Backfat Samples Research Articles

Transcriptomic Profiling of Subcutaneous Backfat in Castrated and Intact Alentejano Pigs Finished Outdoors with Commercial and Fiber-Rich Diets.

In this work, we studied the backfat transcriptome of surgically castrated (C), intact (I) and intact fed an experimental diet (IE) outdoor-reared male Alentejano (AL) pigs. The experimental diet was a high-fiber diet with locally produced legumes and by-products associated with a boar taint reduction effect. At slaughter (~160 kg), backfat samples were collected for total RNA sequencing. Intact pigs presented leaner carcasses, more total collagen, and more unsaturated intramuscular fat content than C animals. A total of 2726 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, |log2 FC|> 0.58, q < 0.05) were identified between C and I with overexpressed genes related to muscular activity (MYH1, ACTA1) or collagen metabolism (COL1A1, COL1A2) in I pigs. Between C and IE, 1639 DEGs of genes involved in lipidic metabolism (LEP, ME1, FABP4, ELOVL6) were overexpressed in C. Finally, only 28 DEGs were determined between I and IE. Clustering results indicated a drastic influence of the testis in the transcriptome of subcutaneous fat of AL pigs, while the diet had a marginal effect. Diet can reduce stress by increasing satiety in animals, and could have induced an increase of skatole degradation due to the higher expression of the CYP2A19 gene in the IE group.

Cold exposure induces browning of bovine subcutaneous white fat in vivo and in vitro

White adipocytes can be transformed into beige adipocytes through the process of browning under cold exposure. To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of cold exposure on subcutaneous white fat in cattle, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. Eight bulls of Jinjiang cattle breed (Bos taurus) aged 18 months were allocated to the control group (n = 4, autumn) or the cold group (n = 4, winter) by different slaughter seasons. Biochemical and histomorphological parameters were detected in blood and backfat samples. Subcutaneous adipocytes from Simental cattle (Bos taurus) were then isolated and cultured at a normal body temperature (37 °C) and at a cold temperature (31 °C) in vitro. In the in vivo study, cold exposure stimulated subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) browning by reducing adipocyte sizes and up-regulating the expression levels of browning-specific makers (UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α) in cattle. In addition, cold-exposed cattle displayed lower lipogenesis transcriptional regulator levels (PPARγ and CEBPα) and higher lipolysis regulator levels (HSL) in sWAT. In the in vitro study, cold temperature inhibited subcutaneous white adipocytes (sWA) adipogenic differentiation by reducing lipid contents and decreasing the expression of adipogenic marker genes and proteins. Furthermore, cold temperature led to sWA browning which was characterized by increased browning-related genes, mitochondrial contents, and mitochondrial biogenesis-specific markers. In addition, p38 MAPK signaling pathway activity was stimulated by the incubation in cold temperature for 6 h in sWA. We concluded that the cold-induced browning of the subcutaneous white fat was beneficial to the production of heat and the maintenance of body temperature regulation in cattle.

281 The Relationship between Postnatal Hormone Concentrations and the Development of Boar Taint at Puberty

Abstract The development of boar taint is dependent on the balance between the rate of androstenone synthesis and metabolism, which regulates the quantity of androstenone available for accumulation in the fat. The pubertal production of androstenone and other sex steroids is influenced by sexual maturity status and preceded by a significant period of hormone production during postnatal development that occurs from 14 to 35 days of age (DOA). However, the relationship between postnatal and pubertal hormone production is not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if postnatal hormone concentrations can be used to predict sexual maturity status and boar taint development at puberty. Crossbred [(Yorkshire x Landrace) x Duroc] boars (n=90)] were housed in groups of 10. Blood samples were taken at 14, 21, 28, and 35 DOA and again at 120, 130, and 140kg live weights (LWs) along with backfat samples. Plasma and fat androstenone concentrations were quantified using an androstenone-specific ELISA. Plasma estrone sulfate (E1S) concentrations were determined by RIA and used as an indicator of sexual maturity status. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation. Several nonlinear monotonic relationships were identified between postnatal and pubertal hormone concentrations and are presented in Table 1. A moderate positive correlation was identified between plasma androstenone concentrations at 21 and 28 DOA and fat androstenone concentrations at 120, 130, and 140kg LWs, and between E1S concentrations at 21 DOA and E1S concentrations at 120, 130, 140kg LWs. However, the strength of the relationship between postnatal and pubertal hormone concentrations was insufficient for accurately predicting sexual maturity status or boar taint at puberty. These results suggest that additional factors regulating the development of boar taint, such as the rate of metabolism or accumulation, should be considered in future efforts to develop a predictive model using postnatal hormone concentrations.

