A realistic model for vasectomy reversal training using swine testicles

Purpose: To evaluate the viability of the porcine vas deferens as a realistic microsurgical training model for vasectomy reversal Methods: The model uses swine testicles (vas deferent), which are usually discarded in large street markets since they are not part of Brazilian cuisine. The spermatic cord was carefully dissected, and the vas deferens were isolated, measuring 10 cm in length. A paper quadrilateral with 5 cm2 was built to delimit the surgical training field. The objective of the model is to simulate only the microsurgical step when the vas deferens are already isolated. The parameters analyzed were: feasibility for reproducing the technique, patency before and after performing the vasovasostomy, cost of the model, ease of acquisition, ease of handling, execution time, and model reproducibility. Results: The simulator presented low cost. All models made were viable with a texture similar to human, with positive patency obtained in 100% of the procedures. The internal and external diameters of the vas deferens varied between 0.2-0.4 mm and 2-3 mm, respectively, with a mean length of 9 ± 1.2 cm. The total procedure time was 43.28 ± 3.22 minutes. Conclusions: The realistic model presented proved to be viable for carrying out vasectomy reversal training, due to its low cost, easy acquisition, and easy handling, and providing similar tissue characteristics to humans.

Expression analysis of m6A-related genes in various tissues of Meishan pigs at different developmental stages

To characterize the N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related gene expression profiles in various tissues of Meishan pigs at different stages, m6A modification-related genes (METTL3, METTL14, METTL16, WTAP, RBM15, and FTO) were detected from newborn to physical maturity of Meishan pigs at eight important developmental stages (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 134, and 158 days old). The expression of m6A-related genes was tissue-specific. Furthermore, the level of METTL3 messenger RNA (mRNA) was higher on day 35 than in other stages in most tissues, and the expression of METTL14 increased after day 35, and FTO exhibited a peak on day 14 in muscle, intestine, lymph nodes, thymus, and kidney. This study provided a reference for an in-depth study of the expression patterns of m6A modification-related genes in Meishan pigs.

The correlation between body weight, body weight gain and blood parameters in pigs at birth and weaning / A correlação entre peso corporal, ganho de peso corporal e parâmetros sanguíneos em suínos ao nascimento e desmame

The aim of study was to determine the relationship between metabolic parameters, body weight and body growth of piglets at birth and weaning. The experiment included 80 piglets obtained from F1 generation sows. Body weight was measured at birth (BW0), 24h (BW1) after birth and on day 25 (at weaning, BW2). Blood sampling was performed at the beginning of life (3rd day after birth) and at weaning (21st day after birth). BW0 and BW1 positively correlated with cholesterol and negatively with urea values at the beginning of life and RBC values at weaning. BW2 positively correlates with albumin and cortisol values at the beginning of life, total proteins, and globulins at weaning, and negatively correlates with erythrocyte values at weaning. Piglet growth from birth to weaning (BWG2-0) correlates positively with total proteins, albumin, and cortisol at the beginning of life and total proteins at weaning. ROC analysis shows that MCHC, TPROT, GLOB, CHOL and AST at the beginning of life can distinguish fast-growing from slow-growing piglets from birth to weaning period. The use of blood parameters enables early recognition of growth rate in piglets, which can help to optimize all further steps to achieve the best possible growth.

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a relação entre parâmetros metabólicos, peso corporal e crescimento corporal de leitões ao nascimento e desmame. A experiência incluiu 80 leitões obtidos de porcas da geração F1. O peso corporal foi medido ao nascimento (BW0), 24h (BW1) após o nascimento e no dia 25 (no desmame, BW2). A amostragem de sangue foi realizada no início da vida (3º dia após o nascimento) e no desmame (21º dia após o nascimento). BW0 e BW1 correlacionaram-se positivamente com o colesterol e negativamente com os valores de uréia no início da vida e com os valores de hemácias no desmame. BW2 correlaciona-se positivamente com os valores de albumina e cortisol no início da vida, proteínas totais e globulinas no desmame, e negativamente com os valores de eritrócitos no desmame. O crescimento do leitão desde o nascimento até o desmame (BWG2-0) se correlaciona positivamente com as proteínas totais, albumina e cortisol no início da vida e com as proteínas totais no desmame. A análise ROC mostra que MCHC, TPROT, GLOB, CHOL e AST no início da vida pode distinguir leitões de crescimento rápido de leitões de crescimento lento desde o nascimento até o desmame. O uso de parâmetros sanguíneos permite o reconhecimento precoce da taxa de crescimento em leitões, o que pode ajudar a otimizar todas as etapas posteriores para alcançar o melhor crescimento possível.

