Young Boars Research Articles

Collaboration between a veterinary laboratory and a clinical cytogenetics laboratory

Abstract Introduction/Objective One major issue facing pig breeders is the presence of karyotypic abnormalities which reduce fertility. Karyotypic abnormalities may also persist in breeding population increasing the magnitude of lost animal production over time. Assessment of porcine chromosomes is a valuable service to be offered to the livestock industry. Methods/Case Report Chromosome testing of young boars prior to breeding is mandatory in France and much of Western Europe. Such testing is not common in the USA even though chromosome abnormalities are known to exist in swine breeding populations. Due to the lack of this service in the US, we established a collaboration between a clinical cytogenetics laboratory and a veterinary laboratory to validate and offer karyotype testing for breeder boards. To established this service Kuster Research and Consulting, Inc (KRC), a veterinary consulting service in Atkinson Illinois, reached out to the Shivanand R. Patil Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory at University of Iowa Healthcare for assistance in setting up chromosome testing for breeder boars based on the laboratory’s experience in culturing mammalian cells for chromosome analysis. Technologists from KRC traveled to the clinical cytogenetics lab for training. After a dedicated period of work and collaboration, a reproducible culture and harvest protocol was developed to obtain G-band metaphase spreads. Additional assistance for analysis was provided by Dr. Alain Pinton at the National Veterinary College (ENVT) in Toulouse, France. Dr. Pinton’s cytogenetic laboratory provided training in porcine chromosome analysis as well as providing protocols used in that laboratory. Kuster Research and Consulting also worked with SmartType to adapt proprietary karyotype software to assist in analysis of porcine chromosomes. The collaboration established the first of its kind cytogenetic testing in a private USA veterinary laboratory, Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Active collaboration between clinical and veterinary service laboratories resulted in the successful development of testing protocols. In addition, the clinical lab gained experience in analysis of porcine chromosomes which has created opportunities for research using a porcine model. Conclusion Opportunities to share expertise should be sought and and encouraged to provide needed laboratory services in a non traditional setting.

LInear measurements of carcases of the Myrhorod breed pigs

Objective. To evaluate the dependence of carcass characteristics of pigs of the Myrhorod breed on the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Methods. Three groups of pigs were formed, differing among themselves in the number of piglets in the litter at birth. For the purpose of comparative assessment, indexes for three groups as a whole were also determined. Young boars were selectedfor fattening and further slaughter. All piglets were received in one period, had free access to feed in accordance with the needs of sex and age groups. This stage of research was conducted at the experimental base of Institute of Pig Breeding and AIP NAAS. The main measurements of pig carcasses were taken at the meat processing plant of "Prodfoodservice" LLC in Poltava. Animals with a live weight of 100 kg were selected for the assessment. General rules were followed for the assessment of pig carcasses. The topography of fat deposition on the carcass was determined by the following points of taking measurements of the thickness of lard with skin: at the withers; at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae; on the waist; on the crosses in three points; at chest level. The formula proposed by N. V. Pivniak was used to determine the average thickness of lard along the spine (watering of the carcass). To compare animals of different groups of pigs of the Myrhorod breed, the full meatiness index (FMI) was calculated. The research results were processed using the traditional method of variational statistics. Results. The differences between the different groups were insignificant in relation to the girth of the sternum. According to the latitudinal parameters of the bacon half of the carcass, there were also no significant differences between different groups of pigs, with a slight shift of preference towards the third group. Regarding the ratio of the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the smallest values were found in the animals of the second group, and the largest in the first group. Regarding the determination of fat thickness at different points of taking measurements, a clear picture regarding the superiority of a certain group was not determined, although according to most indexes, the carcasses of animals of the first group were marked by larger actual measurements. The animals of all three groups did not meet the requirements for the first extra and the second category of pigs for slaughter according to the fat thickness index at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae. All evaluated carcasses were assigned to the third category, which corresponds to the type of productivity of Myrhorod breed of pigs. According to the comprehensive assessment of carcass watering, the highest values were obtainedfor the first group, the average values for the second group, and the smallest values for the third group, respectively. The opposite picture was observed for the full meatiness index, although differences in this index were also unlikely. By comparing the main and most important indexes of the linear diameters of the carcasses of three different groups with the same indexes for all evaluated animals, the animals of the third group were the closest to the average values in relation to the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the thickness of the lard at the level of the 6 - 7th thoracic vertebrae. At the same time, the animals of the second group were the closest to the average values according to the full meatiness index. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that there is no dependence of meatiness indexes, quality characteristics ofpig carcasses, and in particular, their salinity, etc. from the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Non-compliance with the requirements for the first extra and second categories of pigs for slaughter was found, which indicates that the productivity of the new generation of animals of the Myrhorod breed still belongs to animals of universal and fatty genotypes, although the carcasses according to the lard thickness index are at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae were at the lower limit of the third category of pigs for slaughter. Keywords: pigs, Myrhorod breed, slaughter qualities, pig carcasses, lard, meatiness, watering of carcasses.

