Exploring Serum Copeptin and Hematological Profile: A Comparative Analysis after Intradermal versus Intramuscular Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Vaccination in Piglets

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) vaccination with a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-modified live vaccine (MLV) in piglets on serum copeptin levels and hematological profile. This study included 104 suckling piglets (2 weeks of age) from a commercial farrow-to-finish pig farm suffering from positive unstable PRRSV status. Animals were assigned to four groups, with two replicates (13 piglets/group/replicate); group A: IM vaccination with a PRRSV MLV vaccine, group B: ID vaccination with the same vaccine, group C: ID of Diluvac Forte, and group D: IM of Diluvac Forte. Blood samples were collected from the same three pigs/group/replicate at 4, 7, and 10 weeks of age. Blood samples were used for the performance of the complete blood count, and they were also examined by PCR for PRRSV and by ELISA for copeptin. No significant differences in serum copeptin levels and the number of blood cell counts (packed cell volume—PCV, numbers of white blood cells—WBCs, and platelets number—PLTs) were noticed in the same group over time and among groups. In conclusion, it seems that the vaccination against PRRSV does not affect the levels of the released copeptin. Based on our results, the measurement of serum copeptin could not be proposed as a potential stress biomarker in pigs.