Modulating effects of ascorbic acid on rectal temperature of pigs transported by road during the harmattan season

Abstract

The experiment was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) administration on fluctuations in rectal temperature (RT) of pigs transported by road during the harmattan season. Sixteen pigs administered orally with AA at the dose of 250 mg/kg served as experimental animals, and 13 others administered orally with sterile water were used as control animals. The RT was measured in all the pigs before and immediately after loading. Meteorological parameters as well as RT were also recorded concurrently at 30 min., 2 and 4 h of the journey, and at 3 h post-transportation and also three consecutive days  post-transportation. The RT value of 38.24±0.16oC recorded immediately after loading in experimental pigs was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the value of 38.69±0.09oC obtained in the control pigs. In the experimental pigs, the mean RT obtained during the journey fluctuated between 38.90±0.12 and 38.83±0.02oC (p<0.05), but in the control pigs the values fluctuated between 39.18±0.06 and 38.94±0.07oC. The overall mean value of 38.98±0.21oC obtained in the control pigs was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 38.85±0.02oC obtained in the experimental pigs. The maximum RT value of 39.63±0.19oC recorded in experimental pigs was higher (p<0.05) than that of control pigs, 39.36±0.07o C. The results showed that the AA reduced the increased RT values in pigs, transported by road during the season. In conclusion, AA modulates the body temperature by decreasing the RT value in experimental pigs, and may thus alleviate the adverse effects of transportation.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid, harmattan season, rectal temperature, pigs, road transportation