Welfare benefits of intradermal vaccination of piglets

Vaccination is reported as a stressful and painful event for animals. This study investigated whether needle-free intradermal vaccination improves the welfare of weaned pigs through the reduction of stress and pain biomarkers and improvement of behavioural parameters compared to traditional intramuscular injection with a needle. A total of 339 weaned piglets were allocated to 3 treatment groups: Intradermal Application of Liquids (IDAL) pigs, vaccinated against Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) by means of intradermal vaccination using a needle-free device Porcilis® PCV ID; Intramuscular (IM) pigs vaccinated against PCV2 with Porcilis® PCV intramuscularly with a needle; CONTROL pigs were managed identically but did not receive any vaccine injection. At the time of the injection, the reaction of IDAL piglets was similar to control piglets, whereas a greater percentage of piglets vaccinated intramuscularly displayed high-pitch vocalizations (7% CONTROL, 7% IDAL, 32% IM) and retreat attempts (3% CONTROL, 7% IDAL, 39% IM). The day after vaccination, IDAL piglets did not differ from the control piglets for any of the behavioural variables studied through scan samplings. IM piglets showed a lower frequency of social negative interactions (p = 0.001) and rope manipulation (p = 0.04) compared to the CONTROL group. Resting postures did not differ between treatments. At 28 h post-vaccination, IDAL piglets presented lower blood C-reactive protein levels (CONTROL = 20 µg/mL; IDAL = 39 µg/mL; IM = 83 µg/mL, p < 0.0001) and blood Haptoglobin (CONTROL = 1.8 mg/mL; IDAL = 1.9 mg/mL vs. IM = 3.1 mg/mL, p < 0.0001) compared to IM piglets. Salivary chromogranin A and alpha-amylase did not differ between treatment groups when measured 25 min post-vaccination. The method of vaccination did not affect the growth of the piglets or their rectal temperature. These results support that needle-free intradermal vaccination reduces vaccination-related pain in growing pigs

Changes in salivary biomarkers of oxidative status in calves at weaning and grouping

Saliva is being increasingly used as a sample for measuring biomarkers in several species and shows a high potential of use to detect and monitor stress. The weaning and grouping in dairy calves are a particularly stressful time. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate a panel of antioxidant and oxidant biomarkers in the saliva of calves on the day of weaning (W0), 2 days after weaning or milk withdrawal (W + 2), and 4 days after grouping (G + 4). In addition, to verify if cortisol and oxytocin concentrations are related to the biomarkers measured. Salivary cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of saliva (FRAS), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) were significantly higher (P < 0.02) 4 days after grouping than the day of weaning and 2 days after. The increases were 50 and 54% for CUPRAC, 93 and 116% for FRAS, 117 and 135% for TEAC, 22 and 49% for AOPP and 10 and 5% for FOX in comparison with weaning and 2 days after, respectively. In addition, oxytocin and cortisol showed significant negative and positive correlations (P < 0.05) respectively with the biomarkers of oxidative status. Our results showed that calves after grouping show increases in antioxidants and oxidants concentrations, indicating that a balance between these molecules has been tried to maintain during this stressful situation. The dynamic changes of biomarkers of oxidative status should be explored and characterised in other stressful conditions. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03087-2

Changes of salivary biomarkers under different storage conditions : Effects of temperature and length of storage

Introduction: In this report, we aimed to examine the stability of various analytes in saliva under different storage conditions. Materials and methods: Alpha-amylase (AMY), cholinesterase (CHE), lipase (Lip), total esterase (TEA), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), lactate (Lact), adenosine deaminase (ADA), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing ability (FRAS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), uric acid (UA), catalase (CAT), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and hydrogen peroxide (H O) were colorimetrically measured in saliva obtained by passive drool from 12 healthy voluntary donors at baseline and after 3, 6, 24, 72 hours, 7 and 14 days at room temperature (RT) and 4 ºC, and after 14 days, 1, 3 and 6 months at - 20 ºC and - 80 ºC. Results: At RT, changes appeared at 6 hours for TEA and H O; 24 hours for Lip, CK, ADA and CUPRAC; and 72 hours for LD, Lact, FRAS, UA and AOPP. At 4 ºC changes were observed after 6 hours for TEA and H O; 24 hours for Lip and CUPRAC; 72 hours for CK; and 7 days for LD, FRAS and UA. At - 20 ºC changes appeared after 14 days for AST, Lip, CK and LD; and 3 months for TEA and H O. At - 80 ºC observed changes were after 3 months for TEA and H O. Conclusions: In short-term storage, the analytes were more stable at 4 ºC than at room temperature, whereas in long-term storage they were more stable at -80 ºC than at - 20 ºC