Fatty Acid Composition of Muscle and Adipose Tissue in Pigs Fed with Addition of Natural Sorbents.

Simple SummaryDifferent types of unconventional feed resources as feed additives for animals are used worldwide on the basis of their availability and economical consideration. Natural mineral sorbents have been used in a wide range in animal farming mainly as feed additives since the mid-1960s. Still, to date, no studies have investigated the effect of the addition of natural sorbents such as biochar, bentonite–montmorillonite and zeolite–clinoptilolite to feed on the fatty acid content of pig meat (muscle tissue) and fat (adipose tissue). The presented research carried out in this area has revealed some evidence of fatty acid profile modification. In spite of the fact that effects of investigated sorbents were often opposite, they did not adversely affect indices of nutritional and pro-health quality of adipose tissue of the pig during fattening. Due to the fact that effects of sorbents supplementation are highly variable and can depend on the composition and dosage, further research seems fully reasonable.The fatty acid composition of meat and fat was studied in Choice Genetics line pigs fed a diet with three natural sorbents. Control (C1 and C2), biochar (D, 0.5%), bentonite–montmorillonite (A, 1.5%) and zeolite–clinoptilolite (B, 1.5%) diets were used in two trials. The samples of back fat, kidney fat and Longissimus lumborum (MLL) and Semimembranosus (MSM) muscle were examined. All sorbents (D, A and B) had no effect on fatty acid composition in MLL, whereas in MSM turned out to be very limited and inconsistent. Although A and B sorbents had a significant impact on the fatty acid profile of kidney fat, their effect was often opposite. Sorbent B’s effects were less beneficial due to a significantly higher proportion of saturated fatty acids, higher value of thrombogenic and atherogenic indexes, n-6/n-3 ratio but lower h/H ratio. Sorbent A’s effects significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, and positively influenced lipid health quality indices. In summary, the feeding of natural sorbents slightly modified the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue, kidney fat and back fat; however, it did not have a negative effect on the indices of nutritional and pro-health quality of adipose tissue of pigs during fattening.

Regulation of Swine Growth by Backfat Tissue during Growing and Finishing Stages

Simple SummarySwine have a large influence on livestock animals. In particular, Korean native pigs (KNPs) have unique traits in their body composition including lipids and proteins. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis to identify porcine transcriptomic changes during growing and finishing stages in the backfat tissue of KNP and Yorkshire pig crossbreeds. Enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly influenced by lipid metabolism and hormonal changes. Network analysis showed that the LEP and ACTC1 genes were connected with significant terminologies which resulted from up- and down-regulated DEGs. The results of our analysis indicate that backfat tissue could regulate swine biology during stages of growth. Consequently, our analysis provided comprehensive understanding for transcriptomic changes during growth periods.Recently, interest in the function of pig backfat (BF) has increased in the field of livestock animals, and many transcriptome-based studies using commercial pig breeds have been conducted. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies regarding the biological mechanisms of Korean native pigs (KNPs) and Yorkshire pig crossbreeds. In this study, therefore, BF samples of F1 crossbreeds of KNPs and Yorkshire pigs were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their related terms using RNA-sequencing analysis. DEG analysis identified 611 DEGs, of which 182 were up-regulated and 429 were down-regulated. Lipid metabolism was identified in the up-regulated genes, whereas growth and maturation-related terminologies were identified in the down-regulated genes. LEP and ACTC1 were identified as highly connected core genes during functional gene network analysis. Fat tissue was observed to affect lipid metabolism and organ development due to hormonal changes driven by transcriptional alteration. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of BF contribution to crossbreeds of KNPs and Yorkshire pigs during growth periods.