LInear measurements of carcases of the Myrhorod breed pigs

Objective. To evaluate the dependence of carcass characteristics of pigs of the Myrhorod breed on the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Methods. Three groups of pigs were formed, differing among themselves in the number of piglets in the litter at birth. For the purpose of comparative assessment, indexes for three groups as a whole were also determined. Young boars were selectedfor fattening and further slaughter. All piglets were received in one period, had free access to feed in accordance with the needs of sex and age groups. This stage of research was conducted at the experimental base of Institute of Pig Breeding and AIP NAAS. The main measurements of pig carcasses were taken at the meat processing plant of "Prodfoodservice" LLC in Poltava. Animals with a live weight of 100 kg were selected for the assessment. General rules were followed for the assessment of pig carcasses. The topography of fat deposition on the carcass was determined by the following points of taking measurements of the thickness of lard with skin: at the withers; at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae; on the waist; on the crosses in three points; at chest level. The formula proposed by N. V. Pivniak was used to determine the average thickness of lard along the spine (watering of the carcass). To compare animals of different groups of pigs of the Myrhorod breed, the full meatiness index (FMI) was calculated. The research results were processed using the traditional method of variational statistics. Results. The differences between the different groups were insignificant in relation to the girth of the sternum. According to the latitudinal parameters of the bacon half of the carcass, there were also no significant differences between different groups of pigs, with a slight shift of preference towards the third group. Regarding the ratio of the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the smallest values were found in the animals of the second group, and the largest in the first group. Regarding the determination of fat thickness at different points of taking measurements, a clear picture regarding the superiority of a certain group was not determined, although according to most indexes, the carcasses of animals of the first group were marked by larger actual measurements. The animals of all three groups did not meet the requirements for the first extra and the second category of pigs for slaughter according to the fat thickness index at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae. All evaluated carcasses were assigned to the third category, which corresponds to the type of productivity of Myrhorod breed of pigs. According to the comprehensive assessment of carcass watering, the highest values were obtainedfor the first group, the average values for the second group, and the smallest values for the third group, respectively. The opposite picture was observed for the full meatiness index, although differences in this index were also unlikely. By comparing the main and most important indexes of the linear diameters of the carcasses of three different groups with the same indexes for all evaluated animals, the animals of the third group were the closest to the average values in relation to the front to the back parts of the bacon halves, the thickness of the lard at the level of the 6 - 7th thoracic vertebrae. At the same time, the animals of the second group were the closest to the average values according to the full meatiness index. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that there is no dependence of meatiness indexes, quality characteristics ofpig carcasses, and in particular, their salinity, etc. from the starting capabilities of animals in the neonatal period of development. Non-compliance with the requirements for the first extra and second categories of pigs for slaughter was found, which indicates that the productivity of the new generation of animals of the Myrhorod breed still belongs to animals of universal and fatty genotypes, although the carcasses according to the lard thickness index are at the level of 6 - 7 thoracic vertebrae were at the lower limit of the third category of pigs for slaughter. Keywords: pigs, Myrhorod breed, slaughter qualities, pig carcasses, lard, meatiness, watering of carcasses.

285 Impact of feeding strategies on semen concentration, motility, and morphology of the mature AI boar

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine if varying feeding strategies of maintenance requirements of boars impacts semen concentration, motility, morphology, and cortisol of the working boar. This experiment was conducted at Purdue University over two 9-wk periods with 1-wk before each 9-wk period serving as baseline for analysis. Boars (n = 28; Acuity and Topig Norvsin) from two age groups (9 and 15 mo) and two genetics (maternal and terminal) were used. Boars were blocked by breed and age and randomly allocated to receive one of three feed intake levels of a corn-soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet NRC (2012) maintenance requirements: HIGH (150% maintenance, n = 9); MAIN (100% maintenance, n = 10); and LOW (80% maintenance, n = 9) during the first 9-wk period. During the second 9-wk period remaining HIGH and LOW boars were crossed-over to opposite treatments (HIGH-LOW, n = 9; LOW-HIGH, n = 7), and maintenance boars were unchanged (MAIN-MAIN, n = 8). Semen was collected once/wk using the gloved hand method and 3 mL of ejaculate was diluted in 27 mL of extender (Androhep Plus, Minitube). Semen concentration (Nucleocounter SP-100), motility (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, CASA, CEROS II), and sperm cell morphology (phase-contrast, bright-field microscopy) were analyzed. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 with boar as experimental unit with main effects of feed intake and age with phase (3-wk period) as repeated measure. Significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a trend 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Three-way interactions for the first 9-wk period of feed intake*age*phase was observed for total sperm (P < 0.10) and total normal sperm (P < 0.05) with old boars fed HIGH treatment increasing sperm production, but old boars fed MAIN and LOW decreasing sperm production while young boars had minimal changes in sperm production regardless of feeding levels in the first 9-wk period. No other interactions or main effects were observed for the first period. During the second 9-wk period two-way interactions were observed for total sperm (FI*Age; P < 0.05) and total normal sperm (FI*Age; P < 0.01) with old LOW-HIGH boars having the highest total sperm and total normal sperm concentrations and young LOW-HIGH boars having the least total sperm and total normal sperm concentrations. HIGH-LOW fed boars had the greatest decrease in semen volume compared with the other treatments (FI*Phase; P < 0.01). Boars fed MAIN had minimal impacts on semen parameters compared with HIGH and LOW feed intake treatments. HIGH and LOW feed intake was observed to impact semen parameters in old boars faster than young boars with neither age being able to return to their baseline semen parameters observed at the start of the trial. Future research is needed with varying ages and feed intakes to better understand how nutritional strategies impact semen quantity and quality in the boar stud.

