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In this chapter, we review the sexual behavior of domestic pigs, and the visible or measurable anatomical features of the pig that will contribute to detecting sows in estrus. We also summarize olfactory organs, and the effects of a sexual pheromone on pig’s biology and sow reproductive performance. We discuss the role of a live boar in the heat detection where the female is in breeding crates. However, there is an increasing interest in being able to breed sows without a boar present. Farm workers must be trained on the fine points of estrus detection so that they can work in a safe and productive setting. After a review of olfactory biology of the pig, the chapter explains how new pheromonal technology, such as BOARBETTER®, aids in the process of heat detection with or without a live boar. To achieve reproductive success, the persons breeding must assimilate all fine points of pig sexual behavior and possess a clear understanding of what they should be looking for in each sow they expect to breed.
John J. McGlone; Edgar O. Aviles-Rosa; Courtney Archer; Meyer M. Wilson; Karlee D. Jones; Elaina M. Matthews; Amanda A. Gonzalez; Erica Reyes. Understanding Sow Sexual Behavior and the Application of the Boar Pheromone to Stimulate Sow Reproduction. Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleJohn J. McGlone, Edgar O. Aviles-Rosa, Courtney Archer, Meyer M. Wilson, Karlee D. Jones, Elaina M. Matthews, Amanda A. Gonzalez, Erica Reyes. Understanding Sow Sexual Behavior and the Application of the Boar Pheromone to Stimulate Sow Reproduction. Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn J. McGlone; Edgar O. Aviles-Rosa; Courtney Archer; Meyer M. Wilson; Karlee D. Jones; Elaina M. Matthews; Amanda A. Gonzalez; Erica Reyes. 2021. "Understanding Sow Sexual Behavior and the Application of the Boar Pheromone to Stimulate Sow Reproduction." Animal Reproduction in Veterinary Medicine , no. : 1.
Societal pressure to reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle continues to increase. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the commercial essential oil feed additive Agolin® Ruminant on reducing enteric gas emissions and improving milk parameters in dairy cattle. Twenty mid-lactation Holstein cows, blocked by parity and days in milk, were randomly assigned to a top dress treatment with Agolin or an un-supplemented control for a 56-day trial. Cows were group housed and individually fed twice daily. Enteric gas emissions, including methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and nitrous oxide, were sampled every 14 days for a 12 h period via head chambers connected to a mobile air quality laboratory. Cows supplemented with Agolin versus the control had less methane intensity (g/period/kg energy-corrected milk (ECM); p = 0.025). Ammonia was the most affected gas, with lower ammonia production (mg/period; p = 0.028), and ammonia intensity (mg/period/kg ECM; p = 0.011) in Agolin-fed versus control-fed cows. All cow performance variables, including dry matter intake, ECM, milk fat, milk protein, or feed efficiency were similar between treatments. Further research should evaluate how Agolin impacts ruminal flora, focusing on mechanistic impacts to fermentation.
Angelica Carrazco; Carlyn Peterson; Yongjing Zhao; Yuee Pan; John McGlone; Edward DePeters; Frank Mitloehner. The Impact of Essential Oil Feed Supplementation on Enteric Gas Emissions and Production Parameters from Dairy Cattle. Sustainability 2020, 12, 10347 .
AMA StyleAngelica Carrazco, Carlyn Peterson, Yongjing Zhao, Yuee Pan, John McGlone, Edward DePeters, Frank Mitloehner. The Impact of Essential Oil Feed Supplementation on Enteric Gas Emissions and Production Parameters from Dairy Cattle. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (24):10347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelica Carrazco; Carlyn Peterson; Yongjing Zhao; Yuee Pan; John McGlone; Edward DePeters; Frank Mitloehner. 2020. "The Impact of Essential Oil Feed Supplementation on Enteric Gas Emissions and Production Parameters from Dairy Cattle." Sustainability 12, no. 24: 10347.
Olfactory stimuli have been used to reduce stress in weaning pigs and induce sexual behavior in sows. Despite the importance of olfaction in pig production and behavior, there is no simple method to assess pig olfaction. Thus, the objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the use of an olfactory habituation-dishabituation paradigm (H-D) in pigs, (2) assess gilt olfactory sensitivity and discrimination to the boar pheromone and isoamyl acetate (control odor), and (3) develop sample size and statistical power guidelines for this method. Each gilt (N = 10) received six test sessions. Each session consisted of five consecutive presentations of mineral oil (habituating stimulus) and the presentation of the boar pheromone or isoamyl acetate as the dishabituating stimulus diluted in mineral oil. The boar pheromone was presented at different concentrations in ascending order across sessions (0.008–80 ppm). A significant increase in odor investigation in the odorant trial, compared to the last habituation trial, indicated gilts dishabituated from mineral oil and perceived the odorant at the given concentration. Overall, a significant increase in investigation occurred at the pheromone concentration of 0.8 ppm (P = 0.005) and 8 ppm (P = 0.002) and for isoamyl acetate (100 ppm; P = 0.02). The initial behavioral response of most gilts was to the boar pheromone at 0.8 ppm, but two gilts had an initial behavioral response to the boar pheromone at 0.008 ppm and another two at 0.08 ppm. Thus, using this H-D paradigm we were able to identify sensitivity differences to the boar pheromone among gilts. Post-hoc power analyses showed that a statistical power greater than 0.80 at a significance level of 0.05 can be found with a sample size of 9 animals. In conclusion, we found that the H-D paradigm developed in this study may be a useful rapid test to assess pig olfaction without extensive training.
