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Guo Y, Hu M, Peng H, Zhang Y, Kuang R, Han Z, Wang D, Liao Y, Ma R, Xu Z, Sun J, Shen Y, Zhao C, Ma H, Liu D, Zhao S, Zhao Y. Epigenomic features associated with body temperature stabilize tissues during cold exposure in cold-resistant pigs. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00159-0. [PMID: 38969257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Cold stress in low-temperature environments can trigger changes in gene expression, but epigenomics regulation of temperature stability in vital tissues, including the fat and diencephalon, is still unclear. Here, we explore the cold-induced changes in epigenomic features in the diencephalon and fat tissues of two cold-resistant Chinese pig breeds, Min and Enshi black (ES) pigs, utilizing H3K27ac CUT&Tag, RNA-seq, and selective signature analysis. Our results show significant alterations in H3K27ac modifications in the diencephalon of Min pigs and the fat of ES pigs after cold exposure. Dramatic changes in H3K27ac modifications in Min pigs are primarily associated with genes involved in energy metabolism and hormone regulation, whereas those in ES pigs are primarily associated with immunity-related genes. Moreover, transcription factors PRDM1 and HSF1, which show evidence of selection, are enriched in genomic regions presenting cold-responsive alterations in H3K27ac modification in the Min pig diencephalon and ES pig fat, respectively. Our results indicate the diversity of epigenomic response mechanisms to cold exposure between Min and ES pigs, providing unique epigenetic resources for studies of low-temperature adaptation in large mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Mingyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China; Yazhouwan National Laboratory, 572000, Sanya, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Renzhuo Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Zheyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Daoyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Yinlong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China; Yazhouwan National Laboratory, 572000, Sanya, China
| | - Ruixian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China
| | - Changzhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China; Yazhouwan National Laboratory, 572000, Sanya, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 150086 Harbin, China.
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 150086 Harbin, China.
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China; Yazhouwan National Laboratory, 572000, Sanya, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yunxia Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China; Yazhouwan National Laboratory, 572000, Sanya, China.
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Teiga-Teixeira P, Alves Rodrigues M, Moura D, Teiga-Teixeira E, Esteves A. Osteomyelitis in Pig Carcasses at a Portuguese Slaughterhouse: Association with Tail-Biting and Teeth Resection. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1794. [PMID: 38929413 PMCID: PMC11200971 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteomyelitis is the leading cause of total carcass condemnation in finishing pigs in Portugal, causing significant economic losses in swine production. The present study sought to determine a possible link between osteomyelitis in pig carcasses, pre-slaughter factors, and concomitant post-mortem inspection findings. For this purpose, meat inspection data were collected from 100,489 finishing pigs slaughtered in a northern Portuguese abattoir. Information regarding total carcass condemnation, slaughter season, origin, sex, tail-biting lesions, and husbandry invasive procedures (tail docking and teeth resection) was collected. The main cause of total carcass condemnation was osteomyelitis (61.03%). A total of 36.16% of osteomyelitis cases were present in the anterior region and 52.20% in the posterior region. In the anterior region, 94.78% of osteomyelitis cases were in the mandibular bone. Pigs with clipped teeth and carcasses with pleurisies were associated with a higher occurrence of osteomyelitis (p = 0.00262 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Second- and third-grade tail-biting lesions were also linked to a higher occurrence of osteomyelitis (p = 0.00128 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Slaughter inspection and monitoring procedures should be revised to better assess welfare factors and correlate management practices with the occurrence of osteomyelitis in pig carcasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Teiga-Teixeira
- General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Affairs of the Northern Region, Barcelinhos, 4755-060 Barcelos, Portugal;
| | - Melissa Alves Rodrigues
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Dina Moura
- General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Affairs of the Northern Region, Barcelinhos, 4755-060 Barcelos, Portugal;
| | | | - Alexandra Esteves
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Animal and Veterinary Science Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Chai Y, Xing L, Li J. Effects of intermittent cold stimulation on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and liver lipid metabolism in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103442. [PMID: 38262335 PMCID: PMC10835453 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermittent cold stimulation (ICS) enhances broilers' resistance to cold stress. Nonetheless, further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms that enhance cold stress resistance. A total of 160 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 2 groups (CC and CS5), with the CC group managing temperature according to the standard for broiler growth stages, while the CS5 group were subjected to cold stimulation at a temperature 3℃ lower than the CC group for 5 h, every 2 d from 15 to 35 d. Sampling was conducted at 36 d (36D), 50 d (50D) and after acute cold stress for 24 h (Y24). First, we examined the effects of ICS on broiler growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism. The results demonstrated that ICS enhanced the performance of broilers to a certain degree. Specifically, the average weight gain in the CS5 group was significantly higher than that of the CC group, and the feed conversion ratio significantly decreased compared to CC at 4 W and 6 W (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, cold stimulation significantly reduced drip loss, shearing force, and yellowness (a* value) of chicken meat, while significantly increased redness (b* value) (P ≤ 0.05). At Y24, the levels of T-AOC and GSH-PX in the serum of the CS5 group were significantly higher than those of the CC group, while the level of MDA was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). The content of TG, FFA, and VLDL in the serum of the CS5 group was significantly elevated, whereas the level of TC and HDL was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, we further explored whether AMPK-mTOR pathway is involved in the regulation of changes in lipid metabolism and the possible regulatory mechanisms downstream of the signaling pathway. The results showed that ICS significantly upregulated the expression levels of AMPK mRNA and protein in the liver of the CS5 group at 36D and Y24, while significantly down-regulating mTOR (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, ICS significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of lipid synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (SREBP1c, FAS, SCD, ACC, GRP78 and PERK) at 36D and Y24, while significantly up-regulating the mRNA expression levels of lipid decomposition and autophagy-related genes (PPAR and LC3) (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, at Y24, the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (GRP78) in the CS5 group were significantly lower, while autophagy-related genes (LC3 and ATG7) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). ICS can affect meat quality and lipid metabolism in broilers, and when broilers are subjected to acute cold stress, broilers trained with cold stimulation have stronger lipid metabolism capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yiwen Chai
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Lu Xing
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, 150030, China.
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Botelho-Fontela S, Paixão G, Pereira-Pinto R, Vaz-Velho M, Pires MA, Payan-Carreira R, Patarata L, Lorenzo JM, Silva A, Esteves A. The effects of different immunocastration protocols on meat quality traits and boar taint compounds in male Bísaro pigs. Theriogenology 2024; 214:89-97. [PMID: 37862942 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Immunocastration can be an alternative to surgical castration in Bísaro pigs when there is a need to keep animals on the farm until at least 8 months old. As an autochthonous breed, some particularities must be addressed when doing immunocastration, for which 3 different protocols were tested and two control groups were made with surgically castrated males (SC) and boars (Bo). Two protocols were made in prepubertal pigs, with two (E2) and three inoculations (L3) in the first cycle, and another in adults (A2) with only two inoculations. Physicochemical parameters and boar taint compounds quantification and sensory analysis of the meat from the studied pigs were assessed. Immunocastration provided intermediate values between surgically castrated pigs and entire males, with low levels of boar taint compounds. The L3 group provided closer results to SC, which was also corroborated by the sensory analysis. Although the other two protocols had no significant differences with Bo, there was a positive tendency towards them. As is, the L3 protocol was promising as a good alternative to surgical castration, maintaining the characteristic attributes of the Bísaro pig meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Botelho-Fontela
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Gustavo Paixão
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Pereira-Pinto
- CISAS - Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Vaz-Velho
- CISAS - Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
| | - Maria A Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Rita Payan-Carreira
- CHRC - Comprehensive Health Research Centre & Department de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, 7002, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Luís Patarata
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - José M Lorenzo
- Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia 4, 32900, San Cibrao das Viñas, Spain.
