Large White Breed Research Articles

Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows

BackgroundIdentification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry. Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin (OXT), involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species could be a robust one. This study characterized concentrations of SP-OXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination (AI) programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen. Seminal OXT concentrations (ng/mL) were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA® technology. Ejaculate (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count) and sperm parameters (motility, viability, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species, plasma membrane fluidity) were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17 °C. In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated > 100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows.ResultsThe results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar (P < 0.05) but not between breeds (Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White). Ejaculates with higher SP-OXT concentration/mL (hierarchically grouped; P < 0.001) had larger volume and came from younger boars (P < 0.05). Ejaculates of boars showing positive farrowing rate deviation exhibited higher (P < 0.05) SP-OXT concentration/mL than those with negative farrowing rate deviation.ConclusionThe SP concentrations of OXT are boar, ejaculate and age dependent, and positively related with ejaculate volume and farrowing rates of liquid-stored semen AI-doses.

Morphological and Functional Activity Dynamics of Blood Lymphocytes in Large White Breed Pigs in Postnatal Ontogenesis and during Pregnancy

The purpose of the study was to research the activity of nucleolar organizers of blood lymphocytes in large white breed pigs in postnatal ontogenesis and during pregnancy. The prepared blood smears were stained with silver nitrate (AgNO3) and additionally stained with azur and eosin. By measuring the parameters of the nucleus and nucleolar organizers’ activity (AgNORs), the changes in the morphological and functional state of the protein synthesizing apparatus of blood lymphocytes in large white breed pigs in postnatal ontogenesis were evaluated. It was found that the area of lymphocyte nuclei in newborn piglets was 83.72±3.37 mm2. By the age of three months, the area of the lymphocyte nuclei of pigs significantly increased by 13.41% (p⩽0.05) and amounted to 96.69±2.57 mm2, at the age of six months this indicator was 15.78% more than at the age of three months (114.80±3.69), by the age of nine months the number of AgNORs significantly (p⩽0.05) decreased by 11.32% compared to six-month-old animals (101.80±2.97). From 1 to 4 units of AgNORs are detected in the lymphocyte nuclei. By the age of three months, the total area of nucleolar organizers’ zones decreased by 29.30% (p⩽0.05), and by the age of twelve months increased by 16.72% (p⩽0.05) compared to the previous age period. A slight increase in the area of the lymphocyte nucleus was observed in pigs after delivery by 9.15% (p⩽0.05). After delivery, the number of AgNORs in pigs significantly increased by 11.26% (p⩽0.05). During pregnancy, from 1 to 3 AgNORs were detected in pigs with a total area of 4.29±0.27 to 4.33±0.30 microns. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that the functional state of lymphocytes undergoes obvious changes in postnatal ontogenesis and during pregnancy, this can be seen in alterations in the area of their nuclei, the number and total area of AgNORs.

Genome-wide analysis of genetic diversity and artificial selection in Large White pigs in Russia.

Breeding practices adopted at different farms are aimed at maximizing the profitability of pig farming. In this work, we have analyzed the genetic diversity of Large White pigs in Russia. We compared genomes of historic and modern Large White Russian breeds using 271 pig samples. We have identified 120 candidate regions associated with the differentiation of modern and historic pigs and analyzed genomic differences between the modern farms. The identified genes were associated with height, fitness, conformation, reproductive performance, and meat quality.

Прооксидантно-антиоксидантний гомеостаз та відтворювальна здатність кнурів-плідників за впливу цитрату міді

Peroxide oxidation processes play a leading role in ensuring the motility, survival and fertilizing ability of sperm. A special role is given to limiting antioxidants (vitamins, amino acids, microelements). Therefore, the development of standardized feeding programs to provide antioxidant nutrition is one of the effective methods of reproductive biotechnology. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of copper citrate on the quality of sperm production and the formation of prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in sperm of boars. The experiment used adult boars of a large white breed, analogs in age, live weight and quality of sperm products. Experimental groups were fed copper citrate above the norm by 10% and 20%. It has been determined that feeding combined feed to boars with the addition of this compound in an amount of 10% above norm probably increases the weight of ejaculate by 12.5% (P&lt;0.05), the sperm motility and survival by 6.5% (P&lt;0.01) and 13.5% (P&lt;0.001), respectively. Such changes in sperm occur against the background of an increase in SOD activity by 80.6% (P&lt;0.05), a decrease in catalase by 43.5% (P&lt;0.05), a slowing down of peroxidation processes — a decrease in diene conjugates and TBA-active compounds. The additional introduction to the diet of copper citrate by 20% more than normal increases the concentration of spermatozoa by 13.2% (P&lt;0.01), the number of live spermatozoa by 20.7% (P&lt;0,01), with a simultaneous decrease in their survival, due to the acceleration of peroxidation processes — an increase in the content of diene conjugates, TBA-active compounds and DAA and a decrease in reduced glutathione. It has been found out that the fertilizing ability of sperm significantly depended on the amount of fed microelement. Sows inseminated with sperm of boars receiving copper supplement in the diet by 10%, had higher fertility rates by 7.1%, multifertility by 3.6%, and a litter weight at weaning by 8.8%. The additional administration of copper citrate reduced the fertility of sperm by 20%, as the fertility rate of sows of III group was the lowest and was 7.7% and 14.3% lower compared to I and II groups. A similar trend occurred in terms of high fertility, a litter weight at birth and weaning. Therefore, the additional feeding of a small amount of copper has a positive effect on the functional activity of sperm and the processes of normal fertilization, growth and development of embryos and newborn piglets by optimizing the formation of prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis.

