Vet Med - Czech, 2025, 70(11):393-400 | DOI: 10.17221/44/2025-VETMED

Seasonal dynamics and nutritional risk factors of gastric ulcers in fattening pigs: Results from a one-year field study in SlovakiaOriginal Paper

Z Krepelkova1, K Bardova1, F Zigo ORCID...2, A Csorgo3, J Novotny1
1 Clinic of Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovak Republic
2 Department of Animal Nutrition and Husbandry, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovak Republic
3 Private Veterinarian, ARTVET, Gabcikovo, Slovak Republic

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors associated with gastric lesions in fattening pigs across all four seasons in Slovakia. A total of 1 944 porcine stomachs were examined post-mortem at commercial slaughterhouses, focusing on the non-glandular region (pars oesophagea). A macroscopic evaluation was conducted using a standardised scoring system (0–3), in which gastric lesions, including parakeratosis, erosions, and ulcerations, were observed in 48% of the examined stomachs. Significant seasonal variation was detected, with the highest lesion prevalence recorded during the summer months, likely due to heat stress and reduced feed intake, and the lowest incidence of pathological changes seen in autumn. The gastric fullness had a notable impact: empty and liquid-filled stomachs were more frequently associated with severe mucosal damage, while full stomachs exhibited a protective effect. Furthermore, the feeding regimen played a crucial role: the pigs receiving wet feed had a significantly lower prevalence of gastric lesions than those on a dry feeding regimen. These results underscore the multifactorial nature of gastric ulceration in pigs and highlight the importance of nutritional and environmental management strategies in intensive production systems.

Keywords: gastric ulcers; prevalence, seasonal variability; stomach content; swine

