• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.597-604
• /
• 2020

Exposure to heat stress (HS) has negative effects on pig production and health. Plasma concentrations of amino acids (AAs) can be used as indicators of HS. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of acute HS on feed intake, water drink, and plasma AAs in pigs. A total of 6 growing pigs (n = 6, 3 boars and 3 gilts) were raised in thermal neutral (TN; 25℃) conditions for the 5-d adaptation period as a control. After the adaptation, pigs were exposed to HS at 33℃ (HS33) for 24 h. All the pigs were fed the same diet formulated to meet or exceed predicted requirements during the whole experimental period. Blood samples were collected after the adaptation and heat treatment to verify the AAs. Measurements were the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI), water loss, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nitrate, total nitric oxide, and AAs in the plasma samples. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLM of SAS. HS33 had a lower ADFI (p < 0.05) and a tendency for an increased ADWI and water loss compared to TN. The level of TNF-α was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in HS33. HS33 had a lower concentration of histidine and sarcosine compared to TN; however, there were no differences in the levels of nitrates and total nitric oxide. In conclusion, the results of this study show the differential effect of HS on the plasma concentration of AAs. We expect that the changed AAs could be potential indicators of HS.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.397-401
• /
• 2014

The boar sperm has more lipid droplets and specialty of seminal plasma compared with other species, causing difficulties of freezing sperm and decreases for the utilization of frozen semen into the artificial insemination. However, several studies reported significant results for the recovery of sperm motility and reproductive by addition of cryoprotectants and seminal plasma after thawing. This study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation of trehalose or glycerol in the LEY (lactose and egg yolk in BTS) solution for the conventional freezing and vitrification process. Two boars aged 16 months were used to collect semen for 2 times in a week. The samples were allotted to 3 freezing solutions (LEY + glycerol 10.5% + OEP 1.5%, LEY + trehalose 1M + OEP 1.5%, and sucrose 1.5M + trehalose 1 M + OEP 1.5%) after centrifugation at 800 g for 10 minutes. Semen was equilibrated in freezing solutions for 10 minutes and injected into plastic straws with 2~3 air bubbles to minimize freezing damages. Vitrification was performed to locate sperm in 5 cm above $LN_2$ for 5 minutes, and the conventional freezing was conducted with an automatic freezer. Motility and survival rates were measured by CASA (Computer assisted sperm an alyzing system) and FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate), respectively after thawing semen at $50^{\circ}C$ for 12 seconds. The results were analyzed by ANOVA with STATVIEW statistical program. The vitrificatioin solution (LEY + 10.5% glycerol + 1.5% OEP) presented higher motility (20.9%) than other solutions while the solution (LEY + 1M trehalose + 1.5% OEP) showed the lowest (motility : 5.2%). However, survival rates of vitrified sperms detected by FITC showed 1~4% live sperms in almost of dead sperms at all vitrification solutions' groups, but survival rate of freezing solution of LEY + 1M trehalose + 1.5% OEP LEY and LEY + 10.5% glycerol + 1.5% OEP were showed 49%, and 79%, respectively. There were differences (P<0.05) survival rate of conventional freezing in LEY + 10.5% glycerol + 1.5% OEP and LEY + 1M trehalose + 1.5% OEP and the remaining showed no differences. The results suggested that vitrified boar semen was not enough to be utilized for the artificial insemination, but it showed possibility to utilize for ICSI and conventional freezing with glycerol would be useful method for artificial insemination in pig while we choose the outstanding semen against tolerance to freezing damages.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.111-117
• /
• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of frozen boar semen on reproductive performance in swine artificial insemination (AI). Many factors, which were breeds, time of insemination, sperm concentration per dose, farm and year were investigated to improve reproductive performance efficiency. Boars were raised at Swine Artificial Insemination Center in National Livestock Research Institute, Sunghwan, Chungnam, Korea. This experiment was carried out from 1995 to 2000. There were no differences in swine AI with frozen boar semen using 5$m\ell$ maxi-straw among 3 breeds (Landrace, Yorkshire, Duroc), 2 or 3 times insemination per estrus, and 3 different sperm numbers of 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0$\times$10$^{9}$ per dose of insemination. However, non-return rate and litter size of sows inseminated with frozen boar semen of commercial farms were different according to farm management system and inseminator's skill. Conception rate, farrowing rate and number of pigs born alive per litter by artificial insemination with frozen boar semen (5$m\ell$ maxi-straw) from 1995 to 1999 was 68.3~74.6%, 61.7~67.6% and 8.1~8.7 heads.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.119-124
• /
• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of packing materials of frozen boar semen to improve reproductive performance efficiency in pig. Boars were raised at Swine Artificial Insemination Center in National Livestock Research Institute, Sunghwan, Chungnam, Korea. We compared packing protocols for frozen boar semen among 5$m\ell$ maxi-straw, 5$m\ell$ cryogenic-vial, and aluminum-pack. Cryogenic-vial packing material showed similar sperm characteristics compared with maxi-straw packing material when the sperm was frozen above 15cm from liquid nitrogen and thawed at 52$^{\circ}C$ for 190 seconds. We investigated different thawing times to find out the optimal condition of freezing and thawing protocol with cryogenic-vial. Freezing above 15cm from liquid nitrogen and thawing at 52$^{\circ}C$ for 190 seconds were the optimal protocol compared with 120 and 150 seconds. However, normal acrosome rates did not show any differences among thawing times. Post-thawing results of maxi-straw in water at 52$^{\circ}C$ for 45 seconds had better total motility and curve linear velocity than those of cryogenic-vial in water 52$^{\circ}C$ for 190 seconds. However, there were no differences on straightness and normal apical ridge of sperm between maxi-straw and cryogenic vial. Non-return rate, farrowing rate and litter size of sows inseminated with frozen boar semen of commercial farms were higher in the maxi-straw than cryogenic-vial, but there were no significant differences between maxi-straw and cryogenic-vial. In conclusion, there were no significant differences between maxi-straw and cryogenic-vial and so, we may replace cryogenic-vial packing method instead of maxi-straw packing method by improvement of freezing and thawing rate.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
• /
• v.18 no.sup
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 2012

