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Marker-Assisted Selection is getting increasing attention in Ukrainian animal breeding as an effective tool for choosing animals with desirable traits. Identification of molecular markers which are related to major genes is a promising approach for improving economic traits and has to be checked for further gene-trait associations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms are genetic markers that can be associated with production traits. SNP genotyping has to be done additionally for each breed to see if they are polymorphic and have significant associations with certain traits. Among the candidate genes that influence the expression of productive traits, special attention is drawn to RYR1, ESR1 and PRLR genes. Gene RYR1 is associated with muscle hypertrophy and other meat quality defects in pigs. ESR1 and PRLR genes influence reproduction and affect the litter size in pigs. SNPs RYR1 g.1843 C>T, ESR1 SNP c.1227 C>T and PRLR g. 1789 G>A have been receiving increasing attention as potential markers for improving quality and pig performance traits. This study investigated the allele variants in three genes (RYR1, ESR1 and PRLR) in Ukrainian Large White pigs of different inside breed types (ULW-1 and ULW-2). The study was performed on 200 pigs. Genotyping was performed using PCR–RFLP method. SNP RYR1 g.1843 C>T was not polymorphic in ULW-1 and ULW-2 inside breed types, when ESR1 SNP c.1227 C> T and PRLR g. 1789 G>A were highly polymorphic. SNPs in ESR1 and PRLR genes had high PIC and χ2 values which indicates the relevance of further associative studies in ULW-1 and ULW-2. Informativeness of the genetic markers in ESR1 and PRLR genes was optimal for associative studies in Ukrainian Large White pig breed of first and second inside breed type.

In recent decades, selection in pig farming has been aimed at obtaining animals with a high growth rate and increased meat yield in the carcass, resulting in a tendency for deteriorated quality characteristics of pork. One way to solve this problem is to develop genetic markers of pig meat quality and to use them in breeding programs along with the markers of other productive traits. The article presents the results of the analysis of the association of genes IGF2 (SNP g.3072G > A), CTSD (SNP g.70G > A), and CTSF (SNP g.22G > C) localized in the QTL region of the distal end of the p-arm of chromosome 2, with the meat quality traits and carcass structure in pigs of the Ukrainian Large White breed (ULW). According to these SNPs, all genes were characterized by a high level of polymorphism (PIC = 0.343–0.371). The association of CTSD (SNP g.70G > A) with the content of intramuscular fat (p = 0.02), moisture content in meat (p = 0.03), and its moisture-holding capacity (p = 0.03) was established. CTSD (SNP g.70G > A) also had an additive effect on an important selection trait: the backfat thickness (p = 0.05); it was the highest in pigs of the g.70GG genotype. Associations of CTSF (SNP g.22G > C) with the moisture content in meat (p = 0.01) and IGF2 (SNP g.3072G > A) with the moisture loss from meat during heat treatment (p = 0.01) were revealed. The polymorphisms of the studied genes can be used as genetic markers in marker-associated selection of the Ukrainian Large White pig breed.

Feed represents a substantial proportion of the variable costs of pig production. Feed efficiency is traditionally expressed as the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and more recently as residual feed intake (RFI). Although feed efficiency can be generally improved indirectly by selection for increased growth rate and decreased adipose tissue, a higher genetic response could be achieved through direct selection of feed intake traits. The aim of this study was to provide a pilot analysis of feed intake data of 281 Czech Large White boars. Data were recorded individually using the Feed Intake Recording Equipment in field performance testing from 2018 to 2020. The analysed feed intake traits were average daily feed intake (ADFI), FCR and RFI. RFI was calculated as the deviation of observed ADFI and average population ADFI predicted on the basis of the model, with mid-test metabolic weight and average daily gain as regressors. The heritability estimates were 0.35 and 0.34 for ADFI and FCR, respectively, and the estimate was slightly higher (0.43) for RFI. The genetic standard deviations ranged from 100 to 110 g of feed per day and 103 g of feed per kg of weight gain. The amounts of explained variability by environmental effects of jointly tested animals were from 0.20 to 0.46. The sufficient amount of genetic variability and moderate heritability estimates give the possibility for selection of feed intake traits, although a larger number of animals will be essential to estimate more precise breeding values.