Specular microscopy of the different regions of the cornea in enucleated swine eyes: ex vivo evaluation / Microscopia especular das diferentes regiões da córnea de suínos: estudo ex vivo

The objective of this study was to determine the endothelial cell density (ECD) and hexagonality of the cornea in the different regions of healthy swine corneal endothelium using specular microscopy. Twenty-four eyeballs from 12 male, 6-month-old Large White pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) were studied. Contact specular microscopy was performed in the central, superior, inferior, lateral and medial regions. The corneal parameters analysed in this study were ECD and hexagonality. The ECD in the central region was 1865 cells/mm2; in the upper region, it was 1877 cells/mm2, in the lower region, it was 1854 cells/mm2, in the lateral region, it was 1847 cells/mm2, in the medial region, it was 1831 cells/mm2. Hexagonality in the central region, was 53%; in the upper region, it was 54%, in the lower region, it was 54%, in the lateral region, it was 54%, in the medial region, it was 54%. There was no significant difference regarding to the evaluated parameters in all corneal regions evaluated. No statistically significantly differences were observed in ECD and hexagonality between the left and the right eyes. This study demonstrates that ECD and hexagonality of the central cornea area represent the entire endothelial mosaic.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a densidade endotelial e a hexagonalidade das células endoteliais nas diferentes regiões da córnea de suínos utilizando a microscopia especular de contato. Foram estudados 24 bulbos oculares de 12 suínos (Sus scrofa domesticus), machos, com seis meses de idade e da raça Large White. A microscopia especular de contato foi realizada nas regiões central, superior, inferior, lateral e medial da córnea. A densidade endotelial média na região central foi de 1865 células/mm2, na região superior foi de 1877 células/mm2, na região inferior foi de 1854 células/mm2, na região lateral foi de 1847 células/mm2 e na região medial foi de 1831 células/mm2. Na região central, a hexagonalidade foi de 53%, na região superior foi de 54%, na região inferior foi de 54%, na região lateral foi de 54%, na região medial foi de 54%. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na densidade celular e na hexagonalidade nas diferentes regiões da córnea analisadas. Este estudo demonstrou que a densidade endotelial e a hexagonalidade da área central da córnea representam todo o mosaico endotelial.

Deoxynivalenol concentrations in feed ingredients and swine diets measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography

The objective was to compare deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations in feed ingredients and commercial swine diets measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seventy feed ingredient samples consisted of corn, corn dried distillers grains with solubles, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, palm kernel expellers, rice bran, soy hulls, soybean meal, and wheat. Commercial swine diet samples (n = 92) were collected from 23 swine farms of varying regions in Korea and different growth stages of pigs. The DON concentration of all samples was determined in duplicate. Statistical comparisons were performed to compare the analytical methods (ELISA vs. HPLC), diet phases, and regions. The DON concentrations in most ingredients and all diets determined by ELISA method were greater than those determined by HPLC. The DON concentrations determined by the ELISA method were less than 1 mg/kg in all ingredients except corn dried distillers grains with solubles and corn gluten feed, and those determined by the HPLC were less than 0.5 mg/kg in all ingredients. The DON concentrations in complete diets did not vary by region or growth stages of pigs. The DON concentrations in most feed ingredients and commercial swine diets determined by ELISA method are greater than those determined by HPLC, but does not vary by regions in Republic of Korea or pig growth stages.

Check-All-That-Apply method for sensory characterization of pork from immunocastrated male pigs fed different oil sources

In the last decade, other quality attributes have emerged as the main aspects that impact pork consumers acceptance, such as environmentally friendly production, nutritional value, and animal welfare. This study applies a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questionnaire for sensory characterization of loins from genetically lean immunocastrated male pigs fed diets containing either a standard commercial diet with 1.5 % soybean oil (control) or 3 % oil from either soybean oil (SO), canola oil (CO), or fish oil (FO) during the growing-finishing phases. Twenty CATA attributes for loin samples were generated. We interviewed 101 consumers to select all the CATA terms that they considered suitable to characterize sensory attributes of longissimus lumborum muscle samples of pigs from each dietary treatment. The CATA results indicated differences among pork loin samples depending on the source and inclusion level of dietary oil. Loins from pigs fed 3 % SO were characterized by a higher frequency of the "juicy texture" attribute (p < 0.05) and a lower frequency of the "dry texture" attribute (p < 0.05) compared to loins from 3 % FO-fed pigs. Moreover, loins from pigs fed 3 % SO had a lower citation frequency of the "tasteless" attribute (p < 0.05) compared to loins from 3 % FO-fed pigs. The attributes "cooked pork meat-like taste", "juicy texture", "tender texture", and "brightness" were placed close to the overall liking. "Tender texture", "juicy texture", "pork meat-like" (odor and taste), and "cooked pork meat-like taste" attributes were considered drivers of liking. Feeding genetically lean immunocastrated male pigs with diets containing 3 % SO may be advisable from a pork sensory quality perspective.