Effects of Long-Term Feeding of Treated Rapeseed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Mineral Profile and Fatty Acid Composition of Back Fat in Pigs

Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with treated rape-seed meal (tRSM) on the growth performance, blood mineral levels and fatty acid composition of back fat in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 12 crossbred pigs (Slovakian White × Landrace) with an initial live weight of 40.82 ± 2.69 kg were divided into two dietary treatments. The experimental period lasted 84 days; 38 days in the growing period and 46 days in the finishing period. The dietary treatments were as follows: control, a SBM-based diet (growing and finishing), and experimental, a treated RSM-based diet (growing and finishing). The rapeseed meal was treated with a product that neutralizes the negative physiological effects of anti-nutritive glucosinolates contained in rapeseed products for livestock feeding. Our analysis showed minor, no significant negative effects of tRSM on live weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Replacing SBM with tRSM had no significant effects on the proportion of the total saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids of back fat samples, as well as concentrations of analysed serum minerals except zinc level. In conclusion, the inclusion of 25 % and 18 % of treated RSM in growing and finishing pig diets had no negative effects on the growth performance, blood mineral profile or fatty acid composition of back fat.

PSVII-33 Inter-Animal Variability in Androstenone Transport and the Potential Effect on the Development of Boar Taint

Abstract Boar taint is a meat quality issue characterized by an off-odour or off-flavour in pork caused by the accumulation of androstenone in the fat. Our previous work demonstrated that androstenone binds non-specifically to albumin in the plasma and suggested that the binding affinity of androstenone might vary between individual animals, which may affect the subsequent development of boar taint. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the binding of androstenone in the plasma of animals with high and low fat androstenone concentrations to determine the effect of androstenone binding affinity on the development of boar taint. Plasma and backfat samples were obtained from 5-month-old terminal cross [Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire)] (n = 8) boars. An androstenone specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine animals with high (n = 4) or low (n = 4) fat androstenone concentrations. The plasma from each boar was incubated with radiolabeled [3H]-androstenone in the presence or absence of excess unlabeled androstenone. Excess unlabeled androstenone created competition for binding sites allowing the displacement of [3H]-androstenone from albumin to be quantified. Incubations were analyzed by a novel high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method we previously developed to assess androstenone binding. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way ANOVA. The plasma albumin concentrations were similar across individual boars; however, the percentage of androstenone that could be displaced from albumin in boars with high fat androstenone concentrations ranged from 7.1 ± 2.4% to 21.9 ± 5.2%, and was significantly lower (P = 0.01) than the percentage of androstenone displaced in the animals with low fat androstenone concentrations. These results suggest that the binding affinity of androstenone is inversely related with fat androstenone concentrations, demonstrating for the first time that the transport of androstenone in the plasma may contribute to the development of boar taint.

10.4314/sajas.v40i5.65268

Sheep fat contains relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids while poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are toxic to cellulolytic bacteria and are also saturated in the rumen. Stabilization of residual oil in sunflower oilcake by conversion into calcium salts would be advantageous. Alpha lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant to ameliorate the effects of oxidative stress caused by high dietary levels of PUFA. Residual oil (14%) in mechanically extracted (expeller) sunflower oilcake (SFOC) was saponified in situ and compared in a complete feedlot diet (100 g crude protein and 31 g extractable fat/kg feed) with commercially extracted oilcake containing 2.4% residual oil (control diet with 29 g fat and 123 g crude protein kg feed) fed to four groups of 10 SA Mutton Merino weaner lambs (ca. 23 kg) for nine weeks. Both diets were fed either with, or without a weekly oral dosing of 500 mg α-lipoic acid. Fatty acid composition was determined on back fat samples while thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were determined on samples of m. longissimus dorsi stored for zero and six months and displayed for six days. The back fat of the lambs on the saponified expeller SFOC diets contained significantly higher levels of saturated fatty acids and lower levels of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. PUFA were unaffected. High TBARS levels (>1.0) were found after six months storage. Non significant increases in TBARS were observed in the groups that received lipoic acid.

PSIX-23 Inclusion of cocoa husks in the diet for fattening pigs on lipid composition of backfat and muscle

Abstract Cocoa husks are by-products of chocolate production, characterized by a high content of dietary fibre, proteins, lipids and polyphenols, which exert antioxidant activity. The present study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of cocoa husks on the lipid composition of pig backfat and muscle. Eight finishing pigs were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CTRL, fed a conventional cereal-based diet, and COCOA, fed a diet obtained by substitution of 10% of the control diet with coarsely ground cocoa husks. After 6 weeks, pigs were slaughtered. During the experimental period, the dietary composition was analysed, nutrient digestibility of the diets and N balance were determined. At slaughtering, samples of backfat and Biceps brachii muscle were collected. Total lipids were extracted from samples and analysed for cholesterol content and for fatty acid composition. The experimental diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic, but polyphenolic content was 90% higher in COCOA than CTRL diet. Nutrient digestibility and N balance were not influenced by dietary treatment. Cocoa husks feeding did not affect total lipids and cholesterol, but increased by 50% the content of linoleic (18:2) and linolenic acid (18:3) in both backfat (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and biceps muscle (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Worldwide, sanitary authorities recommend increasing the ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids of the diet, in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to this, obtained results highlight a role for cocoa husks in improving the nutritional value of pork meat, which is a key factor in determining consumer choice.

