Porcine ear necrosis in nursery piglets is preceded by oral manipulations of the ear.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Porcine ear necrosis (PEN) is characterized by dry crusts on the ear tip. The crusts often progress to moist and bloody lesions and may lead to partial loss of the ear tissue. The cause and pathophysiology of PEN are unknown. Skin infections, systemic infections, or ear biting have been suggested as a cause of PEN, but no proper evidence has been shown. The behavioural factor has not yet been investigated, therefore this study evaluated the importance of oral manipulations in the occurrence of PEN in nursery pigs. Three farms affected by PEN were visited weekly, and the prevalence and severity were recorded. Video recordings of the animals were performed, and the behaviour was evaluated. The presence of pathogens in the lesions and histological alterations were also anal

SUBMITTER: Malik M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11562591 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature