Prevention of metritis-mastitis-agalaxia syndrome in sows

Transcription

1 Prevention of metritis-mastitis-agalaxia syndrome in sows R Perestrelo, H Perestrelo, F Madec, Jp Tillon To cite this version: R Perestrelo, H Perestrelo, F Madec, Jp Tillon. Prevention of metritis-mastitis-agalaxia syndrome in sows. Veterinary Research, BioMed Central, 1994, 25 (2-3), pp <hal > HAL Id: hal Submitted on 1 Jan 1994 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés.

2 and Stastistica (Statsoft Inc, Tulsa, OK USA). Multiple logistic regression among other statistical techniques will be used to identify the most important risk factors, using a forward inclusion method (Kleinbaum et al, 1982). ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank the farmers, veterinarians, and technicians involved. Funding was provided by NZ Game Industry Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, Deer Branch NZVA, Massey University, Pitman Moore, Rhone Mérieux, Cyanamid, Ag- Research, CIRAD-EMVT, Allflex and Te Pari Products. REFERENCES Audigé L, Wilson PR, Morris RS (1994) Deer herd health and production profiling in New Zealand. 1. Study design. Vet Res 25 (in press) Audigé L, Wilson PR, Morris RS (1993) Deer herd health and production profiling: the method. Proc Deer Course Veterinarians, Deer Branch NZVA (PR Wilson, ed) 10, Chesterton RN, Pfeiffer DU, Morris RS, Tanner CM (1989) Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of foot lameness in New Zealand dairy herds - a casecontrol study. NZ Vet J 37, Hamilton WJ, Blaxter KL (1980) Reproduction in farmed red deer. 1. Hind and stag fertility, J Agric Sci 95, Kleinbaum DG, Kupper LL, Morgenstern H (1982) Epidemiologic Research-Principles and Quantitative Methods. Lifetime Learning Publications, New York Vet Res (1994) 25, Elsevier/INRA Prevention of metritis-mastitis-agalaxia syndrome in sows R Perestrelo H Perestrelo F Madec JP Tillon 1 Instituto de Protecçâo à Produçâo Agro-Alimentar, Largo da Academia Nacional das Belas Artes, Lisbon; 2 Instituto das Estruturas Agrârias e Desenvolvimento Rural, Av Elias Garcia, 30 Venda Nova, Amadora, Portugal; 3 Centre National d Études Vétérinaires et Alimentaires, Laboratoire Central de Recherches Avicoles et Porcines, BP 53, Ploufragan; 4 École Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes, BP 3013, Nantes Cedex 03, France Summary &horbar; Data collection related to farrowing performances and health parameters was performed in 20 intensive pig farms in Portugal ( sows each) over 7 yr ( ). At-risk profiles were obtained regarding the metritis-mastitis-agalaxia (MMA) syndrome. Using prospective surveys and subsequent preventive veterinary medicine programs in pig farms, the * Correspondence and reprints