Trace Elements and Ferritin in Pig Saliva : Variations during Fattening, Time of Sampling, Effect of Dirtiness and Stability under Different Storage Conditions

Altres ajuts: The European Next Generation Funds RYC2021-033660-IThe objective of this study was to evaluate the possible changes of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and ferritin during the entire productive cycle in fattening pigs and at different diurnal sampling times. Moreover, the possible effects of the presence of pen contaminants and storage stability at different temperature conditions were assessed. The analytes changed along the different phases of the fattening productive cycle, showing, in general, higher values at the initial phases. In addition, statistically significant variations were found in Zn and Cu measurements at different sampling times of the day. In the spectrophotometric assays, the values of all analytes significantly increased after adding high concentrations of feces or feed. However, when low concentrations of feces or feed were added, only Cu showed a significant increase. Overall, the salivary levels of Zn, Cu, Fe and ferritin in pigs can change during different fattening phases and the different hours of the day. These analytes were more stable at −80 °C and, if saliva is contaminated with feces or feed, it can lead to an increase in these analytes

Stability of selected enzymes in saliva of pigs under different storage conditions : a pilot study

Stability of α-amylase (α-A), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), lipase, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and total esterase activity (TEA) in two pools of porcine saliva was studied after 1 and 4 days at 4°C, and after 30, 90 and 360 days at −20° and −80°C. At 4°C, BChE, lipase and TEA were stable less than 1 day, α-A less than 4 days and ADA for up to 4 days. At −20°C, BChE and TEA were stable less than 30 days, α-A and lipase less than 90 days and ADA up to 360 days. At −80°C, TEA was stable less than 30 days, α-A and lipase less than 360 days, and BChE and ADA for up to 360 days

Effect of the needle-free "intra dermal application of liquids" vaccination on the welfare of pregnant sows

In commercial pig production, sows are often vaccinated several times per gestation period, resulting in reduced welfare. This preliminary experiment investigated whether the needle-free IDAL vaccinator improves welfare through reduction of stress markers, improvement of behavioural and health parameters compared to traditional needle-syringe method. Two treatments (IDAL and NEEDLE) in 6 replicate pens of gestating sows (15 sows per pen) were evaluated using Porcilis® PRRS. The frequency of sows exhibiting an acute fear (or pain) response at the time of injection was significantly lower in the IDAL sows for the four indicators studied (high pitch vocalizations, IDAL = 15.4% vs. NEEDLE = 95.6%, χ 2 = 56, P < 0.0001; retreat attempts, IDAL = 2.6% vs. NEEDLE = 56.5%, χ 2 = 28, P < 0.0001; turning back, IDAL = 5.1% vs. NEEDLE = 69.6%, χ 2 = 36, P < 0.0001; change in behaviour, IDAL = 18% vs. NEEDLE = 95.6%, χ 2 = 53, P < 0.001). Sows in the NEEDLE vaccination group had a decreased (P = 0.03) activity the day after vaccination compared to IDAL sows. No significant difference was observed for the other active behaviours and resting postures. Fearful reaction towards the assessor significantly (χ 2 = 12, P = 0.001) increased in NEEDLE sows compared to IDAL sows the day after vaccination. At 48 h post-vaccination, IDAL sows tended to have lower blood C-reactive protein levels (IDAL = 21.3 μg/mL vs. NEEDLE = 35.8 μg/mL, P = 0.06) compared to NEEDLE sows. Blood Haptoglobin levels did not differ significantly between treatments 48 h post-vaccination. Chromogranin A tended to show a lower increase after the IDAL treatment, whereas salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol did not differ between treatments when measured 25 min post-vaccination. These preliminary results support that needle-free intradermal vaccination is a promising strategy to reduce fear and pain reaction of gestating sows during vaccination

