• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 2013

This study was carried out to understand the long-term effects of organic waste treatments on the fate of heavy metals in soils originated from the organic wastes and consequent uptake of heavy metals by plant, together with examination of changes in soil properties and plant growth performance. In this study, the soils treated with three different organic wastes (municipal sewage sludge, alcohol fermentation processing sludge, pig manure compost) at three different rates (12.5, 25.0, 50.0 ton $ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$) for 7 years (1994 - 2000) were used. To see the long-term effect, plant growth study and soil examination were conducted twice in 2000 and 2010, respectively. There was no additional treatments of organic wastes for 10 years after the organic waste treatment for 7 years. Compared to plant growth examination conducted in 2000 using radish (Raphanus sativus cv. sodamaltari), it appeared that height, root length and diameter, fresh weight of radish grown in 2010 decreased in the plots treated with municipal sewage sludge and alcohol fermentation processing sludge and that the extent of decrease was higher with increase of sludge application rates. On the other hand, pig compost treatment increased plant height, root length and diameter, fresh weight with increasing application rates. Cu and Pb concentrations in radish root and leaves increased in 2010 compared to those in 2000 while Ni concentrations in root and leaves decreased. Zn concentration was increased only in the soils treated with pig manure compost. Multiple regression analysis among heavy metal species fractions in soils, soil pH, and metal concentrations in radish root and leaves indicated that the metal uptake by radish was governed mainly by the soil pH and subsequent increase of available heavy metal fractions in soils with organic waste treatments.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.240-247
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• 2023

This experiment investigated the effects of feed additives of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQN) extract on Landrace pigs on economic traits such as the quality, physiological characteristics, and productivity. Sixteen pigs with an average age of 154 days were selected as experimental subjects. The experiment was conducted by dividing the group into eight pigs for the supplementation group, feeding with SQN extract, and another eight for the control group feeding without SQN extract. Water was fed ad libitum. On the 30th day, there was no significant difference between meat quality and productivity. However, the glucose and thyroxine were statistically lower with the supplementation group than with the control group (p<0.05). Also, the levels of creatinine difference between 1.18 ± 0.12 mg/㎗ with the supplementation group and 0.70 ± 0.06 mg/㎗ with the control group (p<0.05). However, all serum biochemistry values were within a normal range, with no health problems. The present study will help solve the problem of reducing the diversity of plant species in Halla Mountain by increasing the availability of the SQN as a pig feed additive.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.285-294
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• 1994

Dried top and root extracts of seven different weed species, fresh top and root extracts, and various concentrations of extract (0, 5, 10 and 15%, W/V) and residue rate (0.0, 0.25. 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%) of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) were used to study their allelopathic effects on alfalfa in the laboratory and greenhouse. Top and root aqueous extracts of common lambsquarter (Chenopodium album L.), giant foxtail (Setaria faberii Herrm), redroot pig-weed (Amaranthus retroflexus L), velvetleaf, large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L), canada thistle (Cirsium arvense L.) and prostrate knotweed (Polygonium aviculare L.) significantly inhibited germination, seedling length, weight, and vigor in alfalfa. Top growth extracts of weeds exhibited greater allelopathic effects than root extracts. Alfalfa test species, WL-320, responded significantly different to the various weed species extracts in terms of allelopathic effect. The regression slopes of various top extracts showed significant variation with respect to germination percentage. Velvetleaf (b=3.69) extracts were the most inhibitory, while large crabgrass (b=2.39) extracts had the least allelopathic effect on alfalfa. When compared the activity of fresh velvetleaf extract to that of dry velvetleaf extract, dry extract was more inhibitory to alfalfa germination and seedling growth. Germination, seedling length and weight of alfalfa were inversely proportional to the concentration of dried velvetleaf extracts. Seedling emergence and survival percentage was inhibited by velvetleaf residue mixture treatment. Also, more of the toxic effects were observed from the dried top extracts, as compared to extracts from fresh top and root. These results demonstrate the allelopathic activity of different weed species extracts and suggest that weeds may affect crop growth and development due to the inhibitory effects of allelochemicals present in weed tissue.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.1615-1634
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• 2004

