Hungarian Large White Research Articles

Genetic Parameters of Reproductive Performances in Hungarian Large White, Landrace, and Their Crossbred F1 Pigs from 2010 to 2018

Genetic parameters, breeding values, and aggregate breeding values of number of piglets born alive (NBA), number of weaned piglets (NWE), and litter weight at weaning (LWWE) were predicted in the Hungarian Large White, Hungarian Landrace breeds, and in their cross (F1). Seven repeatability animal models were used. BLUP and REML methodology were used to estimate breeding values and variance–covariance components. PEST and VCE 6 software were used for estimating breeding values and variance components. Heritability for NBA and NWE was the same for all seven models. On the contrary, heritability estimates for LWWE were higher in comparison with NBA and NWE. The permanent environmental variance component was small for all traits. The large White breed had positive and significant genetic trends for all seven models and for all three traits. Landrace breed had significant trends for NBA, which was negative, and for NWE, the results were positive. The constructed indices result in one number (i.e., aggregate genetic merit); thus, the animals can be selected based on their overall performance considering the various aspects.

Impacts of Age, Genotype and Feeding Low-Protein Diets on the N-Balance Parameters of Fattening Pigs

The effects of feeding low-protein (LP) diets and the age and genotype of fattening pigs were evaluated in an N-balance trial. Sixty weaned piglets of two genotypes were allotted to three different diets. Besides the control diets for the crossbred Topigs 20 × DanBred Duroc (TD) and Hungarian Large White (HLW) pigs, two LP diets were fed containing 1.5 (T1.5) and 3% (T3) less dietary protein than the control. The LP diets were supplemented with crystalline lysine, threonine, tryptophan, and methionine to equalize their digestible amino acid contents. Starter diets were fed between 20–30, grower I between 30–40, grower II between 40–80 and finisher between 80–110 kg live weights. Pigs were kept in floor pens, with 10 animals per pen. In all phases, six pigs with similar live weight were placed into individual balance cages and in the frame of a seven-day long balance trial, the daily N-intake, fecal and urinary N-excretion were measured. From the data N-digestibility, the total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN) and N-retention were calculated. All the investigated main factors, the genotype and age of pigs and the protein content of the diets had significant effects on the N-balance of fattening pigs. The determinacy of the factors depended on the investigated parameter. Fecal N-excretion and N-digestibility were steadier compared with the urinary N-exertion and TAN percentage. N-digestibility increased and the urinary N-excretion decreased when LP diets were fed. The urinary N-decreasing effect of LP diets was not linear. Compared with the control (19.6 gN/day), T1.5 treatment resulted in 14.5, treatment T3 in 12.4 g daily urinary N-excretion. The TAN and the N-retention of HLW pigs were more favorable than those of TD pigs. Based on our results, it can be concluded that the accuracy of the nitrogen and TAN excretion values of pigs, used in the calculation of the national NH3 inventories, could be improved if the genotype, the more detailed age categories and the different protein levels of feeds are considered.

Effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms on specific reproduction parameters in Hungarian Large White sows.

The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the total number of piglets born (TNB), the litter weight born alive (LWA), the number of piglets born dead (NBD), the average litter weight on the 21st day (M21D) and the interval between litters (IBL). Genotypes were determined on a high-density Illumina Porcine SNP 60K BeadChip. Data screening and data identification were performed by a multi-locus mixed-model. Statistical analyses were carried out to find associations between individual genotypes of 290 Hungarian Large White sows and the investigated reproduction parameters. According to the analysis outcome, three SNPs were identified to be associated with TNB. These loci are located on chromosomes 1, 6 and 13 (-log10P = 6.0, 7.86 and 6.22, the frequencies of their minor alleles, MAF, were 0.298, 0.299 and 0.364, respectively). Two loci showed considerable association (-log10P = 10.35 and 10.46) with LWA on chromosomes 5 and X, the MAF were 0.425 and 0.446, respectively. Seven loci were found to be associated with NBD. These loci are located on chromosomes 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 (-log10P = 10.95, 5.43, 8.29, 6.72, 6.81, 5.90, and 5.15, respectively). One locus showed association (-log10P = 5.62) with M21D on chromosome 1 (the MAF was 0.461). Another locus was found to be associated with IBL on chromosome 8 (-log10P = 7.56; the MAF was 0.438). The above-mentioned loci provide a straightforward possibility to assist selection by molecular tools and, consequently, to improve the competitiveness of the Hungarian Large White (HLW) breed.

