Duroc Breed Research Articles

Effects of pork differentiation strategies in Canada on pig performance and carcass characteristics

Performance and quality traits were measured in carcasses from combinations of genotype, diet supplement, slaughter weight, and carcass chilling regime. Iberian-crossed pigs had lower live animal performance than Duroc and Lacombe. From 70 to 115 kg, Lacombe pigs grew slightly faster than Duroc. Duroc carcasses had a higher lean percentage, heavier ham and picnic primals, and lighter loins and bellies, compared with Lacombe and Iberian. Heavier carcasses had lower lean yield, except those from Iberian-crossed pigs, and bigger bellies. Meat from Duroc-crossed pigs was lighter in colour and higher in marbling, with intermediate values for fat hardness. Iberian carcasses displayed dark meat with intermediate marbling and the hardest fat. Meat from Lacombe pigs was the leanest although, like in all three breeds, marbling scores were higher in heavier carcasses. Generally, supplementing with canola and flax decreased and blast chilling increased fat hardness values. Dietary canola also seemed to affect meat colour traits, but these effects were not consistent among breeds and slaughter weights. The commercial combination of Duroc breed, control diet, and 115-kg slaughter weight showed a balance in terms of performance, carcass, and quality traits. Other combinations evaluated in this study showed potential to efficiently produce differentiated pork.

Factibilidad del uso de raciones líquidas y pastosas en alimentación de cerdos en etapa de engorde-acabado.

It was the objective of this study to evaluate the efficiency of using liquid and paste food rations during the feeding of hogs, specifically the water-concentrate proportions in order to provide a significant weight gain and a larger food conversion. We utilized 40 inbred pigs of the Landrace, Yorkshire and Duroc breeds, in an experimente that lasted 60 days, with a number of treatments of 4, with 10 repetitions for each one, where we evaluated the water-concentrate ratios of 0:1,5 1:1 and 2:1. The result which were obtained showed that the value of food was improved when it was administered in a moistened form. The weight gain was presented as a significant response (P<0.001) during the treatment Nbr. 3, that is a water-concentrate ratio of 1:1. We did not observe any significant differences (P<0.001) in the remaining treatments. Data obtained showed a similar behavior in relation to the daily gain. The food conversion showed best results with treatments 2 and 3, which did not show differences between them. The results obtained in the experiment indicated that the food value of concentrates improves when supplied in a moistened form.

Influence of Duroc breed inclusion into Polish Landrace maternal line on pork meat quality traits.

Crossbreeding with Duroc breed allows to improve meat quality, but no data is available regarding specific influence of Duroc breed on characteristics of meat in the case of crossbreeding with various breeds. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding Polish Landrace dames with Duroc sires on quality features of meat in reference to Polish Landrace breed. The objects of the study were Longissimus dorsi lumborum pork muscles obtained from Polish Landrace breed and Polish Landrace x Duroc crossbreed animals. Sarcomere length measurements were conducted using microscopic method and basic chemical composition measurement was analyzed using spectrophotometric scanning. Texture analysis of meat samples, performed after thermal treatment was expressed by Warner-Bratzler shear force and color analysis was obtained using CIE L*a*b* color system. No differences in sarcomere length, shear force as well as components of color values between pork meat originated from Polish Landrace breed and Polish Landrace x Duroc crossbreed were observed. Analysis of basic chemical composition revealed higher fat and lower ash contents in the case of meat of Polish Landrace breed animals. It was concluded that the actual impact of breed on meat characteristics is possibly altered by other factors. It may be suggested that influence of basic chemical composition on color of meat is breed-related.

