Reporting 678 putative cSNPs from full-length enriched cDNA sequences of the Korean native pig

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In this study they analysed 1970 high-quality chromatograms (Phred value ‡ 30) that were obtained from sequencing the 5′ ends of brainstem, liver, neocortex and spleen clones derived from full-length enriched cDNA libraries from Korean native pigs. The study showed that analysing genetically diverse pig breeds including the Korean native pig could serve as a useful strategy for generating a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms.

For more information the full article can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1439-0388/issues

Isolation, expression patterns and SNP frequencies of the porcine PHKG2 gene

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With the development of molecular genetics, genes involved in the main metabolic pathways related to animal
growth and development need more detailed studies. This study was planned with an objective to reveal the sequence, expression profile, genotypes and haplotype frequencies harboring three polymorphisms of the PHKG2 gene in pigs.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/livsci

Designer Feeds & Supplements

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Included in this article are the results from different feeds and supplements including: Micro-Aid, Desert King International, Zeolite, Agroin, MicroSource S, DUA from Helfter Feeds, NutriDense, SHAC’s Feed Additive for hogs,

Ventilation on the move

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The difficult part about getting a handle on your ventilation system is that air is
invisible. In a big barn, it’s hard to see what’s really taking place. Dale Ricker, swine
program specialist with Ohio State University Extension, and his colleagues have
made it easier to visualize this problem. He and his team have built a trailer that uses
smoke to let farmers see up close how to improve their systems. Ricker’s goal is to have farmers walk away with the skills to make improvements to their own ventilation systems and experience better performance.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

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“MRSA” is a short form for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the
media, MRSA is often described as a “superbug”. It is definitely a serious
human health issue that is evolving from a problem confined to hospitals to a
much more general concern and certainly deserves attention. A variety of spa types have been isolated from pigs and their human
contacts, however the majority of those spa types are classified as sequence
type (ST) 398 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), suggesting that ST398
strains are somehow more adept at colonizing pigs and can be transmitted
between pigs and their human contacts. It is now thought that ST398 S.
aureus is truly a pig (or food animal) origin strain. It is becoming increasingly clear that MRSA is widely distributed in the pig
population internationally. Currently, there is no information about whether
MRSA eradication is possible (or necessary) on farms. The possibility that MRSA may be a foodborne pathogen is of concern for the pork industry, largely because of concerns about consumer confidence given
the high profile nature of this pathogen. Studies are ongoing to determine
sources of pork contamination and determine the relevance of contamination.
Realistically, safe meat handling practices that are already recommended
should be adequate for MRSA, and education of consumers may be the main
need.

Possible reasons for the high variability of the digestible energy content of field peas in pigs

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A sequential in vitro hydrolysis of starch was carried out to mimic digestion in
the stomach and small intestine of the pig (pepsin 120 min + mixture of
pancreatin, isomaltase and maltase for 240 min). Samples were taken at
different times and analyzed for glucose. The rate of fermentation of the
residues of hydrolysis was measured after incubation in a solution containing
bacteria collected from pig large intestines and estimation of the amount of
gas produced after fermentation. Differences in starch hydrolysis were
observed after 140 min of incubation. The Camry and Cooper pea cultivars
presented the highest rate of hydrolysis (98 and 91%, respectively) and Midas
and Montero the lowest (75 and 74 %, respectively; P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between the rate of starch hydrolysis and the NDF content of peas (r = -0.55; P = 0.036). The residues of hydrolysis of the Midas and Montero cultivars presented the highest rates of fibre fermentation (P < 0.001) in the large intestine, expressed by the total amount of gas produced after fermentation (252 and 254 ml, respectively; P < 0.001) and Sage, the lowest (232 ml of gas produced). The latter cultivar had also the highest NDF content (205 vs 132-186 g/kg DM for the other cultivars).

Community Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Indiana

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The expansion of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Indiana has been controversial. The purpose of this research was to learn more about the issues and the impact of CAFOs on local communities. It was found that CAFOs in the survey are mainly operated by younger more well‐educated managers than what we broadly see in agriculture. Also, placement of a CAFO will provide rural jobs, including part‐time, flexible hours work. Rural managerial opportunity for beginning farmers and opportunity for local sale of feed grain products. Finally, impacts of a CAFO on the community economy will be unevenly dispersed as only a few individuals & businesses will realize direct impacts. However, indirect impacts will be realized such as through the net change in economic activity and through the impact on public costs and receipts.

Effect of Corn price on Profitability of Control Vs Phytase Enhanced Diet of Hogs

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The purpose of this research is to document the findings of the recent field trials in Oklahoma that tested the effect of phytase enhanced diets on reducing phosphorus emission. An economic simulation model (SIMETAR) was constructed to investigate whether reduced nitrogen and phytase enhanced diets had a significant effect on reducing feed cost. In particular, the effect of future corn price on cost of control vs Phytase enhanced diet of hog will be documented. It is found that the lower excretion diet will be less costly than the control diet during this unprecedented level of soaring corn prices. Also, previous researchers have found that the control diet is not environmental friendly diet. . A key issue that has emerged is the role of animal waste products. During the “cheap energy” era of the 1990’s animal waste products were internalized by hog producers as costs. Given the rise in energy prices and its commensurate effects on fertilizer prices, it’s possible that animal waste products have crossed the threshold from an internalized cost to an external benefit. Swine effluent is rich in nitrogen and phosphorous and can be a substitute for inorganic sources of nutrients if economic conditions are sufficiently favorable. It is necessary to assess economic profitability under high energy and feedstock prices.

Influenza: yet another surprise

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The H1N1 influenza virus causing the outbreak has evidently never been seen before and has been described as having components of human, avian and swine sources in its genome. If true, this would strongly suggest multiple reassortant events in the past. A recent Pro-Med Mail posting, dated April 28, however disputes that, and claims that a Columbia University laboratory analysis revealed only components of swine origin. The actual origin of this virus is but one of the unknowns that await clarification. remain for the future. Meanwhile, the 2008-2009 seasonal influenza outbreak has all but ended. It consisted of mostly H1N1 and B infection, with very little H3N2. Hence there was no excess pneumonia and influenza mortality, and the other parameters of surveillance were quite mild compared to previous years.

Manure Value and Alteration of Composition

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Powerpoint slides on typical manure nutrient concentration, value based on fertilizer price, manure as fertilizer: rules for success, how to sample lagoons, and where to get manure tested. He then explains why manure is valuable as fertilizer and how many acres are already fertilized this way.