Relationship between indirect genetic effects for growth, environmental enrichment, coping style and sex with the serum metabolome profile of pigs

Elda Dervishi,Lisette E Van Der Zande,Pramod Mathur,Graham S Plastow,Egbert F Knol,Inonge Reimert

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-02814-x

Elda Dervishi, Lisette E Van Der Zande + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02814-x

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Abstract

Including Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE) in breeding programs to reduce aggression in group housed animals has been proposed. However, the effect of selection for IGE for growth on animal metabolism and physiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) To investigate the effects of this new breeding method along with two housing (barren and straw), coping style (high and low resisters) and sex (female and castrated males) options on the metabolome profile of pigs. (2) To identify and map biological processes associated with a regrouping test at 9 weeks of age. We used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to quantify 49 serum metabolites at week 8, 9 and 22. Also, we quantified 3 catecholamines (tyramine, epinephrine, phenylethylamine) and serotonin and three water soluble vitamins (B2, B5 and B7). Overall, no significant differences were observed between negative and positive IGE animals. The magnitude of change (delta) of many metabolites as a response to the regrouping test was significantly affected by IGE, especially that of the amino acids (P < 0.05), being greater in positive IGE pigs. The regrouping test was associated with alteration in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. In conclusion positive and negative IGE animals respond differently to the regrouping test.

Highlights

Including Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE) in breeding programs to reduce aggression in group housed animals has been proposed
The effect of time was significant for all metabolites except for ethanol and dimethyl sulfone concentration pointing to an effect of age on metabolite concentration
No significant differences in the concentration of the metabolites were observed between negative and positive IGE animals

Summary

Introduction

Including Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE) in breeding programs to reduce aggression in group housed animals has been proposed. Traits like behavior in relation to housing types, social interaction in group housed pigs, and different stress factors, are becoming economically important in breeding programs. Pigs selected for a positive effect on the growth of their group members (positive IGE pigs) performed less non-reciprocal biting behavior and less aggression in a regrouping test, and less biting on enrichment m aterial[11,13]. The positive IGE animals had lower carcass weight and less muscle d epth[5] At present, it is not clear whether selection for IGE on growth, combined with different housing conditions, sex and coping strategy, has any negative or positive impact on the animals’ metabolism, physiology or performance

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