A suinocultura moderna tem se destacado pelos altos índices produtivos alcançados. Muito disso se deve à intensa tecnificação, fazendo com que as linhagens de fêmeas suínas fossem melhoradas geneticamente tornado-as hiperprolíficas. Este aumento possibilitou uma melhor produtividade e maior ganho econômico. Entretanto, houve o surgimento de problemas relacionados à desuniformidade das leitegadas, contribuindo com uma maior variabilidade de peso dentro delas. Outro fator importante e intrínseco a este, é em relação à viabilidade e vitalidade de leitões menos favorecidos, em virtude de seu baixo peso ao nascimento e possível exposição a eventos estressantes durante o parto. Em busca de possíveis explicações sobre estes problemas gerados em termos produtivos esta tese foi desenvolvida sob a forma de uma revisão literária e dois experimentos. O Trabalho 1 teve como objetivo subsidiar teoricamente a execução tanto do segundo quanto do terceiro experimento, uma vez que foram descritos os principais fatores que afetam o peso do leitão ao nascimento. Após a compilação destes dados surgiu a idéia de realizar dois experimentos complementares a este estudo inicial. O Trabalho 2 teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de algumas variáveis medidas em leitões logo após o nascimento em relação à sua sobrevivência durante a primeira semana de vida e desenvolvimento posterior até desmame. Foram utilizados 612 leitões oriundos de 56 fêmeas de ordem de parto 3 a 5 as quais o parto foi induzido. Logo após o nascimento foram medidos os seguintes parâmetros: Frequencia cardíaca (FC), Saturação de O2 (SatO2), glicemia; temperatura retal logo após o nascimento (TR0h) e às 24 horas após (TR24h). A ordem de nascimento, sexo, coloração de pele, integridade do cordão umbilical e a tentativa de ficar em pé também foram anotadas. Logo após a coleta destes parâmetros cada leitão foi tatuado em número seqüencial e posteriormente pesado ao nascimento, 7, 14 e 21 dias para avaliar seu desenvolvimento durante a lactação. Tanto a sobrevivência quanto o desempenho durante o crescimento dos leitões não foram afetadas pela temperatura retal ao nascimento (RT0h). Leitões que nasceram com pele cianótica e que demoraram mais que cinco minutos para se levantarem apresentaram maiores chances de mortalidade durante os três primeiros dias de vida, quando comparados a leitões que nasceram com pele normal e levaram menos de um minuto para levantar (P<0,05). Além disso, leitões que nasceram com cordão umbilical rompido tiveram também uma maior chance de mortalidade até os primeiros 3 dias de vida (P<0,05). Maiores chances de mortalidade tanto aos 3 quanto aos 7 dias de vida foram encontradas em leitões com ordem de nascimento superior ao nono leitão (>9), menor peso ao nascimento (<1275 g), baixa (24-30 mg/dl) e alta (45-162 mg/dl) glicemia, e baixa temperatura retal às 24h pós nascimento (<38,1ºC). Leitões que apresentaram baixo peso ao nascimento (<1275 g), baixa temperatura retal 24h após nascimento (<38,1ºC) e sexo feminino tiveram maiores chances de serem mais leves ao desmame (P<0,05). Dentre os vários parâmetros estudados neste experimento, pele cianótica, tentativa para se levantar, cordão umbilical rompido, elevada ordem de nascimento, baixo peso ao nascimento, baixa TR24h pós-nascimento e ambas alta e baixa glicemia foram indicadores de uma baixa habilidade na sobrevivência dos leitões durante a primeira semana de vida. Além disso, leitões do sexo feminino, com baixo peso ao nascimento e baixa temperatura retal 24h após nascimento apresentaram um menor desenvolvimento durante a fase de lactação. O Trabalho 3 teve como objetivo avaliar a associação do ganho de peso no último mês de gestação, em fêmeas alojadas em baias coletivas, com o comportamento no momento da oferta de alimento e com a uniformidade de peso da leitegada. Foram utilizadas 699 fêmeas, divididas em 3 grupos de ordem de parto (OP): OP2 (n= 137), OP 3-5 (n= 391) e OP 6-9 (n= 171). Fêmeas do grupo OP 6-9 tiveram maior número de leitões com peso inferior a 1200 g e maior coeficiente de variação (CV) do peso dos leitões (P<0,05), em comparação às fêmeas OP 2. Dentro de cada grupo de OP foram criados 3 subgrupos de percentual de ganho de peso (baixo, médio e alto). Menor peso de leitões e maior número de leitões com <1200 g foram observados no subgrupo de baixo ganho de peso em comparação ao subgrupo médio, dentro dos grupos OP 2 e OP 3-5, ou em comparação ao subgrupo alto, dentro grupo de fêmeas OP 6-9. Houve correlação positiva entre o percentual de ganho de peso na gestação e o número de vezes em que a fêmea esteve em pé no cocho (r= 0,669), o número de vezes que a fêmea bateu (r= 0,451) e correlação negativa (r= - 0,338) com o grau de arranhões na pele (P<0,0001). A variação do ganho de peso nas fêmeas mantidas em baias coletivas é influenciada pela competição no momento do arraçoamento. Fêmeas com um comportamento dominante possuem maior acesso ao alimento e, em conseqüência, maior ganho de peso. Um menor ganho de peso, no último mês de gestação, afeta negativamente o peso dos leitões ao nascimento. / Pig industry has been highlighted, recently, by the high production rates achieved. This fact is due to an intense technological improvement, which resulted in hyperprolifc dam lines. Because of that sows improved their productive performance leading to a greater economic gain. However, some reproductive problems related to the uniformity of the litter emerged contributing to a higher within birth weight variability. Another important aspect is the viability and vitality of lower birth weight piglets in relation to their extrauterine life adaptation, which could be affected. Searching for some explanation about these exposed problems this Thesis was designed in one literary review and two experiments. The first study aimed to provide a theoretical subside to the execution of both second and third studies, since it was described the factors that influence the piglet birth weight. Right after this review two new studies were designed to supply the first one. The second study aimed to verify the effect of some variables measured at birth or