Pietrain Breed Research Articles

Influence of the hormonal background on the morphological replacement piglets

The puberty period in pigs depends on the functional activity of the endocrine system, which has an effect on the blood through the connective tissue. It has been established that steroid and thyroid hormones regulate the processes of metabolism and proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of cells. The aim of the research was to establish the peculiarities of formation of the morphological composition of blood under the influence of steroid and thyroid hormones in the process of puberty in different directions of productivity in the pigs. Experiments were performed on two groups of clinically healthy pigs of Pietrain breed and Large White breed. To assess the hormonal and morphological blood was taken from pigs from the anterior hollow vein in the 4-, 5-.6-, 7-month-old age (when their live weight reaches 100 kg). The predominance of hemoglobin content and the amount of erythrocytes in the blood of piglets of Pietrain breed over a Large White breed on the 120–150th day of development (P < 0.05) was observed, against the background of the general decrease in leukocytes in pigs of both breeds at the age of 5 months with the next gradual increase. The age-related changes in the leukocyte formula were directly related to the direction of animal productivity. In the Large White breed, from the beginning of the experiment, there was an increase in the number of rodenuclear neutrophils to 210-day-olds, followed by a sharp decreasing on 36.4%. In Pietrain breed, the level of the rodenuclear neutrophils decreased on 28.6% (P < 0.01) at the age of 5 months, followed by a sharp increasing over the coming months. From the 5th to the 7th months of the development of animals, the concentration of estradiol decreased in the first genotype 2 times (P < 0.05); in the second genotype – 1.9 times (P < 0.01). The content of thyroxine and triiodothyronine increased in the blood serum in Pietrain breed pigs (P < 0.01) and Large White breed (P < 0.001) in the period from 120th to 180th day of development. It was found that the amount of progesterone in Large White breed was higher relatively to Pietrain breed in all investigated periods. The content of estradiol in pigs of both breeds from the 120th and the 150th day of development tended to decrease – by 2.8 times (P < 0.001) in Large White breed, 1.4 times (P < 0.05) in Pietrain breed, and testosterone increases, respectively, 2.1 (P < 0.05) and 1.9 (P < 0.05) times. The significant influence of progesterone on the number of lymphocytes and common leukocytes in Pietrain breed pigs was established. The level of estradiol significantly influenced the number of granulocytes in Pietrain breed pigs at the age of 5 months (r = 0.92 ... 0.99), and in animals of Large White breed the maximum correlation level was observed at the achievement of the 150th (r = 0.61) and 180 days of development (r = 0.94).

Association of miR-208b polymorphism with meat quality traits and texture parameters in pigs

Previous studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs328743478) located downstream of pre-miR-208b in MYH7 gene is correlated with fibre number composition and drip loss in pigs. Because fibre characteristics are linked to meat quality, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between rs328743478 polymorphism and meat quality and texture parameters. The study utilised 578 pigs belonging to Polish Landrace, Polish Large White, Puławska, Pietrain, Duroc, and Hampshire breeds. Association study was performed for the first three breeds separately and for all six breeds joined together. Obtained results showed a significant influence (P ≤ 0.05) of miR-208b genotypes on water holding capacity (WHC) in the whole population and individual breeds and on intramuscular fat content (IMF) and luminosity in the whole population as well as in Landrace and Puławska breeds, respectively. By analysing texture parameters, we found association (P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01) between rs328743478 polymorphism and toughness, firmness, and chewiness measured in m. semimembranosus and m. longissimus lumborum. The highest values of these traits in m. semimembranosus were noticed for AA genotype, however in m. longissimus lumborum for GG in the whole population and some individual breeds. It was found that miR-208b genotypes were also associated with cohesiveness (P ≤ 0.01), springiness, and hardness (P ≤ 0.05) but obtained results were not consistent among breeds and the whole population. The obtained results confirm that miR-208b polymorphism is associated with some economically important traits in pigs.

