Pigs Sus Scrofa Research Articles

Effect of different water salinity ecosystems on the decompositions of partially submerged buried cadavers in tropical regions

ABSTRACT The decomposition process of a partially submerged, buried body differs significantly from that of a body decomposing on the soil surface. Consequently, locating partially submerged clandestine graves and determining the time since death (TSD) of a buried cadaver presents considerable challenges for forensic authorities. A simulated burial experiment was conducted to closely observe the effects of environmental physicochemical parameters of a water body on the decomposition of partially submerged buried cadavers. In this study, 50 g of fatty flesh from a commercial pig (Sus scrofa) was buried at a depth of 10 cm in soil adjacent to freshwater and brackish water ecosystems. The fatty tissue was allowed to decompose for 270 days and was sampled at 31 designated sampling points. The decomposition rate in the brackish water ecosystem was higher than in the freshwater ecosystem, averaging 1.35 g/day and 1.53 g/day, respectively. Additionally, water salinity was found to be the primary factor influencing the decomposition in the freshwater ecosystem, while dissolved oxygen and pH levels predominantly affected the decomposition rate in the brackish water ecosystem. These findings may aid in identifying partially submerged clandestine graves and/or estimating the post-mortem burial duration of remains.

Operational lessons learned from simulating an elimination response to a transboundary animal disease in wild animals

Transboundary animal disease (TAD) introductions can have myriad economic, ecological, and societal impacts. When TADs are introduced into wild species, rapid and intense control efforts to reduce wild animal host populations are sometimes needed to eliminate the disease and prevent endemicity and spillover to domestic animal populations. Yet, such intensive efforts are non-trivial, and the rarity of TAD introductions means that personnel rarely have direct experience with these types of operations. Thus, explicit assessments of operational challenges for these kinds of efforts can provide direction to build emergency response preparedness capacity. Here, we simulated a TAD control effort in response to initial detection of a hypothetical index case of a TAD in wild pigs (Sus scrofa) (e.g., African swine fever; ASF). We used three removal methods (aerial control, trapping, and an experimental toxic bait). Then, we conducted an after-action assessment to identify operational challenges for rapidly reducing a population of invasive wild pigs within a simulated outbreak zone. We also simulated carcass recoveries of dispatched pigs, similar to what might be conducted during a response to a TAD with carcass-based transmission (e.g., ASF virus). Here, we describe operational challenges identified during our effort, alongside technological development solutions and a priori strategy needs to improve TAD response operation outcomes.

Development and evaluation of an autism pig model

Developing cost-effective and disease-relevant animal models is essential for advancing biomedical research into human disorders. Here we investigate the feasibility of a pig model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug known to increase ASD risk. We established experimental paradigms to assess the behavioral characteristics of these pig models. Administration of VPA to Bama miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) during critical embryonic stages resulted in abnormal gait, increased anxiety levels, reduced learning capabilities and altered social patterns, while largely preserving social preference of treated piglets. Notably, we detected significant neuroanatomical changes in cortical regions associated with ASD in the VPA-treated pigs, including cortical malformation, increased neuronal soma size, decreased dendritic complexity and reduced dendritic spine maturation. Transcriptome analysis of the prefrontal cortex of VPA-treated pigs further revealed substantial alterations in the expression of genes linked to ASD, especially genes of the dopamine signaling pathway, highlighting the model’s relevance and potential for shedding light on ASD’s underlying neuropathological and molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that pig models could serve as a promising alternative to traditional rodent models and provide a more ethical substitute for the use of primates in translational research on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Exploring the Relationship Between the Size and Diverticular Number of Carpal Gland in Four Pig (Sus Scrofa) Populations.

