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Dr. Claudio Oliviero
Production Animal Hospital, Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

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parturition
colostrum
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Neonate piglets

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Feed

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2021 in Animals
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The weaning process represents a delicate phase for piglets, and is often characterized by lower feed intake, lower weight gain, diarrhea, and ultimately increased mortality. We aimed to determine the effects of RAC supplementation in diets on improving piglet growth and vitality, reducing post-weaning diarrhea, and enhancing gut health. In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, we selected forty sows and their piglets. Piglets were followed until seven weeks of age. There were no significant differences found between RAC treated and control piglets until weaning (p = 0.26). However, three weeks after weaning, RAC treated piglets had higher body weight and average daily growth (ADG) than the control piglets (p = 0.003). In addition, the piglets that received RAC after weaning, irrespective of mother or prior creep feed treatment, had lower post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO) level than control piglets. Gut microbiota analysis in post-weaning piglets revealed that RAC supplementation significantly increased Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Gemmiger and Holdemanella, and decreased Bacteroidales_unclassified. Overall, RAC supplementation to piglets modulated post-weaning gut microbiota, improved growth performance after weaning, reduced post-weaning diarrhea and reduced fecal myeloperoxidase levels. We therefore consider RAC to be a potential natural feed supplement to prevent enteric infections and improve growth performance in weaning piglets.

ACS Style

Karim Uddin; Shah Hasan; Rayhan Mahmud; Olli Peltoniemi; Claudio Oliviero. In-Feed Supplementation of Resin Acid-Enriched Composition Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation in Piglets. Animals 2021, 11, 2511 .

AMA Style

Karim Uddin, Shah Hasan, Rayhan Mahmud, Olli Peltoniemi, Claudio Oliviero. In-Feed Supplementation of Resin Acid-Enriched Composition Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation in Piglets. Animals. 2021; 11 (9):2511.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karim Uddin; Shah Hasan; Rayhan Mahmud; Olli Peltoniemi; Claudio Oliviero. 2021. "In-Feed Supplementation of Resin Acid-Enriched Composition Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation in Piglets." Animals 11, no. 9: 2511.

Book chapter
Published: 20 January 2021 in Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine
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Over the past three decades, efficient breeding and management have almost doubled the litter size of sows. Simultaneously, duration of farrowing has increased markedly. The expulsion phase of parturition in the hyper prolific sow is now 3 to 5 times longer than it was in the early 1990s. There has also been a constant downward trend in piglet birth weight, along with a similar trend in colostrum intake, which is an important risk factor for piglet mortality. Together with these trends, an increase in farrowing complications, such as postpartum dysgalactia and retention of placenta, has been reported. This paper investigates group housing of sows during gestation, farrowing and lactation, focusing on management strategies of the sow. In short, the sow needs to be given space and enrichment materials for adequate expression of nest-building behavior. Maternal characteristics may be utilized to improve the success rate of reproductive management during farrowing and early lactation. The lower piglet birth weight and compromised immunity of newborn piglets warrant investigation in the search for novel management tools. Robust breeds with somewhat lower litter size, but improved resilience and increased birth weight may be needed in the near future.

ACS Style

Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peltoniemi. Troubled Process of Parturition of the Domestic Pig. Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Claudio Oliviero, Olli Peltoniemi. Troubled Process of Parturition of the Domestic Pig. Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peltoniemi. 2021. "Troubled Process of Parturition of the Domestic Pig." Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 02 September 2020 in Porcine Health Management
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Chronic pleurisy is a common finding in slaughtered pigs in post-mortem meat inspection. The prevalence of pleurisy has been increasing during the last decade also in Finland. The aim of this prospective case-control study was to search for environmental, infectious and management-related herd-level risk factors for pleurisy in the slaughterhouse. Altogether 46 Finnish pig herds, including 25 control (low pleurisy prevalence in meat inspection) and 21 case (high pleurisy) herds, were enrolled in the study and visited during the tenth week of the rearing period of finishing pigs. Herd personnel were asked about basic herd information, management and environmental factors. Selected pigs were examined clinically, environmental parameters were measured and 15 blood samples per herd were taken during herd visits. Antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia serotype 2 (APP2) and ApxIV toxin and swine influenza virus were measured. After the slaughter of study pigs, meat inspection results of the batch were gathered from slaughterhouses. Multivariate logistic regression model was built to identify possible risk factors for a herd to be a case herd (i.e. having high pleurisy values). Finishing herd type and herd size were observed to act as risk factors. None of clinical signs of pigs, management-related factors or environmental measurements were associated with herd status. As previously known, in endemic and subclinical infections such as APP, herd factors are important, but detailed risk factors seem to be difficult to identify.

ACS Style

Outi Hälli; Minna Haimi-Hakala; Claudio Oliviero; Mari Heinonen. Herd-level risk factors for chronic pleurisy in finishing pigs: a case-control study. Porcine Health Management 2020, 6, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Outi Hälli, Minna Haimi-Hakala, Claudio Oliviero, Mari Heinonen. Herd-level risk factors for chronic pleurisy in finishing pigs: a case-control study. Porcine Health Management. 2020; 6 (1):1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Outi Hälli; Minna Haimi-Hakala; Claudio Oliviero; Mari Heinonen. 2020. "Herd-level risk factors for chronic pleurisy in finishing pigs: a case-control study." Porcine Health Management 6, no. 1: 1-9.