Numerous protist species are shared between humans and pigs. Among those, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Balantioides coli have a clear public and animal health significance. For others such as Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp., their impact on animal health has not been fully established. Little information is currently available on the molecular diversity of these protists in swine populations. To fill this gap, we molecularly assessed G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., B. coli, Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi in faecal samples from Iberian and Large White pigs raised under different (intensive and/or extensive) management systems in southern Spain. A total of 151 extensively raised Iberian pigs, 140 intensively raised Iberian pigs, and 184 intensively raised Large White pigs were investigated. Blastocystis sp. was the agent most prevalently found (47.8%), followed by B. coli (45.5%), G. duodenalis (10.7%), E. bieneusi (6.9%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.5%). Blastocystis sp. was significantly less prevalent in intensively raised Iberian pigs (22.9%) than in their extensively raised counterparts (51.0%) or in intensively raised Large White pigs (64.1%). A significantly higher prevalence was found for G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and E. bieneusi in Large White pigs than Iberian pigs. Balantioides coli was similarly distributed (40.0-51.1%) in all three investigated swine populations. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of G. duodenalis assemblage E, two Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis), B. coli (genotypes A and B), Blastocystis sp. (ST1, ST3, and ST5), and E. bieneusi (EbpA, EbpC, EbpD, O, and a novel genotype named PigSpEb2). Novel genotype PigSpEb2 was found alone or in combination with EbpA. Data suggest a widespread exposure to protist enteroparasites in domestic pig populations irrespectively of breed and raising management system. Many of the species/genotypes identified have a zoonotic potential and might represent a public health concern.

A scientific novelty is the study of the allele pool of domestic reproduction pigs, the determination of population genetic parameters by DNA markers, and the search for associations of genetic variants with economically significant traits. The aim of the work was to study the influence of SCD Y487830 polymorphism: g.2228 T > C to the IMF content and to search for associations of genotypes with economically significant traits in domestic reproduction pigs. The studies were conducted in 2019 on pigs reared in Selection and Hybrid Center LLC (Voronezh region). Genotyping were determined by the QuantStudio™ 5 Real-Time PCR System using the developed test system. The content of IMF (%), backfat thickness (mm), lean (%), live weight (kg) in 103 boars and 27 gilts Duroc pigs, 30 Large White boars was determined using an ExaGo ultrasound scanner. The main diet and animal welfare conditions were identical and corresponded to zoosanitary standards. Model equation for multivariate analysis of variance with interaction was used to evaluate the effect of genotype by SCD on productive qualities. The frequency of the T allele and TT genotype in the group of Duroc pigs was 0.419 and 12.7 %, respectively. Large White pig breeds were characterized by the frequency of the T allele – 0.686, TT genotype – 46.8 %. All Landrace pigs were carriers of the TT genotype. The superiority of the C allele carriers in the content of IMF was shown. The difference between Duroc boars with TT and CC genotypes was 0.42 % (P ≤ 0.05), and individuals with CC genotype exceeded TT genotype carriers in the backfat thickness of more than 3 mm (P ≤ 0.001). The results confirm the association of the SCD genotype with the content of intramuscular fat and the backfat thickness in the Duroc boars.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for age at first farrowing (AFF), length of productive life (LPL), lifetime number of piglets born alive (LNBA), lifetime number of piglets weaned (LNW), lifetime wean to first service interval (LW2S), and lifetime pig efficiency (LTP365) from commercial Thai Landrace and Large White populations. Data from 12,843 Landrace (LR) and 14,757 Large White (LW) sows in a Thai commercial pork production system were utilized in this study. The genetic parameters for each trait were estimated using the average information restricted maximum likelihood algorithm where a multivariate animal model was implemented. Heritability estimates for AFF and LPL were low for LR (0.11 and 0.02, respectively) and LW (0.19 and 0.07, respectively). Heritability estimates for lifetime traits ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 for LR and 0.04 to 0.09 for LW. The genetic correlation between LPL with LNBA, LNW, LW2S and LTP365 were positive for LR (0.39 to 0.90) and LW (0.59 to 0.94). Favourable genetic correlations were observed between AFF and LPL for LR (- 0.14) and LW (- 0.14). The phenotypic correlations between LPL and lifetime traits ranged from 0.64 to 0.92 for LR and 0.61 to 0.91 for LW. Favourable phenotypic correlation between AFF and lifetime production traits was observed in the present study. The estimated heritability for the length of productive life and lifetime traits was relatively lowly heritable; length of productive life is genetically associated with lifetime traits. These findings indicate that sow lifetime productivity could be improved using selection on LPL and AFF without antagonism. Thus, improving sow lifetime productivity in the commercial pork production system, AFF and LPL should be included in a maternal line genetic evaluation programme.

The Large White pig is the most commonly raised commercial pig breed in the world. The aim of this work was to investigate D-loop mtDNA in Large White pigs (n = 402) of various selections bred in the Russian Federation from 2000 to 2019. The general sample consisted of three groups: Old (n = 78) (Russian selection, 2000&ndash, 2010), Imp (n = 123) (imported to Russia in 2008&ndash, 2014), New (n = 201) (2015&ndash, 2019). The synthesized score (Fz) was calculated by analyzing the main PCA (principal component analysis components). An affiliation to Asian or European haplogroups was determined according to the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). In the study, we defined 46 polymorphic sites and 42 haplotypes. Significant distinctions between groups Old, Imp and New in frequencies of haplotypes and haplogroups were established. The distribution of Asian and European haplotypes in the groups was Old: 50%/50%, Imp: 43%/57%, New: 75%/25%, respectively. The variety of haplotypes and haplogroups in the pigs of the group New is related to the farms in which they breed. Haplotype frequencies significantly differ between the clusters Old_Center, Old_Siberia and Old_South. This study will provide information on the genetic diversity of Large White breed pigs. The results will be useful for the conservation and sustainable use of these resources.