| | - António Silva
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra Esteves
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
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Albert F, Kovács-Weber M, Bodnár Á, Pajor F, Egerszegi I. Seasonal Effects on the Performance of Finishing Pigs' Carcass and Meat Quality in Indoor Environments. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:259. [PMID: 38254428 PMCID: PMC10812434 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most retailers in EU countries pay pig breeders for their animals' lean meat percentage, which does not align fully with measures of pork quality (such as colour). In this study, we investigated the effects of season (summer vs. autumn) on finishing pigs' performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters in 24 slaughter pigs. Growing performance traits (live weights, average daily weight gain), slaughter values (warm and cold carcass weights, trunk length, fat thickness) and meat quality parameters (pH at 45 min and 24 h postmortem, colour, drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss, shear force, and meat composition) were recorded. Seasonal differences were more pronounced for the initial age, the number of days in the growing-finishing phase, and the average daily gain. There was also a significant difference in the trunk length between groups, the fat thickness on withers and loin, and also in mean fat thickness. A significant difference was found in the case of pH, total drip loss, and meat colour (L*). The intramuscular fat and collagen content of meat was significantly higher in summer; in contrast, the protein content of meat samples was considerably lower in summer. In conclusion, seasonal effects on finishers' performance, lean meat values, and several meat quality parameters highlight the importance of more profound seasonal settings of climate control to fulfil the progressively changing quantitative and qualitative requests of pork sector participants from farm to fork.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ferenc Pajor
- Department of Animal Husbandry Technology and Animal Welfare, Institute of Animal Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly 1, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (F.A.); (M.K.-W.); (Á.B.); (I.E.)
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Botelho-Fontela S, Ferreira S, Paixão G, Pereira-Pinto R, Vaz-Velho M, Pires MDA, Payan-Carreira R, Patarata L, Lorenzo JM, Silva JA, Esteves A. Seasonal Variations on Testicular Morphology, Boar Taint, and Meat Quality Traits in Traditional Outdoor Pig Farming. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:102. [PMID: 38200834 PMCID: PMC10778027 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional outdoor pig farming is renowned for its emphasis on animal welfare and the production of highly valued, quality meat. While seasonality is known to impact certain animals, particularly those raised outdoors, there is a lack of research on Bísaro boars, a native Portuguese breed. This research study was conducted on a total of 20 male entire Bísaro pigs, reared in outdoor pens from 4 to 13 months old, and subsequently slaughtered. The animals were divided into two groups: one slaughtered in winter (Wi, n = 9), and the other in summer (Su, n = 11). The objective was to evaluate testicular morphometry, boar taint compounds, and meat quality traits, including sensory analysis and fatty acid profile. Testicles from the Su group exhibited reduced volume, indicating diminished functionality during that season. While no significant differences were observed in the boar taint compound analysis, panelists could discern a more intense aroma and flavor of boar taint in the Su meat. Other meat quality traits showed no significant variations, but the fatty acid profile displayed higher values in the Wi group. This study reveals that Bísaro boars experience reproductive seasonality, leading to variations in boar taint compounds across the seasons. This information is crucial for farm planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Botelho-Fontela
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Sílvia Ferreira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Gustavo Paixão
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
- CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.P.-P.); (M.V.-V.)
| | - Ricardo Pereira-Pinto
- CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.P.-P.); (M.V.-V.)
| | - Manuela Vaz-Velho
- CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.P.-P.); (M.V.-V.)
| | - Maria dos Anjos Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Rita Payan-Carreira
- CHRC—Comprehensive Health Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Évora, Pole at Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Luís Patarata
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - José M. Lorenzo
- Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia 4, 32900 San Cibrao das Viñas, Spain;
| | - José A. Silva
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Alexandra Esteves
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (S.F.); (G.P.); (M.d.A.P.); (L.P.); (J.A.S.); (A.E.)
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7
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Ludwiczak A, Kasprowicz-Potocka M, Zaworska-Zakrzewska A, Składanowska-Baryza J, Rodriguez-Estevez V, Sanz-Fernandez S, Diaz-Gaona C, Ferrari P, Pedersen LJ, Couto MYR, Revilla I, Sell-Kubiak E. Husbandry practices associated with extensification in European pig production and their effects on pork quality. Meat Sci 2023; 206:109339. [PMID: 37716226 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2023.109339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
This review has been developed as part of the mEATquality project with the main objective to examine the types of extensification practices used in European pig husbandry and their effect on intrinsic meat quality. Literature search has resulted in 679 references in total, from which 53 showed a strict compliance with the goals of this review: 1) the use of local European breeds and their crossbreds (22 papers); 2) addition of forage to diet (9 papers); 3) increased space allowance (3 papers); 4) enrichment of environment (19 papers). The evaluation of selected extensification factors showed that not all of them have a clear impact on meat quality, and are often confounded. The most clear differences were observed when comparing autochthonous with commercial breeds, and systems with access to pastures or woodlands vs. indoor housing. Despite many studies focusing on the extensification of husbandry practices, some of the factors cannot be confirmed to have a direct effect on pork intrinsic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ludwiczak
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, Suchy Las 62-002, Poland.
