Breeding Herd Research Articles

Biosecurity practices associated with influenza A virus seroprevalence in sows from southern Brazilian breeding herds

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a recognized cause of acute respiratory disease in pigs that can culminate in the decline of performance due to increasing feed conversion and costs of antimicrobial drugs to control secondary infections. Biosecurity practices are the key to prevent transmission of highly contagious agents. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of biosecurity practices on IAV seroprevalence through a cross-sectional study carried out in 404 sows from 21 herds. An indirect ELISA was used to detect antibodies against a nucleoprotein of IAV. To evaluate IAV subtypes (H1N1pdm09, H1N2 and H3N2), all samples positive by ELISA were tested using the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI). Prevalence ratios (PR) estimates were calculated using multivariate Poisson regression accounted with survey weights. Sixty-four percent (261/404) of sows were positive in the rNP-ELISA and the estimated prevalence was 63.9% (95% CI 55%–73%). All farms had at least one seropositive sow; the frequency of IAV subtypes found in seropositive sows was 51.9% for H1N1pdm09, 38.1% for codetection H1N1pdm09 and H1N2, 8.6% for H1N2, and 0.6% for codetection H1N1pdm09 and H3N2, and 19 herds presented coinfection of H1N1 pdm09 and H1N2. Variables significantly associated with IAV seroprevalence found in the final model were ‘bird-proof net’ (PR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65–0.86) and ‘gilt acclimatization unit’ (PR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.50–0.66), showing a protective effect against IAV seroprevalence, and ‘external replacement’, which had a positive effect on IAV seroprevalence (PR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.17–1.64). This study suggests that preventing contact among wild species and swine and using an adaptation area for animals before entry into the herd can be strategies to control the influenza virus in breeding herds.

Antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli from pigs from birth to slaughter and its association with antibiotic treatment

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to describe the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in faecal Escherichia coli isolated from pigs between birth and slaughter and its association with antibiotic treatment. Four objectives were addressed: comparison of antibiotic resistance in isolates from a) treated vs. non-treated pigs, b) follow-up vs. initial samples of treated and non-treated pigs, c) pigs receiving treatments via different administration routes and d) sows and their piglets. Each comparison addressed the following antibiotic groups used for treatment: beta-lactams, tetracyclines, polymyxins and macrolides, and the susceptibility of E. coli isolates to the respective agents: ampicillin, tetracycline, colistin and azithromycin.Between 2014 and 2016, 406 focal animals from 29 commercial breeding herds were followed from birth to the end of the relevant fattening periods. All antibiotic treatments in these pigs were documented. Faecal samples were collected from the focal pigs once while suckling, once after weaning and three times during fattening, and from their dams once around farrowing. Escherichia coli isolated from these samples was tested for antibiotic susceptibility.In total, 264 animals from 19 breeding herds were treated with an antibiotic at least once during their lifetime. Beta-lactams, tetracyclines and colistin were used most frequently. Piglets were treated individually by injection (n = 108 treatments) or via drench (9); weaners via feed (192) or water (56) and fatteners via feed (30) or injection (15). Resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline in E. coli was already common prior to antibiotic treatment. Resistance proportions were higher for beta-lactam-, tetracycline-, colistin- and macrolide-treated pigs compared to untreated pigs at different sampling periods (p < 0.05; Fisher’s exact test). In the logistic analysis, the difference was confirmed for beta-lactam-treated vs. untreated pigs. In E. coli from macrolide-untreated pigs, resistance to azithromycin was more frequent compared to pre-treatment values. Route of application did not affect rates of antibiotic resistance in the logistic analysis even though Fisher’s exact test indicated associations for beta-lactams (feed/water vs. injection), tetracyclines (feed/water vs. non-treatment) and macrolides (tulathromycin-injection vs. tylosin in feed). Piglets were more likely to carry an E. coli resistant to ampicillin or azithromycin if their dams did so as well.Our results suggest further research on resistance effects by administration routes is required. Reducing antibiotic resistance in sows might lead to a lower level of beta-lactam or macrolide-resistant E. coli among their progeny. To preserve treatment options for bacterial infections, antibiotic use should be restricted to necessary cases.

PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Factors influencing follicle development in gilts and sows and management strategies used to regulate growth for control of estrus and ovulation1.

Factors that affect follicle health and growth can influence estrus, ovulation, conception, and litter size. Since the majority of the breeding herd is composed of sows, production schedules are established based on synchronized follicle growth following weaning. Insemination of sows over a 3- to 4-d period after weaning facilitates farrowing over fewer days and helps improve the uniformity of pigs at weaning. Synchronized inseminations of the group are reduced when disturbance to the follicular phase results in delayed estrus. The failure of >15 follicles to uniformly progress beyond the 6.0 mm size within 4 d during the follicular phase is associated with delayed estrus and ovulation, reduced ovulation rate, and reduced farrowing rate. In sows, the follicular phase is initiated at weaning by removal of the suckling inhibition, whereas in cycling gilts, luteolysis and clearance of progesterone begins the process. The timing and patterns of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone stimulation to the ovary determine follicle health and selection for ovulation. Interestingly, abnormal wean-to-estrus intervals in sows and deviations from a 19- to 22-d estrous cycle in gilts are associated with reduced fertility. However, in both cases, it is not entirely clear whether the abnormal intervals are a direct result of problems occurring prior to or only during the follicular phase. In prepubertal gilts, the signal for initiating the follicular phase remains elusive, but could reside in differential sensitivity and response to hormone signals at the level of the ovary and brain. Although the mechanisms are not clear, factors such as boar exposure, stress, feed intake, growth rate, and birthweight have been shown to stimulate an early follicular phase. In contrast, inhibitors to follicle growth have been associated with season, heat stress, photoperiod, negative energy balance, poor body condition, slow growth, fewer parities, and short lactation length. Hormonal aids for inducing and delaying the follicular phase, as well as for inducing ovulation are available to aid in synchronized breeding schedules.

A novel way to predict PRRS outbreaks in the swine industry using multiple spatio-temporal features and machine learning approaches

A novel way to predict PRRS outbreaks in the swine industry using multiple spatio-temporal features and machine learning approaches

A review of aetiology and risk factors affecting sow mortality.

Abstract Sow-mortality rates in the US breeding herds have been increasing in recent years. Based on reports in the scientific literature, sow-mortality rates started increasing by the mid- to late-1990s. This reality continues to be documented through database evaluation and reports from herd managers and producers. These trends are a clear challenge to herd veterinarians and producers in the swine industry in the USA and many other countries around the world. Sow-mortality challenges are complex issues with multiple risk factors. This review covers reported incidences of increasing sow mortality, as well as aetiologies and risk factors associated with sow mortality occurring in the modern lean-type sow. Gastro-intestinal, heart and locomotive problems, cystitis-pyelonephritis (inflammation of the urinary bladder and kidney), reproductive failure, prolapses and additional disorders are consistently reported as common aetiologies for sow mortality. Information on related risk factors such as population, sow housing, reproductive stage and health status lead efforts to define and resolve sow mortality. Increasing sow mortality could well be taken as an indictment of modern production systems, of the genetically improved sows, or the knowledge and actions of animal caretakers. Prompt resolution of sow mortality is of critical importance and is a public expectation with respect to the ethical treatment and care of production food animals.

Повышение эффективности использования быков-производителей голштинской породы красно-пёстрой масти при совершенствовании молочной продуктивности в племенном стаде

Повышение эффективности использования быков-производителей голштинской породы красно-пёстрой масти при совершенствовании молочной продуктивности в племенном стаде

ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC VARIABILITY OF DAM UKRAINIAN GRAY BREED CATTLE BY BLOOD GROUP SYSTEMS AND MICROSATELLITE LOCI

