• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.1080-1088
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• 2010

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary energy levels of gestating gilts on physiological parameters and reproductive performance for primiparous sows. A total of 40 F1 gilts (Large White${\times}$Landrace) were allocated to 4 treatments using a completely randomized design (CRD). Four different experimental diets contained 3,165, 3,265 3,365 and 3,465 kcal of ME/kg and each diet was provided to gilts at 2.0 kg/d during gestation. Consequently, energy intake of each treatment of gestating gilts was 6,330, 6,530, 6,730 and 6,930 kcal ME/kg, respectively. During the whole gestation period, body weight, fat mass gain and backfat thickness of gilts were increased in proportion to dietary energy levels (p<0.01). However, estimated protein mass gain of gilts was not affected by dietary energy level (p>0.10). At farrowing, the total number of pigs born per litter did not show any significant difference among treatments. However, the number of pigs born alive per litter in treatment 6,730 kcal ME/d was significantly higher than that of other treatments (p<0.05). Moreover, litter weight at birth was improved as dietary energy level was increased (p<0.05). Feed intake of sows during lactation tended to decrease as dietary energy level of gestation was increased, but litter weight gain was not affected by dietary treatment during the gestation period. Fat content in colostrum was higher as dietary energy level was increased during gestation. The concentration of blood estradiol-$17{\beta}$ was increased and was higher at the first trimester of gestation in 6,730 kcal ME/d treatment compared to other treatments. These results suggested that increased dietary energy level during gestation resulted in higher body weight and backfat thickness of sows. In addition, reproductive performance of the sow, such as litter weight at farrowing and the number of pigs born alive, was improved when 6,730 kcal of ME/d treatment diet was provided. Consequently, the NRC (1998) recommendation of energy for gestating gilts (6,015 to 6,150 kcal of ME/d) should be reevaluated to maximize reproductive performance because recent high-producing sows require much more energy to produce a large litter size and heavier piglets from the first parity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.70-76
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• 2003

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of a sorghum-specific enzyme system, derived from an Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract (carbohydrase activity of 1,650 $\alpha$-amylase units and cellulase activity of 30 fibrinolytic units/mL), on growth performance of finishing pigs. In Exp. 1,192 pigs (average initial BW of 46.1 kg) were fed sorghum-based diets without or with 360 mL of enzyme system per ton of sorghum in a 78 d growth assay. For d 0 to 39, gain/feed was improved (p<0.03) with enzyme supplementation, but ADG was not affected (p>0.15). For d 39 to 78 and overall (d 0 to 78), ADG, gain/feed, and digestibilities of DM and N were not affected (p>0.13) by enzyme supplementation. Backfat thickness, fat-free lean index, and scores for stomach keratinization and ulcers also were not affected (p>0.15) by the dietary treatments. In Exp. 2,168 pigs (average initial BW of 58.4 kg) were fed diets without or with 150, 300, or 450 mL/ton of the same enzyme system used in Exp. 1. Adding as much as 450 mL enzyme system / ton of sorghum did not affect (p>0.15) ADG or gain/feed for d 0 to 29 of the growth assay. However, during d 29 to 63, ADG increased by 11% (linear effect, p<0.02) and gain/feed increased by 10% (linear effect, p<0.06) as enzyme concentration was increased from none to 450 mL/ton of sorghum. For the overall period (d 0 to 63), ADG tended to increase (p<0.08) with enzyme supplementation, but gain/feed and digestibilities of DM and N were not affected (p>0.14). Carcass characteristics (dressing percentage, backfat thickness, and fat free lean index) also were not affected (p>0.20) by addition of the enzyme system. In Exp. 3,176 pigs (average initial BW of 46.7 kg) were fed diets without or with 450, 900, or 1,350 mL/ton of the same enzyme system used in Exp. 1 and 2 in a 71 d growth assay. Adding up to 1,350 mL/ton of enzyme had no effects (p>0.15) on ADG, gain/feed, digestibilities of DM and N, and carcass characteristics (dressing percentage, backfat thickness, and fat-free lean index). In conclusion, finishing pigs fed diets with a sorghum-specific enzyme system showed some positive trends for improved growth performance, but those effects were not large and (or) consistent.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.409-414
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• 2005