The effect of feeding different glycerol sources on the performance of lactating sows

Glycerol is a by-product of the biodiesel industry and it might be a good alternative to moderate the energy deficiency of sows during the lactation period. Preliminary experiments were carried out to test the effect of a powder, solid based “food grade” glycerol source with 72.9% glycerol content (Trial 1) and a liquid “feed grade” glycerol source with 86% glycerol content (Trial 2) on the performance of lactating sows and their litters. Trial 1 was conducted with 5 Hungarian Large White×Hungarian Landrace sows/treatment (313±24.9 kg) and Trial 2 with 12–12 DanAvl (323±17.0 kg) sows and their litters/treatment. Neither the solid, powder based glycerol (Trial 1), nor the liquid glycerol source (Trial 2) had significant effect on the feed intake, reduction in live weight and back-fat thickness, and weaning-tooestrus interval (p>0.05) of lactating sows. In Trial 2, on the 14th, 21st and 27th days of lactation the milk samples were collected and it was found that 50 kg/t glycerol decreased the protein content of milk samples (p<0.05). Glycerol supplementation had no effect on dry matter, fat, lactose content of milk samples (p>0.05). In Trial 2, no significant difference was found between control and experimental sow groups in triglyceride concentration of blood samples and in the activity of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT; p>0.05), but the concentration of plasma glucose and cholesterol increased tendentiously (p<0.10).
 Based on our preliminary results, it can be concluded that additional dose trials are needed to perform in order to study the effect of glycerol supplement on milk production and on metabolic processes of lactating sows.

Andrological examination of Hungarian Large White and Landrace boars

The Hungarian Large White and Hungarian Landrace pig breeds have outstanding lifetime performance, production parameters and crossbreeding ability. Nevertheless, during the recent decades, these breeds could not compete with the West European hybrid pigs concerning on production results. In this study, we made a complex andrological evaluation of boars in different Hungarian nucleus breeding stocks. After taking blood and semen samples, performing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge, ultrasonic and thermographic examinations were done. Laboratory tests were accomplished in reproduction labs of NARIC ABNMS. Our goal was to determine the reproductive performances of boars and collect samples for future genetic examinations, respectively.

Examination of the interval between litters (IBL) of different genotype HLW sows using survival analysis

In this study our aim was to find out if there is a difference between the genotypes determined for the previously identified mutations of seven genes of the Hungarian Large White in terms of the time spent in production. We identified the previously determined alleles of the seven genes (BF, EGF, ESR, FSHβ, H2AFZ, LEP, PRLR) related to proliferation that were and performed the survival analysis between breeds indicating the risk of culling and the time spent in production on the given farm. Based on the results of survival analysis by Log-rank test, Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) and Tarone-Ware test we concluded that they indicated a significant difference in case of the genes BF (Breslow and Tarone-Ware tests) the EGF (Log-rank and Tarone-Ware tests) and ESR (Log rank test) based on which the curves of the survival of the certain genes varied form one another significantly.

Differential expression of six genes in fat-type Hungarian Mangalica and other pigs

Abstract. In order to identify potential variances in gene expression of phenotypically different pig breeds, six fat-metabolism-related genes were analyzed in backfat and muscle tissues of fat-type Mangalica (MAN), Mangalica × Duroc (MD), and lean-type Hungarian Large White (HLW) and Pietrain × Duroc (PD) pigs by means of quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Higher (P < 0.05) adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (A-FABP) expression was observed in backfat and muscle tissues of purebred and crossbred MAN than in those of HLW and PD. In all breeds and crosses, adiponectin (ADIPOQ) was predominantly expressed in backfat at a similar level (P > 0.05), whereas muscle ADIPOQ expression was highest (P < 0.05) in MAN and MD. Levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) mRNA were greatest in MAN, moderate in MD, and lowest in HLW and PD backfat and muscle. The fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) was more abundant in MAN and MD backfat, whereas muscle expressions did not differ (P > 0.05) between breeds. Regarding leptin (LEP) expression, MAN produced the greatest levels in backfat, while HLW produced the lowest. In muscle, highest LEP was detected in MAN and MD. Between groups, perilipin 2 (PLIN2) was expressed similarly in backfat; however, PLIN2 was more abundant in muscle of MAN and MD than in that of HLW and PD. Differences in gene expression can contribute to the development of the characteristic fatty phenotype in MAN pigs. The identification of differentially expressed genes facilitates targeted sequencing and genotyping efforts for further studies.

