Large White Yorkshire Pigs Research Articles

Effect of stress mitigation measures on the aggressive behaviour and body weight loss of Large White Yorkshire crossbred pigs during transportation

This study examined the impact of stress mitigation measures on the live body weight loss and skin lesion scores of Large White Yorkshire pigs after a 200 km transportation by road. Twenty-four LWY pigs were randomly allotted into four groups of six each: control group (T1 ), pigs injected with vitamin E and selenium (T2 ), pigs administered hydrogen rich water (T3 ), and pigs exposed to monochromatic blue light (T4 ). Hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in the highest live body weight loss, while exposure to monochromatic blue light (T4 ) induced the lowest. Shrinkage during transport mirrored the live body weight loss trend. Significant differences emerged in skin lesion scores, notably in the hindquarter and tail regions. Monochromatic blue light exposure (T4 ) correlated with reduced aggressive behaviour, evidenced by lower hindquarter skin lesion scores. Conversely, hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in higher tail region skin lesion scores. The findings suggest that exposure to monochromatic blue light may have a calming effect during transport and can be recommended as a stress mitigation strategy to enhance overall animal welfare during transportation Keywords: Transportation stress, body weight loss, shrinkage, aggressive behaviour

Comparative Anatomical Studies of Adrenal Glands in Large White Yorkshire Pigs Reared at Low and High Altitudes in Kerala

The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in the body's homeostasis and during the stress response. However, less attention was given to the structural variation of the adrenal glands in pigs reared at different altitudes. Hence, the present study was conducted to correlate structural variation in the adrenal glands in 24 ten-month-old Large White Yorkshire pigs of either sex reared at low-altitude and high-altitude regions of Kerala, India. Microscopically, the adrenal gland presented the three typical concentric cortical zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, zona reticularis, and a central medulla. The arrangement pattern of cells of the zona glomerulosa resembled the arcs; zona fasciculata, similar to cords separated by intervening trabeculae; and zone reticularis, like irregularly anastomosing cords. Two types of cells were present in the medulla: large, granular, intensely-stained cells towards the periphery and small polyhedral cells towards the centre of the medulla. Chromaffin was identified in the medulla, while undifferentiated cells were identified within the capsule, subcapsular zone, the transitional zone between zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata, and even medulla. Zona fasciculata formed the largest zone of the adrenal cortex, and its thickness was significantly higher in the low-altitude male and female groups than in the corresponding high-altitude groups, which was correlated to serum cortisol levels. The comparative micrometrical data revealed a larger zona fasciculata in the low-altitude male and female groups than in the corresponding high-altitude groups, indicating variation between the groups.

Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) - A Statistical Tool for Body Weight and Age Calculation in Large White Yorkshire Pigs

This study provides crucial insights into the growth performance of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs in the North-Eastern Agro-Climatic Zone of Tamil Nadu, which is essential for optimizing breeding and management practices. Growth performance data were collected over six years at the Pig Breeding Unit, Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (PGRIAS), Kattupakkam. Information on pedigree, sex, growth performance, and disposal weights from 2011 to 2016 was utilized for this study. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to determine the Absolute Growth Rate (AGR). The overall AGR measures for the age intervals from birth to 56 days, 56 to 120 days, 120 to 180 days, and 180 to 240 days were 118.77 ± 0.75 g/day, 268.80 ± 2.24 g/day, 270.93 ± 2.75 g/day, and 385.98 ± 7.19 g/day, respectively. The maximum AGR (412.57 ± 9.92 g/day) was found during the post-weaning growth period, while the minimum AGR (114.87 ± 1.73 g/day) occurred during the pre-weaning growth period. These insights can lead to better resource allocation, improved animal welfare, and increased economic returns in pig farming.

Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Indigenous Pigs Causes Enhanced Expression of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Over Exotic Pigs

Background: Selective breeding in pigs based on a higher potential of disease resistance can be achieved by studying the association between immune responsiveness and susceptibility to infectious diseases. The early immune responsiveness of pigs assessed in a quantifiable scale for different determinant cytokine genes’ expression involved in regulation of immune response can be a major determinant for evaluating the immune responsiveness. Methods: In this study, we carried out the quantitative relative expression of candidate cytokine genes [Interleukin-1 beta-(IL1b), IL6, IL10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) gene expression in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Zovawk (indigenous) and Large White Yorkshire (LWY-exotic) pig breeds using real-time PCR to understand the differences in swift immune responsiveness against gram-negative bacteria. Results: Zovawk PBMCs’ pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1b and IL6 expression increased rapidly with LPS stimulation up to 12 h, being significantly higher as early as 4 h compared to that of the LWY PBMCs. In Zovawk pigs, the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes’ expression was found to be quick and high; whereas, in LWY pigs the response was slow and low. Interestingly, the expression of IL10 was not detected in LPS-stimulated PBMCs of Zovawk pigs indicating that the remarkably higher expressions of IL6 and IL1b in response to LPS are within the threshold of the Zovawk pigs which have evolved through generations. Our findings clearly indicate the sturdy and early immune responsiveness of indigenous pigs against gram-negative bacteria over the exotic pigs.

Effect of Home-made Cooked Feed vs. Balanced Feed on Growth Performance and Benefit-Cost Ratio of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire Piglets Reared under Intensive System in Sundarban Area of West Bengal, India

Aims: The present study was carried out to analyze the growth performance and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets reared under intensive housing by providing home-made cooked feeds and balanced feed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for a period of four months in Sundarban area of West Bengal, India. Methodology: A total of 12 (six males and six females) piglets of each grower weaned Ghungroo and LWY piglets were randomly selected. For control group, commercially available grower pig ration were offered and for treatment group, locally available cooked feeds were offered. The body weight (kg) measurements of both the groups were taken every month from 2 to 6 months of age. Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was calculated. Results: The body weights obtained in groups fed with locally available cooked feeds and that of balanced ration are significantly different (P<0.05) to each other. The body weight of both Ghungroo and Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets in treatment group was significantly (P<0.05) less than that of the control group from 3 to 6 months of age. LWY piglets had significantly (P˂0.05) higher body weight than Ghungroo piglets in both control and treatment groups. The BCR of LWY pigs was more when compared to that of Ghungroo pigs in both control and treatment groups. It was also observed that BCR for both Ghungroo and LWY piglets was more in control groups in comparison with treatment groups. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that attainment of feasible body weight was not possible by only feeding locally available cooked feeds to Ghungroo and LWY piglets and so, piglets should be offered balanced ration for a profitable pig farming.

Entrepreneurship potential of pork production under intensive system of management

A study was conducted on profitable rearing of Large White Yorkshire breed of pigs for the purpose of meat, in Puducherry, a union territory in Southern India with predominately hot and humid climate. A total of four pigs were reared for a period of 90 days in the pig sty unit of the Livestock Farm Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, (RIVER) Puducherry. During the study period, the average body weight gain was 40 kg. The live weights of the four pigs were (i) 50.4 kg (ii) 53 kg (iii) 44 kg (iv) 55 kg. The cumulative feed conversion ratio recorded was 3.165. An average dressing percentage of 71.44% was obtained from the slaughter of the pigs. The data obtained in the current study may be useful as reference values for the scientific pork production as potential entrepreneurship opportunity, as this is the first study of its kind in Large White Yorkshire pig.

Evaluation of encapsulated probiotics containing Pediococcus and Lactobacillus strains on nutrient digestibility of pig finisher ration

A nutrient digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding encapsulated probiotics on the nutrient digestibility of pig finisher ration. A total of eighteen Large White Yorkshire pigs were randomly assigned into three treatment groups having three replicates with two piglets per replicate. Encapsulation of probiotics (1x1011CFU/ml) was done by extrusion process using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. The encapsulated probiotics Pediococcus acidilactici (NCIM 5721) and Lactobacillus plantarum (NCIM 2374) were given separately mixed with fermented maize for T2 and T3 group pigs, respectively, and supplemented from 42nd day of its age and pigs in the control group (T1) received only fermented maize. The pigs in all groups were fed with pig grower and finisher ration as per ICAR (2013) recommendations. One pig from each group was selected randomly for a nutrient digestibility trial at the 213th day of its age using Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an external marker mixed at 5 g/kg of feed and fed for six days. On day six, faecal content was collected and Titanium dioxide was estimated. The results revealed supplementation of encapsulated probiotics showed a significant (P<0.01) increase in dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre, crude protein and organic matter digestibility in encapsulated probiotic supplemented group pigs compared to the control. Further, it was concluded that encapsulated L. plantarum (NCIM 2374) supplemented T3 group showed better digestibility of nutrients than encapsulated P. acidilactici (NCIM 5721) (T2) group animals.