Supplement review
Published: 11 September 2019 in Reproduction in Domestic Animals
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The use of hyperprolific sow lines has increased litter size considerably in the last three decades. Nowadays, in some countries litters can reach up to 18–20 piglets being a major challenge for the sow's physiology during pregnancy, parturition and lactation. The increased number of piglets born per litter prolongs sensibly the duration of farrowing, decreases the piglets’ average weight at birth and their vitality, increases the competition for colostrum intake and can affect negatively piglets’ survival. This review aims to describe how large litters can affect the immune system of the sow and the piglets and proposes measures to improve this condition.

ACS Style

Claudio Oliviero; Sami Junnikkala; Olli Peloniemi. The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 2019, 54, 12 -21.

AMA Style

Claudio Oliviero, Sami Junnikkala, Olli Peloniemi. The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2019; 54 ():12-21.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Oliviero; Sami Junnikkala; Olli Peloniemi. 2019. "The challenge of large litters on the immune system of the sow and the piglets." Reproduction in Domestic Animals 54, no. : 12-21.

Conference paper
Published: 05 April 2019 in Bioscientifica Proceedings
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ACS Style

Claudio Oliviero. Management to improve neonate piglet survival. Bioscientifica Proceedings 2019, 1 .

AMA Style

Claudio Oliviero. Management to improve neonate piglet survival. Bioscientifica Proceedings. 2019; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Oliviero. 2019. "Management to improve neonate piglet survival." Bioscientifica Proceedings , no. : 1.

Review
Published: 11 February 2019 in Journal of Animal Science
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ACS Style

Claudio Oliviero; Lena Lindh; Olli Peloniemi. BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Immunocontraception as a possible tool to reduce feral pig populations: recent and future perspectives. Journal of Animal Science 2019, 97, 2283 -2290.

AMA Style

Claudio Oliviero, Lena Lindh, Olli Peloniemi. BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Immunocontraception as a possible tool to reduce feral pig populations: recent and future perspectives. Journal of Animal Science. 2019; 97 (6):2283-2290.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Oliviero; Lena Lindh; Olli Peloniemi. 2019. "BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Immunocontraception as a possible tool to reduce feral pig populations: recent and future perspectives." Journal of Animal Science 97, no. 6: 2283-2290.

Book chapter
Published: 01 January 2019 in Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics
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ACS Style

Olli Aarno Peltoniemi; Stefan Björkman; Claudio Oliviero. Disorders of Parturition and the Puerperium in the Gilt and Sow. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics 2019, 315 -325.

AMA Style

Olli Aarno Peltoniemi, Stefan Björkman, Claudio Oliviero. Disorders of Parturition and the Puerperium in the Gilt and Sow. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. 2019; ():315-325.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Olli Aarno Peltoniemi; Stefan Björkman; Claudio Oliviero. 2019. "Disorders of Parturition and the Puerperium in the Gilt and Sow." Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics , no. : 315-325.

Book chapter
Published: 01 January 2019 in Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics
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ACS Style

Geoff William Asher; Neal Ashton; Stefan Björkman; Janine L. Brown; Ingrid Brück Bøgh; Henrik Callesen; Michael Ian Clark; John George Cook; James R. Crabtree; Peers Davies; Jéssica Nora Drum; Phil Gibbs; Torben Greve; Gayle D. Hallowell; Chris Hudson; Bas Kemp; Richard Laven; Richard Graham Lea; Mike McGowan; Jane M. Morrell; Tim Morris; Claudio Oliviero; Dale Paccamonti; Olli Aarno Peltoniemi; Colin Penny; Oswin Perera; Alexandre Barbieri Prata; Anil Pushpakumara; Bob Stephen Robinson; Neil Sargison; Roberto Sartori; Iain Martin Sheldon; Marcel Taverne; Chatchote Thitaram; Molly Varga; Jos J. Vermunt; Lucy Whitfield; Peter Andrew Windsor. List of Contributors. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics 2019, 1 .