Association and polymorphism study of seven candidate genes with reproductive traits in three pig breeds in Hungary.

Seven genes (BF, EGF, ESR, FSHB, H2AFZ, LEP and PRLP) were studied as candidate gene influencing eleven reproduction traits (interval between litters (IBL), percent of litter (PL), number of litters (NL), number of piglets born dead (NBD), number of piglet born alive (NBA), total number born (TNB), mean of born alive (MBA), mean of born dead (MBD), mean of born total (MBT), mean of piglets at 21 days of age (M21D) and growth rate (GR) in three pig breeds (Hungarian Large White (HLW), Duroc and Pietrain) by PCR-RFLP. Based on the observed vs. expected genotypes frequencies populations across loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). In case HLW breed ESR and FSHβ genes were in disequilibrium. Association study suggested that only EGF gene showed significant influence on the trait NBA and TNB. The AA genotype are preferable for sows, associated with higher NBA and TNB. The longest IBL, and the highest NL is associated with AB and AA genotype of EGF gene. IBL is significantly shorter in case of pigs with AB and AA alleles than BB alleles of PRLP genes. Selection for these SNPs could improve the reproductivity in the studied breeds.

Survival Analysis of Hungarian Large White, Duroc and Pietrain Sows

The aim of the present study was to perform lifetime performance analysis in three pig breeds; Hungarian Large White (n=295), Duroc (n=76) and Pietrain (n=91) on a commercial farm using analysis of survival sows. We took into consideration the age of sows at the time of their inclusion into breeding, their age at the time of culling, time spent in production, number of mating and parities, parity percentage, intervals between litters, number and mean of piglets born alive and born dead, number of raised piglet litters, number and mean of 21 days old piglets, the weight and mean of raised litter and raise percentage.
 We carried out the analysis by SPSS 22.0. Single factor analysis of variants, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox PH model were used. The determination of the significance of risk rates differences was done by Wald chi square test.
 Our results showed that the average culling age were 1056 (±33.52) days for the Hungarian Large White, 735 (±73.56) days for Duroc and 818 (±71.98) days for the Pietrain.
 The log rank test of the survival analysis indicated a significant difference between the three tested genotypes (χ2=16.981, P<0.001), which means that the survival percentage of the individual breeds varied significantly from one another. In comparison with the Hungarian Large White genotype the Duroc genotype has a 1.6 times higher (P<0.001) culling risk while that of the genotype Pietrain was 1.36 times higher (P<0.001).
 Our results can be used to compare the breeds kept under the same conditions and to compare the life span of one genotype under different farming conditions. Factors that increase survival and improve the profitability of pig farming can be determined by this method.

Comparison of Mangalica and Hungarian Large White pigs at identical bodyweight: 1. Backfat histology (Short Communication)

Abstract. At 130 kg bodyweight Mangalica and Hungarian Large White pig adipose tissue was compared, by means of histology. Adipose cell diameter (117.2 ± 24.1 vs. 55.3 ± 17 μm, Mangalica vs. Hungarian Large White), size (118.9 ± 44.3 vs. 31.9 ± 0.63 μm2∙100) and volume (8.01 ± 0.67 vs. 2.18 ± 0.18 μm3 ∙1 000) was significantly higher in Mangalica, while the hydroxyproline content (0.04 ± 0.005 vs. 0.23 ± 0.014 weight% of wet tissue) and the connective tissue area in the microscopic images (%) were ca. 5-fold higher in Hungarian Large White. The present quantitative results underscore the experience that at identical bodyweight the fat (89.9 ± 1.19 vs. 78.9 ± 0.39 %) and dry matter content (97.8 ± 1.72 vs. 87.7 ± 0.38 %, Mangalica vs. Hungarian Large White), as well as the cellularity of Mangalica largely differs from that of Hungarian Large White.