Polymorphisms in Several Porcine Genes are Associated with Growth Traits

The purpose of this study was to confirm the relation between polymorphism of POU1F1, GH, PRLR and MC4R genes and economically important traits of the Duroc pigs bred in Russia. Studies were carried out on purebred Duroc breed pigs (male n = 360). All pigs were kept under identical and standard conditions. The traits of analysis: The number of Days to 100-kg (Days to 100 kg), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Length of Body (LB) and Backfat Thickness (BF). The additive and dominance effects of genes were calculated. The signification effects were found for POU1F1 on LB (a = 0.75); GH on Days of 100 kg (a = 2.43), LB (d = 0.71); PRLR on Day of 100 kg (d = 1.11) and ADG (d = -29.73); MC4R on Days of 100 kg (a = 2.58; d = 2.49) and LD (d = -0.83). Our result showed the influence of POU1F1, GH, PRLR and MC4R on the growth trait and perceptivity of their use in breeding programs.

A genome-wide association study of copy number variations with umbilical hernia in swine.

Umbilical hernia (UH) is one of the most common congenital defects in pigs, leading to considerable economic loss and serious animal welfare problems. To test whether copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to pig UH, we performed a case-control genome-wide CNV association study on 905 pigs from the Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds using the Porcine SNP60 BeadChip and penncnv algorithm. We first constructed a genomic map comprising 6193 CNVs that pertain to 737 CNV regions. Then, we identified eight CNVs significantly associated with the risk for UH in the three pig breeds. Six of seven significantly associated CNVs were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Notably, a rare CNV (CNV14:13030843-13059455) encompassing the NUGGC gene was strongly associated with UH (permutation-corrected P=0.0015) in Duroc pigs. This CNV occurred exclusively in seven Duroc UH-affected individuals. SNPs surrounding the CNV did not show association signals, indicating that rare CNVs may play an important role in complex pig diseases such as UH. The NUGGC gene has been implicated in human omphalocele and inguinal hernia. Our finding supports that CNVs, including the NUGGC CNV, contribute to the pathogenesis of pig UH.

Population structure and genome characterization of local pig breeds in Russia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

BackgroundIt is generally accepted that domestication of pigs took place in multiple locations across Eurasia; the breeds that originated in Europe and Asia have been well studied. However, the genetic structure of pig breeds from Russia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, which represent large geographical areas and diverse climatic zones in Eurasia, remains largely unknown.ResultsThis study provides the first genomic survey of 170 pigs representing 13 breeds from Russia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine; 288 pigs from six Chinese and seven European breeds were also included for comparison. Our findings show that the 13 novel breeds tested derived mainly from European pigs through the complex admixture of Large White, Landrace, Duroc, Hampshire and other breeds, and that they display no geographic structure based on genetic distance. We also found a considerable Asian contribution to the miniature Siberian pigs (Minisib breed) from Russia. Apart from the Minisib, Urzhum, Ukrainian Spotted Steppe and Ukrainian White Steppe breeds, which may have undergone intensive inbreeding, the breeds included in this study showed relatively high genetic diversity and low levels of homozygosity compared to the Chinese indigenous pig breeds.ConclusionsThis study provides the first genomic overview of the population structure and genetic diversity of 13 representative pig breeds from Russia, Belorussia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine; this information will be useful for the preservation and management of these breeds.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-016-0196-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Wplyw sezonu na parametry nasienia knur�w mieszanc�w oraz korelacje fenotypowe pomiedzy cechami nasienia w poszczeg�lnych sezonach roku

The study evaluated ejaculates of cross-bred boars produced by reciprocal crossbreeding of the breeds Duroc and Pietrain, as well as the effect of the season of the year on qualitative and quantitative parameters of the semen of these boars. Phenotypic correlations between semen characteristics in particular seasons of the year were estimated as well. The analysis included a total of 1156 ejaculates from 2-year-old boars, collected manually at 3-4-day intervals. The following traits were evaluated: ejaculate volume (ml), sperm concentration (x106 x ml-1), percentage of live sperm (showing progressive motion) (%), total number of live sperm in the ejaculate (in billions), number of sperm per insemination dose, and the number of insemination doses obtained from one ejaculate. No significant differences were noted in the semen characteristics of boars produced by reciprocal cross-breeding of the Duroc and Pietrain breeds. The season of the year significantly affected the characteristics of the ejaculates. Ejaculates collected in the spring had the greatest volume, while the highest sperm concentration and sperm count were noted in the ejaculates collected in the autumn and winter. The volume of the ejaculates decreased substantially in the summer, together with the sperm count, resulting in fewer insemination doses obtained per ejaculate. The value of the phenotypic correlations between semen characteristics was not significantly affected by the season of the year.

