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12 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunocyte Populations Observed from Birth to Weaning in Blood, Spleen and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Piglets

by Tomoko Harayama, Takamitsu Tsukahara, Kikuto Fukuta, Machi Oda and Ryo Inoue

Animals 2022, 12(11), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111445 - 03 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1566

Abstract

Susceptibility to pathogen infections and efficacy of vaccination highly depend on the immune status of the piglet. Here, we measured immunocytes in piglets from birth to weaning to elucidate how immunocyte populations change during development and are affected by weaning. Crossbred piglets were [...] Read more.

Susceptibility to pathogen infections and efficacy of vaccination highly depend on the immune status of the piglet. Here, we measured immunocytes in piglets from birth to weaning to elucidate how immunocyte populations change during development and are affected by weaning. Crossbred piglets were used. Suckling piglets were euthanized at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 or 35 days old (3~4 piglets at each time point). In addition, seven piglets were weaned at 21 days old, with four being euthanized at 28 days old and the remaining at 35 days old. Piglet carcasses were dissected, and blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and spleen were sampled. In total, seven antibodies were used to stain the immunocyte population. Dynamics of myeloid (CD3^–SWC3⁺CD16⁺), natural killer (NK; CD3^–SWC3^–CD16⁺), killer T (CD3⁺CD8⁺), helper T (CD3⁺CD4⁺) and B (CD3^–CD21⁺) cells were analyzed. Percentage of innate immunity cells such as myeloid cells declined (p < 0.05) from the first day after birth. In contrast, percentage of NK cells increased in piglets while they were still suckling. Killer T, helper T, and B cell populations increased around 2~3 weeks after birth. No significant differences in the populations of the evaluated cell types were observed between suckling and weaned piglets at least for 14 days post weaning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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13 pages, 1775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neonatal Proteinuria in Calves—A Quantitative Approach

by Wiesław Skrzypczak, Alicja Dratwa-Chałupnik, Małgorzata Ożgo and Karolina Boniecka

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123602 - 20 Dec 2021

Viewed by 2449

Abstract

Urine testing is a convenient, non-invasive method of obtaining information about body functions. Depending on the intended purpose, urine testing may be qualitative and/or quantitative. Urine analysis can also include proteins. There are no data in the literature on the occurrence of proteinuria [...] Read more.

Urine testing is a convenient, non-invasive method of obtaining information about body functions. Depending on the intended purpose, urine testing may be qualitative and/or quantitative. Urine analysis can also include proteins. There are no data in the literature on the occurrence of proteinuria in healthy neonatal calves. The present study was the first that aimed to quantify the hypothesis of proteinuria occurrence in these animals in the first week of life, to assess its intensity and dynamics and to understand the underlying causes of proteinuria in healthy calves. The research was carried out on 15 healthy calves in the first seven days of life. Calves were catheterized to determine minute diuresis. Total protein concentration was determined in blood plasma and urine. Urine proteins were separated by electrophoresis (SDSPAGE) and their concentration and percentage were determined by densitometry using an image archiving and analysis software. The separated proteins were divided into three groups according to molecular weight for albumin, LMW and HMW proteins. The results were standardized per 1 m² of body surface area and statistically analyzed. Neonatal proteinuria was demonstrated in healthy calves, mainly resulting from the high concentration of LMW proteins in the urine. Their percentages decreased significantly from 84.46% on the first day of calves’ life to 64.02% on day 7. At the same time, a statistically significant increase was observed in the proportion of albumin and high molecular weight proteins in urine total protein. Albumin percentage increased from 9.54% (on day 1) to almost 20% (on day 7), while the proportion of HMW proteins increased from 6.68% to 18.13%, respectively. The concentration of total protein in the urine of newborn calves amounted to 14.64 g/L and decreased statistically significantly during the first 72 h of postnatal life, stabilizing at the level of 3–4 g/L. The mean value of total protein excretion in the first week of life was 4.81 mg/min/m² (i.e., 6.93 g/24 h/m²). The analysis of protein concentration in the urine and its excretion, as well as changes in urinary excretion of the tested protein fractions, indicated that neonatal proteinuria in healthy neonatal calves was tubular (i.e., main reason is the reduced absorption of proteins in nephrons). In addition, research showed that there was a rapid improvement in resorptive mechanisms in tubular cells. It should be assumed that the filtration barrier in the kidneys of these animals after birth is morphologically prepared to retain high molecular weight proteins. It seems that the increased permeability of the filtration barrier in the glomeruli does not necessarily indicate the immaturity of the kidneys, but may indicate the kidneys’ adaptation to excess protein removal from the body during feeding with high-protein food (colostrum), with an open intestinal barrier enabling protein absorption from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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16 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementing Colostrum from Multiparous Sows: Effects on Performance and Health in Piglets from Gilts in Farm Conditions

by Joaquin Miguel, Olga Mitjana, María Teresa Tejedor, Antonio Martínez and María Victoria Falceto

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092563 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the [...] Read more.

Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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14 pages, 9768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Intestinal Barrier Development between Intrauterine Growth Restricted and Normal Birth Weight Piglets

by Jarosław Olszewski, Romuald Zabielski, Tomasz Skrzypek, Piotr Matyba, Małgorzata Wierzbicka, Antoni Adamski, Elżbieta Grzesiuk, Maria Sady, Zdzisław Gajewski and Karolina Ferenc

Animals 2021, 11(4), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040990 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2551

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets are born at term but have low birth mass and a characteristic shape of the head. Impaired general condition, especially in intestinal function, leads to an increase in the occurrence of diarrhoea and high mortality in the first [...] Read more.

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets are born at term but have low birth mass and a characteristic shape of the head. Impaired general condition, especially in intestinal function, leads to an increase in the occurrence of diarrhoea and high mortality in the first days of life. So far, the mechanical and immunological gut barrier functions in IUGR are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to microscopically evaluate the early postnatal changes in the gut mucosa occurring in IUGR piglets. Whole-tissue small intestine samples were collected from littermate pairs (IUGR and normal) on postnatal day (PD) 7, 14 and 180 and analysed by light microscopy. We found that in the IUGR piglets, the percentage of intraepithelial leukocytes was reduced in the duodenum on PD 7, but it increased in the proximal and middle jejunum both on PD 7 and PD 14, which suggested the development of an inflammatory process. The number of goblet cells was also reduced on PD 14. The average size of the Peyer’s patches in the distal jejunum and ileum showed significant reduction on PD 7 as compared to normal pigs; however, on PD 14, it returned to normal. On PD 180, we did not find any differences in the measured parameters between the IUGR and the normal pigs. In conclusion, we found that in one-week-old IUGR pig neonates, the gut barrier and the immune system structures display signs of retarded development but recover within the second postnatal week of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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14 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Age on the Immune and Visceral Organ Weights and Cecal Traits in Modern Broilers

by Yordan Martínez, Edison Altamirano, Victoria Ortega, Patricio Paz and Manuel Valdivié

Animals 2021, 11(3), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030845 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2862

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of age on the immune and visceral organ weights and cecal traits in modern broilers. 200 male Ross^® 308 broilers were randomly selected, then 20 broilers were slaughtered every day (up to 10 days old) [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the effect of age on the immune and visceral organ weights and cecal traits in modern broilers. 200 male Ross^® 308 broilers were randomly selected, then 20 broilers were slaughtered every day (up to 10 days old) after six hours of fasting. All the organs measured had a progressive increase in absolute weight as the days progressed, apart from the spleen, which decreased its absolute weight on day 5, even though on day 10 it showed the highest values. Moreover, the small intestine relative weight increased from the fourth to the ninth day and was correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with the relative weight of the proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, and cecum, although without statistical association with the of the heart. There was a correlation between the cecum relative weight and the cecal lactic acid bacteria, and between the primary lymphoid organs. The pH (from 5.74 to 7.40) and cecal lactic acid bacteria (from 6.11 to 8.79 log 10 CFU/g) changed according to the age of the broilers. The results could contribute to the understanding of the physiology and intestinal microbiology of the first 10 days old of modern broilers, which is crucial to improve the genetic expression of these animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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19 pages, 7306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Selected Prebiotics or Synbiotics Administered in ovo on Lymphocyte Subsets in Bursa of the Fabricius, Thymus, and Spleen in Non-Immunized and Immunized Chicken Broilers

by Marianna Szczypka, Agnieszka Suszko-Pawłowska, Maciej Kuczkowski, Michał Gorczykowski, Magdalena Lis, Artur Kowalczyk, Ewa Łukaszewicz, Dominik Poradowski, Iwona Zbyryt, Marek Bednarczyk and Tadeusz Stefaniak

Animals 2021, 11(2), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020476 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2268

Abstract

The effects of in ovo-delivered prebiotics and synbiotics on the lymphocyte subsets of the lymphoid organs in non-immunized 7-day-old broiler chickens and in non-immunized, sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-immunized, and dextran (DEX)-immunized 21- and 35-day-old birds were studied. The substances were injected on [...] Read more.

The effects of in ovo-delivered prebiotics and synbiotics on the lymphocyte subsets of the lymphoid organs in non-immunized 7-day-old broiler chickens and in non-immunized, sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-immunized, and dextran (DEX)-immunized 21- and 35-day-old birds were studied. The substances were injected on the 12th day of egg incubation: Prebiotic1 group (Pre1) with a solution of inulin, Prebiotic2 group (Pre2) with a solution of Bi²tos (non-digestive transgalacto-oligosaccharides), Synbiotic1 group (Syn1) with inulin and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1, and Synbiotic2 group (Syn2) with Bi²tos and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1. In 7-day-old chicks, a decrease in T splenocytes was noticed in all groups. The most pronounced effect in 21- and 35-day-old birds was an increase in TCRγδ⁺ cells in Syn1 and Syn2 groups. A decrease in bursal B cells was observed in DEX-immunized Pre1 group (21-day-old birds), and in the Syn1 group in non-immunized and SRBC-immunized 35-day-old birds. An increase in double-positive lymphocytes was observed in Pre1 (35-day-old birds) and Pre2 (immunized 21-day-old birds) groups. In Pre1 and Syn1 groups (21- and 35-day-old), an increase in B splenocytes and a decrease in T splenocytes were observed. We concluded that Syn1 was the most effective in the stimulation of the chicken immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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14 pages, 1265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Meat Quality of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Pigs

by Piotr Matyba, Tomasz Florowski, Krzysztof Dasiewicz, Karolina Ferenc, Jarosław Olszewski, Michał Trela, Gilbert Galemba, Mirosław Słowiński, Maria Sady, Dominika Domańska, Zdzisław Gajewski and Romuald Zabielski