The use of sugar beet pulp in pig diet to control skatole analysed by HPLC quantification method

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a finishing diet added with sugar beet pulp to reduce backfat skatole of entire male pigs, using the optimised high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. The study comprised 72 males Pietrain (Large White × Landrace), divided into two groups of 36 animals each. Pigs in group A (treatment) were fed a supplemented formula (addition of 10 % beet pulp). while animals in group B (control) received a commercial feed, both for a period of 14 days before slaughter. The isocratic HPLC method achieved the chromatographic separation of indolic compounds in approximately 3 min. Skatole was significantly lower ( p = 0.002) in group A, showing that beet root supplementation reduced skatole levels in pig fat. In addition, the optimised HPLC method was reliable, less time-consuming, and showed a resolution suitable for small amounts of skatole.(AU)

Complexo enzimático em rações para leitões nas fases pré-inicial e inicial / Enzymatic complex in piglet feeds in the pre-initial and initial phases

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito da utilização de complexo enzimático em rações para leitões sobre o desempenho zootécnico nas fases pré-inicial e inicial. Foram utilizados, para isso, 292 leitões, machos castrados e fêmeas, de linhagem comercial. O período de suplementação da enzima, na maternidade, foi do sétimo ao vigésimo primeiro dia de idade, e, na creche, foi do desmame até a saída para a fase de crescimento. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, sendo a matriz e sua leitegada consideradas a unidade experimental durante a maternidade e uma baia com dez leitões na creche. Na maternidade, os tratamentos consistiram em: T1 - ração controle, sem complexo enzimático; T2 - ração controle com adição on top do complexo enzimático com inclusão de 5%. Na creche, foram definidos três tratamentos: T1 - ração controle; T2 - ração controle com inclusão on top de 5% do complexo enzimático na fase de maternidade; T3 - ração controle com inclusão de 5% de complexo enzimático nas fases de maternidade e creche. A suplementação durante a lactação não influenciou o desempenho da leitegada na maternidade até o 21º dia. Na creche, leitões alimentados com ração controle apresentaram maior peso inicial em relação aos suplementados na fase de maternidade e creche. Ao término da fase, os leitões mostraram desempenho semelhante, independente da dieta. Conclui-se que a inclusão do complexo enzimático na forma on top em dietas para leitões não influenciou parâmetros de desempenho na maternidade, porém, favoreceu a recuperação de leitões desmamados com menor peso.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using an enzymatic complex in piglet feeds on the zootechnical performance in the pre-starter and initial phases. For this purpose, 292 piglets, castrated males and females, of commercial lineage were used. The enzyme supplementation period in the maternity hospital was from the seventh to the twenty-first day of age, and in the nursery, it was from the waning until the exit for the growth phase. The design used was completely randomized, with the mother and her litter considered the experimental unit during maternity and a stall with 10 piglets in the nursery. In maternity, the treatments consisted of: T1 - control feed, without the enzymatic complex; T2 - control diet with on top addition of the enzymatic complex with 5% inclusion. Three treatments were defined at the nursery: T1 - control feed; T2 - control diet with inclusion on top of 5% of the enzymatic complex in the maternity phase; T3 - control feed with the inclusion of 5% enzymatic complex in the maternity and nursery phases. Supplementation during lactation did not influence litter performance in the maternity unit until 21 days. In the nursery, piglets fed with control feed had higher initial weight compared to those supplemented in the maternity and nursery phases. At the end of the phase, the piglets showed similar performance, regardless of diet. It is concluded that the inclusion of the enzymatic complex used in the on top form in diets for piglets did not influence performance parameters in maternity; however, it favored the recovery of weaned piglets with lower weight.

Milk supplementation: effect on piglets performance, feeding behavior and sows physiological condition during the lactation period

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of milk liquid and powder supplements on piglets' performance, drinking behavior, and sow back-fat thickness change during the lactation period. There were four experimental groups (n = 24), and in the control group (n = 6), the piglets were suckled from the sow. For the supplemental groups (n = 18), milk powder (MP), milk liquid by feeding trough (MLFT), and milk liquid feeding by the bucket (MLFB). Data were collected with the weight of a total of 252 piglets measured at birth, at 14 days and at weaning (28 days), respectively. Sow back-fat thickness was measured 3 days before farrowing, 14 days after farrowing and at weaning. There were significant differences in average daily weight gain between day 14 and weaning age for the MP and MLFT (P < 0.05) but not in MLFB (P > 0.05). For approaches to the feeder, there were significantly higher in MP and MLFT groups (P < 0.05). Based on the examination of sow back-fat thickness, the back-fat loss was minimal (P < 0.05) in the MP and MLFT compared to the MLFB and the control. Giving the milk supplement as powder and liquid by feeding trough has increased the piglets' average daily gain and body weight on day 14th and the weaning day. Moreover, the back-fat thickness reduction of sows in the supplemental groups is lower compared to the control group.