Polymorphism of Selected Microsatellite Markers against Breeding Performance Indexes of Polish Large White and Polish Landrace Sows

The study aimed to analyze 12 microsatellite markers located in the areas of quantitative trait loci related to litter size in 82 sows, including 45 Polish Large White and 37 Polish Landrace sows, kept on a farm in southwest Poland. Breeding documentation provided data on the total number of piglets born per litter and the numbers of live-born, stillborn and weaned piglets; the corresponding percentage values were also calculated. DNA isolation was performed from 15–20 hairs taken from live animals, and the markers used in the research were divided into four multiplexes. The influence of genotype at a given locus on the reproductive traits was analyzed only for genotypes represented by at least five animals. The results of the analyses for all the sows (treated as the maternal component and not as distinct breeds) showed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences between the genotypes and the values of the analyzed traits for markers S0008, SW160, SW245, SW714, SW1125 and SW2411. Among these markers, the breed-dependent analysis also showed significant differences in the Polish Large White breed for markers S0008, SW160 and SW1125, and in the Polish Landrace breed for SW245. Additionally, the breed-dependent analysis found significant differences in markers SW903 and SW1808 for the Polish Large White sows, and S0064, SW472 and SW903 in Polish Landrace sows. SW903 was the only marker for which differences in the analyzed reproductive traits differed between genotypes in both breeds (still analyzed separately), although in terms of different traits. The above results indicate the usefulness of microsatellite markers in researching the differentiation of litter size indicators. Although both breeds belong to the maternal component, they showed significant differences in terms of markers. This may suggest difficulties in finding universal (that is, working well for various breeds of the maternal component) markers, indicating the need to look for breed-specific markers, something that calls for further research into numerous animals.

Comparative Assessment Of Economic Traits Of Pigs Of Different Breeds And Breed Combinations

On the territory of Ukraine, for decades, the pig industry has traditionally remained one of the main reserves for ensuring the financial well-being of the population. Among the factors contributing to the profitability of pig breeding enterprises, a significant role is played by the breeding capacity of sows, since it guarantees the receipt of livestock for rearing and fattening. An indisputable condition for ensuring the efficiency of pig production is to increase the fattening and meat characteristics of pigs. With this in mind, the purpose of the study is to investigate the abovementioned economic traits of pigs, which is currently an urgent task. The research was preceded by the establishment of three groups of sows and young stock, numbering 10 animal units each, located in similar economic conditions. According to the investigational plan, three groups of pigs are provided depending on the genotype: control group 1 – Large White (LW); experimental group 2 – Landrace (L); experimental group 3 – 1/2LWx1/2L (maternal base – Large White, paternal – Landrace). As a result of the conducted studies, it was found out that the local pig population obtained from crossing purebred animals of the Large White and Landrace breeds prevailed in terms of productivity over the original parent forms. From them, on average for three farrowing operations, the largest number of piglets at birth and the highest multiplicity were obtained. An unreliable correlation was found between the characteristics of the reproductive ability of sows and the number of farrowing. The correlation coefficient between the farrowing number and the number of piglets at birth had a negative value – -0.013; for fertility – positive – +0.038; for the offspring size – +0.014; milking capacity – +0.044. At the age of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 months, local young stock had the highest live weight, and the Large White pigs had the lowest values with significant differences (P≤0.05-0.001). The Landrace pigs had the highest live weight at birth and at the age of 4 months, and the Large White pigs had the lowest live weight (P≤0.05-0.001). The findings allow increasing the efficiency of the pig industry and prove the expediency of interbreeding in order to increase the economic traits of pigs

SIGNS OF PRODUCTIVITY OF YOUNG PIGS OF LARGE WHITE BREED AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH UREA CONTENT AND ACTIVITY OF SOME BLOOD SERUM ENZYMES