AMA Style

Geoff William Asher, Neal Ashton, Stefan Björkman, Janine L. Brown, Ingrid Brück Bøgh, Henrik Callesen, Michael Ian Clark, John George Cook, James R. Crabtree, Peers Davies, Jéssica Nora Drum, Phil Gibbs, Torben Greve, Gayle D. Hallowell, Chris Hudson, Bas Kemp, Richard Laven, Richard Graham Lea, Mike McGowan, Jane M. Morrell, Tim Morris, Claudio Oliviero, Dale Paccamonti, Olli Aarno Peltoniemi, Colin Penny, Oswin Perera, Alexandre Barbieri Prata, Anil Pushpakumara, Bob Stephen Robinson, Neil Sargison, Roberto Sartori, Iain Martin Sheldon, Marcel Taverne, Chatchote Thitaram, Molly Varga, Jos J. Vermunt, Lucy Whitfield, Peter Andrew Windsor. List of Contributors. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. 2019; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Geoff William Asher; Neal Ashton; Stefan Björkman; Janine L. Brown; Ingrid Brück Bøgh; Henrik Callesen; Michael Ian Clark; John George Cook; James R. Crabtree; Peers Davies; Jéssica Nora Drum; Phil Gibbs; Torben Greve; Gayle D. Hallowell; Chris Hudson; Bas Kemp; Richard Laven; Richard Graham Lea; Mike McGowan; Jane M. Morrell; Tim Morris; Claudio Oliviero; Dale Paccamonti; Olli Aarno Peltoniemi; Colin Penny; Oswin Perera; Alexandre Barbieri Prata; Anil Pushpakumara; Bob Stephen Robinson; Neil Sargison; Roberto Sartori; Iain Martin Sheldon; Marcel Taverne; Chatchote Thitaram; Molly Varga; Jos J. Vermunt; Lucy Whitfield; Peter Andrew Windsor. 2019. "List of Contributors." Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 25 August 2018 in Preventive Veterinary Medicine
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This observational retrospective cohort study provides benchmarking information on recent sow productivity development in Finnish herds. It focuses on parity cycle specific trends in sow removal patterns, and especially on the role of litter performance (size and piglet survival) in sow removal. In addition, the generated models offer a tool for calculating sow removal risks in any period, which could be used in economic and other simulation models. The data used in the study pool information of sows starting the same parity cycle (1 through 8) over the enrollment period of July 1st, 2013 through June 30th, 2014 and followed until the end of the study period (December 31st, 2014), and their performance histories across their entire previous productive life. Out of 71,512 individual sow parity cycle observations from the first to the eighth, 15,128 ended up in removal. Average litter sizes exceeded 13 piglets born in total in all of the most recent farrowings. Yet, even larger litter sizes were favored by the implemented culling policies, as sows having medium and large early life litters had lower risks of removal compared to those with the smallest litters, particularly in younger animals. With regard to piglets born just prior to removal, the smallest litter sizes were associated with the greatest culling risk for sows of that particular parity. In addition, having more than one stillborn piglet in the first and second litter put the sow at higher risk of being removed in all but the last (sixth through eighth) of the studied parity cycles. Investigation of removal patterns revealed a negative linear relationship between parity count and the mean days from farrowing to removal. More specifically, the median (mean) times to removal varied across the parity cycles from 62 (72) in the first to 34 days in both the seventh and eighth (47 and 42, respectively). Moreover, one in every six sows was removed within the first and second parity cycle. The findings especially in the earliest cycles may be a reflection of removal decisions not made according to any clear and pre-determined policy, or of biological issues that prevent farmers from firmly adhering to their policy. Quantitative performance should be linked to overall system functionality and profitability while taking animal welfare into consideration in identifying opportunities to improve herd parity structure and future farm success.

ACS Style

Paula Bergman; Yrjö Tapio Gröhn; Päivi Rajala-Schultz; Anna-Maija Virtala; Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peltoniemi; Mari Heinonen. Sow removal in commercial herds: Patterns and animal level factors in Finland. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2018, 159, 30 -39.

AMA Style

Paula Bergman, Yrjö Tapio Gröhn, Päivi Rajala-Schultz, Anna-Maija Virtala, Claudio Oliviero, Olli Peltoniemi, Mari Heinonen. Sow removal in commercial herds: Patterns and animal level factors in Finland. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2018; 159 ():30-39.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paula Bergman; Yrjö Tapio Gröhn; Päivi Rajala-Schultz; Anna-Maija Virtala; Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peltoniemi; Mari Heinonen. 2018. "Sow removal in commercial herds: Patterns and animal level factors in Finland." Preventive Veterinary Medicine 159, no. : 30-39.

Research article
Published: 24 May 2018 in PLOS ONE
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Dietary supplementation with yeast derivatives (YD) contributes to the health and physiology of sows and piglets, but few studies have focused on how it influences gut health and performance of sows and piglets. The goal was therefore to examine whether YD, based on brewer’s yeast hydrolysate added to pregnancy diet, would affect colostrum composition, yield (CY) and gut microbiota of sows and piglets. Sows were allocated to either a control diet (n = 19) or a control diet supplemented with 2g YD/kg (n = 18) during the pregnancy. Piglets suckling belonging to the control sows (n = 114) and supplemented sows (n = 108) were also included in the study. Gut microbiota populations of sows at farrowing and piglets at one and four weeks of age were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Colostrum samples were examined for nutritional composition and immunoglobulin (Ig) content. All piglets were individually weighed at birth and 24 hours later in order to calculate CY, and later at four weeks to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Protein, lactose and dry matter content of colostrum did not significantly differ between the two groups, while sows fed YD had higher levels of fat in their colostrum (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulin A, IgM and IgG levels in colostrum did not differ between the two groups (P >0.05). Colostrum yield was lower in the control than that in YD group (3701g vs. 4581 g; P <0.05). Although the YD supplementation did not change fecal bacteria diversity in sow, more beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Roseburia, Paraprevotella, Eubacterium) were found in the YD fed group (P <0.01) while, some opportunistic pathogens, including Proteobacteria, especially the genera Desulfovibrio, Escherichia/Shigella and Helicobacter, were suppressed. Piglets at one week of age from sows fed YD had more beneficial microbial populations with significant diversity and fewer opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, we established a Pearson’s correlations between CY, colostrum components, piglet birth weight and fecal microbiota. Therefore, YD added to the sow diet during pregnancy increases colostrum availability and its energy content for neonate piglets, also promoting beneficial maternal microbial sources for neonate.

ACS Style

Shah Hasan; Sami Junnikkala; Olli Peloniemi; Lars Paulin; Annina Lyyski; Juhani Vuorenmaa; Claudio Oliviero. Dietary supplementation with yeast hydrolysate in pregnancy influences colostrum yield and gut microbiota of sows and piglets after birth. PLOS ONE 2018, 13, e0197586 .

AMA Style

Shah Hasan, Sami Junnikkala, Olli Peloniemi, Lars Paulin, Annina Lyyski, Juhani Vuorenmaa, Claudio Oliviero. Dietary supplementation with yeast hydrolysate in pregnancy influences colostrum yield and gut microbiota of sows and piglets after birth. PLOS ONE. 2018; 13 (5):e0197586.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shah Hasan; Sami Junnikkala; Olli Peloniemi; Lars Paulin; Annina Lyyski; Juhani Vuorenmaa; Claudio Oliviero. 2018. "Dietary supplementation with yeast hydrolysate in pregnancy influences colostrum yield and gut microbiota of sows and piglets after birth." PLOS ONE 13, no. 5: e0197586.