Received: June 24, 2025; Revised: August 23, 2025; Accepted: August 25, 2025; Prepublished online: November 27, 2025; Published: November 28, 2025  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Krepelkova Z, Bardova K, Zigo F, Csorgo A, Novotny J. Seasonal dynamics and nutritional risk factors of gastric ulcers in fattening pigs: Results from a one-year field study in Slovakia. Vet Med - Czech. 2025;70(11):393-400. doi: 10.17221/44/2025-VETMED.
Share...
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Albert F, Kovacs Weber M, Bodnar A, Pajor F, Egerszegi I. Seasonal effects on the performance of finishing pigs' carcass and meat quality in indoor environments. Animals (Basel). 2024 Jan 14;14(2):259. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    2. Amory JR, Pearce GP, Mackenzie AM. Effect of rearing environment on the prevalence of gastric ulcers in slaughter pigs. Proc Br Soc Anim Sci. 2002;2002:218. Go to original source...
    3. Bao Z, Li Y, Zhang J, Li L, Zhang Y, Li X. Effect of particle size of wheat on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and gut microbiota in growing pigs. Livest Sci. 2016 Jan;183:1-7. Go to original source...
    4. Canibe N, Blaabjerg K, Lauridsen C. Gastric ulcers in pigs. Knowledge Synthesis Report. Aarhus University; 2016.
    5. Cappai MG, Picciau M, Pinna W. Ulcerogenic risk assessment of diets for pigs in relation to gastric lesion prevalence. BMC Vet Res. 2013 Feb 20;9:36. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    6. Cybulski P, Wlazlo L, Kolodziej-Skalska A, Gregorczyk KP. Gastric lesions in culled sows: An underestimated welfare issue in modern swine production. Agriculture. 2021 Sep 25;11(10):927. Go to original source...
    7. Cybulski P, Wozniak A, Larska M, Jablonski A, Stadejek T. Gastric ulcers in finishing pigs: The evaluation of selected non-dietary risk factors and impact on production performance. Porc Health Manag. 2024 Feb 27;10(1):11. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    8. Da Silva CS, van den Borne JJGC, Gerrits WJJ, Kemp B, Bolhuis JE. Effects of dietary fibers with different physicochemical properties on feeding motivation in adult female pigs. Physiol Behav. 2013 Feb;110-111:148-57. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    9. De Groote D, Ducatelle R, Van den Broeck W, Deprez P, Van Waeyenberghe L, Hoorens A. Hyperkeratosis of the gastric pars oesophagea in pigs: Histological and immunohistochemical study of the early lesion. Proceedings of the 14th Congress of the European Society of Veterinary Pathology, Gent; 1996. p. 113.
    10. De Rodas BZ, Dinh TTN, Jeong KC. Microbiome profiling of the porcine stomach and its link to ulcerative lesions. Vet Microbiol. 2018 Jun;219:124-32.
    11. Doster AR. Porcine gastric ulcer. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2000 Mar;16(1):163-74. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    12. Dritz SS, Tokach MD, Goodband RD, Nelssen JL. Effects of administration of antimicrobials in feed on growth rate and feed efficiency of pigs in multisite production systems. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Jun 1;220(11):1690-5. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    13. EFSA - European Food Safety Authority. Scientific opinion on the welfare aspects of the management and housing of the grand-parent and parent stocks raised and kept for breeding purposes. EFSA J. 2011;9(2):1963.
    14. Eisemann JH, Argenzio RA. Influence of diet composition on gastric ulceration in swine. J Anim Sci. 1999 Oct;77(10):2754-60. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    15. Friendship RM. Gastric ulcers in pigs. MSD Vet Manual. 2022 Jun.
    16. Friendship RM, Melnichouk SI, Dewey CE. The use of omeprazole to alleviate stomach ulcers in swine during periods of feed withdrawal. Can Vet J. 2000 Dec;41(12):925-8.
    17. Gottardo F, Scollo A, Contiero B, Bottacini M, Mazzoni C, Edwards SA. Prevalence and risk factors for gastric ulceration in pigs slaughtered at 170 kg. Animal. 2017 Nov;11(11):2077-85. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    18. Gresse R, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Fleury MA, Van de Wiele T, Forano E, Blanquet-Diot S. Gut microbiota dysbiosis in postweaning piglets: Understanding the keys to health. Trends Microbiol. 2017 Oct;25(10):851-73. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    19. Grosse Liesner V, Pieper R, Offinger J, Aschenbach JR, Zebeli Q, Tedin L. Integrity of gastric mucosa in reared piglets effects of physical form of diets (meal/pellets), pre-processing grinding (coarse/fine) and addition of lignocellulose (0/2.5%). J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2009 Jun;93(3):373-80. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    20. Grosse Liesner L, Aschenbach JR, Tedin L, Grosse Liesner V, Zebeli Q, Pieper R. Effects of feed particle size on gastric lesions in pigs and the role of mucosa-adherent bacteria. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2014 Mar;98(2):370-80.
    21. Herskin MS, Jensen HE, Jespersen A, Forkman B, Jensen MB, Canibe N, Pedersen LJ. Impact of the amount of straw provided to pigs kept in intensive production conditions on the occurrence and severity of gastric ulceration at slaughter. Res Vet Sci. 2016 Feb;104:200-6. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    22. Hessing MC, van Putten GJ, Kalsbeek HC, Wensing T. Mucosal lesions in the pars-oesophagea in pigs - Prevalence and influence of stress. Vet Q. 1994 Sep;16(3):147-51.