Edgar O. Aviles-Rosa; John J. McGlone; Nathaniel J. Hall. Use of a habituation-dishabituation paradigm to assess gilt olfaction and sensitivity to the boar pheromone. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2020, 231, 105086 .
AMA StyleEdgar O. Aviles-Rosa, John J. McGlone, Nathaniel J. Hall. Use of a habituation-dishabituation paradigm to assess gilt olfaction and sensitivity to the boar pheromone. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2020; 231 ():105086.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdgar O. Aviles-Rosa; John J. McGlone; Nathaniel J. Hall. 2020. "Use of a habituation-dishabituation paradigm to assess gilt olfaction and sensitivity to the boar pheromone." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 231, no. : 105086.
Preferences for scratchers in adult cats have not yet been explored. Thirty-six adult cats were the subjects in three experiments to evaluate adult cat in-home preferences for scratchers, scratching materials, and the use of scratchers with added olfactory stimuli. Scratchers compared in each of the first two experiments were presented to cats at the same time with randomized sequences of how scratchers lined up together among homes. Cats had access to scratchers for a one-week video-recorded observation period. Frequency and duration of daily scratching and interactions, as well as calculated preference indexes (PIs) of these measurements were compared among scratchers. In Exp. 1, laying, S-shaped cardboard and standing cardboard scratchers were compared. The PIs were higher (n = 7 houses, 18 cats, P < 0.01) for the standing cardboard compared with the S-shaped cardboard. This preference for the standing cardboard was significant with neutered male (NM) cats (n = 6, P ≤ 0.05) but not with spayed females (SF, n = 12, P > 0.10). In Exp. 2, preferences of scratchers covered with rope, cardboard, sofa fabric, and carpet were observed (n = 14 houses, 25 cats, P ≤ 0.05). Scratchers covered with rope and cardboard had higher (P ≤ 0.05) behavioral interactions than scratchers with sofa fabric. In Exp. 3, the effects of feline interdigital semiochemicals (FIS), powdered catnip (CN), and silver vine (SV) on the use of scratchers were investigated. Each treatment was delivered in a sock hung on a standing cardboard scratcher and compared to a control scratcher with an untreated sock for two days. Catnip increased the scratching duration (n = 7 houses, W = 14, P = 0.02), and the interaction duration (n = 7 houses, W = 14, P = 0.02) and frequency (n = 7 houses, W = 14, P = 0.02) compa red to control. Silver vine also increased the duration (n = 7 houses, W = 14, P = 0.02) and frequency (n = 7 houses, W = 14, P = 0.02) of the interactions. Both CN- and SV-treated scratchers had higher (n = 7 houses, 20 cats, P ≤ 0.05) PIs of scratching and interaction related measurements compared to the FIS-treated scratcher. Scratchers in an upright form covered with cardboard or rope may be suitable for adult household cats and the application of CN or SV can be helpful in increasing the use of scratchers.
Lingna Zhang; John J. McGlone. Scratcher preferences of adult in-home cats and effects of olfactory supplements on cat scratching. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2020, 227, 104997 .
AMA StyleLingna Zhang, John J. McGlone. Scratcher preferences of adult in-home cats and effects of olfactory supplements on cat scratching. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2020; 227 ():104997.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLingna Zhang; John J. McGlone. 2020. "Scratcher preferences of adult in-home cats and effects of olfactory supplements on cat scratching." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 227, no. : 104997.
Piglets are attracted to maternal faeces early in life. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify faecal maternal semiochemicals that attract piglets and evaluate their effects on piglets at weaning. Faecal samples were collected from eight sows during gestation and lactation. Faecal semiochemicals were extracted and identified using solid phase extraction and GC/MS. A total of 26 volatiles were present in lactating and gestating sow faeces. Sows secreted no unique semiochemical after farrowing. However, the concentration of skatole and myristic acid were 2.68 and 1.13 times higher after farrowing. A free-choice preference assessment showed that piglets had a preference for a feeder sprayed with a solution containing skatole and myristic acid. No preference was found when feeders were sprayed with skatole and myristic acid individually. The application of skatole and myristic acid to the feeders of weaned pigs significantly reduced piglet aggression by 30% and tended to increase feeding behaviour by 35% the first 24 h post-weaning. These results suggest that skatole and myristic acid might be acting as a multicomponent maternal signal that attracts piglets and has a calming effect at weaning.
Edgar O. Aviles-Rosa; Kaz Surowiec; John McGlone. Identification of Faecal Maternal Semiochemicals in Swine (Sus scrofa) and their Effects on Weaned Piglets. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1 -11.