286 Impact of feeding strategies on bodyweight and body condition in mature AI boars

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine how varying feeding strategies for boars impacts body weight (BW), backfat depth, loin muscle depth, Knauer caliper measurements, flank to flank tape measurement, body condition score (BCS), and scrotal width and length. This experiment was conducted over two 9-wk periods. Boars were weighed and measurements were taken every 3 wk during the study. Boars (n = 28; Acuity and Topig Norvsin) from two age groups (9 and 15 mo) and two genetic lines (maternal and terminal) were used during this experiment. Boars were blocked by breed and age and randomly allocated to receive one of the three feed intake (FI) levels of a corn-soybean meal-based diet (met NRC 2012 nutrient requirements) using the NRC (2012) maintenance equation [ME for maintenance = (100*kg BW0.75) + 15 kcal for sperm production]. Treatments were: HIGH (150% of maintenance, n = 9), MAIN (100% of maintenance, n = 10), LOW (80% of maintenance, n = 9) for the first 9-wk period. During the second 9-wk period remaining HIGH and LOW boars were crossed-over to opposite treatments (HIGH-LOW, n = 9; LOW-HIGH, n = 7) and maintenance remained unchanged (MAIN-MAIN, n = 8). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. Boar was the experimental unit with main effects of feed intake and age, and week serving as a repeated measure. Significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a trend at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Three-way interactions of FI*Age*Week were observed during the first 9-wk period. Young boars fed HIGH had a greater increase in BW (P = 0.002), caliper (P = 0.011), backfat depth (P = 0.003), BCS (P = 0.003), and scrotal width (P = 0.004) than old boars fed HIGH and young boars fed LOW had a greater reduction in these variables then old LOW boars. Boars fed LOW for the first 9-wk period had reduced scrotal length (P = 0.004), greater reduction in BW change (P < 0.001), and reduced tape change (P = 0.021) compared with HIGH and MAIN fed boars. Two-way interactions for the second 9-wk period were observed. HIGH-LOW fed boars had decreased BW (FI*Week; P < 0.001), tape (FI*Week; P = 0.019), caliper (FI*Week; P = 0.012), BCS (FI*Week; P < 0.001), and scrotal width (FI*Week; P = 0.047) while LOW-HIGH boars had increased measurements for these variables over time. Additional two-way interactions during the second 9-wk period included Tape (FI*Age; P = 0.046) and BCS (FI*Age; P = 0.028). Overall young boars had more adverse reactions to the varying feeding strategies than old boars, this included larger changes in BW and composition measures. Young and old boars fed MAIN level lost BW and condition indicating the equation for maintenance energy requirement is not accurate for modern genetics working boars. Future research is needed with varying ages and feed intakes in the boar stud to better understand the impacts of growth, development, and maintenance energy for the modern AI boar.

Biostimulatory effects of boar seminal gel, saliva and semen on sexual behavior of young boars, gilts and sows