right after on their survival during the first week of life and growth performance until weaning. Piglets included in the analysis (n= 612) were born from 3 to 5 parity sows whose farrowing was induced. Piglets were monitored for blood oxygen saturation (SatO2), heart rate (HR), blood glucose concentration, rectal temperature at birth (RT0h) and at 24h after birth (RT24h). Birth order, sex, skin color, integrity of the umbilical cord and time elapsed from birth until the first attempts to stand were also recorded. Piglets were weighed at birth and at 7, 14 and 21 days after birth in order to evaluate their post natal development. Cumulative mortality rates were 3.3%, 5.4% and 8.7% at 3, 7 and 21 days after birth, respectively. Body temperature at birth (RT0h) did not affect (P>0.05) the survival nor the piglet growth performance. Piglets with cyanotic skin and those that took more than 5 minutes to stand showed more chances of mortality (P<0.05) compared to normal skin piglets and to piglets which stood before 1 min, respectively. Piglets with broken umbilical cord had higher odds (P<0.05) of mortality up to 3 d after birth. Higher odds (P<0.05) of mortality up to 3 and 7 d were observed in later birth order (>9), low birth weight (<1275 g), low (24- 30 mg/dl) and high (45-162 mg/dl) blood glucose concentrations, and low body temperature at 24 h (<38.1ºC). Piglets with low birth weight (<1795 g), low body temperature at 24 h (<38.6ºC) and feminine sex had higher odds of a low weight at weaning (P<0.05). Among the factors studied, cyanotic skin, delay for stand, broken umbilical cord, high birth order, low birth weight, low body temperature at 24 h after birth and both low and high blood glucose concentrations are indicators of a lower ability of piglets’ survival during the first week after birth. The growth performance until weaning is compromised in piglets with a lower birth weight, a lower body temperature at 24 h and of the feminine sex. The third one evaluated the association of weight gain during the last month of gestation with behaviour during feeding time and the uniformity of the weight of piglets at birth in group-housed sows. Sows (n= 699) were divided into three parity groups (P): P 2 (n= 137), P 3-5 (n= 391) and P 6-9 (n= 171). Higher parity sows (P 6-9) showed higher number of piglets with birth weight below 1200g and higher (P<0.05) birth weight coefficient of variation (CV) when compared with P 2 sows. Within each parity group, 3 subgroups were created according to the percentage of weight gain (Low, Medium and High) during the last month of gestation. Lower birth weight piglets and higher number of piglets with weight <1200 g (P<0.05) were observed in the subgroup of Low weight gain in comparison to Medium subgroup, within P 2 and P 3-5, and in comparison to High subgroup, within P 6-9 group. There was a positive correlation of weight gain percentage during gestation with the number of visits at the feeder (r =0.669), the number of aggressive encounters (r =0.451) and a negative correlation (r = -0.338) with the severity of skin lesions (P<0.0001). The variation in weight gain during the last month of gestation in grouphoused sows is influenced by the competition at the feeding time. Sows with a dominant behaviour have higher access to feed, hence a higher weight gain. A lower weight gain during the last month of gestation negatively affects the birth weight of piglets.

Submitted by Claudia Rocha (claudia.rocha@udesc.br) on 2018-03-15T12:45:06Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA16MA206.pdf: 750013 bytes, checksum: 70bddcd61c31dd2ee20002e2905f599e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-15T12:45:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA16MA206.pdf: 750013 bytes, checksum: 70bddcd61c31dd2ee20002e2905f599e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-06 / The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of gilts subjected to post-cervical artificial insemination (PCAI) compared to traditional artificial insemination (TAI). We also evaluated the degree of difficulty in bypassing the cervix, time required to perform the insemination, presence of bleeding after insemination, semen backflow, as well as the volume and the total reflow cells 30 minutes after insemination. Gilts submitted to PCAI (n = 279) were inseminated with 45 mL doses of 1.5 x 10⁹ sperm cells and the ones submitted to TAI (n = 273) were inseminated with 80 mL doses with 2.5 x 10⁹ cells. The bypassing of the cervix was possible in 91.04% (254/279) of gilts. The difficulty bypassing the cervix in at least one of the gilt’s PCAI procedures happened with 41.58% (116/279) of the females, but it did not affect reproductive performance (P>0.05). The presence of bleeding after insemination did not affect the farrowing rate and total number of piglets born for both treatments (P>0.05). The average time needed to carry out the PCAI was 1.47 minutes and the TAI was 4.04 minutes. The percentage of sperm present in the reflux was higher in TAI than the PCAI, but no correlation was found between litter size and the percentage of sperm in reflux (P>0.05). There was no statistical difference (P>0.05) in farrowing rate (89.38% and 91.76%) and the total number of piglets born (11.63 and 11.81) between TAI and PCAI treatments, respectively. Thus, it is possible to perform the post-cervical artificial insemination in gilts without causing a reduction in reproductive performance, using doses with a concentration of 1.5 x 10⁹ sperm cells / O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de nulíparas submetidas à inseminação artificial pós-cervical (IAPC) comparada à inseminação artificial tradicional (IAT). Foram avaliados a ocorrência de sangramento, refluxo durante à inseminação, dificuldade no transpasse da cérvix, volume e o total de células refluídas até 30 minutos após a inseminação. As fêmeas submetidas à IAPC (n=279) foram inseminadas com doses na concentração de 1,5 x 109 diluídos em 45 mL e as fêmeas submetidas à IAT (n=273) foram inseminadas com doses na concentração de 2,5 x 109 diluídos em 80 mL. O transpasse da cérvix foi possível em 