Optimizing gilt mammary development to increase future milk yield

Sows do not produce enough milk to sustain optimal growth of their litters. This is particularly important when considering the current hyperprolific sow genetic lines. Mammary development needs to be considered to improve potential milk yield. One can only attempt to stimulate mammogenesis during periods when rapid mammary development is already ongoing. There are two such periods before lactation starts, namely, from three months of age until puberty, and from 90 days of gestation until farrowing. Early studies showed that a 20% feed restriction from 90 days of age until puberty drastically reduces mammary parenchymal tissue mass. Yet, in a more recent study, sow milk yield was not altered following a 10% or 20% feed restriction, or a 25% dietary fibre addition from 90 days of age to breeding. This absence of effect was likely due to the greater feed intake of control gilts in that recent study compared with the older studies, and suggested that feed intake of growing gilts can be reduced to 2.7 kg/d (but not 2.1 kg/d) without detrimental effects on future milk yield. During prepuberty, inclusion of the phytoestrogen genistein in the diet increases the number of mammary parenchymal cells. During late gestation, feeding very high energy levels may have detrimental effects on mammary development and subsequent milk production. Feed intake throughout gestation is also important because of its effect on body condition, with gilts that are too thin (< 16 mm backfat thickness) in late gestation showing less mammary development. A 40% increase in lysine intake via inclusion of additional soybean meal to the diet of gilts from days 90 to 110 of gestation increased mammary parenchymal mass by 44%. Increasing circulating concentrations of the growth factor IGF-1 during late gestation also increased mammary parenchymal mass by 22%. Current data clearly demonstrate that feeding management before lactation can be used to enhance mammary development, hence future milk yield.(AU)

O que análises avançadas do sêmen podem contribuir de fato para a os resultados da IA em suínos? / What advanced semen analyzes can contribute to AI results in pigs?

O controle da qualidade seminal produzido por centrais e unidades de disseminação genética permite a maximização da produção de doses inseminantes por ejaculado, bem como organiza o acompanhamento da produtividade de cada macho. Este acompanhamento é crítico tanto quando o reprodutor jovem é introduzido na rotina de coleta de sêmen quanto na determinação do momento do descarte e reposição. Essencialmente, a avaliação do sêmen em suínos é a mesma há décadas, porém novas metodologias de análise individual da célula como a citometria de fluxo e de constituintes de tecidos e fluídos como a proteômica e metabolômica já estão trazendo avanços na andrologia animal. Na presente revisão, são abordados os aspectos técnicos, vantagens e limitações destas três análises avançadas aplicadas ao sêmen suíno, discutindo a sua implementação e impactos no manejo reprodutivo da espécie.(AU)

The quality control of the semen doses produced by artificial insemination centers and allows the maximization of the production of inseminating doses per ejaculate, as well as organizes the monitoring of the productivity of each male. This follow-up is critical when the young male is initiated in routine semen collection and in determining the moment of male replacement. Essentially, semen evaluation in pigs has been the same for decades, but new methodologies for individual cell analysis such as flow cytometry and tissue and fluid constituents such as proteomics and metabolomics are already bringing advances in animal andrology. In this review, the technical aspects, advantages, and limitations of these three advanced analyzes applied to swine semen are addressed, discussing their implementation and impacts on the reproductive management of the species.(AU)

Importância do plasma seminal na qualidade e preservação do espermatozoide suíno / Importance of seminal plasma in the quality and preservation of boar sperm

Ao preservar o espermatozoide suíno no estado líquido ou criopreservado, os componentes do plasma seminal (PS) contidos nos ejaculados podem alterar a capacidade de fertilização desses gametas. O PS contém substâncias essenciais para a manutenção da viabilidade e fertilidade dos espermatozoides. No entanto, esses componentes podem ser deletérios dependendo da quantidade ou duração do tempo de contato entre a ejaculação e a remoção do PS durante o processamento do sêmen para a conservação na forma refrigerada ou congelada. Foram identificadas substâncias que prejudicam (principal proteína plasmática seminal PSPI) ou melhoram (espermadesina PSP-I) a capacidade de fertilização dos espermatozoides. Dependendo dos cachaços e dos procedimentos de colheita de sêmen, a remoção do PS pode ser benéfica antes da preservação no estado líquido ou criopreservado. Em alguns casos, o PS removido antes da congelação pode ser adicionado de volta ao diluente de descongelamento, com efeitos positivos no sêmen descongelado e na viabilidade do espermatozoide no trato reprodutivo da porca. Neste texto, há um foco nos diferentes efeitos de PS em amostras de sêmen refrigerado e criopreservado de suínos com ênfase em como PS modula a função e morfologia das células espermáticas antes, durante e após a preservação de forma refrigerada ou criopreservada.(AU)

When preserving sperm in the liquid or cryopreserved state, seminal plasma (SP) components within ejaculates can alter fertilizing capacity of these gametes. The SP contains substances essential for maintenance of sperm viability and fertility; however, these components can be deleterious depending on quantity, or duration of time before there is removal of SP from sperm in semen processing. Substances that impair (Major seminal plasma protein PSPI - boar) or improve (e.g., spermadhesin PSP-I - boar) sper- matozoa fertilizing capacity have been identified. Depending on individual males and semen collection procedures, SP removal may be beneficial before preservation in the liquid or cryopreserved state. In some cases, SP that is removed can be added back to thawing extender with there being positive effects in thawed sperm and for sperm viability in the female reproductive tract. In this review article, there is a focus on different effects of SP in samples of cooled and cryopreserved semen from boar with there being emphasis on how SP modulates the function and morphology of sperm cells before, during, and after preservation in the refrigerated or cryopreserved state.(AU)