Summary Using the PorcineSNP80 BeadChip, we performed a genome‐wide association study for seven reproductive traits, including total number born, number born alive, litter birth weight, average birth weight, gestation length, age at first service and age at first farrowing, in a population of 1207 Large White pigs. In total, we detected 12 genome‐wide significant and 41 suggestive significant SNPs associated with six reproductive traits. The proportion of phenotypic variance explained by all significant SNPs for each trait ranged from 4.46% (number born alive) to 11.49% (gestation length). Among them, 29 significant SNPs were located within known QTL regions for swine reproductive traits, such as corpus luteum number, stillborn number and litter size, of which one QTL region associated with litter size contained the ALGA0098819 SNP for total number born. Subsequently, we found that 376 functional genes contained or were near these significant SNPs. Of these, 14 genes—BHLHA15, OCM2, IL1B2, GCK, SMAD2, HABP2, PAQR5, GRB10, PRELID2, DMKN, GPI, GPIHBP1, ADCY2 and ACVR2B—were considered important candidates for swine reproductive traits based on their critical roles in embryonic development, energy metabolism and growth development. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms for reproductive traits and could have a positive effect on pig breeding programs.

Simple Summary Different breeds of pigs vary greatly in their propensity for adiposity. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in shaping host physiological responses. However, it remains unclear how the gut microbiota influences host growth, in particular adipogenesis. This study aimed to compare microbial profiles in the colons of two pig breeds. Abstract Sixteen 35-day-old piglets, including eight Large White (LW) piglets (a lean-type pig breed) and eight Ningxiang (NX) piglets (a fatty-type Chinese Indigenous pig breed), were fed the same diet for 105 days. NX pigs had higher intramuscular fat content than LW pigs (p < 0.05). According to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the relative abundances of the genera Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Parabacteroides, Christensenellaaceae_R-7_group and Ruminiclostridium were higher, whereas the abundances of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Prevotella, Subdoligranulum and Faecalibacterium were lower, in the colon of NX pigs compared to that of LW pigs. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that the microbiota of the two pig breeds clustered separately along the principal coordinate axis. Furthermore, functional prediction of the bacterial communities suggested higher fatty acid biosynthesis in NX pigs. NX pigs also exhibited lower concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids, propionate and butyrate in the colon (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that NX pigs exhibited higher intramuscular fat content and backfat thickness than LW pigs. The bacterial communities in the colon of NX pigs were also more diverse than those in the colon of LW pigs, which might be used as a potential metabolomics mechanism to research different breeds of pigs.

One of the top priorities at the present stage of development of pig breeding remains the development of a set of measures aimed at increasing the resistance animals to various diseases, especially – to colibacteriosis .One of the recent and effective approaches to prevent colibacillosis is using markers of selection; it involves pig genotyping by genome locuses. Chosen locuses are associated with animal sensitivity to the disease and selection of the results of genotyping of animals with increased resistance. Due to researches, one of such locuses is alpha-fukozyltrasferаza 1 gene (FUT1). Gene FUT1 is located in chromosome 6. As a result of its sequencing in the swine breeds of Large White and Swedish Landrace, single-nucleotide polymorphism (g.307 G > A SNP) has been detected. AA genotype determines the resistance of animals to colibacteriosis, while AG and GG genotypes are susceptible to this disease. According to the results of previous studies, the positive effect of allele A was determined not only on the resistance of pigs to colibacteriosis, but also on indicators of fattening and meat productivity and on reproductive performance. In Ukraine, the studies of polymorphism FUT1 g.307 G > A SNP were held fragmentedly and only on certain populations of Ukrainian Meat and Large White breed but without establishing its association with the indicators of productivity of pigs. The aim of our work was to study the genetic structure of Ukrainian Large White breeds, type 1 and the establishment of association. g. 307 G > A SNP FUT1 gene with pigs indicators of productivity. For research the 96 samples of hair were used. DNA isolation from samples with biomaterial were carried out using ion exchange resin Chelex-100. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP by method of Jorgensen et al. (2006). Using DNA analysis of this breeds locus FUT1 was determined by genetic structure. Allele frequency of allele G (0,573) and allele A (0,427) was established The distribution of genotype frequencies was not statistically significantly different from the theoretically expected, calculated by the Hardy-Weinberg criterion. Thus, according to the locus of FUT1 g.307 G > A, the breeds investigated are in a state close to the genetic equilibrium. The negative value of the fixation index by the locus FUT1 g.307 G > A indicates an excess of heterozygotes in the population, and hence the lack of targeted selection for this marker. The valuation was performed by calculating the PIC (polymorphic information content) – information content of polymorphism marker. In the analyzed pig herd for this marker, the PIC has an average value (0,367), which indicates the high level of polymorphism of the given locus and is favorable for the possibility of conducting a search for links between individual genotypes and indicators of productivity. To establish the association g.307 G > A SNP FUT1 gene with indicators of animal productivity, a one-way analysis of variance of the experimental data was used. Based on the results of a one-way analysis of variance, a significant effect of the genotypes of the FUT1gene (g.1849 G > C) on the indicator of the average daily weight gain (р ≤ 0,001), the thickness of the bacon at the level of the VI-VII vertebrae (p ≤ 0.01), reaching live weight of 100 kg (р ≤ 0,001) and breeding index of fattening qualities (р ≤ 0,01) was found. The parameter of the influence of the genetic factor on the test feature was 28,54%, 10,4%, 33,4% and 8,8% respectively. According to the investigated indicators of productivity, animals with genotype AA, which determines resistance to colibacteriosis, dominated the animals with genotypes GG and AG. Based on the results of our research and pre-published data, the multiple effect of the g.307 G > A SNP FUT1 gene is observed, which is associated with the indicators of productivity, which again confirms the polygenicity of the quantitative trait loci of farm animals. Taking into account a high level of polymorphism of the investigated gene and reliable associations of genotypes with indicators of productivity found, it can be recommended to carry out breeding of pigs using genetic information of the g.307 G > A SNP gene FUT1.

