Genetic relationships of the Yucatan black hairless pig with Iberian breeds using single nucleotide polymorfisms / Relações genéticas de porcos pretos calvos de Yucatán com raças ibéricas usando Polimorfismo de nucleotídeos isolados

To conduct ex-situ creole pig conservation programs, it is essential to determine which breeding animals will be used, preferentially those with a more significant Iberian genetic component to preserve their origin. This study used a Yucatan black hairless pigs (YBHP) subpopulation to estimate its genetic diversity and population structure. One hundred four adult pigs were selected for the absence of hair, black skin (without spots), black hoof, and straight snout. The porcine-GGP-50K chip was used for SNP genotyping in YBHP, and information on Iberian and Yucatán hairless pigs from the United States (USYU) was taken from databases. All analysis was performed using PLINK v1.9 and v2.1 software. Inbreeding and fixation index values were lower in YBHP, with high observed heterozygosity and allogamy index values, which agree with those obtained in the populations of Canarias and Chato Murciano. According to the clusters generated by the "Genome-Wide Identity by State" analysis, four groups were identified, one of which included pigs from Guadyerbas, USYU, and YBHP. Between populations, YBHP was closely related to the hairless pigs from Guadyerbas, USYU, and Canarias. Principal component analysis showed the same result. According to the results obtained from the runs of homozygosity investigation, aimed to get pools consensus of regions of overlapping, 119 SNPs associated with genes and biological processes were identified. The BMP7 and NSUN2 genes were associated with epithelial cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and epithelial development. For nutrient metabolism: energy, the HADHA, PPARA, ADD1/SREBF1, and FAT 1genes were identified.(AU)

Para realizar programas de conservação ex-situ de suínos crioulos, é importante determinar quais animais serão criados, preferencialmente aqueles com maior componente de genética ibérica, para preservar sua origem. Uma subpopulação de porco preto calvo de Yucatán (YBHP) foi usada para estimar sua diversidade genética e estrutura populacional. Um total de 104 suínos adultos foram selecionados levando-se em consideração características como ausência de pelos, pele preta (sem manchas), casco preto e focinho reto. O painel GGP-50K foi utilizado para a genotipagem dos SNPs em animais YBHP, e informações de porcos sem pelos ibéricos e de Yucatán dos Estados Unidos (USYU) foram retiradas de bancos de dados. Todas as análises foram realizadas com o software PLINK v1.9 e v2.1. Os valores dos índices de endogamia e fixação foram menores em YBHP, com altos valores de índice de heterozigosidade e alogamia observados, que concordam com os obtidos nas populações de Canárias e Chato Murciano. De acordo com os clusters gerados pela análise "Genoma-Wide Identity By State", quatro grupos foram identificados, um dos quais incluiu porcos de Guadyerbas, USYU e YBHP. Entre as populações, YBHP estava intimamente relacionado com os porcos sem pelo de Guadyerbas, USYU e Canárias. A análise de componentes principais mostrou o mesmo resultado. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nas corridas de investigação de homozigose, visando obter consenso de pools de regiões de sobreposição, foram identificados 119 SNPs associados a genes e processos biológicos. Os genes BMP7 e NSUN2 foram associados à diferenciação de células epiteliais, morfogênese e desenvolvimento epitelial. Para metabolismo de nutrientes: energia, os genes HADHA, PPARA, ADD1/SREBF1 e FAT1 foram identificados.(AU)

A molecular and morphological study of Ascaris suum in a human-pig contact scenario in northeastern Brazil / Estudo molecular e morfológico de Ascaris suum em um cenário de contato entre suínos e humanos no nordeste brasileiro

The aim of the present study was to assess morphologic and genetic data on ascariasis in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and humans in low-resource rural and periurban communities in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Our cross-sectional survey included 100 fecal samples obtained from swine and 682 samples from humans. Fifteen pigs were necropsied. Human and porcine fecal samples were examined to identify Ascaris eggs. Parasites obtained in the swine necropsies were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mitochondrial gene encoding the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) enzyme was partially amplified and sequenced for molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses. The overall prevalence of Ascaris eggs in the swine fecal samples was 16/100 (16%). No Ascaris eggs were identified in the human fecal samples. SEM of six worms recovered from pigs demonstrated morphological characteristics of A. suum. Cox1 sequences were compatible with A. suum reference sequences. Original and reference (GenBank) nucleotide sequences were organized into clusters that did not segregate the parasites by host species or and region. The largest haplogroups were dominated by haplotypes H01, H02 and H31. In the communities studied, there was no epidemiological evidence of the zoonotic transmission of ascariasis at the human-swine interface.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo acessar dados morfológicos e genéticos sobre a ascaridíase em suínos (Sus scrofa domesticus) e humanos, em comunidades rurais e periurbanas no estado do Piauí. O estudo transversal incluiu 100 amostras fecais de suínos e 682 amostras obtidas de humanos. Quinze suínos foram necropsiados. Amostras fecais suínas e humanas foram examinadas para detecção de ovos de Ascaris. Os parasitas adultos, obtidos nas necropsias, foram estudados através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e o gene mitocondrial codificante da enzima citocromo oxidase 1 (cox1) foi parcialmente amplificado e sequenciado para análises filogenéticas e de taxonomia molecular. A prevalência de Ascaris em amostras fecais de suínos foi 16/100 (16%), não sendo identificado nenhum caso de infecção por este parasita em humanos. A análise por MEV de parasitas recuperados de suínos demonstrou características morfológicas de Ascaris suum. As sequências nucleotídicas de cox1 foram compatíveis com A. suum. As sequências originais e de referência (obtidas no GeneBank) foram organizadas em clusters que não segregaram os parasitas por hospedeiro ou região geográfica. Os maiores haplogrupos foram dominados pelos haplótipos H01, H02 e H31. Nas comunidades estudadas, não foi evidenciada transmissão zoonótica de A. suum na interface suíno-humana.(AU)

