Relation between erythrocyte parameters and stillbirth in piglets

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between erythrocyte parameters of piglets and their mortality during parturition. Erythrocyte count, haematocrit volume, blood haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in 80 live-born and 109 stillborn piglets. In both live-born and stillborn piglets the investigated parameters were evaluated with respect to sex and birth mass. Blood samples of all piglets were collected immediately after birth. Stillborn piglets had lower erythrocyte values (P<0.01), haemoglobin (P<0.05) and haematocrit (P<0.01) than live-born piglets. The results suggest that the incidence of stillbirth in piglets is associated with reduced levels of erythrocytes and haemoglobin in their blood. There are no significant influences of sex and birth mass on any of the investigated erythrocyte parameters in either live-born or stillborn piglets

Thyroid function, metabolic indices and growth performance in pigs fed 00-rapeseed meal

Thyroid function and morphology, liver morphology, some metabolic indices, haematological parameters and growth performance of fattening pigs fed 00-rapeseed meal (00-RPM) were examined. The control group was fed on a standard diet containing 6% sunflower seed meal (SM) during the growing period and 8% during the finishing period. The first experimental group was fed a diet in which SM was replaced by equal (6% and 8%) amounts of 00-RPM. The second experimental group was fed with a higher (8% and 10%) amount of 00-RPM. There were no significant differences between the control and experimental groups in the serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid gland and liver weights were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in both groups fed 00-RPM than in the group fed SM. The epithelium of the thyroid gland was cuboidal or columnar and the follicular area was moderately enlarged in pigs fed 00-RPM. Marked changes in liver histology were not observed. The 00-RPM diet increased (P < 0.01) the serum values of total proteins in the first fattening period. At the end of fattening both groups fed 00-RPM had higher (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) concentrations of plasma glucose than the control group. The inclusion of 10% of 00-RPM during the finishing period increased (P < 0.05) the serum values of insulin. Daily weight gain during the growing and the finishing period was higher (P < 0.05) in the experimental groups than in the control group. The results suggest that 6-10% 00-RPM can be used as a protein source in the diet of fattening pigs without poisonous side effects