Journal article
Published: 31 March 2018 in Reproduction in Domestic Animals
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This study examined the extent to which prolonged farrowing and parity are associated with plasma oxytocin concentrations and follicular development of oestrous sows during subsequent insemination. A total of 30 sows were allocated to two groups based on farrowing duration: (i) SHORT (n = 14): 159 ± 29 min, (ii) LONG (n = 16): 533 ± 190 min. The sows were also divided into two parity classes: (i) YOUNG (n = 14): parity 2.5 ± 0.8, (ii) OLD (n = 16): parity 6.4 ± 2.3. After weaning, the ovaries were examined daily with transrectal ultrasound. On the second day of oestrus, blood samples were collected for oxytocin (OT) assay at −15, −10, −5, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +6, +8, +10, +15, +20, +25, +30, +40, +50 and +60 min with a boar contact between 0 and +10 min. Boar presence stimulated an increase in OT concentrations (p < .05). During boar presence, OT in the LONG group was higher than in the SHORT group (p < .01). The sows in the OLD group had a longer farrowing duration than in the YOUNG group (p < .05). OT levels and diameters of follicles were more relevant for parity than was the duration of farrowing. We therefore conclude that the OT levels and follicular development of oestrous sows are associated due to parity but difficult to be predicted from the duration of previous farrowing.

ACS Style

J Yun; S Björkman; C Oliviero; N Soede; O Peltoniemi. The effect of farrowing duration and parity on preovulatory follicular size and oxytocin release of sows at subsequent oestrus. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 2018, 53, 776 -783.

AMA Style

J Yun, S Björkman, C Oliviero, N Soede, O Peltoniemi. The effect of farrowing duration and parity on preovulatory follicular size and oxytocin release of sows at subsequent oestrus. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2018; 53 (3):776-783.

Chicago/Turabian Style

J Yun; S Björkman; C Oliviero; N Soede; O Peltoniemi. 2018. "The effect of farrowing duration and parity on preovulatory follicular size and oxytocin release of sows at subsequent oestrus." Reproduction in Domestic Animals 53, no. 3: 776-783.

Journal article
Published: 06 March 2018 in Porcine Health Management
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Infection with respiratory pathogens can influence production as well as animal welfare. There is an economical and ethical need to treat pigs that suffer from respiratory diseases. Our aim was the evaluation of the possible effects of oral NSAID medication given in feed in acute outbreaks of respiratory disease in finishing pigs. The short- and long-term impact of NSAID dosing on clinical signs, daily weight gain, blood parameters and behaviour of growing pigs in herds with acute respiratory infections were evaluated. Four finishing pig farms suffering from acute outbreaks of respiratory disease were visited thrice after outbreak onset (DAY 0, DAY 3 and DAY 30). Pigs with the most severe clinical signs (N = 160) were selected as representative pigs for the herd condition. These pigs were blood sampled, weighed, evaluated clinically and their behaviour was observed. After the first visit, half of the pens (five pigs per pen in four pens totalling 20 representative pigs per herd, altogether 80 pigs in four herds) were treated with oral ketoprofen (target dose 3 mg/kg) mixed in feed for three days and the other half (80 pigs) with a placebo. In three of the herds, some pigs were treated also with antimicrobials, and in one herd the only pharmaceutical treatment was ketoprofen or placebo. Compared to the placebo treatment, dosing of ketoprofen reduced sickness behaviour and lowered the rectal temperature of the pigs. Clinical signs, feed intake or blood parameters were not different between the treatment groups. Ketoprofen treatment was associated with somewhat reduced weight gain over the 30-day follow-up period. Concentration analysis of the S- and R-enantiomers of ketoprofen in serum samples collected on DAY 3 indicated successful oral drug administration. Ketoprofen mainly influenced the behaviour of the pigs, while it had no effect on recovery from respiratory clinical signs. However, the medication may have been started after the most severe clinical phase of the respiratory disease was over, and this delay might complicate the evaluation of treatment effects. Possible negative impact of ketoprofen on production parameters requires further evaluation.

ACS Style

Outi Hälli; Minna Haimi-Hakala; Tapio Laurila; Claudio Oliviero; Elina Viitasaari; Toomas Orro; Olli Peltoniemi; Mika Scheinin; Saija Sirén; Anna Valros; Mari Heinonen. Effect of oral KETOPROFEN treatment in acute respiratory disease outbreaks in finishing pigs. Porcine Health Management 2018, 4, 7 .

AMA Style

Outi Hälli, Minna Haimi-Hakala, Tapio Laurila, Claudio Oliviero, Elina Viitasaari, Toomas Orro, Olli Peltoniemi, Mika Scheinin, Saija Sirén, Anna Valros, Mari Heinonen. Effect of oral KETOPROFEN treatment in acute respiratory disease outbreaks in finishing pigs. Porcine Health Management. 2018; 4 (1):7.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Outi Hälli; Minna Haimi-Hakala; Tapio Laurila; Claudio Oliviero; Elina Viitasaari; Toomas Orro; Olli Peltoniemi; Mika Scheinin; Saija Sirén; Anna Valros; Mari Heinonen. 2018. "Effect of oral KETOPROFEN treatment in acute respiratory disease outbreaks in finishing pigs." Porcine Health Management 4, no. 1: 7.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2018 in Livestock Science
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ACS Style

Mari Heinonen; Paula Bergman; Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa; Anna-Maija Kristiina Virtala; Camilla Munsterhjelm; Anna Valros; Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peloniemi; Outi Hälli. Sow mortality is associated with meat inspection findings. Livestock Science 2018, 208, 90 -95.