Effect of dietary fiber content on nutrient digestibility and fecal microbiota composition in growing-finishing pigs.

Microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in health and nutrient digestion. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationships between microbiota and apparent digestibility coefficients with respect to age and diet. Pigs from Large-White, Duroc or Pietrain breeds were raised under the same housing conditions and fed alternately a low-fiber (LF) and a high-fiber diet (HF) during 4 successive 3-week periods. Data collection for digestibility measurements was achieved during the last week of each period. At the end of each period, fecal microbiota was collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The microbiota remained stable across periods whereas digestibility of energy, crude proteins and cell wall components increased. The microbiota was resilient to diet effect and pigs fed the LF diet were discriminated to those fed the HF diet using 31 predicting OTUs with a mean classification error-rate of 3.9%. Clostridiaceae and Turicibacter were negatively correlated whereas Lactobacillus was positively correlated with protein and energy digestibility coefficients in the LF group. In addition, Lachnospiraceae and Prevotella were negatively correlated with cell wall component digestibility. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between microbiota composition and digestibility coefficients when pigs were fed the HF diet. Interestingly, it was also no longer possible to distinguish animals from different breeds once the animals were fed a HF diet, so that the microbiota could only trace the breed origin in the first period and in the LF group. In our experimental conditions, 3 weeks of adaptation to a new diet seems to be sufficient to observe resilience in growing pigs’ microbiota. We demonstrated that fecal microbiota can be used to classify pigs according to their dietary treatment. Some bacteria are favorable or unfavorable to digestibility. This suggests that manipulations of bacterial populations can improve digestibility and feed efficiency.

Effect of frame rate capture frequency on sperm kinematic parameters and subpopulation structure definition in boars, analysed with a CASA-Mot system.

Motility is the most widely used indicator of sperm quality. Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) allows the objective evaluation of sperm motility parameters. CASA technology is a common tool to predict semen doses in farm animal reproduction. The kinds of video cameras used until now for image acquisition have presented limited frame rates (FR), which have a negative influence on the quality of the obtained data. The aim of the present work was to define the optimal frame rate for a correct evaluation of boar sperm motility and its subpopulation structure. Eighteen ejaculates from nine mature boars of the Pietrain breed were used. Using the ISAS® v1 CASA-Mot system, with a video camera working up to 200 Hz, six FRs (25, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200fps) were compared. ISAS® D4C20 counting chambers, warmed to 37°C, were used. FR affected all the kinematic parameters, with curvilinear velocity (VCL) and BCF the most sensitive ones. All the parameters showed differences among animals. Non-linear correlation showed the asymptotic level for VCL at 212 fps, being the highest FR for all the parameters. For future studies based just on progressive motility, almost 100fps FR for 0.5s must be used, while when kinematics must be considered, almost 212fps for one-second should be analysed. Three principal components were obtained (velocity, progressivity and oscillation), being similar at 50 and 200fps. Cells were grouped in four subpopulations but with different kinematic and cellular distribution at both FRs.

Identification of Marbling Gene Loci in Commercial Pigs in Canadian Herds

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on the intramuscular fat percentage in pork chops in commercially available swine in Canada. The Duroc, Iberian, Lacombe, Berkshire, and Pietrain breeds were crossed with Large White sows, and their F1 offspring were ranked according to the intramuscular fat percentage (IMF %) obtained in their longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle loin chops. The ideal IMF % is considered to be >3%, whereas the average is ~1.5% in North American pork. The genetics of the top 10% and bottom 10% from our sample population were analysed by using 80,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays in the GWAS. Our sample population had an average IMF % of 2.5 ± 0.7%, but some pork achieved >7% IMF. GWAS analysis revealed SNP markers which were associated with the highest marbled pork chops on chromosomes 5, 7, and 16. Using the Sus scrofa/ susScr 11.1 map, we determined that the nearest genes were sarcospan (SSPN), Rh-associated glycoprotein (RHAG), and EGF-like fibronectin and laminin G (EGFLAM), which can be linked with muscular dystrophy disorders. We tested a subpopulation of Duroc-sired animals and found a different set of markers close to glycine receptor beta (GRLB) and potassium channel 3 (KCNJ3) on chromosomes 8 and 15. Based on our results, we could achieve pork with a good IMF of >4% from animals commercially bred and raised to standard market weights of 110 kg. The choice of obtaining a good marbling line of pigs is not necessarily breed-specific, but it is line-specific.