Evaluation of the Effect of Sampling Time on Biomarkers of Stress, Immune System, Redox Status and Other Biochemistry Analytes in Saliva of Finishing Pigs

Saliva is a sample with a high potential in pigs since it is usually easy to obtain and its collection from animals causes less stress than blood sampling. However, the possible effects of daily variations in many salivary biomarkers are still unknown in this species. In our report, the possible variations depending on the sampling time in the day in a panel of 26 salivary biomarkers related to stress, immune system, redox status and other physiological functions in the saliva of pigs were evaluated. In our experimental conditions, daily variations were observed in cortisol, α-amylase, total esterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipase, adenosine deaminase isoenzyme 1, uric acid, superoxide dismutase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides and lactate. In some analytes, these differences appeared in both sexes, whereas others only showed differences in one sex. These variations should be taken into consideration for an appropriate interpretation of these analytes in the saliva of healthy pigs. This study aims to evaluate the possible variations due to the sampling time in the day in 26 analytes of pigs' saliva, related to stress, the immune system, redox status and other biomarkers related to metabolism and selected tissues and organs, in order to know the possible effects of the hour of the day in their interpretation. These analytes were measured in saliva obtained from a population of 40 clinically healthy pigs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., every 4 h in the same day. In our experimental conditions, daily variations were observed in cortisol, salivary α-amylase, total esterase activity, butyrylcholinesterase, lipase, adenosine deaminase isoenzyme 1, uric acid, superoxide dismutase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate and triglycerides. These changes appeared in both sexes, except for adenosine deaminase isoenzyme 1 and superoxide dismutase which only showed differences in females. In conclusion, this report indicates that, in the experimental conditions of this trial, the time of the day and sex can influence the values obtained in various salivary analytes in pigs. These variations should thus be taken into consideration for an adequate interpretation of these analytes when used for the evaluation of health and welfare in this species

Avances en el conocimiento de la cromogranina A y otros biomarcadores salivares de estrés en cerdos= Advances in the knowledge of chromogranin A and other salivary biomarkers of stress in pigs

