Polish Large White Research Articles

Comparison of Molecular Potential for Iron Transfer across the Placenta in Domestic Pigs with Varied Litter Sizes and Wild Boars.

Neonatal iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among domestic pigs but does not occur in the offspring of wild boar. The main causes of this disorder in piglets of modern pig breeds are paucity of hepatic iron stores, high birth weight, and rapid growth. Replenishment of fetal iron stores is a direct result of iron transfer efficiency across the placenta. In this study, we attempted to investigate the molecular potential of iron transfer across the placenta as a possible cause of differences between wild boar and Polish Large White (PLW) offspring. Furthermore, by analyzing placentas from PLW gilts that had litters of different sizes, we aimed to elucidate the impact of the number of fetuses on placental ability to transport iron. Using RNA sequencing, we examined the expression of iron-related genes in the placentas from wild boar and PLW gilts. We did not reveal significant differences in the expression of major iron transporters among all analyzed placentas. However, in wild boar placentas, we found higher expression of copper-dependent ferroxidases such as ceruloplasmin, zyklopen, and hephaestin, which facilitate iron export to the fetal circulation. We also determined a close co-localization of ceruloplasmin and zyklopen with ferroportin, the only iron exporter.

Impact of litter size on the hematological and iron status of gilts, sows and newborn piglets: a comparative study of domestic pigs and wild boars

BackgroundThe critically low hepatic iron stores of newborn piglets are considered to be a major cause of neonatal iron deficiency in modern breeds of domestic pig (Sus domestica). The main factor believed to contribute to this phenomenon is large litter size, which has been an objective of selective breeding of pigs for decades. As consequence, iron transferred from the pregnant sow has to be distributed among a greater number of fetuses.ResultsHere, we investigated whether litter size influences red blood cell (RBC) indices and iron parameters in Polish Large White (PLW) piglets and gilts. Small and large litters were produced by the transfer of different numbers of embryos, derived from the same superovulated donor females, to recipient gilts. Piglets from large litters obtained following routine artificial insemination were also examined. Our results clearly demonstrated that varying the number of piglets in a litter did not affect the RBC and iron status of 1-day-old piglets, with all showing iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, gilts with small litters displayed higher RBC and iron parameters compared to mothers with large litters. A comparative analysis of the RBC status of wild boars (having less than half as many piglets per litter as domestic pigs) and PLW pigs, demonstrated higher RBC count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value of both wild boar sows and piglets, even compared to small-litter PLW animals.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence that RBC and iron status in newborn PLW piglets are not primarily determined by litter size, and indicate the need to study the efficiency of iron transport across the placenta in domestic pig and wild boar females.

Pig production in Poland in the 20th century: History and future prospects.

The article is based on a comparative analysis of statistical data on the size and structure of pig herds in Poland in the period of 1930-1989. It focuses on the economic situation and agricultural policies after World War I and World War II and the problems due to war damage and the communist economic system imposed by the Soviet Union. Polish pig breeding was successful in the postwar periods in terms of the development of breeding material for noble pig breeds: Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Złotnicka White, Złotnicka spotted, and Puławska. This article shows the long-term prospects of pig breeding trends in Poland and their implications for present pig production. It also shows that Poland has unique opportunities and conditions for rebuilding and development of pig herds and can compete on the global market.

The Relationship between Complement Components C1R and C5 Gene Polymorphism and the Values of Blood Indices in Suckling Piglets.