Performance and feed preference of weaned piglets fed with corn grain silage subjected to different rehydration sources / Desempenho e preferência alimentar de leitões desmamados alimentados com silagem de grão de milho submetido a diferentes fontes de reidratação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets composed of corn grain silage rehydrated with water and acid whey on the productive performance and feed preference of weaned piglets. We evaluated 120 piglets weaned in the pre-initial phase I for productive performance, and diarrhea, depression, and thinness states using the following diets: control ration with dry corn grain (CR); and corn grain silage rehydrated with water (CGSR+W); water and inoculant (CGSR+WI); and acid whey (CGSR+AW). To determine feed preference, 20 weaned piglets received reference (CR) and test (CGSR+AW) diets in two phases, restricted and free-choice. Analysis of variance, chi-square test, and t-test were applied at 5% of significance. There were no differences (p>0.05) in growth performance among piglets fed the four experimental diets. Severe thinness and depression were recorded among piglets fed CGSR+W and CR (p<0.05). In the restricted phase, consumption of CGSR+AW resulted in higher daily feed intake (DFI) (p<0.05), while piglets in the free-choice phase showed a higher DFI and spent more time consuming CR, with a 56.39% preference (p<0.05). Rehydrated corn grain silage promoted feed acceptability and performance of piglets in the first weeks post-weaning.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de dietas compostas de silagem de grão de milho reidratado com água e soro de leite no desempenho produtivo e preferência alimentar de leitões desmamados. Foram avaliados 120 leitões desmamados durante a fase pré-inicial I para o desempenho de crescimento, escores de diarreia, depressão e magreza submetidos às dietas: grão de milho seco (CR); silagem de grão de milho reidratado com água (CGSR+W); água e inoculante (CGSR+WI); soro de leite (CGSR+AW). Para avaliar a preferência alimentar, 20 leitões desmamados receberam dieta referência (CR) e dieta teste (CGSR+AW) em duas fases, restrita e livre escolha. Foi aplicado análise de variância, teste de qui-quadrado e t-test à 5% de significância. Não houve diferenças (p>0,05) no desempenho de crescimento entre os leitões alimentados com as quatro dietas experimentais. Leitões alimentados com CGSR+W e CR foram severamente magros e apresentaram escore de depressão (p<0,05). Na fase restrita o CDR foi maior para CGSR+AW (p<0.05), enquanto na fase de livre escolha os leitões mostraram maior CDR e passaram maior tempo consumindo a CR, com preferência de 56,39% (p<0.05). A CGSR promoveu melhor aceitabilidade e desempenho dos leitões nas primeiras semanas pós-desmame.

Evaluation of an automated temperature control equipment for lactating sows

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an automated cooling control system (ATCE) for sows in the farrowing phase. The experiment was conducted at the Swine Production Unit, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campus Machado, Machado, state of Minas Gerais. Sixteen sows and their offspring were evaluated, eight treated and eight controls, in a randomized block design, with eight replications. Surface temperature, body temperature and respiratory rate of the animals were evaluated, in addition to floor temperature and performance parameters. The use of ATCE decreased the floor temperature (12h) and neck temperature (12 and 16h) (p < 0.10). In addition, there was a reduction in rectal temperature (12h) and respiratory rate (12 and 16h) in ATCE animals (p < 0.10). No significant differences were detected in the coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weight, but at weaning the CV of piglet weight was 26.3% lower in animals subjected to the ATCE (p = 0.079). Furthermore, the difference in CV between birth and weaning was also lower with the use of ATCE (p = 0.015). It can be concluded that the use of ATCE has a positive influence on the thermal comfort of females, in addition to improving litter uniformity.(AU)

Dietary lipid sources on the fatty acid profile of swine fat: a review / Fontes lipídicas da dieta no perfil de ácidos graxos da gordura suína: revisão

Swine production has focused its efforts to reduce the amount and improve the quality of fat deposited on carcass. Due to the association of the lipid profile with cardiovascular diseases, researches have been developed to understand how the deposition occurs and to improve the fatty acid profile of swine fat. Among the factors that affect the fat composition, race, sex, and diet, the third one has the greatest impact. Lipid inclusion seems to be a promising way to modulate the lipid profile of fat in pig carcass, with an effect on saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The effect is greater in that fatty acid with the highest concentration in the source used. Soybean oil can double the value of linoleic acid, a by-product of olive oil increases oleic acid by 4%, and flaxseed oil has the ability to increase α-linolenic acid from less than 1% to over 18% in total fatty acids. In addition to the source, the duration and concentration influence the modulation of the fatty acid profile.