Porcine prolactin receptor genotypes and production and reproduction traits in Hungarian Large White and Landrace sows (Brief Report)

Abstract. Prolactin is an anterior pituitary hormone involved in many endocrine activities and plays and essential role in reproduction. Its receptor (PRLR) was detected in various tissues including brain, ovary, placenta, an uterus in several mammalian species (BOLE-FEYSOT et al. 1998). Reproductive performance of sows is a crutial point in pig production with significant economic importance and may be estimated with the help of markers. Porcine prolactin receptor gene is said to be a candidate genetic marker for reproductive traits. It has been mapped to porcine chromosome 16 (Vincent et al. 1997). There is a C/G SNP in PRLR gene (KMIEC et al. 2001) at the position of 203 (GAN: U96306) which eliminates an AluI cleavage site. The effect of this polymorphism on litter size in various breeds has been estimated (VINCENT et al. 1998, ROTHSCHILD et al. 1998, VAN RENS et al. 2002, KMIEC and TERMAN, 2004, DRÖGEMÜLLER et al. 2001, KORWIN-KOSSAKOWSKA et al. 2003). The influence of the bovine hormone variant was also estimated (RATNA-KUMARI et al. 2008). The aim of the study was to estimate PRLR AluI polymorphism effects on litter size in Hungarian Large White (HLW) and Hungarian Landrace (HL) breeds.

Bayesian inference of genetic parameters on litter size and gestation length in Hungarian Landrace and Hungarian Large White pigs

Genetic parameters of number of piglets born alive (NBA) and gestation length (GL) were analyzed for 39798 Hungarian Landrace (HLA, 141397 records) and 70356 Hungarian Large White (HLW, 246961 records) sows. Bivariate repeatability animal models were used, applying a Bayesian statistics. Estimated and heritabilitie repeatabilities (within brackets), were low for NBA, 0.07 (0.14) for HLA and 0.08 (0.17) for HLW, but somewhat higher for GL, 0.18 (0.27) for HLA and 0.26 (0.35) for HLW. Estimated genetic correlations between NBA and GL were low, -0.08 for HLA and -0.05 for HLW.

14 SUBLETHAL HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TREATMENT IMPROVES FRESH AND CHILLED BOAR SEMEN QUALITY IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

Insemination of fresh boar semen is a widely used production tool in swine breeding and meat production. Although the success rates of routine insemination procedures are satisfactory, improvements are still needed to reduce production costs; moreover, the reduced litter size of gilts compared with sows still calls for further solutions. Sublethal high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), applied to fresh boar semen before cryopreservation, was reported to improve post-thaw motility and litter size. Proteomic studies revealed a treatment-related increase in different proteins that may contribute to increased fertility (Huang et al. 2008 Anim. Reprod. Sci., in press). Herein, we provide data showing how the same treatment influences the in vitro lifespan of semen stored at 15°C and fertility at routine fresh semen insemination. For in vitro evaluation, semen was collected from Seghers boars (n = 7), extended, cooled to room temperature, and then split into 2 groups. Semen in the treatment group was filled into sterile transfusion bags and treated with 300-bar pressure for 90 min at 25°C in a computer-controlled pressure device (Cryo-Innovation Ltd., Budapest, Hungary). After treatment, both groups were placed into a cooling thermostat set to 15°C. Total and progressive motility was assessed daily for 12 days by a computer-assisted semen analysis system. For in vivo evaluation, semen (boars, n = 14) was prepared, split, and treated as described above. Hungarian Large White × Hungarian Landrace sows (n = 103) were then inseminated with treated or nontreated semen. Inseminations were done in the routine production of 2 swine farms. For statistical analysis, a generalized linear mixed-effects model was used, with P < 0.05 regarded as significant. Results showed that the reduction of both total (TM) and progressive (PM) motility of the treated samples was significantly slower compared with control samples. On Day 5, the ratio of live (TM) to PM cells (control v. HHP treated) was as follows: TM, 55.4 v. 64.6%; PM, 36.6 v. 46.4%. On Day 11, the ratio of TM to PM cells was as follows: TM, 43 v. 53%; PM, 27 v. 31.4%. Mean pregnancy rates and litter weights were not different between the 2 groups (73 v. 74%; 16.34 v. 16.37 kg; HHP treated v. nontreated, respectively). However, the effect of treatment on the litter size was significant (12.4 v. 11.4; HHP treated v. nontreated). Moreover, there was a significant difference in treatment effects between the gilts and the sows: whereas treatment had no significant effect on the litter size of the sows (P = 0.47), the litter size of the gilts increased (P < 0.001), with a mean of 2.55 ± 0.83 (SE). This preliminary report shows that HHP-treated semen survived chilled storage better. The HHP treatment also increased the average live and total litter size achievable with fresh semen insemination, with litters not being different from the controls in weight, sex ratio, or stillbirths. The increased litter size was more evident in the case of the gilts. Further field trials are being conducted. This trial was supported by OMFB-00364/2007.

