The Respiratory

System of Pigs

Венелин Любомиров, 11-та група

Function of the
Respiratory
System

The main function of the respiratory

system is to exchange gases between
the body and the environment.
Oxygen from the air is taken up by
the blood and transported to the cells,
where it is used for cellular respiration.
Carbon dioxide, a waste product of
cellular respiration, is removed from
the body through the respiratory
system.
 Respiration in Pigs

Pigs are obligate nasal breathers, which means

that they breathe through their noses.
They have a relatively high respiratory rate
compared to other farm animals, with an average
of 15-20 breaths per minute.
The amount of oxygen that pigs require depends
on their age, weight, and activity level.
 Anatomy of the
Respiratory System
The pig respiratory system consists of
the
• nose,
• nasal cavity
• Pharynx
• larynx,
• trachea,
• bronchi
• bronchioles
• lungs.
The nose is the external opening
through which air enters the respiratory
system.
 Nasal Cavity

The nasal cavity is located

behind the nostrils and is lined
with specialized cells that help to
warm, humidify, and filter the
air.
The mucus produced by these
cells traps particles such as dust,
pollen, and bacteria, preventing
them from reaching the lungs.
 Pharynx and Larynx

The pharynx is the area that comes just after

the mouth, where food is diverted towards the
digestive system (esophagus) and the air towards
the respiratory system (larynx).
Pharynx also connects with the nasal cavity. In
addition to taking part in breathing and
swallowing, pharynx participates in phonation
and hearing.
The pig larynx has a narrow slitlike, long
ventricle that separates its vocal folds with well-
differentiated boundaries. The two vocal folds
are slanted at an angle of about 40° with the
posterior end raised more than the anterior.
Trachea

 When inhaling, air travels through the upper respiratory tract to

the lower respiratory tract.
 It first goes to the trachea.
 The trachea is a large diameter tube that is located in the throat
and thoracic cavity.
 It has cartilaginous rings in its walls that keep the airway open.
The trachea carries the air directly into the lungs.
 Bronchi and
bronchioles

 The primary bronchi branches

from the trachea and travels
partly through the lungs.
 The smaller secondary bronchi
branches from the primary
bronchi.
 The bronchi branch throughout
the lungs, and they split into
smaller and smaller passages.
 The smallest passages are the
bronchioles, the terminal part
of the air passages.
 Alveoli

The bronchioles terminate in clusters of

tiny air sacs called alveoli.
The alveoli are where gas exchange
occurs, with oxygen diffusing into the
bloodstream and carbon dioxide diffusing
out of it.
The walls of the alveoli are thin and
delicate, allowing for efficient gas exchange
between the air and the bloodstream.
 Lungs

• The pig respiratory system includes a pair of lungs located in the

chest cavity.
• The lungs are divided into several lobes, with the right lung
having four lobes and the left lung having two or three lobes.
• Each lobe is further divided into bronchopulmonary segments,
which are independent structures with their own blood supply.
• The lungs are surrounded by a pleural sac, a double-layered
membrane that helps to protect the lungs and allows them to
move smoothly within the chest cavity during respiration.
 Pigs have a lung capacity that is proportional to their
body size.
Lung Capacity in The lungs of a mature pig can hold up to 10 liters of
air.
Pigs Pigs have a relatively small amount of dead space in
their respiratory system, which means that most of the air
they inhale reaches the alveoli for gas exchange.
To inhale and get air into the lungs, the rib cage
expands and the diaphragm contracts to enlarge the
thoracic cavity. This generates a negative pressure
within the lungs and causes the air to flow into the
lungs. This process is called inspiration.
To exhale and eject air from the lungs, the
diaphragm and rib muscles relax. This
reduces the thoracic cavity volume and
generates a positive pressure that pushes air
out. This process is called expiration.
Control of Breathing

Breathing is controlled by the respiratory center in the

brainstem, which responds to changes in oxygen and carbon
dioxide levels in the blood.
The respiratory center sends signals to the muscles of
respiration, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles,
to regulate the rate and depth of breathing.
 Respiratory Diseases in Pigs

Respiratory diseases are a significant health concern

for pigs, as they can lead to reduced growth rates,
decreased reproductive performance, and increased
mortality.
Some of the most common respiratory diseases in
pigs include pneumonia, influenza, and mycoplasma.
These diseases can be caused by a variety of
pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
The clinical signs of respiratory diseases in pigs may
include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty
breathing, fever, and reduced appetite.
 Treatment and
Management of
Respiratory Diseases

Treatment and management of

respiratory diseases in pigs depend on the
specific disease and its severity.
Antibiotics, supportive care, and other
treatments may be necessary to manage
respiratory diseases in pigs.
Prevention through good management
practices and vaccination is the best
approach to reduce the incidence and
severity of respiratory diseases in pig
herds.
Thank you for exploring
the world of pig
respiration with me
today!