2026-04-14T07:43:03Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2117/4455912026-02-04T06:55:54Zcom_2072_1033col_2072_452950

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Dalmau Bueno, Antoni author Sánchez Matamoros, Almudena author Molina, Jorge author Xercavins Simó, Aida author Varvaró Porter, Aranzazu author Muñoz, Israel author Moles, Xènia author Baulida Palomeras, Berta author Fàbrega Romans, Emma author Velarde Calvo, Antonio author Pallissera Lloveras, Joaquim author Puigredon, Alba author Contreras Jodar, Alexandra author 2021-08-11 The aim of the present study was to compare intramuscular injection with a needle and intradermic needle-free vaccinations against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in piglets at 28 days old by studying behavioral and physiological reactions. A total of 72 piglets divided into 2 sex-balanced batches were assessed. Within each batch, the piglets were divided into three treatments, which were Hipradermic (0.2 ml of UNISTRAIN® PRRS vaccine administered with an intradermic needle-free device), Intramuscular (IM, 2.0 ml of vaccine), and Control (not vaccinated). Before the vaccination, the piglets were trained to cross a 4-m-long raceway to perform an aversion learning test. The day of vaccination, the time taken to cross the raceway was registered for each piglet at different times: prior to the vaccination and 10 min, 2, 24, 48, and 72 h after the vaccination, to measure variations in these times as signs of aversion to the vaccination process. Vocalizations, as potential signs of pain, were recorded as well at the end of this raceway to analyze their frequency (Hz), duration, and level of pressure (dB) at the moment of vaccination. Salivary cortisol, as a sign of the HPA-axis activity, was assessed 10 min after the vaccination. In addition, activity budgets, local reaction to the vaccine, and serological titer were also considered in the study. Ten minutes after the vaccination, the IM piglets took longer (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>&lt; 0.001) to cross the raceway than did the Hipradermic and Control piglets. Vocalizations were significantly different between the three treatments: the Control piglets produced vocalizations with the lowest frequency (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>&lt; 0.001) and level of pressure (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>&lt; 0.001), and IM with the highest, with Hipradermic in a significant intermediate position (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>&lt; 0.001). Accordingly, the day of the vaccination, IM and Hipradermic animals were lying on the side of the vaccine administration a greater proportion of time than were the Control piglets (10, 11, and 6%, respectively;<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>= 0.027). Salivary cortisol was not significantly different between treatments. The serum titer of antibodies against the PRRS was higher (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>&lt; 0.001) in both vaccinated treatments in comparison to the Control piglets. It is concluded that the Hipradermic needle-free vaccination may result in a less aversive experience in piglets than did intramuscular vaccination. Postprint (published version) Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria agroalimentària::Ramaderia::Veterinària Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria agroalimentària::Ramaderia::Bestiar porcí PRRS Animal welfare Aversion test Behavior Needle-free vaccination Pain indicators Piglets Vocalizations Intramuscular vs. intradermic needle-free vaccination in piglets: relevance for animal welfare based on an aversion learning test and vocalizations