For objective characteristics of the gene pool of farm animal breeds and genetic assessment of the situation in the stud using the genetic markers of the system of blood groups and microsatellite loci. Assessment of genetic diversity of breeding stock of Gray Ukrainian breed cattle with two genetic systems. Material for the study was the blood samples of cows gray Ukrainian breed herds, «Golosіevo» farm, Kyiv region. Determination of genotypes of cows was performed for 13 microsatellite loci: BM1818, BM2113, BM1824, SPS115, TGLA227, ETN225, ETN10, TGLA126, TGLA122, ILST005, INRA023, ETN185, ILST006, which is included in the list recommended by the International Society of Animal Geneticists (ISAG), for cattle. Determination of blood groups of cows of Gray Ukrainian breed was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Erythrocyte antigens of 37 factors of 7 systems were used for the analysis (EA): А 1 , А 2 (EAA) ; Z′, В 2 , G 2 , I 1 , О 1 , О 2 , О 3 , О 4 , T 2 , А′, В′, D′, E′ 3 , F′, J′, K′, D′, Q′, Y′, G′′, I′′ (EAB); C 1 , C 2 , E, R 1 , R 2 , W, X 2 (EAC); F, V (EAF); L ( EAL) ; S 1 , H′′, U′′ (EAS) ; Z ( EAZ) . Statistical data processing was carried out according to generally accepted methods using software GenAlEx version 6.51. In cows, 68 allelic variants were established by blood groups and 80 – microsatellite loci. The level of observed heterozygosis by polymorphic systems of blood groups in cows ranged from 0.083 (EAZ) to 1.0 (EAB) and averaged – 0.228. The level of observed heterozygosis ranged from 0.390 (SPS 115) to 0.756 (BM 1824, TGLA 122, BM 2113) and averaged 0.655. Estimated by the indexes of genetic variability by blood group systems and microsatellite loci of cows of Ukrainian Gray breed of «Golosiyevo» farm , they appeared to be highly informative and have a high degree of polymorphism. The distribution of the number of alleles and the degree of heterozygosis in cows of Ukrainian Gray breed by microsatellite loci was uniform in comparison with the systems of blood groups. In subsequent studies, the use of two types of markers: blood group systems and microsatellite loci should be combined to obtain a more complete genetic characterization of the status and structure of bovine animal populations.

Комплексная оценка генотипа романовской породы овец в управлении селекционным процессом племенных стад

Комплексная оценка генотипа романовской породы овец в управлении селекционным процессом племенных стад

IVAN PETROVICH PETRENKO IS A RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY IN THEORY OF SELECTION AND GENETICS OF ANIMALS