AMA StyleEdgar O. Aviles-Rosa, Kaz Surowiec, John McGlone. Identification of Faecal Maternal Semiochemicals in Swine (Sus scrofa) and their Effects on Weaned Piglets. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdgar O. Aviles-Rosa; Kaz Surowiec; John McGlone. 2020. "Identification of Faecal Maternal Semiochemicals in Swine (Sus scrofa) and their Effects on Weaned Piglets." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1-11.
John J. McGlone; Sankarganesh Devaraj; Arlene Garcia. A novel boar pheromone mixture induces sow estrus behaviors and reproductive success. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2019, 219, 1 .
AMA StyleJohn J. McGlone, Sankarganesh Devaraj, Arlene Garcia. A novel boar pheromone mixture induces sow estrus behaviors and reproductive success. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2019; 219 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn J. McGlone; Sankarganesh Devaraj; Arlene Garcia. 2019. "A novel boar pheromone mixture induces sow estrus behaviors and reproductive success." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 219, no. : 1.
Volatile compounds from body fluids and secretions may indicate the health status of individuals to other conspecifics. We sought to identify urinary volatiles that might act as biomarkers indicative of the health status of growing pigs. Immune system stimulation (ISS) was induced in pigs (N = 5) by intramuscular (IM) injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 25 µg/kg BW). Urine samples were collected before (baseline) and after LPS treatment. The urinary headspace volatile compounds were identified using Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with GC-MS. Pig eye temperatures was measured using an infrared imaging technique, and behaviours (i.e. standing, feeding, drinking, moving, lying, sitting and active) were video-recorded and quantified 24 h before and after ISS. Data were analysed using mixed model ANOVA examining periods before and after LPS administration with pigs serving as their own control. Pig eye/body temperature increased post-ISS (at 6 h, P = 0.03) and correlated negatively with active behaviours (r = −0.64, P = 0.048). Relative to pre-ISS, pigs spent less time standing (P = 0.018), moving (P = 0.061) and active (P < 0.0001) during the post-ISS period. SPME-GC-MS revealed 7.2- and 4.3-fold increases in 3-Methylphenol (P < 0.0001) and 4-Ethylphenol (P = 0.005), respectively, in post-ISS urine compared with urine collected during the pre-ISS period. In conclusion, ISS reduced pig activity, and elevated (P < 0.01) urinary levels of 3-Methylphenol and 4-Ethylphenol. Behavioural changes and volatile molecules may be used as a non-invasive method for detection of fever, illness and health in farm and possibly other animals. Furthermore, the effects of 3-Methylphenol and 4-Ethylphenol on the behaviour of other pigs remain to be determined.
Sankarganesh Devaraj; Anoosh Rakhshandeh; Edgar Aviles-Rosa; John J. McGlone. LPS-Induced Immune System Stimulation Alters Urinary Volatiles and Behaviour in Growing Pigs. Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 14 2019, 60 -70.
AMA StyleSankarganesh Devaraj, Anoosh Rakhshandeh, Edgar Aviles-Rosa, John J. McGlone. LPS-Induced Immune System Stimulation Alters Urinary Volatiles and Behaviour in Growing Pigs. Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 14. 2019; ():60-70.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSankarganesh Devaraj; Anoosh Rakhshandeh; Edgar Aviles-Rosa; John J. McGlone. 2019. "LPS-Induced Immune System Stimulation Alters Urinary Volatiles and Behaviour in Growing Pigs." Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 14 , no. : 60-70.
Coprophagy has been described in piglets although its importance has not been fully assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate how deprivation of maternal feces influenced piglet physiology, behavior, and performance. Eight litters were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Control (CON) litters had access to maternal feces while deprived (DEP) litters were deprived of maternal feces for the first 7 d post-partum. Piglet behavior was quantified for 24 h at 7 d of age. Blood samples were collected from one male and female from each litter at 0, 7, and 21 d for hematological analyses, and post-weaning performance was assessed until 123 d post-weaning. No treatment effects were observed on piglet behavior. DEP piglets had 25% lower leukocyte counts (p < 0.01). Relative to DEP litters, CON litters had increased post-weaning feed intake (0.998 vs 0.901 kg/d; p = 0.02) and weight gain (0.536 vs 0.483 kg/d; p < 0.01). At 123 d post-weaning, CON pigs were 9.3 ± 2.3 kg heavier than treatment pigs (p < 0.01). These results suggest that access to maternal feces improves immunocompetence and growth performance. Further studies are needed to explore the physiological mechanisms through which maternal feces improve growth performance, including nutritional and microbial factors, or the presence of maternal semiochemicals.
Edgar O. Aviles-Rosa; Anoosh Rakhshandeh; John J. McGlone. Preliminary Study: Depriving Piglets of Maternal Feces for the First Seven Days Post-Partum Changes Piglet Physiology and Performance before and after Weaning. Animals 2019, 9, 268 .
