Željko Pavičić

Campylobacter, salmonella and chlamydia in free-living birds of Croatia

Campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and avian chlamydiosis are zoonotic diseases in which birds have been suggested to play an important role as reservoirs. We have investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. and Chlamydophila sp. in 107 free-living birds belonging to 25 species from 13 families from Croatia in order to examine the natural infections caused by these agents. Campylobacter jejuni-like organisms were isolated from 2 of 107 free-living bird species examined (1.9%). Salmonella was isolated from 8 fresh fecal specimens from free-living bird species (7.4%). These isolates were identified as S. typhimurium in 4 (3.7%), and S. enteriditis in 4 (3.7%) free-living birds. These samples originated from feral pigeons (Columba livia domesticus; n=14; 28.6%), rook (Corvus frugilegus; n=13; 15.4%), buzzard (Buteo buteo; n=12; 16.7%), black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus; n=8; 12.5%) and tawny owl (Strix aluco; n=8; 12.5%). The presence of Chlamydophila sp. was not detected in the free-living birds examined during this study. Epidemiological aspects and possible significance of the examined birds as a source of infections for domestic animals and humans are discussed.

Experimental model of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection in pigs: potential for an early recognition of colibacillosis by monitoring of behavior

The hypothesis that altered behavior is a sign for an early recognition of disease was tested. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the behavioral patterns of pigs in a model of postweaning colibacillosis. Twenty-five weaned pigs (from a herd that was previously found to be highly susceptible to F4+ Escherichia coli strains) were randomly assigned into 5 groups, kept in isolated pens under the controlled ambiental conditions. One day after weaning, the pigs from three groups were intragastrically inoculated (via orogastric tube) with either F4ac+ (1466 or 2407) or F4- (1467) nonenterotoxigenic E. coli (non-ETEC) strains, respectively. The pigs from the fourth group were inoculated with F4ac+ ETEC strain M1823 and the remaining 5 pigs that received broth containing 1.2% sodium bicarbonate were kept as noninoculated controls. The pigs were examined daily and the frequency and duration of their behavioral patterns, such as eating, drinking, lying, standing, urinating, defecating, rooting and playing were monitored for 300 h during a period of 10 days. In this model, three conditions were also observed in F4-susceptible pigs: (1) acute fatal diarrheal disease; (2) moderate diarrhea and weight loss and (3) no diarrhea and weight loss. The incidence (both frequency and duration) of defecating was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in pigs inoculated with F4ac+ ETEC strain M1823 as compared to that of noninoculated (control) pigs. Pigs inoculated with F4ac+ non-ETEC strain 1466 had a significantly lower frequency of eating (P < 0.05) and frequency/duration of drinking (P < 0.05) than did the controls. The 1466-inoculated pigs, had an increased diarrhea score, but frequency/duration of defecating was not significantly different. Pigs inoculated with F4ac+ non-ETEC strain 2407 spent more time in lying (P < 0.05) than did noninoculated pigs. Conversely, the pigs that received F4- non-ETEC strain 1467 laid shorter (P < 0.05) and ate/drank less frequently (P < 0.05) than the controls. It was concluded that the changed occurrence of defecating and eating in pigs that were inoculated with either F4ac+ ETEC (M1823) or non-ETEC (1466) strain. respectively, was consistent with the pending clinical disease, i.e. postweaning colibacillosis.

Attitudes of veterinary students in Croatia toward farm animal welfare

This survey was undertaken to assess the attitudes of Croatian veterinary students regarding farm animal welfare issues. The study included students of all undergraduate years at the only Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Croatia. First-year students were surveyed twice, ie before and after attending the course on animal welfare, using a written questionnaire containing statements with a five-point Likert scale for choice of answers. Students consider good animal welfare necessary for sustainability of farming systems and food quality and safety, ranking particular issues in the following order: biological functioning > natural living > emotional states. Students also believe that cattle and pigs have greater cognitive abilities and that their welfare is less compromised in comparison with poultry, whereas standard management procedures performed in pig production are perceived as more humane than beak-trimming in poultry. In addition, students tend to consider pain in farm animals caused by management procedures only when these procedures involved the affliction of significant pain. There were no differences between attitude scores on most of the statements from first-year students before and after the course. Furthermore, for the majority of statements, the mean responses were lower in final-year students, suggesting a lower level of empathy toward farm animals. Although similar results have also been recorded elsewhere in the world, these results raise concerns as to the ability of these future veterinarians to promote good farm animal welfare in the country and abroad. The results also suggest a need to modify veterinary student education in Croatia in the field of farm animal welfare.

Postural behaviour in gilts housed on concrete and rubber slats during four seasons

Abstract In the present study, postural behaviour was compared between gilts kept in service unit with different types of flooring during all seasons. The study included four 28-day production cycles and 10 gilts per cycle, equally divided into a control and an experimental group. Control gilts were housed in gestation stalls with slatted concrete floor, whereas in the experimental group the floor was covered with an adjusted rubber mat. Postural behaviour of gilts was observed 4 times per cycle for 4 hours. Study results showed that during cooler seasons, gilts in concrete stalls spent more time standing and lying sternally, whereas gilts in matted stalls were mostly lying, predominantly laterally (P<0.001 all). There were no significant between group differences according to the time the gilts spent sitting or the frequency of changing posture in any season observed. Nevertheless, experimental animals spent significantly less time changing standing to both lying positions during all seasons (P<0.01 all). In conclusion, rubber mats may improve lying comfort in gilts; however, when using rubber mats, the house thermal conditions should be taken in consideration.