The carpal gland is an important exocrine gland in pigs, functioning mainly through diverticula that release strongly odorous secretions. The size of the carpal gland and the number of diverticula may be related to its function. To measure its size, the gland must be dissected from the foreleg, and this procedure is time-consuming and cumbersome. The diverticulum is the outlet of the carpal gland, and its number correlates with the carpal gland size, but the correlation coefficient between them is still unknown. To explore the relationship between the size and diverticular number of the carpal gland, 788 pigs from four populations were used in this study. The length, width, thickness, weight and volume of the carpal gland were measured, together with its diverticular number. The phenotypic correlation coefficient between each pair of the recorded traits was calculated, and a two-factor analysis of variance was used to test whether sex and population have effects on the phenotypes. The carpal gland is a flat small stick with a length of 1.8-8.6 cm, width of 0.6-2.5 cm, and thickness of 0.2-0.8 cm, and its specific gravity is 0.51-1.36. Each carpal gland has 0 to 10 diverticula, and 82.3% carpal glands have 2-6 diverticula. The diverticular number correlates positively with the weight (r = 0.57 and rs = 0.58, p < 2.2 × 10-16) and volume (r = 0.55 and rs = 0.56, p < 2.2 × 10-16). Population and sex only explain 20% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting that the 80% of carpal gland influences remain unknown. In conclusion, the diverticular number can be used as a proxy for the weightand volume of the carpal gland, because it is easy to count and has a significant positive correlation with the size of thecarpal gland.

Differences in human and commercial hybrid pig platelet activation induced by borosilicate glass beads in a modified chandler loop-system.

The pig (Sus scrofa) is the most widely used large animal model in Europe, with cardiovascular research being one of the main areas of application. Adequate refinement of interventional studies in this field, meeting the requirements of Russell and Burch's 3 R concept, can only be performed if blood-contacting medical devices are hemocompatible. Because most medical devices for cardiovascular interventional procedures are developed for humans, they are tested only for compatibility with human blood. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether there are differences in behavior of human and porcine platelets from commercial hybrid pigs when they come into contact with borosilicate glass, which was used as an exemplary thrombogenic material. For this purpose, changes in platelet count, platelet volume and platelet expression of the activation markers CD61, CD62P and CD63 were measured using a modified chandler loop-system simulating the fluidic effects of the bloodflow. Commercial hybrid pig and human platelets showed significant adhesions to borosilicate glass but the commercial hybrid pigs platelets showed a significantly higher tendency to adhere to borosilicate glass. In contrast to human platelets the platelets of commercial hybrid pigs showed significant activation after 4 to 8 minutes exposure to borosilicate glass and there were differences among the ratios of surface and activation markers in between the platelets of both species.

Effect of seasons on the decomposition by necrophagous insects of pig (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) carcasses exposed to the open air in the Sudano-guinean and Sub-sudanese zones of Côte d'Ivoire

Determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) of a corpse discovered 72 hours after death is becoming complex and imprecise in forensic medicine. It is necessary to use other investigative methods to determine the date of death. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of the seasons on the decomposition of pig corpses exposed to the open air by necrophagous insects. The research was carried out in the North (at the Botanical Garden of the Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University in Korhogo) and in the Centre (in the Bouaké region). Insects were collected directly from decomposing carcasses using a mowing net and flexible forceps for larvae and Coleoptera. Pitfall-traps were also used for collection. Diptera and Coleoptera were collected during the dry and rainy seasons in the Sudano-guinean and Sub-Sudanese zones. Chrysomya albiceps, belonging to the Calliphoridae, was the majority species. Because of its plethora of species in the two study areas, C. albiceps could be one of the main species for determining the minimum MPI in Côte d'Ivoire. Five stages of decomposition were observed in the two study zones, although a sixth stage (dry putrefaction) was observed in the Sub-sudanese zone during the harmattan period. Stratiomyidae and Piophilidae contributed to the total decomposition of carcasses during the rainy season. The Histeridae family was the richest in species. Dermestes maculatus was the richest in individuals. Carcasses in the rainy and dry seasons were respectively decomposed by an average of 97.18% in the rainy season and 84.32% in the dry season in the two study areas.

Direct comparison of mechanical circulatory support devices in porcine model of acute myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular septal defect and cardiogenic shock

