Immunocastration (vaccination against boar taint) is an alternative method to prevent boar taint without the need for surgical castration. This study investigates the evolution of boar taint compounds in serum and fat, serum steroid compounds as well as behavior in immunocastrated pigs from 3 sire lines: 15 stress positive Belgian Piétrain (BP), 20 stress negative French Piétrain (FP), and 20 stress negative Canadian Duroc (CD). Hormone and boar taint compounds in serum were determined at 4 time points; boar taint compounds in fat were determined at 3 time points. Behavior, skin lesions, animal and pen fouling were also recorded before the first vaccination (V2). Aggressiveness, eating and drinking and general activity behavior declined from V2 for all sire lines. Pigs from BP were cleaner than FP and CD pigs. Even though immunocastration was effective in general (reduced testosterone, estradiol as well as androstenone in serum) for all sire lines, some individual pigs showed either androstenone or skatole levels in fat above cutoff values. While the immunocastration mechanism works as intended for androstenone, and also for skatole for the three sire lines, the risk of carcasses with boar taint compounds above cutoff levels (respectively 1.9 and 3.7%) still remains to some extent.
Discusses the results of a survey into the factors which motivate individuals to adopt, participate in and implement total quality (TQ) in their own work environments. A considerable literature survey was carried out in order to derive a framework which could be used to assess the many factors which might influence individuals. Concentrates on the results of the survey which was carried out to test the frame‐work. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire sent to 220 employees in the sales division of one company, achieving a response rate of 54 per cent, which was considered to be high for this type of project. Uses the responses to assess the influence of organizational culture, environmental and organizational change and TQ training on individuals′ decisions to practise TQ.
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