A cadeia produtiva de suínos tem concentrado esforços para reduzir a quantidade e melhorar a qualidade da gordura depositada na carcaça. Devido a associação do perfil lipídico com doenças cardiovasculares, pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas para entender como ocorre a deposição e para melhorar o perfil de ácidos graxos na carcaça. Dentre os fatores que afetam a composição dessa gordura estão a raça, o sexo e a dieta dos suínos, sendo que este último é o de maior impacto. A inclusão de ingredientes lipídicos parece uma promissora forma de modular o perfil lipídico da gordura na carcaça dos suínos, sendo observado efeito nos ácidos graxos saturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados. O efeito é maior naquele ácido graxo de maior concentração na fonte utilizada. O óleo de soja pode dobrar o valor do ácido linoleico. Um subproduto do óleo de oliva incrementa em 4% o ácido oleico. E o óleo de linhaça tem a capacidade de aumentar o α-linolênico de menos de 1% para mais de 18% no total de ácidos graxos. Além da fonte, o período e a concentração influenciam na modulação do perfil de ácidos graxos.

Thermal comfort and photoperiod on the productive performance of sows and piglets / Conforto térmico e fotoperíodo sobre o desempenho produtivo de porcas e de leitões

Pigs have difficulty in performing heat exchange and; therefore, it is important to consider the environmental factors that impact their productive performance. This study evaluated the effect of thermal comfort and photoperiod on the productive performance of sows during pregnancy and of nursery piglets. Zootechnical data were obtained from a commercial farm. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was used as the parameter to determine comfort or thermal stress of the sow. The parameters of the sows during pregnancy and nursery piglets were analyzed considering the criteria of comfort, stress, and four photoperiods. The correlation between photoperiod and THI was high and positive, which demonstrated the associated effect of these variables. More significant effects were observed under conditions of comfort and shorter photoperiods. In conclusion, thermal comfort and photoperiod influenced the parameters evaluated during pregnancy and in the nursery, and the strong association between THI and photoperiod suggested that environmental control favors productive parameters in commercial farms.

Os suínos são animais que apresentam dificuldade em realizar trocas de calor, por esse motivo é importante considerar os fatores ambientais que impactam seu desempenho produtivo. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do conforto térmico e do fotoperíodo, sobre o desempenho produtivo das porcas na gestação e leitões na maternidade. Os dados zootécnicos foram obtidos de uma granja comercial. O índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU) foi utilizado como parâmetro para o conforto ou o estresse térmico da matriz. Foram analisados os parâmetros das fêmeas no período gestacional e dos leitões na maternidade, considerando os critérios de conforto, estresse e quatro faixas de fotoperíodos. A correlação entre o fotoperíodo e ITU foi alta e positiva, demonstrando efeito associado dessas variáveis. Foram observados mais efeitos significativos em situações de conforto e faixas de menor fotoperíodo. Em conclusão, o conforto térmico e o fotoperíodo influenciaram os parâmetros avaliados na gestação e na maternidade e a alta associação ITU e fotoperíodo sugere que o controle ambiental pode favorecer parâmetros produtivos em granjas comerciais.

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)

Risk factors associated with stillbirth in sows / Fatores de risco associados à natimortalidade em fêmeas suínas

In this study, the risk factors associated with stillbirth in sows were identified and their odds ratio assessed. For this purpose, 587 farrowings on Farm A and 929 on Farm B were monitored, and the sow parity, body condition score, farrowing duration, total number of piglets born, numbers of live births, stillbirths, and mummified piglets, obstetric interventions, and piglet sex and weight were recorded. At the end of farrowing, piglets classified as stillborn were necropsied to confirm the diagnosis. Consequently, 5.49% of the piglets on Farm A and 5.10% of those on Farm B were stillborn. On both farms, sows with a high parity, prolonged farrowing, and a large litter size had the highest odds ratio of stillbirths. On Farm B, farrowing intervention through the use of vaginal palpation and oxytocin increased the odds of stillbirth by 1.7 and 2.5 times, respectively. Heavy litters increased the odds of stillbirth by 1.4 times. Additionally, low-birth-weight piglets were 2.3 and 3.1 times more likely than their medium-birth-weight and high-birth-weight counterparts, respectively, to be stillborn. In conclusion, on both farms, the risk factors associated with stillbirth were a high parity, a large litter size, and prolonged farrowing.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores de risco associados ao nascimento de natimortos em fêmeas suínas e a razão de chance para a sua ocorrência. Foram acompanhados 587 partos na granja A e 929 na granja B onde foram registrados: ordem de parto, escore de condição corporal, duração do parto, total de nascidos, nascidos vivos, natimortos, mumificados, intervenções ao parto, peso e o sexo dos leitões. Ao final do parto foi realizada necropsia dos leitões classificados como natimortos a fim de confirmar o diagnóstico. A ocorrência de leitões natimortos foi de 5,49% e 5,10% na granja A e B, respectivamente. Fêmeas de maior ordem de parto, com partos prolongados e leitegadas mais numerosas apresentaram maior chance da ocorrência de leitões natimortos em ambas as granjas. Na granja B a necessidade de intervenção ao parto através do uso de ocitocina e palpação vaginal aumentaram a chance da presença de leitões natimortos em 1,7 e 2,5 vezes, respectivamente. Leitegadas pesadas aumentaram em 1,4 vezes as chances de ocorrência de leitões natimortos. No entanto, leitões com menor peso ao nascer aumentam em 2,3 vezes as chances de natimortos, quando comparadas a leitões de peso intermediário, e 3,1 vezes em relação a leitões com maior peso de nascimento. Os fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de natimortos nas duas granjas foram a ordem de parto elevada, leitegadas numerosas e partos prolongados.