The present study aimed to identify novel biostimulatory compounds in boar seminal gel (SG), saliva and semen using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bio-stimulatory effect of SG, SG + saliva and SG + semen on young boar for semen collection as well were employed to study bio-stimulatory effects on gilts and sows. Distilled water (DW) exposure was kept as control. SG, saliva and semen were screened for total 105, 96 and 89 compounds. The highest concentration was of alkanes followed by sugar alcohols, then hydrocarbons, amino acids and fatty acids. Elaidic acid was the novel compound identified in pigs. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) number of males got trained in exposure to SG (80%), SG + saliva (75%) and SG + semen (75%) than control (0%). The time (hrs) taken by young boars to get trained on exposure to combination of SG + saliva (244 ± 22.19) and SG + semen (216 ± 13.14) was lesser (p < 0.05) than SG (356 ± 61.85) alone. Interval (hrs) from initiation of exposure for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by males on exposure to SG, saliva and semen was lesser (p < 0.05) than control. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of females showed estrus response to exposure of SG (72.72%), SG + saliva (69.23%) and SG + semen (76.92%) than control (0). Interval (hrs) taken to exhibit estrus was shorter (p < 0.05) in females exposed to SG + saliva (201.88 ± 12.66), SG + semen (198.20 ± 9.42) than SG (262.14 ± 20.06) alone. Interval (hrs) for exhibition of different sexual behaviour by females on exposure to SG + saliva and SG + semen was lesser (p < 0.05) than control. In conclusion, novel compounds were identified in boar seminal gel, saliva and semen with biostimulatory properties have been identified in boar SG, saliva and semen. The combined exposure of SG with saliva and semen has more intense biostimulation effect than SG alone for training of young boars and estrus induction in gilts and sows. Such compounds biostimulatory effects can be exploited for augmenting reproductive efficiency in pigs.

Effects of different ages on frozen semen quality and in vitro fertilization efficiency in Wannan black pigs.

According to previous studies, the quality and fertilization rate of fresh sperm from boars of different ages were significantly different. However, the difference of freeze-thaw sperm quality and fertility in boars of different ages is unclear. In this study, boars of a Chinese native breed were assigned into two groups. Each group consisted of five boars aged aged either 2-3 years (young boars = YB) or 5-6 years (aging boars = AB) A total of 60 ejaculates for each group were collected and cryopreserved. Semen quality and in vitro fertility of post-thaw sperm was evaluated. The results showed that the concentration and motility of fresh sperm collected from AB were similar to YB, but their semen volume was higher than that in YB (p < 0.05). Frozen-thawed sperm of AB had lower viability than YB, and higher abnormal rate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of YB (p < 0.05). There was no effect of the age on post-thaw sperm motility and time survival. Functional assessments indicated that increasing age markedly compromises the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane and acrosome, as well as mitochondrial functionality post-thaw, albeit without affecting DNA integrity. Furthermore, increasing age of boars reduces the ability of sperm to bind to the oocyte zona pellucida after thawing, delaying the time of the first embryo cleavage after fertilization. Finally, the early developmental efficiency of in vitro fertilized embryos progressing from 4-cell to blastocyst derived from post-thaw sperm in AB significantly decreased compared to those from YB (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that increasing age in boars impairs the quality and in vitro fertility of frozen thawed sperm.

PSV-20 Evaluation of Dietary Fiber Inclusion on Semen Production and Semen Characteristics in Mature AI Boars

Abstract This experiment was conducted at Purdue University swine research and education center. The objective of this study was to determine if the inclusion of fiber (8.48% vs 14.85% NDF) in the diet of boars influenced semen characteristics, concentration, motility, and morphology. Twenty-seven boars from two age groups (7 months and 18 months) and two genetic lines (maternal and terminal) were utilized in this study over a 12-week period with one week before the study data serving as a baseline for statistical analysis. Boars were blocked by age and breed and randomly allotted to receive 2.72 kg/d of corn-soybean meal diet (CON, n=13) formulated to meet NRC (2012) requirements or an isocaloric (estimated ME = 3,285 Kcal/kg) corn-soybean meal diet with 14.3% soyhulls and supplemental choice white grease (4.65%) inclusions (FIBER, n = 14). Semen was collected once per week per boar using the gloved hand method. While at the farm 3 mL of semen was mixed with 27 mL of extender (Androhep Plus, Minitube) to make a 1:10 dilution. The semen was then driven approximately 19 km to Purdue University where concentration (Nucleocounter SP-100), motility (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, CASA, CEROS II), and sperm cell morphology were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC), with the main effects of diet, age, and breed with week as a repeated measure. Significance was determined at P &amp;lt; 0.05 and a trend was observed at 0.05 &amp;lt; P ≤ 0.10. Fiber in the diet did not affect any semen characteristics throughout the study. However, the percent morphologically normal sperm was greater in young boars compared with the older boars (80.6% vs 74.1%, P = 0.0143) resulting from fewer head/tail abnormalities (1.8% vs 2.4%, P = 0.0249) and distal droplets (7.2% vs 9.6%, P = 0.0508). Maternal boars had fewer proximal droplets (6.9% vs 9.9%, P = 0.0325) and tended to have fewer head/tail abnormalities (1.8% vs 2.3%, P = 0.0800). Terminal boars tended to have fewer distal midpiece reflex abnormalities than maternal boars (3.3% vs 4.8%, P = 0.0948). Overall feeding boars a high fiber diet had no effect on semen characteristics; however there were effects of age and breed of boar on semen characteristics. Future research is needed with varying levels and types of fiber inclusion in the diet along with differing ages and breeds of boars to better understand how fiber may impact semen characteristics.