Genetic parameters of direct and ratio traits from field and station tests of pigs

Abstract. Genetic parameters of several growth and carcass traits were estimated for the Hungarian Large White (HLW) and Hungarian Landrace (HL) pig breeds. The objective of the analysis was to compare the direct (days on station test, consumed feed, valuable cuts and age) and ratio/composite (net daily gain, feed conversion, proportion of valuable cuts, lean meat percentage and average daily gain and meat quality score) traits, which were collected in the course of station and field tests. The analysis was based on the national database (1997–2003) using univariate and bivariate animal models. Estimated heritabilities for station test traits ranged between 0.34–0.69 (except for meat quality score, where the heritability was low (0.10, 0.15 for HLW and HL, respectively) and exceeded that of the field test traits (0.18–0.23). Relative importance of random litter effects was low for the station test traits (0.01–0.29) but moderate for the field test traits (0.20–0.48). The unfavourable genetic correlation between lean meat percentage and meat quality score (−0.28, −0.44 for HLW and LW, respectively) is worth mentioning. In both performance tests the direct and ratio test counterparts showed similar heritabilities and their genetic correlation were close to unity (0.74–0.95). Based on these results selection on either the direct or on the ratio traits would possibly result similar selection response.

Bayesian inference of inbreeding effects on litter size and gestation length in Hungarian Landrace and Hungarian Large White pigs

The effects of litter and dam inbreeding on the number of piglets born alive (NBA) and on the gestation length (GL) were analyzed for 39,798 Hungarian Landrace (141,397 records) and 70,356 Hungarian Large White (246,961 records) sows. Bivariate repeatability animal models were used, applying a Bayesian approach. Differences in pedigree completeness (complete generation equivalents) were accounted for. Litter and dam inbreeding effects (per 10% inbreeding) on the NBA resulted in negative regression coefficients for Hungarian Landrace (− 0.162 to − 0.047 and − 0.203 to − 0.042) and Hungarian Large White (− 0.231 to − 0.100 and − 0.282 to − 0.111) populations. The litter inbreeding increased the GL for Hungarian Landrace and Hungarian Large White populations, but the magnitude of the effect was less then 0.01 days per 10% inbreeding. The effects of dam inbreeding on GL were negligible.

Dietary manipulation of meat fatty acid composition in Hungarian Mangalica and an industrial genotype pig

Fat content and fatty acid composition were investigated in Musculus gluteus medius of pigs from two different breeds: traditional Hungarian Mangalica and a crossbreed of Hungarian Large White and Dutch Landrace. Animals of both varieties were divided into two groups and were kept individually on control or experimental mixtures of feeds. Experimental feed contained significantly higher amount of linoleic and linolenic acid than the control one. Significantly higher fat content was detected in meat of Mangalica pigs kept on both feed mixtures than in those of crossbred. The proportion of saturated fatty acids was nearly the same in the meat of both genotypes. More monounsaturated fatty acids were detected in Mangalica meat than in crossbred ones expressed in percent of total fatty acids and absolute amount, as well. As a result of experimental diet, percentage and absolute amount of oleic acid decreased significantly in both genotypes. Less polyunsaturated fatty acids expressed as percent of total acids w...

