• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1532-1539
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• 2014

Although growth rate is one of the main economic traits of concern in pig production, there is limited knowledge on its epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation. In this study, we conducted methyl-CpG binding domain protein-enriched genome sequencing (MBD-seq) to compare genome-wide DNA methylation profile of small intestine and liver tissue between fast- and slow-growing weaning piglets. The genome-wide methylation pattern between the two different growing groups showed similar proportion of CpG (regions of DNA where a cytosine nucleotide occurs next to a guanine nucleotide in the linear sequence) coverage, genomic regions, and gene regions. Differentially methylated regions and genes were also identified for downstream analysis. In canonical pathway analysis using differentially methylated genes, pathways (triacylglycerol pathway, some cell cycle related pathways, and insulin receptor signaling pathway) expected to be related to growth rate were enriched in the two organ tissues. Differentially methylated genes were also organized in gene networks related to the cellular development, growth, and carbohydrate metabolism. Even though further study is required, the result of this study may contribute to the understanding of epigenetic regulation in pig growth.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.1296-1303
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• 2000

A series of four experiments was conducted to compare nutritional values of decorticated sunflower meals against soybean meal, in diets for pigs from weaning (Exp. 1 and 2) to finishing (Exp. 3 and 4). All experimental diets were prepared compensating for the energy content by using vegetable oil and the lysine content was matched using synthetic L-Lysine HCl. Twenty-one day old pigs were fed either corn-soybean meal based diet (CSBM) or corn- twice-decorticated sunflower meal based diet (CDSM) for four weeks (Exp. 1). There was no difference in performances between treatment groups. In Exp. 2, corn-non-decorticated sunflower meal based diet (CNSM) was added to the existing two treatments. Twenty-one day old pigs were fed three experimental diets for four weeks. Pigs fed CNSM had a lower weight gain and feed intake than other treatments (p<0.05). There was no difference between pigs fed CSBM and CDSM (Exp. 2). Growth performance of growing pigs was also greater (p<0.05) in pigs fed corn starch-twice- decorticated sunflower meal based diet (CSDSM) than pigs fed corn starch-non-decorticated sunflower meal based diet (CSNSM) during the eight week feeding trial (Exp. 3). There was no difference between pig fed corn starch-soybean meal based diet (CSSBM) and CSDSM (Exp. 3). In Exp. 4, growing pigs were fed three experimental diets (CSBM, CDSM, and barley-twice- decorticated sunflower meal based diet; BDSM) until the slaughter. There was no difference in growth performance of pigs during growing and finishing periods among treatments. However, pigs fed CSBM had a higher carcass dressing percentage (p<0.05) than pigs fed CDSM and BDSM. Pigs fed BDSM diet had a lower fat tissue percentage than other groups (p<0.05). The twice-decorticated sunflower meal can be used as a substitute for soybean meal in pig diets. The performances of piglets and growing-finishing pigs were not affected when soybean meal was replaced by twice-decorticated sunflower meal. This substitution needs the contribution of synthetic lysine and vegetable oil as sources of complementary nutrients to match the nutrient profile.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.59 no.7
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• pp.19.1-19.10
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• 2017

Background: To reduce use of main feed ingredient like corn, soy bean meal (SBM) and wheat, alternative ingredients has been studied like copra meal (CM). Production amount of CM which has been high makes CM to be an alternative feed stuff. However, low digestibility on AA and low energy content by high fiber content can be an obstacle for using CM. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of CM supplementation with ${\beta}$-mannanase on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, pork quality and economic analysis in growing-finishing pigs. Methods: A total of 100 growing pigs ([Yorkshire ${\times}$ Landrace] ${\times}$ Duroc) averaging $31.22{\pm}2.04kg$ body weight were allotted to 5 different treatments by weight and sex in a randomized complete block (RCB) design in 5 replicate with 4 pigs per pen. Treatments were 1) Control (corn-SBM based diet + 0.1% of ${\beta}$-mannanase (800 IU)), 2) CM10 (10% copra meal + 0.1% ${\beta}$-mannanase (800 IU)), 3) CM15 (15% copra meal + 0.1% ${\beta}$-mannanase (800 IU)), 4) CM20 (20% copra meal + 0.1% ${\beta}$-mannanase (800 IU)) and 5) CM25 (25% copra meal + 0.1% ${\beta}$-mannanase (800 IU)). Four phase feeding program was used: growing I (week 1-3), growing II (week 4-6), finishing I (week 7-9) and finishing II (week 10-12). Results: In growth performance, there was no significant difference among treatments during whole experimental period. In growingI phase, G:F ratio tended to increase when CM was increased (P = 0.05), but ADG and ADFI tended to decrease in finishingII phase (linear, P = 0.08). Also, increasing CM reduced ADG (linear, P = 0.02) and feed efficiency (linear, P = 0.08) during the whole finishing period. In blood profiles, BUN was linearly increased as CM increased (linear, P = 0.02) at growingII period. In digestibility trial, there was no significant difference in dry matter, crude fat, crude ash and nitrogen digestibility. However, crude protein digestibility was decreased linearly (linear, P = 0.02). In economic analysis, feed cost per weight gain and total feed cost per pig were reduced in overall period when CM was provided by 25% (linear, P = 0.02). Conclusion: CM with 0.1% of ${\beta}$-mannanase (800 IU) could be supplemented instead of corn and SBM up to 25% without detrimental effects on growth performance and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.696-704
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• 2018