AMA StyleEdgar O. Aviles-Rosa, Anoosh Rakhshandeh, John J. McGlone. Preliminary Study: Depriving Piglets of Maternal Feces for the First Seven Days Post-Partum Changes Piglet Physiology and Performance before and after Weaning. Animals. 2019; 9 (5):268.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdgar O. Aviles-Rosa; Anoosh Rakhshandeh; John J. McGlone. 2019. "Preliminary Study: Depriving Piglets of Maternal Feces for the First Seven Days Post-Partum Changes Piglet Physiology and Performance before and after Weaning." Animals 9, no. 5: 268.
The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a novel 3-molecule boar pheromone (BOARBETTER®, BB,) to improve sow reproductive performance (breeding, conception, farrowing rates, pigs born alive, stillborn, mummies and total born). Data from 12 commercial farm sites were used to evaluate the effectiveness of BB. Each farm was used as the experimental unit in the meta-analyses. Individual sows records were collected, merged and analyzed in overall analyses. Relative to CON, BB increased the number of total born pigs per litter (13.81 ± 0.11 vs. 14.30 ± 0.11 pigs/litter, respectively; p < 0.01) and the number of pigs born alive (12.76 ± 0.14 vs. 13.13 ± 0.14 pigs/litter, respectively; p < 0.05). In the merged dataset analyses, the parity by treatment interaction was significant for total pigs and pigs born alive per litter (p < 0.01). In parities one through three, treatment with BB increased total pigs born by 0.88 per litter, and pigs born alive per litter by 0.73 pigs per litter (p < 0.05). However, BB had no effect on these parameters in sows from parities four through six. BOARBETTER® increased reproductive success, is cost effective, safe, and can meaningfully improve sow reproductive success and performance.
John J. McGlone; Arlene Garcia; Anoosh Rakhshandeh. Multi-Farm Analyses Indicate a Novel Boar Pheromone Improves Sow Reproductive Performance. Animals 2019, 9, 37 .
AMA StyleJohn J. McGlone, Arlene Garcia, Anoosh Rakhshandeh. Multi-Farm Analyses Indicate a Novel Boar Pheromone Improves Sow Reproductive Performance. Animals. 2019; 9 (2):37.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn J. McGlone; Arlene Garcia; Anoosh Rakhshandeh. 2019. "Multi-Farm Analyses Indicate a Novel Boar Pheromone Improves Sow Reproductive Performance." Animals 9, no. 2: 37.
Objectives The objective of this study was to determine kitten preferences towards different scratchers and the effects of catnip and cat odor on kitten scratching behaviors. Methods Two-choice preference tests were conducted to compare scratchers and preferred scratchers with or without additives (ie, catnip, catnip oil, cat hair) in six studies. Kittens (n = 40, Results In study 1, the S-shaped cardboard was preferred over a hemp post with a toy on top, and no difference was observed in the other pairs of scratchers compared. In study 2, the S-shaped cardboard was preferred by kittens compared with a raised scratcher covered with window screen or with carpet, and no differences were observed between the latter two scratchers. In study 3, the scratcher covered with window screen set upright was preferred over the same scratcher laid horizontally on the floor. The S-shaped cardboard was preferred over the scratcher covered with bubble wrap. In study 4, kittens preferred the S-shaped cardboard over the scratchers covered with window screen or short-fiber carpet but not over the scratcher covered with long-fiber carpet. In study 5, the S-shaped cardboard was strongly preferred over the long cardboard and rectangular cardboard but not over the boat-shaped cardboard. In study 6, dried catnip plant, catnip oil spray or the hair from other cats did not alter the scratching behavior exhibited by the kittens vs the control S-shaped cardboard alone. Conclusions and relevance The S-shaped cardboard scratcher was a preferred scratcher for kittens. Catnip or odor of other cats did not alter this behavior in kittens. S-shaped cardboard may be a preferred scratching device for kittens.
Lingna Zhang; Rebekkah Plummer; John McGlone. Preference of kittens for scratchers. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2018, 21, 691 -699.
AMA StyleLingna Zhang, Rebekkah Plummer, John McGlone. Preference of kittens for scratchers. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2018; 21 (8):691-699.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLingna Zhang; Rebekkah Plummer; John McGlone. 2018. "Preference of kittens for scratchers." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 21, no. 8: 691-699.