The well-known scientist, the author of fundamental research on the theory of breeding and genetics of animals, the Chief scientific researcher of the laboratory of selection of Red-and-White breeds of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets, NAAS Ivan Petrovich Petrenko, turned 80 years on October 20, 2018.&#x0D; He was born in the village of Berezanka Chernigiv region of Chernihiv oblast in the family of a peasant. After graduation of Chernigiv school № 4 in 1956 year, he works as a freelance worker at the collective farm nd a Chkalov (village Berezanka Chernihiv region of Chernihiv oblast). From 1957 to 1962 he studied at the zootechnical faculty of Ukrainian Agricultural Academy (Kyiv). From 1962 to 1963, Ivan Petrovich worked as a Senior zootechnik of Chernihiv State Regional Agricultural Plant, from 1963 to 1965 – a zootechnician-breeder at Nizhyn Plant of Artificial Insemination of Agricultural Animals. From 1965 to 1968, he studied at the post-graduate school at the Department of Genetics, and from 1968 to 1976 he became an assistant to the Department of Agricultural Animals Development at Ukrainian Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Kyiv).&#x0D; Since 1976 and till now the work of Ivan Petrovich Petrenko is connected with Ukrainian Research Institute of Breeding and Artificial Insemination of Cattle (now Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets NAAS), where he works on positions of Senior, Leading (1976–1993) and Chief (1993–2000, 2002 and to date) scientific researcher. From 2000 to 2002 he worked as Chief scientific researcher at Institute of Meat Livestock of Ukrainian Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Kyiv).&#x0D; Ivan Petrovich was awarded the scientific degree of the Candidate of biological sciences (Ph.D) in the specialty "Genetics" in 1968 under the protective substitute (1968) of the dissertation on the topic "Fractionation and hormone-flax processing of ram sperm in order to regulate the ratio of sex of offspring". Academic rank of Senior scientific researcher was awarded in 1980. He successfully defended his dissertation in 1994 for obtaining a scientific degree of a Doctor of agricultural sciences from the specialty of breeding and animals selection on the theme "Genetic-population processes in the breeding, cross-breeding and regulation of the sexual composition of offspring in animals".&#x0D; The circle of scientific interests of the jubilator is quite broad. He made a significant contribution to the scientific understanding of the natural variability of offspring at birth at farm animals at the population level. He developed fundamentally new methodological approaches to theoretical analysis and scientific understanding of genetic-population processes in animals at inbreeding, reproductive cross-breeding, the consolidation of heredity of domestic animals, the structure of the gene pool of the breed for the additive genetic productivity potential. He suggested his vision of the problem of manifestation of heterosis in domestic animals at crossing and the reasons for its extinction in subsequent generations for their breeding "in oneself” etc. Together with NAAS academicians M. V. Zubets, V. P. Burkat, Correspondent member of NAAS D. T. Vinnychuk, Doctor of agricultural sciences O. F. Havruk developed a fundamentally new scientific intensive system of genotypic selection of pedigree cubs in dairy cattle breeding, as well as a system of breeding work in Holstein breeding herds of commodity farms. Ivan Petrovich Petrenko is a co-author of factory types and lines of Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed. In the scientific work of the scientist there are more than 200 scientific works, in particular 5 monographs. Ivan Petrovich – co-author and executor of 2 regional programs, 10 programs and plans of selection and breeding work in breeding and basic farms for breeding dairy cattle.&#x0D; Ivan Petrovich is twice (1997, 2001 years) laureate of Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences Award "For outstanding achievements in agrarian science".&#x0D; From 1996 to 2002, Ivan Petrovich Petrenko was a member of the Expert Council of the Higher Attestation Commission of Ukraine. From 1970 to 1990, he was a member of the All-Union Society of Genetics and Breeders nd. a. M. I. Vavilov, and from 1991 to up to date – of Ukrainian Society of Genetics and Breeders nd. a. M. I. Vavilov. Since 1994 he has been a permanent member of the Scientific Council of Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics of Ukrainian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, since 1996 – a member of a specialized Scientific Council for the defense of the doctorate (candidate) of agricultural sciences, a member of the editorial board of the scientific collection "Breeding and animal genetics". High-level professionalism, comprehensive knowledge made Ivan Petrovich a well-deserved authority in the team and scientific community of Ukraine.&#x0D; Now Ivan Petrovich Petrenko is the Chief scientific researcher of the laboratory of selection of Red-and-White breeds. The staff of Institute, in which the jubilee works more than 40 years, sincerely congratulates dear Ivan Petrovich and wishes him a solid health, further creative success and longevity.

Effect of changes in management practices and animal performance on ammonia emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981 as compared with 2011

The present study compared ammonia (NH3) emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981–2011. Temporal and regional differences in cattle categories, feed types and management systems, average daily gains, carcass weights, and manure handling practices were considered. A scenario-based sensitivity analysis in 2011 estimated the impact of substituting corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) for grain in feedlot diets. On average, 22% of the total nitrogen (N) intake was lost as ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) in both years. Manure emission sources were consistent across years, averaging 12%, 40%, 28%, and 21% for grazing, confinement, storage, and land spreading, respectively. Emissions per animal in 1981 and 2011 were 16.0 and 18.4 kg NH3 animal−1 yr−1, respectively. On an intensity basis, kilogram of NH3 emitted per kilogram of beef decreased 20%, from 0.17 in 1981 to 0.14 in 2011. This reduction was attributed to increases in reproductive efficiency, average daily gain and carcass weight, and improved breeding herd productivity. In 2011, substituting DDGS for grain in feedlot diets increased total NH3 emissions and losses per animal. Although addition of by-products from the bioethanol industry can lower diet costs, it will be at the expense of an increase in NH3 emissions.

Obtaining healthy offspring from PRRSV-positive pig breeding herds.