"Comparative Study Targeting Differentially Expressed Genes Related to Metabolic Response, Skeletal System and Body Growth in Postnatal Fat Tissue of Adult Large White Yorkshire and Non-Descript Pig Breed of Punjab"

"Comparative Study Targeting Differentially Expressed Genes Related to Metabolic Response, Skeletal System and Body Growth in Postnatal Fat Tissue of Adult Large White Yorkshire and Non-Descript Pig Breed of Punjab"

Histomorphological studies on the testicular capsule of crossbred Large White Yorkshire boars (Sus scrofa domesticus)

The present study was conducted on the testes of six healthy adult Large White Yorkshire pigs. Parenchyma of testes of adult boars was surrounded by a thick fibrous testicular capsule composed of inner tunica vasculosa, middle tunica albuginea, and outer visceral layer of tunica vaginalis. Tunica vasculosa was prominent and characterised by loose connective tissue contained numerous blood vessels. Tunica albuginea was composed of irregular connective tissues madeup of collagen, elastin and reticular fibres. Visceral layer of tunica vaginalis was found as outer thin layer of testicular capsule comprised of mesothelium and connective tissue layer. Connective tissue layer was blended with underlying connective tissues of tunica albuginea.

Effect of Fermented Liquid Feed (FLF) on Performance and Feed Efficiency of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) Pigs under Tropical Climate of North-East India

Background: Feeding of fermented feed is not popular among the pig farmers inspite of manifold advantages as preparation is laborious, involves technical knowledge requiring considerable time. An attempt was made to standardise a preparation method of FLF and comparative assessment was made with dry and liquid feed in LWY pigs. Methods: Twenty-four weaned LWY piglets (11.45±2.42 to 11.46±2.37 kg) were assigned - dry feed (T1), Liquid feed (T2), liquid feed fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (T3) and liquid feed fermented with Enterococcus faecium (T4) in a 180 days feeding trial. Liquid feed was prepared by mixing feed and water at 1:2 (w/w) and the FLFs were prepared by fermenting liquid feed with Lactobacillus acidophilus for T3 and Enterococcus faecium for T4. Pigs were fed individually ad libitum considering each piglet as replicate. Nutrient digestibility was estimated at 18th and 30th week of age conducting two feeding trials. Carcass traits and sensory quality of pork were evaluated by slaughtering 3 pigs from each treatment at the end of trial. Result: No significant effect (P greater than 0.05) of FLFs was observed in feed intake in the growing phase, but it was significantly high in T3 and T4 in the finishing phase. Significantly (P less than 0.05) high body weight gain with improvement of 17.76% in T3 and 17.71% in T4 were recorded. Apparent nutrient digestibility was better in T3 and T4 and crude protein digestibility was significantly (P less than 0.05) high in T3 in finishing phase. Significantly improved feed efficiency was recorded for T3 and T4. The feeding cost/kg body weight gain was Rs. 128.36, 120.43, 112.87 and 115.51, respectively for T1, T2, T3 and T4. Significantly high dressing% and carcass length with positive effect on water holding capacity were observed for feeding FLFs, but without any significant effect on proximate composition and sensory attributes of pork.

An Animal Model to Visualize Differential Expression of Genes Related to Metabolic Process and Immune Reaction between Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and Indigenous Pigs of Punjab

An Animal Model to Visualize Differential Expression of Genes Related to Metabolic Process and Immune Reaction between Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and Indigenous Pigs of Punjab

Genetic evaluation of growth and reproductive performances of crossbred pigs reared under intensive system in tropical humid coastal climate.

