2013 ULAR ALAT PREPARATION SEMINAR SERIES CHAPTERS 26, 27, & 28 SWINE, RUMINANTS, & NON-HUMAN PRIMATES

Christian C. Hofer, DVM ULAR Resident Veterinarian

Chapter 26 - Swine

Swine in Biomedical Research

Exercise physiology, nutrition, atherosclerosis, diabetes, transplantation, surgical training

Domestic pigs Short-term studies (rapid growth & mature size) Young animals usually used

Minipigs selectively bred for small size, light skin pigmentation, & docility

Development of SPF minipigs has expanded research use Toxicology, reproductive, & pharmacology studies Cardiovascular disease, gerontology, & toxicology Hairless strains used for skin sensitivity studies

Taxonomy & Breeds

Domestic pig = Sus scrofa domestica Domestic breeds

Yorkshire Duroc Landrace

Minipig breeds Yucatan Sinclair Gottingen

Domestic pig breeds

Duroc Red in color

Yorkshire Erect ears

Landrace Drooping ears

Minipig breeds

Yucatan Sinclair Hanford

Anatomy & Physiology

Similar to humans (organs, size, cardiovascular system, GI tract, nutrient requirements)

Minipigs more manageable size Reach sexual maturation earlier

than domestic pigs

Firm nose – reinforced with cartilage Hooves with 4 toes – trimming required Canines on male pigs “tusks” –

periodic trimming required, grow continuously

Sexing & Reproduction

Uncastrated male Castrated male Female (no litters) Female (1+ litter)

Sow Gilt Boar Barrow

Male pigs identified by penis and scrotum Female pigs identified by vulva and nipples

Reproduction - Sows

Polyestrus, nonseasonal Estrous cycle – 21 days Absence of estrus after 21d indicates

pregnancy

Confirmed by radiographs 60-90d Gestation – 110-116d

(3m3w3d)

Litter size 8-15 domestic

5-8 minipig

Farrowing

Farrowing crate – protects piglets from being smothered or crushed by sow

Piglets highly susceptible to chilling (hypothermia) – supplemental heat source required

Handling & Restraint

Minipigs & Micropigs Similar to dogs Handled gently, held

like a small child Crouch to approach Easily trained – food

treats

Domestic pigs Usually not well

socialized to humans Restraint may require

2 or more people Struggle & scream –

hearing protection Can be trained w/

more effort

Handling & Restraint

Panepinto sling Terris confinement

stand V-trough Hog snare

Identification

Tags May fall out Difficult to see

Tattoos Ear notching

Behavior – Domestic Pigs

Social animal w/ little herding instinct Can become aggressive w/ little warning Acclimate to humans w/ regular exposure Intelligent and cooperate in training w/ food Strong jaws – teeth are principal defense

Behavior – Minipigs & Microswine

Very social animals Respond to gentle handling Important for staff to socialize – reduces stress and

makes them more comfortable Quickly get into daily routines Respond to positive reinforcement

Ear/belly scratching

Behavior

Prefer a clean environment Defecate in corner or pen in wet

area, near water source Place feeders away from water to

minimize soiling of feed Vocalization does not always

indicate pain/distress Establish dominant hierarchies early

in life – fighting can be a problem in group housed animals (young boars)

Signs of Pain, Distress, or Illness

Unwilling to move or may become aggressive Squeal when a painful area is touched Subtle changes in behavior or gait Check the animals when they are active or eating

Husbandry

Groups should be limited to 10-15 and avoid moving animals between groups

Ensure adequate water and food access Rooting – Durable materials, objects secured to

pens Canine runs suitable for smaller pigs – check

slatted or mesh flooring Concrete flooring an option – hoof trimming still

needed

Housing

Domestic pigs can be housed outdoors in moderate climates – lower initial cost Portable shelters or open-front sheds Fencing should be chain link or panel type – woven

wire easily destroyed Access to shade in summer, cooling ponds

Minipigs & Microswine are housed indoors in controlled climate Housed in groups, segregated by gender