Peculiarities of the formation of sperm production and the course of peroxide oxidation in boars

The intensive use of boars and receiving biologically complete valuable ejaculates from them is possible due to early assessment of the quality of sperm production and timely determination of their genetic potential. The research aimed to determine the peculiarities of the formation of sperm production and the course of peroxide oxidation in boars during puberty. For the experiment, 5–10 month-old boars of Poltava Meat, the Large White, and Myrhorod breeds were used. The quality of the obtained ejaculates was evaluated according to standard indicators according to the instructions for artificial insemination of pigs. The research results indicate a significant increase in the quantitative indexes of sperm production in young boars in the age range with different features for each breed. By the eighth month of life, a general tendency to increase the parameters in the received ejaculates is noted. In contrast, the highest increase in ejaculate volume and sperm concentration was found in young boars of the sebaceous direction of productivity on the 240th day of the development (4.6 and 1.9 times). The minimum motility and survival of gametes were observed at five months, regardless of the breed, with a gradual increase to maximum values at the seventh and eighth months of age, depending on the direction of animal productivity. The use of moderate sexual load for young boars after they reach the age of 9 months ensures the functional activity of sperm suitable for artificial insemination (motility above 80 % and survival above 70 %). The significant changes in the pro-oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in the sperm of boars of 7–8 months occur in the direction of the acceleration of the peroxygen oxidation of lipids, which is evidenced by an increase in the content of diene conjugates and TBC-active compounds and an increase in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidant link. An earlier formation of pro-oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in this secretion is noted in representatives of the meat and fat direction of productivity. Thus, the obtained results indicate significant age-related changes in the ejaculate parameters and peculiarities of the course of peroxide oxidation processes depending on the breed of boars.

Eating Quality of Pork from Entire Male Pigs after Dietary Supplementation with Hydrolysable Tannins.

Boar taint is an unpleasant odour and flavour released during heat treatment of pork from uncastrated male pigs. The two main compounds responsible for boar taint are androstenone and skatole. Androstenone is a steroid hormone formed in the testis during sexual maturity. Skatole is a product of microbial degradation of the amino acid tryptophan in the hindgut of pigs. Both of these compounds are lipophilic, which means that they can be deposited in adipose tissue. Several studies have reported heritability estimates for their deposition from medium (skatole) to high magnitudes (androstenone). In addition to efforts to influence boar taint through genetic selection, much attention has also been paid to reducing its incidence using various feeding strategies. From this point of view, research has focused especially on the reduction in skatole content by supplementation of feed additives into the nutrition of entire male pigs. Promising results have been achieved using hydrolysable tannins in the diet. To date, most studies have investigated the effects of tannins on the production and accumulation of skatole in adipose tissue, intestinal microbiota, growth rate, carcasses and pork quality. Thus, the objective of this study was, in addition to determining the effects of tannins on androstenone and skatole accumulation, to assess the effects of tannins on the sensory traits of meat from entire males. The experiment was performed on 80 young boars-progeny of several hybrid sire lines. Animals were randomly assigned to one control and four experimental groups (each numbering 16). The control group (T0) received a standard diet without any tannin supplementation. Experimental groups were supplemented with 1% (T1), 2% (T2), 3% (T3) or 4% (T4) SCWE (sweet chestnut wood extract) rich in hydrolysable tannins (Farmatan). Pigs received this supplement for 40 days prior to slaughter. Subsequently, the pigs were slaughtered, and sensory analysis was applied to evaluate the odour, flavour, tenderness and juiciness of the pork. The results showed a significant effect of tannins on skatole accumulation in adipose tissue (p = 0.052-0.055). The odour and flavour of the pork were not affected by tannins. However, juiciness and tenderness were reduced by higher tannin supplementation (T3-T4) compared to the controls (p < 0.05), but these results were sex-dependent (in favour of men compared to women). Generally, women rated tenderness and juiciness worse than men regardless of the type of diet.

Curcumin Ameliorates Age-Induced Tight Junction Impaired in Porcine Sertoli Cells by Inactivating the NLRP3 Inflammasome through the AMPK/SIRT3/SOD2/mtROS Signaling Pathway.