The main mechanism of innate immunity is the complement system. Its components include the protein products of the C1R and C5 genes, which are involved in the classical activation pathway as well as the inflammatory and cytolytic immune responses, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism in C1R (726T > C) and C5 (1044A > C) genes, and the values of hematological and biochemical blood indices in suckling crossbred (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace × Duroc × Pietrain) piglets (n = 473), considering their age (younger, 21 ± 3 days, n = 274; older, 35 ± 3 days, n = 199) and health status. The frequencies of the C5 genotypes deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Younger piglets, healthy piglets, piglets that deviated from physiological norms and older piglets with the C1R TT genotype all had lower white and red blood cell indices. In piglets with the C5 CC genotype, younger piglets, piglets that deviated from physiological norms and older piglets, a greater number and/or percentage of monocytes were recorded in the blood. Older piglets also showed an increase in the number of leukocytes and granulocytes, along with a tendency for a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes in their blood. We concluded that a polymorphism in the C1R gene may exhibit a functional association or genetic linkage with other genes involved in the process of erythropoiesis. Furthermore the relationship between the C5 gene polymorphism and the number and/or percentage of monocytes in the blood may modify the body's defense abilities. Piglets with the CC genotype, having an increased number/proportion of these cells in their blood, probably display a weakened immune response to pathogens or a chronic stimulation of the immune system.

ZALEZNO ˙ S´ C MI ˛EDZY WYBRANYMI CECHAMI JAKO ´ SCIOWYMI WIEPRZOWEGO MI ˛E ´ SNIA ´ LONGISSIMUS A ZAWARTOSCI ˛A W NIM BIAŁEK ROZPUSZCZALNYCH W WODZIE

This study comprised 136 meat samples (m. longissimus lumborum) from 136 pork carcasses of six-month-old crossbred porkers derived from ♀ (Polish Large White×Polish Landrace)×♂ (Duroc×Pietrain), with an average carcass weight of 85.8 ± 8.5 kg, slaughtered on an industrial processing line. The pH1, pH24, pH48, WHC, colour parameters (L*, a*, b*), moisture content, crude protein, intramuscular fat, and water-soluble protein content were determined. Significantly high correlation coefficients between the proportion of water-soluble proteins in meat and crude protein and pH48, WHC, and lightness (L*) were recorded, with pH48 (measured in water extracts of meat) having the greatest effect on the proportion of water-soluble protein fractions in the meat and crude protein. In contrast, the basic chemical composition of the meat, i.e. moisture, crude protein, and intramuscular fat content, had no significant effect on the levels of water-soluble proteins. The results indicate that water-soluble proteins are a useful indicator of the quality of pork longissimus muscle.

The Effect of Glutamine as Feed Additive on Selected Parameters of the Nonspecific Immune Response in Pigs

The use of feed additives containing glutamine can influence the growth and development of piglets during the weaning period. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feed supplementation with 0.5% L-glutamine on selected parameters of the nonspecific immune response of pigs. The research was carried out on 60 pigs (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace), from 28 days of age to slaughter. The obtained results showed an increased percentage of phagocytic cells (monocytes and granulocytes) and oxygen blast cells in pigs between 28 and 70 days of age, proving that non-specific immune mechanisms were stimulated, which contributed to the improvement of the processes of antigen elimination from the body. The increase in the percentage of cells expressing SWC3, CD11b/CD18+, CD14+ and CD14+CD16+ molecules on granulocytes and monocytes during this period resulted in the enhancement of the host defense mechanisms by stimulating phagocytosis and enhancing the mechanisms of a non-specific immune response. The high concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β as well as Il-10 in the experimental group indicates the cellular phenotype of the Th1-type response, and the maintenance of the immune balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and ensuring the homeostasis of the organism.

The Effect of BSCL2 Gene on Fat Deposition Traits in Pigs.

