Evaluation of the prevalence of stomach ulcers in slaughtered pigs in a Swiss ­abattoir

Abstract

The development of gastric ulcers in pigs has various reasons. In Switzerland, the last survey on the prevalence of gastric ulcers and possible risk factors was performed in 2005. We aimed to reassess gastric ulcers prevalence today, in 2021. A total of 1005 stomachs from fattening pigs from 136 batches and around 87 herds were evaluated at a Swiss abattoir. The Pars oesophagea of the stomach was scored from 0=healthy to 10=severe ulceration and strictures. Scores were compared between pigs produced under the labels "Integrierte Produktion Schweiz" (IPS, n=242 stomachs, 18 farms) and "Qualitätsmanagement-Schweizerfleisch" (QM, n=649, 58 farms) and others (n=114). The results showed a prevalence of 27.2% mild mucosal changes (Scores 1-3), 14.9% moderate mucosal changes (Scores 4-6) and 19.1% severe mucosal changes (Scores 7-10). Only 38.8% of the stomachs were rated 0 and thus considered healthy. Compared to the results from 2005, there is no difference concerning the lowest scores (0-2) and the highest scores (9-10). However, there was a shift from the medium scores (3-4) to higher scores (5-8). Stomach scores turned out to be herd specific. There were differences (p < 0.01) between labels, indicating that IPS pigs had less affected stomachs. Stomachs that were empty at slaughter showed higher scores (p < 0.001). The mean carcass weight of the pigs in the slaughter groups was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) to their median stomach score. Confiscations were not related to stomach scores. The results suggest that pig stomach health has not improved since 2005. The differences between labels seem to have resulted from different regulations prescribing a minimum particle size of enrichment material in IPS. The reasons for gastric ulcer development, including those on the individual herd within label, still have to be further clarified in order to allow targeted countermeasures. Given apparent farm-specificity, scoring of a limited number of stomachs per farm during the slaughter process could facilitate to establish a feedback scheme.

Dietary inclusion of fibrous corn silages reduces gastric mucosa damage in fattening heavy pigs

“…Cybulski et al (2021) examined 32 thousand stomachs from different farms and assessed gastric injuries in 72% of the total samples taken into account. Helbing et al (2022) reported that 61% of pigs (one thousand subjects controlled) showed lesions ranging from mild to severe with no improvements compared to a previous survey conducted in 2005 in Switzerland. In the Italian context, Gottardo et al (2017) documented that 21% of more than 20 thousand heavy pig stomachs controlled at slaughter presented mild or severe ulceration.…”

Particle size distribution in commercial pig compound feeds in Switzerland: survey and methodological considerations

“…While no direct link to the occurrence of gastric ulcers can be made in the present study, these observations lead to the intuitive hythat this high prevalence of fine dietary particles is one of the contributing factors to the high prevalence of gastric ulcers in Swiss pigs recently determined. 10 Ways to reduce the fine particle load in pig feed should be explored.…”

“…Additional measures, for example the requisite to provide structured material with a minimum particle length as prescribed in Switzerland by the IPS label, 12 will help to increase the supply of coarse ingesta that is likely protective against gastric ulcers. 10 In this context, especially grass silage seems to be advantageous, more so than long chopped straw, due to the higher intake from the silage. 11 With respect to commercially designed pig feed, it is particularly the very fine particle fraction that is of relevance.…”

“…Ulcers of the Pars oesophagea of the porcine stomach have a high prevalence in fattening pigs, a phenomenon recently also confirmed in Switzerland. 10 To our knowledge, gastric ulcers in pigs are not considered a danger to food safety, but a major impairment of animal welfare. While various factors may be responsible for the development of ulcers, such as Helicobacter infection, generic stress, feeding management, diet ingredients, and general husbandry, the fineness of the particles in the feed is particularly important.…”