Blood-testis barrier (BTB) made of concomitant junction apparatus between Sertoli cells (SCs) is crucial for spermatogenesis. The tight junction (TJ) function is impaired in SCs with age, exhibiting an intimate relationship to testicular dysfunction induced by age. In this study, compared with those in young boars, TJ proteins (i.e., Occludin, ZO-1, and plus Claudin-11) were discovered to have reduced expressions in testes, and spermatogenesis ability declined in old boars. An in vitro age model for D-gal-treated porcine SCs was established, the performance of Curcumin as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in affecting the TJ function of SCs was appraised, and related molecular mechanisms were exploited. The results manifested that 40 g/L D-gal downregulated ZO-1, Claudin-11, and Occludin in terms of the expression in SCs, whereas Curcumin restored such expressions in D-gal-treated SCs. Using the AMPK and SIRT3 inhibiters demonstrated that activation of the AMPK/SIRT3 pathway was associated with Curcumin, which not only rescued the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-11, and SOD2 but also inhibited the production of mtROS and ROS and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and release of IL-1β in D-gal-treated SCs. Furthermore, with mtROS scavenger (mito-TEMPO), NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950) plus IL-1Ra treatment ameliorated D-gal-caused TJ protein decline in SCs. In vivo data also showed that Curcumin alleviated TJ impairment in murine testes, improved D-gal-triggered spermatogenesis ability, and inactivated the NLRP3 inflammasome by virtue of the AMPK/SIRT3/mtROS/SOD2 signal transduction pathway. Given the above findings, a novel mechanism where Curcumin modulates BTB function to improve spermatogenesis ability in age-related male reproductive disorder is characterized.

Productive traits of the Belarusian population of pigs of Yorkshire breed different selection and genetics groups

Breeding and genetic improvement of blood lines and families is carried out continuously through selection, mating and management of purebreeding, taking into account the individual characteristics of animals. This determines the relevance of scientifi c research in this area. The results of studying the productive traits of pigs of diff erent blood lines and families in the Belarusian population of Yorkshire breed, their evaluation and further use in pig breeding in the formation of herds have been presented in the article. The studies were carried out during 2011–2020. The object of the research was the purebred animals of diff erent lines of pigs of Yorkshire breed bred in OAO “Selection and Hybrid Center “Zapadny” in the Brest region. As a result of the evaluation, the best lines and families have been identifi ed that can be used in further breeding work with animals of Yorkshire breed. Boars of the lines HENNATI, Farad and Factor were recognized as the best in terms of reproductive traits. Young boars of the line HENNATI were the best in terms of their own productivity and reached a live weight of 100 kg for 152,8 days and had an average daily gain of 678,3 g. The content of lean meat in the body of boars of this line reached 59 %. According to the reproductive traits of sows, the best indicators were animals of the lines Friend, Farad, Duchess, so, the prolifi cacy was 11,6–12,1 piglets per farrowing. When analyzing the productive traits of blood families, the best indicator of milk capacity (60,3–62,6 kg) was shown by sows belonging to the families Catalina and Taiga. According to the litter weight at the weaning, animals of the families Taiga and Fortuna were recognized as the best – 78,7–80,1 kg. The novelty lies in the fact that in our study we propose to use promising blood lines and families of pigs of the Belarusian population of Yorkshire breed in the formation of breeding herds, and their use in breeding and industrial pig breeding.

Concentrations of Boar Taint Compounds Are Weakly Associated with Sexual Behavior of Young Boars.

Simple SummaryBoar taint is an off-odor and off-flavor affecting pork meat caused by the accumulation of three main compounds in the adipose tissue of uncastrated male pigs: androstenone, skatole, and indole. Boar taint occurrence is associated with sexual maturity onset; thus, strategies for reducing boar taint compound concentrations might lead to impaired male sexual behavior. This study investigated the relationships between boar taint compound concentrations and sexual behavior traits (sexual arousal, salivation, mounting performance, interest in the dummy sow, penis unsheathing, and overall libido) scored during training with the dummy sow in 391 young boars. Overall, our results suggest that a weak relationship between boar taint compounds and sexual behavior traits exists. The maximization of libido performances was observed at high levels of androstenone, intermediate or low levels of skatole, and intermediate to high levels of indole, but the relationship between BT compounds and sexual behavior appears to be weak.Strategies to control boar taint (BT) in meat relies on the reduction of skatole, indole, and androstenone concentration. This might have unfavorable effects on the libido of breeding boars. The association between BT compound concentration in backfat and libido was investigated in 391 commercial breeding boars. Six sexual behavior traits (SBT; sexual arousal, salivation, mounting performance, interest in the dummy sow, penis unsheathing, and overall libido score) were scored during the training of the boars with the dummy sow. Variation in SBT was analyzed by proportional-odds cumulative logistic models. Overall, indole, skatole, and androstenone concentrations were weakly associated with libido. Farm of origin, age at training or body weight, and BT compound levels were poor predictors of boar performance (the area under the ROC curve ranged from 0.60 to 0.69). This indicates that BT compound concentrations were weakly associated with libido, even though the probability of observing good SBT scores increased with high levels of androstenone, intermediate or low levels of skatole, and intermediate to high levels of indole. Hence, practices aiming at reducing androstenone, and controlling the concentrations of skatole and indole to intermediate levels are not expected to impair the libido of young boars.

