Investigating novel biomarkers of welfare in swine

Oct 09, 2023

Biomarkers are objective and quantifiable characteristics of biological processes. There are many measures taken to evaluate acute experiences that influence animal welfare, such as measurement of cortisol, a hormone that increases in acute stress after aggression. There is currently a lack of reliable biomarkers that can provide information on longer-term welfare in farmed animals. Measurement of hormones within hair has been proposed as a method to evaluate stress over a longer-term. Another hormone of the HPA axis is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). While less researched, DHEA is thought to have roles largely opposing those to cortisol. The cortisol:DHEA ratio has been suggested to be a superior biomarker compared to either analyte separately.

The objective of Goal 3 of the NSERC Industrial Research Chair program in swine welfare is to evaluate the use of measuring hormones in swine hair. Over a series of three experiments, the objectives of this goal will evaluate and validate the value of measuring cortisol and DHEA in swine hair as a measure of chronic stress, animal welfare, and of individual stress reactivity in pigs. The results of this work will help to conclude whether hair analysis is a useful tool for use by researchers and industry alike.

Source : Swine Web

Video: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs - Dr. Eduardo Beltranena

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Eduardo Beltranena from North Carolina State University explains how faba beans can be used in pig diets as a source of both starch and protein. He discusses environmental benefits, inclusion rates, frost-damaged beans, tannin concerns, cultivar selection, and how producers can compare faba beans against cereals and protein meals for cost-effective feeding. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Faba beans provide both starch and protein, competing directly with cereals in swine diets."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena / eduardo-beltranena-61660a1b2 is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and reproduction interactions from the University of Alberta and has worked across swine production, feed industry nutrition, contract research, government research, teaching, and extension. His work focuses on swine nutrition, regional feedstuffs, and practical feed formulation. Learn more from Dr. Eduardo Beltranena on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.