Abstract:

Using serology in combination with acute phase proteins and cortisol to determine stress and immune function of early-weaned pigs

Gene F. Grellner, DVM, MS; Thomas J. Fangman, DVM, MS, Diplomate ABVP; Jeffery A. Carroll, PhD; Charles E Wiedmeyer, DVM, PhD

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Objectives: To evaluate serum concentrations of cortisol and acute phase proteins (APPs), specifically alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and haptoglobin (HPT), in the same early-weaned pigs over time and to determine whether changes in these APPs or cortisol are associated with health status and performance in pigs.

Methods: Groups of pigs were evaluated in two management systems, wean-nursery-finish (WNF; 998 pigs) and wean-to-finish (WF; 999 pigs). Serum samples were obtained from the same 20 pigs in each group at weaning and at approximately 50, 85, 110, and 130 days of age. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae were endemic in this herd. Fisher's r to z analysis was used to determine relationships between serum APPs, serum cortisol, and serum titers for M hyopneumoniae and PRRSV.

Results: There were no production differences between WNF and WF groups. Serum AGP was negatively correlated with weight and PRRS S:P ratio in both groups, but there was no correlation between AGP and M hyopneumoniae titer. In WF pigs, HPT persistently increased, while a sharp increase occurred in WNF pigs on entry into the finisher. Serum HPT was highly correlated with M hyopneumoniae titer in WNF pigs but not WF pigs.

Implications: Under the conditions of this study, increased serum AGP was negatively correlated with body weight, suggesting that an activated cellular immune response is a detriment to growth rate. Further investigations are needed to determine whether these or other APPs are reliable predictors of disease status in swine.

Keywords: nursery, wean-to-finish, acute phase proteins, cortisol

Cite as: Grellner GF, Fangman TJ, Carroll JA, et al. Using serology in combination with acute phase proteins and cortisol to determine stress and immune function of early-weaned pigs. J Swine Health Prod 2002;10(5):199-204.

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