Abstract Introduction Despite urgent clinical need, until now optimal strategy for mechanical circulatory support in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by ventricular septal defect (VSD) and cardiogenic shock has not been determined. Purpose The aim of our study was to compare hemodynamic effects of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and Impella CP in the animal model of AMI complicated by VSD and cardiogenic shock. Methods Under general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation in pigs (sus scrofa domestica), using partial sternotomy, AMI was induced by ligation of left anterior descending. VSD was simulated by insertion of 25F cannulas into the left and right ventricles and their extracorporeal connection by 3/8 tubes generating left-to-right shunt. The hemodynamic effect of ECMO (2 L/min), IABP, and Impella CP (2 L/min) was evaluated by the measurement of the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), carotid flow (CAR) as a surrogate of total circulatory output, and VSD flow. Data are presented as mean (SD), P &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Eleven animals were used, one died after induction of AMI, ten pigs completed all study procedures. Baseline (no mechanical support) LVEDP was 13.8 (3.0) mmHg, MAP 54.5 (11.0) mmHg, CAR 290.9 (37.3) mL/min, and VSD 1174.0 (499.3) mL/min (Table 1). IABP significantly improved all parameters in comparison to Baseline (Table 1). ECMO significantly improved MAP and CAR not only in comparison to Baseline but also in comparison to IABP and Impella; on the other hand, ECMO increased VSD flow (Table 1). Impella significantly improved all parameters with the largest effect on LVEDP and VSD flow (Table 1). Conclusions All tested devices improved the key hemodynamic parameters of MAP and CAR, however each to different extent. Individual devices influenced differently LVEDP and VSD flow. The results of this study may help in selection of optimal therapeutic strategy in AMI complicated by VSD and cardiogenic shock.Table 1.Hemodynamic outcomes.

Novel Applicator Utilizing HIFES and Enhanced Synchronized Radiofrequency+ for Subcutaneous Fat Reduction: Porcine Model Study.

Submental fullness has been associated with being perceived as unattractive. Technology combining radiofrequency and muscle stimulation offers submental contouring through fat reduction, muscle stimulation, and skin tightening. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of fat reduction aspect with a novel submentum applicator delivering HIFES and synchronized radiofrequency+ (RF+) energies. Six white pigs (sus scrofa domesticus, n = 6, 60-80 kg) were recruited for this study, five in the active group (n = 5) received four treatments on the abdominal area, one sow served as a control (n = 1). Ultrasound, histological, and RT-qPCR methods were used as evaluation methods. Fat thickness decreased at 1 month by -17.35% and at 2 month by 31.40%. Proapoptotic caspase-9 gene expression increased (at 1 h, 6 h, 24 h to +43.45%, +21.22%, -8.36%), as well as caspase-3 (+15.28%, +21.77%, -6.71%), while bcl2l1 activity decreased (-11.46% at 1 h, -17.02% at 6 h, -3.9% at 24 h). While the AI in the control animal had minimal change (at 1 h -0.08%, at 6 h -0.09%, and at 24 h -0.025%), the active group's AI increased from the baseline of 9.14 to 44.85 at 1 h (+391%), peaked at 6 h to 53.50 (+485%), and at 24 h to 38.17 (+318%). The study results indicate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous fat reduction following the novel technology combining HIFES and RF+ energies, designed to target small localized areas.

A New Method for Feeding Laboratory-Reared Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Adult Females1

Abstract The mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) transmits arboviruses including the causative agent for yellow fever and threatens human health in tropical and subtropical areas. To reduce the incidence of infection, a variety of tactics is being developed to keep the population density of this vector mosquito as low as possible. Laboratory research directed to this end requires maintaining laboratory colonies of the insect, which, in this case, requires providing immobilized live animals to A. aegypti adult females for a source of blood for production of viable eggs. Using live animals for this procedure is costly, time consuming, and requires rearing mammalian species in the laboratoy. This study evaluated the impact of supplying the adult females with blood from a domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica L.) mixed with an anticoagulant (7 ml of heparin per liter of blood) on the oviposition rate of A. aegypti. Feeding A. aegypti females with pig blood obtained from a slaughter facility and mixed with heparin produced more eggs (6,994 ± 168) than those allowed to feed on a living hamster as a source of blood (5,483 ± 171). Thus, this methodology is more efficient and economical than the current use of live animals to feed females of A. aegypti.

A call to further understand the role of carrion in food webs: a case study of the Australian Alps

ABSTRACT Carcasses are integral to the structure and function of ecosystems, providing a food source for a variety of scavenger species that recycle nutrients back into the biosphere. However, in many systems globally there is limited information on the extent of carcass use by scavengers and the length of carcass persistence. This prevents land managers from making well-informed decisions on whether carcasses should be removed if produced in excessive numbers following activities such as culling, or extreme weather and disease outbreaks, or when to undertake management operations that add to the overall carcass biomass in ecosystems. In this paper, we focus on the Australian Alps and highlight results from recent studies to show that carcasses persist in this bioregion for long periods in winter when insects are less active. We show that vertebrate scavenging rates are relatively low in the Australian Alps compared to other bioregions in Australia, and that carcasses in this system can become hotspots for introduced species like European wasps (Vespula germanica), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and feral pigs (Sus scrofa). We advocate that further carcass monitoring in the Australian Alps should focus on scavenger use and persistence rates for different carcasses species, including across different elevations, seasons, and following culling operations. This will ultimately help to guide understanding around when native scavenger guilds can effectively accelerate carcass biomass loss, which is a key indicator of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

Genome sequencing projects reveal new insights into the mammalian Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone II system.

