Oleogels for the ocular delivery of epalrestat: formulation, in vitro, in ovo, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation.

The ocular administration of lipophilic and labile drugs such as epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor with potential for diabetic retinopathy treatment, demands the development of topical delivery systems capable of providing sufficient ocular bioavailability. The aim of this work was to develop non-aqueous oleogels based on soybean oil and gelators from natural and sustainable sources (ethyl cellulose, beeswax and cocoa butter) and to assess their reproducibility, safety and efficiency in epalrestat release and permeation both ex vivo and in vivo. Binary combinations of gelators at 10% w/w resulted in solid oleogels (oleorods), while single gelator oleogels at 5% w/w remained liquid at room temperature, with most of the oleogels displaying shear thinning behavior. The oleorods released up to 4 µg epalrestat per mg of oleorod in a sustained or burst pattern depending on the gelator (approx. 10% dose in 24 h). The HET-CAM assay indicated that oleogel formulations did not induce ocular irritation and were safe for topical ocular administration. Corneal and scleral ex vivo assays evidenced the permeation of epalrestat from the oleorods up to 4 and 2.5 µg/cm2 after six hours, respectively. Finally, the capacity of the developed oleogels to sustain release and provide significant amounts of epalrestat to the ocular tissues was demonstrated in vivo against aqueous-based niosomes and micelles formulations loaded with the same drug concentration. Overall, the gathered information provides valuable insights into the development of oleogels for ocular drug delivery, emphasizing their safety and controlled release capabilities, which have implications for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and other ocular conditions.

Sustained Delivery of Olopatadine from Vitamin-E Loaded Contact Lenses.

Purpose: Topical antihistamines, such as olopatadine hydrochloride, an H1 receptor antagonist, are commonly prescribed for treating allergic conjunctivitis. Drug delivery via eye drops has many deficiencies including a short residence time due to tear drainage via the nasolacrimal duct, which results in a low bioavailability and potential for side effects. These deficiencies could be mitigated by a drug-eluting contact lens such as the recently approved ACUVUE® THERAVISION™ WITH KETOTIFEN which is a daily disposable etafilcon, a drug-eluting contact lens with ketotifen (19 µg per lens). Here, we investigate the feasibility of designing a drug-eluting lens with sustained release of olopatadine for treating allergies using an extended wear lens. Methods: Nanobarrier depots composed of vitamin-E (VE) are formed through direct entrapment by ethanol-driven swelling. The drug-loaded lenses are characterized for transparency and water content. In vitro release is measured under sink conditions and fitted to a diffusion control release model to determine diffusivity and partition coefficient. Results: In vitro studies indicate that ACUVUE OASYS® and ACUVUE TruEye™ lenses loaded with ∼0.3 g of VE/g of hydrogel effectively prolong olopatadine dynamics by 7-fold and 375-fold, respectively. Incorporation of VE into the lenses retains visible light transmission and other properties. Conclusion: The VE incorporation in commercial lenses significantly increases the release duration offering the possibility of antiallergy extended wear lenses.

Elucidation of population stratifying markers and selective sweeps in crossbred Landlly pig population using genome-wide SNP data.

The present study was aimed at the identification of population stratifying markers from the commercial porcine SNP 60K array and elucidate the genome-wide selective sweeps in the crossbred Landlly pig population. Original genotyping data, generated on Landlly pigs, was merged in various combinations with global suid breeds that were grouped as exotic (global pig breeds excluding Indian and Chinese), Chinese (Chinese pig breeds only), and outgroup pig populations. Post quality control, the genome-wide SNPs were ranked for their stratifying power within each dataset in TRES (using three different criteria) and FIFS programs and top-ranked SNPs (0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K densities) were selected. PCA plots were used to assess the stratification power of low-density panels. Selective sweeps were elucidated in the Landlly population using intra- and inter-population haplotype statistics. Additionally, Tajima's D-statistics were calculated to determine the status of balancing selection in the Landlly population. PCA plots showed 0.5K marker density to effectively stratify Landlly from other pig populations. The A-score in DAPC program revealed the Delta statistic of marker selection to outperform other methods (informativeness and FST methods) and that 3000-marker density was suitable for stratification of Landlly animals from exotic pig populations. The results from selective sweep analysis revealed the Landlly population to be under selection for mammary (NAV2), reproductive efficiency (JMY, SERGEF, and MAP3K20), body conformation (FHIT, WNT2, ASRB, DMGDH, and BHMT), feed efficiency (CSRNP1 and ADRA1A), and immunity (U6, MYO3B, RBMS3, and FAM78B) traits. More than two methods suggested sweeps for immunity and feed efficiency traits, thus giving a strong indication for selection in this direction. The study is the first of its kind in Indian pig breeds with a comparison against global breeds. In conclusion, 500 markers were able to effectively stratify the breeds. Different traits under selective sweeps (natural or artificial selection) can be exploited for further improvement.