Castration and tail docking are common management practices performed on commercial swine farms in the US and around the world to reduce adverse behaviors and the occurrence of boar taint. However, these practices themselves are a welfare concern for the piglet because they cause acute pain. The provisions of environmental enrichment (EE) may reduce anxiety, protect from stressors, influence pain sensitivity, and improve the overall welfare of animals. Our objective was to determine if EE can reduce the physiological and behavioral stress response caused by castration and tail docking in piglets over time. Sows were randomly assigned to control farrowing stalls (CON; n = 9) or stalls enriched (ENRICH; n = 9) with newspaper, soil, ball and rope, so that EE was available to piglets upon birth. At 5 days old, ENRICH and CON piglets (n = 54 per treatment) were allocated to one of six piglet husbandry treatments; four boar piglets were randomly allocated to one of four treatments: 1) control handled (SHAM B), 2) tail docked (TAIL B), 3) castrated (CAST), or 4) castrated and tail docked (BOTH); and two gilt piglets were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: 5) control handled (SHAM G), or 6) tail docked (TAIL G). Live weight tended (P < 0.10) to be greater in all ENRICH pigs. Leukocytes and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were decreased (P < 0.05) among ENRICH compared with CON piglets. ENRICH piglets were more active (P < 0.05) than CON piglets. Maintenance and play behaviors decreased (P < 0.05) 120 min after, but returned to baseline at 24 h. Cortisol was greater (P < 0.05) among CAST and BOTH piglets, but no differences were observed in cortisol concentrations between housing groups. Stress vocalizations were greater (P < 0.05) in CAST and BOTH compared with SHAM piglets, while all pig processing treatments displayed more (P < 0.05) pain behaviors than SHAM. The use of EE had no effect on reducing pain-induced stress of castration and tail docking. However, we found that pigs raised with EE were heavier and more active than pigs raised without enrichment. We also found that EE modulated the immune response in pigs. In conclusion, EE improved the overall welfare of pigs at an early age.
Brittany L. Backus; John J. McGlone. Evaluating environmental enrichment as a method to alleviate pain after castration and tail docking in pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2018, 204, 37 -42.
AMA StyleBrittany L. Backus, John J. McGlone. Evaluating environmental enrichment as a method to alleviate pain after castration and tail docking in pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2018; 204 ():37-42.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBrittany L. Backus; John J. McGlone. 2018. "Evaluating environmental enrichment as a method to alleviate pain after castration and tail docking in pigs." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 204, no. : 37-42.
Introducing a new cat into a household with one or more resident cats can be a significant source of stress for the cats involved. These studies sought to determine if rabbit maternal-neonatal pheromone (2-methyl-2-butenal [2M2B]) in litter impacted cat social behaviors and litter box use. Study 1 determined that cats preferred to eliminate in litter containing 2M2B; other semiochemicals tested did not change litter box use. Cats prone to aggression were identified in an intermediate pilot study, and eight pairs of these cats were selected for Study 2. In Study 2, cat pairs were provided litter containing either vehicle or 2M2B for 24 hours. Cats experiencing control litter displayed more aggression during the first 6 hours (p < .01) and spent more time using the litter box 12 hours and 18 hours after pairing compared with cats experiencing litter with 2M2B (p = .02). These results suggest 2M2B-infused cat litter may act as an interomone in cats housed domestically to prevent initial occurrences of aggression and may improve cat welfare in multicat households.
John J. McGlone; Arlene Garcia; William G. Thompson; Glenna M. Pirner. Maternal-Neonatal Pheromone/Interomone Added to Cat Litter Improves Litter Box Use and Reduces Aggression in Pair-Housed Cats. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 2018, 22, 127 -138.
AMA StyleJohn J. McGlone, Arlene Garcia, William G. Thompson, Glenna M. Pirner. Maternal-Neonatal Pheromone/Interomone Added to Cat Litter Improves Litter Box Use and Reduces Aggression in Pair-Housed Cats. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 2018; 22 (2):127-138.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn J. McGlone; Arlene Garcia; William G. Thompson; Glenna M. Pirner. 2018. "Maternal-Neonatal Pheromone/Interomone Added to Cat Litter Improves Litter Box Use and Reduces Aggression in Pair-Housed Cats." Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 22, no. 2: 127-138.
Fine particulate matter with less than 2.5 microns diameter (PM2.5) generated by cattle in feedlots is an environmental pollutant and a potential human and animal health issue. The objective of this study was to determine if a feeding schedule affects cattle behaviors that promote PM2.5 in a commercial feedlot. The study used 2813 crossbred steers housed in 14 adjacent pens at a large-scale commercial West Texas feedlot. Treatments were conventional feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1200 (CON) or feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1830 (ALT), the latter feeding time coincided with dusk. A mobile behavior lab was used to quantify behaviors of steers that were associated with generation of PM2.5 (e.g., fighting, mounting of peers, and increased locomotion). PM2.5 samplers measured respirable particles with a mass median diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) every 15 min over a period of 7 d in April and May. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, air pressure, and solar radiation were measured with a weather station. Elevated downwind PM2.5 concentrations were measured at dusk, when cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedule, demonstrated less PM2.5-generating behaviors (p < 0.05). At dusk, steers on ALT vs. CON feeding schedules ate or were waiting to eat (standing in second row behind feeding cattle) at much greater rates (p < 0.05). Upwind PM2.5 concentrations were similar between the treatments. Downwind PM2.5 concentrations averaged over 24 h were lower from ALT compared with CON pens (0.072 vs. 0.115 mg/m3, p < 0.01). However, dry matter intake (DMI) was less (p < 0.05), and average daily gain (ADG) tended to be less (p < 0.1) in cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedules, whereas feed efficiency (aka gain to feed, G:F) was not affected. Although ALT feeding may pose a challenge in feed delivery and labor scheduling, cattle exhibited fewer PM2.5-generating behaviors and reduced generation of PM2.5 when feed delivery times matched the natural desires of cattle to eat in a crepuscular pattern.