A review was undertaken to obtain information on the sustainability of pig free-range production systems including the management, performance and health of pigs in the system. Modern outdoor rearing systems requires simple portable and flexible housing with low cost fencing. Local pig breeds and outdoor-adapted breeds for certain environment are generally more suitable for free-range systems. Free-range farms should be located in a low rainfall area and paddocks should be relatively flat, with light topsoil overlying free-draining subsoil with the absence of sharp stones that can cause foot damage. Huts or shelters are crucial for protecting pigs from direct sun burn and heat stress, especially when shade from trees and other facilities is not available. Pigs commonly graze on strip pastures and are rotated between paddocks. The zones of thermal comfort for the sow and piglet differ markedly; between 12-22$^{\circ}C$ for the sow and 30-37$^{\circ}C$ for piglets. Offering wallows for free-range pigs meets their behavioural requirements, and also overcomes the effects of high ambient temperatures on feed intake. Pigs can increase their evaporative heat loss via an increase in the proportion of wet skin by using a wallow, or through water drips and spray. Mud from wallows can also coat the skin of pigs, preventing sunburn. Under grazing conditions, it is difficult to control the fibre intake of pigs although a high energy, low fibre diet can be used. In some countries outdoor sows are fitted with nose rings to prevent them from uprooting the grass. This reduces nutrient leaching of the land due to less rooting. In general, free-range pigs have a higher mortality compared to intensively housed pigs. Many factors can contribute to the death of the piglet including crushing, disease, heat stress and poor nutrition. With successful management, free-range pigs can have similar production to door pigs, although the growth rate of the litters is affected by season. Piglets grow quicker indoors during the cold season compared to outdoor systems. Pigs reared outdoors show calmer behaviour. Aggressive interactions during feeding are lower compared to indoor pigs while outdoor sows are more active than indoor sows. Outdoor pigs have a higher parasite burden, which increases the nutrient requirement for maintenance and reduces their feed utilization efficiency. Parasite infections in free-range pigs also risks the image of free-range pork as a clean and safe product. Diseases can be controlled to a certain degree by grazing management. Frequent rotation is required although most farmers are keeping their pigs for a longer period before rotating. The concept of using pasture species to minimise nematode infections in grazing pigs looks promising. Plants that can be grown locally and used as part of the normal feeding regime are most likely to be acceptable to farmers, particularly organic farmers. However, one of the key concerns from the public for free-range pig production system is the impact on the environment. In the past, the pigs were held in the same paddock at a high stocking rate, which resulted in damage to the vegetation, nutrient loading in the soil, nitrate leaching and gas emission. To avoid this, outdoor pigs should be integrated in the cropping pasture system, the stock should be mobile and stocking rate related to the amount of feed given to the animals.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.739-745
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• 2017

In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy. $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form $20{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($20{\alpha}$-OHP), and plays a crucial role in the termination of pregnancy and initiation of parturition. In this study, we characterized the expression and localization of $20{\alpha}$-HSDinthe testis of MediKinetics $Micropigs^{(R)}$. The testes were collected at days 6, 9, 12, 18, and 21 after birth. The $20{\alpha}$-HSD mRNA was found to be expressed in the testis at day 6 after birth by RT-PCR. The highest level of mRNA expression in the testis was detected on day 21 after birth. However, the mRNA was not detected in the placenta after parturition. Western blot for $20{\alpha}$-HSD reveal that the specific 37-kDa band was detected in immature pig testis. However, this band was not detected in testis tissue at day 6 after birth. In the immunohistochemical analysis of the testis, $20{\alpha}$-HSD was detected in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Taken together, our study shows for the first time that the $20{\alpha}$-HSD mRNA and protein are expressed in pig testis after birth. Further investigation is required to elucidate the functional mechanisms of $20{\alpha}$-HSD in pig testis after birth.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.409-413
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• 2014

BACKGROUND: Large amount of veterinary antibiotics have been used in the livestock industry to prevent diseases and promote growth. These antibiotics are excreted through feces and urine in unchanged form and reach to agricultural fields via application of the livestock manure based composts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of tetracyclines-resistant bacteria in the soil received livestock manure compost for a long term. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tetracyclines (tetracycline TC, chlortetracycline CTC, and oxytetracycline OTC) resistance bacteria in the soil of rice-onion field applied pig manure compost (PM), in the soil of grass-rye field received cow manure compost (CM), and in the soil of rice field applied inorganic fertilizer (NPK) were determined. The soil received livestock manure composts clearly showed higher number of TC, CTC, and OTC resistance bacteria compared with the soil treated with inorganic fertilizer. The antibiotic resistant bacteria recovered appeared at 80 mg/L of tetracyclines was identified 1 specie, 6 genera 7 species, and 6 genera 7species in the soils received CM, PM, and NPK, respectively. The dominant resistant bacteria with the CM and PM application were Ochrobactrum and Rhodococcus. CONCLUSION: The application of livestock manure compost in the agricultural field is likely to contribute the occurrence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in the agricultural environment.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 1978