The results of studies of fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of large white breed, some biochemical parameters of blood serum (urea content, aspartate aminotransferase (AsAT) activity, alanine aminotransferase (AlAT) activity are presented), as well as the economic efficiency of research results is calculated. The study was conducted in LLC "Druzhba-Kaznacheyivka"of Dnipropetrovsk region, in the Research center of biosafety and ecological control of agricultural resources of Dnipropetrovsk state agrarian and economic university, meat processing plant «Jazz» and Laborator Livestock y of the State institution Institute of grain crops of NAAS of Ukraine. The work was performed according to the research program of NAAS of Ukraine №30 "Innovative technologies of breeding, industrial and organic production of pig products" ("Pig breeding"), state registration number 0116U001247. The object of the study was young pigs of large white breed. Evaluation of animals for fattening and meat qualities was carried out taking into account the following indicators: average daily live weight gain during the control period of fattening, g, age of live weight 100 kg, days, fat thickness at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, mm, length of chilled carcass , cm, the length of the bacon half of the cooled half-carcass, cm (M.D. Berezovsky, I.V. Kha’tko, 2005). A comprehensive assessment of young pigs for fattening and meat qualities was calculated according to the B. Tailer index (P.A. Vashchenko, 2019), biometric indicators - according to the methods of G.F. Lakin (1990). Economic efficiency of research results was calculated according to the generally accepted technique (Methodology for determining the economic ..., 1983). It was found that the urea content, activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AsAT) and alanine aminotransferase (AlAT) in the serum of young pigs of the experimental group corresponds to the physiological norm of clinically healthy animals and amount to 4.77±0.576 mol/l, 68.11±6.445 units/l, and 4.22±3.209 units/l, respectively. According to the age of reaching a live weight of 100 kg (days), the thickness of the fat at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae (mm) and the length of the chilled carcass (cm) of the specified production group and breed correspond to class I and class "elite". The maximum values of "average daily gain of live weight during the period of control fattening, kg", "length of chilled carcass, cm", "length of bacon half of chilled carcass, cm" and minimum values of "age of live weight 100 kg, days" and "fat thickness per levels of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, mm "are characterized by animals in which the complex index of fattening and meat qualities (B. Tailer's index) ranges from 157.68 to 182.36 points. The number of reliable relationships between the biochemical parameters of blood serum, fattening and meat qualities of young white pigs is 26.67 %. The cost of additional products obtained from young pigs with B. Tailer index of 157.68 – 182.36 points is equal to +1732.04 UAH/head.

REPRODUCING QUALITIES OF SOWS OF DIFFERENT FAMILIES OF LARGE WHITE AND POLTAVA MEAT BREEDS IN THE TRIBAL HERDS OF PIGS OF KHMELNYCHINA

Goal. To assess the reproductive ability of inspected sows of different families of large white and Poltava meat breeds in breeding herds of Khmelnytsky region on the main selection signs using the evaluation indices of reproductive qualities. Methods. Comparison, zootechnical and biometric analyzes. Results. The reproductive qualities of sows of different families in breeding herds of pigs of large white and Poltava meat breeds of farms of Khmelnytsky region were evaluated. Among the families of large white breed, the best indicators for assessing the reproductive capacity of inspected sows were found in the family of the Sorceress, in which the main feature – fertility by modal class of distribution was 10.8 heads piglets per 1 farrowing, which is 2.8% more than the Taiga family of the same class. According to the modal class M+, the fertility of the Sorceress family (12.0 piglets per farrowing) was 0.3 heads higher than that of the females of this class of the Taiga family (11.7 heads per farrowing). The modal class М¯ of the firstborn family of the Sorceress was the best with a fertility of 9.7 heads, which is 3.2% higher than the Taiga family. Indicators of the number of piglets at weaning at the age of 30 days, the weight of the nest at weaning, the live weight of 1 head of piglets and preservation of offspring (9.5 heads; 94.1 kg; 9.9 kg; 87.9%), by class (М°), the Sorceress family was 3.2 heads bigger; 7.4 kg; 2.0 kg and 0.5% compared to the Taiga family. As a result of ranking sows by evaluation indices of reproductive qualities, I (evaluation index by a limited number of traits) and P (complex evaluation index) had an advantage by the most prolific sows of the Sorceress family of class M+, in which these indices were 43.0 and 96.1 points. In the process of research of reproductive ability of sows of Poltava meat breed of different families it was established that on the basis of fertility the Rosinka family is the best, whose fertility by distribution by class (М°) was 10.7 heads. piglets per 1 farrowing. It exceeds the average value for 5 families: 0.4 heads of Dorza and Vorskla families, 0.6 goals. Bystro's family and 1 goal. the Palm family. According to the modal class M+, the Rosinka family (11.8 piglets per 1 farrowing) has 0.3 heads more fertility than the Dorza and Vorskla families, 0.6 goals higher. and 0.1 heads than the Bistra and Palma families. The lowest fertility of sows in the class (М°) was recorded in the Dorza family (8.9 heads of piglets per farrowing). It should be noted that the Dorza family and the smallest Palma family in the M+ class have the best nest weight at weaning at the age of 45 days (138.7 and 144.2 kg), which is 18.6 more than in the М° class. and 20.7 kg. According to the indicators of the number of piglets at weaning and live weight of 1 head, the Palma's family of class M+ (10.6 heads and 13.6 kg) is distinguished. The best preservation of the offspring in the Palma's family of class M¯ = 94.7%. As a result of ranking sows of different families of Poltava meat breed according to the estimated indices of reproductive qualities, it was noted that the highest number of points in the modal class (М°) was obtained by the family Rosinka I = 40.8 and P = 94.8, which is more than the average for all families by 2.1 and 3.6 points. According to the evaluation indices (I) and (P), the best were sows of the Rosinka family of class M+, in which these indices corresponded to the values of 42.7 and 99.4 points.&#x0D; Conclusions. Among different families, the best results of assessing the reproductive capacity of sows on the main selection traits and evaluation indices were found in the families of the Sorceress of the Great White breed and the family of Rosinka of the Poltava meat breed, which should continue to be used for breeding in breeding herds of pigs. An important factor in increasing the productivity of sows, of course, should be the correct selection of the level of reproductive breeding traits and a significant increase in feeding and housing conditions.