Frank M. Mitloehner; Jeff W. Dailey; Julie L. Morrow; John J. McGlone. Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle †. Animals 2017, 7, 14 .
AMA StyleFrank M. Mitloehner, Jeff W. Dailey, Julie L. Morrow, John J. McGlone. Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle †. Animals. 2017; 7 (12):14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrank M. Mitloehner; Jeff W. Dailey; Julie L. Morrow; John J. McGlone. 2017. "Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle †." Animals 7, no. 12: 14.
A novel approach to potentially improve pig growth and welfare is to supplement environments with biologically meaningful odors that are deficient. The post-weaning environment lacks maternal odors that may contribute to the often-observed post-weaning lag in growth and health challenges. A recently reported rabbit maternal pheromone (2-methyl-2-butenal (2M2B)) may act as an interomone in the pig. The objective of this study was to determine if providing a maternal pheromone/interomone during transport and the post-weaning environment may enhance pig performance. A total of 40 replicated pens were used in a factorial arrangement of two transport olfactory experiences (Control v. 2M2B), two nursery olfactory experiences (Control v. 2M2B) and two sexes (barrow v. gilt). Pig body weight, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain : feed ratio (G : F) were measured and calculated over a 28-day post-weaning period. Pig sex and application of 2M2B during transport had no effect on pig performance. However, pigs that had 2M2B applied to their feeder at weaning had 15% greater feed intake (0.74 v. 0.64±0.03 kg/day, P<0.01) and 12% greater ADG (0.27 v. 0.24 kg/day, P<0.05) than control pigs. G : F ratio was not different between treatments. The interomone 2M2B is a novel, safe molecule that can improve pig post-weaning performance. This report highlights a new area of study and a natural class of compounds that can improve pig performance and potentially improve pig welfare.
J. J. McGlone; G. Thompson; S. Devaraj. A natural interomone 2-methyl-2-butenal stimulates feed intake and weight gain in weaned pigs. Animal 2017, 11, 306 -308.
AMA StyleJ. J. McGlone, G. Thompson, S. Devaraj. A natural interomone 2-methyl-2-butenal stimulates feed intake and weight gain in weaned pigs. Animal. 2017; 11 (2):306-308.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. J. McGlone; G. Thompson; S. Devaraj. 2017. "A natural interomone 2-methyl-2-butenal stimulates feed intake and weight gain in weaned pigs." Animal 11, no. 2: 306-308.
Physical castration (PC) is painful and stressful for nursing piglets. One alternative to PC is immunological castration (IC), but the pain and stress of handling associated with injections have not been assessed. The objectives of this study were to measure the pain and distress of subcutaneous (SQ) and intramuscular (IM) injections compared to PC in piglets, and to compare SQ or IM injections in finishing pigs. After farrowing, 3 to 5 d old male piglets were randomly assigned to (control) no handling treatment (NO), sham-handling (SHAM), IM, SQ, or PC. Finishing pigs were assigned to NO, SHAM, IM, or SQ. Behavior was monitored for 1 h prior and 1 h post treatment in each age group. Social, feeding behaviors, and signs of pain were recorded. Finishing pigs treated with SQ injections had higher feeding behaviors pre-treatment than they did post-treatment. Overall, physical castrations caused measurable pain-like behaviors and general behavioral dysregulation at a much higher level than the other treatment groups. SQ and IM injections did not cause either significant behavioral or physiological alterations in piglets. SQ injections caused a decrease in finishing pig feed behaviors post treatment ( p = 0.02) and SHAM treated finishing pigs spent significantly more time lying than the other treatment groups. In general IM and SQ injections did not cause any other significant changes in behavior or physiology.
John McGlone; Kimberly Guay; Arlene Garcia. Comparison of Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Injections vs. Castration in Pigs—Impacts on Behavior and Welfare. Animals 2016, 6, 52 .
AMA StyleJohn McGlone, Kimberly Guay, Arlene Garcia. Comparison of Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Injections vs. Castration in Pigs—Impacts on Behavior and Welfare. Animals. 2016; 6 (9):52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJohn McGlone; Kimberly Guay; Arlene Garcia. 2016. "Comparison of Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Injections vs. Castration in Pigs—Impacts on Behavior and Welfare." Animals 6, no. 9: 52.