Intermuscular fat content in protected designations of origin dry-cured hams is a very important meat quality trait that affects the acceptability of the product by the consumers. An excess in intermuscular fat (defined as the level of fat deposition between leg muscles) is a defect that depreciates the final product. In this study we carried out a genome-wide association study for visible intermuscular fat (VIF) of hams in the Italian Large White pig breed. This trait was evaluated on the exposed muscles of green legs in 1122 performance-tested gilts by trained personnel, according to a classification scale useful for routine and cheap evaluation. All animals were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. The genome-wide association study identified three QTL regions on porcine chromosome 1 (SSC1; accounting for ~79% of the SNPs below the 5.0E−04 threshold) and SSC2, two on SSC7 and one each on SSC3, SSC6, SSC9, SSC11, SSC13, SSC15, SSC16 and SSC17. The most significant SNP (ALGA0004143 on SSC1 at 77.3 Mb; PFDRÂ

The detection of selection signatures can help to understand the mechanisms of artificial selection. The purpose of this work is to determine the selection signatures in Civil pig relatively Large White breed. The research was carried out on Large White of three breeding centers (LW_1_New=16, LW_2_New=12, LW_3_New=15) and Civilskay, bred in Russia on the basis of local pigs and Large White boars, (Civil=17). GeneSeek GGP Porcine HD BeadChip (San Diego, USA) was used. A heatmap plot of genomic relationship matrix (GRM) was used to evaluate genetic variability between populations. The signals of diversifying selection were detected using Fst and Smoothing Fst (R package Lokern). QTLs and genes were identified and annotated in the Ensembl genome browser (Sscrofa 11.1) (https://www.ensembl.org/index.html), Panther 15.0 (http://www.pantherdb.org/) and QTLdb (https://www.animalgenome.org/cgi-bin/QTLdb/index).Data visualization from heatmapplot (Fig.) showed that all individuals are grouped in relation to their groups. However, the groups LW_1_New, LW_3_New and CIVIL were separated from LW_2_New. We have selected LW_1_New, LW_3_New and CIVIL to identify the selection signatures. After smoothing of the data by moving average, top 0.1% of the observations were considered as pinpointing CIVIL-specific selection signals. As a result, genome regions with strong selection signals on SSC1:214634036-217738857, SSSC2:137533941-138048506, SSC4:24655041-30832595, SSC7:27386432-28655399 and SSC8:55806826-56299366 were found. In these areas, 535 QTLs have been identified, including 347 QTLs for Meat and Carcass Traits (the majority related to Backfat), 67 QTLs Production (Average daily gain or Body weight), 62 QTLs Health (Mean corpuscular volume, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae susceptibility et al.), 32 QTLs Reproduction (Teat number) and 27 QTLs Exterior (Leg conformation). In general, 32 genes are defined in these regions (SSC1-11; SSC2-5; SSC4-10; SSC7-3; SSC8-3) (Table). They are mainly involved in the following biological processes: metabolic (GO:0008152), cellular (GO:0009987) and biological regulation (GO:0065007). This research was supported by the Russian Scientific Foundation (RSF) within Project No. 19-16-00109.