Retrotransposon insertion polymorphism of the porcine esr gene and its association with production performances of Large White pigs / 生物工程学报

Estrogen receptor (esr) mediates the effects of estrogen on the expression of related genes, thereby regulating the growth and reproduction of mammals. To investigate the effect of retrotransposon insertion polymorphism (RIP) of the porcine esr gene on porcine growth performance, retrotransposon insertion polymorphism of the esr gene were predicted by comparative genomics and bioinformatics, and PCR was used to verify the insertion polymorphisms in different porcine breeds. Finally, the correlation analysis between the genotypes and performance of Large White pigs was conducted. The results showed that four retrotransposon polymorphic sites were identified in the esr1 and esr2 genes, which are esr1-SINE- RIP1 located in intron 2 of the esr1 gene, esr1-LINE-RIP2 and RIP3-esr1- SINE located in intron 5 of the gene, and esr2-LINE-RIP located in intron 1 of the esr2 gene, respectively. Among them, insertion of a 287 bp of SINE into intron 2 of the esr1 gene significantly affected (P<0.05) the live back fat thickness and 100 kg body weight back fat thickness of Large White pigs. Moreover, the live back fat thickness and back fat thickness at 100 kg body weight of homozygous with insertion (SINE+/+) was significantly greater than that of heterozygous with insertion (SINE+/-) and homozygous without insertion (SINE-/-). Therefore, esr1-SINE-RIP1 could be used as a molecular marker to assist the selection of deposition traits in Large White pigs.

Evaluation of reproductive and animal welfare parameters of swine females of different genetic lines submitted to different reproductive management and housing systems during pregnancy / [Avaliação de parâmetros reprodutivos e de bem-estar animal de fêmeas suínas de diferentes linhagens genéticas submetidas a diferentes sistemas de manejo reprodutivo e de alojamento durante a prenhez]

The aim of this study was to evaluate swine females of different genetic lines submitted to different reproductive management and housing systems during pregnancy on reproductive performance and animal welfare parameters. After artificial insemination protocol, 524 females were divided into two gestation housing systems: PEN1=animals housed in individual stalls during the breeding and after group-housed; PEN32=animals housed in individual stalls from breeding until 32 days of pregnancy and after group-housed. The number of piglets born, and the pregnancy and farrowing rates were evaluated. Welfare parameters related to the pregnancy phase were used. Females who weaned more piglets in the previous farrowing had a higher number of piglets born at the next farrowing. The pregnancy rate was affected by the number of semen doses. The farrowing rate was not influenced by the evaluated parameters, with average value of 91.36%. There was no effect of the gestation housing system and the genetic lines on pregnancy and farrowing rates, with values above 90.0%. The animal welfare indicators showed more compromised parameters in PEN1 system. PEN1 system did not impair the reproductive performance although it presented more compromised animal welfare parameters.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar fêmeas suínas de diferentes linhagens genéticas submetidas a diferentes sistemas reprodutivos de manejo e alojamento durante a prenhez sobre parâmetros de desempenho reprodutivo e bem-estar animal. Após o protocolo de inseminação artificial, 524 fêmeas foram divididas em dois sistemas de alojamento de gestação: PEN1=animais alojados em baias individuais durante o protocolo de inseminação artificial e, depois, alojados em grupo; PEN32=animais alojados em baias individuais desde o protocolo de inseminação artificial até 32 dias de prenhez e, depois, alojados em grupo. O número de leitões nascidos e as taxas de prenhez e parto foram avaliados. Parâmetros de bem-estar relacionados à fase gestacional foram utilizados. As fêmeas que desmamaram mais leitões no parto anterior tiveram um maior número de leitões nascidos no próximo parto. A taxa de prenhez foi afetada pelo número de doses de sêmen. A taxa de parto não foi influenciada pelos fatores avaliados, com valor médio de 91,36%. Não houve efeito do sistema de alojamento gestacional e das linhas genéticas sobre as taxas de prenhez e parto, com valores acima de 90,0%. Os indicadores de bem-estar animal mostraram parâmetros mais comprometidos no sistema PEN1. O sistema PEN1 não prejudicou o desempenho reprodutivo, embora tenha apresentado parâmetros de bem-estar animal mais comprometidos.(AU)