91,04% (254/279) das leitoas. A dificuldade no transpasse da cérvix, em pelo menos uma das inseminações, foi de 41,58% (116/279) e não comprometeu o desempenho reprodutivo (P>0,05). A presença de sangramento durante a inseminação não afetou a taxa de parto nem o número de leitões nascidos totais para ambos os tratamentos (P>0,05). O tempo médio necessário para a realização da IAPC foi de 1,47 minutos e a IAT foi de 4,04 minutos. O percentual de espermatozoides presentes no refluxo foi maior na IAT do que na IAPC, não sendo observada diferença no tamanho de leitegada de acordo com o percentual de espermatozoides no refluxo (P>0,05). Não houve diferença estatística (P>0,05) taxa de parto (89,38% e 91,76%) e no número de leitões nascidos totais (11,63 e 11,81) entre os tratamentos IAT e IAPC, respectivamente. Desta forma, podemos concluir que pode - se realizar a inseminação artificial pós-cervical em leitoas sem causar redução no desempenho reprodutivo, utilizando doses com concentração de 1,5 x 109 células espermáticas

Air ionization is a method used at air treatment of closed spaces. Properly applied air ionization improves health condition of bred animals, lowers the costs of pharmaceuticals and increases their efficiency. Negative ions attach themselves to particles of dust causing them to drop to the ground. The aim of the thesis was to analyse the influence of air ionization on air dustiness in a relation to temperature changes and relative air humidity in a farrowing house for sows. The farm used litter in the lairage pens. Sows were fed with dampened mixture. By the help of a data logger was measured the temperature [°C] and the relative air humidity [%]. The readings were recorded at hourly interval. Speed of the air circulation [m.s-1] in the stall and the cooling power [mcal.cm-2.s-1] were measured in the resting stage. The air dustiness in the stall was measured on the level of a lying sow in the state of resting, activity and after an activity. The data of the concentration of dust molecules in the air were recorded at interval of 10 seconds. The length of the measuring for each period was set for 8 minutes. The size adjustment of the dust molecules wasn?t specified. On selected days was applied the air ionization. At high temperature and relative humidity it came to binding of ions to the molecules of dust. At low temperature, high relative humidity and reduced intensity of air change in the stall the ionization didn?t have any influence on the dustiness because the dust settled as a result of the relative air humidity.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação do desenvolvimento de peso corporal da 1º inseminação até o 1º desmame com o desempenho reprodutivo, produção de leitões e taxa de descartes até o 3º parto, em 196 primíparas Landrace x Large White, usando modelos de regressão logística. O peso corporal (PC) foi medido na inseminação artificial (IA), 24h após o 1º parto e no dia do desmame. Na 1º IA, primeiro parto e desmame o PC foram em média 140.4 kg, 170.8 kg e 163.7 kg, respectivamente. O intervalo desmame-estro (IDE), o número de leitões nascidos totais no primeiro, segundo e após três partos, e a taxa de descarte até terceiro parto foram, em média 5.7 dias, 12.5, 11.8 e 36.7 leitões nascidos, e 10.2%, respectivamente. O aumento de 10 kg no ganho de peso na primeira prenhes (OR = 0.63), no peso ao 1º parto (OR = 0.63), peso ao 1º desmame (OR = 0.69) e ganho de peso entre a 1º IA e o 1º desmame (OR = 0,67) diminuiu a percentagem de primíparas com longo IDE. Os aumentos da duração da lactação e do número de leitões desmamados foram responsáveis pela, respectivamente, diminuição (OR = 0.79 por dia de lactação) e aumento (OR = 1.45 por leitão desmamado) do percentual de fêmeas com IDE longo. Primíparas com PC <159.5 kg a desmama apresentaram maior taxa de não-parto (TNP) em comparação com porcas com PC >170 kg (OR = 4.73). Porcas com <17.5 kg de ganho entre a 1º IA e o 1º desmame tiveram maior chance (OR = 4,88) de TNP do que fêmeas > 30 kg. Cada dia adicional de lactação diminuiu a TNP (OR = 0.77). As fêmeas com PC <139 kg na 1º IA apresentaram maior porcentagem de leitegadas pequenas no segundo parto (NT2P, OR = 2.00) e após três parições (OR = 3.28) em comparação com aquelas pesando ≥139 kg. Porcas com ganho de peso <25 kg durante a primeira prenhes apresentaram maior chance de NT2P (OR = 3.01), em comparação com porcas ganhando acima de 35 kg. A cada 10 kg de aumento no peso ao primeiro desmame e no ganho de peso entre a 1º IA e o 1º desmame (OR = 0.71 e 0.73, respectivamente) diminuiu a taxa de descarte total, e por razões reprodutivas (OR = 0.57 e 0.61, respectivamente). A taxa de descarte até o 3º parto aumentou em porcas com menores leitegadas a primeira parição. Os resultados mostram que atingir um peso mínimo à 1º IA é importante, mas também deve ser considerado o ganho de peso corporal adequado até o primeiro desmame para melhor desempenho reprodutivo, produtividade, e retenção de matrizes no rebanho. / The aim of this study was to verify the association of sow body weight development until 1st weaning with the reproductive performance, piglet production and culling rate until 3rd farrowing in 196 Landrace x Large White primiparous sows using logistic regression models. Body weight (BW) was measured at artificial insemination (AI), 24h after farrowing and on the weaning day. At 1st AI, 1st farrowing and 1st weaning the BW was on average 140.4 kg, 170.8 kg and 163.7 kg, respectively. The weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), the number of piglets born at 1st, 2nd and over three parities, and culling rate until 3rd farrowing were on average 5.7 days, 12.5, 11.8 and 36.7 piglets born, and 10.2%, respectively. Each 10kg increase in weight gain in 1st pregnancy (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st farrowing (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st weaning (OR= 0.69) or weight gain from 1st AI to 1st weaning (OR= 0.67) decreased the percentage of primiparous sows with long WEI. Increasing lactation length and increasing the number of weaned piglets were responsible for respectively decreasing (OR=0.79 per day of lactation) and increasing (OR= 1.45 per piglet weaned) the percentage of sows with long WEI. Sows with <159.5 kg at weaning had higher non-farrowing rate (NFR) compared to sows with >170 kg (OR = 4.73). Sows with <17.5 kg of gain from 1st AI to 1st weaning had higher odds (OR= 4.88) of NFR than sows gaining >30 kg. Each additional lactation day decreased the NFR (OR = 0.77). Females weighing < 139 kg at 1st AI had higher percentages of small number of total born in second parity (STB2, OR= 2.00) and over three parities (OR = 3.28) compared to those weighing ≥139 kg. Sows with weight gain at 1st pregnancy <25 kg had higher odds of STB2 (OR= 3.01) compared to sows gaining >35 kg. Each 10 kg of increase in weight at 1st weaning or in weight gain from 1st AI to 1st weaning decreased the total culling rate (OR= 0.71 and 0.73, respectively) and culling by reproductive reasons (OR= 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). Culling rate until 3rd farrowing was also increased in sows with smaller first litter size. The results show that not only to reach a minimum weight at 1st AI but also to have an adequate body weight gain until 1st weaning is important for the reproductive performance, productivity and retention of sows in the herd.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação do desenvolvimento de peso corporal da 1º inseminação até o 1º desmame com o desempenho reprodutivo, produção de leitões e taxa de descartes até o 3º parto, em 196 primíparas Landrace x Large White, usando modelos de regressão logística. O peso corporal (PC) foi medido na inseminação artificial (IA), 24h após o 1º parto e no dia do desmame. Na 1º IA, primeiro parto e desmame o PC foram em média 140.4 kg, 170.8 kg e 163.7 kg, respectivamente. O intervalo desmame-estro (IDE), o número de leitões nascidos totais no primeiro, segundo e após três partos, e a taxa de descarte até terceiro parto foram, em média 5.7 dias, 12.5, 11.8 e 36.7 leitões nascidos, e 10.2%, respectivamente. O aumento de 10 kg no ganho de peso na primeira prenhes (OR = 0.63), no peso ao 1º parto (OR = 0.63), peso ao 1º desmame (OR = 0.69) e ganho de peso entre a 1º IA e o 1º desmame (OR = 0,67) diminuiu a percentagem de primíparas com longo IDE. Os aumentos da duração da lactação e do número de leitões desmamados foram responsáveis pela, respectivamente, diminuição (OR = 0.79 por dia de lactação) e aumento (OR = 1.45 por leitão desmamado) do percentual de fêmeas com IDE longo. Primíparas com PC <159.5 kg a desmama apresentaram maior taxa de não-parto (TNP) em comparação com porcas com PC >170 kg (OR = 4.73). Porcas com <17.5 kg de ganho entre a 1º IA e o 1º desmame tiveram maior chance (OR = 4,88) de TNP do que fêmeas > 30 kg. Cada dia adicional de lactação diminuiu a TNP (OR = 0.77). As fêmeas com PC <139 kg na 1º IA apresentaram maior porcentagem de leitegadas pequenas no segundo parto (NT2P, OR = 2.00) e após três parições (OR = 3.28) em comparação com aquelas pesando ≥139 kg. Porcas com ganho de peso <25 kg durante a primeira prenhes apresentaram maior chance de NT2P (OR = 3.01), em comparação com porcas ganhando acima de 35 kg. A cada 10 kg de aumento no peso ao primeiro desmame e no ganho de peso entre a 1º IA e o 1º desmame (OR = 0.71 e 0.73, respectivamente) diminuiu a taxa de descarte total, e por razões reprodutivas (OR = 0.57 e 0.61, respectivamente). A taxa de descarte até o 3º parto aumentou em porcas com menores leitegadas a primeira parição. Os resultados mostram que atingir um peso mínimo à 1º IA é importante, mas também deve ser considerado o ganho de peso corporal adequado até o primeiro desmame para melhor desempenho reprodutivo, produtividade, e retenção de matrizes no rebanho. / The aim of this study was to verify the association of sow body weight development until 1st weaning with the reproductive performance, piglet production and culling rate until 3rd farrowing in 196 Landrace x Large White primiparous sows using logistic regression models. Body weight (BW) was measured at artificial insemination (AI), 24h after farrowing and on the weaning day. At 1st AI, 1st farrowing and 1st weaning the BW was on average 140.4 kg, 170.8 kg and 163.7 kg, respectively. The weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), the number of piglets born at 1st, 2nd and over three parities, and culling rate until 3rd farrowing were on average 5.7 days, 12.5, 11.8 and 36.7 piglets born, and 10.2%, respectively. Each 10kg increase in weight gain in 1st pregnancy (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st farrowing (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st weaning (OR= 0.69) or weight gain from 1st AI to 1st weaning (OR= 0.67) decreased the percentage of primiparous sows with long WEI. Increasing lactation length and increasing the number of weaned piglets were responsible for respectively decreasing (OR=0.79 per day of lactation) and increasing (OR= 1.45 per piglet weaned) the percentage of sows with long WEI. Sows with <159.5 kg at weaning had higher non-farrowing rate (NFR) compared to sows with >170 kg (OR = 4.73). Sows with <17.5 kg of gain from 1st AI to 1st weaning had higher odds (OR= 4.88) of NFR than sows gaining >30 kg. Each additional lactation day decreased the NFR (OR = 0.77). Females weighing < 139 kg at 1st AI had higher percentages of small number of total born in second parity (STB2, OR= 2.00) and over three parities (OR = 3.28) compared to those weighing ≥139 kg. Sows with weight gain at 1st pregnancy <25 kg had higher odds of STB2 (OR= 3.01) compared to sows gaining >35 kg. Each 10 kg of increase in weight at 1st weaning or in weight gain from 1st AI to 1st weaning decreased the total culling rate (OR= 0.71 and 0.73, respectively) and culling by reproductive reasons (OR= 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). Culling rate until 3rd farrowing was also increased in sows with smaller first litter size. The results show that not only to reach a minimum weight at 1st AI but also to have an adequate body weight gain until 1st weaning is important for the reproductive performance, productivity and retention of sows in the herd.

