Metabolic parameters in piglets reared in different conditions of microclimate

Abstract

The aim of the work is to clarify the changes in the level of nonspecific natural resistance, indicators of the biochemical composition of blood, the intensity of growth of piglets grown in different microclimates. Two boxes designed for growing 300 piglets (from birth to 60 days of age) in each were identified for research. Piglets of the control group were kept on electrically heated floors, experimental – in machines with heated electric heaters with supply of fresh air to each box at the rate of 35-40 m3/h/kg live weight. The state of the microclimate was assessed by physical parameters, chemical composition and total bacterial contamination of the air. Criteria for the evaluation of health status of piglets was morphological, biochemical and immunological indicators of blood, such as bactericidal activity of blood serum (BASB); lysozyme activity blood serum (LASB); cellular factors of protection. For tests of general resistance of piglets were taken – live weight, morbidity and survival, which were controlled by weighing and daily accounting at different ages (15, 30, 60 days). Maintaining piglets in comfortable and uncomfortable conditions of the microclimate revealed a decrease in rod neutrophils and an increase in lymphocytes, a decrease in the ratio of lymphocytes to neutrophils. In animals grown in uncomfortable conditions (experimental), a decrease in total protein by 3.64 %, albumins – by 6.44 %, and globulins – 51.05 % (15-day age), 56.37 % (30-day), 63.5 % - (60-day) was established. Studies have shown that piglets from the control of the enzyme activity of blood (ALAT) superior to 60 - day-old analogues from the experience of 5.1 %, ASAT – 7.4 % (p≤ 0.05). The level of total glutathione in the control was 24.2 g/% (15 -day) and 18.7 % (60-day age), or respectively lower by 12.6 % and 4.5 % in the experience group (p≤ 0.05), which caused a decrease in the immune and antioxidant capacity of piglets caused by the high content in the air of the experimental box of harmful gases and microflora.