JSHAP Online Ahead of Print: Hematological parameters of pigs in different housing systems in Slovenia
Objectives: Establish blood reference values and evaluate the influence of age on the hematological profile of indigenous Slovenian Krškopolje pigs and compare these values with conventionally farmed pigs.
Materials and methods: Blood samples were taken from 57 grower and 36 finisher Krškopolje pigs from 2 organic farms and 183 grower and 47 finisher pigs from 6 conventional farms in Slovenia. Samples were analyzed using an automatic hematology analyzer to measure white blood cell count, red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count (PLT).
Results: The hematological parameter reference values of the Krškopolje pig breed corresponded with reference ranges in the literature. Pig age had a significant effect on hematologic parameters. Organic grower pigs had significantly higher RBC and MCHC values and lower Hct, MCV, and MCH values than conventional pigs. Organic finisher pigs had significantly higher PLT values and lower Hb, Hct, MCV, and MCH values than conventional pigs. All reported differences in hematologic values between Krškopolje and conventional pigs are not expected to affect clinical outcomes.
Implications: These hematologic reference values can be used as a diagnostic tool for assessing the health status of Krškopolje pigs, but pig age must be accounted for. Reference values from the literature are suitable for assessing the health status of both conventionally and organically reared pigs.
Golinar Oven I, Plut J, Hajdinjak M, Šteferl T, Nadlučnik E, Štukelj M. Hematological parameters of pigs in different housing systems in Slovenia. J Swine Health Prod. Published online January 23, 2025. https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1410