The type II gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-II) was first discovered in chicken (Gallus gallus) brain and then shown to be present in many vertebrates. Indeed, its structure is conserved unchanged throughout vertebrate evolution from teleost fish through to mammals suggesting a crucial function. Yet the functional significance has been largely unexplored. Studies in comparative endocrinology show that the GnRH-II system is differentially functional in mammalian species. Intact GnRH-II neuropeptide and receptor genes (GnRH2 and GnRH receptor 2 GnRHR2) occur in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus), musk shrews (Suncus murinus) and pigs (Sus scrofa). However, one or other or both of these genes are inactivated in other species, where mutations or remnants affecting GnRH2 neuropeptide and/or type II GnRHR exons are retained in conserved genomic loci. New data from DNA sequencing projects facilitate extensive analysis of species-specific variation in these genes. Here, we describe GnRH2 and GnRHR2 genes spanning a collection of 21 taxonomic orders, encompassing around 140 species from Primates, Scandentia, Eulipotyphla, Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Perissodactyls, Pholidota, Chiroptera, Afrotheria, Xenarthra and Marsupialia. Intact coding exons for both GnRH2 and GnRHR2 occur in monkeys, tree shrews, shrews, moles, hedgehogs, several rodents (degu, kangaroo-rat, pocket mouse), pig, pecarry and warthog, camels and alpaca, bears, Weddell seal, hyena, elephant, aardvark and marsupials. Inactivating mutations affecting GnRH2 and GnRHR2, some located at conserved sites within exons, occur in species of primates, most rodents, lagomorphs, bovidae, cetaceans, felidae, canidae and other carnivora, pangolins, most bats, armadillo, brushtail and echidna. A functional GnRH-II system appears retained within several taxonomic families of mammals, but intact retention does not extend to whole taxonomic orders. Defining how endogenous GnRH-II neuropeptide operates in different mammals may afford functional insight into its actions in the brain, especially as, unlike the type I GnRH system, it is expressed in the mid brain and not the hypothalamus.

Dietary Niche Variation in an Invasive Omnivore: The Effects of Habitat on Feral Pig Resource Use in Hawai'i.

Invasive omnivores may have profound impacts on ecological communities through diet selection, particularly when their functional roles differ from those in their native range. While the threat of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) to native plant communities in Hawai'i is well known, their trophic dynamics and the drivers of variation in their diet remain understudied. We investigated the feral pig trophic niche on Hawai'i Island using stable isotopes (13C and 15N) and Bayesian mixing models to identify drivers of variation in resource use. We also reconstructed intra-individual variability for six subsampled individuals to understand temporal variation in resource use and individual diet specialization. Our results revealed that feral pigs on Hawai'i Island exhibit a broad trophic niche characterized by diverse diets, with substantial overlap in resource use across districts and habitats. Differences in dietary composition in the transition from forest to open habitat were driven primarily by a decline in invertebrates and an increasing reliance on resources enriched in 15N, which may reflect a shift in protein sources with habitat. Pigs in forested areas exhibited a smaller trophic niche than those in open habitats, largely driven by differences in feeding strategies and resource availability. Diets for subsampled individuals varied little, suggesting feral pig resource-use strategies in Hawai'i tend to be relatively stable through time. Individual niche width was relatively narrow compared to that of feral pigs in Hawai'i at large, indicating the relatively wide feral pig dietary niche is characterized by substantial intraspecific diet specialization, likely as a result of strong intraspecific competition. Understanding the drivers of feral pig resource use offers key information for management strategies aimed at mitigating their ecological impacts in imperiled systems like Hawai'i.

