Lack of evidence of mastitis as a causal factor for postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows123

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence of mastitis in sows suffering from postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS), we examined milk constituents and concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained from the udder vein (v. epigastrica). As part of a case–cohort study, 109 sows were monitored daily from 60 h antepartum (a.p.) to 36 h postpartum (p.p.). Over time, 38 sows were diagnosed with PDS (PDS+) and were retrospectively matched with 38 healthy sows (PDS−). The study period was divided into 7 smaller time periods (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and E), allowing the studied values, in period B to G, to be compared with period A that served as a baseline, and PDS+ and PDS− sows were compared within the time periods. All sows were subjected to a thorough daily clinical examination and blood was sampled from v. epigastrica for LPS detection. Milk samples were obtained for bacteriological evaluation and detection of N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), β-glucuronidase (β-glu; for evaluation of mastitis), isocitrate (isoC), free glucose, uric acid (UA; for evaluation of the mammary energy status), β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA; for evaluation of ketosis), and milk urea (for evaluation of the protein status). The results revealed that PDS+ sows had decreased concentrations of UA in milk (P < 0.0001), increased heart rates (P < 0.01), increased mammary edema (P < 0.05), and prolonged capillary refill time in the vulvar mucosa (P < 0.01) compared with PDS− sows. Compared with baseline, feces became more solid 0 to 36 h p.p. (P < 0.0001) and the respiration rate decreased 12 to 24 h p.p. (P < 0.0001) for both PDS+ and PDS− sows. No differences were found between PDS+ and PDS− sows for severe bacterial infections, concentrations of LPS in blood or LDH, NAGase, BHBA, free glucose, isoC, or urea in milk. Concentrations of LPS in blood were not associated with signs of mastitis or edema in the mammary glands. However, a difference over time was seen for redness (P < 0.0001), warmth (P < 0.0001), and hardness (P < 0.05) of the 6 most anterior glands in both PDS+ and PDS− sows from 60 h a.p to 36 h p.p. The PDS− sows had greater concentrations of β-glu than the PDS+ sows, but no change over time was demonstrated for this marker. In conclusion, signs of mastitis were not consistently linked to PDS in sows. However, the cardiovascular system seemed to be compromised in PDS+ sows and the cause should be investigated to elucidate the pathogenesis of PDS.

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows: effects on behavior of sows and piglets

“…Ceased defecation during parturition and the following 24 h is in good agreement with our previous clinical findings of constipation in both groups of sows over time [ 38 ].…”

“…The design has previously been described in publications on the inflammatory response [ 2 ], hormonal and metabolic changes [ 4 ], the prevalence of mastitis, and the clinical alterations pre- and post-partum [ 38 ]. In short, a case-cohort study ( n = 69) was conducted by comparing 32 PDS+ sows to 37 healthy sows (PDS− sows) from 24 h before the birth of the first piglet until 24 h after the birth of the last piglet.…”

Changes of Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Serum and Saliva around Parturition in Sows with and without Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome

“…This study included saliva and sera from sows sampled in a Danish sow farm as previously described by Kaiser et al [26,27,37]. Brie y, PDS + sows (n = 38) and PDS ÷ sows (n = 38) were sampled once a day from 2 days before parturition until the development of PDS, or for a maximum of 2 days after parturition.…”

Comparative metabolomics analysis of milk components between Italian Mediterranean buffaloes and Chinese Holstein cows based on LC-MS/MS technology

“…Uric acid, as one of the purine derivative elements, has considered a reliable indicator to comprehensively assess cows' healthy status and mammary energy status [52][53][54]. Furthermore, as an antioxidant entity, uric acid contributes to increase the oxidative stability of milk [55].…”