Detection of porcine circovirus type 3 DNA in serum and semen samples of boars from a German boar stud

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is regularly reported in association with various clinical presentations, including porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS)-like lesions, respiratory signs, congenital tremor, and reproductive disorders. To investigate the epidemiology of PCV3 in a boar stud, we analysed fresh boar semen and matching sera from 181 boars from a German stud supplying semen for artificial insemination (AI) to approximately 740 breeder farms for PCV3 DNA. PCV3 DNA was detected in 1.7% semen samples and 24.3% sera. Spearman rho correlation demonstrated a significant positive correlation between boar age and quantitative DNA (by PCR quantification cycles [Cq] values) in serum samples (r = 0.636; P < 0.001). Sera from boars up to 12 months of age had higher viral loads (P < 0.001) and were PCV3-positive significantly more often (P < 0.01) than older boars. Detection of PCV3 DNA was not associated with breed (P> 0.05). PCV3 DNA was detected sporadically in fresh boar semen. Based on the assumption that processing fresh semen reduces viral load in semen used for AI, it is likely that the risk of sexual transmission of PCV3 during AI in is low. However, young boars may contribute to the maintenance of PCV3 infection in boar studs.

The Influence of Technological Stress on the Protective Properties of Pig Skin Depending on Age

The skin performs the most important physiological functions of the body. The protective function is the main among them. This article presents the results of studies of how the technological stress affects the protective properties of pig skin depending on the animals’ age. The parameters of the skin, characterizing the epidermis, the main protective skin barrier, were studied in domestic Poltava Meat Breed pigs of different ages. The skin epidermis in animals of all studied age groups is actively involved in the performance of protective functions. Upon reaching the live weight of 100 kg, the young boars of the breed experience a great technological load, which causes tension in the skin protective systems and, thus, activation of these systems. This results in greater values of the epidermis thickness comparing to adult boars (by 17.22% (p⩽0.05)) due to an increase in its inner (underlying) layers (by 33.05% (p⩽0.001)). The stratum corneum of the young boars’ epidermis is thinner but more dense, with pronounced sudanophilia. With pigs reaching their adulthood, the tension in their protective factors decreases and stabilizes. In adult boars, the stratum corneum is thicker (a significant difference is 6.82 μm or 28.14%), but it is more susceptible to keratinization, is looser and has pronounced fibrillation. These changes probably mark the already developed adaptation to the existing natural and technological conditions.

First molecular description of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus in wild boars from Italy with pathomorphological and epidemiological insights.

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is a zoonotic parasite affecting suids worldwide which are the definitive hosts for this helminth species. Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is of significant economic and management concern due to its pathogenicity, causing intestinal obstruction and perforation in the definitive hosts. Current study is the preliminary investigation from Sardinia, Italy, reporting the pathomorphological findings and molecular characterization of M. hirudinaceus in the wild boars (Sus scrofa meridionalis). A total of 59 wild boars were examined showing acanthocephalan infection in 8 (13.6%) animals. In total, 49 parasites were collected with a mean intensity of 6.1. Comparatively higher infection levels were observed for males (16.7%) and young boars (14.3%); however, these epidemiological differences were statistically non-significant. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of a variable number of nodules (∼5 mm) in the intestine of M. hirudinaceus infested animals surrounded by a hyperemic-hemorrhagic halo. Several parasites were recovered from the intestinal lumen attached by the means of characteristic hooks showing necrosis in muscle layers. A moderate number of plump reactive fibroblasts and lesser numbers of fibrocytes were embedded with and at the borders of the inflammatory nodules in a moderate amount of homogeneous intensely eosinophilic fibrillary material rupturing the cell membrane. For molecular characterization, six isolated worms were amplified for the partial mitochondrial cox1 gene showing distinct interindividual variations. This first pathological and molecular description from southern Europe provided new knowledge about the diffusion of M. hirudinaceus in wild boars, furthering the research into the origin and transmission status of M. hirudinaceus in endemic localities.

The Usefulness of Sexual Behaviour Assessment at the Beginning of Service to Predict the Suitability of Boars for Artificial Insemination.

