Salivary Biomarkers for Stress, Reproduction, and Inflammation Surge in Sows Before Farrowing

Parturition, or farrowing in sows, is a critical physiological event associated with significant stress, inflammation, and hormonal changes. Monitoring these shifts non-invasively is crucial for assessing animal welfare and potentially predicting farrowing onset. Traditional methods often involve handling, which can itself induce stress and confound results. Saliva offers a valuable, stress-free sample matrix to reflect endocrine, immune, inflammatory, and redox responses. Understanding the precise timing and magnitude of these biomarker changes can provide insights into the complex physiological cascade preceding birth and help identify potential early indicators of farrowing.

Researchers conducted a daily observational study on 23 healthy sows, monitoring a comprehensive panel of salivary analytes from 3 days before farrowing until the day of farrowing. The panel included biomarkers for stress (e.g., cortisol), reproduction-related hormones (e.g., oxytocin, estradiol), inflammation and immunity (e.g., haptoglobin), oxidative stress (e.g., cupric reducing antioxidant capacity), minerals, and enzymes. Saliva samples were collected daily, and various assays were performed to quantify the levels of these biomarkers, though specific assay names (ELISA, HPLC) were not detailed in the abstract. The study aimed to identify physiological changes preceding parturition.