In this study, we propose a possible way of obtaining reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) free offspring from genetically valuable lines of Přeštice black-pied boars com- ming from PRRSV-positive pig breeding herds with the use of artificial insemination (AI). The ejaculates were collected from 4 different lines of boars. Samples of fresh semen were not detected with the virus and 12 sows were inseminated. Blood samples of sows and their offspring were repeatedly tested for the virus but the results were negative. We managed in this way to maintain the endangered population of this breed and obtain PRRSV-free offspring.

The horse in the life and culture of northern nomads

The Sakha people (Yakuts) made an invaluable contribution to the world civilization, not only preserving the heritage of steppe culture in the North and the Arctic, but also developing new strategies of Northern horse breeding, adapted to extreme natural and climatic conditions. With the development of the vast Northern expanses of the Yakuts the Arctic space have become an oasis of horse breeding herd, breeding place Yakut horse breed, and it is this "horse" world today gives Yakutia its uniqueness. As noted by the participants of the First International Congress (September 4-7, 2006, Yakutsk) "Sustainable development of head horse breeding" from Japan, France, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia, the horse has played a major role in the development of human civilization. The experience and knowledge gained over many centuries by the peoples engaged in horse breeding are the national heritage of the peoples, the priceless wealth of the modern world. It’s the great importance in the development of culture and art, the migration of nomads in search for new lands and the birth of new ethnic groups. Many traditions, customs and rites, associated with special reverence for the horse, have formed a kind of religious ideology, which is still active today.

Development and validation of a scoring system to assess the relative vulnerability of swine breeding herds to the introduction of PRRS virus

Biosecurity is defined as the set of practices carried out to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious agents in a herd. These practices are essential in swine production, especially for highly infectious agents such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv). Even with years of research and experience over the last three decades, PRRSv is still causing productivity losses and is the major health problem affecting the global swine industry. Despite knowledge of the various ways in which the virus can be transmitted from one herd to another (e.g. animals, semen, truck, air, and people), determining the most frequent ways in which the virus is transmitted in the field is difficult. A systematic approach to assess vulnerabilities at a herd level related to PRRSv transmission could help producers prioritize biosecurity practices to reduce or avoid the occurrence of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to develop a biosecurity vulnerability score that represents the relative vulnerability of swine breeding herds to the introduction of PRRSv. To create the biosecurity vulnerability score (outcome), a multi-criteria decision analysis methodology was used to rank and quantify biosecurity practices based on expert opinion. To validate the biosecurity vulnerability score, a survey of biosecurity practices and PRRS outbreak histories in 125 breed-to-wean herds in the U.S. swine industry was used. Data on the frequency of PRRS outbreaks was used to test the hypothesis that biosecurity vulnerability scores were different between farms that have a low incidence of PRRS outbreaks, compared to farms that have a high incidence. In the two databases used, the scores consistently showed that farms with higher scores have a higher frequency of PRRS outbreaks. In the first validation, farms that had never had an outbreak investigation before had a significant (p < 0.02) lower score (0.29; 0.21–0.37) when compared to farms that had 2 or more outbreaks (0.43; 0.39–0.46). In the second, the farms of the control group also had significant (p < 0.004) lower scores (0.30; 0.27–0.33) compared to the case group (0.35; 0.33–0.38). Also, the results suggest that events related to swine movements, transmission by air and water, and people movements should be prioritized. The biosecurity vulnerability scores may be useful to assess vulnerabilities on biosecurity protocols in order to reduce the frequency of PRRS outbreaks and may help producers and veterinarians prioritize investments in improving biosecurity practices over time.

Carbon Footprint of Beef Cattle in a Conventional Production System: a Case Study of a Large-Area Farming Enterprise in the Wielkopolska Region