Carcass and pork quality traits of indigenous pure breeds (Mangalitsa, Moravka) and their crossbreads

Objective of this paper was to evaluate phenotypic variability of carcass side and pork quality traits of fatteners (male castrated and female heads). Investigation included 12 pigs per group of Mangalitsa (Genotype 1), Moravka (Genotype 2), cross-breed Mangalitsa with Moravka (Genotype 3) and cross-breed Moravka with Duroc boar (Genotype 4). Results show that Mangalitsa had lower daily gain (268 g) than other genotypes (p<0.001). The greatest difference for fat thickness was determined between Genotype 1 and Genotype 4. As expected, the thinnest fat and maximum value for gain and depth of Musculus longissimus (ML) had the Genotype 4. The highest value for the ML surface was found in Genotype 4(47.52 cm2) whereas for the same trait in Mangalitsa the lowest value was observed (24.16 cm2). Mangalitsa had significantly lower L*, a* and b* values of ML compared with all other groups (p<0.001). Considering the low production performance of indigenous pig breeds, crossbreeding with the Duroc breed will contribute a improvement of growth and carcass traits.

Polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the porcine MYLPF gene are related to meat quality traits in the Large White breed

The MYLPF gene encodes fast myosin regulatory light chain, and is a positional and functional candidate gene for meat quality. The aim of this study was to identify associations between SNPs in the promoter region of the porcine MYLPF gene and meat quality traits. A total of 22 SNPs were identified in a population of crossbred animals (n=86) and based on minor allele frequency and proximity to the transcription start site, five SNPs were genotyped in purebred; Large White (n=98), Duroc (n=99) and Pietrain (n=98) pigs. No associations were observed in the Pietrain breed, while the Duroc breed was almost monomorphic for all SNPs. In the Large White breed SNP g-1314A>G and linked SNPS g.-871T>G, g.-566T>C, g.-403C>G were associated with ultimate pH and driploss (P<0.05). This study identified associations between MYLPF and meat quality and highlights the importance of considering the genetic background within gene-assisted selection programmes.

Rapid discrimination of enhanced quality pork by visible and near infrared spectroscopy

This study tested the ability of visible and near infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) to discriminate enhanced quality pork. Vis-NIR spectra were collected on intact chops from 148 pork carcasses using a portable LabSpec®4 spectrometer (350–2500nm). Partial least squares discriminant analyses based on Vis-NIR spectra correctly classified 94, 95 and 100% of the 2d, and 95, 98 and 100% of the 14d aged pork samples within Lacombe, Duroc and Iberian pig breeds, respectively. Moreover, Vis-NIRS correctly classified 97 and 99% of the moisture enhanced (ME) and Non-ME pork samples aged for 2d, and 94 and 95% of those aged for 14d, as well as 94 and 97% of the 2 and 14d aged pork samples, respectively. Conversely, Vis-NIRS technology could not differentiate pork samples based on pre-slaughter diet or post-slaughter carcass chilling process. Vis-NIRS can segregate enhanced quality pork according to production factors and post-mortem strategies such as pig breed, moisture enhancing and ageing period.