Surface acoustic wave actuated plasmonic signal amplification in a plasmonic waveguide.

Enhancement of nanoscale confinement in the subwavelength waveguide is a concern for advancing future photonic interconnects. Rigorous innovation of plasmonic waveguide-based structure is crucial in designing a reliable on-chip optical waveguide beyond the diffraction limit. Despite several structural modifications and architectural improvements, the plasmonic waveguide technology is far from reaching its maximum potential for mass-scale applications due to persistence issues such as insufficient confined energy and short propagation length. This work proposes a new method to amplify the propagating plasmons through an external on-chip surface acoustic signal. The gold-silicon dioxide (Au-SiO2) interface, over Lithium Niobate (LN) substrate, is used to excite propagating surface plasmons. The voltage-varying surface acoustic wave (SAW) can tune the plasmonic confinement to a desired signal energy level, enhancing and modulating the plasmonic intensity. From our experimental results, we can increase the plasmonic intensity gain of 1.08 dB by providing an external excitation in the form of SAW at a peak-to-peak potential swing of 3 V, utilizing a single chip.

The challenging management of Moebius syndrome using orthodontic camouflage: A case report.

Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis (palsy) of abducens and facial nerves, or other cranial nerves which may be affected. Diagnosis, treatment, and dental management of MS patients are focused on treating manifestations like malocclusion, while catering to associated extraoral (neurologic, dermatologic, ocular) complications, aiming to improve their quality of life. Here, we report the case of a 9-year-old female patient with MS who underwent orthodontic camouflage using combined orthopedic-orthodontic therapy using a high-pull chin cup and fixed orthodontic appliance to improve skeletal mal-relation and facial appearance. The outcome displayed great improvement in function and better esthetics, improving not only the patient's but also the family's quality of life. A year's follow-up showed successful maintenance of the achieved results. A multidisciplinary approach in MS not only helps in overcoming the treatment challenges but also provides great psychosocial benefits to these patients.

Revelation of genetic diversity and genomic footprints of adaptation in Indian pig breeds.

In the present study, the genetic diversity measures among four Indian domestic breeds of pig namely Agonda Goan, Ghurrah, Ghungroo, and Nicobari, of different agro-climatic regions of country were explored and compared with European commercial breeds, European wild boar and Chinese domestic breeds. The double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) data of Indian pigs (102) and Landrace (10 animals) were generated and whole genome sequencing data of exotic pigs (60 animals) from public data repository were used in the study. The principal component analysis (PCA), admixture analysis and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Indian breeds were closer in ancestry to Chinese breeds than European breeds. European breeds exhibited highest genetic diversity measures among all the considered breeds. Among Indian breeds, Agonda Goan and Ghurrah were found to be more genetically diverse than Nicobari and Ghungroo. The selection signature regions in Indian pigs were explored using iHS and XP-EHH, and during iHS analysis, it was observed that genes related to growth, reproduction, health, meat quality, sensory perception and behavior were found to be under selection pressure in Indian pig breeds. Strong selection signatures were recorded in 24.25-25.25 Mb region of SSC18, 123.25-124 Mb region of SSC15 and 118.75-119.5 Mb region of SSC2 in most of the Indian breeds upon pairwise comparison with European commercial breeds using XP-EHH. These regions were harboring some important genes such as EPHA4 for thermotolerance, TAS2R16, FEZF1, CADPS2 and PTPRZ1 for adaptability to scavenging system of rearing, TRIM36 and PGGT1B for disease resistance and CCDC112, PIAS1, FEM1B and ITGA11 for reproduction.

Impact of body condition on sow and litter performance, postpartum physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters in Landlly crossbred pigs.