3 profile of 347 sows was analyzed by multidimensional statistical methods, and we demonstrated the value of risk-factor analysis to fight this enzootic problem. We observed a decrease in the prevalence of MMA syndrome, an increase in piglet survival and in the number of weaned piglets per sow, and a decrease in sow mortality rate. Our studies have shown the value of risk-factor analysis to fight enzootic disorders. swine / epidemiology / preventive veterinary medicine / metritis-mastitis-agalaxia syndrome Résumé &horbar; Prévention du syndrome métro-mammite-agalaxie de la truie. L étude réalisée dans 20 exploitations porcines portugaises spécialisées et intensives ( truies par élevage) pendant 7 ans avait pour objectif d évaluer l efficacité d une méthode comprenant l identification initiale des facteurs de risque du MMA (métro-mammite-agalaxie) présents, leur correction et l observation de l effet de celle-ci sur la prévention du syndrome. Après correction des conditions d élevage défectueuses précédemment décrites comme facteurs de risque, les résultats observés (réduction de la prévalence de MMA, réduction des taux de mortalité des truies et des porcelets) permettent de valider le rôle de ces mêmes facteurs en tant que facteurs de risque de MMA dans la population d étude. porc / épidémiologie / médecine préventive / métro-mammite-agalaxie INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS Parturition constitutes a critical phase in all animal species due to physical, physiological and psychological reasons. The parturition of the sow is frequently affected by pathological events which may affect the sow as well as the piglets. The following symptoms may occur: hyperthermia, anorexia, vaginal discharges, mastitis, agalaxia, or hypogalaxia in the sow; and diarrhoea in the piglets during the first days, always accompanied by fever in the sow. Metritis-mastitis-agalaxia (MMA) syndrome has been studied according to a global point of view, and we will give it the designation of ecopathological study. MMA syndrome was investigated and a combination of related risk-factors was drawn out. This work aims to show the results in Portugal of the method based on the measurement of these risk-factors and hence on the correction of the failing factors. The didactic value of the procedure is also assessed in the prevention of this syndrome. Study population A group of 20 pig farms was constituted in West Ribatejo and Alentejo (Portugal). All of the farms were built in the 1970s and are a good sample of the Portuguese modern intensive pig farming. The pig population was constituted of Large White and Landrace sows and their crossbreeds. The farms had sows and they all had veterinary assistance; 347 sows were carefully observed during the farrowing period. This study was carried out from May 1985 to November Data collection The protocol of data collection was based on a precise model of data collection. Thus, parity of the sows was registered, in order to settle the rate of nulliparous and primiparous sows. The body condition score and the composition of the diet including the number of nitrogen sources were tabulated as well as the immunoprophylatic program, especially the Escherichia coli vaccination (kind of vaccine, number of doses). The

4 herd was also evaluated in what concerns index. The hygiene by means of a synthetic method of handling the sows before parturition was carefully studied, especially the possible troubles during the transfer from the gestation room to the farrowing room (watering disposal, type of floor, method of handling, environmental and feeding changes). Locomotion disorders and urinary pathology of the sows were also recorded. Thus, early morning samples of urine were sent to the laboratory for chemical and cytobacteriological examinations. The structural and environmental conditions of the farrowing room were described (ventilation semiology), as well as the temperature and well-being of the piglets (existence of a nest). Finally, water samples were taken and tested for ph, nitrate content and bacteriology. The rectal temperature of a batch of sows was taken during the 6 d beginning on the farrowing day. These figures, as well as the pathological events which might occur to each nursing sow and its litter, were registered on data collection forms (vaginal discharges, mastitis, agalaxia, slow parturition, partial or total anorexia in the sow, as well as diarrhoea in the piglets). Data analysis discussed between the breeder and the veterinarian before starting the survey in order to ensure accuracy. The next visit took place on the day of farrowing, so that all the parameters could be studied again. A third visit was planned at the end of the first week after farrowing. At the end of the first step, each farm was plotted on a map according to its profile with regard to the risk-factors. The situation was then carefully analyzed with the farmer and the veterinarian, and a program was implemented in order to correct the failing points. RESULTS The position of each farm with respect to the target variables showed that the affected farms were located in zone 2 while the nonaffected farms belonged to the target zone (zone 1) (fig 1 The study of the kinetics in some farms showed the decrease in incidence of MMA syndrome after correction of the risk-factors. This shows the efficiency of the preventive programs based on the risk-factor control. Descriptive statistical tests, as well as particular multivariate methods, were applied according to Madec and Josse (1984). These tests were correspondence analysis (Benzecri, 1976) and an ascendant hierarchic classification (Jambu and Lebeaux, 1978). A global study of each farm was carried out, aiming at observing the specific symptoms of MMA syndrome in the sows. Time schedule The work was undertaken in 2 steps. The profile of the farm with respect to the risk-factors was determined in the first and a health preventive program was implemented in the second, based on the correction of the failing parameters. The farmers and veterinarians were carefully prepared for cooperation prior to the work. The first inquiry took place the day of transfer of the first batch of pregnant sows to the farrowing room. From each batch, 6 sows were chosen to be submitted to a detailed and methodical data collection. The system of data gathering was carefully