| | | | - Anita Zaworska-Zakrzewska
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wołyńska 33, Poznań 60-637, Poland.
| | - Joanna Składanowska-Baryza
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, Suchy Las 62-002, Poland.
| | - Vicente Rodriguez-Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba 14014, Spain.
| | - Santos Sanz-Fernandez
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba 14014, Spain.
| | - Cipriano Diaz-Gaona
- Department of Animal Production, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba 14014, Spain.
| | - Paolo Ferrari
- Research Centre for Animal Production (CRPA), Viale Timavo, 43/2, Reggio Emilia 42121, Italy.
| | - Lene Juul Pedersen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, Tjele 8830, Denmark.
| | | | - Isabel Revilla
- Food Technology Area, University of Salamanca, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Zamora, Avda. Requejo 33, Zamora 49022, Spain.
| | - Ewa Sell-Kubiak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wołyńska 33, Poznań 60-637, Poland.
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An J, Kim Y, Song M, Choi J, Yun W, Oh H, Chang S, Go Y, Song D, Cho H, Park S, Kim Y, Park Y, Park G, Oh S, Cho J. Effect of loading density and weather conditions on animal welfare and meat quality of slaughter pigs. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:1323-1340. [PMID: 38616884 PMCID: PMC11007295 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
There are several factors that affect the welfare and meat quality of pigs during pre-slaughter transport. Among various factors, the effects of weather conditions and loading density were studied. A total of 3,726 finishing pigs were allotted to one of nine groups arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial design according to the weather conditions (low temperature [LT], under 10°C; normal temperature [NT], 10°C-24°C; high temperature [HT], upper 24°C), and loading density (low density [LD], upper 0.43 m2/100 kg; normal density [ND], 0.37-0.43 m2/100 kg; high density [HD], under 0.37 m2/100 kg). Each treatment group follow as: LTLD, LTND, LTHD, NTLD, NTND, NTHD, HTLD, HTND, HTHD. In terms of carcass composition, pigs had the highest carcass weight and backfat thickness at LT. Comparing the HD transport to the ND transport, the meat quality indicated a lower pH and more drip loss. The incidence rate of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork was high in the order of the HD, LD, and the ND transport (20%, 9%, and 2%, respectively). The HT transport showed the lowest pH and greatest L* value under the given weather conditions. Pigs transported under the HTHD and LTLD conditions had the greatest rates of PSE pork (40% and 20%, respectively). Pigs exposed to HD transport had the shortest laying time and the highest overplap behavior. The LDLT transport pigs had a shorter laying time than the LDNT and LDHT transport pigs. In conclusion, too high or too low density transport is generally not excellent for meat quality or animal welfare, however it is preferable to transport at a slightly low density at high temperature and at a slightly high density at low temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo An
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yongju Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Minho Song
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
| | - Jungseok Choi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Won Yun
- Central Research Institute, Woosung Feed
Co., Ltd, Daejeon 34379, Korea
| | - Hanjin Oh
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seyeon Chang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Youngbin Go
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Dongcheol Song
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyunah Cho
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sanghun Park
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yuna Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yunhwan Park
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Gyutae Park
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sehyuk Oh
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jinho Cho
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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9
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Li W, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Zhao N, Zhang W, Shi M, Zhao Y, Cai C, Lu C, Gao P, Guo X, Li B, Kim SW, Yang Y, Cao G. Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Potential Genes of Skeletal Muscle Thermogenesis in Mashen Pigs and Large White Pigs under Cold Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15534. [PMID: 37958518 PMCID: PMC10650474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs are susceptible to cold stress due to the absence of brown fat caused by the partial deletion of uncoupling protein 1 during their evolution. Some local pig breeds in China exhibit potential cold adaptability, but research has primarily focused on fat and intestinal tissues. Skeletal muscle plays a key role in adaptive thermogenesis in mammals, yet the molecular mechanism of cold adaptation in porcine skeletal muscle remains poorly understood. This study investigated the cold adaptability of two pig breeds, Mashen pigs (MS) and Large White pigs (LW), in a four-day cold (4 °C) or normal temperature (25 °C) environment. We recorded phenotypic changes and collected blood and longissimus dorsi muscle for transcriptome sequencing. Finally, the PRSS8 gene was randomly selected for functional exploration in porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells. A decrease in body temperature and body weight in both LW and MS pigs under cold stress, accompanied by increased shivering frequency and respiratory frequency, were observed. However, the MS pigs demonstrated stable physiological homeostasis, indicating a certain level of cold adaptability. The LW pigs primarily responded to cold stress by regulating their heat production and glycolipid energy metabolism. The MS pigs exhibited a distinct response to cold stress, involving the regulation of heat production, energy metabolism pathways, and robust mitochondrial activity, as well as a stronger immune response. Furthermore, the functional exploration of PRSS8 in porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells revealed that it affected cellular energy metabolism and thermogenesis by regulating ERK phosphorylation. These findings shed light on the diverse transcriptional responses of skeletal muscle in LW and MS pigs under cold stress, offering valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cold adaptation in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Yufen Chen
