A field study of coliform mastitis in sows

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Bacteriology

Background:

• Mastitis and agalactia syndromes significantly impact swine production.
• Bacterial infections, particularly by coliforms, are common causes of these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physiological and hematological parameters in sows with mastitis-agalactia versus healthy lactating sows.
• To identify early indicators of mastitis in postpartum sows.

Main Methods:

• Bacteriological examination of milk from affected and healthy sows.
• Monitoring rectal temperatures, milk yield, and piglet weights.
• Analysis of hematological parameters including white blood cell counts, plasma protein to fibrinogen ratios, packed cell volume, and hormone concentrations (corticoid, estrone, estradiol, progesterone).

Main Results:

• Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli were isolated from mastitic sows.
• Mastitic sows exhibited lower mean total white blood cell counts and plasma protein to fibrinogen ratios, significant at certain postpartum periods.
• Leukopenia was observed early (8-16 hours postpartum), followed by increased plasma fibrinogen.
• No significant differences were found in rectal temperatures, piglet weights, milk yields, packed cell volumes, or concentrations of corticoid, estrone, and estradiol.

Conclusions:

• Early leukopenia and changes in plasma protein to fibrinogen ratios are key indicators of mastitis in sows.
• Bacterial pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli are implicated in sow mastitis.
• Further research can explore therapeutic interventions targeting these early hematological changes.