Research papers on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases

Gastric lesions, especially ulceration, cause significant economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. The study was designed to assess its prevalence, distribution and pattern in pigs in south-western Nigeria. Slaughter house surveys were conducted on three government-established abattoirs in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. Stomachs from 480 pigs were assessed for gross lesions, which were graded using a modification of a standard technique. Tissues from different regions of the stomach were routinely stained to assess histopathologic changes. Data were presented as frequency counts and analysed using analysis of variance and chi-square technique. Significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05. Gastric lesions were encountered across the four regions of the stomach with a point prevalence of 57.29%. The prevalence of lesions in the non-glandular region was 32.9%, with severe hyperkeratosis (13.13%) being most frequently observed (p < 0.05). Erosions were significantly higher in the cardia (8.54%) (p < 0.05), followed by fundus (8.33%). Gastric ulcers were significantly higher in the fundus (19.58%) (p < 0.05). Scars of healed ulcers and lacerations were also observed in the fundus (5.42%) (p < 0.05). The gastric lesion distribution across the four regions of the stomach and the occurrence of ulceration in the fundus showed an unusual pattern, which is rarely reported in other parts of the world. The reason for these findings in pigs in Nigeria is not fully understood; therefore, further studies are required to identify and manage these factors for increased productivity, improved animal welfare and enhanced food security.Keywords: prevalence; gastric; lesions; fundic ulcers; pigs

Heat stress is a limiting factor for livestock productivity in many countries. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of exposure of exotic pigs to high environmental temperatures on physiology, oxidative stress biomarkers and productivity. Multiparous sows (n = 40) in two equal groups (Groups N and H) were investigated. The pen temperature, relative humidity and Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) were measured for 30 days. The skin temperature, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were measured weekly. Haematology, serum biochemistry and oxidative biomarkers were also evaluated. The production records, including farrowing events (NFE), number of piglets at birth (NPB), number of piglets at weaning (NPW) and piglet mortality (NPM) were obtained per sow for the preceding 24 months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a student T-test at P+0.99 0C, 48.90+7.94 %) compared to Group N (25.21+0.94 0C, 58.97+6.21 %). The THI was higher in Group H (78.40+1.99). There was a significant increase in skin surface temperature and respiratory rate in Group H (37.70+1.40 0C and 39.70+4.28 bpm) with a slight increase in rectal temperature compared to Group N (33.86+0.95 0C and 35.79+2.89 bpm). There was a slight increase in PCV, blood urea nitrogen and a decrease in the levels of sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate in sows in Group H. There was a significant increase in hydrogen peroxide generation, nitric oxide contents and malondialdehyde levels, with a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content in Group H when compared to Group N. There was a reduction in farrowing events (N = 3.45+0.20; H = 3.00+ 0.19), number of piglets at birth (N = 29.15+1.92; H = 27.95+ 2.44), the number of piglets at weaning (N = 27.65+1.89; H = 25.90+ 2.25), and an increase in piglet mortality (N = 1.5+0.21; H = 2.05+0.42) in sows exposed to higher temperatures. The orientation of the pig housing in the north-south direction reduced its effectiveness. Exotic sows exposed to heat stress had altered physiology, experienced oxidative stress, were prone to renal and hepatic injury, and had reduced productivity. Adequate thermal comfort should be ensured in pig husbandry in the tropics for optimal health and productivity.

Background: Oral ingestion of lead in drinking water represents the most common route of human and animal exposure, especially in the developing nations. Unlike other internal organs, research on the effects of lead on gastrointestinal tract remains limited. This study explored the alterations in faecal fatty acid composition, gastrointestinal and ...