Pig farming is one of the most economically viable options for the rural backward and resource-poor farmers in Asian countries. Growth rate and litter size are the most important traits based on which the crossbreeding programs are typically planned in commercial pig farming. The modern system of farming with high yielding improved pig germplasm helps in economic growth in piggery enterprises. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of various genetic and non-genetic factors on growth and reproductive performances of 75% crossbred progenies of Large White Yorkshire and indigenous Agonda Goan pigs. Body weights were recorded at birth, weaning, and at monthly intervals up to 10 months of age. Reproductive performances were also recorded for litter size and weights at birth and weaning stages, age at first farrowing, number of services per conception, farrowing interval, and pre-weaning mortality. The general linear model was used to estimate overall least square means of body weights at different ages considering the effects of different factors at certain levels viz., generation (i = first, second, third, fourth), sex (j = male, female), litter size at birth (k = 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, ≥10), parity (l = 1, 2, ≥3), season (m = summer, rainy, spring), and period of birth (n = 2012-2015, 2016-2019). The heritability and genetic correlations for different traits were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method using WOMBAT software. The re(production) parameters were analyzed to assess the genetic improvement in successive generations. There was significant difference (p < 0.01) in body weights among different generations where animals belonging to latest generation showed maximum body weights indicating ideal selective breeding in the herd. Other fixed effects also had significant effects on growth performance which clearly signifies to the crucial influence of rearing environment and animal factors like parity of dams as well as litter size at birth. The overall birth weight, weaning weight, and weight at 10 months of age were 1.00 ± 0.01 kg, 7.57 ± 0.07 kg, and 81.58 ± 1.96 kg, respectively. Nevertheless, weaning weight and weight at marketing age (8 months) were 8.04 ± 0.27 kg and 75.48 ± 1.40 kg, respectively, in fourth generation, indicating higher post-weaning growth rate of 337.20 g/day. During this fourth generation, mean litter size at birth was 8.35 ± 0.43 and litter size at weaning was 7.79 ± 0.39 with lowest percentage of pre-weaning mortality (4.11 ± 1.51). The average age at first farrowing and farrowing interval was 293 ± 17.24 and 195 ± 4.78 days, respectively. There was apparently greater genetic gain in each generation except for the second generation which might be due to the environment and managemental issues that hindered reproductive performance traits and body growth. The heritability estimate for weaning weight was 0.45 and higher heritability values were observed for all the body weights except weight at third month. Genetic as well as phenotypic correlations were moderate to high among the growth traits. The heritability and genetic correlations at birth and weaning indicate the reliability of selection at an early age. The findings indicated that there is scope for improvement through genetic selection in later generations and the 75% crossbred pigs thrived well in the prevailing hot and humid tropical coastal climate. The improved germplasm could satisfy the farmers' need in a commercial venture with high economic return.

Effect of microclimatic variables in different flooring systems of pig sty

The influence of the flooring pattern on the thermal comfort of Large White Yorkshire weaned pigs was investigated in three different flooring systems. Three different flooring systems in conventional pig farming viz., solid concrete floor (T1), raised slatted concrete floor (T2) and raised slatted polypropylene floor (T3) formed the experimental housing design and three sty of equal sizes measuring 3.50 m x 2.90 m were taken. Pigs in the different housing systems are maintained in standard floor space of 0.8-1.0 m2 with similar feeding practices and management conditions. Under each treatment, 10 numbers (5 males and 5 females in each treatment) of weaned large white Yorkshire pigs are allotted with average body weight of 16.50±0.50 kg respectively. Microclimatic variables include air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity were recorded daily and statistically there was significantly (P

Genetic Evaluation of Pre-weaning Mortality in Large White Yorkshire Pigs Using Threshold and Linear Models in Hot and Humid Conditions of South India

