Effects of Feed Removal during Acute Heat Stress on the Cytokine Response and Short-Term Growth Performance in Finishing Pigs

Abstract

The study objective was to evaluate the effects of feed removal during acute heat stress (HS) on the cytokine response and its short-term effect on growth performance in finishing pigs. Thirty-two pigs (93.29 ± 3.14 kg initial body weight; 50% barrows and 50% gilts) were subjected to thermoneutral (TN; 23.47 ± 0.10 °C; n = 16 pigs) or HS (cycling of 25 to 36 °C; n = 16 pigs) conditions for 24 h. Within each temperature treatment, 50% of the pigs were provided with feed (AF; n = 8 pigs/temperature treatment) and 50% of the pigs had no feed access (NF; n = 8 pigs/temperature treatment). Following the 24 h temperature and feeding treatment (TF) period, all pigs had ad libitum access to feed and water and were maintained under TN conditions for 6 d. During the first 12 h of the TF period, gastrointestinal (TGI) and skin (Tsk) temperatures were recorded every 30 min. Serum cytokines were determined at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h during the TF period and on Days 3 and 6 of the post-TF period. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake were measured on Days 1, 3, and 6 of the post-TF period. Behavioral data were collected from Days 1 to 6 of the post-TF period. Heat stress increased (p < 0.02) the TGI and Tsk. During the post-TF period, interleukin-1α was greater (p < 0.01) in HS + NF compared to HS + AF and TN + NF pigs. From Days 1 to 2 of the post-TF period, the ADG was reduced (p < 0.01) in TN + AF compared to HS + AF, HS + NF, and TN + NF pigs. In conclusion, feed removal during an acute HS challenge did not reduce the cytokine response or improve short-term growth performance in finishing pigs.

Associations between ubiquitin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex steroid hormones in the failed to conceive female dromedary camels raised in hot climates

“…Several studies have been published elucidating the impact of heat stress on an animal's productivity and reproductive performance [13][14][15][16][17][18]. The Arabian Peninsula's harsh summer climates, with temperatures reaching above 50°C and drought conditions, imposed significant burdens on camel physiology Means in the same column with different superscripts significantly differ at P < 0.05.…”

Smart Temperature and Humidity Control in Pig House by Improved Three-Way K-Means

“…Environmental temperature and air humidity rank as the most influential climatic factors affecting pig production, with temperature fluctuations exerting a substantial influence on pigs' well-being. Excessive heat can induce heat stress, which disrupts feed intake, digestion, and nutrient absorption, ultimately resulting in decreased productivity [23][24][25][26].…”