BSCL2 encodes seipin, a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum protein associated with lipodystrophy and severe metabolic complications, including diabetes and hepatic steatosis. In pigs, BSCL2 expression increases during adipocyte differentiation. In the present study, we identified significant gene variants associated with fat deposition (FD)-related processes based on subcutaneous fat tissue RNA-seq data. In the association study, to prove our hypothesis, three Polish pig breeds were included: Złotnicka White (ZW, n = 72), Polish Landrace (PL, n = 201), and Polish Large White (PLW, n = 169). Based on variant calling analysis and χ2 tests, BSCL2 mutations showing significantly different genotype/allele distribution between high- and low-fat pigs were selected for a comprehensive association study. Four interesting BSCL2 variants (rs346079334, rs341493267, rs330154033, and rs81333153) belonging to downstream and missense mutations were investigated. Our study showed a significant decrease in minor allele frequency for two BSCL2 variants (rs346079334 and rs341493267) in PL pigs in 2020-2021. In ZW, BSCL2 mutations significantly affected loin and ham fats, meat redness, and growth performance traits, such as feed conversion and daily feed intake. Similar observations were noted for PLW and PL, where BSCL2 mutations influenced fat depositions and meat traits, such as loin eye area, loin mass and fat, carcass yield, and growth performance traits. Based on the observation in pigs, our study supports the theory that BSCL2 expressed in subcutaneous fat is involved in the FD process.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Native Pulawska and Three Commercial Pig Breeds Based on Microsatellite Markers.

Swine DNA profiling is highly important for animal identification and parentage verification and also increasingly important for meat traceability. This work aimed to analyze the genetic structure and genetic diversity in selected Polish pig breeds. The study used a set of 14 microsatellite (STR) markers recommended by ISAG for parentage verification in the native Puławska pig (PUL, n = 85) and three commercial pig breeds: Polish Large White (PLW, n = 74), Polish Landrace (PL, n = 85) and foreign breed Duroc (DUR, n = 84). Genetic differentiation among breeds accounted for 18% of the total genetic variability (AMOVA). Bayesian structure analysis (STRUCTURE) indicated that the four distinct genetic clusters obtained corresponded to the four breeds studied. The genetic Reynolds distances (Ɵw) showed a close relationship between PL and PLW breeds and the most distant for DUR and PUL pigs. The genetic differentiation values (FST) were lower between PL and PLW and higher between PUL and DUR. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) supported the classification of the populations into four clusters.

Variations in Fibrinogen-like 1 (FGL1) Gene Locus as a Genetic Marker Related to Fat Deposition Based on Pig Model and Liver RNA-Seq Data.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of mutations in the FGL1 gene associated with pig productive traits to enrich the genetic marker pool for further selection and to support the studies on FGL1 in the context of the fat deposition (FD) process. The variant calling and χ2 analyses of liver RNA-seq data were used to indicate genetic markers. FGL1 mutations were genotyped in the Złotnicka White (n = 72), Polish Large White (n = 208), Duroc (n = 72), Polish Landrace (PL) (n = 292), and Puławska (n = 178) pig breeds. An association study was performed using a general linear model (GLM) implemented in SAS® software. More than 50 crucial mutations were identified in the FGL1 gene. The association study showed a significant effect of the FGL1 on intramuscular fat (IMF), loin eye area, backfat thickness at the lumbar, ham mass (p = 0.0374), meat percentage (p = 0.0205), and loin fat (p = 0.0003). Alternate homozygotes and heterozygotes were found in the PL and Duroc, confirming the selective potential for these populations. Our study supports the theory that liver FGL1 is involved in the FD process. Moreover, since fat is the major determinant of flavor development in meat, the FGL1 rs340465447_A allele can be used as a target in pig selection focused on elevated fat levels.

Effect of the polymorphism of genes related to lactogenesis in pigs on colostrum and milk composition and on rearing performance of piglets

Abstract The aim of the study was a search for new polymorphisms in the genes related to lactogenesis, including lactose synthesis in colostrum and milk, and determine their relationship with the content of colostrum and milk components and body weight of the piglets. Colostrum and milk were sampled during the second lactation on d 1, 7, 14 and 21 from 112 sows of Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL). The piglets’ rearing performance was determined based on the number and body weight at 1, 7, 14 and 21 d of age. In the study six polymorphisms located in different genes were analysed. Among the six polymorphisms under analysis, those identified in the B4GALT1 genes had the most significant effect on colostrum and milk composition and the piglets’ body weight changes. Sows of the B4GALT1GG genotype, when compared to those of B4GALT1AA , produced colostrum and milk with a significantly lower lactose content and reared piglets with a substantially higher body weight (by 0.30 kg) at 21 d of age.