The effects of slaughter weight on blood profile and pork qualities of japan berkshires were investigated A total 72 pigs were divided into 3 groups$(125\~130,\;105\~110\;or\;95\~104\;kg)$. At each slaughter weight pigs were conventionally slaughtered and then chilled overnight The carcass characteristics (carcass weight backfat thickness and grades) were determined on those carcass, the muscle longissimus dorsi was removed from each left side at 5th to 13th rib and meat qualities were evaluated. Blood profile including cortisol, creatine phos-phokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose and phosphorus was not significantly (p>0.05) different among all slaughter weight, However, the calcium contents of pigs at $95\~104\;kg$ were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the other weights. The carcass weight and backfat thickness of pigs slaughtered at $125\~130\;kg$ were higher than those of $105\~110\;or\;95\~104\;kg$. The carcass grade of pigs slaughtered at $125\~130\;kg$ were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the other weight. The moisture contents of pigs slaughtered at $125\~130\;kg$ were significantly lower than the other weights, but crude protein contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher, Cooking loss and shear lone values of pigs slaughtered at $95\~104\;kg$ were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the other weight. CIE $a^*\;and\;b^*$ values of pigs slaughtered at $105\~110\;kg$ were significantly higher than the other weights. These results imply that the carcass characteristics (carcass weight and backfat thickness) could be affected by slaughter weight the cooking loss and shear force values of pigs slaughtered at $125\~130\;kg$ resulted in higher than those of $105\~110kg\;or\;95\~104\;kg$.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1354-1363
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• 2010

This study compared the effect of four different feeding methods for gestating gilts on reproductive performance and growth of their progeny. A total of 40 F1 primiparous sows (Yorkshire${\times}$Landrace) were allotted to four treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). For treatments, gestating period of sows was divided into three trimesters (0-35 d, 36-90 d and 91-110 d) and different amounts of feed were provided to each treatment group by Flat, Down-Up-Down (DUD), Up-Down-Up (UDU) and Down-Up-Up (DUU) feeding methods. The experimental diet was formulated to meet or exceed the standards of NRC (1998). Body weight gain of gestating gilts from d 0 to 110 was affected by feeding method (p<0.05). When gilts were fed constant feed ration (Flat feeding), less body weight loss was observed during lactation (-0.9 kg, p<0.05) and desirable backfat thickness (average 19.5 mm) was acquired at 110 days of gestation. Feed intake of lactating sows tended to be greater (4.22, 3.60, 3.97 and 4.13 kg/d, p>0.05) as sows in Flat feeding treatment had lower backfat thickness during gestation compared with other treatments (p<0.05). When gestating gilts were fed higher amount of feed during mid-trimester, the number of stillborn (1.4 piglet per litter, p<0.05) and mummies (0.8 piglet per litter, p = 0.25) were increased compared to other treatments. Feeding methods for gestating gilts had no effect on litter weight and gain of litter weight during the nursing period. Flat feeding method resulted in decreased plasma glucose concentration at 7 d postpartum (p<0.05), and increased LH concentration at 21 d postpartum (p<0.01) compared to other treatments. These results suggested that higher feed intake of gestating gilts resulted in detrimental effects on body condition and reproductive performance of sows. When gestating gilts consumed constant feed during gestation (2 kg/d), better reproductive performance and less body weight loss in lactation were observed because sows consumed more feed during the whole lactation period. Consequently, Flat feeding will be a desirable feeding strategy for gestating gilts to maximize reproductive performance, and better body condition of sows without any negative influence on the growth of their progeny.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.280-285
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• 2006