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and BMP15, which encode members of the BMP family, have been identified by whole-genome resequencing as breeding-related genes that overlap with a known quantitative trait locus for reproductive traits. In this study, we investigated the effects of variants at the BMP7 and BMP15 gene loci on sow reproductive traits. We isolated 669 and 1213 bp sequences of the 3&rsquo, untranslated region (3&rsquo, UTR) of the porcine BMP7 and BMP15 genes, respectively, and detected several RNA regulatory elements, such as miRNA response elements and AU-rich elements. Pooled DNA sequencing identified two novel point mutations (viz., BMP7 c.1569A&gt, G and BMP15 c.2366G&gt, A) in the 3&rsquo, UTR. Association analysis showed that the c.1569A&gt, G polymorphism was associated with the litter weight trait in a Large White pig population. Furthermore, analysis of the combined genetic effects revealed that AA/GA and AG/GG were the favorable combined genotypes for the total number of piglets born (TNB) and the total number of piglets born alive (NBA), whereas. Together, our findings confirm that BMP7 and BMP15 are candidate genes for porcine reproductive performance.

Background : Research of hematologic and biochemical parameters in pigs is of great importance considering the fact that pigs are used as a model in research of different health disorders in humans. There are many different breeds of pigs that have different health, productive and biologic characteristics that need to be studied. Hematologic and biochemical values can vary dependent on presence of inflammation and infection.The aim of this study was to determine the influence of breed, age and their interactions on hematologic and biochemical parameters on blood of mangalitsa, mangalitsa x durock and Large White pig. Materials, Methods & Results : Experiment included 10 litters of mangalitsa, white variety, mated with mangalitsa boar, 10 mangalitsa litters, and white variety inseminated with durock boar and litters of great Large White inseminated with great Yorkshire boar. Six groups, each include 10 animals were formed and their blood was sampled (3 breeds and 2 age categories). Age groups were formed according to moment of blood sampling. First sample was taken in moment of 30 ± 5 kg of body weight. Second sample was taken when body weight was 100 kg hematologic analyze. Samples were taken with BD Vacutainer®. Complete classic blood analyzes and leucocytes formulas were done by hematology analyzer ADVIA 120 Hematology Siemens, Germany. Biochemical analyze was done by biochemical analyzer A15 BioSystem with their standard colorimetric reagenses. Concentration of total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, total bilirubin, AST and ALT were determined. Globulin concentration was calculated. Results have showed that hematologic and biochemical parameters are influenced by breed, age and their interaction as: total leukocyte number (age, breed x age), neutrophils number (age, breed), number of monocytes and platelets (age, breed x age), eosinophils number and percentage (age), percentage of neutrophils, percentage of lymphocytes and cholesterol (breed). All of three factors (breed, age breed x age) have affected number of lymphocytes basophils number, % of monocytes, % of basophils, erythrocyte number, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, protein, albumin, creatinine and ALT. Globulin value varied in function of interaction breed x age. RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, total protein albumin, creatinine, and ALT variance can be explained by influence of breed, age and their interaction (η2 = 35-75%). Discussion : Based on results of this study breed and age have significant influence on numerous blood parameters. Besides the differences in mean values of parameters it is proved presence of statistically significant difference in frequencies distributions in function of age and breed. Different age and breed categories have different frequencies distributions of many determined parameters. There is positive correlation between RBC, Hgb, Hct and albumin in all three breed (R2 = 67-84%). Negative correlation was found between WBC and RBC, Hgb, Hct that was statistically significant in mangalitsa breed (R2 = 58-69%) but not in other two breeds. In mangalitsa significant positive correlation was found between globulin and leukocyte number. Given values have showed that during interpretation of lab results breed, age and interactions of hematologic and biochemical parameters need to be considered. Mean values and frequencies distribution differences lead to redefinition of referent range in function of breed and age that requires further research.

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and BMP15, which encode members of the BMP family, have been identified by whole-genome resequencing as breeding-related genes that overlap with a known quantitative trait locus for reproductive traits. In this study, we investigated the effects of variants at the BMP7 and BMP15 gene loci on sow reproductive traits. We isolated 669 and 1213 bp sequences of the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of the porcine BMP7 and BMP15 genes, respectively, and detected several RNA regulatory elements, such as miRNA response elements and AU-rich elements. Pooled DNA sequencing identified two novel point mutations (viz., BMP7 c.1569A>G and BMP15 c.2366G>A) in the 3’-UTR. Association analysis showed that the c.1569A>G polymorphism was associated with the litter weight trait in a Large White pig population. Furthermore, analysis of the combined genetic effects revealed that AA/GA and AG/GG were the favorable combined genotypes for the total number of piglets born (TNB) and the total number of piglets born alive (NBA), whereas. Together, our findings confirm that BMP7 and BMP15 are candidate genes for porcine reproductive performance.