The Muscle Fibre Characteristics and the Meat Quality of m. longissimus thoracis from Polish Native Złotnicka Spotted Pigs and the Crossbreed Fatteners from the Crossing of Duroc and Polish Large White Boars

The aim of the investigations were to assess the meat raw material of the domestic Złotnicka Spotted swine breed as well as its hybrids with Duroc and Polish Large White breeds with respect to quality, technological usefulness, and muscle fibre composition and structure. The suitability of individual swine genetic groups (Złotnicka Spotted × Złotnicka Spotted, Złotnicka Spotted × Duroc, Złotnicka Spotted × Polish Large White, Złotnicka Spotted × Złotnicka Spotted/Duroc) for the production of heavy fatteners which can be used as slaughter raw material to manufacture raw and raw-ripening meat products was ascertained. Złotnicka Spotted pigs were characterised by a statistically significantly smaller proportion of IIB fibres and a higher share of I and IIA fibres in the longissimus thoracis muscle in comparison to the hybrids of this breed with Duroc and Polish Large White breeds. The diameter of all muscle fibre types in the longissimus thoracis muscle of the Złotnicka Spotted breed was greater than in hybrids. No statistically significant differences were found between the parameters of colour and the free drip and the water absorbability of the loin of the Złotnicka Spotted breed pigs and their hybrids with Duroc and Polish Large White breeds. The examined meat was characterised by a small free drip and good water absorbability. The hybrid pigs (Złotnicka Spotted × Duroc) were characterised by the highest content of intramuscular fat (IMF) in the longissimus thoracis muscle, which resulted in the lowest sheer force of roasted loin and the lowest thermal drip compared to other hybrids. Smoked, raw loin obtained from the longissimus thoracis muscle of the Złotnicka Spotted breed was found to be the most tender, whereas tenderness of the identical loin derived from the longissimus thoracis muscle of the Złotnicka Spotted bred hybrids with the Duroc and Polish Large White breeds was poorer. Due to the small headage of the Złotnicka Spotted breed, the appropriate numbers of fatteners of good meat quality parameters suitable to manufacture raw, ripening meat products can only be secured by the crossing of this breed with other meat breeds. Therefore, it appears that crossing the Złotnicka Spotted pigs with Duroc pigs would be a suitable solution.

Carcass Composition and Quality of Meat of Pulawska and Pulawska x PLW Crossbred Pigs Fed Rations with Naked Oats.