Phenotypic correlation of characteristics in the gilt performance test with an average number of live-born piglets through all achieved births, during the reproductive exploitation / Ligação fenotípica de características no teste de desempenho de leitões com um número médio de leitões nascidos vivos durante todos os nascimentos realizados, durante a exploração reprodutiva

Reproductive efficacy of sows dictates the level of profitability of the production itself, and the moment of testing and selection of gilts for breeding (as the parents of a future generation), represents a very important moment. Given the fact that the selection of gilts for breeding is partly based on the weight-gain in the test, in this study we examined the influence of a daily weight-gain of gilts in the test of the manifestation of important reproductive characteristics - the size of the litter of the first and the other parities, as well as the percentage of sows that gave birth in relation to previous breeding process. Data of the 11637 tested gilts that completed the performance test have been used for the test. The studied characteristics were: the weight-gain at the end of the test, the number of live-born piglets, the number of stillborn piglets and the number of grown-weaned piglets in the first litter and the total number of live-born piglets, the total number of stillborn piglets and the total number of grown-weaned piglets. The results obtained in this study showed the effect of weight-gain in the reproductive efficacy test in the number of the live-born piglets in the first and from the 2nd to the 9th parity, as well as the percentage of the sows included in the next breeding process. By including all selected independent variables that showed the adequate statistical significance in correlation with the dependent variable, the determination coefficient rises to a value of 0.098 which represents 9.80% of the influence on the dependent variable, that can be explained by the independent variable, which leads to the conclusion that the binding strength between the variable "average live" and all the independent variables: "the number of litters", the MLD depth" and "the back-fat thickness", is very weak, which is not a rare case in multiple regression.(AU)

A eficácia reprodutiva das porcas dita o nível de rentabilidade da própria produção, e o momento do teste e seleção de leitoas para reprodução (como os pais de uma geração futura) representa um momento muito importante. Dado o fato de que a seleção de leitoas para criação é parcialmente baseada no ganho de peso no teste, neste estudo examinamos a influência de um ganho de peso diário de leitoas no teste da manifestação de importantes características reprodutivas - o tamanho da ninhada da primeira e das outras paridades, assim como a porcentagem de porcas que deram à luz em relação ao processo de criação anterior. Os dados das 11637 leitoas testadas que completaram o teste de desempenho foram utilizados para o teste. As características estudadas foram: o ganho de peso ao final do teste, o número de leitões nascidos vivos, o número de leitões natimortos e o número de leitões desmamados na primeira ninhada e o número total de leitões nascidos vivos , o número total de leitões natimortos e o número total de leitões desmamados. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo mostraram o efeito do ganho de peso no teste de eficácia reprodutiva no número de leitões nascidos vivos na primeira e da segunda à nona paridade, bem como a porcentagem de porcas incluídas na próximo processo de criação. Ao incluir todas as variáveis independentes selecionadas que mostraram a significância estatística adequada em correlação com a variável dependente, o coeficiente de determinação sobe para um valor de 0.098 que representa 9.80% da influência sobre a variável dependente, que pode ser explicada pela variável independente, que leva à conclusão de que a força de ligação entre a variável "média viva" e todas as variáveis independentes: "o número de ninhadas", a profundidade MLD "e" a espessura de gordura "é muito fraca, o que não é raro caso em regressão múltipla.(AU)

Phylogenetic analysis, biofilm production, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from slaughtered pigs / Análise filogenética, produção de biofilme e perfil de resistência antimicrobiana de Escherichia coli isoladas de suínos abatidos

Enteric diseases of bacterial origin are frequent in the pig industry, of particular notoriety are the colibacillosis that mainly affect piglets and cause great damage to the swine industry worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze phylogenetics, to detect biofilm production, and to determine antimicrobial resistance profile in 126 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from swabs obtained from fragments of the small intestines of 235 healthy pigs killed in slaughterhouses in Pernambuco (Brazil) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), adherence to microplates test and disc diffusion technique. Of the analyzed samples, 88.10% (111/126) were classified in phylogenetic group B1; 4.76% (6/126) in group D; 3.97% (5/126) in group B2 and, 3.17% (4/126) in group A. Antimicrobial resistance rates observed were: lincomycin 100% (126/126), erythromycin 100% (126/126), chlortetracycline 94.44% (119/126), cephalothin 51.59% (65/126), ampicillin 38.89% (49/126), sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 37.3% (47/126), ciprofloxacin 19.84% (25/126), norfloxacin 14.29% (18/126), gentamicin 8.73% (11/126) and, chloramphenicol 5.55% (7/126). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) ranged from 0.2 to 0.9. Of the strains tested 46.03% (58/126) produced biofilm, and 99.21% (125/126) of the strains exhibited multi-resistance. Further studies are required to elucidate the importance of each phylogenetic group in pigs and to prevent the propagation of multi-resistant E. coli strains.(AU)