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Yunting Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Ning Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Wanfeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Mingyue Shi
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Chunbo Cai
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Chang Lu
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Pengfei Gao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Xiaohong Guo
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Bugao Li
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Sung-Woo Kim
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
| | - Guoqing Cao
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.L.)
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10
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Przyborowska-Zhalniarovich P, Maes D, Otrocka-Domagała I, Paździor-Czapula K, Wiszniewska-Łaszczych A, Sołtysiuk M. Association between Enzootic Pneumonia-like Lung Lesions and Carcass Quality and Meat pH Value in Slaughter Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2210. [PMID: 37444007 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the prevalence of respiratory diseases in slaughter pigs ranges from 19% to 74% and continues to be an important concern for swine herds worldwide, only a few studies have investigated the relationship between respiratory disease and pork quality. The general aim of this study was to investigate associations between the prevalence and severity of enzootic pneumonia-like lesions in Polish slaughter pigs on different carcass and meat-quality characteristics at the animal and herd levels. The average prevalence of bronchopneumonic lungs with different degrees of lesions was 94.57%. The majority of lesions indicated the acute stage of enzootic pneumonia. Our results indicate a statistically significant interaction between the mean weight of carcasses depending on the extent of the lesions (p = 0.04) at the animal level. The correlation between meatiness and severity of lung lesions was r = -0.25 (p = 0.00). The correlation between the extent of lung lesions and pH45 value was r = -0.17 (p = 0.005) on the animal level and r = -0.63 (p = 0.017) at the herd level. This implies that lung lesions in slaughter pigs negatively influence not only animal health and welfare, but also carcass quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Przyborowska-Zhalniarovich
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicie, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Unit of Porcine Health Management, Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Iwona Otrocka-Domagała
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Paździor-Czapula
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wiszniewska-Łaszczych
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicie, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Sołtysiuk
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicie, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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11
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Song D, Lee J, Kim K, Song M, Oh H, Chang S, An J, Park S, Jeon K, Kim H, Cho J. Effects of driving style and bedding in pigs transported to slaughterhouse in different temperatures. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 65:878-889. [PMID: 37970499 PMCID: PMC10640947 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Animal welfare during transport became an largely issue because of increasing demand for improved animal welfare standards. Most studies on the animal welfare during transportation have concentrated on the atmosphere and the temperature of the truck compartments. Thus, the objective of study was to collect and quantify three axis acceleration and determine the effect of bedding for transporting pigs from farm to slaughterhouse. A total of 2,840 crossbred fattening pigs with a live weight of approximately 115 kg were used. They were raised in the same commercial farms and transported to the same commercial slaughterhouse. A 3×2×2 completely randomized factorial design was used to investigate effects of rubber type bedding (bedding or non-bedding) and two levels of driving style (aggressive or normal) in three different time periods with different outside temperatures. Air temperature treatments were as follow: high temperature ([HT] higher than 24°C); low temperature ([LT] lower than 10°C); normal temperature ([NT] 10°C to 24°C). In our experiment, pigs transported under aggressive driving style showed lower (p < 0.05) pH and water holding capacity (WHC) than those transported under normal driving style. Pigs transported under normal driving style showed a lower percentage of drip loss (DL) (p < 0.05) than those transported with an aggressive driving style. Also, transported with bedding showed higher (p < 0.05) lying behavior but lower (p < 0.05) sitting behavior than those transported without bedding. Pigs transported under normal driving style showed lower (p < 0.05) cortisol level than those transported under aggressive driving style. In conclusion, aggressive driving style cause acute stress in pigs, while bedding helps alleviate acute stress in pigs during transportation in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongcheol Song
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jihwan Lee