Behavior problems such as leash pulling and jumping up are common reasons given for relinquishing dogs to animal shelters. Interomones are chemical signals produced by one species that elicit an effect on a different species; this study examines the effects of androstenone (produced by boars) on dog leash pulling and jumping up behavior. Androstenone in spray form reduces leash pulling behavior compared to a control spray. This interomone may provide instant relief for behavioral problems and it may be used as a natural tool in conjunction with a training program to reduce unwanted behavior such as leash pulling. Dogs are relinquished to shelters due to behavioral problems, such as leash pulling and jumping up. Interomones are chemical cues produced by one species that elicit a response in a different species. We reported earlier that androstenone, a swine sex pheromone, acts as an interomone to reduce barking in dogs. Here we report two models using 10 dogs/study: a dog jumping and a dog walking model. For the leash-pulling model, each time the dog pulled on the leash the walker either did nothing (NOT), or sprayed the dog with water (H2O), androstenone + water (ANH), androstenone 0.1 µg/mL (AND1), or androstenone 1.0 µg/mL (AND2). The number of pulls during each walk was counted. For the jumping up model, each time the dog jumped the researcher did nothing (NOT), or sprayed the dog with H2O, ANH, AND1, or AND2. The number of jumps and the time between jumps were recorded. In Study 1, ANH, AND1, and AND2 each reduced leash pulling more than NOT and H2O (p < 0.01). In Study 2, all treatments were effective in reducing jumping up behavior. Androstenone reduced jumping up, but not beyond that elicited by a spray of water alone. We conclude that androstenone in multiple delivery vehicles reduced leash pulling. The burst of air intended as a disruptive stimulus in the correction sprays may be too harsh for more sensitive dogs, and as such use of these sprays is cautioned in these animals. For other dogs, this interomone can be used to stop some behavior immediately or as a part of a training program to reduce undesirable behavior.
Glenna Pirner; John McGlone. Impact of Androstenone on Leash Pulling and Jumping Up in Dogs. Animals 2016, 6, 34 .
AMA StyleGlenna Pirner, John McGlone. Impact of Androstenone on Leash Pulling and Jumping Up in Dogs. Animals. 2016; 6 (5):34.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGlenna Pirner; John McGlone. 2016. "Impact of Androstenone on Leash Pulling and Jumping Up in Dogs." Animals 6, no. 5: 34.
Transportation has the potential to negatively affect the health and welfare of weaned pigs, especially those already experiencing weaning stress. Piglets were transported for 32 h, with and without feed and water, and measures of performance, physiology, and behavior were taken to assess piglet welfare. Transportation negatively impacted body weight, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (N:L), and post-transport body weight gain, indicating that not providing water during transport can negatively impact the well-being of recently weaned pigs. Provision of water may aid in reducing stress during long distance transport and improve the animals’ well-being. Transportation at weaning is a complex stressor made up of many factors, including withdrawal from feed and water, which can potentially negatively affect the health and welfare of pigs, especially those already experiencing weaning stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weaning and extended transport durations (up to 32 h), with and without the provision of feed and/or water, on pig welfare. Treatment groups included: pigs neither weaned nor transported, control (CON); weaned pigs transported and provided with feed and water (T+); weaned pigs transported without feed and water (T−); weaned pigs transported with only feed (T+F); and weaned pigs transported with only water provided (TRAN+W). The effect of transport (with and without feed and/or water) on weaned pigs was assessed using behavior, performance, and physiology. After a 32-h transport period, pigs transported without water lost markedly more weight than those transported with water (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was markedly higher in male pigs transported without water (p < 0.05). Overall, transportation had a negative effect on pig well-being, especially when water was not provided.
Arlene Garcia; Mhairi Sutherland; Glenna Pirner; Guilherme Picinin; Matthew May; Brittany Backus; John McGlone. Impact of Providing Feed and/or Water on Performance, Physiology, and Behavior of Weaned Pigs during a 32-h Transport. Animals 2016, 6, 31 .
AMA StyleArlene Garcia, Mhairi Sutherland, Glenna Pirner, Guilherme Picinin, Matthew May, Brittany Backus, John McGlone. Impact of Providing Feed and/or Water on Performance, Physiology, and Behavior of Weaned Pigs during a 32-h Transport. Animals. 2016; 6 (5):31.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArlene Garcia; Mhairi Sutherland; Glenna Pirner; Guilherme Picinin; Matthew May; Brittany Backus; John McGlone. 2016. "Impact of Providing Feed and/or Water on Performance, Physiology, and Behavior of Weaned Pigs during a 32-h Transport." Animals 6, no. 5: 31.
Transportation is a complex stressor made up of factors including weaning itself and withdrawal from feed and water. Therefore, transportation has the potential to negatively impact the health and welfare of weaned pigs. Pigs were transported for 32 h and measures of performance, physiology, and behavior were taken to assess piglet welfare. Treatment groups included pigs not weaned or transported (CON), weaned pigs provided with feed and water (WEAN+), weaned pigs not provided with feed and water (WEAN−), weaned and transported pigs provided with feed and water (TRANS+), and weaned and transported pigs not provided with feed and water (TRANS−). Body weight loss was different among treatments (p < 0.01). CON pigs had a 6.5% ± 0.45% gain in body weight after 32 h. WEAN+, WEAN−, TRANS+, and TRANS− groups all had a loss in body weight of 5.9% ± 0.45%, 7.8% ± 0.45%, 6.5% ± 0.45% and 9.1% ± 0.46%, respectively. The N:L was greater in all weaned pigs at 8 h compared to CON pigs (p < 0.01). WEAN− and transported pigs had significantly higher N:L than CON pigs from 8 h through 16 h, however, all treatment groups were similar to CON pigs after 16 h irrespective of provision of feed and water. Blood glucose levels were lower in transported and/or weaned pigs than CON pigs after 16 h irrespective of the provision of feed and water. TRANS+ females had higher creatine kinase (CK) levels than males (p < 0.05). After a 16 h transport period, TRANS− pigs had higher total plasma protein (TP) levels than all other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Significant changes in behavior were observed during and after transportation, which could also be indicative of stress. Overall, transportation and weaning had a negative effect on performance, physiology and behavior (both during and post-weaning) of pigs, especially when feed and water was not provided. Transporting pigs without feed and water for more than 24 h was a welfare concern as indicated by changes in body weight and physiology measures of stress
Arlene Garcia; Glenna Pirner; Guilherme Picinin; Matthew May; Kimberly Guay; Brittany Backus; Mhairi Sutherland; John McGlone. Effect of Provision of Feed and Water during Transport on the Welfare of Weaned Pigs. Animals 2015, 5, 407 -425.