Effects of LEP, GYS1, MYOD1, and MYF5 polymorphisms on pig economic traits

Abstract In the present study, we examined the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of leptin (LEP), skeletal muscle glycogen synthase (GYS1), myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) genes on economic trait association in pigs. LEP/HindIII, MYOD1/DdeI, MYF5/FokI, and GYS1/FokI genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) from 466 pigs comprised of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds. The LEP/HindIII polymorphism differed significantly with respect to average daily gain (ADG) in Duroc pigs (P&lt;0.05). However, the GYS1/FokI polymorphism was not significantly associated with any trait. The MYOD1/DdeI polymorphism was significantly associated with both ADG and meat percentage (MP) in Duroc pigs, and ADG, backfat thickness (BFT) and feed efficiency (FE) in Landrace pigs, whereas the MYOD1/DdeI polymorphism was not significantly associated with any trait in Yorkshire pigs. In addition, the MYF5/FokI polymorphism revealed a close relationship with ADG in Duroc pigs. In conclusion, we believe that the SNPs within LEP, MYOD1 and MYF5 in certain pig breeds play important roles as potential genetic markers for economic traits of pigs.

The inclusion of Duroc breed in maternal line affects pork quality and fatty acid profile

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different percentages of Duroc (D) breed in maternal line [Landrace (LR)×Large White (LW); LR×(LW×D); LR×D] and gender on meat quality and intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous (SCF) fatty acid composition. No significant differences were found among dam lines in ultimate pH, L* values and drip and cooking losses. There were higher percentages of saturated fatty acids in LR×D and LR×(LW×D) lines and higher percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids in LR×LW line in IMF and SCF. Also, LR×D line produced pork with a lower Warner–Bratzler shear force values and higher IMF content and potential of lipid oxidation. Furthermore, the L*, a* and b* values and drip loss were greater in pork from entire males than females. The IMF and SCF of females were more monounsaturated and less polyunsaturated than those from entire males.

Length polymorphism in OGT between Korean native pig, Chinese Meishan, and the Western pig breeds.

BackgroundThe Korean native pig (KNP) is generally thought to have come from northern China to the Korean peninsula approximately 2000 years ago. KNP pigs were at the brink of extinction in the 1980s, since then efforts have been made to restore the breed by bringing together the remaining stocks in South Korea. As a result, KNP was registered as a breed in 2006. To find additional breed-specific markers that are distinct among pig breeds, variations in O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) were investigated. OGT is located on chromosome X and catalyzes the post-translational addition of a single O-linked-β-N-acetylglucosamine to target proteins.FindingsLength polymorphism in the intron 20 of OGT was identified. The intron 20 of OGT from Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire breeds was 281-bp longer than that from either KNP or Chinese Meishan pigs. The difference between the Western pig breeds (BB genotype) and KNP or Meishan pigs (AA genotype) was due to an inserted 276-bp element and the 5-bp ACTTG.ConclusionsThe polymorphism in OGT identified in this study may be used as an additional marker for determining the breed of origin among Meishan and the Western pig breeds. The length polymorphism suggests that the locus near OGT is not fixed in KNP. This marker would be relevant in determining the breed of origin in crossbred pigs between KNP pigs with known genotypes and the Western pig breeds with BB genotypes, thus confirming the contribution of the X chromosome from each breed.

Evolution of Tibetan wild boars

Evolution of Tibetan wild boars

Effects of Crossbreeding Thai Native or Duroc Pigs with Pietrain Pigs on Carcass and Meat Quality