Eficiência de três diluidores inespecíficos na refrigeração do sêmen de coelho (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus) / Efficiency of three unspecific diluents in refrigeration of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus) semen / Eficiencia de tres diluyentes inespecíficos en la refrigeración de semen de conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a viabilidade seminal de coelhos após refrigeração a 5°C utilizando três diluentes comerciais, indicados para refrigeração de sêmen de outras espécies monogástricas. Foram realizadas dez colheitas de sêmen de cada reprodutor. Os ejaculados de cada coelho eram misturados, obtendo-se um pool de sêmen. Em seguida, o pool heterospérmico foi dividido em três tratamentos, de acordo com o diluente utilizado: BotuDogⓇ (cães); BotuSemen® (equinos); e Beltsville Thawing Solution - BTS (suínos). As amostras foram avaliadas quanto aos parâmetros macroscópicos, microscópicos e funcionais em quatro momentos: sêmen fresco (0 h) e refrigerado (16, 24 e 48 h). Os valores médios de motilidade, vigor e defeitos totais do sêmen fresco foram de 86,0%, 3,05 e 11,5%, respectivamente. Após o início do resfriamento, observou-se comportamento linear decrescente para a motilidade e vigor espermático do sêmen em função do tempo, diferindo (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos. Destaca-se que o tratamento diluído em BTS apresentou redução na manutenção dos parâmetros avaliados de forma mais pronunciada (P < 0.05) ao longo do tempo, apresentando os menores valores para motilidade e vigor espermático dentro de cada tempo avaliado: 16h [20,6 ± 7,28 e 0,75 (0,375 1,5)], 24h [12,0 ± 6,80 e 0 (0 - 1,0)] e 48h [3,0 ± 2,13 e 0 (0 - 0,125)]. Após 48 h de resfriamento, o BotuDogⓇ foi o que apresentou maior valor para motilidade espermática (71,0 ± 2,08) e, juntamente, com o BotuSemenⓇ apresentaram maior valor para vigor espermático (2,5). De acordo com os dados obtidos os diluentes BotuDogⓇ e BotuSemenⓇ mostraram-se eficientes em manter parâmetros espermáticos adequados, apresentando boa viabilidade espermática em até 48h pós refrigeração a 5°C. Foram obtidos, resultados inéditos quanto a parâmetros espermáticos do sêmen de coelho refrigerado que podem ser utilizados como valores de referência para o manejo reprodutivo e processamento do semen desses animais, visto a inexistênca dessas recomendações técnicas.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the seminal viability of rabbits after refrigeration at 5°C using three commercial diluents, indicated for refrigeration of semen from other monogastric species. Ten semen collections were performed from each breeder. The ejaculates of each rabbit were mixed, obtaining a pool of semen. Then, the heterospermic pool was divided into three treatments, according to the diluent used: BotuDog (dogs); BotuSemenⓇ (horses); and Beltsville Thawing Solution - BTS (pigs). The samples were evaluated for macroscopic, microscopic, and functional parameters in four moments: fresh (0 h) and refrigerated (16, 24, and 48 h) semen. The average values of motility, vigor, and total defects of fresh semen were 86.0%, 3.05 and 11.5%, respectively. After the beginning of cooling, a decreasing linear behavior was observed for motility and sperm vigor of semen as a function of time, differing (P < 0.05) between treatments. It is noteworthy that the treatment diluted in BTS® showed a more pronounced reduction in the maintenance of the evaluated parameters (P < 0.05) over time, with the lowest values for sperm motility and vigor within each evaluated time: 16h [20.6 +7.28 and 0.75 (0.375 - 1.5)], 24h [12.0± 6.80 and 0 (0 - 1.0)] and 48h [3.0±2.13 and 0 (0 - 0.125)]. After 48 h of cooling, BotuDog presented the highest value for sperm motility (71.0 ± 2.08) and, together with BotuSemenⓇ, presented the highest value for sperm vigor (2.5). According to the data obtained, BotuDog and BotuSemenⓇ diluents were efficient in maintaining adequate sperm parameters, showing good sperm viability in up to 48 hours after refrigeration at 5°C. Through this work, unpublished results were obtained regarding spermatic parameters of refrigerated rabbit semen that can be used as reference values for reproductive management and semen processing of these animals, given the lack of these technical recommendations.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la viabilidad seminal de conejos después de refrigeración a 5°C utilizando tres diluyentes comerciales, indicados para la refrigeración de semen de otras especies monogástricas. Se realizaron diez colectas de semen de cada reproductora. Se mezclaron los eyaculados de cada conejo, obteniendo un pool de semen. Luego, el pool heterospérmico se dividió en tres tratamientos, según el diluyente utilizado: BotuDogⓇ (perros); BotuSemenⓇ (caballos); y Beltsville Thawing Solution - BTS® (cerdos). Las muestras fueron evaluadas para parámetros macroscópicos, microscópicos y funcionales en cuatro momentos: semen fresco (0 h) y refrigerado (16, 24 y 48 h). Los valores promedio de motilidad, vigor y defectos totales del semen fresco fueron 86,0%, 3,05 y 11,5%, respectivamente. Después del inicio del enfriamiento, se observó un comportamiento lineal decreciente para la motilidad y el vigor espermático del semen en función del tiempo, difiriendo (P < 0.05) entre tratamientos. Cabe destacar que el tratamiento diluido en BTS® mostró una reducción más pronunciada en el mantenimiento de los parámetros evaluados (P<0,05) a lo largo del tiempo, con los valores más bajos de motilidad espermática y vigor dentro de cada tiempo evaluado: 16h [20,6 ± 7,28 y 0,75 (0,375 -1.5)], 24h [12,0 ± 6,80 y 0 (0 - 1,0)] y 48h [3,0±2,13 y 0 (0 - 0,125)]. Después de 48 h de enfriamiento, BotuDogⓇ presentó el valor más alto de motilidad espermática (71,0 +2,08) y, junto con BotuSemenⓇ, presentó el valor más alto de vigor espermático (2,5). De acuerdo con los datos obtenidos, los diluyentes BotuDogⓇ y BotuSemenⓇ fueron eficientes en mantener parámetros espermáticos adecuados, mostrando buena viabilidad espermática hasta 48 horas después de la refrigeración a 5°C. A través de este trabajo se obtuvieron resultados inéditos respecto a parámetros espermáticos de semen de conejo refrigerado que pueden ser utilizados como valores de referencia para el manejo reproductivo y procesamiento de semen de estos animales, dada la falta de estas recomendaciones técnicas.