We estimated genetic parameters in Landrace and Large White pig populations for litter traits at farrowing (total number born, number born alive, number stillborn, total litter weight at birth (LWB), and mean litter weight at birth) and those at weaning (litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter weight at weaning (LWW), mean litter weight at weaning (MWW), and survival rate from farrowing to weaning). We analyzed 65,579 records at farrowing and 6,306 at weaning for Landrace, and 52,557 and 5,360, respectively, for Large White. Single-trait and two-trait repeatability animal models were exploited to estimate heritability and genetic correlation respectively. Heritability estimates of LSW were 0.09 for Landrace and 0.08 for Large White. Genetic correlations of LSW with MWW were -0.43 for Landrace and -0.24 for Large White. Genetic correlations of LSW with LWW and LWB ranged from 0.5 to 0.6. The genetic correlation of MWW with LWW was positive, but that with LWB was negligible. The results indicate that utilizing LWW or LWB could improve LSW efficiently, despite the antagonistic genetic correlation between LSW and MWW.

Background The number of animals born dead, which includes the number of mummified (NM) and stillborn (NS) animals, is the most important trait to directly quantify the reproductive loss in domestic pigs. In this study, 282 Landrace sows and 250 Large White sows were genotyped by sequencing (GBS). A total of 816 and 1068 litter records for NM and NS were collected from them. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to reveal the genetic difference between NM and NS. Results A total of 248 and 10 genome-wide significant SNPs were detected for NM and NS across numerous parities in Landrace pigs. The corresponding numbers for Large White pigs were 175 and 6, respectively. All of the detected SNPs were parity specific for both NM and NS in two breeds. Based on significant SNPs, in total 242 (146 for Landrace pig, 96 for Large White pig) and 10 significant chromosome regions (8 for Landrace pigs, 2 for Large White pigs) were found for NM and NS, respectively. Among them, 237 (142 for Landrace pig, 95 for Large White pig) and 8 significant chromosome regions (6 for Landrace pigs, 2 for Large White pigs) for NM and NS were not reported in previous studies. A list of candidate genes at the identified loci was proposed, including HMGB1, SOX5, KCNJ8, ABCC9 and YY1 for NM, ASTN1 for NS. Conclusion This is the first time when GBS data was used to identify genetic regions affecting NM and NS in Landrace and Large White pigs. Many identified informative SNPs and candidate genes advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of NM and NS in pigs. However, further studies are needed to validate using larger populations with more breeds. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0692-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dietary fatty acid (FA) composition has an impact on human health. There is an increasing request from consumers for healthier food and pork industry must respond to it without worsening performance and the technological properties of pork products. The inclusion of genetic markers for carcass FA composition in pig selection schemes could be a useful tool to reach the right balance between unsaturated and saturated FAs to satisfy market demands. With the aim of finding genomic regions associated with porcine backfat FA composition, a genome-wide association study was performed on 798 Italian Large White pigs genotyped using Illumina PorcineSNP60 k. The strongest associations with backfat contents of palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, medium-chain and long-chain FAs were found for the Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 8 region located at 119 to 122 Mb, where the gene ELOVL FA elongase 6 is mapped. Palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and oleic acid contents were also found associated with SSC14, in particular with the genomic region at 121 to 124 Mb, where stearoyl-CoA desaturase Δ9 gene lies. On the other hand, the genomic regions associated with backfat contents of arachidic, arachidonic, n-6 and n-3 FAs showed to harbour mainly genes involved in dietary lipids and carbohydrates digestion, absorption and utilisation. To our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Large White pigs identifying markers and genomic regions associated with backfat FA composition. The results validate in Large White some associations previously detected in other pig breeds and indicate the involvement of distinct metabolic pathways in the deposition pattern of essential and non-essential FAs. The authors thank Dr Luca Buttazzoni and Dr Maurizio Gallofrom CREA and ANAS for providing the porcine backfat and Semimembranosus tissue samples and the information about the studied individuals. Our grateful acknowledgements also go to Dr. Andrea Serra and Prof. Marcello Mele of Pisa University for performing the FA analysis of the full sample set. This work was supported by ‘Progetto AGER–Hepiget’ (grant no. 2011-0279) and by PRIN 2015.