This experiment aimed to compare carcass and meat quality of crossbred pigs (female Thai Native or Duroc crossed with male Pietrain; n=8 each) fattened for 120 days after weaning. They were slaughtered and dressed in USDA style. The experiment was designed by using t-test statistical analysis with two treatments, either Pietrain × Native (P×N) or Pietrain × Duroc (P×D). Pigs were slaughtered at an average weight of 88.8 vs 101 kg for P×N and P×D, respectively (P<0.05). P×N had a lower carcass weight (66.0 vs 73.5 kg, P<0.01), lean percentage (50.7 vs 59.9, P<0.01), loin eye area (47.2 vs 60.1 cm2, p<0.01) and carcass length (75.1 vs 78.9 cm, P<0.01), but a higher total fat percentage (11.4 vs 7.6, P<0.01), compared with P×D. The ham percentage of P×N was lower than that of P×D (33.6 vs 34.6, P<0.01). Meat pH at 45 min and 24 h post mortem was found to be lower in P×N in both Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscle (6.03 and 5.63 vs 6.04 and 5.72) compared with P×D (6.47 and 5.96 vs 6.71 and 5.95, respectively). The meat of P×N was lighter (L*) than that of D×P (53.4 vs 48.6, P<0.01). There were no significant differences for redness (a*), yellowness (b*), TBARS value and collagen content. The LD of P×N was found to be lower in moisture (72.1 vs 73.6, P<0.05), protein (22.4 vs 23.3, P<0.01) and higher in fat content (5.37 vs 2.85, P<0.01) compared with P×D. The results of this study suggest that crosses with the robust breed Duroc, could be an alternative genotype in commercial Thai pork production because most performance, carcass and meat quality traits were superior to those of crossbreds with the native pig genotype. However, N×P provided favorably more intramuscular fat.

Variabilita v genech pro leptin, leptinový receptor a protein vázající mastné kyseliny ve vztahu ke kvalitě masa u prasat

The leptin (LEP-HinfI), leptin receptor (LEPR-HpaII) and heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP-HinfI) genes and their genotypes combination (LEP-HinfI *LEPR-HpaII) were tested for associations with the pH1, pH24, myoglobin content (mg/100 g), intramuscular fat content (%) and remission (%). The genotypes were determined in Large White, Landrace and Duroc breeds (n = 106, 56 and 4, respectively). The allele frequencies were: LEP-HinfI: C = 0.133 T = 0.867; LEPR-HpaII: A = 0.331 B = 0.669; H-FABP-HinfI: H = 0.745 h = 0.255. The populations of breeds were in the genetic equilibrium according to the χ2 test in the tested loci. The combinations of LEP-HinfI and LEPR-HpaII were significantly associated with the pH24 and remission. The H-FABP-HinfI locus was significantly associated with intramuscular fat content.

Novel Polymorphisms in Porcine 3′UTR of the Leptin Gene, Including a Rare Variant within Target Sequence for MIR-9 Gene in Duroc Breed, not Associated with Production Traits

The leptin gene (LEP) is considered as a functional candidate for production traits in livestock due to its crucial role in energy homeostasis. Because polymorphisms in regulatory sequences may affect gene expression, we searched for them in the 3′UTR of LEP and analyzed their association with production traits. Four breeds and a composite line were studied. In the Polish Landrace and Polish Large White breeds, 8 SNPs and 1 indel were observed; whereas, in the Duroc breed, 9 specific SNPs were found. Pietrain and Line 990 were monomorphic. One SNP (g.+168C>T), observed in the Duroc breed only, was located within a target site for microRNA (miR-9). Association studies showed a weak association between one SNP (c.+846C>T) and abdominal fat weight in the Polish Landrace only. Thus, we concluded that contribution of polymorphisms in the 3′UTR to phenotypic variability of pig production traits is marginal. Moreover, we presented an overview of known polymorphisms (128) in the pig leptin gene.

HODNOCENÍ KVALITY JATEČNĚ UPRAVENÝCH TĚL PRASAT V ČESKÉ REPUBLICE

In 1973 was proclaimed the Hybridization program within pig breeding in Czechoslovakia. It was aimed at improving better pork quality and increasing higher nutrition value through meat spe­cia­li­za­tion hybrids. Duroc, Hampshire, Pietrain and Landrace breeds were using in hybridization. Proclaiming the new form meat commercializing of pigs should to ensure better interest of breeders on producing meat specialized hybrids. This form was initiated in EEC since 1985 and Czechoslovakia was prepared to ensure authorized grading assessment methods slaughter-pigs. Since March 2004 the Czech Republic is a member state of the European Union with harmonized legislation similir to EU legislature. New instruments as FOM, Ultra-FOM, ZP and HGP 4 were purchased. There SEUROP system were established. Submitted study observes quality development slaughtering pigs since the nineties to present. Pork quality was increased more rapidly than expected and in 2007 was reached the estimated level in 2010. Examples of grading methods in monitored periods is mentioned and particular effects commented.

