among the Finnish population with spinal cord injury

Abstract Study design: A cross-sectional study. Objectives: To explore the prevalence of comorbidities, secondary health conditions (SHCs), and multimorbidity in the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: The data were collected from the Finnish Spinal Cord Injury Study (FinSCI). Participants were identified from three SCI outpatient clinics responsible for the lifelong follow-up of persons with SCI in Finland, (n = 884 participants, response rate; 50%). Methods: The FinSCI-questionnaire included a question from the National Study of Health, Well-being, and Service (FinSote) for screening 12 comorbidities. The reference data of the general population for that question were received from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. The Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Condition Scale (SCI-SCS) was used to screen 16 SHCs. The data were analysed with univariate testing and multivariable negative binomial regression modelling. Results: The most common comorbidities were high blood pressure/hypertension (38%), back problems (28%), and high cholesterol (22%). The most common SHCs were joint and muscle pain (81%), muscle spasms (74%), chronic pain (71%), and bowel problems (71%). The prevalence of comorbidities was highest among persons aged ≥76 years (mean; 2.0; scale range; 0–12). The prevalence of SHCs was highest in the severity of SCI group C1–4 AIS A, B, and C (mean; 8.9; scale range; 0–16). Conclusions: Further research on geriatrics in SCI, non-traumatic SCI, and knowledge of the needs of persons with cervical lesion AIS A, B, or C is required, due to the fact that the prevalence of multimorbidity is high in these groups