Factors affecting performance response of pigs exposed to different challenge models: a multivariate approach

Factors associated with the severity with which different challenge models (CMs) compromise growth performance in pigs were investigated using hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) analysis. One hundred seventy-eight studies reporting growth performance variables (average daily gain [ADG], average daily feed intake [ADM], gain:feed [GF], and final body weight IFBW1) of a Control (Ct) vs. a Challenged (Ch) group of pigs using different CMs (enteric [ENT], environmental [ENV], lipopolysaccharide [LPS], respiratory [RES], or sanitary condition [SAN] challenges) were included. Studies were grouped by similarity in performance in three clusters (C1, C2, and C3) by HCPC. The effects of CM, cluster, and sex (males [M], females [F], mixed [Mi]) were investigated. Linear (LRP) and quadratic (QRP) response plateau models were fitted to assess the interrelationships between the change in ADG (Delta ADG) and ADFI (Delta ADFI) and the duration of challenge. All variables increased from C1 through C3, except for GF, which decreased (P < 0.05). LPS was more detrimental to ADG than ENV, RES, and SAN models (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LPS also lowered GF more than all the other CMs (P < 0.05). The Delta ADG independent of Delta ADFI was significant in LPS and SAN (P < 0.05), showed a trend toward the significance in ENT and RES (P < 0.10), and was not significant in ENV (P > 0.10), while the tADG dependent on Delta ADFI was significant in ENT, ENV, and LPS only (P < 0.05). The critical value of bADFI influencing the Delta ADG was significant in pigs belonging to C1 (P < 0.05) but not C2 or C3 (P > 0.10). The Delta ADG independent of duration post-Ch (irreparable portion of growth) was significant in C1 and C2 pigs, whereas the Delta ADFI independent of duration post-Ch (irreparable portion of feed intake) was significant in C1 pigs only (P < 0.05). Moreover, the time for recovery of ADG and Delta DFI after Ch was significant in pigs belonging to C1 and C2 (P < 0.05). Control F showed reduced ADG compared with Ct-M, and Ch-F showed reduced Delta DFI compared with Ch-M (P < 0.05). Moreover, the irreparable portion of Delta ADG was 4.8 higher in F (-187.7; P < 0.05) compared with M (-39.1; P < 0.05). There are significant differences in growth performance response to CM based on cluster and sex. Furthermore, bacterial lipopolysaccharide appears to be an appropriate noninfectious model for immune stimulation and growth impairment in pigs.

Automated summary

The severity of growth performance compromise in pigs by different challenge models varies significantly, with bacterial lipopolysaccharide being identified as a suitable noninfectious model for immune stimulation and growth impairment. The impact is also influenced by factors such as clustering of studies, sex differences, and the type of challenge model used.