Examination of the heart capacity of meat- and fat-type pigs by means of ECG-gated dynamic magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography

The cardiovascular capacity of animals is considerably affected by the selection procedure for high lean meat production. To determine the genotype and live weight-related changes of some quantitative characteristics of the pig heart function, serial measurements were carried out. Intensive meat (Hungarian Large White×Belgian Landrace×Pietrain×Norvegian Landrace) and extensive fat type (Mangalica) pigs were examined using whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a spiral computer tomograph (CT). Based on our dynamic MRI examination, the following live weight-dependent significant differences were found. (1) The means of the measured left ventricular stroke volume values were at body weights of 30, 60 and 90 kg: 29.1, 41.2, 63.5 and 38.1, 54.0, 55.8 ml in case of meat- and fat-type pigs, respectively. (2) The average cardiac output (CO) values were: 3.8, 4.4, 5.8 and 3.1, 3.9, 3.8 l/min. (3) The estimated relative CO value (skeletal muscle tissue volume measured by CT/CO unit) of the meat- and fat-type pigs were 4.0, 5.6, 6.0 and 2.4, 3.9, 4.8 dm 3/(l min −1), respectively, in sedentary conditions. The significant genotype effect measured with this in vivo method in the relative CO values demonstrates the usability of this technique in selection.

Analysis of the Station Test Results of the Hungarian Large White and Hungarian Landrace Populations Applying Survival Analysis

Authors analysed the days of fattening in relation to the station test for Hungarian Large White and Hungarian Landrace pig populations using, survival analysis. Survival and hazard functions were calculated in both groups separately for castrates and females. The log-rank test was applied to determine the significance of the differences across the groups. Authors established that within the breeds the functions of the castrates and females were significantly different, namely the castrates reached final weight sooner or, in cases where final weight was not reached by a certain period, castrates reached this weight during the next time unit with a higher probability than the females.

Genetic parameters of production traits of Hungarian Pig populations evaluated in separate and joint (field and station) tests

Abstract. Genetic parameters for various backfat measurements (BF1FT, BF2FT, BF3FT, BF1ST, BF2ST, BF3ST), average backfat thickness (ABFFT), loin muscle area (LMAFT), fat depth between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae (SF1FT), fat depth between the 3rd and 4th ribs (SF2FT), lean meat percentage (LMPFT) were estimated. The analysis was based on the national database of the field and station tests, using animal model in Hungarian Large White (LW), Hungarian Landrace (LR) breeds, and A-line of the Ka-Hyb hybrid (MLW) between May 1996–February 2001. Heritability for BFFT traits ranged between 0.15–0.35. Similar interval was received for ABFFT (0.20–0.36) but reasonably higher estimates were observed in BFST traits (0.41–0.75). SFFT heritabilies (0.18–0.37) were close to those of BFFT traits while somewhat higher values were found in LMPFT (0.26–0.45) and LMAFT (0.31–0.58). Genetic correlations were generally positive among all fat depth measurements and negative with LMPFT. Genetic correlations between LMAFT-LMPFT were positive but contradictory results were found between LMAFT and fat depth measurements. The genetic correlations between BFFT traits and their station test counterparts (BFST) varied between 0.12–0.64.

Analysis of the random distribution of station-tested pigs based on their genetic merit.

The analysis was conducted on the national database of the station tests carried out between May 1996 and February 2001, using the Hungarian Large White (LW) and Hungarian Landrace (LR) breeds, and the A-line of the Ka-Hyb hybrid (MLW). Days of test, total amount of feed consumed and valuable cuts were taken into the analysis to test the random distribution of the animals' phenotypic measurements and predicted breeding values across the contemporary groups of origin. The phenotypic measurements of all traits were clearly positively associated with the herds of origin (b = 0.52-1.08). Animals with favourable phenotypic measurements originated from better herds. On the contrary, the predicted breeding values seemed to be independent of the herd effects (b = -0.16-0.08) and suggested a possible random distribution across the contemporary groups.