Der Mastitis-Metritis-Agalaktie-Komplex (MMAK) zählt in der Schweineproduktion zu den wichtigsten Puerperalerkrankungen der Sau. Es existieren verschiedene Prophylaxe- und Therapiekonzepte. Diese können jedoch nicht verhindern, dass es zu wirtschaftlichen Verlusten durch erhöhte Ferkelmortalität und herabgesetzte Fruchtbarkeitsleistung der Sauen kommt. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es zu ermitteln, wie sich der antioxidative und Stoffwechselstatus von Sauen eines Betriebes mit vermehrtem Auftreten vom MMAK im peripartalen Zeitraum verhält und ob Unterschiede zwischen gesunden und am MMAK erkrankten Sauen bestehen. Des Weiteren wurde geprüft, ob Unterschiede zwischen Jung- und Altsauen existieren und ob er antioxidative Status saisonalen Schwankungen unterliegt. Versuchsanordnung: Im Versuchszeitraum von September 2004 bis Oktober 2005 wurden insgesamt 67 zu Beginn der Untersuchung klinisch gesunden Sauen im peripartalen Zeitraum je vier Blutproben entnommen: (1.) eine Woche vor dem Abferkeln, (2.) 1. Tag nach der Abferkelung, (3.) 8. Tag nach der Abferkelung und (4.) 15. Tag nach der Abferkelung. Die Blutentnahme erfolgte jahreszeitlich gestaffelt. Es wurden die Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), die Antioxidant capacity of water soluble substances (ACW), die Aktivitäten der Superoxid-Dismutase (SOD), der Glutathion-Peroxidase (GPX), die Selen- und Vitamin E-Konzentration sowie ausgesuchte klinisch-chemische Parameter bestimmt. Parallel dazu wurden Futtermittelproben und eine Brunnenwasserprobe im Labor der Thüringer Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft untersucht. Die Beurteilung der Sauengesundheit erfolgte nach den Kriterien Fieber, vaginaler Ausfluss, Mastitis und/oder Agalaktie. Es wurde zwischen Jungsau (inklusive 2. Wurf) und Altsau (ab dem 3. Wurf) unterschieden. Ergebnisse: Die TEAC-Konzentration lag bei den am MMAK erkrankten Sauen eine Woche vor dem Abferkeln mit 196 (1. Quartil: 192; 3. Quartil: 224) µmol/l signifikant unter der Konzentration bei den gesunden Sauen mit 246 (192; 275) µmol/l. Bei der folgenden Messung am ersten Tag nach der Abferkelung kam es bei den am MMAK erkrankten Sauen zu einem signifikanten Anstieg der TEAC-Konzentration auf 239 (191; 268) µmol/l. Bei den gesunden Sauen unterlag die TEAC-Konzentration im Untersuchungszeitraum nicht signifikanten Schwankungen. Die ACW-Konzentration lag in fast 70 % der Proben unterhalb der Nachweisgrenze. Die SOD-Aktivität bei den am MMAK erkrankten Sauen lag eine Woche vor dem Abferkeln mit 2725 (2479; 2936) U/g Hb signifikant höher, als die Aktivität bei den gesunden Sauen mit 2366 (2158; 2663) U/g Hb. Bei den gesunden Sauen nahm die Aktivität der SOD bis zum achten Tag nach der Abferkelung signifikant zu und sank am 15. Tag nach der Abferkelung signifikant ab. Bei den am MMAK erkrankten Tieren unterlag die SOD-Aktivität von einer Woche vor dem Abferkeln bis zum achten Tag nach der Abferkelung nicht signifikanten Schwankungen, am 15. Tag nach der Abferkelung sank sie signifikant. Die GPX-Aktivität lag bei den am MMAK erkrankten Sauen eine Woche vor dem Abferkeln mit 267 (207; 298) U/g Hb signifikant niedriger als bei den gesunden Sauen mit 286 (255; 316) U/g Hb. Bei der anschließenden Untersuchung am ersten Tag nach der Abferkelung sank die GPX-Aktivität bei den am MMAK erkrankten Sauen auf 239 (178; 277) U/g Hb signifikant ab, im weiteren Untersuchungsverlauf blieb sie auf einem Niveau. Die Selenkonzentration stieg bei den gesunden und am MMAK erkrankten Sauen während der Untersuchung signifikant an. Die CK- und AST-Aktivitäten stiegen bei den am MMAK erkrankten Sauen am ersten Tag nach der Abferkelung signifikant an und näherten sich bei den folgenden Untersuchungen wieder der Ausgangsaktivität eine Woche vor der Abferkelung an. Der antioxidative Status von gesunden und am MMAK erkrankten Jung- und Altsauen zeigte signifikant höhere Selenkonzentrationen eine Woche vor dem Abferkeln bei den am MMAK erkrankten Altsauen im Vergleich zu den am MMAK erkrankten Jungsauen, sowie eine signifikant höhere TEAC-Konzentration am 15. Tag nach der Abferkelung bei dem am MMAK erkrankten Altsauen im Vergleich zu den an am MMAK erkrankten Jungsauen. Im jahreszeitlichen Vergleich lagen in erster Linie Parameter der September/Oktober Kontrolle signifikant erniedrigt vor. Wobei mit Ausnahme der Selenkonzentration diese signifikanten Unterschiede nicht während des gesamten Probenzeitraumes bestanden. Schlussfolgerungen: In dieser Untersuchung wurden die größten Unterschiede im antioxidativen Abwehrsystem zwischen den gesunden Sauen und am MMAK erkrankten Sauen eine Woche