Housing

Individually housed pigs should have contact with other pigs

Pen walls with horizontal bars – 4-5ft high Pen walls with vertical bars – 3 ½ ft high

Diet

Omnivorous – always interested in eating Commercial diets available Limit feed to 2% of body weight daily – minipigs

less (low-calorie minipig diets available) 10 inches (0.25m) trough space/adult (minipig) Can be fed from a clean floor to minimize

competition Young animals fed BID, > 7m fed SID

Water

Automated water supplies ensure ad libitum water Water nipples placed 1 inch below shoulder height Minipigs 0.5-1.0 quart/minute Drinking cups should be installed 3 inches (0.1m)

above the floor

Enrichment

Heavy balls Toys suspended from pen walls Rotate enrichment items regularly Hay or straw

Autoclaved Increases gastric emptying time

Euthanasia

IV Barbiturate overdose (Euthasol) IC injection of potassium chloride Penetrating captive bolt Verify death

Chapter 27 – Ruminants

Ruminants in Biomedical Research

Sheep, goats, & cattle – agricultural and biomedical research

Sheep & goats Reproduction & fetal development studies Cardiovascular research

Cattle Toxicology Cardiovascular – artificial hearts & cardiac assist

devices

Ruminants

Herbivores with a four-compartmented stomach “cud chewing” – regurgitation of partially digested

feed Rumen fermentation by microorganisms allows

digestion of cellulose (plant fiber)

Sheep - Taxonomy

Ovis aries

“Closed faced” breeds Polled Dorset, Corriedales

“Opened faced” breeds Suffolk, Cheviot, Finn, Texel

Larger breeds Hampshire, Polled Dorset, Suffolk, Corriedales

Smaller breeds Cheviot, Finn

Faster maturing breeds Finn, Hampshire, Suffolk

Sheep Breeds

Suffolk Dorset

Jacob Sheep

Sexing & Reproduction

Male sheep = Ram Neutered males = Wethers Female sheep = Ewes Young = Lambs Puberty reached by 6-10 months Breeding life ~ 4-5 years Most are seasonally polyestrous, cycling only in the

fall and winter (decreasing day length) Estrous cycle lasts 14 – 19 days

Reproduction

Twins common, triplets occasionally Gestation length – 140-150 days Lambing areas should be clean, dry, and warm Udder development impending parturition Restlessness, separates from herd, pawing, frequent

urination Parturition should take 30-45m, twins born 10-20m

apart Lambs weaned at 8-12 weeks

Q – Fever

Coxiella burnetti – bacterial zoonotic agent present in high numbers of reproductive tissue of infected animals

Can become airborne during parturition or in cases of spontaneous abortions

Proper PPE and personal hygiene essential N95 respirator

Handling & Restraint

Sheep are gregarious and flock in herd Timid and nervous – run together from perceived

danger following any leader Turn toward “danger” as a group

Handling & Restraint

Never grasp by wool – injury & painful Work into corner and form barrier Catch under jaw, straddle, press against wall

Sheep tipping – sheep chair If recumbent for procedures – ensure hindquarters are lower

than forequarters

Behavior

Very social animals – need to see & hear other sheep

Easily frightened – flock for protection Dislike changes in light intensity or moving

from light to dark areas

Rams and ewes with young can be aggressive

Head butting is common – establishes dominance

Signs of Pain, Distress, or Illness

Isolated from herd may be ill Lack of appetite most common sign Moderate pain indicated by lying with legs

extended, foot stamping, swaying, unsteadiness, restlessness, increased agression

Rigidity or reluctance to move, frequently looking at or kicking flank, rolling signs of acute pain