Animal production is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. One of the major challenges in sustainable management is to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing GHG emissions. The diversity of animal production systems and accompanying diversification of technological processes, mean that specific production effects can be obtained at different levels of GHG emissions. The aim of the study was to determine the carbon footprint (CF) of beef cattle grown in a conventional system (i.e. indoor confinement). The research was carried out on the beef cattle farm belonging to a large-area enterprise, Długie Stare Ltd. The beef cattle production system consisted of the following subsystems: a basic breeding herd (consisting of suckler cows, replacement heifers and calves up to 6.5 months), breeding heifers, breeding bulls and fattening bulls. The method of life cycle analysis (LCA) in the stages from "cradle-to-farmgate" was used to assess the GHG emissions associated with the production of beef cattle. The average CF in the entire beef cattle production system was 25.43 kg of CO2 kg-1 of live weight of marketed cattle, while in the individual subsystems of basic breeding herd, breeding heifers, breeding bulls and fattening bulls, the CF (after GHG allocation) was: 11.0 kg CO2 eq., 34.30 kg CO2 eq., 27.32 and 25.40 kg CO2 eq., respectively. GHG emissions associated with young calves staying in the cow-calf pairs until weaning (in the period from 0-6.5 months), had a decisive influence on the final CF in each of the subsystems of beef cattle production. The second important factor directly affecting the CF was GHG emissions related to methane (CH4) enteric fermentation and manure management. Knowledge of factors affecting the CF structure allows better identification of critical areas in production processes with high GHG emission potential. Information on the CF of beef cattle and beef meat responds to a wider societal demand for the ecological characteristics of market products, which ultimately contributes to improving their market competitiveness.

Genetic parameters for fertility and production traits in Red Angus cattle.

Heifer pregnancy (HPG) and Stayability (STAY) are female reproductive traits that have EPD reported by the Red Angus Association of America. Challenges arise when making genetic predictions for these traits. Specifically, HPG and STAY phenotypes can only be collected on females retained in the breeding herd and have low heritability estimates. Additionally, STAY is measured late in an animal's life. The objective of this research was to investigate the genetic relationships between HPG or STAY and 13 other traits, which included measurements of growth, carcass, ultrasound, and scrotal circumference. For STAY relationships between mature weight (MW), body condition score (BCS), teat score (TS), and udder suspension score (US) were also evaluated. Data from 142,146 and 164,235 animals were used in the analyses for HPG and STAY, respectively. Genetic relationships were investigated using a series of 2 trait animal models and a REML procedure. In all analyses, the appropriate contemporary groups were included as a fixed effect, and direct genetic as a random effect. Additional fixed effects included as follows: sex for weight, carcass and ultrasound traits, age of dam for weight traits, and age of measurement for ultrasound, carcass, BCS, udder traits, and MW. Maternal genetic effects for preweaning gain (Pre-WG), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW) were also modeled. Permanent environmental effects of the dam were modeled for the traits Pre-WG and WW. Permanent environment of the individual for the traits MW, BCS, TS, and US was also included. Heritability estimates were 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.01 for HPG and STAY, respectively. Heritability estimates for direct genetic effects of production traits were moderate to high in magnitude, maternal heritability estimates were low, and permanent environmental effects accounted for 0.00 to 0.18 of the total variation. The strongest genetic correlations were those among Pre-WGD (0.24 ± 0.08), WWD (0.18 ± 0.08), YWD (0.20 ± 0.07), ultrasound rib eye area direct (0.16 ± 0.08), and ultrasound backfat direct (0.14 ± 0.08) and HPG. The highest genetic correlations were between STAY and WWM (0.54 ± 0.05), YWM (0.36 ± 0.07), backfat (0.53 ± 0.20), marbling score (0.40 ± 0.20), UREA (0.19 ± 0.07), ultrasound backfat (0.37 ± 0.07), TS (0.30 ± 0.11), and US (0.23 ± 0.11). Relationships between HPG or STAY and other traits were minimal. These results suggest that genetic relationships exist between HPG or STAY and other more densely recorded traits.