vor dem Abferkeln sowie am ersten Tag nach der Abferkelung festgestellt. Dies lässt vermuten, dass das antioxidative Abwehrsystem der kranken Sauen schon vor der Abferkelung stärkeren Belastungen ausgesetzt war als das der gesunden Sauen. Im Alters- und jahreszeitlichen Vergleich lagen vereinzelt signifikante Unterschiede im antioxidativen Status vor. / The mastitis, metritis, agalactia syndrome (MMAS) counts among the most prominent diseases of sows in pig breeding. Several prophylactic and therapeutic concepts exist but those cannot prevent economical losses due to an increased mortality of piglets and decreased fertility of sows. This examination aims at showing how the sows antioxidant and metabolic status in farms with increased cases of MMAS during the periparturient period behaves and whether differences between young and elder sows exist and whether the antioxidative status is liable to seasonal fluctuations. Test arrangement: During the period from september 2004 to october 2005, four blood samples of 67 peripartal sows which were clinically healthy at the examination’s outset were taken: (1.) one week before littering, (2.) one day after littering, (3.) 8 days after littering and (4.) 15 days after littering. Blood withdrawal occurred seasonally equated. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances (ACW), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) glutathione peroxidase (GPX), concentrations of selenium and vitamin E as well as assorted clinical and chemical parameters were analysed. In addition, feeding stuff and water sample were analysed in the laboratories of the Thüringer Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft. Appraisal of the sows’ health was based on the criteria fever, vaginal discharge, mastitis and/or agalactia. Young sows (including second litter) an elder sows (third litter and up) were distinguished. Results: Concentration of TEAC in sows afflicted with MMAS one week before littering was at 196 (1. quartile: 192; 3. quartile: 224) µmol/l significantly lower than the concentration in healthy sows at 246 (192; 275) µmol/l. The following measurement taken on the first day after littering showed a significant rise to 239 (191; 268) µmol/l in the concentration of TEAC in sows afflicted with MMAS. Healthy sows TEAC concentration showed no significant fluctuations for the duration of the examination. ACW concentration was below detection limit in almost 70 % of the samples. SOD activity one week before littering in sows afflicted with MMAS was significantly higher at 2725 (2479; 2936) U/g Hb than activity in healthy sows at 2366 (2158; 2663) U/g Hb. SOD activity in healthy sows decreased significantly until the 8 day after littering and decreased significantly on day 15 after littering. No significant fluctuations in SOD activity was detected in sows afflicted with MMAS during the period between one week before littering until 8 day after littering, 15 days after littering it decreased significantly. GPX activity was significantly lower in sows afflicted with MMAS than healthy sows one week before littering at 286 (255; 316) U/g Hb. Following examinations one day after littering showed that GPX activity in sows afflicted with MMAS sank significantly to 239 (178; 277) U/g Hb and held that level during the remainder of the examination period. The concentration of selenium rose significantly in healthy and afflicted sows during the examination. CK and AST activities rose significantly in afflicted sows one day after littering and went back to its basic value of one week before littering. The antioxidant status of healthy and afflicted young and elder sows showed significantly higher selenium concentrations a week before littering in elder sows afflicted with MMAS compared to afflicted younger sows, as well as a significantly higher TEAC concentration on day 15 after littering in elder sows afflicted with MMAS compared to younger afflicted sows. During seasonal comparison, parameters of the september/october group were significantly lower, although it must be considered that with exception of selenium concentrations those significant differences were not detected during the entire examination period. Conclusions: The largest differences in the antioxidant defence system between healthy sows and those afflicted with MMAS were detected on e week before and one day after littering. This leads to assumption that the antioxidant defence of afflicted sows was subjected to more stress before littering than that of healthy sows. Sporadic significant differences of the antioxidant status were detected in age and seasonal comparisons.