Doenças entéricas de origem bacteriana são frequentes na indústria de suínos, destacando-se a colibacilose, que afeta principalmente leitões e causa grandes danos à indústria suína em todo o mundo. Cento e vinte e seis cepas de Escherichia coli foram isoladas de swabs obtidos de fragmentos de intestino delgado de 235 suínos saudáveis abatidos em matadouros de Pernambuco (Brasil). O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar filogeneticamente essas cepas, bem como detectar a produção de biofilme e determinar o perfil de resistência antimicrobiana delas, utilizando-se a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), o teste de adesão em microplacas e a técnica de disco-difusão. 88,10% (111/126) das amostras foram classificadas no grupo filogenético B1; 4,76% (6/126) no grupo D; 3,97% (5/126) no grupo B2; e 3,17% (4/126) no grupo A. As taxas de resistência antimicrobiana observadas foram: lincomicina 100% (126/126), eritromicina 100% (126/126), clortetraciclina 94,44% (119/126), cefalotina 51,59% (65/126), ampicilina 38,89% (49/126), sulfametoxazol + trimetoprima 37,3% (47/126), ciprofloxacina 19,84% (25/126), norfloxacina 14,29% (18/126), gentamicina 8,73% (11/126) e cloranfenicol 5,55% (7/126). O índice de resistência múltipla (IRMA) variou de 0,2 a 0,9. Entre as amostras, 46,03% (58/126) produziram biofilme e 99,21% (125/126) foram multirresistentes. São necessários mais estudos para elucidar a importância de cada grupo filogenético em suínos e evitar a propagação de estirpes de E. coli multirresistentes.(AU)

Parâmetros genéticos para características de prolificidade nas raças Landrace e Large White / Genetic parameters for prolificacy in Landrace and Large White breeds

Dados de suínos das raças Landrace (LD) e Large White (LW) foram utilizados para estimar componentes de variância para número total de leitões nascidos (NTN), nascidos vivos (NV) e de leitões vivos ao quinto dia (LV5). Usou-se o método da máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML) para estimar componentes de variância. O modelo misto incluiu os efeitos fixos de mês e ano de nascimento e da inseminação da porca e ordem de parto. Análises unicaracterísticas incluíram os efeitos genético direto, genético materno e de ambiente permanente. Análises multicaracterísticas foram feitas para estimar correlações genéticas. Os modelos unicaracterísticas foram comparados e o que continha apenas o efeito genético direto foi considerado o mais adequado. As estimativas de herdabilidade para NTN foram de 0,15 para LW e de 0,08 a 0,12 para LD, dependendo do modelo, para NV foram de 0,14 para LW e de 0,05 a 0,12 para LD, e para LV5, variaram de 0,11 a 0,12 para LW e de 0,03 a 0,08 para LD. As correlações fenotípicas e genéticas entre as três características foram altas e favoráveis. Conclui-se que a seleção para aumento do LV5 pode ser uma via interessante para o aumento do tamanho da leitegada, da sobrevivência de leitões e da habilidade materna em suínos.

Data from Landrace (LD) and Large White (LW) sows were analyzed to estimate variance components for total number of piglets born (NTN), number of piglets born alive (NV) and number alive on day 5 after birth (LV5). REML mixed model equations included the fixed effects of sow´s month and year of birth and insemination and farrowing order. Univariate analyses included, alternatively, direct genetic, maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects. Multiple trait analysis was performed to estimate genetic correlations among the traits. Comparisons between univariate models indicated that the model containing only direct genetic effect was the most appropriate for parameter estimation. Estimates of heritability for NTN were 0.15 in LW and ranged from 0.08 to .12 in LD, 0.14 in LW, from 0.05 to 0.12 in LD for NV, from 0.11 to 0.12 in LW, and from 0.03 to 0.08 in LD for LV5. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among traits were high and favorable. Results suggest that selection for LV5 is an interesting alternative way to increase litter size, piglet survival and maternal ability in swine.