A total of 32 Landlly crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on their body condition score (BCS) on the 90th day of gestation viz. low, moderate, and high body condition groups. BCS assessments were subsequently conducted on the 102nd day, at farrowing, and on the 7th, 17th, 27th, and 42nd day postpartum, along with measurements of ultrasonic backfat thickness and body weight. Key reproductive performance traits, including total number born (TNB) and alive (TLA), stillbirths, mummification, and litter weight at birth and weaning, were recorded. Several physiological, health, biochemical, and hematological parameters were also estimated at different lactation stages. Analysis of the data revealed that TNB, TLA (P<0.04), and weaned piglets (P<0.01), as well as litter weight at birth (P<0.08) and weaning (P<0.08), were significantly higher in the low BCS group. Meanwhile, the weaning to estrous interval (P<0.04) was optimized in the high and moderate BCS groups. However, sows with high body condition exhibited higher stillbirths and pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, the order of increasing body condition correlated with superior colostrum quality, characterized by higher IgG levels (P<0.02), and increased average milk yield during early and mid-lactation (P<0.03). A high occurrence of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) was evident in obese sows (P<0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the body condition of sows at late gestation and cortisol concentration throughout lactation across the three BCS groups (P<0.0001). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between the postpartum serum concentration of T3 (thyroid hormone) (P<0.002) and the prepartum body condition of sows. Based on these findings, maintaining sows with a moderate body condition (BCS of 3) and a backfat thickness of 21 mm in the breeding herd is recommended for enhancing profitability and productivity at the farm level.

A Physiology-Based Mathematical Model to Understand Drug Delivery from Contact Lenses to the Back of the Eye.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic contact lenses, able to store drug and deliver it to the eye surface in a sustained fashion, gained interest as an effective and patient-friendly alternative to eye drops. Recent animal studies also demonstrated the presence of therapeutic drug levels in the back of the eye after wearing drug-loaded contact lenses, thus opening the possibility of treating the posterior segment without need of invasive intraocular injections. The drug pathways from contact lenses to the back of the eye require further investigation. METHODS: A mechanistic mathematical model was developed to evaluate the drug concentration over time in the tears, sclera and choroid, retina, aqueous humor and vitreous humor after the application of a therapeutic contact lens. The main drug transport mechanisms of the eye and the barrier properties of the different tissues were included in the model. Validation was performed by comparison with experimental data in literature. RESULTS: The model predictions of drug concentration over time reflected the experimental data both in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The model can differentiate between contributions to transport from different pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The model constitutes a first step towards the possibility of predicting the ocular drug distribution and the treatment efficacy in the early stage of contact lens development, and it may help reduce both the need for in vivo tests (with ethical and economic advantages) and the gap between the lens design and clinical application. It also allows for an improved understanding of drug transport in the eye.

Livestock and poultry farm wastewater treatment and its valorization for generating value-added products: Recent updates and way forward.

Livestock and poultry wastewater poses a potent risk for environmental pollution accelerating disease load and premature deaths. It is characterized by high chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, suspended solids, heavy metals, pathogens, and antibiotics, among other contaminants. These contaminants have a negative impact on the quality of soil, groundwater, and air, and is a potential hazard to human health. Depending on the specific characteristics of wastewater, such as the type and concentration of pollutants present; several physical, chemical and biological strategies have been developed for its treatment. This review aims at providing comprehensive overview of the profiling of livestock wastewater from the dairy, swine and poultry sub-sectors along with the biological, physico-chemical, AI-based and integrated treatment methodologies, and valorisation for the generation of value-added products such as bioplastics, biofertilizers, biohydrogen and microalgal-microbial fuel cells. Additionally, future perspectives for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment are contemplated.

Estimation of microsatellite-based autozygosity and its correlation with pedigree inbreeding coefficient in crossbred cattle.

In countries where farming is largely subsistence, no pedigree records of farm animals are maintained at farmers' herd and scientific mating plans are not observed which leads to the accumulation of inbreeding and loss of production potential. Microsatellites have been widely used as reliable molecular markers to measure inbreeding. We attempted to correlate autozygosity estimated from microsatellite data with the inbreeding coefficient (F) calculated from pedigree data in Vrindavani crossbred cattle developed in India. The inbreeding coefficient was calculated from the pedigree of ninety-six Vrindavani cattle. Animals were further grouped into three groups viz. acceptable/low (F: 0-5%), moderate (F: 5-10%) and high (F: ≥10%), based on their inbreeding coefficients. The overall mean of the inbreeding coefficient was found to be 0.070 ± 0.007. A panel of twenty-five bovine-specific loci were chosen for the study according to ISAG/FAO. The mean FIS, FST, and FIT values were 0.0548 ± 0.025, 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.0417 ± 0.025, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the FIS values obtained and the pedigree F values. The locus-wise individual autozygosity was estimated using the method-of-moments estimator (MME) formula for locus-specific autozygosity. The autozygosities ascribing to CSSM66 and TGLA53 were found to be significantly (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively) correlated with pedigree F values.