The growth rate of repair young pigs of Irish origin, depending on the combination of the original breeds

The article studied the growth dynamics of purebred and local gilts from birth to 180 days of age. The growth rate of these animals during the rearing period and the regularities of the difference in the growth rate of purebred and local pigs were also investigated. The uneven growth dynamics of both purebred and local replacement gilts has been established. The pigs obtained from the direct and reverse variants of crossbreeding of parental breeds grew more dynamically in comparison with their peers obtained from the purebred variant of breeding of the original breeds. Among purebred gilts, by weaning, the live weight of the Landrace breed increased more dynamically, while after weaning, the animals of the large white breed stood out with a greater intensity increase in live weight. Local gilts did not have a significant difference in the increase in live weight depending on the crossing option, although there was a tendency for a higher increase in live weight with age in pigs from Large White queens and Landrace boars compared to the reciprocal crossing option. During the period of rearing gilts, the highest growth rates were observed in local sows, both from the direct and reverse variants of crossing the animals of the original breeds. Purebred animals of both original breeds were inferior in growth intensity during the period of breeding to their local counterparts 3.0 – 6.3%. Among purebred animals, the least intensive growth during the period of breeding was the Landrace pigs, which were inferior in these indicators to the analogs of the Large White breed by 3.2%, and to the local pigs of both combinations by 6.3%. The advantages in live weight of local replacement gilts are due to their greater growth intensity in the period from weaning to testing at 180 days, which in turn is due to various forms of heterosis manifestation. Key words: mumps, parent breeds, purebred breeding, crossing, heterosis, live weight, growth rate.

Морфогенетичні і вікові особливості свиней різного напрямку продуктивності

Pig breeding genetic resources are constantly threatened by haphazard crossbreeding, lack of breeding strategy and programs, violation of quarantine measures and weak protection against infectious diseases. The state of the gene pool is influenced by such factors as the intensification of production, the replacement of domestic breeds with more productive foreign ones, without taking into account forage, climatic and environmental conditions. The development of pig breeding is based on the use of highly productive breeds and types of pigs in the breeding process, as well as the latest achievements in breeding and genetics. Modern technologies for the production of pork make it possible to maximize the genetic potential of animals, in connection with which selection is a decisive factor in increasing the productivity of pigs. Given the importance of working with breeds as the main means of production in pig breeding, the authors set the goal of providing a scientifically based assessment of the genotypes of pigs that are bred and widely used in the country. The tasks set in the scientific work were solved using zootechnical (scientific and economic experience, control slaughter of animals, analysis of the reproductive capacity of sows, growth of young stock, assessment of the quality of carcasses), morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of animals. The large white breed of pigs in Ukraine is a monobreed, having more than 70% of the total number. This dominance raises concerns about the possible loss of original hereditary complexes and gene associations that have developed during the breeding process. Five international breeds are now widespread in the world: Large White (117 countries), Duroc (93 countries), Landrace (91 countries), Hampshire (54 countries) and Pietrain (35 countries). Pigs of the Large White breed are universal and are widely used in selection and breeding work for the purpose of the parent breed in crossing. Among the meat breeds of pigs in Ukraine, the Landrace breed occupies an important place, which is appropriate both in purebred breeding and in crossing and hybridization. The Mirgorodskaya breed of pigs of the greasy direction of productivity was bred by the method of complex reproductive crossing of local short-eared black-and-white pigs with Berkshires, medium, large white breed of pigs and, to a lesser extent, with large black and Tamworth’s. Improvement of the breed is carried out at the expense of boars of foreign and domestic selection, in particular, pietrain, Belarusian black and white, large black breed. A prerequisite for preserving the gene pool of local breeds is pure-bred breeding with an outbred type of selection.