Background: Large White Yorkshire (LWY) breed has been extensively used for crossbreeding in India. Genetic evaluation of pre-weaning mortality (PWM) in LWY pigs maintained at Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu was done to understand adaptability of the breed to tropical conditions. Methodology: Pre-weaning mortality was recorded as a binomial trait, for which threshold models have been found to be appropriate. (Co)Variance components for random sources of variation including direct genetic, maternal genetic, maternal permanent environmental and common litter were estimated using linear and threshold models.Factors including inbreeding of the individual animal affecting the trait were included as fixed effects in the mixed models used. Conclusion: The pre-weaning mortality of LWY pigs was comparatively lower indicating better adaptability of the breed. Inbreeding levels above 6 per cent were found to increase PWM. Common litter had significant influence on the genetic parameter estimates. Estimates obtained using threshold model were higher than those obtained by linear models. Threshold models provided solutions for complex models, which had convergence problems with the linear, REML method of estimation. Heritability estimates for PWM obtained through this study could be useful in formulation of breeding plan for LWY pigs in the country.

Histochemical studies on cerebral and cerebellar cortices of pig (Sus scrofa)

The histochemical aspects of cerebral and cerebellar cortices were studied in Large White Yorkshire cross-bred pigs at different age groups. The neuronal cells and neuropil of cerebral neocortex, the neuropil and Purkinje cell layer of cerebellar cortex showed positive for PAS, Alkaline phosphatase and Acid phosphatase activities in all age groups of pigs. However the PAS, Alkaline phosphatase and Acid phosphatase activity was stronger in finisher age group. Negative Alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices of preweaner age group. The amount of fat deposition in cerebral and cerebellar cortices was more in the finisher age group when compared to preweaner pigs.

Histological, Micrometrical and Histochemical Studies on the Testes of Large White Yorkshire Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

The study has been conducted on the testes of 10 adult Large White Yorkshire pig (1.5-2) years of age. The testis was surrounded by a capsule made up of dense irregular connective tissue comprising three layers viz., outer visceral layer of tunica vaginalis, middle tunica albugenia and inner tunica vasculosa. The connective tissue trabeculae were extended from the capsule and divided the parenchyma of the testis into number of lobules and consisted of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers along with rete testis and blood vessels. The Periodic Acid–Schiff shows strong affinity in basement membrane of seminiferous tubules and tunica albuginea with a moderate activity in Leydig cells. The Alcian blue shows strong affinity in basement membrane of seminiferous tubule and weak activity was observed in tunica albuginea and interstitial tissue. The different histomorphometrical parameters with regard to thickness of testicular capsule, diameter and height of seminiferous tubules were found to be higher in the left testicle.

Effect of replacement of maize by animal-fat on growth and feed conversion efficiency in large white Yorkshire pigs

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of replacement of maize by animal-fat on the growth and feed conversion efficiency in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Thirty weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups and allotted to the three dietary treatments [control ration (as per NRC, 1998), 50% maize of control ration replaced by animal-fat and 100% maize of control ration replaced by animal-fat] and maintained for 70 days. The daily feed intake and fortnightly body weight were recorded and average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency calculated. The average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were found to be 813.0, 769.8, 678.4 g and 2.80, 2.88, 3.08, respectively, for the three respective treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the performance of pigs belonging to control ration group and the group fed with 50% maize of control ration replaced by animal-fat, but 50% replacement had higher average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency than the group fed with 100% maize of control ration replaced by animal-fat. The study revealed that the pigs fed diet having 50% maize replaced by animal-fat performed in a similar way to that of control fed group and was better than those pigs fed diet with 100% replacement of maize by animal-fat.

Mucohaemorrhagic Enteritis Caused by Mixed Parasitic Infection in a Large White Yorkshire Pig

Mucohaemorrhagic Enteritis Caused by Mixed Parasitic Infection in a Large White Yorkshire Pig

Effect of animal-fat supplementation to the diet of large white Yorkshire pigs on energy utilization

Effect of animal-fat supplementation to the diet of large white Yorkshire pigs on energy utilization

Effect of Energy Levels in the Diet of Large White Yorkshire Pigs on Growth and Feed Intake Pattern

Effect of Energy Levels in the Diet of Large White Yorkshire Pigs on Growth and Feed Intake Pattern