Porcine Health Management
Thymic atrophy and impaired thymic hormone production as a key role in the pathogenesis of the Periweaning Failure-to-Thrive syndrome (PFTS) in piglets
Abstract Background Periweaning Failure-to-Thrive syndrome (PFTS) is an emerging syndrome characterized by progressive growth retardation, anorexia and debilitation in piglets during the 2–3 weeks post-weaning. Since its first description in 2008, the syndrome has been reported in several countries and represents an important concern for the swine industry due to its impact on productivity and mortality. A consistent pathological feature of affected animals is thymic atrophy, suggesting a possible role of thymic dy …