Husbandry

Housed in groups – minimally visual contact May be housed outdoors, partially enclosed, or

environmentally controlled areas More susceptible to heat than cold Concrete/slatted/wire mesh floors with bedding Feed and water should be

placed outside pen to prevent contamination with urine & feces

Husbandry

Shorn once a year Trim hooves every 3

months Proper PPE and SOP

followed during cleaning and husbandry tasks Minimum shoe covers,

long-sleeve lab coat or coveralls, gloves

Diet

Natural grazers – prefer short grasses

Pelleted feed available – complete but can be supplemented with hay or hay cubes

Fresh water ad libitum Salt or mineral block for sheep

needed Control feed amount – prevents

potential overeating disease

Enrichment Plastic drums or suspended balls Primary source is social interaction – group house

whenever possible

Euthanasia IV barbiturate overdose (Euthasol) IC potassium chloride injection Captive bolt Verify death

Goats - Taxonomy

Capra hircus Domestic breeds vary in size, hair coat type,

coloring, head profile, ear formation, and presence or absence of horns

Most common breeds in U.S. Toggenberg, Saanen, Nubian, French Alpine (dairy) Boer, Spanish, Tennessee (fainting) Pigmy

Goat Breeds

Anatomy & Physiology

Wattles – fleshy folds of skin hanging from neck – can be removed

Horned goats “debudded” when < 1 month of age

Ears differ between breeds naturally

Sexing & Reproduction

External genitalia distinguishes between genders Bucks – intact males, Wethers – castrated males

Ventral penis and scent glands on top of head

Does or Nannies – females Well-developed udders in does that have been bred

Kids – young goats Sexual maturity reached at 5-7 months Estrous cycle last 18-24 days

Gestation length 143-154 days Twins common Weaned at 12-16 weeks

Handling & Restraint

Scatter instead of flock when alarmed Mature bucks can be aggressive and

unpredictable Manual restraint similar to sheep

Can be “tamed” easier than sheep – fit with collar

Tails and horns can be injured – grasp horns by the base

Bucket of feed follow you anywhere

Behavior

Highly social animals – strong social hierarchy

Active & inquisitive – more destructive than sheep

Agile – jump, climb, crawl under Frightened goat – stamp feet

and raise hair on back, high-pitched sneezing

Signs of pain, distress, & illness – similar to sheep, more vocal

Husbandry & Diet

Browsers rather than grazers Introduce several new goats to

an establish herd instead of individuals

Similar husbandry practices – fences need to be higher and stronger than for sheep (4 feet min)

Same diet – fastidious eaters

Enrichment Trees, shrubs, climbing structures Feed treats Interaction with humans Social contact

Euthansia IV barbiturate overdose (Euthasol) IC potassium chloride injection Captive bolt Verify death

Cattle - Taxonomy

Bos taurus – bred in the US Beef cattle

Angus, Brahman, Charolais, Hereford, Shorthorn

Dairy cattle Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey

Sexing & Reproduction

Male cattle – Bulls Female cattle – Cows Young cattle – Calves 21d estrous cycle (estrus lasts ~15 hours = standing

heat/estrus) 9 month gestation length Usually single births

Handling & Restraint

Calves can become accustomed to handling Approach from the side – wide view of vision but

blind spot directly behind Young calves can be cast to the ground Head gates/stancions used for minor procedures Squeeze chutes and tables used for more invasive

procedures

Handling

Behavior

Gregarious & quiet – tend to follow the leader Become reasonably tractable & docile with

frequent handling Large animals capable of inflicting serious

injuries when excited

Signs of Pain, Distress, or Illness

Not eating or drinking Isolated from group Grunting or bellowing Restlessness Diarrhea or straining to deficate

Husbandry & Diet

Similar to sheep Shaded areas if house outdoors in pastures Bedding or straw if house indoors Pasture and roughage ideal, silage is appropriate Large quantity of water needed Salt/mineral blocks

Enrichment Group housing provides enrichment Scratching or rubbing devices (cow brushes)

Euthansia IV barbiturate overdose (Euthasol) IC potassium chloride injection Captive bolt Verify death