Reproductive health indicators of sows using azoxymer bromide

The aim of the research was to study the effect of different regimens of using «Azoxivet» on the duration of pregnancy, labor and restoration of sexual cycling in sows. «Azoxivet» is a synthesized immunomodulator with detoxicant and antioxidant properties. The active substance «Azoxivet» is azoxymer bromide. The research was carried out on sows of the large white breed, live weight of 180-230 kg, which had 1-4 farrowings in anamnesis. 90 sows at 80 days of gestation were divided into 3 groups . Sows of group 1 (G1, n=30) were injected with «Azoxivet» intramuscularly 3 times in interval of 7 days from the 100th day of gestation at a dose of 0.1-0.15 mg/kg (18 mg). Sows of group 2 (G2) were injected with «Azoxivet» twice at 100th days of gestation and on the day of farrowing at the same dose. Sows of group 3 (G3) was control. Clinical observation of sows were conducted during pregnancy, in time of labor and in postpartum periods. In sows, we took into account the pregnancy rate, the course of labor, the restoration of sexual cyclicity after weaning of piglets. The presence of the estrus was detected in once a day in the morning hours with using a teaser boar. Artificial insemination (AI) efficiency was determined on 28th day with ultrasound. Data were analyzed by MIXED of SAS program. The gestation periods in sows in G1, G2 and G3 were 114.50 ± 0.28, 114.86 ± 0.26 and 114.72 ± 0.19 days, respectively. In G3, 3.33% of the sows had a pregnancy pathology caused by an abortion on 105th day . In G1 and G2, no pregnancy pathologies were revealed. The greatest duration of the labor act was recorded in G3 - 234.63 ± 18.71 min, while in G1 and G2 the labor was lasted 27.13 and 34.86 min less. In G1 and G2, labor complications were observed only in 13.64% and 14.28% of females, while in G3 - in 36.84% of sows. After weaning piglets and transferring sows to the section of barren sows, recovery of sexual cyclicity was registered in 81.48% in G3, which is 6.98% and 10.52% less than in G1 and G2. In all groups, the manifestation of estrus was observed for 4-6 days. The average duration from weaning to the manifestation of estrus in animals G1 was 4.60 ± 0.22 days, in G2 - 4.65 ± 0.13 days, in G3 - 4.32 ± 0.10 days. The effectiveness of AI according to the results of an ultrasound carried out on the 28-30th day after insemination was high in all studied groups and amounted to 95.65-100%. Consequently, the using «Azoksivet» has a positive effect on the pregnancy, the course of their labor process and the activation the sexual cyclicity after weaning of piglets, ensures high fertility of sows and increases the duration of the economic using of animals.

Influence of feed additives «Tetra+» and «Glimalask» on the meat productivity of pigs and consumer properties of pork

Currently, the existing literature sources on the use of feed additives “Tetra+” and “Glimalask” do not fully reflect the data on the comparative study of their infl uence on the physiological state, meat productivity and pork quality of fattened young pigs. Under the conditions of the Lower Volga region comprehensive researches were carried out in a comparative aspect to improve meat productivity and pork quality through the use of feed additives “Tetra+” and “Glimalask” in the diets of young pigs on fattening. The purpose of the work was to increase the productive and pork quality of young pigs on fattening due to the use of feed additives “Tetra+” and “Glimalask” in their diets. The research was carried out in the period from 2012 to 2019. The experimental part of the work took place under the conditions of the stud farm named after Lenin in the Surovikinsky district in the Volgograd region. The object of research was young pigs of Large White breed. The positive influence of feed additives on the digestibility and use of nutrients in diets, meat productivity and pork quality, physiological indicators and economic effectiveness of pork production has been proven. It has been found that the level of profi tability of pork production was higher in the experimental groups in comparison with the control group by 5,03 and 4,48 %, respectively. At the same time the highest effectiveness has been obtained from the animals of the 1st experimental group, which received the feed additive “Tetra+” in the diet, which allowed to increase the live weight gain by 6,74 %, the level of profitability by 5,03 %. Thus, the feed additive “Tetra+” was the most effective.