Airborne dust distribution in a farrowing pen in dependence of other microclimatic parameters during spring-summer period

Abstract The study was carried out in a farrowing pen during 6 production cycles of 24 days in the spring-summer period. The effect of season and other microclimate parameters on airborne dust concentration was investigated. Study results showed a decrease in airborne dust concentration in summer period that yielded negative correlation with air temperature (P<0.05). Relative humidity was expected to decrease due to higher ventilation rates, however, a significant increase was recorded in summer (P<0.05) because of higher evaporation caused by floor wash. The decrease in airborne dust concentration was ascribed to temperature elevation due to intensified ventilation rate and relative humidity resulting in higher rate of dust settling.

Influence of housing systems on stillbirth and mortality rate in preweaning pigs farrowed by different gilt breeds

Abstract The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of housing systems on stillbirth and mortality rate in preweaning pigs farrowed by different gilt breeds. The investigation included first farrowings of 225 Large White (LW) gilts, 297 Swedish Landrace (SL) gilts and 260 crossbreed gilts (LWxSL) in the period of five years. Despite of positive influence of straw through decreased number of stillborn pigs, especially in LW gilts, in further process of production until weaning, less appropriate microclimatic conditions developed in farrowing houses with straw, especially if accompanied with poor ventilation, can result with higher number of perished pigs and lower number of weaned pigs. Most sensible to unsuitable microclimatic conditions in straw bedded farrowing houses, according to the number of perished pigs before weaning, were the pigs from SL gilts, while the pigs from crossbreed gilts LWxSL were the most resistant. These results suggest that adding straw requires special attention on influence of such production on microclimate conditions in pigs’ biozone in order to maintain its initial benefits in the time of farrowing through the whole preweaning period, especially in pure breeds of gilts.

Qualitative and quantitative parameters of swine cell immunity

Flow cytometry is a modern analytic method for qualitative and quantitive analyses of procaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Classical analytical methods examine one characteristic as an average of an examined cell population. Flow cytometry simultaneously measures several biochemical and physical parameters of every single cell in a heterogenic cell sample. Flow cytometry is routinely used all over the world in professional work of chemical laboratories in veterinarian medicine. For that purpose on Veterinary faculty of University in Zagreb, machine for flow cytometry was standardized for use in veterinarian medicine, especially for immunophenotypification of haemopoetic cells of domestic animals. In this manuscript we showed the method of standardisation on a model of swine, on samples of peripheral blood and for immunophenotypification of CD45+, CD3+ and CD21+ cells.

The seasonal influence on airborne dust and endotoxin concentrations in a laying hen house

In the present study, air quality in a cage-housed laying hen house was investigated throughout the seasons by assessing dust and endotoxin concentrations. Measurements were done twice a month during the 1-year production cycle. The mean levels of dust and endotoxins ranged from 0.60 mg/m3 in May to 2.83 mg/m3 in November, and from 203.15 EU/m3 in August to 745.53 EU/m3 in April. Significantly higher concentrations of dust and endotoxins in the poultry house were determined in the autumn and winter seasons, and endotoxins in the spring season as well, compared to the summer (P<0.05 all). The results suggested that the cooler periods of the year pose a greater risk for the welfare and performance of laying hens, but also for the health of humans working in these settings in terms of the levels of airborne dust and endotoxins.

Influence of socio-demographic and experiential factors on the attitudes of Croatian veterinary students towards farm animal welfare

The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing the attitudes of veterinary students in Croatia toward farm animal welfare. The survey was carried out at the only faculty of veterinary medicine in Croatia and included students from all years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate study programme. The response rate was 91% (n = 505 subjects). According to the socio-demographic and experiential factors observed, females, students in their initial years of study, younger students with urban backgrounds, non-religious/non-spiritual students and vegetarians, and those intending to work with companion animals expressed more concerned attitudes regarding farm animal welfare (all P < 0.05). The type of secondary school completed, family monthly income and previous experience with farm or pet animals had no impact on student attitudes. The results of the study point to a variety of factors influencing veterinary student attitudes towards farm animal welfare. A recognition of these factors can contribute considerably to increasing student awareness of farm animal welfare. These results provide a basis for further research into the factors influencing veterinary attitudes to animal welfare and the complexity of their interactions.

Relation between microclimate and air quality in the extensively reared turkey house

Abstract Good air quality in poultry houses is crucial for animal health and productivity. In these houses, air is generally contaminated with noxious gases and microorganisms, the concentrations of which depend on numerous factors including microclimate. In this case study, the relation between microclimate and air concentrations of noxious gases and microorganisms was investigated in extensively reared turkey house. The study was carried out at a family household in Dalmatia hinterland, Croatia, with 50.3±3.1 turkeys kept in the house during the study period. Air temperature, relative humidity, airflow rate, concentrations of ammonia, carbon dioxide, bacteria and fungi in indoor air were measured three times per month from September to December, in the morning, prior to releasing turkeys out for grazing. Air temperature ranged from 9.73 to 26.98 °C, relative humidity from 63.29% to 75.08%, and airflow rate from 0.11 to 0.17 m/s. Lowest ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations were measured in September (2.17 ppm and 550 ppm, respectively) and highest in December (4.50 ppm and 900 ppm, respectively). Bacterial and fungal counts were lowest in December (2.51×105 CFU/m3 and 3.27×103 CFU/m3 air, respectively) and highest in September (6.85×105 CFU/m3 and 1.06x105 CFU/m3 air, respectively). Air temperature and relative humidity showed negative correlation with concentrations of noxious gases and positive correlation with air microorganisms (P<0.05 all).