PSI-32 Impact of titrating levels of dried distillers grains with solubles as a replacement of soybean meal on Boer goat fat quality

Abstract Due to the rising goat population in the United States, there is growing economic incentive to feed dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) over soybean meal (SBM). However, there is limited knowledge of how this may affect carcass composition. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of titrating levels of DDGS as a replacement of SBM on Boer goat fatty acid profiles. Thirty-two Boer goat kids were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets consisting of 0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% DDGS replacing SBM. There were no detected differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in final body weight after a 47-d growth experiment. Goats were slaughtered in a commercial, USDA-inspected facility, backfat samples collected between the 12th and 13th rib, and samples analyzed for fatty acid profile via AOAC Official Method 996.06. Data were analyzed with goat as the experimental unit in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatment did not impact (P &amp;gt; 0.05) the overall fatty acid profile or iodine value (50 to 52 points) of fat samples. This may be because fatty acids go through biohydrogenation by rumen bacteria, limiting the impact of diet on fatty acid profile. That said, increasing levels of DDGS impacted (P = 0.03) both C16:1 and C18:3 in a quadratic manner. Specifically, goats fed 0% and 100% DDGS replacing SBM had higher C16:1 than those fed intermediate levels of DDGS, while the opposite was true for C18:3. No other fatty acid was affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05), nor were there shifts in the ratio of saturated vs. unsaturated, or the total sum of n-3 fatty acids. In summary, fatty acid profiles are not significantly impacted by increasing levels of DDGS in place of SBM, and therefore DDGS can be used in Boer goat diets without impacting fat quality.

Cow milk does not affect adiposity in growing piglets as a model for children

The effect of milk consumption on childhood obesity is unclear and a direct demonstration of an association is needed. In the present study, we used piglets as a model for prepubertal children to determine the effect of milk on adipose tissue. Two studies were conducted: study 1 with 5-wk-old male piglets (n = 8) and study 2 with 8- to 9-wk-old male piglets (n = 12). The piglets were fed a normal growing diet and randomly assigned to receive daily either 750 mL of whole cow milk or an isocaloric maltodextrin solution (control). For approximately 12 wk, body weight, feed intake, and subcutaneous back fat thickness were determined ultrasonographically and recorded. At euthanasia, back and neck fat thicknesses were measured and samples of back fat were collected for adipose histology. In study 1, but not study 2, piglets receiving milk grew more and ate more compared with control. In study 1, both back fat and neck fat thickness were greater in the milk-fed piglets and they had a higher frequency of small adipocytes and a lower frequency of intermediate and large adipocytes compared with controls. In study 2, control pigs had a significantly greater frequency of intermediate adipocytes but the milk-fed piglets tended to have a higher frequency of the largest adipocytes. In conclusion, milk has no apparent causal or consistent effect on adipose tissue in growing piglets.