Background The quantitative genetics theory argues that inbreeding depression and heterosis are founded on the existence of directional dominance. However, most procedures for genomic selection that have included dominance effects assumed prior symmetrical distributions. To address this, two alternatives can be considered: (1) assume the mean of dominance effects different from zero, and (2) use skewed distributions for the regularization of dominance effects. The aim of this study was to compare these approaches using two pig datasets and to confirm the presence of directional dominance. Results Four alternative models were implemented in two datasets of pig litter size that consisted of 13,449 and 11,581 records from 3631 and 2612 sows genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. The models evaluated included (1) a model that does not consider directional dominance (Model SN), (2) a model with a covariate b for the average individual homozygosity (Model SC), (3) a model with a parameter λ that reflects asymmetry in the context of skewed Gaussian distributions (Model AN), and (4) a model that includes both b and λ (Model Full). The results of the analysis showed that posterior probabilities of a negative b or a positive λ under Models SC and AN were higher than 0.99, which indicate positive directional dominance. This was confirmed with the predictions of inbreeding depression under Models Full, SC and AN, that were higher than in the SN Model. In spite of differences in posterior estimates of variance components between models, comparison of models based on LogCPO and DIC indicated that Model SC provided the best fit for the two datasets analyzed. Conclusions Our results confirmed the presence of positive directional dominance for pig litter size and suggested that it should be taken into account when dominance effects are included in genomic evaluation procedures. The consequences of ignoring directional dominance may affect predictions of breeding values and can lead to biased prediction of inbreeding depression and performance of potential mates. A model that assumes Gaussian dominance effects that are centered on a non-zero mean is recommended, at least for datasets with similar features to those analyzed here. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12711-018-0374-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives: The thymus is found in all vertebrates, the structure of the thymus differs markedly among species. This study investigated the gross anatomy, morphometric and histological changes of the thymus in the indigenous Large White pig cross at various ages of foetal and postnatal periods. Methods: The study used slaughter house specimens obtained after adequate health inspection and slaughter. A total of fifty three samples of thymus collected from foetal, prepubertal and pubertal pigs with varied weights were used for gross and histological study. Results: The absolute thymus weight showed significant (p

Aneuploid cell percentages and frequencies of CAs and SCEs were investigated in 10 Calabrian pigs, 10 LW pigs and 19 Calabrian x LW crossbred pigs, in order to compare genome stability between an autochthonous pig breed and a highly selected one and to verify if genome stability of their progeny, as other phenotypic traits, are influenced by heterosis. The mean number of cells per animal with structural aberrations, excluding gaps, was 6.20 +/- 2.39, 4.90 +/- 2.02 and 4.52 +/- 3.34 in Calabrian, LW and crossbred pigs, respectively, while the mean number of total CAs without gaps was 0.14 +/- 0.38, 0.11 +/- 0.35 and 0.11 +/- 0.35, respectively. The mean number of SCEs was 7.30 +/- 3.24 in Calabrian pigs, 6.45 +/- 2.74 in LW pigs and 6.28 +/- 2.90 in the crossbred ones. Percentages of cells with aneuploidy were 7.30, 10.10 and 10.79 in Calabrian, LW and crossbred pigs, respectively. In particular, the Calabrian breed showed higher values compared to LW in each test, however, there were statistically significant differences only in the mean number of SCEs per cell (P

The aim of this study was to compare the growth, carcass, histochemical, and meat quality characteristics in Large White pig groups that were categorized by live weight (Heavy and Light) and type I fiber percentage (High and Low), a procedure which resulted in four groups (Heavy-High, Heavy-Low, Light-High, and Light-Low). As expected, the Heavy group showed heavier live weight (114 vs. 94.7 kg, P 0.05). Heavier pigs harboring a higher percentage of type I fibers (HH) exhibited a similar mean CSA (3894 vs. 4101 μm2) and total number (1,249,000 vs. 1,198,000) of muscle fibers, even though these pigs had a greater CSA of type I fibers (3181 vs. 2719 μm2, P

Genome-wide association study results are presented for intramuscular fat in Italian Large White pig breed. A total of 886 individuals were genotyped with PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. After quality control performed with plink software and in R environment, 49208 markers remained for the association analysis. The genome-wide association studies was conducted using linear mixed model implemented in GenABEL. We detected seven new SNPs of genes till now not found associated to intramuscular fat (IMF). Three markers map in a wide intergenic region rich of QTL linked to fat traits, one map 388kb upstream the gene SDK1, one map inside PPP3CA gene, one inside SCPEP1 gene and the last is not mapped in the porcine genome yet. Associations here presented indicate a moderate effect of these genes on IMF. In particular, PPP3CA, that is involved in the oxidative metabolism of skeletal muscle, could be considerated as an interesting candidate gene for IMF content in pigs. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of these genes on the physiological processes involved in IMF regulation. These results may be useful to control this trait that is important in terms of nutritional, technological and organoleptic characteristics of fresh meat and processed products.