AMA StyleArlene Garcia, Glenna Pirner, Guilherme Picinin, Matthew May, Kimberly Guay, Brittany Backus, Mhairi Sutherland, John McGlone. Effect of Provision of Feed and Water during Transport on the Welfare of Weaned Pigs. Animals. 2015; 5 (2):407-425.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArlene Garcia; Glenna Pirner; Guilherme Picinin; Matthew May; Kimberly Guay; Brittany Backus; Mhairi Sutherland; John McGlone. 2015. "Effect of Provision of Feed and Water during Transport on the Welfare of Weaned Pigs." Animals 5, no. 2: 407-425.
The use of non-slip surfaces during loading and unloading of finishing pigs plays an important role in animal welfare and economics of the pork industry. Currently, the guidelines available only suggest the use of ramps with a slope below 20 degrees to load and unload pigs. However, the total time it takes to load and unload animals and slips, falls, and vocalizations are a welfare concern. Three ramp angles (0, 10 or 20 degrees), five bedding materials (nothing, sand, feed, wood shavings or wheat straw hay), two moistures (dry or wet bedding, >50% moisture) over two seasons (>23.9 °C summer, <23.9 °C winter) were assessed for slips/falls/vocalizations (n = 2400 pig observations) and analyzed with a scoring system. The use of bedding during summer or winter played a role in the total time it took to load and unload the ramp (p < 0.05). Bedding, bedding moisture, season, and slope significantly interacted to impact the total time to load and unload finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Heart rate and the total time it took to load and unload the ramp increased as the slope of the ramp increased (p < 0.05). Heart rates were higher during the summer than winter, and summer heart rates increased as the slope increased (p < 0.05). The current study suggests that several factors should be considered in combination to identify the appropriate bedding for the specific occasion.
Arlene Garcia; John J. McGlone. Loading and Unloading Finishing Pigs: Effects of Bedding Types, Ramp Angle, and Bedding Moisture. Animals 2014, 5, 13 -26.
AMA StyleArlene Garcia, John J. McGlone. Loading and Unloading Finishing Pigs: Effects of Bedding Types, Ramp Angle, and Bedding Moisture. Animals. 2014; 5 (1):13-26.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArlene Garcia; John J. McGlone. 2014. "Loading and Unloading Finishing Pigs: Effects of Bedding Types, Ramp Angle, and Bedding Moisture." Animals 5, no. 1: 13-26.
The use of non-slip surfaces during loading and unloading of weaned pigs plays an important role in animal welfare and economics of the pork industry. Currently, the guidelines available only suggest the use of ramps below 20° to load and unload pigs. Three ramp angles (0°, 10° or 20°), five bedding materials (nothing, sand, feed, wood shavings or wheat straw hay), two moistures (dry or wet bedding; >50% moisture) over two seasons (>23.9 °C summer, <23.9 °C winter) were assessed for slips/falls/vocalizations (n = 6,000 pig observations). "Score" was calculated by the sum of slips, falls, and vocalizations. With the exception of using feed as a bedding, all beddings provided some protection against elevated slips, falls, and vocalizations (P < 0.01). Providing bedding reduced (P < 0.05) scores regardless of whether the bedding was dry or wet. Scores increased as the slope increased (P < 0.01). Provision of bedding, other than feed, at slopes greater than zero, decreased slips, falls and vocalizations. The total time it took to load and unload pigs was affected by bedding type, ramp angle, and season (P < 0.05). Minimizing slips, falls, and vocalizations when loading and unloading pigs improved animal welfare.
Arlene Garcia; John J. McGlone. Loading and Unloading Weaned Pigs: Effects of Bedding Types, Ramp Angle, and Bedding Moisture. Animals 2014, 4, 742 -754.
AMA StyleArlene Garcia, John J. McGlone. Loading and Unloading Weaned Pigs: Effects of Bedding Types, Ramp Angle, and Bedding Moisture. Animals. 2014; 4 (4):742-754.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArlene Garcia; John J. McGlone. 2014. "Loading and Unloading Weaned Pigs: Effects of Bedding Types, Ramp Angle, and Bedding Moisture." Animals 4, no. 4: 742-754.