Amino acid and mineral composition of milk from local Ukrainian cows and their crossbreedings with Brown Swiss and Montbeliarde breeds

The aim of this study was to analyze the mineral composition of milk, the amino acid composition of milk protein, and the productivity per 305 days of lactation in crossbred cows compared to pure-breed local Ukrainian analogues. The research was conducted at cows of the Ukrainian Black-Spotted (UBS) dairy breed and crossbred cows of the first-generation obtained as a result of crossing with Brown Swiss breed and at cows of the Ukrainian Red-Spotted (URS) dairy breed and crossbred cows of the first-generation obtained by crossing of the URS dairy breed with Montbeliarde breed. In both farms there were two groups of pure-breed and crossbred cows-analogues. The mineral composition of milk and its technological properties in crossbred cows were higher compared to the pure-breed analogues. The fat content of milk crossbred cows exceeded by 0.08-0.16%, protein exceeded by 0.15-0.22%, and the main trace elements include Ca and P – by 2.66-8.83 and 2.12-7.81 mg/100 g of milk, respectively. Milk protein of crossbred cows was marked by a more balanced composition of essential amino acids (EAAs) and their ratio suitable for processing. The amount of EAAs in 100 g of milk protein of crossbred cows was 3.11-6.25% higher compared to local analogues. Crossbred cows dominated pure-breed analogues by the mineral composition of milk. The authors recommend the use of Montbeliarde or Brown Swiss breeds in commercial herds to improve the technological properties of milk.

Use of trachea-bronchial swab qPCR testing to confirm Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae seropositivity in an SPF breeding herd

BackgroundA dedicated program to monitor for freedom of several economically important diseases is present within most of the breeding companies that currently deliver high health breeding animals to their customers. Serology is therefore the preferential approach in order to screen for most of these diseases, including Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae). However, in case of positive serology, further decisions on farm health status and the related consequences should be based on additional confirmation tests.Case presentationThe current case report demonstrates that tracheo-bronchial swab (TBS) sampling is a suitable alternative to confirm a suspect M. hyopneumoniae-seropositive situation. A Central-European SPF herd was shown positive (90% positive, 10% suspect; n = 10) for M. hyopneumoniae using the conventional ELISA serology (Idexx HerdChek Mhyo ELISA) and a second ELISA test (IDEIA™ Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae EIA kit) did not exclude potential M. hyopneumoniae infection (10% positive, 70% suspect; n = 10). Further follow-up remained inconclusive on both tests. Throughout the entire monitoring period of 6 months, no coughing, necropsy lesions or lesions at slaughter could be detected which could confirm the M. hyopneumoniae health status. TBS sampling was used to confirm the health status for M. hyopneumoniae. In total, 162 samples were collected at different ages (n = 18 per age category): piglets at 3–6–9-12 and 15 wks of age, rearing gilts at 18–21-24 and 27 weeks of age. Collected TBS samples were negative for M. hyopneumoniae until 15 wks of age, but rearing gilts were highly M. hyopneumoniae-positive from 18 wks onwards with 87–100% M. hyopneumoniae-positive animals and PCR Ct-values between 25 and 33.ConclusionsThis case report shows that collection of TBS samples to confirm the M. hyopneumoniae infection status of a breeding herd was able to provide additional information to serology in order to make crucial decisions concerning health management and eradication strategies within the breeding herd.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and Oestradiol as markers of future reproductive success in juvenile gilts

There is a need for an early marker for reproductive success in gilts as the traditional process for selecting breeding females is inefficient. There is evidence that circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is indicative of ovarian reserve, antral follicle populations, gonadotropin responsiveness and fertility in various species other than the pig. Additionally, oestradiol (E2) has been shown to mark antral follicle populations in cattle and pregnancy outcomes in women, after gonadotropin treatment. The aims of this study were to determine whether 1) serum levels of AMH or E2, prior to or after gonadotropin injection at 60, 80 or 100 days of age, and 2) hormonal changes in response to gonadotropin stimulation (i.e. declining, plateauing or increasing hormone levels), are associated with future reproductive success in juvenile gilts. Serum samples were obtained at 0, 2 and 4 days after injection and mating and litter data were collected until parity three. Results showed that, regardless of age group and parity, Day 0 E2 levels were positively associated with the probability of stillbirth (P = 0.035) and E2 levels on Day 0 (P = 0.032), Day 2 (P = 0.045) and Day 4 (P = 0.019) were negatively associated with the number of piglets born alive. Further, both a single measurement of serum AMH levels at Day 2 (P = 0.048) and the AMH response type were associated with gestation length (P = 0.012). These findings suggest that serum AMH and E2 levels can be used to inform the selection of gilts for the breeding herd.