Therapeutic contact lenses for the treatment of corneal and ocular surface diseases: Advances in extended and targeted drug delivery.

The eye is one of the most important organs in the human body providing critical information on the environment. Many corneal diseases can lead to vision loss affecting the lives of people around the world. Ophthalmic drug delivery has always been a major challenge in the medical sciences. Since traditional methods are less efficient (∼5%) at delivering drugs to ocular tissues, contact lenses have generated growing interest in ocular drug delivery due to their potential to enhance drug bioavailability in ocular tissues. The main techniques used to achieve sustained release are discussed in this review, including soaking in drug solutions, incorporating drug into multilayered contact lenses, use of vitamin E barriers, molecular imprinting, nanoparticles, micelles and liposomes. The most clinically relevant results on different eye pathologies are presented. In addition, this review summarizes the benefits of contact lenses over eye drops, strategies for incorporating drugs into lenses to achieve sustained release, results of in vitro and in vivo studies, and recent advances in the commercialization of therapeutic contact lenses for allergic conjunctivitis.

Allele mining in gene encoding fc fragment of IgG receptor, transporter, alpha (FCGRT) and association of nucleotide variants with passive transfer of immunity in neonatal buffalo calves.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn) mediate the transcytosis of IgG present in colostrum across absorptive gut epithelium of newborn calves. FcRn receptor is a heterodimer composed of two polypeptides encoded by FCGRT (Fc fragment of IgG Receptor Transporter neonatal) and B2M (Beta 2 microglobulin) genes. Polymorphism in FCGRT gene may have a bearing on absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by neonatal buffalo calves, thereby affecting their immune status and susceptibility to diseases. The primary aim of our study was to mine alleles and single nucleotide polymorphs in the FCGRT gene and determine their association with the levels of IgG in serum of neonatal buffalo calves. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of serum IgG levels estimated by indirect ELISA in 80 newborn calves, 20 calves each with highest and lowest IgG concentration were selected to study polymorphism in the FCGRT gene. The exonic regions of this gene were amplified in nine fragments which were subjected to PCR-SSCP to detect variations followed by the sequencing of variants to locate the SNPs. A total of nine SNPs (7 in introns and 2 in exons) were detected in four polymorphic fragments. Association study based on Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Interval (CIs) established that the SNP G40T in fragment 3 has a significant (P < 0.05) bearing on IgG level in serum of neonatal buffalo calves. CONCLUSION: Genetic variation in FCGRT gene in buffalo calves was found to be associated with their serum IgG levels in neonatal stage which may have implications in calf survival and growth vis-à-vis inadequate transfer of passive immunity.

Allelic to genome wide perspectives of swine genetic variation to litter size and its component traits.

Litter size is a complex and sex limited trait that depends on various biological, managemental and environmental factors. Owing to its low heritability it is inefficaciously selected by traditional methods. However, due to higher heritability of ovulation rate and embryo survival, selection based on component traits of litter size is advocated. QTL analysis and candidate gene approach are among the various supplementary/alternate strategies for selection of litter size. QTL analysis is aimed at identifying genomic regions affecting trait of interest significantly. Candidate gene approach necessitates identification of genes potentially affecting the trait. There are various genes that significantly affect litter size and its component traits viz. ESR, LEP, BF, IGFBP, RBP4, PRLR, CTNNAL1, WNT10B, TCF12, DAZ, and RNF4. These genes affect litter size in a complex interacting manner. Lately, genome wide association study (GWAS) have been utilized to unveil the genetic and biological background of litter traits, and elucidate the genes governing litter size. Favorable SNPs in these genes have been identified and offers a scope for inclusion in selection programs thereby increasing breeding efficiency and profit in pigs. The review provides a comprehensive coverage of investigations carried out globally to unravel the genetic variation in litter size and its component traits in pigs, both at allelic and genome wide level. It offers a current perspective on different strategies including the profiling of candidate genes, QTLs, and genome wide association studies as an aid to efficient selection for litter size and its component traits.