Genetic parameters of backfat fatty acids and carcass traits in Large White pigs

Subcutaneous fat thickness and fatty acid composition (FAC) play an important role on seasoning loss and organoleptic characteristics of seasoned hams. Dry-cured ham industry prefers meats with low contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) because these negatively affect fat firmness and ham quality, whereas consumers require higher contents in those fatty acids (FA) for their positive effect on human health. A population of 950 Italian Large White pigs from the Italian National Sib Test Selection Programme was investigated with the aim to estimate heritabilities, genetic and phenotypic correlations of backfat FAC, Semimembranosus muscle intramuscular fat (IMF) content and other carcass traits. The pigs were reared in controlled environmental condition at the same central testing station and were slaughtered at reaching 150 kg live weight. Backfat samples were collected to analyze FAC by gas chromatography. Carcass traits showed heritability levels from 0.087 for estimated carcass lean percentage to 0.361 for hot carcass weight. Heritability values of FA classes were low-to-moderate, all in the range 0.245 for n-3 PUFA to 0.264 for monounsaturated FA (MUFA). Polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a significant genetic correlation with loin thickness (0.128), backfat thickness (−0.124 for backfat measured by Fat-O-Meat’er and −0.175 for backfat measured by calibre) and IMF (−0.102). Obviously, C18:2(n-6) shows similar genetic correlations with the same traits (0.211 with loin thickness, −0.206 with backfat measured by Fat-O-Meat’er, −0.291 with backfat measured by calibre and −0.171 with IMF). Monounsaturated FA, except with the backfat measured by calibre (0.068; P<0.01), do not show genetic correlations with carcass characteristics, whereas a negative genetic correlation was found between MUFA and saturated FA (SFA; −0.339; P<0.001). These results suggest that MUFA/SFA ratio could be increased without interfering with carcass traits. The level of genetic correlations between FA and carcass traits should be taken into account in dealing with the development of selection schemes addressed to modify carcass composition and/or backfat FAC.

Fat deposition deficiency is critical for the high mortality of pre-weanling newborn piglets

BackgroundThe high mortality of pre-weanling piglets is a dominant challenge which severely restricts the development of pig industry. A number of factors including nutrients imbalance and temperature variation during postnatal period of piglets have been reported to closely associated with the high mortality of postnatal piglets. This study aims to find out the relationship between fat deposition and survival of newborn piglets.ResultsThere were no differences in organ coefficient and bone density between the surviving and dead piglets (P > 0.05). The body weight and the fat deposition in the dead piglets were lower than the live individuals (P < 0.05). Consistently, the average sizes of white adipocytes in back and abdominal adipose tissues of dead piglets were smaller than the survivals (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of adipocyte differentiation markers PPARγ and C/EBPα in the back and abdominal adipose tissues were lower in dead piglets compared to live piglets. The mRNA expressions of thermogenic markers PGC1α and PRDM16 in adipose tissues were decreased in the dead piglets (P < 0.05). The microarray of back fat samples from the surviving and dead piglets were conducted; two down-regulated genes namely AAMDC and CASTOR1 were identified from the dead piglets. According to quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, the mRNA expression of AAMDC decreased, whereas CASTOR1 expression elevated in the dead piglets compared to the surviving piglets (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe fat deposition and adipocyte differentiation in the dead piglets are insufficient compared to the surviving piglets, which may attenuate the thermogenic ability of white adipose tissue (WAT). Our data indicate that fat deposition in newborn piglets is vital to their survival.

Effects of feeding camelina cake to weaned pigs on safety, growth performance, and fatty acid composition of pork.

Feeding cake with remaining oil contributes dietary energy (fat) in addition to protein (AA) and may provide an opportunity to enrich the n-3 fatty acid content of pork. Information regarding safety, growth performance, and efficacy of feeding camelina cake to pigs is limited. We therefore evaluated the effects of camelina cake inclusion in pig nursery diets. In total, 192 pigs (9.4 kg BW) were randomly allocated by sex to 48 pens, 2 heavy and 2 light pigs per pen. Pigs were fed 1 of 4 wheat-based diets including camelina cake (0%, 6%, 12%, or 18%; variety Celine) replacing soybean meal for 4 wk. Individual pigs, pen feed added, and orts were weighed weekly. Feces were collected on d 26 and 27. A blood sample was taken on d 29 from 24 pigs with the lowest BW/pen, which were then euthanized and necropsied. Gross pathological examination was conducted, and organ weights were measured. Samples of liver, back fat, belly fat, and jowl fat were collected for fatty acid analysis. Increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly decreased ( 0.001) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, OM, GE and ash but did not affect ATTD of CP and P. For the entire trial (d 0 to 28), increasing camelina cake inclusion by 6% linearly decreased ( 0.001) ADFI by 74 g/d, ADG by 51 g/d, and BW by 0.8 kg but did not affect feed efficiency (G:F). Increasing camelina cake inclusion linearly increased ( 0.001) liver weight relative to BW, linearly decreased ( 0.050) kidney weight, but did not affect spleen, heart, and thyroid weights. Increasing camelina cake inclusion did not result in serological (large-animal standard panel, T3, and T4) or gross clinical (morphology) findings that might suggest toxicity. In liver, back fat, belly fat, and jowl fat, increasing dietary camelina cake inclusion linearly increased ( 0.050) total n-3 fatty acids and shorter-chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids but did not increase docosahexaenoic acid (n-3) or arachidonic acid (n-6). In conclusion, feeding camelina cake to weaned pigs at up to 18% did not elicit clinical signs of toxicity and increased n-3 fatty acids in carcass fat depots. The decrease in ADFI as camelina cake inclusion increased resulted in pigs fed 18% weighing 5 kg less than controls at the end of the nursery period.