Simple SummaryDue to the presence of fibrous hulls, the use of traditional cultivars of oats (Avena sativa L.) in feed rations for pigs is restricted. The development of naked oat cultivars (Avena nuda L.) containing only about 2% of crude fibre allowed this cereal grain to be included in the diets of monogastric animals. The present studies evaluated the efficiency of a 60% inclusion of naked oats in rations fed to Pulawska pigs and Pulawska x Polish Large White (PLW) crossbreds on their performance results (weight gain, feed conversion), carcass composition and physical (pH, colour, WHC) and chemical (essential nutrients, fatty acids) characteristics of meat. It was demonstrated that a 60% inclusion of naked oats is recommended in the diets of Pulawska pigs and Pulawska x PLW crossbreds to maintain carcass composition and meat quality comparable to that of pigs fed with rations containing barley only. The performance indicators of Pulawska pigs declined, but their meat quality traits improved in terms of nutritional value, as the n-6/n-3 acids’ ratio was narrower than that of Pulawska x PLW.The study aimed to determine the impact of a 60% inclusion of naked oats in feed rations for Pulawska pigs and Pulawska x Polish Large White (PLW) crossbreds on the fattening performance, carcass composition, and meat quality. It was demonstrated that—independent from their diet—Pulawska pigs showed a daily weight gain about 14.5% lower (p ≤ 0.05), with about 15% higher feed conversion rate. The experimental factors showed no impact on the dressing percentage, meatiness, and backfat thickness, except that the “eye” of the loin was significantly smaller (by 4.55 cm2) in Pulawska pigs. There was no interaction effect (diet/breed) for the pigs’ performance results and carcass composition. A 60% inclusion of naked oats in the pigs’ diet did not affect the weight of primal cuts in the right-side half-carcass. Compared to Pulawska pigs, crossbreds featured a significantly lower weight of bacon and ribs (by 1.17 kg) but a higher (p ≤ 0.05) weight of fillet (by 1.0 kg) and ham with shin (by 0.43 kg). The diet had no impact on the evaluated muscles, except a reduction (by 2.3 points) in colour lightness (L) of musculus semimembranosus in fattening pigs receiving feed rations with a 60% share of oats. Both muscles in Pulawska pigs showed significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) water-holding capacity and reduced colour lightness (L) in comparison to crossbred pigs. Moreover, the longissimus lumborum muscle of Pulawska pigs had a higher chroma (C) and a lower hue (H). The contents of essential nutrients in the evaluated muscles did not depend on the pigs’ diet and breed, except that a higher by 0.3% (p ≤ 0.05) intramuscular fat content was found in the longissimus lumborum muscle of Pulawska pigs. Neither of the experimental factors showed significant impact on the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), or on neutral or hypocholesterolemic (DFA) and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (OFA) in the evaluated muscles. The muscles of Pulawska x PLW pigs contained more (by 1.77% FA in the longissimus lumborum and 1.16% in the semimembranosus) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the muscles of the Pulawska breed (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, naked oats included in the pigs’ diet increased (p ≤ 0.05) the share of PUFA in intramuscular fat. The muscles of Pulawska pigs, in comparison to the muscles of crossbreds, showed a significantly improved ratio: by 66% and 69% in the longissimus lumborum and the semimembranosus muscles, respectively. To sum up, a 60% inclusion of naked oats is recommended in the rations of both Pulawska pigs and Pulawska x PLW crossbreds, since it allows satisfactory carcass composition and meat quality to be maintained. Pulawska pigs had worse productivity ratios but showed improved meat quality traits in terms of the n-6/n-3 ratio.

The Effect of Feed Supplementation with EM Bokashi® Multimicrobial Probiotic Preparation on Selected Parameters of Sow Colostrum and Milk as Indicators of the Specific and Nonspecific Immune Response

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of EM Bokashi® on selected parameters of the specific and nonspecific immune response of sows by in colostrum and milk samples. The percentage of cells with expression of CD19+, CD5+CD19+, CD21+, SWC3a (macrophage/monocyte), and CD11b+ molecules on the monocytes and granulocytes as well as the concentrations of lysozyme and acute phase proteins — serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) were evaluated. The study was carried out on a commercial pig farm, including 150 sows (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace) at the age of 2–4 years. Sixty female sows were divided into two groups: I — control and II — experimental. For the experimental group, a probiotic in the form of the preparation EM Bokashi® in the amount of 10 kg/tonne of feed was added to the basal feed from mating to weaning. The material for the study consisted of colostrum and milk. The samples were collected from all sows at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h after parturition. The study showed that exposure of the pregnant sow to the probiotic microbes contained in EM Bokashi® significantly affects the immunological quality of the colostrum and milk and caused an increase in the percentage of the subpopulations of B cells with CD19+, CD21+, and CD5+CD19+ expression in the colostrum and milk, which demonstrates an increase in the protective potential of colostrum and indicates stimulation of humoral immune mechanisms that protect the sow and the piglets against infections.