AMA Style

Mari Heinonen, Paula Bergman, Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa, Anna-Maija Kristiina Virtala, Camilla Munsterhjelm, Anna Valros, Claudio Oliviero, Olli Peloniemi, Outi Hälli. Sow mortality is associated with meat inspection findings. Livestock Science. 2018; 208 ():90-95.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mari Heinonen; Paula Bergman; Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa; Anna-Maija Kristiina Virtala; Camilla Munsterhjelm; Anna Valros; Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peloniemi; Outi Hälli. 2018. "Sow mortality is associated with meat inspection findings." Livestock Science 208, no. : 90-95.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2018 in Theriogenology
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It was hypothesized that prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution. At parturition, for 99 Yorkshire x Large White sows (parity 2-5), we determined the number of liveborn (NLP; 14.8 ± 3.4) and stillborn piglets (NSP; 1.1 ± 1.1), farrowing duration (FAR, time between first and last piglet; 333 ± 249 min), placenta expulsion duration (PLA, time between first and last placental part; 292 ± 241 min) and number of expelled placental parts (PART; 3.0 ± 1.0). FAR was categorized as 'normal' (300 min; n = 55/99). The relative PLA (rPLA; (PLA * 100)/FAR; 76 ± 101%) and the relative PART (rPART; (PART * 100)/(NLP + NSP); 22 ± 8%) were calculated and placenta expulsion was categorized as 'normal' (rPLA and rPART > 10%; n = 93/99) or 'impaired' (relPLA and relPART < 10%; n = 6/99). We also recorded whether manual palpation occurred (Yes/No) and/or oxytocin was used (Yes/No). After parturition, an ultrasound examination of the uterus was performed once for each sow between the 2nd and 7th day postpartum and the uterine size (mean sectional area of three to five uterine cross-sections) and intrauterine fluid accumulation (Yes/No) were recorded. Uterine size was categorized as 'normal' (n = 55/99) or 'enlarged' (n = 44/99) and used as an indicator of delayed uterine involution. Intrauterine fluid was used as an indicator of metritis. Prolonged FAR (35/54, 2.0 ± 0.5, 13.1, 7.6; n/N, β ± SE, Wald χ2, Odds; P = 0.001), manual palpation (12/17, 1.5 ± 0.7, 4.4, 4.3; P = 0.036), oxytocin administration (18/31, - 1.5 ± 0.7, 4.7, 0.2, P = 0.040) and NSP ≥ 2 (15/21, 1.4 ± 0.7, 3.8, 3.9; P = 0.052) were associated with increased uterine size (n = 44/99) and NSP ≥ 2 (7/21, 2.6 ± 0.9, 8.7, 13.7; P = 0.003), manual palpation (10/17, 1.8 ± 0.8, 5.0, 6.0; P = 0.025), prolonged FAR (13/15, 1.7 ± 0.8, 4.3, 5.7; P = 0.039) and impaired PLA (4/6, 3.3 ± 1.7, 4.0, 26.9; P = 0.044) with intrauterine fluid accumulation (n = 15/99). The results confirm the hypothesis, indicating that prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increased the risk for postpartum metritis. Stillborn piglets and manual palpation were also identified as risk factors. Postpartum metritis delays uterine involution whereas the use of exogenous oxytocin supports it.

ACS Style

S. Björkman; Claudio Oliviero; J. Kauffold; N.M. Soede; O.A.T. Peltoniemi. Prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution in sows. Theriogenology 2018, 106, 87 -92.

AMA Style

S. Björkman, Claudio Oliviero, J. Kauffold, N.M. Soede, O.A.T. Peltoniemi. Prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution in sows. Theriogenology. 2018; 106 ():87-92.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Björkman; Claudio Oliviero; J. Kauffold; N.M. Soede; O.A.T. Peltoniemi. 2018. "Prolonged parturition and impaired placenta expulsion increase the risk of postpartum metritis and delay uterine involution in sows." Theriogenology 106, no. : 87-92.

Journal article
Published: 23 August 2017 in Porcine Health Management
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The objective of our study was to clinically and etiologically investigate acute outbreaks of respiratory disease in Finland. Our study also aimed to evaluate the clinical use of various methods in diagnosing respiratory infections under field conditions and to describe the antimicrobial resistance profile of the main bacterial pathogen(s) found during the study. A total of 20 case herds having finishing pigs showing acute respiratory symptoms and eight control herds showing no clinical signs suggesting of respiratory problems were enrolled in the study. Researchers visited each herd twice, examining and bleeding 20 pigs per herd. In addition, nasal swab samples were taken from 20 pigs and three pigs per case herd were necropsied during the first visit. Serology was used to detect Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in serum and SIV in the nasal and lung samples. Pathology and bacteriology, including antimicrobial resistance determination, were performed on lung samples obtained from the field necropsies. According to the pathology and bacteriology of the lung samples, APP and Ascaris suum were the main causes of respiratory outbreaks in 14 and three herds respectively, while the clinical signs in three other herds had a miscellaneous etiology. SIV, APP and PCV2 caused concurrent infections in certain herds but they were detected serologically or with PCR also in control herds, suggesting possible subclinical infections. APP was isolated from 16 (80%) case herds. Marked resistance was observed against tetracycline for APP, some resistance was detected against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin and penicillin, and no resistance against florfenicol, enrofloxacin, tulathromycin or tiamulin was found. Serology, even from paired serum samples, gave inconclusive results for acute APP infection diagnosis. APP was the most common cause for acute respiratory outbreaks in our study. SIV, A. suum, PCV2 and certain opportunistic bacteria were also detected during the outbreaks; however, viral pathogens appeared less important than bacteria. Necropsies supplemented with microbiology were the most efficient diagnostic methods in characterizing the studied outbreaks.