Перспективи збереження лебединської породи

В статті вивчений сучасний стан племінних стад лебединської породи, її кількісний та якісний склад. Досліджено генеалогічна структура племінних стад. Встановлено, що значна частина маточного поголів’я корів племінних стад лебединської породи одержана від імпорттованих плідників або спермопродукції бугаїв швіцької породи зарубіжної селекції. Рівень молочної продуктивності корів лебединської породи знаходиться в межах 3000 – 7000 кг молока. Проаналізована наявність спермопродукції бугаїв-плідників лебединської породи. Встановлено, що в банках генетичних ресурсів та селекційних центрах створено достатній запас сперми плідників у глибоко охолодженому стані. В чотирьох підприємствах зберігається сперма більше 15 бугаїв-плідників лебединської породи та їх помісей з швіцькою породою. Авторами розроблені перспективні заходи щодо збереження популяції лебединської породи.

Character of productivity changes in generations of regional families of volynian beef cattle breed

Modern conditions for selection and breeding work with breeds of dairy and beef production of cattle require new methods for improving productive traits. Unfortunately, breeding methods by lines and families are not relevant. Widespread use of breeding bulls without considering their pedigrees and affiliation with the lines and families is a success of the case according to modern realities’ breeders. Work with regional families is individual. An estimation of hereditary opportunities of families is carried out during 5–6 years of life of the daughters. The data obtained have a greater degree of judgment about the selection and value of the foundation cows.&#x0D; The studies have been carried out on the breeding stock of Volynian beef breed of the breed- ing livestock farm LLC "Zorya" of Kovel district of the Volynian region. The studies have been carried out according to the data of the primary zootechnical record (since 1982) of the herds of the breeding livestock farm beef breed (160 cows). It is accepted that the minimum composition of the family will be 7 cows. According to the primary zootechnical documentation, 18 regional families were formed. It has been established that for the majority of economically useful traits, most regional families have positive dynamics in generations.&#x0D; Prospects for breeding of family in the future are determined not only by the average manifestation of economically useful traits, but also by the desirable progressive nature of their dynamics in generations. This, in turn, depends on many factors, the main of which is the level of feeding and the effect of pedigree qualities of servicing bulls. A positive dynamics was observed in all subsequent generations (daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) for comparing of indicators of live weight of the foundation cow and progeny in 12 families, for milkiness – in 11. The generations of grandchildren had an advantage over the foundation cow on live weight in 12 months and milkiness in four families. The productivity of the foundation cow was exceeded by the numbers of daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the live weight at 210 days in two families (Halka 1537, Smorodyna 613), at 12 months – in Galka family 1537, 15 months – in four (Akula 102, Veselka 444, Halka 1537, Desna 870).&#x0D; The first generation had dominated over the foundation cow in three families for live weight at the age of 210 days, and 12 and 15 months in one family.&#x0D; The analysis of indicators in generations of families shows that grandchildren dominated by live weight of daughters at the age of 210 days in 12 related groups, in 12 and 15 months respectively in 11 and 9 families. The overwhelming majority of families have a positive dynamics of the growth of indicators from daughters to grandchildren for milkiness of the fresh cows. The exception is only two families (Halka 37 and Palma 275). In families of cows Bystra 1124, Bulana 943, Halka 37, Halka 1537 and Korona 2382 there is a negative dynamics to decrease the index of the intensity of growth in generations.&#x0D; The vast majority of families have a positive dynamics in the growth of indicators from daughters to granddaughters for milkiness of the fresh cows. The exception is the family of the Halka 37. The nine families have a positive dynamics of milkiness from the foundation cow to the granddaughter. In the nine families can be traced the oscillatory nature of the studied trait.&#x0D; Assessment of regional families by breeding grounds in generations is a contin- uation of a system for determining the breeding value of a foundation cow and her progeny in general. The classification of families taking into account the dynamics of productive features in generations has been established, that three families (Arfa 599, Visla 1016 and Kazka 433) are progressive, the two (Halka 37 and Palma 275) are attenuation. The overwhelming majority of families have the chang- ing nature of obtaining high productivity through generations.