Work

Alteration of growth performance and characterization of pathological lesions in long-term ammonia-exposed pigs

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Ammonia (NH 3 ) is a major cause of odor emissions from swine farms, and exposure to high concentrations of NH 3 in short-term periods has been reported to cause respiratory and systemic disorders in pigs. However, the impact of long-term NH 3 exposure on pig health and productivity remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the impact of long-term NH 3 exposure on growth performance and pathological outcomes in pigs. Pigs were reared in the treatment room [34.8 mg/m 3 NH 3 concentration (50 ppm); TRT group, n = 40] and the control room [5.6 mg/m 3 (8 ppm); CON, n = 40]. The experimental period was 107 days (from weaning piglets to market age). Our findings revealed that long-term NH 3 exposure results in severe respiratory and systemic pathological lesions, including chronic tracheitis, epithelial metaplasia of the trachea, severe interstitial pneumonia, myocarditis, and interstitial nephritis. In addition, the TRT group exhibited reduced productivity, with two deaths, indicating that uncontrolled NH 3 concentrations on pig farms could be linked to a decline in growth performance and even death. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant changes in immune and inflammatory pathways in lung from TRT pigs, including dysregulated cytokine signaling and incomplete inflammatory responses. The enrichment of DEGs in pathways, such as Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, JAK-STAT, and Toll-like receptor signaling, indicated chronic NH 3 exposure disrupted immune homeostasis, contributing to chronic inflammation and impaired tissue repair. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the detrimental effects of NH 3 exposure on pig health and productivity under farm conditions. • Various pneumonic lesions were observed in long-term NH3-exposed pigs. • Long-term NH3 exposure in pigs led to chronic tracheitis and severe pneumonia. • Long-term NH3-exposed could occur systemic pathological lesions in pigs. • NH3-exposed pigs showed reduced productivity and increased mortality. • Transcriptomic analysis revealed disrupted immune and inflammatory pathways in pigs.

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117318

Authors: Byungkwan Oh, Junsu Park, Eunju Kim, Siyoung Seo, Bumseok Kim, Sang-Ik Oh

Institutions: Jeonbuk National University, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science

Language: English

Topic: Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990