Simple SummaryBoars producing ejaculates of high quality and shortest duration are particularly valuable; this aspect can be the primary factor in inbreeding development and improvement of swine utilization. It is important to develop objective ways to describe the sexual activity of various breeds of boars and its application and effectiveness in conducting artificial insemination. The results of this study indicate that the time from entering the arena until achieving an erection, which is assessed at the beginning of a boar’s breeding utilization, may be used to predict a boar’s future libido. There was an association between the level of libido and ejaculate characteristics. Boars requiring the most time to begin ejaculation produce ejaculates with a higher sperm concentration and number.Parameters of sexual activity were determined in 49 young boars used for artificial insemination, four times at three-month intervals. The parameters included the time from entering the arena until mounting the phantom; the time from mounting the phantom until achieving erection; the time from achieving full erection until the start of ejaculation; duration of ejaculation; and the number of times the boar mounted the phantom. Characteristics of the ejaculates were also assessed. The libido parameter associated with the greatest efficacy of artificial insemination was the effectiveness of artificial insemination service, the time from entering the arena until the start of ejaculation. The significance of this trait for predicting ejaculation performance was analysed. The libido characteristics were classified into three categories: boars with a short reaction time to the phantom, boars with an intermediate reaction time, and boars with a long reaction time. For these groups, the characteristics of ejaculates collected at the start of the period during which ejaculates were collected and after three, six and nine months were determined. The sexual experience of boars was not associated with the expression of sexual behaviour because young boars during their first three months of ejaculate collections required less time to initiate ejaculation. The ejaculates with the greatest utility were obtained after six months of service. These ejaculates had the largest volume (255.22 mL), and the most insemination doses could be prepared from these ejaculates. On average, more than 23 insemination doses were prepared from ejaculates collected after six months of semen collections, which is about four doses more than from ejaculates collected at the start of artificial insemination service (p < 0.01).The time from entering the arena to beginning ejaculation can be used to predict a boar’s future libido. A relationship was shown between the level of libido and ejaculate characteristics. The ejaculates of the boars which needed the longest time to begin ejaculation at the start of semen collections had the greatest sperm concentration and number. In group 3, the boars’ejaculates contained about 6–9 × 109 more sperm than the ejaculates of boars from group 1. After six months of the experimental period, the difference was nearly 15 × 109 sperm (p < 0.05), and after nine months, it exceeded 22 × 109 sperm (p < 0.01).

Factors affecting the production of quality ejaculates from boars

Production of acceptable quality ejaculates in boars is dependent upon the Sertoli cell population established before puberty and how effectively these cells function after sexual maturity. In general, factors affecting Sertoli cell mitosis tend to have a two-fold greater effect on sperm production compared with those affecting spermatogenesis. Birthweight is a reliable indicator of in utero testicular development and prepubertal growth rates are positively correlated with testis size and sperm production after sexual maturity. Colostrum intake and pre-weaning nutrition account for much of the variation associated with quality and quantity of ejaculates and represent opportunities to further enhance lifetime sperm production. Interactions between young boars and humans, shortly after weaning, have important effects on spermatogenesis after sexual maturity and need to be studied further. The seasonal effect on depression in semen quality is the most significant factor affecting production of acceptable quality ejaculates after puberty. Ambient temperatures, greater than those of the thermoneutral zone, have both acute and chronic effects that compromise all aspects of the male reproductive axis. Identification of genes associated with heat-tolerant phenotypes holds promise for addressing this challenge, especially in light of the current trend in global warming. Supplementation of vitamins, minerals and other compounds have positive effects on sperm production during periods in which other stressors, especially heat stress, are present and is an important mitigation strategy. Recent information on housing conditions and boar usage patterns indicate these cause relatively minor changes in sperm production, overall, but for some males can have significant, long-term effects.

Observation of rescue behaviour in wild boar (Sus scrofa)

Here, we provide unique photo documentation and observational evidence of rescue behaviour described for the first time in wild boar. Rescue behaviour represents an extreme form of prosocial behaviour that has so far only been demonstrated in a few species. It refers to a situation when one individual acts to help another individual that finds itself in a dangerous or stressful situation and it is considered by some authors as a complex form of empathy. We documented a case in which an adult female wild boar manipulated wooden logs securing the door mechanism of a cage trap and released two entrapped young wild boars. The whole rescue was fast and particular behaviours were complex and precisely targeted, suggesting profound prosocial tendencies and exceptional problem-solving capacities in wild boar. The rescue behaviour might have been motivated by empathy because the rescuer female exhibited piloerection, a sign of distress, indicating an empathetic emotional state matching or understanding the victims. We discuss this rescue behaviour in the light of possible underlying motivators, including empathy, learning and social facilitation.

МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЭПИДЕРМАЛЬНОГО БАРЬЕРА КОЖИ СВИНЕЙ ПОЛТАВСКОЙ МЯСНОЙ ПОРОДЫ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ГЕНОТИПА

The accumulation of knowledge about the structure and functions of the epidermis will make it possible to solve the most important practical tasks of forming the animals’ productivity and health. Two breeding groups have been researched: 1) purebred young boars, 2) young boars with the blood of Finnish Landrace. The studies were carried out when the animals reached live weight of 100 kg, and the control slaughter was made. The results of the Poltava Meaty Breed pigs’ skin epidermal barrier research made it possible to trace significant differences in the ratio of the main epidermis layers in animals of different genotypes. The genotype influence was 15.45 %. An-imals with the blood of the Finnish Landrace have lower biological possibilities for life in the given climatic and technological conditions, that is, they are less promising for further breeding work.