Ocorrência de genes tad associados à formação de biofilme em isolados de Pasteurella multocida de pulmões de suínos com pneumonia / Occurrence of tad genes associated with biofilm formation in isolates of Pasteurella multocida from lungs of pigs with pneumonia

Nowadays pig intensive production systems increase microbial selection pressure favoring spread of respiratory diseases. The bacteria Pasteurella multocida is associated with various respiratory diseases in pigs under farming conditions causing high economic losses. In vitro biofilm formation has been described in P. multocida which role is described in tissue colonization, enhancing resistance to host defenses and antibiotics. The aims of this study were to analyze the occurrence of P. multocida in pig pneumonia and health lung microbiota, and occurrence of tad locus genes in these isolates. Seventy isolates of P. multocida were analyzed which sixty seven were from lungs with lesion and three from healthy lungs. Serotype A occurred mainly in lung lesion (85.71%), in healthy lung, instead, only serotype D was observed. Genes tadA, tadB, tadC, tadD, tadE, tadF and tadG were present in 89.55% isolates from lesion lung. Genes tadA, tadB and tadC were present in all isolates from healthy lungs but, tadD, tadE tadF and tadG were present in 0%, 33.3%, 33,3% and 66.6%, respectively. This work associated tadD, tadE and tadF gene positive isolates of P. multocida to lung pneumonic lesions.

Os atuais sistemas de criação intensiva de suínos aumentam a pressão de seleção microbiana propiciando a disseminação de doenças respiratórias. A bactéria Pasteurella multocida é associada a diversas patologias respiratórias em animais submetidos a esse tipo de criação, causando grandes perdas econômicas. A formação de biofilme foi descrita in vitro em P. multocida e fatores analisados indicaram a facilitação na colonização dos tecidos, aumentando a resistência às defesas do hospedeiro e aos antibióticos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram analisar a ocorrência de P. multocida em pneumonias de suínos e na microbiota de pulmões sem lesão e a ocorrência dos genes do lócus tad nestes isolados. Foram analisados 70 isolados de P. multocida de pulmões, sendo sessenta e sete com lesão e três sem lesão. Isolados do sorotipo A ocorreram principalmente em pulmões com lesões (85,71%), enquanto em pulmões sem lesão observou-se somente o sorotipo D. Os genes tadA, tadB, tadC, tadD, tadE tadF e tadG estavam presentes em 89,55% dos isolados de pulmões com lesões. Os genes tadA, tadB e tadC estavam presentes em todos os isolados de pulmões sem lesão, porém os genes tadD, tadE, tadF e tadG estavam presentes em 0%, 33,3%, 33,3% e 66,6%, dos isolados sem lesão, respectivamente. Neste trabalho observou-se a associação da ocorrência dos genes tadD, tadE e tadF em isolados de P. multocida e a presença de lesões em pulmões.

Avaliação imunofenotípica de subpopulações linfocitárias no sangue do cordão umbilical e periférico de suínos neonatos (Sus scrofa) / Imunophenotyping avaliation of lymphocyte subsets in cord blood and peripheral blood of newborn piglets (Sus scrofa)

Considerando a importância do uso do sangue do cordão umbilical como fonte potencial de células tronco hematopoiéticas e o uso do suíno doméstico (Sus scrofa) como modelo para pesquisas biomédicas em medicina regenerativa, e por outro lado, visando dar um contributo sobre a quantificação das subpopulações linfocitárias no sangue do cordão umbilical e periférico, objetivou-se quantificar as células CD4+, CD5+ e CD8+ nas amostras de sangue de suínos neonatos. Analisaram-se as amostras do sangue do cordão umbilical e periférico de 48 leitões de linhagem Topigs, provenientes de porcas hígidas, inseminadas artificialmente e de parto natural. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue do cordão umbilical e periférico no momento do nascimento, por meio de venopunção da veia umbilical e seio venoso retro-oftálmico, respectivamente. As quantificações imunofenotípicas de células CD4+, CD5+ e CD8+ foram obtidas por citometria de fluxo. Os valores médios obtidos para as contagens das células CD4+, CD5+ e CD8+ do sangue do cordão umbilical e periférico apresentaram-se inferiores aos reportados para o sangue periférico de suínos adultos, sugerindo um componente imunológico imaturo. A proporção CD4+: CD8+ obtida no sangue do cordão umbilical (3,2±1,2 por cento) e no sangue periférico (3,2±1,7 por cento) ilustrou a predominância dos linfócitos TCD4+ com relação aos TCD8+. A quantidade relativa de células CD4+ e CD8+ no sangue do cordão umbilical e periférico foi de 1,37±0,86 por cento e 1,15±0,57 por cento, respectivamente.