ACS Style

Minna Haimi-Hakala; Outi Hälli; Tapio Laurila; Mirja Raunio-Saarnisto; Tiina Nokireki; Taina Laine; Suvi Nykäsenoja; Kirsti Pelkola; Joaquim Segales; Marina Sibila; Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peltoniemi; Sinikka Pelkonen; Mari Heinonen. Etiology of acute respiratory disease in fattening pigs in Finland. Porcine Health Management 2017, 3, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Minna Haimi-Hakala, Outi Hälli, Tapio Laurila, Mirja Raunio-Saarnisto, Tiina Nokireki, Taina Laine, Suvi Nykäsenoja, Kirsti Pelkola, Joaquim Segales, Marina Sibila, Claudio Oliviero, Olli Peltoniemi, Sinikka Pelkonen, Mari Heinonen. Etiology of acute respiratory disease in fattening pigs in Finland. Porcine Health Management. 2017; 3 (1):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Minna Haimi-Hakala; Outi Hälli; Tapio Laurila; Mirja Raunio-Saarnisto; Tiina Nokireki; Taina Laine; Suvi Nykäsenoja; Kirsti Pelkola; Joaquim Segales; Marina Sibila; Claudio Oliviero; Olli Peltoniemi; Sinikka Pelkonen; Mari Heinonen. 2017. "Etiology of acute respiratory disease in fattening pigs in Finland." Porcine Health Management 3, no. 1: 1-12.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2017 in Veterinary Parasitology
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The husbandry of pigs for meat production is a constantly developing industry. Most studies on the effects of Ascaris suum infection in pigs and its prevention with anthelmintics are over a decade old. We examined the effect of 2.5mg fenbendazole per kg bodyweight administered in drinking water for two consecutive days on A. suum infection 1 and 6 weeks after pigs arrived to fattening units. We hypothesised that the treatment would reduce the presence of A. suum-infections, improve the average daily weight gain of pigs, reduce the percentage of liver rejections in pens by 50% and increase the lean meat percentage at slaughter by 1%. The study included a placebo group (427 pigs) and a treatment group (420 pigs) spanning four different farms previously reporting ≥15% liver rejection. The treatment was given for 2 consecutive days 1 and 6 weeks after the pigs arrived to the fattening unit. Faecal samples were collected during weeks 1, 6 and 12 from all pigs and examined for A. suum eggs. Blood was collected during weeks 1 and 12 from a subgroup of the pigs and examined for anti-A. suum antibodies and clinical blood parameters. Data on liver rejection and lean meat percentage were collected post-mortem. The proportion of Ascaris seropositive pigs changed from 8.6% to 22.2% and 20.3% to 16.3% in the placebo and treatment group respectively. Fenbendazole reduced the presence of A. suum eggs in faeces the percentage of liver rejections by 69.8%. The treatment did not affect daily weight gain or lean meat percentage. Pigs with A. suum eggs in faeces at week 6 had a lower average daily weight gain of 61.8g/day compared with pigs without parasite eggs. Fenbendazole treatment may be a useful option for farms struggling with persistent A. suum problems and demonstrate a beneficial effect on the weight gain of the animals shedding eggs in faeces and result in fewer condemned livers at slaughter.

ACS Style

Brian Lassen; Claudio Oliviero; Toomas Orro; Elias Jukola; Tapio Laurila; Minna Haimi-Hakala; Mari Heinonen. Effect of fenbendazole in water on pigs infected with Ascaris suum in finishing pigs under field conditions. Veterinary Parasitology 2017, 237, 1 -7.