Genetic polymorphism of microsatellite loci in MHC class II exon 2 gene and its association with endoparasitic infestation, predominantly Haemonchus contortus in Salem black goat.

MHC gene is highly polymorphic and plays central molecule in immune system in recognition of pathogens and parasites. The present study examined the variability of MHC class II DRB exon 2 gene using microsatellite analysis, and its association with Haemonchus contortus infestation in Salem Black goat population. Animals were naturally exposed to mixed infestation of endoparasites, predominantly Haemonchus contortus. Pooled fecal coproculture and larval identification showed predominant presence of haemonchus (L3) larva. Fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were used as indicator traits. All the three studied loci, OarCP73, DYA, and ODRB1.2, were polymorphic having three, four, and four alleles and four, eight, and nine genotypes, respectively. The loci showed low to moderate values of polymorphic information content. The mean fecal egg count estimates were 477.12 ± 34.14 eggs per gram of feces and the mean PCV values were within the normal range; however, they showed negative correlation with FEC values. All the three microsatellite loci and the effect of genotypes on indicator traits were found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The present study will be helpful in selection and breeding of goats for Haemonchosis resistance.

Genome wide copy number variations using Porcine 60K SNP Beadchip in Landlly pigs.

In the present study, Porcine 60K SNP genotype data from 69 Landlly pigs were used to explore Copy Number Variations (CNVs) across the autosomes. A total of 386 CNVs were identified using Hidden Markov Model (HMM) in PennCNV software, which were subsequently aggregated to 115 CNV regions (CNVRs). Among the total detected CNVRs, 58 gain, 49 were loss type while remaining 8 events were both gain and loss types. Identified CNVRs covered 12.5 Mb (0.55%) of Sus scrofa reference 11.1 genome. Comparison of our results with previous investigations on pigs revealed that approximately 75% CNVRs were novel, which may be due to differences in genetic background, environment and implementation of artificial selection in Landlly pigs. Functional annotation and pathway analysis showed the significant enrichment of 267 well-annotated Sus scrofa genes in CNVRs. These genes were involved in different biological functions like sensory perception, meat quality traits, back fat thickness and immunity. Additionally, KIT and FUT1 were two major genes detected on CNVR in our population. This investigation provided a comprehensive overview of CNV distribution in the Indian porcine genome for the first time, which may be useful for further investigating the association of important quantitative traits in Landlly pigs.Highlights115 CNVRs were identified in 69 Landlly pig population.Approximately 75% detected CNVRs were novel for Landlly population.Significant enrichment of 267 well-annotated Sus scrofa genes observed in these CNVRs.These genes were involved in different biological functions like sensory perception, meat quality traits, back fat thickness and immunity.Comprehensive CNV map in the Indian porcine genome developed for the first time.

Early-Life Intervention of Lactoferrin and Probiotic in Suckling Piglets: Effects on Immunoglobulins, Intestinal Integrity, and Neonatal Mortality.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early-life bovine lactoferrin and host specific probiotic interventions on growth performance, mortality, and concentrations of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G and transforming growth factor beta 1 (a marker of intestinal integrity) in serum of neonatal piglets. A total of eight piglet litters from parity matched sows were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of the four interventions: control (sterile normal saline), bovine lactoferrin (100 mg bovine lactoferrin), probiotic (1 × 109 colony forming unit (cfu) of swine origin Pediococcus acidilactici FT28 probiotic), and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic (100 mg bovine lactoferrin and 1 × 109 CFU of P. acidilactici FT28 probiotic). All the interventions were given once daily through oral route for first 7 days of life. The average daily gain (p = 0.0004) and weaning weight (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved in the probiotic group. The piglet survivability was significantly higher in bovine lactoferrin and probiotic groups than control group in Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A on day 21 in bovine lactoferrin, probiotic, and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin G concentrations on day 7 and 15 in bovine lactoferrin and bovine lactoferrin + probiotic groups and on day 15 in probiotic group were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated, whereas, the concentration of transforming growth factor-ß1 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased from day 7 to 21 in all the supplemented groups. In conclusion, the early-life bovine lactoferrin and P. acidilactici FT28 probiotic interventions reduced the mortality in the suckling piglets by promoting the systemic immunity and enhancing the intestinal integrity.

