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Oral Fluid Sampling in Group-Housed Sows: Field Observations
Grzegorz Tarasiuk1, Joseph F Connor2, Danyang Zhang3
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Oral fluid sampling is feasible for group-housed gestating sows. Increased sampling time enhances participation, supporting its use for disease surveillance in swine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Swine Production
Background:
- Oral fluid sampling is a non-invasive disease surveillance method for growing pigs.
- Its application in group-housed gestating sows remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize sow behaviors during oral fluid sampling.
- Document environmental target transfer into pen-based oral fluid samples.
Main Methods:
- Field observations in 12 pens of gestating sows (gilts, parity one, multiparous).
- Quantified sow interactions with rope samplers via video analysis.
- Introduced a fluorescent tracer to assess environmental transfer.
Main Results:
- All oral fluid sampling attempts were successful.
- Sow participation increased with sampling time, unlike in growing pigs.
- Environmental tracer was detected in 8 of 12 pens, confirming sample contamination.
Conclusions:
- Oral fluid sampling is suitable for group-housed sows.
- Recommend extended sampling times and multiple ropes per pen for optimized surveillance.