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of storage temperatures (4°C and 20°C) and pig breeds (Laiwu pig and Large White pig) on the main antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) activity and lipid oxidation in porcine Longissimus dorsi muscle. Activities of antioxidative enzymes (AOE) decreased slightly during storage, regardless of storage temperatures. Muscle antioxidative enzymes activities stored at 4°C were higher than that stored at 20°C. Laiwu pig’s enzymes activities were significantly (p

Consumer complaints against the blandness of modern lean meat and the frequent reference to the more strongly flavored meat that was available years ago have prompted reconsideration of high fatdepositing typical pig breeds. Casertana and Large White pig breeds are characterized by a different tendency toward fat accumulation as they exhibit opposite genetic and physiological traits with respect to the energy metabolism. These physiological differences were investigated in longissimus lumborum muscles through proteomics (2-DE, MS/MS) and microarray approaches. Data were analyzed for pathway and network analyses, as well as GO term enrichment of biological functions. As a result, Casertana showed a greater amount of proteins involved in glycolitic metabolism and mainly rely on fast-mobilizable energy sources. Large White overexpressed cell cycle and skeletal muscle growth related genes. Metabolic behavior and other implications are discussed. L'articolo è disponibile sul sito dell'editore http://pubs.acs.org/

At 130 kg bodyweight Mangalica and Hungarian Large White pig adipose tissue was compared, by means of histology. Adipose cell diameter (117.2 ± 24.1 vs. 55.3 ± 17 μm, Mangalica vs. Hungarian Large White), size (118.9 ± 44.3 vs. 31.9 ± 0.63 μm2∙100) and volume (8.01 ± 0.67 vs. 2.18 ± 0.18 μm3 ∙1 000) was significantly higher in Mangalica, while the hydroxyproline content (0.04 ± 0.005 vs. 0.23 ± 0.014 weight% of wet tissue) and the connective tissue area in the microscopic images (%) were ca. 5-fold higher in Hungarian Large White. The present quantitative results underscore the experience that at identical bodyweight the fat (89.9 ± 1.19 vs. 78.9 ± 0.39 %) and dry matter content (97.8 ± 1.72 vs. 87.7 ± 0.38 %, Mangalica vs. Hungarian Large White), as well as the cellularity of Mangalica largely differs from that of Hungarian Large White.

The objective of the current study was to compare the digestible energy (DE) contents of maize, oats and alfalfa meal between European wild boar ( Sus scrofa L.) and the domestic pig ( S. scrofa domesticus , Landrace × Large White). Six pure wild boar ( S. scrofa L.) and six domestic pigs (Landrace × Large White) with liveweights (mean ± S.E.M.) of 26 ± 0.6 and 21 ± 1.1 kg, respectively, were fed diets at a daily level of 0.10 × metabolic body weight ( W 0.75 ). The diets included a base diet and three experimental diets containing 700 g basal diet/kg and 300 g maize, oats or alfalfa meal/kg; all animals received all four diets. Chromic oxide was used as indigestible marker. The animals received each diet for an 8-day period with fecal samples collected on days 6, 7 and 8. The DE content of the maize, oats and alfalfa was calculated for each ingredient and statistically compared between the wild boar and domestic pig. For the maize and oats, there was no significant difference in the DE values between the domestic pig and wild boar. However, the DE value of the alfalfa was greater in the domestic pig (10.56 MJ kg −1 DM) than in the wild boar (8.48 MJ kg −1 DM). For ingredients that contain relatively low concentrations of fibre (such as maize and oats), it appears that DE values determined in the domestic pig can be validly applied for diet formulation for wild boars; however, for ingredients with higher fibre levels, the DE values in wild boar appear to be lower than those in the domestic pig.

The present research was designed to study the association of polymorphism of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein1 (Nramp1) with some immune function and the production performance in Large White pig. The PCR-RFLP technique was applied to analyze the correlation between the polymorphisms of Nramp1 gene and immune function [value of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes (PMN) obtained by Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) Reduction and effect of Cytotoxin in Monocyte] and production performance in 165 Large White pigs. The results showed that there was one Nde I restriction locus in Large White pig, and both values of PMN by NBT Reduction and effect of Cytotoxin in Monocyte in genotype BB were higher than those in genotype AB (P0.05). Simultaneously, the weight of 180-day-old pigs with genotype BB was higher than that with genotype AB (P0.05). The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between different genotypes of Nramp1 gene and immune function and production performance, and it can be regarded as a candidate gene of disease resistance. All these results provide valuable reference to further studies of pig disease resistance.

Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs) are a major concern in relation to xenotransplantation. Previous research indicated that PERVs are present at about 50 copies in the pig genome and their chromosomal insertion sites are different among pig breeds. We examined nine Korean native pigs and seven Asian Wild Boars for the presence of a PERV-A at SSC 1q2.4 and a PERV-B at SSC 7p1.1-2 previously reported in a Large White pig. The PERV-B at locus 7p1.1-2 displayed insertional variability in Korean native pigs and Asian Wild Boars. Using the primers for the PERV-A at 1q2.4 from Large White pig, we only can amplify an unclassified 798 bp sequence, which showed insertional variability only in Korean native pigs. This study indicates that there are differences within and between Asian and European pigs in PERV insertions and suggests that selection could generate PERV-free lines of pigs more suitable for xenotransplantation.