Quantification of stress sensitive markers in single fecal samples do not accurately predict excretion of these in the pig

Sammanfattning

All feces produced during 24 h were collected from five pigs and cortisol and immunoreactive cortisol metabolites (CICM), and IgA were quantified. Within pigs, the concentrations of CICM and IgA varied extensively between random samples obtained from a single fecal dropping, and deviated in most cases significantly from the true concentration measured in total fecal output (CV 6.7-130%). The CICM and IgA contents varied considerably (CV 8.1-114%) within and between individual fecal droppings from the same pig compared to the total fecal excretion. In conclusion, single random samples could not be used to reliably quantify the total fecal concentration or excretion of CICM or IgA in pigs. Analyses of all feces collected during shorter periods than 24 h did not provide an accurate estimate of the daily excretion of CICM. Thus, the concentration of stress sensitive molecules in random single fecal samples as an indicator of animal welfare should be interpreted with prudence. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nyckelord

cortisol; immunoglobulin A; stress; pigs; feces; animal welfare

Publicerad i

Research in Veterinary Science
2007, Volym: 82, nummer: 3, sidor: 423-428
Utgivare: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

UKÄ forskningsämne

Annan medicinsk grundvetenskap


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2006.09.005

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/49991