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate various levels of milk by-product in weaning pig diet on growth performance, blood profiles, carcass characteristics and economic performance for weaning to finishing pigs. Methods: A total of 160 weaning pigs ([Yorkshire${\times}$Landrace]${\times}$Duroc), average $7.01{\pm}1.32kg$ body weight (BW), were allotted to four treatments by BW and sex in 10 replications with 4 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed each treatment diet with various levels of milk by-product (Phase 1: 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, Phase 2: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively). During weaning period (0 to 5 week), weaning pigs were fed experimental diets and all pigs were fed the same commercial feed during growing-finishing period (6 to 14 week). Results: In the growth trial, BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the nursery period (5 weeks) increased as the milk by-product level in the diet increased (linear, p<0.05). Linear increases of pig BW with increasing the milk product levels were observed until late growing period (linear, p = 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in BW at the finishing periods, ADG, ADFI, and gain:feed ratio during the entire growing-finishing periods. The blood urea nitrogen concentration had no significant difference among dietary treatments. High inclusion level of milk by-product in weaner diet decreased crude protein (quadratic, p = 0.05) and crude ash (Linear, p = 0.05) of Longissimus muscle. In addition, cooking loss and water holding capacity increased with increasing milk product levels in the weaner diets (linear, p<0.01; p = 0.05). High milk by-product treatment had higher feed cost per weight gain compared to non-milk by-products treatment (linear, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Supplementation of 10% to 5% milk by-products in weaning pig diet had results equivalent to the 30% to 15% milk treatment and 0% milk by-product supplementation in the diet had no negative influence on growth performance of finishing pigs.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.55-63
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• 2022

Odors emitted from pig houses have been a constant root of legal issues in pig farming. These gases are among the main causes of health and mental stresses to nearby communities, so policymakers and researchers continuously study to reduce the concentration of odorous gases from pig facilities. A continuous field experiment proved that the concentration of odor emissions inside the pig houses is highly dependent on ventilation rate, breeding details, and animal activities. However, the standard odor emission rate worldwide widely varies due to differences in pig house designs and ventilation requirements. Thus, this study aimed to measure the odor emission rates, considering the actual condition of selected Korean pig houses, through field measurement. The odor measurements were performed at three different pig production facilities without odor abatement technologies. The target experimental pig houses were buildings for weaning, growing, and fattening pigs. Results showed that the actual ventilation rate in target pig houses falls below the standard ventilation requirement of pigs, resulting in high odor concentrations inside the pig houses.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.217-225
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• 2021

We investigated the effect of temperature and stock density on the collection efficiency of oral fluid in the pig farm in Korea. Three pig farms with similar breeding environmental conditions were selected and four pens of each farm (total 12 pens) were tested for the collection efficiency of oral fluid from pigs. Collection rate was considered as significant when oral fluid was collected from 70% of pigs within a pen. In the case of growing pigs, when internal temperature of pig barn increased by one designated degree (5℃), the oral fluid collection rate significantly decreased by 24.7% (P<0.05). The collection rate of oral fluid also decreased by 7.1% (P<0.05) as the density rate increase by one designated degree (12.5%). It was estimated that the collection efficiency of oral fluid decreased when the internal temperature of pig barn was 30℃ or higher, or barn density is higher 25% or high. On the other hand, in the case of stall-housing sows, unlike growing pigs, there was no significant differences according to the temperature, so oral fluid collection was considered to be efficient even in hot season.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1796-1802
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• 2017