Examining the Genetic Background of Porcine Muscle Growth and Development Based on Transcriptome and miRNAome Data.

Recently, selection in pigs has been focused on improving the lean meat content in carcasses; this focus has been most evident in breeds constituting a paternal component in breeding. Such sire-breeds are used to improve the meat quantity of cross-breed pig lines. However, even in one breed, a significant variation in the meatiness level can be observed. In the present study, the comprehensive analysis of genes and microRNA expression profiles in porcine muscle tissue was applied to identify the genetic background of meat content. The comparison was performed between whole gene expression and miRNA profiles of muscle tissue collected from two sire-line pig breeds (Pietrain, Hampshire). The RNA-seq approach allowed the identification of 627 and 416 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between pig groups differing in terms of loin weight between Pietrain and Hampshire breeds, respectively. The comparison of miRNA profiles showed differential expression of 57 microRNAs for Hampshire and 34 miRNAs for Pietrain pigs. Next, 43 genes and 18 miRNAs were selected as differentially expressed in both breeds and potentially related to muscle development. According to Gene Ontology analysis, identified DEGs and microRNAs were involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, fatty acid biosynthesis and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The most deregulated pathways dependent on muscle mass were the Hippo signalling pathway connected with the TGF-β signalling pathway and controlling organ size via the regulation of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The identified target genes were also involved in pathways such as the FoxO signalling pathway, signalling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. The obtained results indicate molecular mechanisms controlling porcine muscle growth and development. Identified genes (SOX2, SIRT1, KLF4, PAX6 and genes belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily) could be considered candidate genes for determining muscle mass in pigs.

The effect of stress immediately prior to stunning on proglycogen, macroglycogen, lactate and meat quality traits in different pig breeds

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of lactate, pro-, macro-, and total glycogen in two different muscles, and meat quality traits (pH, colour, drip loss, cooking loss and shear force) across three different pig breeds, in the presence and absence of physical short-term pre-slaughter stress. Twenty-eight halothane-free pigs of the Italian Large White, Duroc and Pietrain breeds were subjected to different kinds of pre-slaughter handling: rough (RPH) or gentle (GPH). Before stunning, RPH group of pigs were subjected to a fast driving supported by the use of electric prods, whereas GPH group pigs were driven slowly without electric prods. Handling procedure influenced the contents of macroglycogen, lactate and pH at 45-min post-mortem with no effect on meat quality traits at 24 and 72 h post-mortem. Irrespective of the handling procedure, breed significantly affected L* and b* colour coordinates, Pietrain pigs showing slightly paler meat.

Particija genetskog trenda za dnevni prirast u svinja pasmina landras, veliki jorkšir, pietren i durok

The objective of this study was to analyse the efficienncy of genetic improvement of pigs for average daily gain (ADG) in a conventional pig breeding programme in Croatia for Landrace (L), Large White (LW), Pietrain (P), and Duroc (D) breeds. Phenotype data was available for 30 210 L pigs, 11 657 LW pigs, 3653 P pigs, and 549 D pigs born between 1998 and 2017. Pedigree information contained information about sex of each animal. This information was used to partition genetic trends by sex. Breeding values were estimated using animal model. The estimated genetic trends in L and P breeds were favourable and different from zero at the end of the analysed period. The genetic trend did not show remarkable improvement in analysed period in LW and D breeds. The relative contribution of male animals was 57% in L, 51% in LW, 70% in P, and 50% in D breed. The analyses suggest that breeding activities and selection decisions involving the choice of the animals should be re-evaluated in LW and D breeds