Chapter 28 – Nonhuman Primates

Nonhuman Primate Taxonomy

Prosimians Lemurs, lorises

Old World Monkeys Macaques & baboons

Apes Chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutan

New World Monkeys Squirrel monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, capuchins, owl

monkeys

New World Monkeys

Broad, flat nose Nostrils open in outward direction Some have prehensile tails Owl monkey only nocturnal NHP

Old World Monkeys

Short noses with narrow nostrils that point downward

Cheek pouches which can be stretched to hold food Some have ischial pads on buttocks Generally lack prehensile tails

Sexing & Reproduction

Determined by external genitalia Males have pendulous penis and scrotal

sac Females have a vulva, and the anogenital

distance is smaller than males

OWM females menstruate like humans Female rhesus macaques have “sex skin”

around the anogenital region – red, wrinkled skin that becomes swollen during period of receptivity

Reproduction

Monogomous and harem mating schemes are commonly used in breeding dependent upon species

Usually single births Most female are good mothers,

but occassionally abandon or mistreat their offspring – fostered

Handling & Restraint

All NHP’s must be approached with caution PPE and compliance with SOP’s is paramount to

protect personnel from zoonotic diseases and injuries

Restraint can be either physical or chemical Only trained personnel who understand use of

equipment and NHP behavior should handle monkeys

Handling & Restraint

PPE Gown, lab coat, gloves, face

mask, face shield Stainless steel/kevlar gloves

when handling un-sedated animals

Chemical restraint – injectable anesthetic/sedative administered in cage and then remove NHP from cage

Handling & Restraint

Pole-and-collar method Requires training and

familiarization Requires no sedation Animal fitted with rigid collar

that has a ring Rigid pole is used to grasp the

ring Animal guided from cage to

chair

Zoonotic Disease

Macaques carry Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (B-virus)

FATAL TO HUMANS Transmitted by bites, scratches, splashes of urine or

feces, cuts on contaminated caging and equipment Follow SOP for proper PPE, handling, and

equipment cleaning/disinfecting Potential exposure requires prompt medical

attention – immediately report to supervisor

Identification

Primary method of identification is tattoo

Performed under anesthesia Applied to chest, arm, or

inner thigh Collar and tag

Behavior

Social animals, benefitting from contact and communication with other NHPs

Grooming is common social interaction between animals

Inquisitive and will grab anything in their reach

Behavior

Body language & species specific patterns of behavior – observant personnel learn to identify problems simply by watching

Signs of aggression and submission by facial expression and posture

Staring & showing teeth aggressive Lip smacking submissive

Signs of Pain, Distress, & Illness

Adept at hiding pain from humans Watch for subtle signs Use video or watch from distance Loud, persistent vocalization may indicate pain Body language and posture Ungroomed appearance Inappetance

Housing

Either group or individually housed

Primary housed in stainless steel caging systems

Outdoor housing possible Caging must meet regulatory

requirements for space and design (perches, climbing devices, enrichment, etc)

Housing

Appropriate sanitation of cages and surrounding area important to minimize the spread of disease

NHPs throw and drop feces, or smear the enclosure Slatted flooring allows feces to drop through

enclosure Uneaten food and feces usually removed BID Cages sanitized every 2 weeks – requires safe and

simple cage transfer system

Diet

Vitamin C is essential in most NHP diets – unable to produce naturally

Commercially formulated diets fortified with Vit C

Deteriorates quickly – do not feed 90 days past milling date, some require refrigeration

Daily food allowance should be split Fresh fruit and vegetables given as

treats

Diet

New World Monkeys also require a source of vitamin D3

Fresh water should be available at all times May be necessary to train new animals to automatic

water systems

Enrichment

Mandated by the Animal Welfare Act for NHPs

Required to develop a plan which will “promote the psychological well-being of primate”

Enrichment programs should provide opportunity to groom, forage for treats, and manipulate novel objects

Social contact when possible Contact with humans can also be

enrichment for some species

Euthanasia

IV barbiturate overdose – typically given when under anesthesia for procedure

Death must be verified Carcass disposal per facility guidelines