Effects of acupuncture treatment through acupoints in ears on transport stress in domestic pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment through ear acupoints on transport stress in domestic pigs. Experiment 1 [Safety test of new starch-circular transdermal needles (CTNs)]: Four experimental minipigs underwent the application of starch-CTNs to ear acupoints, and they were observed for 2 wk to identify any gross abnormalities. Experiment 2 (Transport stress experiment): thirty-four domestic pigs were divided into three groups: Group 1: control without treatment; Group 2: acupuncture treatment using stainless-CTNs; Group 3: acupuncture treatment using starch-CTNs. Blood samples were collected on bloodletting in the slaughterhouse, and stress and oxidative stress markers, and other biochemical factors were examined. Experiment 3 (Follow-up study): The incidence of abnormal internal organs on carcass inspection was investigated. In Experiment 1, no abnormalities were observed in any of the animals. In Experiment 2, the acupuncture treatment improved the changes in blood cortisol, noradrenaline, derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP)/d-ROMs ratio. In Experiment 3, The acupuncture treatment improved rates of an abnormal digestive tract, pancreas, and heart. In conclusion, it was suggested that the acupuncture treatment through acupoints in ears using stainless- and new starch-CTNs suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function, central catecholaminergic system, and affects blood oxidative stress, and consequently reduces transport stress, and can improve animal welfare for domestic pigs.