Органолептична оцінка м’яса різних генотипів свиней

The main indicators of the organoleptic assessment of muskulus longissimus dorsi of different genotypes of pigs in pure breeding, crossing and hybridization has been studies. Determination of indicators of organoleptic evaluation of muskulus longissimus dorsi was carried out by conventional methods. The materials of experimental studies were processed using methods of variation statistics. In pure-bred breeding for tenderness, color of muskulus longissimus dorsi in animals of the Landrass breed were characterized by the best indicators. Their advantage over their peers of the Large White breed was the following: in tenderness - 0.056 (group III, P>0.95)...0.044 kg/cm2, p. (IV group, P>0.99), in terms of color intensity - 5.0...9.2 extinction units, but no significant difference was found (P<0.95). Industrial crossing with the use of Landrass and Duroc boars made certain changes in the indicators of organoleptic assessment of the longissimus muscle dorsi. There was no significant difference in tenderness with the same «share of blood» for the Duroc and Landrass breeds. Crossbred animals of the indicated breeds of boars with a «blood share» ¾, compared with their peers with a «blood share» of ½, had more tender meat and the difference was 0.010 (Duroc breed, P>0.95) and 0.015 (Landrass breed, P>0.999). No significant differences between crossbred animals of different genotypes in color have been established. An increase in the «blood share» of the Duroc and Landrass breeds from ½ to ¾ contributed to an increase in the heterosis effect in tenderness by 1.5 (D)...2.3 % (L). In terms of color and boiling such a regularity was established in the descendants with a «share of blood» of the Duroc breed (1.4% and 2.4%, respectively). Hybrid animals obtained from the crossing of boars of the Poltava meat and Ukrainian meat breeds with the uterus of the large white breed had practically the same values in the tenderness of the longest muscle of the back. They also did not differ in the degree of boiling. Hybrid animals obtained from boars of the Ukrainian meat breed and raised in a specialized farm were characterized by a high value of the effect of heterosis in all indicators of organoleptic assessment, and those raised in a commercial economy were inferior to their peers with a «share of blood» of the Poltava meat breed in tenderness (by 0.4 %) and boiling (by 0.6 %).

Characterization of a haplotype-reference panel for genotyping by low-pass sequencing in Swiss Large White pigs

BackgroundThe key-ancestor approach has been frequently applied to prioritize individuals for whole-genome sequencing based on their marginal genetic contribution to current populations. Using this approach, we selected 70 key ancestors from two lines of the Swiss Large White breed that have been selected divergently for fertility and fattening traits and sequenced their genomes with short paired-end reads.ResultsUsing pedigree records, we estimated the effective population size of the dam and sire line to 72 and 44, respectively. In order to assess sequence variation in both lines, we sequenced the genomes of 70 boars at an average coverage of 16.69-fold. The boars explained 87.95 and 95.35% of the genetic diversity of the breeding populations of the dam and sire line, respectively. Reference-guided variant discovery using the GATK revealed 26,862,369 polymorphic sites. Principal component, admixture and fixation index (FST) analyses indicated considerable genetic differentiation between the lines. Genomic inbreeding quantified using runs of homozygosity was higher in the sire than dam line (0.28 vs 0.26). Using two complementary approaches, we detected 51 signatures of selection. However, only six signatures of selection overlapped between both lines. We used the sequenced haplotypes of the 70 key ancestors as a reference panel to call 22,618,811 genotypes in 175 pigs that had been sequenced at very low coverage (1.11-fold) using the GLIMPSE software. The genotype concordance, non-reference sensitivity and non-reference discrepancy between thus inferred and Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip-called genotypes was 97.60, 98.73 and 3.24%, respectively. The low-pass sequencing-derived genomic relationship coefficients were highly correlated (r > 0.99) with those obtained from microarray genotyping.ConclusionsWe assessed genetic diversity within and between two lines of the Swiss Large White pig breed. Our analyses revealed considerable differentiation, even though the split into two populations occurred only few generations ago. The sequenced haplotypes of the key ancestor animals enabled us to implement genotyping by low-pass sequencing which offers an intriguing cost-effective approach to increase the variant density over current array-based genotyping by more than 350-fold.

Psoroptic Mange in a Weaner Pig

Mange is a contagious skin disease affecting various groups of animals. Psoroptic mange is a severe skin condition of farm animals; it is highly contagious and is responsible for huge economic losses in many farm animals. Infestation with Psoroptes has been reported all over the world in various farm animals, but none has ever been reported in swine. A male weaner large white breed pig of age 3 months weighing 10kg was presented with skin lesions and areas of alopecia during a routine farm visit by the handlers. The alopecia was found around the thorax, abdomen and ear regions with severe pruritus, emaciation, wrinkling and thickening of the skin with heavy crust formation on abdomen and the ears, along with curling of the tongue with attending vocal loss noticed on close observations. A tentative diagnosis of mange was made with the following differential diagnosis: Allergic dermatitis, Bacterial dermatitis, Fly bite dermatitis, Hypovitaminosis. Further confirmatory diagnosis was done by collection of deep skin scrapping from which Psoroptes mites were demonstrated and a case of psoroptic mange diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of Psoroptic mange in pigs. The affected animal was treated using Ivermectin (1%) and Long acting Oxytetracycline (20%). This case may be the first case in which psoroptic mange was reported in pigs with effective ivermectin control. More work should be done on the prevalence and possible molecular characterization of Psoroptic mites on pigs across the globe to ascertain if there are other strains that can affect pigs.&#x0D; Key words: Psoroptes mite, Mange, Ivermectin, and Pigs