Balancing welfare and habitat damage in pigs (Sus scrofa) under extensive farming: an ethological approach for determining the effects of group composition and environmental enrichment

Balancing welfare and habitat damage in pigs (Sus scrofa) under extensive farming: an ethological approach for determining the effects of group composition and environmental enrichment

Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and genomic comparison of non-typhoidal salmonella isolated from pig farms with different levels of intensification in Yangon Region, Myanmar

In Myanmar, where backyard, semi-intensive, and intensive pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) farming coexist, there is limited understanding of the zoonotic risks and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated with these farming practices. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, AMR and genomic features of Salmonella in pig farms in the Yangon region and the impact of farm intensification to provide evidence to support risk-based future management approaches. Twenty-three farms with different production scales were sampled for two periods with three sampling-visit each. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and whole-genome sequencing were performed on the isolates. The prevalence of Salmonella was 44.5% in samples collected from backyard farms, followed by intensive (39.5%) and semi-intensive farms (19.5%). The prevalence of multi-drug resistant isolates from intensive farms (45/84, 53.6%) was higher than those from backyard (32/171, 18.7%) and semi-intensive farms (25/161, 15.5%). Among 28 different serovars identified, S. Weltevreden (40; 14.5%), S. Kentucky (38; 13.8%), S. Stanley (35, 12.7%), S. Typhimurium (22; 8.0%) and S. Brancaster (20; 7.3%) were the most prevalent serovars and accounted for 56.3% of the genome sequenced strains. The diversity of Salmonella serovars was highest in semi-intensive and backyard farms (21 and 19 different serovars, respectively). The high prevalence of globally emerging S. Kentucky ST198 was detected on backyard farms. The invasive-infection linked typhoid-toxin gene (cdtB) was found in the backyard farm isolated S. Typhimurium, relatively enriched in virulence and AMR genes, presented an important target for future surveillance. While intensification, in terms of semi-intensive versus backyard production, maybe a mitigator for zoonotic risk through a lower prevalence of Salmonella, intensive production appears to enhance AMR-associated risks. Therefore, it remains crucial to closely monitor the AMR and virulence potential of this pathogen at all scales of production. The results underscored the complex relationship between intensification of animal production and the prevalence, diversity and AMR of Salmonella from pig farms in Myanmar.

Comparing efficiencies of population control methods for responding to introductions of transboundary animal diseases in wild pigs

Introductions of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) into free-ranging wildlife can be difficult to control and devastating for domestic livestock trade. Combating a new TAD introduction in wildlife with an emergency response requires quickly limiting spread of the disease by intensely removing wild animals within a contiguous area. In the case of African swine fever virus (ASFv) in wild pigs (Sus scrofa), which has been spreading in many regions of the world, there is little information on the time- and cost-efficiency of methods for intensively and consistently culling wild pigs and recovering carcasses in an emergency response scenario. We compared the efficiencies of aerial operations, trapping, experimental toxic baiting, and ground shooting in northcentral Texas, USA during two months in 2023. Culling and recovering carcasses of wild pigs averaged a rate of 0.15 wild pigs/person hour and cost an average of $233.04/wild pig ($USD 2023) across all four methods. Aerial operations required the greatest initial investment but subsequently was the most time- and cost-efficient, costing an average of $7266 to reduce the population by a standard measure of 10 %, including recovering carcasses. Aerial operations required a ground crew of ∼7 people/helicopter to recover carcasses. Costs for reducing the population of wild pigs using trapping were similar, although took 13.5 times longer to accomplish. In cases where carcass recovery and disposal are needed (e.g., response to ASFv), a benefit of trapping was immediate carcass recovery. Toxic baiting was less efficient because both culling and carcass recovery required substantial time. We culled very few wild pigs with ground shooting in this landscape. Our results provide insight on the efficiencies of each removal method. Strategically combining removal methods may increase overall efficiency. Overall, our findings inform the preparation of resources, personnel needs, and deployment readiness for TAD responses involving wild pigs.

A systematic survey of environmental DNA in Palau's lakes and waterfalls reveals an increase in Leptospira levels after flooding