The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between stress related gene and meat quality in pigs. A total number of 212 three-way cross bred (Landrace-$Yorkshire{\times}Duroc$) and 38 Duroc were sampled from the Korean pig industry to determine genotype frequency of porcine stress syndrome (PSS) and heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) genes and their relationship with carcass traits and longissimus meat quality. Screen of HSP70 was performed by the single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique. Based on the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) gene, genetic disorder of PSS was related to a mutation at $18,168^{th}$ (C to T) of exon 17. There was no significant difference in ultimate meat pH and backfat thickness between HSP70 K1-AA type and -BB type in pure Duroc breed. In Landrace-$Yorkshire{\times}Duroc$ (L-$Y{\times}D$) cross bred pig, our results indicated that HSP70 derivate type in Duroc had a limited effect on backfat thickness, but L-$Y{\times}D$ type had a noticeable linkage with HSP70 K1-AA and K3-AB. This tendency was also observed in hot carcass weight where HSP70 K1-AA and K3-AB resulted in heavier weight with 86.3 kg compared to HSP70 K1-AB and K3-BB of 74.3 kg. Results imply that stress related HSP70 genotype has a potential association with backfat thickness and carcass weight.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2010

This study was conducted to estimate the effects of breed, sex, Farm-Scale and environment on average daily gain, age at 90kg, backfat thickness, eye muscle area and lean percent of pig. The total number of pig used in this study was 30,525 head consisted of 5,902 Landrace, 18,022 Yorkshire, and 6,601 Duroc on 2004 to 2008. The covariance used in the model to adjust age at the final test. The average daily gain, age at 90kg, and lean percent were significantly superior in medium Farm-Scale. However Backfat thickness and Eye muscle Area were significantly superior in small Farm-Scale. In conclusion this study suggest that breed, sex, test year, test season, Farm-Scale and environment may affect to average daily gain, age at 90kg, backfat thickness, eye muscle area and lean percent. The study about the Farm-Scale has to do continually more than now, and this study will be contributed to development of the pig industry.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.294-303
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• 2019

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin levels on physiological responses, blood profiles, and reproductive performance in gestating sows. A total of 52 F1 multiparous sows ($Yorkshire{\times}Landrace$) with an average body weight of $223.5{\pm}31.7kg$, an average parity of $6.4{\pm}2.7$, and an average backfat thickness of $18.5{\pm}4.9mm$ were divided into four treatment groups considering body weight, backfat thickness, and parity in a completely randomized design with 13 replicates. The treatments were 100% (V1), 300% (V3), 600% (V6) and 900% (V9) of the National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Swine. The gestation diet was formulated based on corn-soybean meal (SBM) and contained 3,265 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg and 12.00% crude protein. During the lactation period, all sows were fed the same commercial lactation diet. There was no significant difference in body weight of gestating sows. However backfat thickness tended to increase when higher levels of vitamins were provided to gestating sows (p < 0.10). When high levels of dietary vitamins were provided, the body weight change of lactating sows increased (p < 0.01). When sows were fed higher levels of vitamins, the feed intake of lactating sows tended to decrease (p = 0.06). There were no treatment differences in the number of total born, born alive, stillbirth piglets, or the body weight of piglets according to different dietary vitamin level. As dietary vitamin level increased, the serum concentration of $25(OH)D_3$ in sows at 90 days of gestation linearly increased (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the serum vitamin E level of gestating sows was linearly increased with increasing dietary vitamin level (p < 0.05). The current NRC vitamin requirements are sufficient for gestating sows and higher levels of vitamins in the gestation diet did not show any beneficial effects for gestating and lactating sows.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.105-113
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• 2018