Level of phenotypic consolidation and correlation analysis of reproductive qualities of sows of different breeding value

The results of research activities of reproductive qualities of sows of different breeding value are given, the level of their phenotypic consolidation is determined and the correlation analysis is carried out. The study was conducted in agricultural formations of Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions (LLC “AF “Renaissance”, research farm of the Institute of Agriculture of the Northeast NAAS of Ukraine, LLC “Druzhba – Kaznacheyivka”), livestock laboratory of the State Institution Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine and livestock laboratory economy of the North-East of NAAS of Ukraine. The work was performed according to the research program of NAAS of Ukraine № 30 “Innovative technologies of breeding, industrial and organic production of pig products” (“Pig breeding”). The object of the study were sows of large white breed. Indicators of reproductive qualities of animals of the specified production group were investigated taking into account the following quantitative signs: multiplicity, head; milk yield, kg, number of piglets at weaning, head; nest weight at the time of weaning at the age of 28 days, kg, safety, %. The BLUP index (maternal line) was calculated on the basis of the Main Breeding Center for Pig Breeding (Institute of Pig Breeding and AIP NAAS of Ukraine) according to the general model of a single animal. The index of alignment (homogeneity) of the sow's nest by live weight of piglets at the time of their birth, the index of reproductive qualities of the sow and the coefficients of phenotypic consolidation of the main quantitative traits were calculated according to the methods of V. I. Khalak (2012), M. D. Berezovsky (quoted from A. Vashchenko, 2019) and Yu. P. Polupan (1996, 2005), respectively. Biometric processing of research results was performed according to the methods of G. F. Lakin (1990). It was found that the maximum indicators of fertility, milk yield, number of piglets and nest weight at the time of weaning at the age of 28 days are characterized by sows of group I, in which the index BLUP (maternal line) is 109.78–128.75, the index of reproductive qualities (CPI) – 101.43–161.72 points. The correlation coefficients between the characteristics of reproductive qualities and integrated indicators are reliable and range from + 0.648 ± 0.0492 (index BLUP (maternal line) × milk yield) to + 0.984 ± 0.0086 (index of reproductive qualities (IRQ) × nest weight per weaning time at the age of 28 days). A high level of phenotypic consolidation on the basis of reproductive qualities of sows was found in animals of group II by milk yield (K1 = 0.561, K2 = 0.499) and nest weight at the time of weaning at the age of 28 days (K1 = 0.521, K2 = 0.472), peers of group I – by multiplicity (K1 = 0.315, K2 = 0.410) and the number of piglets at weaning (K1 = 0.296, K2 = 0.397). The calculation of economic efficiency of sows of different breeding value shows that the maximum increase in additional products was obtained from sows of group I, in which the index BLUP (maternal line) is 109.78–128.75, the index of reproductive qualities (IRQ) – 101.43–161, 72 points – +13.08 %, and its value is +332.08 UAH/head. These indicators of evaluation indices are a criterion for selecting high-yielding sows of large white breeds of controlled herds.

Analysis of the stillborn piglet’s distribution in the Large White sows

The main aim of this paper was to estimate the piglet stillbirth incidence distribution in the Large White (LW) sows. The population used for the present study is from a pig farm managed by the Limited Liability Company (LLC) “Tavriys’ki svyni” located in Skadovsky district (Kherson region, Ukraine). The experimental materials used for this study consisted of 100 inds. of productive parent sows of the Large White breed. The estimation of reproductive performance was conducted for each animal included in this study. The total number of piglets born (TNB), number of stillborn piglets (NSB) and frequency of stillborn piglets (FSB) per litter were monitored in the first eight parities in the period of eleven years (2007–2017). The 800 farrowings averaged 11.3 piglets per litter. Of the 9037 piglets born, 7895 were live born and 1142 were stillborn. Stillborn pigs were observed in 63.3 ± 1.7 % of the litters and the pig stillbirth incidence was 12.6 ± 0.4 %. The percentage of pigs born dead in total pigs born, obtained in this study is within the range of rates (5 to 15 %) reported for commercial pig farms in other countries. The frequencies of litters with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 or more stillborn piglets were 27.1, 14.8, 10.6, 5.8 and 5.0 %, respectively. The frequency of litters with at least one stillborn piglet varied from 44 % (2nd parity) to 76 % (6th parity). Significant factor in the analysis for frequency of litters with at least one stillborn piglet was parity number in sow (Chi-squared test: χ2 = 51.35; df = 7; P &lt; 0.001). This frequency increased as parity number in sow increased (Pearson correlation coefficient: r = 0.929; P &lt; 0.01). We noted that the piglet stillbirth incidence in the LW sow’s litter took place already during the first farrowing for almost half of the sows (46%). In general, this distribution is well approximated by the exponential model equation (y = 73.567*exp(-0.551x); R2 = 97.09 %). The LW sows with stillborn piglets in four out of eight farrowings were the most reported. The value of the entropy of the traits NSB and FSB varied significantly among sows of different parities (Chi-squared test: in both cases P &lt; 0.001). At the same time, a significant increase in the entropy estimates for both traits from the 1st parity to the 8th parity was noted (Spearman's rank correlation: P &lt; 0.001…0.002).