Considering the importance of umbilical cord blood as a potential source of stem cell and, on the other hand, the use of the domestic swine (Sus scrofa) as a useful model for biomedical research in regenerative medicine and aiming to contribute about the quantification of lymphocyte subsets in umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood of newborn piglets, this study aimed to quantify CD4+, CD5+ and CD8+ cells from umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood from pigs at term blood samples. Were analyzed samples of the umbilical cord blood and peripheral of 48 piglets of Topigs lineage, from healthy mothers, artificially inseminated and natural birth. Blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord at birth, by the umbilical vein, and peripheral blood by venous sinus retro-ophthalmic. The immunological measurements of CD4+, CD5+ and CD8+ were obtained by flow cytometry. The relative average values for the CD4+, CD5+ e CD8+ counts in umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood of newborn piglets were inferior to those reported for peripheral blood in adult pigs, suggesting immunological immaturity. The ratio CD4+:CD8+ in umbilical cord blood (3.2±1.2 percent) and peripheral blood (3.2±1.7 percent) showed a predominance of TCD4+ over TCD8+. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells was 1.37±0.86 percent and 1.15±0.57 percent, respectively, in umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood.

Detecção de locos de características quantitativas nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X de suínos: características de desempenho / Detection of quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, X in pigs: performance characteristics

Mapeou-se quantitative trait loci (QTL) associados a características de desempenho nos cromossomos 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15 e X de suínos pertencentes a uma população F2, formada a partir do cruzamento entre dois machos da raça naturalizada brasileira Piau e 18 fêmeas comerciais (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). O mapa genético de ligação da população foi construído após a genotipagem dos animais para 35 marcadores microssatélites. As estimativas do conteúdo de informação polimórfica indicaram que os marcadores microssatélites foram adequados para as análises de QTL. Os dados foram analisados pelo mapeamento por intervalo usando-se o programa GridQTL. Encontraram-se seis QTL, sendo que o QTL genômico para idade ao abate atingiu a significância de 5% de probabilidade. As informações dos QTL detectados neste estudo são úteis para identificar genes que podem ser usados em conjunto com os métodos convencionais de seleção, aumentar a acurácia deles e prover uma compreensão dos fenótipos produtivos de suínos.

The accomplishment of the present study had the objective of mapping Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) related to performance traits in a F2 pig population developed by mating two Brazilian Piau breed sires with 18 dams from a commercial line (Landrace × Large White × Pietrain). The linkage map for this population was constructed after genotyping the animals for 35 microsatellite markers. Estimates of polymorphic information content indicated that the microsatellite markers were appropriate for QTL analyses. The genotypes were analyzed by interval mapping using the GridQTL program. A total of six QTL were found, of which the QTL for slaughter age (days) was significant at the 5% genome-wise level. The information of the significant QTL detected in this study is useful for future fine-mapping studies for the identification of genes. Such information can be used together with traditional methods in breeding programs or even for a better understanding of the phenotypes of swine production.

Detection of genetic characterization of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Brazilian wildlife boars

A semi-intensive wildlife boars farm presented a clinical history of high mortality in 70 - 90 days-old pigs (> 50 %). Two 90 days-old animals with weight loss and wasting were necropsied and the samples tested for PCV2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic material of PCV2 was sequenced and classified into the PCV2a genotype together with PCV2 sequences obtained from samples of Poland, Brazil, Slovenia and Greece wild boars.

Genetic differentiation between cinta senese and commercial pig breeds using microsatellite

Background: Cinta Senese (CS) is an autochthonous Tuscan breed, which risked extinction since the ‘60s. Results: Monitoring the genetic variability of the actual population by use of DNA molecular markers is essential to address a correct breeding policy, finalized to obtain the race preservation and its fitness in the future. 17 SSRs autosomal markers and 1 associated to the X chromosome were used to genotype 86 individuals belonging to the CS and 12 belonging to two main white races Landrace (L), Large White (LW) and crosses between LW and L and L and CS widespread in Tuscany and used in the recent past to obtain hybrids with the CS. Conclusions: A dendrogram of similarity measures the relative genetic distance between individuals in the population. Data show that CS pigs have a distinct genotype from L, LW, LW x L and L x CS.

A canonical correlation analysis of the association between carcass and ham traits in pigs used to produce dry-cured ham

The association between carcass and ham traits in a pig population used to produce dry-cured ham was studied using canonical correlation analysis. The carcass traits examined were hot carcass weight (HCW), backfat thickness (BT) and loin depth (LD), and the ham traits studied were gross ham weight (GHW), trimmed ham weight (THW), ham inner layer fat thickness (HIFT), ham outer layer fat thickness (HOFT), pH (pH) and the Göfo value. Carcass and ham traits are not independent. The canonical correlations (r) between the carcass and ham traits at 130 kg were 0.77, 0.24 and 0.20 for the first, second and third canonical pair, respectively, and were all significant (p < 0.01) by the Wilks test. The corresponding canonical correlations between the three canonical variate pairs for the carcass and ham traits at 160 kg were 0.88, 0.42 and 0.14, respectively (p < 0.05 for all, except the third). The correlations between the traits and their canonical variate showed an association among HCW, GHW and THW, and between BT and HOFT. These results indicate that carcass traits should be used to cull pigs that are not suitable for dry-cured ham production.