Animals 2021, 11(2), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020254 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs are characterized by high perinatal mortality and dysfunction of internal organs, adipose, and muscle tissues. However, little is known about the post-weaning performance and meat quality of the IUGR pigs. The aim of this study was to compare [...] Read more.

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs are characterized by high perinatal mortality and dysfunction of internal organs, adipose, and muscle tissues. However, little is known about the post-weaning performance and meat quality of the IUGR pigs. The aim of this study was to compare normal pigs and pigs with IUGR from birth until slaughter, also with respect to their meat quality. Pigs with the IUGR achieved lower slaughter weight but did not differ significantly from normal pigs in terms of their meat content. The IUGR did not negatively affect the culinary quality of the obtained meat, including its content of basic chemical components and energy value, as well as hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, elasticity, and penetration force. The meat of the IUGR pigs, when compared to the meat of normal pigs, was characterized by higher pH, lower EC (Electrical Conductivity) and drip loss; it was also tenderer and obtained higher scores in sensory evaluation of taste, smell, and general desirability. Therefore, such raw material can be appreciated by the consumers and can be used for the production of culinary portions similarly to the raw material obtained from normal pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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Review

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17 pages, 1498 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Infection and Immunity in Bovine Perinatal Mortality: Part 2. Fetomaternal Response to Infection and Novel Diagnostic Perspectives

by Paulina Jawor, John F. Mee and Tadeusz Stefaniak

Animals 2021, 11(7), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072102 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4861

Abstract

Bovine perinatal mortality due to infection may result either from the direct effects of intrauterine infection and/or the fetal response to such infection, leading to the fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). Both intrauterine infection and FIRS, which causes multi-organ damage and involution of [...] Read more.

Bovine perinatal mortality due to infection may result either from the direct effects of intrauterine infection and/or the fetal response to such infection, leading to the fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). Both intrauterine infection and FIRS, which causes multi-organ damage and involution of immune organs, compromise fetal survivability, sometimes fatally. Organ injury associated with FIRS may, in addition to causing fetal mortality, irreversibly compromise extrauterine adaptation of the neonate, a recognized problem in human fetuses. Diagnosis of intrauterine infection and of FIRS requires related, but independent analytical approaches. In addition to detection of pathogens, the immune and inflammatory responses of the bovine fetus may be utilized to diagnose intrauterine infection. This can be done by detection of specific changes in internal organs and the measurement of antibodies and/or elements of the acute phase reaction. Currently our ability to diagnose FIRS in bovine fetuses and neonates is limited to research studies. This review focuses on both the fetomaternal response to infection and diagnostic methods which rely on the response of the fetus to infection and inflammatory changes, as well other methods which may improve diagnosis of intrauterine infection in cases of bovine perinatal mortality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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23 pages, 6266 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Infection and Immunity in Bovine Perinatal Mortality: Part 1. Causes and Current Diagnostic Approaches

by John F. Mee, Paulina Jawor and Tadeusz Stefaniak

Animals 2021, 11(4), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041033 - 06 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3066

Abstract

While non-infectious causes are more commonly diagnosed in cases of bovine perinatal mortality (PM), the proportion caused by infections is highly variable between studies (~5–35%); the reasons for this variation, and possible underestimation, are discussed. The most important pathogen-specific infectious causes of PM [...] Read more.

While non-infectious causes are more commonly diagnosed in cases of bovine perinatal mortality (PM), the proportion caused by infections is highly variable between studies (~5–35%); the reasons for this variation, and possible underestimation, are discussed. The most important pathogen-specific infectious causes of PM are bacteria (in particular, Bacillus licheniformis and Leptospira spp.), viruses (in particular BVDv) and a parasite (Neospora caninum). However, co-infection may occur in a small proportion of cases and in many cases no single pathogen is detected but gross or microscopic lesions of an inflammatory response are identified. Diagnosis is complicated by the criteria required to establish exposure, infection and causation. Additionally, pathogens can be classified as primary or secondary though such differentiation can be arbitrary. The majority of infectious cases of PM are due to in utero infections but postnatal infections (0–2 days) can also cause PM. Diagnosis of infectious PM is based on a systematic investigation of the herd health history and dam and cohort sampling and examination of the perinate and its placenta. Gross and histopathologic examinations and maternal/herd and perinate serology form the basis of current infectious PM investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neonate: Care and Immunity)

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