Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
07:02
Providing Meaningful Environmental Enrichment and Measuring Saliva Cortisol in Pigs Housed on Slatted Flooring
Published on: September 30, 2019
Effect of collection material and sample processing on pig oral fluid testing results
Chris Olsen1, Locke Karriker, Chong Wang
1Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|September 10, 2013
Summary
Sampling material, processing, and collection order significantly impact pig oral fluid analysis. For accurate health monitoring, use cotton-based materials and minimal processing for pig oral fluid samples.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary diagnostics
- Animal health monitoring
- Biomarker analysis
Background:
- Oral fluid analysis offers a non-invasive method for swine health assessment.
- Standardized protocols are crucial for reliable detection of analytes in pig oral fluid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of sampling material, processing, and collection order on analyte detection in pig oral fluid.
- To provide recommendations for optimal sample collection and processing for swine health monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Oral fluid samples were collected from 104 pig pens using three different rope materials.
- Samples were tested processed (centrifuged, filtered) and unprocessed for PRRSV antibodies, IgM, IgA, IgG, nucleic acid, and neutralizing antibodies using ELISAs.
- Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer adjusted t tests.
Main Results:
- Sampling material, processing, and collection order had statistically significant, non-uniform, and assay-dependent effects on analyte detection.
- Specific factors influenced the detection of PRRSV antibodies, immunoglobulins, and nucleic acid differently.
- Cotton-based materials and minimal processing were identified as optimal for certain health monitoring parameters.
Conclusions:
- Swine health specialists, veterinarians, and diagnosticians must consider the impact of collection and processing variables on pig oral fluid test results.
- For routine health and welfare monitoring, using cotton-based sampling materials and minimizing post-collection processing is recommended for pig oral fluid analysis.