ObjectiveLeptospirosis is an important bacterial zoonosis which is widespread in tropical and subtropical islands and influences human and animal health which has secondary economic effects. Although leptospirosis is endemic in Palau, an Oceanian Pacific Island country, few systematic surveys of potential risk factors for Leptospira infection, such as weather and host animals, have been conducted in the natural environment. We used environmental DNA metabarcoding to assess the distribution, species diversity, and abundance of pathogenic Leptospira in this endemic region to investigate the potential environmental risks. MethodsForty-two paired water samples, representing fine and rainy weather conditions, were collected from four representative waterfalls and lakes on Babeldaob Island, the largest island in Palau. High-throughput sequencing analysis was conducted for polymerase chain reaction products of leptospiral 16S rRNA and vertebrate animal mitochondrial 12S rRNA genes. ResultsWe revealed greater Leptospira diversity and abundance in samples collected after continuous rain, particularly in the presence of flooding, compared with samples collected under typhoon, monsoon, or fine weather conditions. From same samples, six mammalian species including cats (Felis catus), mice (Mus musculus), Yap flying fox (Pteropus yapensis), rats (Rattus spp.), and pigs (Sus scrofa) were repeatedly detected. These may be candidates of host animals of Leptospira in Palau; however, their detection was not clearly correlated with that of Leptospira. ConclusionWe repeatedly detected several species of pathogenic Leptospira from water samples of a wide region of Babeldaob Island. We confirmed that Leptospira contamination in freshwater environments increased under rainy conditions, particularly in the presence of flooding. This information could be used to improve public health control measures in this region.

A comprehensive atlas of nuclear sequences of mitochondrial origin (NUMT) inserted into the pig genome

BackgroundThe integration of nuclear mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the mammalian genomes is an ongoing, yet rare evolutionary process that produces nuclear sequences of mitochondrial origin (NUMT). In this study, we identified and analysed NUMT inserted into the pig (Sus scrofa) genome and in the genomes of a few other Suinae species. First, we constructed a comparative distribution map of NUMT in the Sscrofa11.1 reference genome and in 22 other assembled S. scrofa genomes (from Asian and European pig breeds and populations), as well as the assembled genomes of the Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons) and warthog (Phacochoerus africanus). We then analysed a total of 485 whole genome sequencing datasets, from different breeds, populations, or Sus species, to discover polymorphic NUMT (inserted/deleted in the pig genome). The insertion age was inferred based on the presence or absence of orthologous NUMT in the genomes of different species, taking into account their evolutionary divergence. Additionally, the age of the NUMT was calculated based on sequence degradation compared to the authentic mtDNA sequence. We also validated a selected set of representative NUMT via PCR amplification.ResultsWe have constructed an atlas of 418 NUMT regions, 70 of which were not present in any assembled genomes. We identified ancient NUMT regions (older than 55 million years ago, Mya) and NUMT that appeared at different time points along the Suinae evolutionary lineage. We identified very recent polymorphic NUMT (private to S. scrofa, with < 1 Mya), and more ancient polymorphic NUMT (3.5–10 Mya) present in various Sus species. These latest polymorphic NUMT regions, which segregate in European and Asian pig breeds and populations, are likely the results of interspecies admixture within the Sus genus.ConclusionsThis study provided a first comprehensive analysis of NUMT present in the Sus scrofa genome, comparing them to NUMT found in other species within the order Cetartiodactyla. The NUMT-based evolutionary window that we reconstructed from NUMT integration ages could be useful to better understand the micro-evolutionary events that shaped the modern pig genome and enriched the genetic diversity of this species.

Unraveling the origin of the wild pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) from the northwest Patagonian region: evidence of hybridization processes and a possible pure wild boar population in a protected area

Unraveling the origin of the wild pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) from the northwest Patagonian region: evidence of hybridization processes and a possible pure wild boar population in a protected area

Leadership amongst pigs when faced with a novel situation

Leadership is a risky behaviour that can impact individuals and groups. Leaders, i.e. individuals who perform or initiate a task while other individuals in the group follow, have been studied in different contexts, but there is still a lack of understanding on the role of individual characteristics that may predispose them to become leaders, such as dominance and personality. In particular, the characteristics of leaders in domestic animal populations has been poorly examined. We studied leadership within 32 groups of young pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus, n = 366 individuals). Leadership was assessed during a group-based fear test (Human Approach Test) which was repeated three times. The first individual per group to touch the person was identified as leader. We assessed repeatability of leadership and characteristics of leaders as compared to followers. Leadership was marginally repeatable, with 6 out of 26 groups having a consistent single leader across all tests. Females had odds 4.13 times greater than males of being a leader, while there was no effect of body weight (a proxy of dominance) or coping style on leadership. The results indicate a similarity with wild populations, in which females lead the herd even though the males, which are superior in body weight, are often dominant.

Comparison of three commercial feeds in the fattening of Yorkshire pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in the starter and growth

Comparison of three commercial feeds in the fattening of Yorkshire pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) in the starter and growth