This study was performed to test the effect of horseradish powder in fattening pig diet on odorous compound concentration from manure. Twenty fattening boars [Landrace ${\times}$ Yorkshire) ${\times}$ Duroc] weighing an average body weight of $68.4{\pm}4.95}$ kg were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments (horseradish level in diets: 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03%) based on their body weight. This experiment was a randomized complete block (RCB) design using 5 pigs per treatment with 1 pig per metabolizable cage. Pigs were fed experimental diet (amount proportional to 3% of their body weight) twice a day (09:00 and 16:00) for 7 d after having 14 d adaptation period. Experimental diets were mixed with water by 1:2.5 v/v. Concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was highest (p<0.05) when pigs fed diet with 0.02% horseradish powder. Level of phenol compounds including phenol and p-cresol were decreased (p<0.05) in 0.01~0.02% horseradish treatment group compared with control group. Concentration of indoles including indole and skatole was lowest (p<0.05) in 0.03% horseradish treatment group compare to others. Therefore, results from our current study suggest that the optimal levels of horseradish powder in diet for reducing phenol and indole compounds in pig manure were 0.02 and 0.03%, respectively.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
• /
• v.18 no.sup
• /
• pp.35-40
• /
• 2012

This study was to performed to investigate the effect of horseradish powder and mushroom waste in fattening pig diet on odorous compound concentration from slurry. Twenty fattening boars [Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire) ${\times}$ Duroc] weighing an average body weight of $78.4{\pm}8.88$ kg were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments (control, horseradish 0.03%, mushroom waste 0.5%, and combination; horseradish 0.03% + mushroom waste 0.5%). This experiment was a randomized complete block (RCB) design using 5 pigs per treatment with 1 pig per metabolizable cage. Pigs were fed experimental diet (amount proportional to 3% of their body weight) twice a day (09:00 and 16:00) for 7 d after having 14 d adaptation period. Experimental diets were mixed with water by 1:2.5 v/v. Odorous compounds in slurry including acetate, propionate, butyrate, trans fatty acid isomers were not different (P>0.05) among treatments. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the levels of phenol compounds including phenol and p-cresol in slurry among treatments. Concentration of indole was lower (P<0.05) in horseradish group compared with others. Skatole level was highest in control and horseradish group, middle in mushroom waste group, and lowest in combination group (P<0.05). Concentration of indole compounds was lowest (P<0.05) in combination group. Data from our current study suggest that indole compounds in slurry can be reduced by administrating pigs with 0.03% horseradish powder and 0.5% mushroom waste in their diet.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.685-694
• /
• 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the variation in ultimate pH of commercial populations of pure-breed (Landrace, Duroc and Yorkshire) pig's longissimus muscles and their effect on objective meat quality traits and sensory characteristics. Fifty boars were sampled from 184 pigs, which were reared at three breeding farms and slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. The selection was determined based on ultimate pH, and animals were segregated into three groups: low pH (pH $\leq$ 5.5, n=13), medium pH (pH 5.5 to 5.6, n=18) and high pH (pH $\geq$ 5.6, n=16). The breeds had no significant effects; however, pigs with a higher ultimate pH had significantly (p<0.05) higher intramuscular fat content, lower level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, lower level of lipid oxidation and higher eating quality compared to those with lower ultimate pH. As the ultimate pH increased, the relative proportion of C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1 increased while C18:2n6 and C20:4n6 decreased. The present study demonstrates that the economic value of pigs can be characterized by the ultimate pH and/or intramuscular fat content. However, these results do not necessarily indicate that a high ultimate pH directly corresponds to high intramuscular fat content and vice versa.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.585-591
• /
• 2019