    23. Jo YY, Choi YH, Kim IH. Effects of feed form and particle size on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health in growing-finishing pigs. Anim Biosci. 2021 Jun;34(6):1061-9. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    24. Lin PJ, Liao CV, Chiang HH, Lo DY, Kuo HC, Wu CF. The prevalence of porcine gastric ulcer and Helicobacter suis in Taiwan. J Vet Med Sci. 2024 Jun 19;86(6):670-6. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    25. Liu Y, Wang X, Chen Y. Influence of heat stress on gastric acid secretion and mucosal barrier function in swine. Front Vet Sci. 2019 Sep 25;6:327.
    26. Madec F, Bridoux N, Bounaix S, Jestin A. Epidemiology of gastric ulceration in swine. J Vet Med B. 1999 Jun;46(6):317-28.
    27. Madec F, Bridoux N, Bounaix S, Jestin A. Measurement of digestive disorders in swine. In: Just A, Jorgensen H, editors. Digestive physiology in pigs. Proceedings of the 8th Symposium. Forskningscenter Foulum, Denmark: Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences; 1998. p. 285-8.
    28. Millet S, Kumar S, De Boever J, Meyns T, Aluwe M, De Brabander D, Ducatelle R. Effect of particle size distribution and dietary crude fibre content on growth performance and gastric mucosa integrity of growing finishing pigs. Vet J. 2012 Jun;192(3):316-21. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    29. Mikkelsen LL, Naughton PJ, Hedemann MS, Jensen BB. Effects of physical form of feed on gastric physiology, microbial fermentation, and survival of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in pigs. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2004 Jun;70(6):3485-92. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    30. Mushonga B, Yabaragiye B, Kandiwa E, Habarugira G, Samkange A. A 3-year prospective study of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda. Vet World. 2017 Aug;10(8):873-9. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    31. Ortega ADS, Szabo C. Adverse effects of heat stress on the intestinal integrity and function of pigs and the mitigation capacity of dietary antioxidants: A review. Animals (Basel). 2021 Apr 15;11(4):1135. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    32. Peralvo-Vidal JM, Weber NR, Nielsen JP, Denwood M, Haugegaard S, Pedersen AO. Association between gastric content fluidity and pars oesophageal ulcers in nursery pigs: A cross sectional study of high risk Danish herds using commercial feed. Porc Health Manag. 2021 Feb 12;7(1):19. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    33. Priester M, Visscher C, Fels M, Dusel G. Influence of dietary fiber on the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the performance of gilts. Sustainability. 2020 Jun 22;12(12):4961. Go to original source...
    34. Ramis G. Esophagogastric ulcer in finishing pigs from twelve large multi-site herds in southeastern Spain, 1995-2000: Descriptive epidemiology. J Swine Health Prod. 2006 Feb;14(1):18-24. Go to original source...
    35. Robertson ID, Accioly JM, Moore KM, Driesen SJ, Pethick DW, Hampson DJ. Risk factors for gastric ulcers in Australian pigs at slaughter. Prev Vet Med. 2002 Apr 30;53(4):293-303. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    36. Spanghero M, Schiavon S, Cossu ME, Pigliafreddo E, Tarantola M, Dalle Zotte A. Dietary inclusion of fibrous corn silages reduces gastric mucosa damage in fattening heavy pigs. Porc Health Manag. 2024 Nov 10;10(1):53. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    37. Swaby H, Gregory NG. A note on the frequency of gastric ulcers detected during post-mortem examination at a pig abattoir. Meat Sci. 2012 Jan;90(1):269-71. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    38. Tang X, Xiong K, Fang R, Li M. Weaning stress and intestinal health of piglets: A review. Front Immunol. 2022 Nov 24;13:1042778. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    39. Velarde A, Llonch P, Diestre A, Dalmau A, Garriga C, Temple D. The effect of stunning method on the incidence of PSE meat and haemorrhages in pork carcasses. Meat Sci. 2000 Nov;56(3):309-14. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    40. Wang Y, Zhou B, Zhu H, Hu J, Zhang T, Xu S. Dietary carbohydrates and their effects on gut health in pigs. Front Vet Sci. 2020 Jun 11;7:239.
    41. Warriss PD. Meat science: An introductory text. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing; 2003.
    42. Wilson RH, Friend SH, Smith W, Smyth SJ. Influence of feed form and feeding frequency on the development of gastric ulcers in pigs. Anim Sci. 1998 Aug;67(2):267-73.
    43. Wondra KJ, Hancock JD, Behnke KC, Hines RH, Stark CR. Effects of particle size and pelleting on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and stomach morphology in finishing pigs. J Anim Sci. 1995 Apr;73(4):757-63. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    44. Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen X. Effects of heat stress on animal physiology, metabolism, and meat quality: A review. Meat Sci. 2020 Oct;168:108025. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    45. Zimmerman DR, Karriker LA, Ramirez A, Schwartz KJ, Stevenson GW, Zhang J. Gastric ulcers in pigs: Causes, pathogenesis, and management. J- Swine Health Prod. 2012 Sep;20(5):272-9.

    This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY NC 4.0), which permits non-comercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.


    Return to the content