AMA Style

Brian Lassen, Claudio Oliviero, Toomas Orro, Elias Jukola, Tapio Laurila, Minna Haimi-Hakala, Mari Heinonen. Effect of fenbendazole in water on pigs infected with Ascaris suum in finishing pigs under field conditions. Veterinary Parasitology. 2017; 237 ():1-7.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Brian Lassen; Claudio Oliviero; Toomas Orro; Elias Jukola; Tapio Laurila; Minna Haimi-Hakala; Mari Heinonen. 2017. "Effect of fenbendazole in water on pigs infected with Ascaris suum in finishing pigs under field conditions." Veterinary Parasitology 237, no. : 1-7.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2017 in Theriogenology
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The hypothesis was that a prolonged parturition impairs placenta expulsion and can lead to retained placentas in sows. Furthermore, we hypothesized that application of oxytocin around the time of expulsion of the first placental part improves placenta expulsion. We recorded 142 parturitions of 101 Yorkshire x Large White sows. We determined parity, gestation length, number of liveborn and stillborn piglets, farrowing duration (time between first and last piglet) and the outcome variables: number of expelled placental parts, placenta expulsion duration (time between first and last placental part), first placental part expulsion (time between last piglet and first placental part) and last placental part expulsion (time between last piglet and last placental part). The relationship between farrowing duration and each of the outcome variables was investigated using four distinct multivariable models. Use of oxytocin (used in 44 out of 142 parturitions) increased number of expelled placental parts (3.8 ± 0.2 vs. 2.9 ± 0.3; P = 0.035), decreased the placenta expulsion duration (172 ± 44 vs. 328 ± 26 min; P = 0.011) and time of last placental part expulsion (148 ± 48 vs. 300 ± 24 min; P = 0.025). If oxytocin was not used, farrowing duration obeyed a quadratic relationship with the number of expelled placental parts (P = 0.001), placenta expulsion duration (P = 0.002) and time of last placental part expulsion (P = 0.024). If oxytocin was used, number of expelled placental parts was positively associated with number of liveborn piglets (β = 0.2 ± 0.1; P = 0.002) and affected by parity. 5th parity sows expelled more placental parts (4.3 ± 0.4) than 4th (3.2 ± 0.3; P = 0.024) and 3rd parity sows (2.7 ± 0.4; P = 0.008). Furthermore, placenta expulsion duration was positively associated with number of liveborn piglets (β = 18 ± 8 min; P = 0.025). First placental part expulsion was negatively correlated with farrowing duration (β = 0.3 ± 0.1; P = 0.001). Sows that experienced total (no expulsion of placental parts; n = 4) and partial retained placentas (no expulsion of placental parts after birth of the last piglet; n = 4) had longer farrowing durations (1009 ± 275 and 734 ± 136 min) than sows with no retained placentas (369 ± 202 min; P = 0.021 and P = 0.004). The results show that a prolonged parturition impaired and oxytocin improved placenta expulsion in sows. Furthermore, retained placentas occurred in 3-6% of the sows and was correlated with a prolonged parturition.

ACS Style

S. Björkman; Claudio Oliviero; Päivi Rajala-Schultz; N.M. Soede; O.A.T. Peltoniemi. The effect of litter size, parity and farrowing duration on placenta expulsion and retention in sows. Theriogenology 2017, 92, 36 -44.

AMA Style

S. Björkman, Claudio Oliviero, Päivi Rajala-Schultz, N.M. Soede, O.A.T. Peltoniemi. The effect of litter size, parity and farrowing duration on placenta expulsion and retention in sows. Theriogenology. 2017; 92 ():36-44.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Björkman; Claudio Oliviero; Päivi Rajala-Schultz; N.M. Soede; O.A.T. Peltoniemi. 2017. "The effect of litter size, parity and farrowing duration on placenta expulsion and retention in sows." Theriogenology 92, no. : 36-44.

Research article
Published: 15 February 2017 in PLOS ONE
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This study investigated the effects of a single amoxicillin treatment of newborn piglets on the prevalence of hernias and abscesses until the age of nine weeks. We also studied whether the treatment was associated with growth and mortality, the need for treatment of other diseases, the proportions of ampicillin resistant coliforms and antimicrobial resistance patterns of intestinal Escherichia coli (E. coli). A total of 7156 piglets, from approximately 480 litters, were divided into two treatment groups: ANT (N = 3661) and CON (N = 3495), where piglets were treated with or without a single intramuscular injection of 75 mg amoxicillin one day after birth, respectively. The umbilical and inguinal areas of weaned pigs were palpated at four and nine weeks of age. At the same time, altogether 124 pigs with hernias or abscesses and 820 non-defective pigs from three pens per batch were weighed individually. Mortality and the need to treat piglets for other diseases were recorded. Piglet faecal samples were collected from three areas of the floors of each pen at four weeks of age. The prevalence of umbilical hernias or abscesses did not differ between the groups at four weeks of age, but it was higher in the CON group than in the ANT group at nine weeks of age (2.3% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.05). Numbers of inguinal hernias and abscesses did not differ between the groups at four or nine weeks of age. The ANT group, when it compared with the CON group, increased the weight gain between four and nine weeks of age (LS means ± SE; 497.5 g/d ± 5.0 vs. 475.3 g/d ± 4.9, P < 0.01), and decreased piglet mortality (19.5% ± 1.0 vs. 6.9% ± 1.0, P < 0.05) and the need to treat the piglets for leg problems (3.4% ± 0.3 vs. 1.9% ± 0.3%, P < 0.01) but not for other diseases by the age of four weeks. The proportion of ampicillin resistant intestinal coliform bacteria and the resistance patterns of the E. coli isolates were not different between the ANT and CON groups. In conclusion, our results showed that the amoxicillin treatment of new-born piglets produced statistically significant effect in some of the parameters studied. However, as these effects were only minor, we did not find grounds to recommend preventive antibiotic treatment. Further, continuous antimicrobial treatment of newborn piglets could negatively influence the development of the normal microbiota of the piglet and promote selection of antimicrobial resistance genes in herds. Therefore we suggest rejection of the use of routine administration of antimicrobial agents at birth.

ACS Style

Jinhyeon Yun; Satu Olkkola; Marja-Liisa Hänninen; Claudio Oliviero; Mari Heinonen. The effects of amoxicillin treatment of newborn piglets on the prevalence of hernias and abscesses, growth and ampicillin resistance of intestinal coliform bacteria in weaned pigs. PLOS ONE 2017, 12, e0172150 .

