A genome-wide scan reveals candidate susceptibility loci for pig hernias in an intercross between White Duroc and Erhualian

Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 2009 | No Comments

The objective of this study was to identify susceptibility loci for umbilical and scrotal/ inguinal hernias using a genome scan in a White Druoc × Erhualian F2 intercross. Several previously reported chromosomal regions for scrotal/inguinal hernia were validated, and new evidence for linkage with this pig defect was found. Moreover, several susceptibility loci for pig umbilical hernia were detected for the first time. Further studies will be devoted to confirming the detected markers for scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernias in outbred populations. Identification of causative mutations or closely linked markers for scrotal/inguinal and umbilical hernias could be used in marker-assisted selection schemes for removal of this genetic defect.

For the full text please subscribe to the Journal of Animal Science

Circovirus Vaccines Excel But Issues Persist

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

Research trials reflect the integral role that vaccines continue to play.

Specific proteins allow classification of pigs according to sire breed, rearing environment and gender

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

Proteomic profiles, like metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles, have other interesting applications. Many medical
studies have shown that they can be used for classification, most often to allowearly clinical diagnoses or cancer prognosis, or as biomarkers to detect specific pathologies. This study evaluated if such an approach can be
used in the context of agricultural research. It was determined that proteins allowed for correct classification of pigs according to sire breed, rearing environment and gender. Proteins can be used for traceability purposes and is an alternative to DNA-based traceability techniques, or as markers for genetic research.

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

Clinical and pathological responses of pigs from two genetically diverse commercial lines to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

This study investigates the response to infection from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) for 2 genetically diverse commercial pig lines. Previous analysis showed significant line differences in susceptibility to PRRSV infection. This study revealed significant line differences in growth during infection. Line B was characterized by faster growth rate than line A in the absence of infection and suffered more severe clinical disease and greater reduction in BW growth after infection. It was concluded that a comprehensive framework describing the interaction between the biological mechanisms and the genetic influence of these would be desirable for achieving progress in the genetic control of this disease.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Progress & potholes: Transporters talk the issues

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

Livestock Transport Conference highlights animal care leadership role for truckers and other involved in the relocation of livestock.

There have been many advances in science, handling guidelines and training programs in recent years, both for humane livestock handling in general and increasingly for transporting livestock. Among the
examples are Canada’s Certified Livestock Transporter (CLT) program – a comprehensive training course and support service for livestock truckers, shippers and receivers that offers certification. A similar U.S. based program is Transporter Quality Assurance (TQA). As well, North America is moving toward third-party livestock transport audits as part of quality assurance, lead by the recent development of the American Meat Institute’s Animal Welfare Audit for Transportation.

Feed preference in pigs: Relationship with feed particle size and texture

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

This experiment was conducted to study the relationship between the feed preference values of feeds reported previously and their particle size and texture characteristics. The effect of individual feed ingredients was studied
when added to a common basal diet. In addition to the basal diet, which included rice, a soybean meal product containing 56% CP, sunflower oil, and wheat bran, a total of 126 diets were studied. Of these, 63 were prepared
by replacing the rice in the basal diet with another cereal. It was concluded that the texture properties
of the feed could explain in part the feed preferences observed in pigs, whereas particle size characteristics had less impact.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Localisation of swine hepatitis E virus in experimentally infected pigs

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

The distribution of intravenously inoculated swine hepatitis E virus (HEV) was assessed by in situ hybridisation for a period of 50 days. Evidence of apparent clinical disease was found in only one pig in the HEV infected group. The only gross lesion observed was mildly enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes at 50 days post infection (dpi). Histopathologically, mild lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and focal hepatocellular necrotic lesions were found in HEV-infected pigs. Swine HEV nucleic acids were detected by RT-PCR in the faeces at 3 dpi in 100% of the 18 pigs infected with the virus. Thereafter, the number of positives declined. The most consistent and intense signal was found in the liver of infected animals using in situ hybridisation. The positive cells were hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, bile epithelial cells and interstitial lymphocytes. Swine HEV RNA was localised in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, with a slightly granular pattern of staining, but hybridisation signals were not observed in degenerative or vacuolated hepatocytes. HEV was much less frequently detected in extrahepatic tissues such as lymph nodes, tonsil, spleen and small and large intestine. It was concluded that swine HEV had replicated primarily in the hepatocytes and infection resulted in subclinical infection with minimal histopathological changes in the liver.

For more information the full article can be found at  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10900233

Influence of sow dietary fatty acid composition on the behaviour of the piglets

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

The aim of this study was to investigate if giving dietary supplemented polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to the pregnant sow would increase the cognitive ability of her piglets. Our hypothesis was that sows fed diets with high content of C 18 n−3 PUFA, increasing the possibility of desaturation and elongation towards DHA, would get piglets with improved development of the central nervous system monitored in behaviour, compared to piglets from sows given diets with n−6 PUFA or less PUFA. However, the study did not show a substantial influence of fat content and composition in sow diet on the behavioural development of piglets. In order to draw any conclusions about possible enhancements of the behavioural development of the piglet, in the same ways as reported in other species, more studies need to be performed. Possibly, the behavioural tests need to be refined in order to reflect a prepartum effect of diet.

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

Evaluation of physicochemical models for rapidly estimating pig manure nutrient content

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

Livestock produce large amounts of manure and this represents a valuable resource that, if used appropriately, can
replace significant amounts of chemical fertiliser. However, unless animal manure is managed carefully to minimise
odour, nutrient losses and emissions, it becomes a source of pollution and a threat to aquifers and surface waters. It can
also be a direct threat to human and livestock health. It is suggested that the development of reliable rapid and low cost methods for the assessment of manure nutrient content could encourage the uptake of improved techniques for the management and utilisation of livestock manure. Therefore the objective of this study was to provide a full evaluation and review of existing physicochemical models for predicting pig manure nutrient content using datasets compiled from various sources to test the validity of various physicochemical models. It was found that pig farmers could use easily determined properties, such as specific gravity, dry matter and electrical conductivity, to estimate pig nutrient content. The physicochemical method could not only achieve low-cost and rapid estimation of pig manure nutrient content, but could easily be understood by the farmers themselves.

For more information the full article can be found at  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/15375110

Pro-active manure managers

Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments

Minnesota’s Three Generation Pork farm has received national
recognition for its environmental stewardship, including its
pro-active approach to manure management.
Each year the National Pork Board and National Hog Farmer
organizations select four US pork operations to receive a National
Environmental Steward award. The farms are chosen based on
outstanding work in a variety of areas:
manure management;
neighborhood relationships;
technology or management strategies to improve air quality
soil conservation practices;
promoting and managing wildlife habitat;
innovative ideas.