Fatty acid composition and its association with chemical and sensory analysis of boar taint

A certain level of disagreement between the chemical analysis of androstenone and skatole and the human perception of boar taint has been found in many studies. Here we analyze whether the fatty acid composition can explain such inconsistency between sensory evaluation and chemical analysis of boar taint compounds. Therefore, back fat samples (n=143) were selected according to their sensory evaluation by a 10-person sensory panel, and the chemical analysis (stable isotope dilution analysis with headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) of androstenone and skatole. Subsequently a quantification of fatty acids using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection was conducted. The correlation analyses revealed that several fatty acids are significantly correlated with androstenone, skatole, and the sensory rating. However, multivariate analyses (principal component analysis) revealed no explanation of the fatty acid composition with respect to the (dis-)agreement between sensory and chemical analysis.

64 EFFECTS OF NANOPURIFIED BOAR SEMEN FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION ON PROTEIN DETECTION IN SWINE OFFSPRING MUSCLE AND FAT TISSUE

Standard extended semen contains both viable and non-viable spermatozoa. Magnetic nanoparticles have proven to be effective in the purification of boar semen by targeting nonviable spermatozoal cells (Feugang et al. 2015 IVF Reprod. Med. Genet. 3, 2), allowing potentially greater efficiency within the pork production industry. Previous research lacks data regarding the biochemical effects on offspring produced from such nanopurified semen. Here, we aim to determine whether there is a difference in protein expression between offspring produced with standard and nanopurified semen. Myoglobin (MYO) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were chosen as the protein markers for this study because they are often studied in reference to meat quality. Myoglobin provides meat its red colour, and FAS assembles fatty acids contributing to tenderness and palatability. The results produced here will provide a baseline for further research in the meat quality and the safety of consuming meat produced with this nanopurification method. Six sows maintained on our experimental farm were inseminated with standard (CTRL) and nanopurified (NANO) boar semen, leading to the birth of viable full-term piglets. At weaning, 10 pigs (5 male and 5 female) were randomly selected from each group and allowed to grow to market weight. Samples of longissimus muscle and SC back fat were then collected from each pig and prepared for protein analyses. Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence of tissue samples were performed using anti-MYO and anti-FAS antibodies. Images were appropriately captured and quantified (ImageJ). Data (mean ± SEM) were analysed (ANOVA/Wilcoxon) with P &lt; 0.05 set as threshold of significance. Western immunoblotting confirmed the specificity of each antibody. Myoglobin and FAS proteins were highly detected in muscle and fat tissues, respectively, and there were no differences between groups for each protein. Compared with the CTRL group, immunofluorescence signals of MYO in fat tissues and FAS in muscle tissues were significantly reduced in NANO group pigs, irrespective of the sex. However, MYO immunofluorescence levels in fat tissues and FAS levels in all tissues were significantly reduced in females of the NANO group compared with their counterparts in the CTRL group. In conclusion, MYO and FAS proteins were confirmed as good markers for muscle and fat tissues, respectively, with similar immunofluorescence levels between CTRL and NANO groups. Current preliminary data also show that sperm nanopurification (1) may decrease FAS protein expression in muscle tissue with the possibility to affect meat quality and (2) mainly affected females in this study. Further studies are needed for confirmation of these early findings.

Consumers dislike boar taint related off-flavours in pork chops regardless of a meal context

This study investigated the acceptance of pork with varying levels boar-taint related off-flavours both, within a meat-alone (pure) and a meal context. In total, backfat samples of n=24 animals were evaluated by a trained panel. The fat score was then related to the consumer liking of the pork chops. Repeated ANOVA of chop liking with consumer as a random factor (n=37) and fat score as an interval predictor shows neither a main effect of context (dwithin=0.015) nor the interactions of context with linear and quadratic coefficient of the fat score. The linear (b=−0.20) and quadratic (b=−0.24) coefficients of the fat score main effect demonstrate the necessity and effectiveness of sensory quality control at slaughter. The quadratic coefficient showed a distinct penalty for higher fat scores. Sensory defects detected by trained panellists may not be noticed by usually less sensitive consumers.

