An efficient method for saliva collection from mature pigs to determine their enzymatic and electrolytic profiles

Abstract

In this study, a novel ‘rope-assisted swab method’ for the collection of saliva samples from 45 adult pigs was established and validated. This method was efficient for harvesting 2 milliliters or more of saliva from each of the pigs for subsequent analyses within two min. The amount of α-amylase and lipase in the collected saliva samples was between 38−6,655 and 2−52 U/l, respectively. For HCO3− and electrolytes, the range was between 9−40, 15−76, 4.3−48.5 and 7−65 mM for HCO3−, Na+, K+ and Cl−, respectively. No significant differences in the enzymatic and electrolytic profiles were observed among sows with a high average litter size (SHA), sows with a low average litter size (SLA) and non-pregnant gilts (NPG) in this study. Our work reveals the efficiency of this collection method for mature pigs, and enzymatic and electrolytic profiling of saliva, which may be a useful reference for multiple diagnostic applications.

Cystatin C, Ammonia, and Bicarbonate Measurements in the Saliva of Pigs: Analytical Validation and Changes in S. suis Infection

“…Similar to ammonia, serum bicarbonate is considered a predictor of clinical outcomes in cases of sepsis, as low serum bicarbonate is associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality [ 17 ]. The concentrations of bicarbonate obtained in our study are in the range of the values previously reported in the saliva of pigs, giving also similar values to those in humans [ 18 ].…”

“…In addition, serum bicarbonate is a good predictor of clinical outcomes in sepsis alone or combined with other markers [ 17 ]. Bicarbonate has been measured in the saliva of pigs, giving similar values to that in humans [ 18 ]. Recently, changes in concentrations of ammonia and bicarbonate were detected in horses with gastric ulcers [ 14 ].…”

Identification of Candidate Salivary, Urinary and Serum Metabolic Biomarkers for High Litter Size Potential in Sows (Sus scrofa)

“…Saliva was collected using the cable-lock-assisted swab method outlined in Akhtar et al [33]. Briefly, Salivette ® tubes with plain cotton swabs (Starstedt AG & Co.), specialized for collection and processing methods were used to ensure the hygienic sampling of saliva.…”

Saliva as a biological matrix to assess piglet’s welfare

“…The electrolyte concentrations of swine saliva were first studied in 1966 [154], analysing sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate. Later, chloride and bicarbonate were also determined in porcine saliva [155]. The latter can neutralise acid and acts as a buffer.…”