- Department of Poultry Science, University
of Georgia (UGA), Athens, 30602, USA
| | - Kangheung Kim
- Department of Food Marketing and Safety,
Kunkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Minho Song
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hanjin Oh
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Seyeon Chang
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jaewoo An
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sehyun Park
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Kyeongho Jeon
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyeunbum Kim
- Department of Animal Resource and Science,
Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Jinho Cho
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk
National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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12
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Pardo Z, Lara L, Nieto R, Fernández-Fígares I, Seiquer I. Muscle quality traits and oxidative status of Iberian pigs supplemented with zinc and betaine under heat stress. Meat Sci 2023; 198:109119. [PMID: 36669318 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2023.109119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The study analyzed the effect of supplemental zinc and betaine on meat quality and redox status of muscles (longissimus lumborum and gluteus medius) from heat- stressed pigs. Twenty-four pure Iberian pigs were assigned to one of three treatments (n = 8): control diet, Zn supplemented diet (120 mg/kg) and betaine supplemented diet (5 g/kg) that were all exposed to 30 °C during 28 days. No significant differences were observed in chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the muscles. The Zn diet improved the water retention capacity of longissimus, increased the antioxidant properties (ABTS and FRAP) and the glutathione peroxidase activity, and reduced the level of MDA. No significant effects associated to the betaine diet were observed in quality traits and antioxidant markers of muscles. These findings suggest that Zn supplementation may be used as a nutritional strategy to improve the antioxidant properties of meat of Iberian pigs subjected to heat stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Pardo
- Departamento de Nutrición y Producción Animal Sostenible, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, San Miguel 101, 18100, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis Lara
- Departamento de Nutrición y Producción Animal Sostenible, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, San Miguel 101, 18100, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Nieto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Producción Animal Sostenible, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, San Miguel 101, 18100, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fernández-Fígares
- Departamento de Nutrición y Producción Animal Sostenible, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, San Miguel 101, 18100, Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel Seiquer
- Departamento de Nutrición y Producción Animal Sostenible, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, San Miguel 101, 18100, Armilla, Granada, Spain.
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13
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Yan E, He L, Guo J, Zhang X, Yin J. Carcass and meat quality traits and their relationships in Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire barrows slaughtered at various seasons. Meat Sci 2023; 198:109117. [PMID: 36689802 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2023.109117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
To understand characteristics of carcass traits and meat quality in pig population, 22 indicators of carcass characteristics and meat quality traits were measured on 278 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire barrows that were slaughtered in different seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The effects of body weight and season on carcass characteristics and meat quality were analyzed by GLM procedure, followed the Bonferroni multiple test. The phenotypic correlations among those traits were calculated by employing the CORR procedure. In addition, the linear regression equations were constructed by stepwise regression model in REG procedure. The results showed that pigs slaughtered in spring had the heaviest body weight among the four seasons (P < 0.05), pigs slaughtered in summer had the lowest backfat depth and shear force (P < 0.05), and pigs slaughtered in winter had the lowest drip loss (P < 0.05). The results showed more variation in backfat depth, drip loss, intramuscular fat content, and shear force, compared with other indicators across pigs. Body weight had a significant association with loin eye area, average backfat depth and L⁎24 h (P < 0.05). Furthermore, regression equations for drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and intramuscular fat content were constructed using more accessible indicators. Collectively, this study provided an overall view of carcass and meat quality traits in a commercial pig population in China, and illustrated that season significantly affected carcass characteristics and meat quality traits independently of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hailiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Enfa Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Linjuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianxin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingdong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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14