<p dir="ltr">Heat stress is one of the leading welfare concerns for modern swine production globally. Swine are especially susceptible as the species has inactive sudoriferous glands and, as a result, these animals thermoregulate mainly through behaviors such as wallowing and rooting up cooler patches of ground. In commercial settings, access to open ground or wallowing pits would present a threat to the animals’ health in the form of a vector for diseases and parasites. This puts aspects of swine welfare in direct conflict with one another, while public legislature and consumer pressures increasingly call for approaches to animal welfare that encompass all aspects of welfare to be considered. Efforts towards improved welfare are also crucial to the environmental and economical sustainability for producers and consumers. Previous genetic selection tactics used in swine herds focused intensely on a few traits and have led to modern animals being highly productive but also more environmentally sensitive. Intensely selected animals have energy margins that are narrower and more devoted to higher production leaving less accommodations for resilience in moments of stress. Since swine behaviorally thermoregulate, the use of behavior studies combined with those of genetics is one possible way to effectively identify heritable aspects of climatic resilience into future herds while still improving production traits. The primary objectives of this thesis were to develop an ethogram that can be used to base phenotypes of behavior; calculate the variance components of the behavior traits; correlate these components with those of maternal productivity and heat tolerance; and finally explore the genetic background of the behavior traits based on the identification of genomic markers significantly associated with them. Data was collected on 1,678 Landrace × Large White sows from a commercial swine herd in North Carolina. The data comprised information on climatic factors, litter performance, and behavior during a standardized human handling procedure in the summer of 2021. These animals were genotyped using the PorcineSNP50K Bead Chip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). These studies describe the development of an ethogram for use on lactating sows in a commercial setting in order to create the novel behavior traits of Responsiveness Score (RS), Vocalization Score (VS), and Shave Time (ST). The genetic variance components were then estimated, and heritabilities found to be 0.17 ± 0.05 for RS, 0.15 ± 0.05 for VS, and 0.10 ± 0.05. These novel behavior traits had low genetic correlations with traits of maternal performance and heat stress resilience. Genome-wide association studies were then performed, and 19 genomic markers were significantly associated with the three behavior traits. However, only one region located on chromosome 3 harbors a candidate gene that may play a role in heat stress resilience. Although the novel behavior traits explored in this study are heritable, they were not found to be viable indicator traits for heat stress resilience due to their low genetic correlations with direct indicators of heat tolerance in lactating sows. It is important that additional phenotypic records of behaviors related to welfare are generated in the future to better map their polygenic nature. </p>

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa consiste na avaliação de diferentes sistemas de alojamento para matrizes gestantes, visando caracterizar aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos do ambiente e as variáveis que influenciam o sistema de produção, determinando as condições favoráveis ao melhor desempenho animal, baseada nas respostas ao ambiente de criação. O experimento foi realizado no período compreendido entre 04/01 e 11/03/2005, em uma propriedade de produção industrial de suínos, localizada no município de Elias Fausto, estado de São Paulo. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no setor de gestação, com 24 matrizes primíparas, 12 fêmeas alojadas em baias individuais (T1) e 12 animais em baias coletivas (T2) e posteriormente na maternidade, onde foram quantificados os índices de produção dos leitões provenientes do estudo. O trabalho foi dividido basicamente em três etapas, em função da forma de avaliação dos dados: análise bioclimática; análise dos sistemas de produção; avaliação de sistemas inteligentes disponíveis, lógica fuzzy e redes neurais artificiais (RNAs) para o estudo de padrões de conforto térmico ambiental e predição dos índices zootécnicos, peso no nascimento e número de leitões mumificados, com base nos dados de temperatura ambiente e taxa respiratória das matrizes. A avaliação bioclimática foi realizada por meio do registro das variáveis meteorológicas (temperatura ambiente, umidade do ar, temperatura de globo negro e velocidade do vento) e ambientais (concentração de gases), na sala de gestação e no ambiente externo, possibilitando a caracterização da eficiência térmica, pelos índices de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU) e entalpia específica (h) e da condição de salubridade da instalação. A análise do sistema de produção teve, como variáveis respostas aos tratamentos avaliados, as relações comportamentais, os parâmetros fisiológicos e os índices zootécnicos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos e 67 blocos, e as médias, comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. As variáveis meteorológicas e ambientais apontam o sistema de confinamento em baias coletivas como aquele que permitu melhor condicionamento térmico natural às matrizes em gestação. Com relação à concentração de gases, os teores médios não superaram as concentrações consideradas críticas para as matrizes. Os parâmetros fisiológicos e os índices zootécnicos apresentaram valores mais adequados para o T2, assim como seu reflexo no desempenho da parição dos leitões. A avaliação comportamental, realizada pelo monitoramento por meio do registro de imagens de vídeo, apontou menor incidência de comportamentos resultantes do estresse ambiental, estereotipias e interações agressivas referentes ao estabelecimento de uma organização social no T2 comparativamente ao T1. O uso da teoria dos conjuntos fuzzy permitiu que se fizesse uma alusão entre os dados resultantes do trabalho experimental com os estabelecidos pela literatura, por intermédio de uma base de regras estabelecidas, para a determinação do conforto ambiental aplicado a matrizes na fase de gestação. O sucesso das redes neurais esteve diretamente relacionado com a sua alta versatilidade, permitindo as aproximações propostas neste trabalho para a predição dos índices zootécnicos. / This study evaluated different housing systems for pregnant sows aiming to describe quantitative and qualitative aspects of environment, as well as variables that have effect on production system. The optimal conditions for animal performance improvement have been determined analyzing behavioral data took in breeding environment. Trial was carried out from january 4th to march 11th 2005 in a farm specialized in industrial production of pork, located in Elias Fausto City, São Paulo State. In gestation facility 24 gilts were allocated:12 in individual stalls (T1) and 12 in group housing (T2). Further, in farrowing housing, piglets were evaluated in relation to their production variables. Basicaly, this study was divided in three steps in function of the way chose for data analysis: bioclimatic analysis; analysis of the production systems; evaluation of the available intelligent systems: fuzzy logic and artificial neural nets (ANNs) for studing environmental thermal confort patterns and prediction of produtive indexes, birth weights and number of mummifed piglets, based on data of environmental temperature and sow respiratory rates. Bioclimatic evaluation was realized by registering metheorological variables (environmental temperature, air humidity, dark globe temperature and wind velocity) and environmental variables (concentration of gases) inside of parturition room and in external environment, which permitted to characterize thermal efficiency by indexes of globe temperature and humidity (IGTH) and specific enthalpy (h) and salubrious condition of facility. The analysis of production system had as variables the answers to treatments, the behavioral relationships, physiological parameters and productive indexes. Experimental design was randomized blocks with two treatments and 67 blocks. Means were compared by Tukey test. Metheorological and environmental variables indicated the confinement system in group-houses as that permitted the better natural thermal monitoring for pregnant gilts. In relation to concentration of gases, mean levels did not exceed the concentrations considered limitating for sows. Physiological parameters and productive indexes were more adequate in T2, which reflected in performance during parturition. Behavior evaluation, realized by image monitoring using video cameras, showed lower incidence of behaviors related to environmental stress, stereotypies and agressive interactions caused by social organization establishment within group-housing system. The fuzzy set theory permitted to compare experimental data with those reported in cientific papers through rules created for proportionating well-fare of sows during gestation period. The success of neural nets was directly related to it high versatility, wich allowed aproximating productive indexes for predictions proposed in this work.