Association of PPARgama2 polymorphisms with carcass and meat quality traits in a Pietrain x Jinhua F2 population

The PPARγ2 gene is a key regulator of both proliferation and preadipocyte differentiation in mammals. Herein its genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed using PCR-SSCP in eight pig breeds (N = 416). Two kinds of polymorphisms of the PPARγ2 gene were detected, including a previously reported shift SNP A177G (Met59Val) in exon 1 and a novel silent mutation G876A in exon 5. The results revealed that European pig breeds carry a higher allele A frequency at the A177G locus and a fixed GG genotype at the G876A locus. Allele A at the G876A locus was only found in Jinhua pigs. The association between haplotype (A177G/G876A) and carcass and meat quality traits was analyzed in a Pietrain x Jinhua F2 population (N = 248). The PPARγ2 gene was found to be significantly associated with backfat thickness at the shoulder (p < 0.05), 6-7th ribs (p < 0.01), last rib (p < 0.01), gluteus medius (p <0.05) and ham weight (p < 0.01). Significant effects of different haplotypes on ham weight and backfat thickness at the 6-7th ribs, last rib, and gluteus medius were also observed.

Cloning, mapping and molecular characterization of porcine progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2) gene

Progesterone plays an important role in sow reproduction by stimulating classic genomic pathways via nuclear receptors and non-genomic pathways via membrane receptors such a progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2). In this work, we used radiation hybrid mapping to assign PGRMC2 to pig chromosome 8 and observed that this receptor has two transcripts in pigs. The full-length cDNA of the large transcript is 1858 bp long and contains a 669-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 223 amino acids. The shorter transcript encodes a protein of 170 amino acids. The porcine PGRMC2 gene consists of three exons 446 bp, 156 bp and 1259 bp in length. The promoter sequence is GC-rich and lacks a typical TATA box. Several putative cis-regulatory DNA motifs were identified in the 208-bp upstream genomic region. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in introns* and the 3' UTR. RT-PCR indicated that the PGRMC2 gene is expressed ubiquitously in all pig tissues examined.

Evaluación de la integridad acrosomal y la funcionalidad bioquímica de la membrana espermática en cerdos reproductores con gotas citoplásmicas persistentes / Acrosomal integrity and biochemical functionality assessment of the sperm membrane in boars with persistent cytoplasmic droplets

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la integridad acrosomal, funcionalidad bioquímica de la membrana espermática y las relaciones entre éstas en machos con y sin persistencia de gotas citoplásmicas (PGC). Se usaron 254 eyaculados de 48 cerdos reproductores entre ocho y 48 meses de edad clasificados como jóvenes (<1 año), maduros (entre uno y tres años) y viejos (>3 años). Los datos fueron evaluados mediante análisis de varianza para medidas repetidas en un mismo individuo (efecto aleatorio). Se evaluó el efecto de procedencia (efecto bloque) y grupo etáreo sobre: PGC, integridad acrosomal, funcionalidad de membrana, proporción de espermatozoides vivos y con gotas citoplásmicas (GC). Además se evaluó el efecto de PGC sobre la integridad acrosomal y la funcionalidad de membrana. La presentación de PGC fue menor en cerdos reproductores jóvenes (37 ± 6 por ciento) que en los maduros (52 ± 5 por ciento; P=0,05) y los viejos (85 ± 13 por ciento; P<0,01). La diferencia en PGC entre machos maduros y viejos fue significativa (P=0,05). Los machos viejos presentaron mayor proporción de células con GC que los jóvenes (34,6 ± 4,8 vs. 19,7 ± 2.3 por ciento, respectivamente; P=0,01), mientras que los maduros no fueron diferentes de ninguno de los dos (23,5 ± 2,1 por ciento). Los cerdos reproductores que no presentaron PGC obtuvieron mayores valores de acrosoma intacto que los que presentaron PGC (86,5 ± 1,2 vs. 80,2 ± 1,1 por ciento, respectivamente; P<0,01). Los defectos de la integridad acrosomal presentaron correlaciones significativas con defectos espermáticos asociados a GC (entre -0,20 y -0,36; P<0,05). Este estudio indica que cerdos reproductores mayores de tres años presentan con mayor frecuencia eyaculados de baja calidad espermática. Los resultados además sugieren que los defectos de membrana y morfológicos tienden a presentarse conjuntamente en un eyaculado, señalando la necesidad de construir un índice de calidad seminal multifactorial...