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Marti E, Nannoni E, Visentin G, Sardi L, Martelli G, Belperio S, Liuzzo G. Mortality during Transport of Pigs Subjected to Long Journeys: A Study in a Large European Abattoir. Vet Sci 2022; 9:590. [PMID: 36356067 PMCID: PMC9697356 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, especially in Europe, few studies have analysed the implications of long journeys on pig welfare and economic losses, expressed in terms of transport mortality. This study retrospectively analysed data collected from slaughtering registers and travel journals in a large Italian abattoir. We focused on pig transports coming from abroad and arriving at the slaughter plant after long journeys (a total of 59,982 pigs over 370 journeys). We explored the relationship between mortality and the following variables: country of origin, journey duration, astronomical season, stocking density on the truck, number of stops, and prolonged stops during the journey (lasting more than 60 min, likely due to traffic jams or truck problems). Overall, the low mortality rate observed (0.09%) was in line with European estimates. The factors with a significant or tendential effect on mortality during transport were the astronomical season (p = 0.0472, with higher mortality in spring) and the presence of prolonged stops during the journey (p = 0.069, tendential effect). Journey duration, stocking density, country of origin, and the number of stops were not statistically significant. In conclusion, based on this case study, using transport mortality combined with data collected during the common routine activity by the Public Veterinary Services in slaughterhouses could be a simple screening method for identifying problematic journeys or transport conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulio Visentin
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Simona Belperio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Liuzzo
- Department of Public Health—Veterinary Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Strada Martiniana 21, 41126 Modena, Italy
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15
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Zhang D, Ma S, Wang L, Ma H, Wang W, Xia J, Liu D. Min pig skeletal muscle response to cold stress. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274184. [PMID: 36155652 PMCID: PMC9512212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased sensitivity of pigs to ambient temperature is due to today’s intensive farming. Frequent climate disasters increase the pressure on healthy pig farming. Min pigs are an indigenous pig breed in China with desirable cold resistance characteristics, and hence are ideal for obtaining cold-resistant pig breeds. Therefore, it is important to discover the molecular mechanisms that are activated in response to cold stress in the Min pig. Here, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of the skeletal muscle of Min pigs under chronic low-temperature acclimation (group A) and acute short cold stress (group B). Cold exposure caused more genes to be upregulated. Totals of 125 and 96 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated from groups A and B. Sixteen common upregulated DEGs were screened; these were concentrated in oxidative stress (SRXN1, MAFF), immune and inflammatory responses (ITPKC, AREG, MMP25, FOSL1), the nervous system (RETREG1, GADD45A, RCAN1), lipid metabolism (LRP11, LIPG, ITGA5, AMPD2), solute transport (SLC19A2, SLC28A1, SLCO4A1), and fertility (HBEGF). There were 102 and 73 genes that were specifically differentially expressed in groups A and B, respectively. The altered mRNAs were enriched in immune, endocrine, and cancer pathways. There were 186 and 91 differentially expressed lncRNAs generated from groups A and B. Analysis of the target genes suggested that they may be involved in regulating the MAPK signaling pathway for resistance to cold. The results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of cold exposure–induced transcriptional patterns in skeletal muscle of the Min pig. These results can guide future molecular studies of cold stress response in pigs for improving cold tolerance as a goal in breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shouzheng Ma
- Department of Animal Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiqao Xia
- Department of Animal Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Animal Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Key parameters of head-heart electrical stunning need to be adapted to improve stunning effectiveness and meat quality in pigs of different genetic lines. Meat Sci 2022; 190:108829. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Si R, Na Q, Wu D, Wu X, Ming L, Ji R. Effects of Age and Muscle Type on the Chemical Composition and Quality Characteristics of Bactrian Camel ( Camelus bactrianus) Meat. Foods 2022; 11:foods11071021. [PMID: 35407108 PMCID: PMC8997391 DOI: 10.3390/foods11071021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Camel meat could have health benefits for human consumers due to its nutritional value. The influence of age and muscle type on the chemical composition and quality characteristics of Bactrian camel meat was examined in the present study. Samples of the Longissimus thoracic (LT), Semitendinosus (ST), and Psoas major (PM) muscles were collected from a total of fifteen male camels in three different age groups (3−4 years, 6−7 years, and 9−10 years). The younger camels exhibited higher values of moisture, polyunsaturated fatty acids, ultimate pH, cooking loss, and lightness, but lower fat, shear force, and redness values compared to meat collected from older camels. The LT muscle had higher fat and color parameters (lightness, redness, yellowness) but lower shear force values than the ST and PM muscles (p < 0.05). The ST muscles had a higher content of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids but lower cooking loss values than the LT and PM muscles. These results indicated that younger camels provide better meat quality traits than older camels. The results of the present study will improve the marketing of Bactrian camel meat products and will provide more information about the most suitable muscles and the optimal slaughter age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendalai Si
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (R.S.); (Q.N.); (D.W.); (X.W.); (L.M.)