Association Between ATP Citrate Lyase (ACLY) Gene Polymorphism and Fattening, Slaughter and Pork Quality Traits in Polish Pigs

Abstract The primary aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) gene polymorphism (c.*523 T>C) and fattening and pork quality traits. Investigations were carried out on 526 pigs represented by three breeds: Polish Landrace (n=269), Polish Large White (n=189) and Puławska (n=68). ACLY genotypes were determined by PCR–RFLP method. It was demonstrated that the analyzed polymorphism had significant influence (P<0.05 and P≤0.01) on several economically important traits in pigs, e.g. average daily gain, average backfat thickness, lean meat percentage. The results obtained allow for application of c.*523 T>C polymorphism in breeding programs to improve the pig population in terms of fattening and slaughter traits. However, this breeding program may have a slight negative effect on meat texture parameters.

The relationship between acidification (pH) and meat quality traits of polish white breed pigs

The paper presents the results of a study on the relationship between acidification (pH) and standard quality characteristics of the meat of Polish Large White × Polish Landrace pig crossbreds. The meat for the study was obtained from 184 F1 Polish Large White × Polish Landrace fatteners from a herd free of the stress-sensitivity gene. The obtained results were analysed in groups formed according to the meat’s measured pH45 values (≤ 6.3; 6.3–6.7; > 6.7) and pHu values (≤ 5.3; 5.3–5.6; > 5.6). Increasing measured pH45 values were paralleled by greater water-holding capacity and plasticity, lower drip loss, darker colour L* as assessed visually and with equipment, and greater content of muscle pigments (P < 0.01) of the evaluated meat. Higher pHu values had a more pronounced impact on WHC, free drip loss, tenderness, water content, and colour parameters: a*, b*, chroma C* (P < 0.01), and hue angle ho (P < 0.05). The obtained simple correlations between pH45 and pHu acidity and meat-quality characteristics indicate that the measured pH45 value was correlated more closely than ultimate acidification (P < 0.01) with visually assessed colour intensity, tactilely assessed meat hardness, colour lightness L* (P < 0.01), hue angle ho (P < 0.05), and muscle pigment content. On the other hand, pHu was more strongly correlated with water-holding capacity, drip loss, meat tenderness as well as water and protein content (P < 0.01).

Differentiating Pigs from Wild Boars Based on NR6A1 and MC1R Gene Polymorphisms

Simple SummaryWild boar meat is much more expensive than pork. Therefore, there are cases when pork is added to wild boar meat products, but this information is not included on the product label. Currently, there is no fully reliable method that would allow the identification of wild boar and domestic swine products. In this study, we tested the possibility of distinguishing two subspecies using polymorphisms within the MC1R and NR6A1 genes. For this purpose, we used two techniques commonly used in molecular biology, PCR-RFLP and Real-time PCR.This preliminary study aimed to differentiate domestic pigs from wild boars based on MC1R and NR6A1 polymorphisms and to identify admixture between these genomes. We studied samples obtained from wild boars from two regions of Poland and five pig breeds: Polish Landrace, Polish Large White, Złotnicka White, Pulawska and Duroc. Along the MC1R gene sequence, we identified four polymorphic loci comprising three codons. The “wild type” allele was primarily found in wild boar but also in the Duroc and Złotnicka White breeds. Non-wild type alleles were identified in the vast majority of domestic pig samples and in two wild boar samples. Based on MC1R profiles, we conducted a population study, and revealed admixture between both genomes using STRUCTURE and NETWORK Software. Interestingly, an allelic discrimination assay with NR6A1 g.748C > T TaqMan probes revealed a clear separation of samples into two groups: wild boar samples representing the C allele and domestic breeds representing the T allele. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that NR6A1 g.748C > T is an effective marker for differentiating between wild boars and domestic pigs, where this is supported by MC1R data, to identify admixed profiles. We recommend that a larger sample of genomes is studied to verify this method.

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.

Molecular Characterisation of Uterine Endometrial Proteins during Early Stages of Pregnancy in Pigs by MALDI TOF/TOF.

