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Frozen semen is traditionally used for pig genetic resource preservation; however, embryonic vitrification (VF) is also a well-established and available method. We have established porcine blastocyst (BC) VF, and the purpose of this study was to compare the survival rates (SR) of parthenogenetic BC (61 embryos/6 lots) and morula (M; 101 embryos/7 lots) from different chemically activated (day 6 ~ 7). The embryos were treated with basal medium [BM, M199 + 20% FBS + 0.5 M sucrose (S) ] and fallowed by equilibrating [BM + 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) + 7.5% propylene glycol (PG) ] and VF (BM + 15% EG + 15% PG) for 2 min and 30 sec, respectively. After 1-month frozen, the embryos were thawed by 3 steps which with M199 containing 20 % FBS, and added with 1.0 M, 0.5 M, and 0.0 M S for 1, 3, and 5 min, respectively. After thawed, all embryos were cultured in PZM-5 in 5% CO2/ 38.5 V incubator for 24 h and the SR were assessed. Results showed that the SR of M vs BC were 59.3 ± 5.6% vs. 78.3 ± 5.5%, respectively, with significant differences (P < 0.05). Additionally, only 16.1 ± 6.6% M of those survival were developed to BC stage. These results suggested that blastocyst is better than morula by VF for porcine genetic resources cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene-editing (GE) is of great potential to be applied to agriculture and biomedicine. The organ waiting patients may be treated with tailored made xenografts derived from porcine blastocyst that the original key developing gene has been knockout by GE but complemented with patient's induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). This study used day 6 porcine morulae (M) or blastocysts (BC) from chemical activated parthenogenesis and each embryo was microinjected with 10 to 15 Formosan monkey or porcine GFP-iPSCs (GFP-FMiPSC or GFP-piPSC) to generate the inter- or intra-species chimera. The embryos were then cultured in PZM-5 at 38.5°C/5% CO2 for 24 and 48 h to assess their development. Results showed that the survival rates of GFP-FMiPSC/BC (n = 61) and GFP-piPSC/BC (n = 60) were similar at 24 h (73.4 v.s 73.3%, respectively) yet significantly different at 48 h (69.2 ± 11.2 v.s. 53.3 ± 8.9%, respectively) (P < 0.01). On day 6, M might be over aging developed and appeared less viability and fewer developed rate (7.3 and 7.4%) to BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniature pig (Sus Scrofa) becomes as an important ocular animal model for the ophthalmology research due to the anatomic and physiologic similarities to human. Lee Sung pig is a miniature pig breed originated in Taiwan. However, absent of ocular structure leads difficult be appiled in occular research. In present study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was applied for the ocular structure assessment of different developmental stages of Lee Sung pig. The detailed description of the structure and size of the different developmental stage oculars structure will be of great help to future ophthalmology application of Lee Sung pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroanatomic mapping systems (EMS) have been commonly used in difficult for curing arrhythmia and myocardial infarction. However, more practical exercises are required to increase the success rate. The anatomy of miniature pig is similar to human and recognized as a ideal model to practice the EMS and interventional ablation. Lee Sung pig, a miniature pig was developed in National Taiwan University and never been used as a model to examine the EMS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the EMS by using the basket catheter in Lee Sung pig model. The result showed the EMS was successfully used on adult Lee Sung pig. In addition, the calculated electrogram showed success of radiofrequency ablation of ventricle by EMS. These results show Lee Sung pig is an idea model for practical exercise the EMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the liberalization of world trade, develop unique livestock product and expand niche markets become a key to success. Taiwan native black pig included Lanyu pig, Taoyuan pig and native black pig reared in the Pingtung area. We used 19 microsatellite markers to do an assignment test of the native black pig with exotic pig breeds, we called the native black pig which has a distinctive characteristic 'LiuDui' native black pig and it has a good evaluation in the market. In order to provide a DNA marker for 'LiuDui' native black pig, 10 markers with high PIC value were chosen to do an assignment test to detect the individual identification ability by ranking their F-statistics FST), Heterozygosity (He), Allelic number (K), and relative discriminatory power (D-score). Higher effective and accuracy marker will be picked out and also showed the order of using the marker. The result of this study can be used as genetic monitoring and product traceability for native black pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]