Effects of confinement on physiological and psychological responses and expression of interleukin 6 and brain derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in primiparous and multiparous weaning sows

Abstract

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate whether the long-lasting, recurrent restricting of sows leads to the physiological and psychological reaction of discomfort.MethodsSows (Large White) that had experienced restricting for about 0.5 or 3 years and age-matched sows kept in a group housing system (loose sows) were compared. Pupillary light reflex parameters were measured at the weaning stage. Immediately after slaughter, blood samples were taken to measure serum cortisol levels, and the brain was dissected, gene expression in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and hypothalamus was analyzed.ResultsThe serum cortisol levels were higher in the confined sows than in the loose sows. The full maturity, but not the young adolescent, confined sows had longer latency time in the onset of pupil constriction than their loose counterparts. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed an increased expression of interleukin 6 mRNA in the hippocampus and decreased expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in hippocampus and hypothalamus and to a lesser extent in the frontal cortex of the full maturity confined sows, compared with the full maturity loose sows.ConclusionTaken together, these data indicated that recurrent restricting stress in full maturity sows leads to the physiological and psychological reaction of discomfort.

The Impacts of Home Confinement Due To Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Children: A Cross Sectional Survey Study, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, UAE

“…More than 65% of parents believed that these impacts might continue beyond the confinement time such as "fear of infection, boredom and stress" (figure 16). This may be partly related to the effects of the confinement on the hypothalmo-pituitary function that may lead to significant physical and psychological trauma such as slow reaction, lack of attentiveness, symptoms of depression, impulsiveness, stress, psychological trauma and hyperactivity [11]. Children may take longer time to fine-tune to the norm of life again after schools reopening, particularly with newly implemented anti-COIVD-19 preventative measures.…”

A pilot study on differential expression of microRNAs in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and serum of sows in activity restricted crates or activity free pens

“…As an emotionally rich animal, sows express affective disorders and behavioral abnormalities in adverse circumstances. Feeding level and physical restriction in sows may lead to stereotypic behaviors such as bar-biting and sham-chewing [8]; moreover, the pupillary light reflex (PLR) is significantly delayed [9]. The PLR is related to the stereotypes and neurotransmitters [10].…”