The molecular mechanism underlying embryonic implantation is vital to understand the correct communications between endometrium and developing conceptus during early stages of pregnancy. This study’s objective was to determine molecular changes in the uterine endometrial proteome during the preimplantation and peri-implantation between 9 days (9D), 12 days (12D), and 16 days (16D) of pregnant Polish Large White (PLW) gilts. 2DE-MALDI-TOF/TOF and ClueGOTM approaches were employed to analyse the biological networks and molecular changes in porcine endometrial proteome during maternal recognition of pregnancy. A total of sixteen differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using 2-DE gels and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Comparison between 9D and 12D of pregnancy identified APOA1, CAPZB, LDHB, CCT5, ANXA4, CFB, TTR upregulated DEPs, and ANXA5, SMS downregulated DEPs. Comparison between 9D and 16D of pregnancy identified HP, APOA1, ACTB, CCT5, ANXA4, CFB upregulated DEPs and ANXA5, SMS, LDHB, ACTR3, HP, ENO3, OAT downregulated DEPs. However, a comparison between 12D and 16D of pregnancy identified HP, ACTB upregulated DEPs, and CRYM, ANXA4, ANXA5, CAPZB, LDHB, ACTR3, CCT5, ENO3, OAT, TTR down-regulated DEPs. Outcomes of this study revealed key proteins and their interactions with metabolic pathways involved in the recognition and establishment of early pregnancy in PLW gilts.

Jakość mięsa tuczników mieszańców z różnym udziałem ras pietrain i duroc skupowanych w klasach E i U systemu Europ

This study comprised 160 meat samples (m. longissimus lumborum) from 160 abattoir carcasses of pigs representing 4 groups of crossbreeds: group I – ♀ (Deutsche Landschwein × Deutsche Edelschwein) × ♂ (Pietrain), group II – ♀ (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace) × ♂ (Duroc × Pietrain), group III – ♀ (Polish Landrace) × ♂ (Duroc × Pietrain), group IV – ♀ (Landrace × Yorkshire) × ♂ (Duroc). Each group consisted of 40 carcasses (20 of which were each class E and U). After slaughter, hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, longissimus lumborum muscle thickness, and the percentage of meat in the carcass (Sydel CGM) were determined on the processing line, and after 48 hours in the laboratory – the colour characteristics of the meat (lightness – L*, redness – a*, yellowness – b*, chroma – C*, and hue angle – h°), water holding capacity (WHC), pH48, and the percentage of dry matter, total protein, fat, and ash. The highest a*, b* and C*, the lowest pH48, and the highest level of dry matter were found in meat from group I (50% Pietrain pigs). The lowest L*, lowest WHC, and the highest pH48 were found in meat from group IV (50% Duroc pigs). No significant differences were found between E and U classes in L*, h°, WHC, pH48, nor in the percentage of dry matter, total protein, fat, or ash in meat. In conclusion, meat quality characteristics were mainly significantly influenced by the type of commercial cross-breeding, and the influence of the class of carcass was mostly insignificant.

Microsatellite DNA Analysis for Diversity Study, Individual Identification and Parentage Control in Pig Breeds in Poland.

Swine DNA profiling is of high importance for animal identification and parentage verification. The aim of this study was to test a set of 14 microsatellite (STR) markers recommended by ISAG for parentage verification in Polish Landrace (PL, n = 900), Polish Large White (PLW, n = 482), Pulawska (PUL, n = 127), and Duroc pigs (DU n = 108). The studied breeds showed a medium level of genetic differentiation. The average value of heterozygosity and degree of polymorphism (PIC) were above 0.5 for the studied breeds, except for the DU breed (PIC = 0.477). The population inbreeding coefficient indicates an absence of inbreeding in the studied breeds (an average value of FIS = 0.007). The cumulative power of discrimination for all breeds reached high values close to 1.0, while the probability of identity (PID) was low, with PID values ranging between 10−9 (for DU) and 10−12 (for PLW). The cumulative exclusion probability for PE1 and PE2 showed that the parentage can be confirmed with a probability of from 92.75% to 99.01% and from 99.49% to 99.97%, respectively.