The goal of this study was to evaluate the acrosomal integrity, biochemical functionality of the sperm membrane, and the relationship between them in boars with and without persistence of cytoplasmic droplets (PGC). It were used 254 ejaculates from 48 boars between eight and 48 months of age that were classified as young (<1 year), mature (1 to 3 years), and old (>3 years). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measurements in the same individual (random effect). The effect of source (block effect) and age group on PGC, acrosomal integrity, membrane function, and proportion of live and with cytoplasmic droplets sperm cells were evaluated. The effect of PGC on acrosomal integrity and membrane function was also tested. Presence of PGC was lower in young (37 ± 6 percent) than mature (52 ± 5 percent; P=0.05) and old (85 ± 13 percent; P<0.01) boars. The difference in PGC between mature and old boars was significant (P=0.05). Old boars showed a higher proportion of cells with GC than young ones (34.6 ± 4.8 vs. 19.7 ± 2.3 percent, respectively; P=0.01), while mature boars were no different from the other two groups (23.5 ± 2.1 percent). Boars that did not show PGC had a higher proportion of intact acrosomes than those with PGC (86.5 ± 1.2 vs. 80.2 ± 1.1 percent, respectively; P<0.01). Defects in acrosomal integrity were significantly correlated with sperm defects associated to GC (between -0.20 y -0.36; P<0.05). These results suggest that membrane and morphologic defects tend to occur together in the same ejaculate, pointing out the need to build a multifactor seminal quality index that can be used as decision criterion in the swine industry.

Polymorphisms on SSC15q21-q26 Containing QTL for reproduction in Swine and its association with litter size

Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important reproductive traits (ovulation rate) have been identified on the porcine chromosome 15 (SSC15). To assist in the selection of positional candidate swine genes for these QTL on SSC15, twenty-one genes had already been assigned to SSC15 in a previous study in our lab, by using the radiation hybrid panel IMpRH. Further polymorphism studies were carried out on these positional candidate genes with four breeds of pigs (Duroc, Erhualian, Dahuabai and Landrace) harboring significant differences in reproduction traits. A total of nineteen polymorphisms were found in 21 genes. Among these, seven in six genes were used for association studies, whereby NRP2 polymorphism was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with litter-size traits. NRP2 might be a candidate gene for pig-litter size based on its chromosome location (Du et al., 2006), significant association with litter-size traits and relationships with Sema and the VEGF super families.

Quantitative trait loci for carcass, internal organ and meat quality traits on porcine chromosomes 16, 17 and 18

The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) on porcine chromosomes 16, 17 and 18 and to determine their association with carcass, organ and meat quality traits. An F2 population was produced by crossing two boars of the naturalized Brazilian Piau breed with 18 commercial females (Landrace x Large White x Pietrain). The population was genotyped for 11 microsatellite markers distributed over the three chromosomes and the results were used to construct a marker-specific linkage map for the population. Analysis of the polymorphic information content showed that the microsatellite markers were adequate for the study of quantitative traits. QTL were identified by regression interval mapping using QTL Express software. QTL not previously described in the literature were detected on chromosome 16, whereas QTL described in other populations were detected on chromosomes 17 and 18. The information from the significant QTL identified here will be useful for future fine-mapping studies and should provide a better understanding of productive phenotypes in pigs.

Effects of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid on gene expression and lipid metabolism of adipose tissue of growing pigs

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in adipose tissue explant cultures of growing pigs on the following responses: lipogenesis (measured as rate of 14C-labeled glucose incorporation over a subsequent 2-h incubation in the presence or absence of insulin), lipolysis (release of non-esterified fatty acid over a 2-h incubation in the presence or absence of isoproterenol), activities of lipogenic enzymes, and mRNA abundance of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Adipose tissue explants from nine growing pigs (78 ± 3 kg) were cultured in 199 medium with insulin, dexamethasone and antibiotics for 4, 12, 24, and 48 h. The treatments were 1) control: 100 μM polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); 2) pGH: 100 ng/mL porcine growth hormone (pGH) plus 100 μM PVA; 3) CLA200: 200 μM trans-10, cis-12 CLA; 4) CLA50: 50 μM trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and 5) LA: 200 μM linoleic acid. Fatty acids were added along with PVA (2:1), respectively, for 24 h. Explants were collected after each culture period and assayed for lipogenesis. Transcripts of FAS mRNA were quantified by real-time RT-PCR after 24 and 48 h. Lipolysis and activities of FAS, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and NADP-malate dehydrogenase were determined after 48 h. As expected, glucose incorporation was decreased (P < 0.05) in response to pGH treatment (positive control). LA had no effect on any parameter evaluated. Treatment with trans-10, cis-12 CLA decreased FAS activity (P < 0.05), but NADPH-generating enzymes were unaffected by treatments. Consistent with reduction in FAS activity, both lipid synthesis and FAS mRNA abundance were reduced with chronic CLA treatment, pGH increased baseline and stimulated lipolysis (P < 0.05) after 48 h of culture, while CLA treatment had no effect on non-esterified fatty acid release. Results of this study showed that trans-10, cis-12 CLA alters lipogenesis but has no effect on lipolysis...