The Influence of porcine parity on colostrum cytokine levels and their passive transfer to piglets / A influência da paridade suína na diferença dos níveis de citocinas no colostro e na transferência passiva para leitões

The limited ability of newborn piglets to produce cytokines may influence lymphocyte development and response to antigen exposure. As a result, colostrum intake is crucial because it contains nutrients that contribute to immune system development in piglets. Our goal was to investigate the effect of sow parity on the transfer of maternal cytokines to nursing piglets. Sixty piglets from nine sows were divided into six groups: piglets from gilts or sows kept with their dams and allowed to suckle normally; piglets from gilts or sows having their dams exchanged and then allowed to suckle normally; piglets from gilts or sows isolated from their dams and bottle-fed a commercial milk replacer formula for pigs. All piglets remained in the diet groups for 24 hours after birth. Concentrations of cytokines in colostrum and serum of gilt/ sows and serum of piglets were then evaluated. The 13 evaluated cytokines had higher concentrations in colostrum and serum of sows than in gilts. Concentrations of GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, and TNFα were higher in piglets suckling sows. Piglets that received commercial formula showed higher concentrations of the cytokines IL1-RA and IL-8 than piglets fed colostrum. This outcome can influence piglets' development into adulthood. In short, our findings demonstrated that maternal parity influenced colostrum cytokine composition and its maternal transfer patterns.(AU)

A capacidade limitada dos leitões recém-nascidos de produzir citocinas pode influenciar o desenvolvimento de linfócitos e a resposta à exposição ao antígeno. Portanto, a ingestão de colostro é importante porque contém nutrientes, que contribuem para o desenvolvimento do sistema imunológico do leitão. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o efeito da paridade da porca na transferência de citocina materna para leitões lactentes. Sessenta leitões de nove porcas foram divididos em seis grupos: leitões de marrãs/porcas mantidas com suas próprias mães e amamentadas normalmente; leitões de marrãs/porcas que foram trocados de mães e amamentados normalmente; leitões de marrãs/porcas que foram isolados das mães e alimentados com mamadeira com substituto do leite para suínos. Os leitões permaneceram nos grupos por 24 horas após o nascimento. Foram avaliadas as concentrações de citocinas no colostro e plasma das marrãs/porcas e no plasma dos leitões. O colostro e o plasma das porcas apresentaram maiores concentrações das 13 citocinas analisadas do que as marrãs. No mesmo sentido, as concentrações de GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18 e TNFα foram significantemente maiores nos leitões que mamaram o colostro de porcas. Os leitões que receberam fórmula comercial apresentaram, em especial, concentrações das citocinas IL1-RA e IL-8 superiores aos leitões amamentados com colostro. Isso pode influenciar o desenvolvimento até a fase adulta. Portanto, nossos dados demonstraram que a paridade materna influenciou a composição das citocinas do colostro, bem como as características das citocinas na transferência materna.(AU)