5 The correction of failing parameters was improved with the cooperation of the veterinarian and the farmer. Usually, we started improving the prophylactic procedures in order to respect the recommendations in this field. We also had to change the diet of the sows and include more nitrogen sources. The piglets, thermal conditions were also improved through the building of a nest (a close warm space with free access to the pen). Urinary infections in the sows were discouraged by short-term and mid-term measures, such as improvement of hygiene, water intake, and a special attention to locomotion disorders (Madec and David, 1983). As far as possible, stress in the pre-partum sow was reduced through modification in husbandry. Figure 1 shows the position of each batch of sows concerning the risk-factor profile. The batches plotted on the map (56 inquiries) are related to the profile of 347 sows; 28 groups are plotted in the target area and the other 28 are plotted in the atrisk area. Of the latter, 9 are plotted on the left side of the at-risk area, which means that their profile is strongly designed with failing levels for the risk-factors (table I). The kinetic study of some farms (fig 2) shows a positive movement of the farms towards the target area, following the corrective programs. This change looks gradual and corresponds to the settlement of new management procedures. DISCUSSION A large number of studies have been undertaken on the MMA syndrome. Most provide information on etiological agents (infectious agents) and other factors like hormone profiles, feed and watering conditions, genetic predisposition, handling methods and also the influence of urinary tract infections. The wide variety of names attributed to farrowing disorders expresses their complexity. A wide range of measures are also suggested to fight the disease. Most of these are treatments. The results we obtained showed that 1 in 3 farms has a high prevalence of both MMA syndrome and urinary disorders. The consequences of the urinary tract infection on the MMA syndrome are large and have a certain predictive value (Petersen, 1983). They can be solved by using a combination

6 -! --- of management changes (Perestrelo et al, 1992). The main difficulty of this kind of approach is finding partners with an open mind. REFERENCES Benzecri JP (1976) L analyse des données. I. La taxinomie. II. L analyse des correspondances. Dunod Ed, Paris, 616 p Jambu M, Lebeaux MO (1978) Classification automatique pour I analyse des données. I. Méthodes etalgorithimes. II. Logiciels. Dunod Ed, Paris, 210 p Madec F, David F (1983) Les troubles urinaires des troupeaux de truies : diagnostics, incidence et cirsconstances d apparition. J Rech Porc en France 15, Madec F, Josse J (1984) Utilisation des m6thodes de I analyse des données pour 1 6tude des maladies d 61evage. Application au porc. Epidemiol Sant6 Anim 6, Perestrelo R, Perestrelo H, Madec F (1992) Prevention of urinary disorders in swine based on risk-factors control. In: Proc of l2th Int Pig Vet Soc, Hague, 532 Petersen B (1983) Methods of early recognition of puerperal and fertility disorders in the sow. Livest Prod Sci 10, Vet Res (1994) 25, Elsevier/INRA Prevention of reproductive disorders in sows R Perestrelo H Perestrelo 2 F 3Madec JP Tillon 1 Instituto de Protecçào à Produçâo Agro-Alimentar, Largo da Academia Nacional das Belas Artes, Lisbon; 2 Instituto das Estruturas Agrârias e Desenvolvimento Rural, Av Elias Garcia, 30 Venda Nova, Amadora, Portugal; 3 Centre National d Études Vétérinaires et Alimentaires, Laboratoire Central de Recherches Avicoles et Porcines, BP 53, Ploufragan; 4 École Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes, BP 3013, Nantes Cedex 03, France Summary &horbar; Data collection related to production performances and health parameters was developed in 31 intensive pig farms in Portugal (from sows each) in of sows over 7 yr ( ). Using prospective surveys and subsequent preventive veterinary medicine programs in pig farms, we demonstrated the value of risk-factor analysis in the improvement of production performances: an increase in litter size from 9.15 piglets born/litter (sd 2.93) to 13.4 (sd 2.13); an increase in number of weaned piglets per sow per year: (sd 1.93) to (sd 1.92); and a decrease in returns to oestrus (25.3 to 2.3%). swine / epidemiology / intensive pig farms / preventive veterinay medicine / reproduction disorders *Correspondence and reprints