The Effect òf Inulin Extraction Method or Powder From Inulin-Producing Plants in Fattener Diets on Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality

Abstract Inulin or plant materials containing this polysaccharide are deemed interesting additives to feed mixtures for pigs. The experiment was conducted with 120 weaners, hybrids of (PLW × PL) × Duroc breeds with the initial body weight of 30.0±0.5 kg, which were divided into 5 feeding groups. Inulin was added to feed mixtures in the following forms: 2% inulin obtained from chicory roots with two extraction methods: water (group II) and water-alcohol (group III), and 4% powder from Jerusalem artichoke tubers (group IV) or from chicory roots (group V). Body weight of the animals and feed intake were controlled at two-week intervals, and carcasses were analysed postslaughter. Determinations were carried out for physicochemical properties of longissimus dorsi muscle of fatteners. Additional measurements were made for pH value, electrical conductivity and colour (CIE L*a*b* system) of fresh and thermally-treated meat samples. The highest body weight gains were recorded in group IV (powder from Jerusalem artichoke tubers) and group II (water additive of inulin). Dietary inclusion of both types of powders contributed to decreased thickness of backfat. The study showed also the effect of adding inulin or inulin-producing materials on the quality of raw and cooked pork. Significant differences between the control and experimental groups were demonstrated for hardness, chewiness and gumminess of cooked meat. The highest colour saturation (L* and b*) and hue value were noted in raw loin of the fatteners administered feed mixtures with inulin from water-alcohol extraction. Inclusion of 2% inulin preparation with differing degrees of polymerization (water or water-alcohol extraction) or inulin-producing materials (topinambur or chicory powder) in fattener diets is likely to improve animal performance, but the application of Jerusalem artichoke appears to be more justified.

Effects of commercial selenium products on glutathione peroxidase activity and semen quality in stud boars

The aim of this study was to determine how dietary supplementation of inorganic and organic selenium affects the selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood and sperm of sexually mature stud boars. Twenty-four boars of the Large White, Landrace, Pietrain and Duroc breeds of optimal breeding age (on average 2.5 years old) were used. The study lasted 90 days. The boars were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatment groups: T1=control; no added selenium (n=8 boars), T2=added 0.3ppm inorganic selenium (sodium selenite, Microgran® Se 1% BMP) (n=8 boars), and T3=added 0.3ppm organic selenium (Se-yeast, Sel-Plex 2000®) (n=8 boars). The concentration of selenium was determined in whole blood and semen, while the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was measured in blood plasma and semen. In order to measure GPx activity in semen, reactivation of the enzymatic GPx activity was performed. The determined selenium concentration in blood was lowest in the non-supplemented group of boars. Blood plasma GPx activity was higher in boars fed organic selenium than in boars fed a diet without supplemented selenium. While the supplementation of sodium selenite significantly increased GPx activity in boar semen. The highest-concentration of selenium in semen at the end of the trial was determined in the group of boars supplemented with organic selenium, somewhat lower in boars fed supplemented inorganic selenium, and the lowest in the non-supplemented group of boars. The only significant difference between the selenite and Se-yeast diet supplementation was observed in the Se concentration of the semen. The supplementation of selenium affected semen quality, and organic selenium improved the progressive motility of the spermatozoa and increased their resistance in hypo-osmotic and thermal tests. The storage ability of short term preserved semen was improved by organic selenium supplementation, as well as also increasing the fertility rate in gilts.