Objective: This study investigated carcass characteristics and meat quality of purebred Pakchong 5, crossbred pigs sired by Pakchong 5, and crossbred pigs sired by Duroc. Methods: Forty-eight pigs (average body weight of 22.25 kg) were composed of three groups as purebred Pakchong 5 (PP), Large $White{\times}Landrace$ pigs sired by Pakchong 5 (LWLRP), and Large $White{\times}Landrace$ pigs sired by Duroc (LWLRD). Each group consisted of eight gilts and eight barrows. At 109-day-raising period, pigs were slaughtered, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles from left side of carcasses were evaluated for meat quality and chemical composition. Data were analyzed using general linear model procedure, where group, sex, and their interaction were included in the model. Results: The PP had greater carcass, total lean, and ham percentages than crossbred pigs (p<0.05). LWLRP had thicker backfat and more carcass fat percentage than LWLRD (p<0.05). There were no differences (p>0.05) on cutting percentages from tender loin, loin, boston butt, and picnic shoulder among groups. The PP and LWLRP had larger loin eye area (LEA) than LWLRD (p<0.05). Gilts had more loin percentage and lower $L^*$ value than barrows (p<0.05). No meat color parameters ($L^*$, $a^*$, and $b^*$) were affected by groups (p>0.05). PP and LWLRP had larger muscle fiber diameters than LWLRD (p<0.05). However, water holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear force values, and chemical composition of LT were not affected by group or sex (p>0.05). Conclusion: Pakchong 5 purebred has good carcass and lean percentages. Compared to Duroc crossbred pigs, Pakchong 5 crossbreds have similar carcass and lean percentages, larger LEA, and slightly more carcass fat, with comparable meat quality and chemical composition. Pakchong 5 boars are more affordable for very small- to medium-scale pig producers.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.7
• /
• pp.1105-1115
• /
• 2021

Objective: To conserve and utilize the genetic resources of a traditional Chinese indigenous pig breed, Liangshan pig, we assessed the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and genetic distance in this study. Methods: We used 50K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip for SNP detection of 139 individuals in the Liangshan Pig Conservation Farm. Results: The genetically closed conserved population consisted of five overlapping generations, and the total effective content of the population (Ne) was 15. The whole population was divided into five boar families and one non-boar family. Among them, the effective size of each generation subpopulation continuously decreased. However, the proportion of polymorphic markers (P_N) first decreased and then increased. The average genetic distance of these 139 Liangshan pigs was 0.2823±0.0259, and the average genetic distance of the 14 boars was 0.2723±0.0384. Thus, it can be deduced that the genetic distance changed from generation to generation. In the conserved population, 983 runs of homozygosity (ROH) were detected, and the majority of ROH (80%) were within 100 Mb. The inbreeding coefficient calculated based on ROH showed an average value of 0.026 for the whole population. In addition, the inbreeding coefficient of each generation subpopulation initially increased and then decreased. In the pedigree of the whole conserved population, the error rate of paternal information was more than 11.35% while the maternal information was more than 2.13%. Conclusion: This molecular study of the population genetic structure of Liangshan pig showed loss of genetic diversity during the closed cross-generation reproduction process. It is necessary to improve the mating plan or introduce new outside blood to ensure long-term preservation of Liangshan pig.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.294-304
• /
• 2021

This study aims to obtain basic data for systematic restoration by analyzing the monitoring results of the Shimwon Valley Ecological Landscape Restoration Project area in Jirisan National Park. In 2017, when the restoration project was completed, 12 monitoring plots and 4 control plots were installed for vegetation monitoring, and changes in the relative dominance, species diversity index and similarity between 2017 and 2020 were analyzed. The species diversity index of the surveyed areas where trees were planted during the restoration project was 0-1.4552, and the similarity index with the control group was 0% except for one survey area at 1.32%. The very low species diversity index and similarity index in the survey areas were attributed to the loss of trees planted during the restoration project due to death, damage by wild boars, or erosion by running water. On the other hand, the species diversity index was 0.9538-2.3222 in the monitoring plot where no tree was planted, and the similarity index was analyzed to be as high as 8.33%. It is necessary to continue the long-term monitoring for the development of ecological landscape restoration methods in the national park and analysis of the succession in monitoring plots where no trees were planted.