The quality of pork ham - tissue yield depending on individual factors

The study included the progeny of three boar-sires breeds (SL - Swedish Landrace; LW - Large White and P - Pietrain). A total of 201 progeny of both sexes (93 female and 108 male castrated animals), originating from 16 boar-sires, were tested. The study included the progeny of 10 SL boar-sires (sires nuRWer: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17 and 18), progeny of 3 LW sires (sires nuRWer: 4, 5 and 6) and 3 P boar-sires (sires nuRWer 14, 19 and 20), born in four seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). Studies have shown that, with an mean weight of a warm carcass side of 81.20 kg, the highest mean values for ham weight (RW; 10.456 kg), mass of intermuscular fatty tissue (RINT; 0.477 kg), ham bone (RB; 0.837 kg) and muscle tissue RMT, 7,939 kg) have progeny of the sires of Pietrain breed (P) compared to SL and LW sires. In comparison to animals sired by SL and LW boars, the progeny of P sires had less skin and subcutaneous fat tissue (RSFT) by 30 and 549 grams. Studies have shown that we have progeny of sires 7 and 9 of SL breed which have the lowest LSMean values for the yield of skin and subcutaneous fat tissue (869 and 876 g), which is below the mean for breed by 364 and 357 g. In addition, when it comes to intermuscular fatty tissue, the lowest established value was recorded in the progeny of sire no. 8 of SL breed (182 g), which is by 220 g less than the general mean and by 132 g below the mean of the sire breed. The animals originating from sires n. 19 and 20 showed the highest weight of muscle tissue (RMT) (8.489 and 8.118 kg) in the ham, which is by 2.853 and 2.482 kg more meat compared to the progeny of sire no. 5 of LW breed. The total weight of the ham and the ham muscle yield were influenced by (P <0.01 and P <0.001) sire breed, sires within the breed, gender and season of birth. A very significant (P <0.001) influence of the weight of warm carcass sides on the ham weight and tissue yield was determined.

The use of ultrasonography in the reproductive evaluation of boars.

The objective was to study the use of ultrasound as a complementary test in the breeding soundness evaluation in male pigs and study the pattern of echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma in boars of different racial groups. Twenty-six adult boars from four different racial groups were used, 10 from the Piau breed (group 1), four from the commercial and finishing group (group 2), six Pietrain breed (group 3) and six from the Duroc breed (group 4). All animals were evaluated for breeding soundness evaluation and the ultrasound examination of the testicles. The groups of animals that were evaluated showed no difference in the main semen parameters that were evaluated, except for the sperm volume, concentration of the ejaculated sperm and the supravital staining; the lowest figures were for the animals from the Piau breed (group 1). In relation to the testicular biometrics, Duroc animals (group 4) had a greater scrotal width compared to the other groups. But when we assessed the intensity of pixels of the testicles, there was a difference between groups. The groups 2 (finishing animals), 3 (Pietrain) and 4 had no difference between themselves. Group 3 had greater pixel intensity in relation to group 1. Of the 26 animals studied, five showed an abnormality during ultrasound evaluation, like hydrocele, hyperechoic mass in the testicular parenchyma, cyst in the head of the epididymis and the presence of fluid in the head and tail of the epididymis. The various animal groups studied did not differ in the principal reproductive parameters evaluated, showing that despite the great variability of reproductive traits between breeds and within the same breed, the breeding soundness evaluation, the more complete it is, is essential for the selection of breeders and the ultrasonography of the reproductive system becomes an important addition in this examination.