Esta tesis doctoral, por compendio de artículos, ha sido diseñada con el fin de producir avances en la medición de biomarcadores de estrés y para desarrollar y validar un panel de biomarcadores salivares para evaluar los diferentes sistemas fisiológicos (simpático-adrenomedular (SAM), hipotálamo-pituitario-adrenal (HPA), hipotálamo-pituitario-gonadal (HPG) y sistema inmune) que participan en el mecanismo de estrés. Para ello, los objetivos de esta tesis son los siguientes: desarrollar y validar un ensayo inmunofluorométrico a tiempo resuelto (TR-IFMA) para las mediciones de cromogranina A (CgA) salivar porcina, utilizando un anticuerpo específico de la especie, y evaluar su comportamiento como posible biomarcador del sistema SAM en un modelo de estrés agudo. Además, estudiar si las concentraciones de CgA salivar exhiben un patrón circadiano durante el día, y evaluar su estabilidad bajo diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento. Por otra parte, validar inmunoensayos disponibles comercialmente para la cuantificación de cortisol (biomarcador del sistema HPA), testosterona (biomarcador del sistema HPG) e IgA (biomarcador del sistema inmune) en la saliva de los cerdos. Evaluar la respuesta de un panel de varios biomarcadores salivares tanto del sistema inmune como del sistema neuroendocrino a la administración repetida de Escherichia coli lipopolisacárido (LPS) y, por último, investigar la respuesta de todo este grupo de biomarcadores salivares después de aplicar un modelo de estrés psicosocial en cerdos basado en el aislamiento y el reagrupamiento. En cuanto a la metodología empleada, los anticuerpos policlonales específicos producidos para el desarrollo del TR-IFMA fueron obtenidos mediante la inmunización con un péptido recombinante de proteína CgA porcina. La precisión, exactitud y sensibilidad analítica del TR-IFMA desarrollado y de los inmunoensayos comerciales empleados fueron evaluadas mediante los coeficientes de variación intra- e interensayo, la linealidad bajo dilución y el porcentaje de recuperación, el límite de detección y los límites de cuantificación. Para estudiar la respuesta de los biomarcadores salivares frente al estrés se emplearon modelos en los que los animales fueron inmovilizados con un acial o transportados a matadero. Tomando muestras de saliva antes y después de aplicar dichos estímulos estresantes. Por otro lado, en el caso de la administración de LPS, los cerdos que fueron utilizados recibieron tres dosis de LPS en intervalos de 48 h. Las muestras de saliva fueron tomadas antes de la administración de LPS y 3 h después de cada una de las administraciones. Por otra parte, en el modelo de aislamiento y reagrupamiento todos los animales se adaptaron a la vida en grupo durante 5 días, después de lo cual, un grupo de cerdos fueron sometidos al procedimiento de aislamiento, donde los animales permanecieron sin contacto físico con otros cerdos durante 5 días. Después, los cerdos del ensayo se reagruparon de nuevo durante 3 días, regresando a las condiciones iniciales. Los cerdos controles permanecieron en las mismas condiciones durante todo el estudio. Las muestras de saliva se tomaron diariamente, a la misma hora, y un muestreo adicional fue realizado a los 30 min tras los procedimientos de aislamiento y reagrupado. En general, nosotros podemos concluir de este trabajo que: el TR-IFMA desarrollado permite la cuantificación de CgA en muestras de saliva porcina de una forma precisa, exacta y sensible y su concentración aumenta significativamente después de una situación de estrés agudo. Además, no ha sido detectado un patrón circadiano para la CgA salivar y este biomarcador fue bastante estable, siendo posible su almacenamiento hasta un año a -20ºC o -80ºC. Por otra parte, los inmunoensayos comerciales validados para las concentraciones de cortisol, testosterona e IgA pueden ser utilizados para su uso en muestras de saliva de cerdos con una buena precisión, sensibilidad y exactitud. En cuanto a la administración de LPS, una sola administración en cerdos produce incrementos de IgA salivar y cortisol. Sin embargo, administraciones repetidas solo producen incrementos en IgA mientras que el cortisol retorna a valores basales. No se observaron variaciones en las concentraciones de CgA ni con una sola administración ni con administraciones repetidas. Finalmente, el uso de un panel de biomarcadores salivares podría ser esencial en la investigación de estrés, ya que estos reaccionan de manera diferente a diversos tipos de factores estresantes. En el caso del aislamiento, CgA e IgA parecen ser marcadores más sensibles que el cortisol y la testosterona, mientras que después del proceso de reagrupado, el cortisol, la testosterona y la CgA parecen ser marcadores más sensibles que la IgA. Abstract This PhD thesis, for compendium of articles, was designed in order to produce advances in the measurement of salivary biomarkers of stress and to develop and validate a panel of salivary biomarkers to evaluate the different physiological systems (sympatho-adrenomedullary (SAM), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and immune system) that are taking part in stress mechanism. To this end, the objectives of this thesis are: to develop and validate a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (TR-IFMA) for porcine salivary chromogranin A (CgA) measurements, using a species-specific antibody, and evaluate its behaviour as a potential biomarkers of SAM system in an acute stress model. In addition, to study if salivary CgA concentrations exhibit any circadian pattern during the daytime, and to evaluate its stability under different storage conditions. Moreover, validate commercially available immunoassays for cortisol (HPA system biomarker), testosterone (HPG system biomarker) and IgA (immune biomarker) quantification on the saliva of pigs. To evaluate the response of a panel of several salivary biomarkers both of immune system as well as of the neuroendocrine system to repeated administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and, finally, to investigate the responses of this group of salivary biomarkers after applying a psychosocial stressor model in pigs based on isolation and regrouping. Regarding the methodology, polyclonal antibodies specific for the development of TR-IFMA were produced in rabbits immunized with a recombinant protein peptide of CgA porcine. Precision, accuracy and analytical sensitivity of the TR-IFMA developed and of the commercial immunoassays used were evaluated by the coefficients of variation intra- and inter-assay, linearity under dilution and the percentage of recovery, limits of detection and limits of quantitation. To study the stress response of salivary biomarkers, models in which the animals were immobilized with a nose-snare or transported to slaughterhouse were used. Saliva samples were taken before and after of applying these stressful stimuli. On the other hand, in the case of LPS administrations, the pigs were selected to receive three doses of LPS at 48 h intervals. Saliva samples were taken prior to any LPS administration and at time points corresponding to 3 h after each injection. Moreover, in the model of isolation and regrouping all animals were adapted to group living for 5 days, after which time, pigs in one group were subjected to the isolation procedure, where each animal had not physical contact with other pigs during 5 days. After, test pigs were regrouped again during 3 days returning to the initial conditions. Control pigs were remained in the same housing condition during the entire experimental period. Saliva samples were taken daily, at the same time, and one sampling was carried out at 30 min after of isolation and regrouping events. In overall, we can conclude of this work that: the TR-IFMA developed allows the quantification of CgA in porcine saliva samples in a precise, accurate and sensitive way and its concentrations increase after an acute stress situation. In addition, no circadian pattern has been detected for salivary CgA and this biomarker was fairly stable being able to be stored till 1 year at -20ºC or -80ºC. Moreover, the commercial immunoassays validated for cortisol, testosterone and IgA concentrations can be suitable for its use in saliva samples of pigs with a good precision, sensitivity and accuracy. In relation to LPS administrations, a single administration in pigs produces increases of salivary IgA and cortisol. However, repeated administrations only produced increases in IgA whereas cortisol returned to baseline values. No variation in CgA concentrations were observed neither in single nor in repeated LPS administration. Finally, the use of a panel of salivary biomarkers would be essential in stress research, since these react differently to various types of stressors. In the case of isolation, CgA and IgA appear to be more sensitive markers than cortisol and testosterone, whereas after the process of regrouped, cortisol, testosterone and CgA seem to be more sensitive markers than IgA