AMA Style

Jinhyeon Yun, Satu Olkkola, Marja-Liisa Hänninen, Claudio Oliviero, Mari Heinonen. The effects of amoxicillin treatment of newborn piglets on the prevalence of hernias and abscesses, growth and ampicillin resistance of intestinal coliform bacteria in weaned pigs. PLOS ONE. 2017; 12 (2):e0172150.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jinhyeon Yun; Satu Olkkola; Marja-Liisa Hänninen; Claudio Oliviero; Mari Heinonen. 2017. "The effects of amoxicillin treatment of newborn piglets on the prevalence of hernias and abscesses, growth and ampicillin resistance of intestinal coliform bacteria in weaned pigs." PLOS ONE 12, no. 2: e0172150.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2017 in Reproduction, Fertility and Development
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The aims of the present study was to develop and describe a transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy method for luteal tissue in the porcine and to evaluate the effects of the method on the reproductive tract, ovarian status and pregnancy status. Biopsies were performed in four multiparous sows on Days 9 and 15 of three consecutive oestrous cycles; the size and histological composition of the samples obtained were evaluated and the reproductive tract of the sows was monitored. Furthermore, biopsies were performed in 26 multiparous sows on Days 10 and 13 after insemination, and the pregnancy rate, gestation length and subsequent litter size were evaluated. RNA was extracted from the samples obtained and the quality and quantity were determined. Altogether, 76 biopsies were performed and 38 samples were obtained. Compared with sows from which no samples were obtained (n = 6), sows from which one or more samples were obtained (n = 24) were older (parity 5.0 ± 2.8 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, mean ± s.d.), heavier (290 ± 26 vs 244 ± 27 kg) and had higher back fat (11.4 ± 2.7 vs 6.4 ± 2.5 mm; P < 0.05 for all). No effect of the biopsies (P > 0.05) was observed on the cyclicity and reproductive organs of the sows, or on corpus luteum diameter on Day 13 (8.9 ± 1.0 vs 9.2 ± 1.1 mm), pregnancy rate (95% vs 96%), gestation length (115 ± 1 vs 115 ± 1 days) and subsequent litter size (12.7 ± 2.5 vs 13.3 ± 2.8) between sows from which samples were obtained and those from which no samples were obtained. The samples obtained had a diameter of 1 mm and contained heterogeneous tissue with various cell types. The RNA quantity was 520 ± 160 µg per sample and the RNA integrity number was 8.5 ± 1.0. In conclusion, an ultrasound-guided biopsy method for ovarian tissue, which can be used for gene expression studies, was established in the porcine. No effect on corpus luteum function was found.

ACS Style

S. Björkman; Jinhyeon Yun; Mikael Niku; Claudio Oliviero; N. M. Soede; O. A. T. Peltoniemi. Serial transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the porcine corpus luteum in vivo. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 2017, 29, 931 -939.

AMA Style

S. Björkman, Jinhyeon Yun, Mikael Niku, Claudio Oliviero, N. M. Soede, O. A. T. Peltoniemi. Serial transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the porcine corpus luteum in vivo. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 2017; 29 (5):931-939.

Chicago/Turabian Style

S. Björkman; Jinhyeon Yun; Mikael Niku; Claudio Oliviero; N. M. Soede; O. A. T. Peltoniemi. 2017. "Serial transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the porcine corpus luteum in vivo." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 29, no. 5: 931-939.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2016 in Agricultural Systems
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Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections (APP) can cause severe economic losses in pig production. Swine producers can prevent the disease from occurring and spreading. However, to be profitable for the producer, the anticipated benefits of a mitigation policy should exceed its cost. In this study, a dynamic programming model and multivariate normal approximation of general stochastic epidemic model (SIR) was developed, and policies for managing fattening pigs under the risk of APP infection were evaluated. The following disease mitigation options were considered: 1) cleaning including washing, drying and disinfection procedures (for efficient and inefficient cleaning), 2) cleaning and vaccination (with high, medium and low efficacy of vaccine), and 3) cleaning and medication (antibiotics use). The results were calculated for five different levels of APP prevalence, where the disease can occur at ten levels of severity. The economic value of mitigation policy depended on the prevalence and severity of disease as well as on the efficiency of the implemented mitigation protocol. The results suggest that inefficient cleaning caused substantial economic losses which can reach up to €20.2 per pig space unit per year. The cleaning and vaccination policy was economically superior over the policy of only cleaning when the prevalence of disease was high (> 0.3), there was a severe clinical disease and the medium or high efficacy vaccine was available. Moreover, even when vaccination costs were decreased the vaccination policy was not economically favored in situations with low disease prevalence among herds (0.1 and 0.3). In cases of severe disease, the cleaning and medication policy resulted in higher economic benefits than cleaning or cleaning and vaccination with low and medium efficacy vaccine. With a high prevalence (> 0.3) and substantial decrease in the average daily gain (ADG), the joint application of cleaning and medication was economically less favorable than cleaning combined with the use of the high efficacy vaccine. Therefore, the availability of high efficacy vaccine could benefit farms facing the severe forms of APP and help to reduce the use of antibiotics. To avoid substantial economic losses, pig producers should not ignore cleaning procedures, which due to low efficacy of available vaccines and concerns regarding excessive use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in animal production should be the primary policy to mitigate APP.

ACS Style

Anna H. Stygar; Jarkko K. Niemi; Claudio Oliviero; Tapio Laurila; Mari Heinonen. Economic value of mitigating Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in pig fattening herds. Agricultural Systems 2016, 144, 113 -121.

AMA Style

Anna H. Stygar, Jarkko K. Niemi, Claudio Oliviero, Tapio Laurila, Mari Heinonen. Economic value of mitigating Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in pig fattening herds. Agricultural Systems. 2016; 144 ():113-121.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna H. Stygar; Jarkko K. Niemi; Claudio Oliviero; Tapio Laurila; Mari Heinonen. 2016. "Economic value of mitigating Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in pig fattening herds." Agricultural Systems 144, no. : 113-121.