Russian scien- tists are working on a feed addi- tive to tackle de- pression in pigs.


Russia: solution for depressed pigs


Over the last few decades, the incidence of depression has increased considerably among humans all over the globe. Things are not that different for pigs, say Russian scientists. They recently tested a new feed additive designed to make pigs happier.


P 12 BY VLADISLAV VOROTNIKOV, CORRESPONDENT


igs are just like humans. They experience stresses that may drive them to the edge of mental instability, says Konstantin Ostrenko, a researcher on this topic who is connected to the All-Russian Research Insti-


tute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition. Mod- ern industrial pig farms with heavy machines and a lot of noise make pigs much more prone to depression than was the case just a few decades ago. There are also many other reasons why pigs can be depressed: transfer from one group to another, changes in the diet, weaning and so on, Ostrenko says. Anxiety and depression could make feeding less efficient, and in addition steamed up piglets can bite each other. Quite


▶PIG PROGRESS | Volume 35, No. 10, 2019


often farmers respond by docking their tails. Just like in hu- mans, in some pigs mental problems lead to weight loss while others tend to accumulate more subcutaneous fat. These factors cause farmers substantial losses, as they get less meat of poorer quality, the Russian scientists warned. There are three different grades of stress according to the theory proposed by a well-known endocrinologist Hans Se- lye, who was the first to demonstrate the existence of biologi- cal stress, says Ostrenko. In all organisms, the first and second grades are important for survival, while the third grade is dif- ferent. It can increase the chances of early mortality. It is sci- entifically proven that all types of stress of should be avoided in pig farming, he says.


Lithium-based adaptogenes The scientists suggest feeding pigs with lithium ascorbate – a combination of ascorbic acid and lithium – in order to help their bodies to combat stress. In research, which included studies on industrial farms, the effectiveness of the lithium- based adaptogens has been shown. Their use in animal diets contributed to improved stress resistance, endurance and it reduced aggressive behaviour, while enhancing productivity


PHOTO: VLADISLAV VOROTNIKOV


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