The influence of housing and feeding systems on selected fattening and slaughter parameters of finishing pigs with different genotypes

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the influence of housing and feeding systems on selected fattening and slaughter parameters of finishers with different genotypes. The experimental population consisted of 1200 finishers in three genetic variants from the Landrace (L), Large White (LW), Duroc (D) and Pietrain (P) breeds: 400 finishers L × [D × P] genotype, 400 finishers LW × [D × P] genotype and 400 finishers [L × LW] × [D × P] genotype. Subgroups were isolated for each genetic variant with the experimental factors: housing system (slatted floor or deep litter) and feeding system (dry or liquid). Selected fattening parameters were analysed: final liveweight (kg), mortality (%), average daily gain (g/day) and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg gain). Additionally, slaughter parameters were analysed: carcass weight (kg), height of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle (mm), backfat thickness (mm) and lean meat content (%). The housing system strongly affected the final liveweight, average daily gain and carcass weight. To a lesser degree, this factor determined the mortality, feed conversion ratio, height of LD muscle, backfat thickness and lean meat content. The feeding system substantially affected almost all fattening parameters, except for the mortality. Statistical analysis of slaughter parameters showed that the impact of the feeding system was confirmed statistically only in terms of carcass weight. Genotype largely determined the final liveweight, average daily gain, carcass weight and lean meat content. Taking into account interactions of all factors, the most favourable effect in terms of production was to fattening four-way crossbreeds [L × LW] × [D × P] on slatted floors and fed by liquid feeding.

Wyniki oceny przySyciowej knurk�w czysto rasowych wyprodukowanych w Polsce w bydgoskim okregu hodowlanym w latach 2011-2014

The research covered the results of 7555 young boars of following breeds: Polish Large White (PLW), Polish Landrace (PL), Hampshire, Duroc and Pietrain performance tested in years 2011-2014 in Poland in The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region. Among pure breed young boars performance tested in The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region in years 2011-2014 young boars of Hampshire breed had the highest daily gain of body weight standardised on 180th day of life. From 2011 till 2014 an improvement occurred thus decrease of backfat thickness in P2 and P4 points in all examined groups of young boars (except Pietrain pigs). The highest height of loin eye had animals of Hampshire breed (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) and Pietrain breed (2011, 2013 and 2014). Pietrain pigs had the highest meat content. The highest selection index value showing the highest breeding value in range of growth and slaughter traits had Hampshire and Pietrain young boars. Analyzing the results from years 2011 and 2014 it was observed that a significant increase of performance test selection index value occurred in all examined pure breed young boars (except Pietrain), thus Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Hampshire and Duroc by 16, 10, 9 and 12 points, respectively. In range of analyzed traits significant differences were generally observed among examined groups of animals in particular years and in a total years summary. Also significant differences were proved regarding to tested traits of pure breed young boars among examined years.

THE EFFECT OF MYCOTOXIN ADSORBENTS ON SOME SELECTED PARAMETERS OF BOAR SEMEN

The studies were carried out at the State Enterprise for Pig Selection andHybridization "Moldsungibrid" (Republic of Moldova), from 18.03.2014 till06.08.2014, using boars of Landrace, Yorkshire, Duroc and Pietrain breeds in orderto understand the impact of the enterosorbent "Primix-Alfasorb" on breeding boars,semen production. During the first period of the experiment the adsorbent was notadded to the boars’ diet; during the second period of the experiment (60 days) thebasic compound feed (BF) was supplemented with the preparation "Primix-Alfasorb" at the level of 300 g/t; during the final (third) period (40 days) theanimals were again fed to basic feed. It was observed that, when the breeding boarswere fed on compound feed supplemented with the additive «Primix-Alfasorb» atthe level of 300g/t, the ejaculate volume increased, namely: during the secondperiod of the experiment – in the boars of Landrace breed (p <0.05), and duringthe third period – in the boars of Pietrain breed (p <0.1). The total number ofspermatozoa in the ejaculate was 139,54 milliard in Duroc boars, and up to 201,39milliard in the boars of Pietrain breed. During the third period of the experiment,this index was high in the boars of all the breeds. As to the concentration of thespermatozoa, it was higher in Yorkshire boars by 13.52, 14.14 and 0.58%.