Detection of copy number variation of alpha amylase genes in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa)

Copy numbers of alpha amylase genes (AMY), which encode starch-digesting enzymes, are markedly increased in modern humans and domesticated dogs as an adaptive evolutionary mechanism in response to increased consumption of starch-rich foods acquired either by farming or domestication. In this study, we surveyed total AMY gene copy numbers in 150 domestic pigs (50 pigs of Berkshire breed, 50 of Landrace breed, and 50 of Large White breed) and 51 wild boars (30 Sus scrofa leucomystax and 21 S. s. riukiuanus) to identify whether the gene copy number has changed during the domestication of pigs. The relative copy number of AMY genes was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and it varied from 2.7 to 10.8 per haploid genome among individuals. However, in the four remaining populations, excluding S. s. riukiuanus, the average copy number was approximately six, and no significant differences were observed between the three selected pig breeds and S. s. leucomystax wild boar. Conversely, S. s. riukiuanus had an average of 7.2 copies. The results indicating six AMY copies per haploid genome were consistent with the porcine genome reference sequence (Sscrofa11.1). These results suggest that there has been no significant increase in the AMY gene copy number during the domestication process of pigs.

Use of antibacterial drugs Ziprovet-Pulmo and Streppen LA in streptococcosis of piglets

The article presents the research results on the use of antibacterial drugs Ciprovet-pulmo and Streppen LA in Piglet streptococcosis. The experiment was conducted on piglets of a large white breed of the rearing group (aged 41 days) with clinical signs of streptococcosis. The diagnosis of associative streptococcosis was made comprehensively - based on epizootological data, clinical signs of the disease, pathoanatomic changes and laboratory studies of pigs pathological material (liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidneys, heart, lungs) using bacteriological method (isolation of the streptococcosis pathogen isolate Streptococcus suis). Inclusion in the treatment regimen of piglets of the first group of antibacterial drugs Ciprovet-pulmo and Streppen LA, contributed to the achievement of the maximum therapeutic effect on the 5th day (96 %). In the second group, where Amoxicillin-800 and Amoxisan were used, the maximum therapeutic effect (86 %) occurred on the 6th day.

Influence of Different Herbal-Mix Feed Additives on Serological Parameters, Tibia Bone Characteristics and Gut Morphology of Growing Pigs

Abstract A sixteen-week study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of different herbal-mix feed additives (Moringa, Basil and Neem) on serological parameters, tibia bone characteristics and gut morphology of growing pigs. Eighty-one Large White breed of pigs with a mean weight of 15.35 ± 1.07 were grouped on weight equalization basis into three treatments with 9 replicates per treatment and 3 pigs per replicate in a completely randomized design. Pigs on treatment 1 were fed a ration without integration of herbal-mix feed additives, those in treatments 2 and 3 were offered a diet that contained moringa-basil leaf meal and neem-basil leaf meal respectively. Blood samples were collected from the experimental pigs on the 12th week of the study for the determination of serum levels, while 1 pig from each replicate group whose weight was close to the mean replicate weight was chosen at the end of the study, fasted for 12 hours, sacrificed and the small intestine and left tibia bone were harvested and used for gut and bone morphology evaluation. These data generated from the study were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that herbal-mix feed additives influenced some of the serological parameters, i.e., globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins, and aspartate aminotransferase. These parameters decreased with integration of different herbal-mix in the pigs’ diets except high density lipoprotein that increased statistically. The tibia characteristics such as tibia breaking strength, medial thickness and lateral thickness were also positively impacted by the dietary inclusion of the herbal-mix. Likewise, the villus height of the jejunum was positively enhanced by dietary inclusion of the herbal-mix feed additives. This study concluded that herbal-mix feed additives can be utilized in pigs’ nutrition in enhancing some serological parameters, tibia bone and gut characteristics of growing pigs.