Different Types of Glucocorticoids to Evaluate Stress and Welfare in Animals and Humans : General Concepts and Examples of Combined Use

The main glucocorticoids involved in the stress response are cortisol and cortisone in most mammals and corticosterone in birds and rodents. Therefore, these analytes are currently the biomarkers more frequently used to evaluate the physiological response to a stressful situation. In addition, "total glucocorticoids", which refers to the quantification of various glucocorticoids by immunoassays showing cross-reactivity with different types of glucocorticoids or related metabolites, can be measured. In this review, we describe the characteristics of the main glucocorticoids used to assess stress, as well as the main techniques and samples used for their quantification. In addition, we analyse the studies where at least two of the main glucocorticoids were measured in combination. Overall, this review points out the different behaviours of the main glucocorticoids, depending on the animal species and stressful stimuli, and shows the potential advantages that the measurement of at least two different glucocorticoid types can have for evaluating welfare

Evolution of human salivary stress markers during an eight-hour exposure to a Mediterranean holm oak forest. A pilot study

Altres ajuts: "La Caixa" FoundationThe current study analyses the evolution of different human stress markers during an 8 h exposure to a Mediterranean Holm oak forest. We conducted a pre-post study with thirty-one subjects in which saliva samples were collected before the exposure (baseline) and after 1, 2, 4 and 8 h. Our results show: (A) a significant decrease in cortisol saliva concentrations from the second hour until the end compared to basal time; (B) a significant increase in alpha amylase activity after the first hour of exposure compared to basal time that remained elevated during the rest of the study; (C) a significant decrease in IgA from the fourth hour of exposure compared to the basal time. These findings indicate an effect of forest exposure in salivary biomarkers of stress and provide relevant data for the scientific and healthcare community encouraging further research in the field