Screening of BCL-2 associated X protein gene polymorphism associated with scrotal hernia in domesticated swine using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to screen scrotal hernia in domesticated swine from selected breeders in the Philippines. This defect is associated with a cytosine to thymine mutation in the BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX) gene of swine.MethodsGenetic screening was done by DNA extraction followed by amplification and digestion using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, amplifying the 416 bp region of the BAX gene that was subjected to digestion using the Ear I enzyme. Sequencing was also conducted to validate the results.ResultsResults revealed that out of 538 samples tested, 411 (76.4%) of the samples were found to be normal whereas the remaining were carriers of the mutation in which 80 (14.9%) were heterozygous mutants and 47 (8.7%) were homozygous mutants. Pietrain breed was found to have the highest incidence.ConclusionHaving a scrotal hernia eliminates the chances of using the boar as a breeder stock because the following generations arising from it would most likely exhibit herniation. It is therefore advised to establish a genetic screening method for Scrotal Hernia in the Philippines to eliminate the negative gene from the herd.

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

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

Analiza wynik�w oceny przySyciowej knurk�w czysto rasowych pochodzacych z bydgoskiego okregu hodowlanego w Polsce

The aim of presented paper was analysis of the performance test results of young pure breed boars coming from The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region (located in Poland in Kujawy-Pomorze Province). The research covered the results concerning 4190 young boars of following breeds: Polish Large White, Polish Landrace, Hampshire, Duroc and Pietrain. Young pure breed boars were performance tested in 2009 and 2010 in The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region according to the actual methodology. Among young pure breed boars performance tested in The Bydgoszcz Breeding Region in tested years animals of Hampshire breed had the higher growth rate. The pigs of Pietrain breed had the highest meat content. Regarding to the most important parameter of performance test, i.e. selection index in analyzed years 2009 and 2010 the best results had young boars of Hampshire then Pietrain, Duroc, PLW and PL.

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

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

HODNOCENÍ KVALITY JATEČNĚ UPRAVENÝCH TĚL PRASAT V ČESKÉ REPUBLICE

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

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

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

Comprehensive analysis of the whole transcriptomes from two different pig breeds using RNA-Seq method.

Next-generation sequencing RNA-Seq technology is a powerful tool that creates new possibilities for whole-transcriptome analysis. In our study, the RNA-Seq method was applied to analyze global changes in transcriptome from muscle tissue (m. semimembranosus) in two pig breeds (Pietrain and Polish Landrace, PL). The breeds differ in terms of muscularity, growth rate and reproduction traits. Using three different approaches (deseq, cufflinks and edger) and taking into account the most restrictive criteria, 35 genes differentially expressed between Pietrain and PL pigs were identified. In both breeds, the most abundant were transcripts encoding ribosomal and cytoskeletal proteins (TPM3, TCAP, TMOD4, TPM2, TNNC1) and calcium-binding proteins involved in muscle contraction, calcium-mediated signaling or cation transport (CASQ1, MLC2V, SLC25A4, MYL3). In PL pigs, we identified up-regulation of several genes that play crucial roles in reproduction: female gamete generation (BDP1, PTPN21, USP9X), fertilization (EGFR) and embryonic development (CPEB4). In the Pietrain breed, only seven genes were over-expressed (CISH, SPP1, TUBA8, ATP6V1C2, IGKC, predicted LOC100510960 and LOC100626400), and they play important roles in, for example, negative regulation of apoptosis, immune response, cell-cell signaling, cell growth and migration as well as the metabolic process. The functions of the majority of selected genes were consistent with phenotypic variation in investigated breeds; thus, we proposed a new panel of candidate genes that can be associated with economically important pig traits.