The microbial and chemical changes, and characterization of the predominant acid-producing bacteria in the fermenting pig feces blended with corn meal at a ratio of 50：50 were studied. The fermentation was dominated by lactobacilli, which multiplied rapidly for the first 24 hours. The acid produced during the fermentation caused rapid pH drop to pH 4.5 and halted the growth of E. coli and yeast. The initial acid producing bacteria in the mixture was predominantly Streptococcus species, which were reduced in number rapidly. After 7 days of fermentation, three lactobacilli species were appeared L. acidophilus, L. fermenti, L. delbrueckii. Chemical changes during the fermentation were also studied. The lactic acid fermentation imparted a good tangy acid flavor to the corn-feces mixture by removing or covering the .fecal ordour and made the corn-feces mixture palatable for the animal as well as halted the unwanted microbial flora. We hope the lactic acid fermentation will replace the heat processing in the utilization of animal feces.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.51-55
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• 2013

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of antioxidant treatment during parthenogenetic activation procedure on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and in vitro development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Porcine in vitro matured oocytes were activated by a combination of electric stimulus and 2 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DAMP) before in vitro culture. During the activation period, oocytes were treated with $50{\mu}M$ ${\beta}$-mercaptoethanol (${\beta}$-ME), $100{\mu}M$ L-ascorbic acid (Vit. C) or $100{\mu}M$ L-glutathione (GSH). To examine the ROS level, porcine parthenogenetic embryos were stained in $10{\mu}M$ dichlorohydrofluorescein diacetate ($H_2DCFDA$) dye 20 h after culture, examined under a fluorescence microscope, and the fluorescence intensity (pixels) were analyzed in each embryo. The parthenogenetic embryos were cultured for 6 days to evaluate the in vitro development. The apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay. The $H_2O_2$ levels of parthenogenetic embryos were significantly lower in antioxidant treatment groups ($26.9{\pm}1.6{\sim}29.1{\pm}1.3$ pixels/embryo, p<0.05) compared to control ($33.2{\pm}1.7$ pixels/embryo). The development rate to the blastocyst stage was increased in antioxidant treatment groups (32.0~32.5%) compared to control (26.9%, p<0.05), although, there was no difference in apoptosis among groups. The result suggests that antioxidant treatment during parthenogenetic activation procedure can inhibit the ROS generation and enhance the in vitro development of porcine parthenogenetic embryos.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.340-345
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• 2008

Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of failure of in vitro storage of boar semen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the important mediators of oxidative stress during in vitro storage of boar semen. Our study examined the effects of taurine on sperm characteristic and on in vitro developmental embryos during in vitro storage of boar semen for 7 days. Semen was randomly aliquoted into 3 centrifuge tubes and treated with different concentrations of taurine (25-100 mM). The characteristics of boar sperm were analyzed for motility by light microscopy, viability by using a Makler counting chamber and membrane integrity by a hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST). The percentages of motile spermatozoa in taurine groups after 5 days were significantly higher compared to the control. Sperm viability in the control was lower than in taurine groups after 7 days irrespective of different taurine concentration. In the hyoosmotic swelling test (HOST), significantly higher results were obtained in taurine groups after 3 days. Also, the developmental rates of IVM/IVF porcine embryos from semen treated with pyruvate and taurine were significantly increased when compared with the control (p<0.05). These results indicate that supplementation of taurine as an antioxidant in boar semen extender can improve the semen quality.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.588-593
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• 2004

The gene expression of porcine adiponectin and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) was investigated in this study. The partial gene sequences for adiponectin and SCD were amplified by RT-PCR from subcutaneous adipose tissue and cloned by TA cloning techniques. Sequences of these genes were determined and found to be highly homologous to that of other species, suggesting similar function of these genes as in other species. The transcripts of these adipocyte-related genes in pig tissues were measured by Northern analysis. The transcripts for adiponectin and SCD were highly expressed in porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue; the transcripts for SCD were also barely detected in the liver, but the greatest concentrations were in the adipose tissue. In porcine stromalvascular cells (S/V cells) cultured in vitro, transcripts for adiponectin and SCD increased gradually during adipocyte differentiation. The level of adipocyte adiponectin mRNA was associated with late adipocyte differentiation, indicating the gene may not be involved in adipocyte differentiation but has great importance in porcine adipocyte functions. The SCD transcripts were not detectable until 2 d after induction of adipocyte differentiation. It was highly expressed in differentiating porcine adipocytes (2 to 10 d after the induction of adipocyte differentiation), indicating a significant role of SCD in adipocytes.