Objective: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the optimal space allowance on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs. Methods: A total of ninety crossbred pigs [$(Yorkshire{\times}Landrace){\times}Duroc$, $30.25{\pm}1.13kg$] were allocated into three treatments (0.96: four pigs/pen, $0.96m^2/pig$; 0.80: five pigs/pen, $0.80m^2/pig$; 0.69: six pigs/pen, $0.69m^2/pig$) in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were housed in balanced sex and had free access to feed in all phases for 14 weeks (growing phase I, growing phase II, finishing phase I, and finishing phase II). Results: There was no statistical difference in growing phase, but a linear decrease was observed on average daily gain (ADG, p<0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI, p<0.01), and body weight (BW, p<0.01) with decreasing space allowance in late finishing phase. On the other hand, a quadratic effect was observed on gain to feed ratio in early finishing phase (p<0.03). Consequently, overall ADG, ADFI, and final BW linearly declined in response to decreased space allowance (p<0.01). The pH of pork had no significant difference in 1 hour after slaughter, whereas there was a linear decrease in 24 h after slaughter with decreasing space allowance. Floor area allowance did not affect pork colors, but shear force linearly increased as floor space decreased (p<0.01). There was a linear increase in serum cortisol concentration on 14 week (p<0.05) with decreased space allocation. Serum IgG was linearly ameliorated as space allowance increased on 10 week (p<0.05) and 14 week (p<0.01). Conclusion: Data from current study indicated that stress derived from reduced space allowance deteriorates the immune system as well as growth performance of pigs, resulting in poor pork quality. Recommended adequate space allowance in a grow-to-finish production system is more than $0.80m^2/pig$ for maximizing growth performance and production efficiency.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2015

Increasing presence of wild boar around cities and suburban areas is a growing concern with respect to agronomy, environmental ecology, and public safety. In this study, antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia (E.) coli isolated from wild boar and domestic pig fecal samples were compared. Eighty E. coli samples were isolated from wild boars. Resistance of the bacteria to 14 common antimicrobial agents used in human and veterinary medicine was evaluated. Ninety-five E. coli isolates from domestic pig farms were used for comparison. Common and distinct antibiotic resistance patterns were observed when comparing wild boar and domestic pig isolates, indicating that wild boars may significantly influence environmental microbiology.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.282-286
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• 1999

Growth of pigs is influenced by many factors. To assist pig producers in the evaluation of alternative feeding and management strategies growth models have been developed. In the Netherlands the Technical Model Pigfeeding (TMV) is developed. This model predicts the influence of feed intake, feed composition, genotype, sex and climate on growth, body composition, gross margin and mineral excretion of healthy growing/finishing pigs. The purpose of TMV is to support information services, feed companies, researchers and students. In addition to providing accurate predictions, a model should also be user-friendly and wishes of the user should be taken into account to stimulate application of the model in practice. In this paper, the theoretical background of TMV and a methodology to stimulate application of models in practice will be described.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.4_spc
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• pp.730-741
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• 2024

Pig production is one of the viable enterprises of the livestock sub-sector of agriculture. It contributes significantly to the economy and animal protein supply to enhance food security in Africa and globally. This article explored the present status of pig production in Africa, the challenges, prospects and potentials. The pig population of Africa represents 4.6% of the global pig population. They are widely distributed across Africa except in Northern Africa where pig production is not popular due to religio-cultural reasons. They are mostly reared in rural parts of Africa by smallholder farmers, informing why majority of the pig population in most parts of Africa are indigenous breeds and their crosses. Pig plays important roles in the sustenance of livelihood in the rural communities and have cultural and social significance. The pig production system in Africa is predominantly traditional, but rapidly growing and transforming into the modern system. The annual pork production in Africa has grown from less than a million tonnes in year 2000 to over 2 million tonnes in 2021. Incidence of disease outbreak, especially African swine fever is one of the main constraints affecting pig production in Africa. Others are lack of skills and technical know-how, high ambient temperature, limited access to high-quality breeds, high cost of feed ingredients and veterinary inputs, unfriendly government policies, religious and cultural bias, inadequate processing facilities as well as under-developed value-chain. The projected human population of 2.5 billion in Africa by 2050, increasing urbanization and decreasing farming population are pointers to the need for increased food production. The production systems of pigs in Africa requires developmental research, improvements in housing, feed production and manufacturing, animal health, processing, capacity building and pig friendly policies for improved productivity and facilitation of export.