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa consiste na avaliação de diferentes sistemas de alojamento para matrizes gestantes, visando caracterizar aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos do ambiente e as variáveis que influenciam o sistema de produção, determinando as condições favoráveis ao melhor desempenho animal, baseada nas respostas ao ambiente de criação. O experimento foi realizado no período compreendido entre 04/01 e 11/03/2005, em uma propriedade de produção industrial de suínos, localizada no município de Elias Fausto, estado de São Paulo. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no setor de gestação, com 24 matrizes primíparas, 12 fêmeas alojadas em baias individuais (T1) e 12 animais em baias coletivas (T2) e posteriormente na maternidade, onde foram quantificados os índices de produção dos leitões provenientes do estudo. O trabalho foi dividido basicamente em três etapas, em função da forma de avaliação dos dados: análise bioclimática; análise dos sistemas de produção; avaliação de sistemas inteligentes disponíveis, lógica fuzzy e redes neurais artificiais (RNAs) para o estudo de padrões de conforto térmico ambiental e predição dos índices zootécnicos, peso no nascimento e número de leitões mumificados, com base nos dados de temperatura ambiente e taxa respiratória das matrizes. A avaliação bioclimática foi realizada por meio do registro das variáveis meteorológicas (temperatura ambiente, umidade do ar, temperatura de globo negro e velocidade do vento) e ambientais (concentração de gases), na sala de gestação e no ambiente externo, possibilitando a caracterização da eficiência térmica, pelos índices de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU) e entalpia específica (h) e da condição de salubridade da instalação. A análise do sistema de produção teve, como variáveis respostas aos tratamentos avaliados, as relações comportamentais, os parâmetros fisiológicos e os índices zootécnicos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos e 67 blocos, e as médias, comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. As variáveis meteorológicas e ambientais apontam o sistema de confinamento em baias coletivas como aquele que permitu melhor condicionamento térmico natural às matrizes em gestação. Com relação à concentração de gases, os teores médios não superaram as concentrações consideradas críticas para as matrizes. Os parâmetros fisiológicos e os índices zootécnicos apresentaram valores mais adequados para o T2, assim como seu reflexo no desempenho da parição dos leitões. A avaliação comportamental, realizada pelo monitoramento por meio do registro de imagens de vídeo, apontou menor incidência de comportamentos resultantes do estresse ambiental, estereotipias e interações agressivas referentes ao estabelecimento de uma organização social no T2 comparativamente ao T1. O uso da teoria dos conjuntos fuzzy permitiu que se fizesse uma alusão entre os dados resultantes do trabalho experimental com os estabelecidos pela literatura, por intermédio de uma base de regras estabelecidas, para a determinação do conforto ambiental aplicado a matrizes na fase de gestação. O sucesso das redes neurais esteve diretamente relacionado com a sua alta versatilidade, permitindo as aproximações propostas neste trabalho para a predição dos índices zootécnicos. / This study evaluated different housing systems for pregnant sows aiming to describe quantitative and qualitative aspects of environment, as well as variables that have effect on production system. The optimal conditions for animal performance improvement have been determined analyzing behavioral data took in breeding environment. Trial was carried out from january 4th to march 11th 2005 in a farm specialized in industrial production of pork, located in Elias Fausto City, São Paulo State. In gestation facility 24 gilts were allocated:12 in individual stalls (T1) and 12 in group housing (T2). Further, in farrowing housing, piglets were evaluated in relation to their production variables. Basicaly, this study was divided in three steps in function of the way chose for data analysis: bioclimatic analysis; analysis of the production systems; evaluation of the available intelligent systems: fuzzy logic and artificial neural nets (ANNs) for studing environmental thermal confort patterns and prediction of produtive indexes, birth weights and number of mummifed piglets, based on data of environmental temperature and sow respiratory rates. Bioclimatic evaluation was realized by registering metheorological variables (environmental temperature, air humidity, dark globe temperature and wind velocity) and environmental variables (concentration of gases) inside of parturition room and in external environment, which permitted to characterize thermal efficiency by indexes of globe temperature and humidity (IGTH) and specific enthalpy (h) and salubrious condition of facility. The analysis of production system had as variables the answers to treatments, the behavioral relationships, physiological parameters and productive indexes. Experimental design was randomized blocks with two treatments and 67 blocks. Means were compared by Tukey test. Metheorological and environmental variables indicated the confinement system in group-houses as that permitted the better natural thermal monitoring for pregnant gilts. In relation to concentration of gases, mean levels did not exceed the concentrations considered limitating for sows. Physiological parameters and productive indexes were more adequate in T2, which reflected in performance during parturition. Behavior evaluation, realized by image monitoring using video cameras, showed lower incidence of behaviors related to environmental stress, stereotypies and agressive interactions caused by social organization establishment within group-housing system. The fuzzy set theory permitted to compare experimental data with those reported in cientific papers through rules created for proportionating well-fare of sows during gestation period. The success of neural nets was directly related to it high versatility, wich allowed aproximating productive indexes for predictions proposed in this work.