Pork fat quality of pigs fed distillers dried grains with solubles with variable oil content and evaluation of iodine value prediction equations.

Back, belly, and jowl fat samples of pigs fed control corn-soybean meal-based diets and diets containing 4 sources of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were used to determine the impact of feeding DDGS with variable oil content on pork fat quality and to evaluate the precision and accuracy of published iodine value (IV) prediction equations. Dietary treatments consisted of 4 corn-soybean meal diets containing 40% DDGS from different sources with 10.7, 5.6, 14.2, or 16.0% ether extract (EE; as-fed) content. Diets did not contain any other supplemental lipid sources. Regardless of fat depot, SFA content (g/100 g fat) of pigs fed 5.6% EE DDGS (35.4) was greater ( < 0.05) than that of pigs fed 14.2 or 16.0% EE DDGS sources (34.4 and 30.2, respectively) and tended to be greater ( < 0.10) than that of pigs fed 10.7% EE DDGS (34.6). Pigs fed 10.7 and 14.2% EE DDGS had greater ( < 0.01) SFA concentration than pigs fed 16.0% EE DDGS. Regardless of fat depot, MUFA content (g/100 g fat) of pigs fed 10.7, 5.6, and 14.2% DDGS sources were similar (43.7, 43.1, and 43.0, respectively) but were greater ( < 0.01) than that of pigs fed 16.0% EE DDGS (40.0). A dietary treatment × fat depot interaction was observed for PUFA ( < 0.05) and IV ( = 0.079). Pigs fed 10.7, 5.6, and 14.2% DDGS sources had reduced ( < 0.01) PUFA concentration and IV compared with pigs fed 16.0% EE DDGS, but the magnitude of responses in PUFA and IV to the variable oil content of DDGS was greater in backfat than in belly and jowl fat. Carcass fat IV data were used to evaluate prediction error (PE) and bias of published carcass fat IV prediction equations. Equations using dietary C18:2 content or IV product as a single predictor resulted in highly variable PE (g/100 g) ranging from 3.43 to 8.36 and bias (g/100 g) ranging from -5.05 to 5.66. Using equations that included additional diet composition information and pig growth performance factors decreased PE (3.27 to 4.73) and bias (-3.37 to 1.73) of prediction for backfat compared with equations only based on the characteristics of dietary lipid, but this improvement was limited in the prediction for belly and jowl fat. Predictions based on percentage of DDGS in diets had the greatest PE (6.66 to 9.19) and bias (5.53 to 8.00).

Feasibility of boar taint classification using a portable Raman device

The feasibility of Raman spectroscopy for boar taint detection and classification was investigated using tainted and untainted backfat samples of 46 boars. For this exploratory study, backfat samples were selected according to their levels of androstenone and skatole as determined by gas chromatography and their sensory score by a trained panel. Raman spectra were collected with a portable device at freshly cut surfaces of frozen–thawed samples. Both inner and outer layers of subcutaneous fat were studied. Their varying level of unsaturation was reflected in the Raman spectra. Partial least squares regression discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to the spectra together with various pre-processing methods. A model using only spectra obtained at the inner layer resulted in the highest classification accuracy for boar taint (81% of samples correctly classified). The discrimination is shown to reflect differences in the degree of fatty acid saturation between tainted and untainted boars. In conclusion, the findings suggest that with further development Raman spectroscopy may be used to classify boar taint.

2-Aminoacetophenone Is the Main Volatile Phase I Skatole Metabolite in Pietrain × Baden-Württemberg Hybrid Type Boars.

Skatole metabolites have been considered as putative contributors to boar taint. Recently, 2-aminoacetophenone, a volatile phase I skatole metabolite, was identified in back fat samples from boars of Pietrain × Baden-Württemberg hybrid type. This paper addresses the question of the physiological origin of the observed 2-aminoacetophenone in these pigs. Microsomal fractions from nine boars were isolated, and formation of skatole metabolites was subsequently analyzed by stable-isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Significant breed-related differences in phase I skatole metabolism were observed, explaining the high levels of 2-aminoacetophenone in Pietrain × Baden-Württemberg hybrid type boars.