This experiment was conducted to estimate the influence of ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, meat quality, and backfat in finishing pigs. A total of 100 mixed finisher pigs [(Landrace ${\times}$ Yorkshire) ${\times}$ Duroc] were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments for 10 weeks, the average initial body weight was $52.03{\pm}1.08kg$. Dietary treatments consisted of supplementation of GABA to 0.05% of the basal diet (GAB) and a CON (basal diet) without supplementation. Each treatment had 10 replicates with 5 pigs per pen (three gilts and two barrows). Measurements were made at three time period: weeks 1 - 5, weeks 5 - 10 and overall experimental period. Compared to CON, the pigs fed GABA had average daily gain (ADG) increases among phases (p < 0.05). Average Daily Feed Intake ADFI increased during the overall experimental period (p < 0.05). The digestibility of Dry Matter (DM) increased. The concentration of epinephrine decreased at 5th and 10th weeks (p < 0.05), meanwhile, cortisol decreased at 10th week (p < 0.05) in GAB treatment. Otherwise, the pigs' GABA supplementation had no effect on meat quality and backfat thickness (p > 0.05). We conclude that a dietary supplementation of GABA at 0.05% improves growth performance and the digestibility of dry matter, while reducing the stress response of finishing pigs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.179-183
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• 2002

The fragment in intron I of FSH-${\beta}$ gene was amplified by PCR. According to the polymorphism, we analyzed the distribution of FSH-${\beta}$ retroposon in different pig breeds; its inheritance pattern in Large White${\times}$Meishan reference family; and the association of FSH-${\beta}$ retroposon with litter size, female reproductive organs measurement, ultrasonic backfat and other traits. The results showed that almost each Chinese indigenous pig had the retroposon, while foreign pig breeds rarely had; the frequencies of porcine FSH-${\beta}$ retroposon were strongly associated with breeds (p<0.01); the pattern of inheritance was consistent with Mendelian fashion; total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA) were increased per FSH-${\beta}$ retroposon (p<0.01) with additive effects of 1.2-1.8 and 1.4-1.8 pigs/litter, respectively; between the FSH-${\beta}$ retroposon carriers and non-carriers, there was an insignificant difference in the measurement of female reproductive organs, body weight at birth, backfat thickness, loin meat height, lean meat percentage, teat number, days to 100 kg, and average daily gain.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.923-932
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• 2003

This study was carried out to estimate the effects of breed and environment such as sex, test station, test year, test season, parity, initial and final weight on average daily gain, age at 90kg, backfat thickness, feed efficiency, lean percent and selection index on the basis of the performance data collected from 25,790 pigs of Duroc, Yorkshire and Landrace breeds which were performance-tested at the Korea Swine Testing Station from 1991 to 2002. The results obtained in the study are summarized as follows; 1. The means of the major economic traits were estimated as 959.95${\pm}$0.699g for average daily gain, 138.36${\pm}$0.072days for age at 90kg, 1.41${\pm}$0.001cm for backfat thickness, 2.33${\pm}$0.001 for feed efficiency, 56.71${\pm}$0.018% for lean percent and 221.65${\pm}$0.113 for selection index. 2. The effect of breed was statistically significant for all studied traits. Briefly, Duroc showed the best performance for the average daily gain and age at 90kg. Landrace had the best performances for the backfat thickness and lean meat percent. In feed efficiency and selection index, Yorkshire had a better score than other breeds. 3. The least-squares means of female and male for the traits studied were 923.05${\pm}$1.289g and 974.53${\pm}$0.856g for average daily gain, 139.74${\pm}$0.145days and 137.21${\pm}$0.097days for age at 90kg, 1.49${\pm}$0.002cm and 1.39${\pm}$0.002cm for backfat thickness, 2.43${\pm}$0.002 and 2.28${\pm}$0.002 for feed efficiency, 56.43${\pm}$0.034% and 56.81${\pm}$0.023% for lean percent and 211.37${\pm}$0.194 and 224.61${\pm}$0.129 for selection index. Therefore, males were superior to females for all traits examined. 4. The effect of test station was statistically significant for all traits except for selection index. Performances for age at 90kg, backfat thickness, feed efficiency and lean meat percent collected from Test station 2 were higher than those from Test station 1. However, Test station 1 showed better average daily gain. 5. The initial weight and final weight included as a covariate in this study had a significant influence on average daily gain, age at 90kg, backfat thickness, feed efficiency and selection index. From the absolute values of the estimated regression coefficients, it was inferred that the final weight had greater effect for the investigated traits than the initial weight.