Recent Advances in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery.

Due to population aging and to the increasing prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, chronic eye disorders such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy have increased significantly, becoming responsible for a high percentage of blindness and vision impairment cases at a global level [...].

Genome-wide transcriptome profiling of CSF virus challenged monocyte-derived macrophages provides distinct insights into immune response of Landrace and indigenous Ghurrah pigs.

The present study was undertaken to characterize the distinct immune response in indigenous Ghurrah and exotic Landrace pigs by challenging monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) with CSF virus under in-vitro conditions and assessing the variations in the transcriptome profile at 48 h post-infection (hpi). RNA-sequencing was carried out in infected and non-infected MDMs of Ghurrah (n = 3) and Landrace (n = 3) piglets prior- as well as post-stimulation. MDMs of Ghurrah showed greater immune regulation in response to CSF infection with 518 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEG) in infected versus non-infected MDMs, as compared to only 31 DEGs in Landrace MDMs. In Landrace, the principal regulators of inflammation (IL1α, IL1ß and TNF) were upregulated in infected cells while in Ghurrah, these were downregulated. Overall, macrophages from indigenous Ghurrah showed more immunological dysregulation in response to virulent CSF virus infection as compared to the exotic Landrace pigs.

Exploration of allelic variants in short tandem repeats (STRs) flanking milk production QTLs and their association with milk production traits in Indian water buffaloes.

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are co-dominant, highly polymorphic marker loci, distributed throughout the genome and useful for identification and mapping of QTLs associated with variation in traits of economic significance. Allelic variants were identified in STRs located in close vicinity of cattle QTLs for milk production,, viz. BMS713, BM6404, BM4513, BM121, BM6105, TGLA245, BL1100, BMS1948, BMS711, BM1443, BM1706, BM6438, BM143, BM415, ETH131, ETH 2, and BM1329 in 109 water buffaloes of Murrah breed. All loci except TGLA245 exhibited polymorphism of varying degree. The observed number of alleles, effective number of alleles, PIC value, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity across all STR loci averaged 4.12 ± 0.22, 3.20 ± 0.22, 0.60 ± 0.04, 0.34 ± 0.05, and 0.66 ± 0.03, respectively. Goodness of fit (chi-square) and likelihood ratio (G square) test demonstrated that the population exhibited a deviation from HWE for all the loci. FIS was positive and ranged from 0.22 to 1.00. Least square analysis of variance exhibited significant effects of BM4513, ETH131, BM713, and BM6105 on first lactational total lactation milk yield, 305-day milk yield, lactation length, and dry period respectively. None of the STRs could exhibit significant effect on peak yield.

Bayesian analysis reveals the influence of maternal effect on pre-weaning body weights in Landlly piglets.

The present study was undertaken to estimate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters of body weights recorded in Landlly piglets from birth to weaning at weekly intervals (w0 to w6). The data pertained to body weights of 2462 piglets, born to 91 sires and 159 dams across different generations during a 7-year period from 2014 to 2020. Five animal models (I-V), differentiated by inclusion or exclusion of maternal effects with or without covariance between maternal and direct genetic effects, were fitted on the data using the Bayesian algorithm. The analyses were implemented by Gibbs sampling in the BLUPF90 program and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodology was used to draw samples of posterior distribution pertaining to (co)variance components. Based on deviance information criteria (DIC), model V with inclusion of direct additive genetic, direct maternal genetic and permanent environmental effect of dam as random factors along with covariance between direct additive and maternal effects best fitted the data on pre-weaning traits (w0 to w5). Whereas, model I incorporating only the direct additive genetic effect best fitted the weaning weight (w6) data in Landlly piglets. The posterior mean estimates of direct heritability under the best models for W0 to W6 were 0.13, 0.19, 0.29, 0.13, 0.26, 0.32 and 0.46, respectively. Inclusion of the maternal component helped in better partitioning of variance for different body weights in Landlly piglets. The maternal heritability ranged from 0.06 to 0.14, while the litter heritability ranged from 0.11 to 0.15 for pre-weaning weights (W0 to W5) under the best-fit models. The influence of maternal environment was greater than maternal genetic effect from birth to 4th week of age. The results implied that variations in body weight of Landlly pigs were genetically controlled to moderate levels (especially w2 and w4) with contributions from direct additive and maternal genotype that can be exploited by designing efficient breeding programmes.