A number of pig herds suffer from problems with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS). PDS has a complex pathophysiology and several risk factors involved, thus the proper diagnosis is difficult. The aim of the study was to determine the serum concentration of selected App in sows around parturition in order to evaluate their utility in the early diagnosis of PDS.
Based on the course of the periparturient period 139 females were divided into 3 groups (A: healthy n=58; B: PDS n=45; C: other (lameness, injuries, difficult parturition, etc. n=36). Pigs were bled at days: -28, -14, -7, -3, -1, 0, +1, +3, +7, +14, +28. The concentration of CRP, Hp, SAA, Pig-MAP were examined using an ELISAs. Production and clinical parameters were also recorded for each sow.
The significant increase of App concentration has been observed in healthy females after farrowing (p<0.05). In pigs from group B the concentration of SAA and Pig-MAP were significantly higher 7 and 3 days before farrowing as compared to females from groups A and C (p<0.05). The concentration of all App at various time point after farrowing also differed significantly between females from various groups (p<0.05). We found the significant correlation between concentration of SAA and Pig-MAP at days -7 and -3 of study and PDS severity.
Results of the study revealed the significant changes in the concentration of App around normal parturition. After farrowing, the level of App was generally higher in sows with PDS then in healthy females. The significant correlation was found between concentration of SAA and Pig-MAP before farrowing and PDS severity, what make these Apps potentially useful in early detection of PDS. ROC curve analysis provided information about cut scores proposed for SAA and Pig-MAP in order to distinguish between healthy and affected sows.