| | - Qin Na
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (R.S.); (Q.N.); (D.W.); (X.W.); (L.M.)
| | - Dandan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (R.S.); (Q.N.); (D.W.); (X.W.); (L.M.)
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (R.S.); (Q.N.); (D.W.); (X.W.); (L.M.)
| | - Liang Ming
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (R.S.); (Q.N.); (D.W.); (X.W.); (L.M.)
| | - Rimutu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (R.S.); (Q.N.); (D.W.); (X.W.); (L.M.)
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Camel Research, Alxa 737300, China
- Correspondence:
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18
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Impact of Heat Stress on Meat Quality and Antioxidant Markers in Iberian Pigs. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10121911. [PMID: 34943014 PMCID: PMC8750345 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10121911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is associated with impaired meat quality and disruption of redox balance. This study investigated the effect of chronic exposure to high temperature on meat quality and antioxidant markers of muscles (longissimus lumborum and gluteus medius) of growing Iberian pigs. Twenty-four pure Iberian pigs were allocated during 28 days to one of three treatments (n = 8/treatment): thermoneutral conditions (20 °C) and ad libitum feeding (TN), heat stress conditions (30 °C) and ad libitum feeding (HS) and thermoneutral and pair-fed with HS (TN-pf). Muscles of the HS group had greater intramuscular fat content than the TN-pf group and higher Zn levels than TN and TN-pf, whereas differences on fatty acid composition were negligible. Heat exposure did not affect pH, color coordinates of redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) and MDA values but had a positive influence on lightness and drip losses. Moreover, chronic heat stress stimulated the activity of antioxidant defenses SOD, CAT and GPx. The statistical factor analysis adequately classified the muscles studied, but was unable to differentiate samples according with treatments. Findings of the present study support an adaptive response of the Iberian pig to high temperatures and show the high Iberian meat quality even under adverse climate situations.
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Čobanović N, Novaković S, Tomašević I, Karabasil N. Combined effects of weather conditions, transportation time and loading density on carcass damages and meat quality of market-weight pigs. Arch Anim Breed 2021; 64:425-435. [PMID: 34712773 PMCID: PMC8546884 DOI: 10.5194/aab-64-425-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the interactive effects of weather conditions, transportation time and loading density on carcass damages and meat quality
traits of market-weight pigs under commercial conditions. The following pork quality parameters were measured: pH and temperature; colour; drip,
thawing and cooking loss; and textural traits. Pigs were assigned to one of eight groups arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design
according to the weather conditions (hot and cold), transportation time (short and long) and loading density (high and
low). A three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (multiple comparisons) were performed to assess the differences between groups in examined pork quality
traits. Pigs exposed to short transportation (∼ 20 min) at high loading density (0.29 m2/100kg) during hot weather conditions produced meat with the lowest
initial and ultimate meat pH value and sensory colour scores, and the highest initial temperature and the occurrence of pale, soft and exudative
pork. The occurrence of pale, soft and exudative pork was reduced 5-fold during hot weather conditions when pigs were exposed to longer
transportation (∼ 210 min) and low loading density (0.53 m2/100kg). Pigs exposed to short transportation
(∼ 20 min) at high loading density (0.41 m2/100kg) during cold weather conditions produced the highest quality pork (the
highest percentage of red, firm and non-exudative pork) characterised by lowest drip loss and b∗ value and the highest sensory colour
scores. The highest percentages of carcass damages were recorded in pigs exposed to both low (0.50 m2/100kg) and high
(0.33 m2/100kg) loading density during long transportation (∼ 210 min) in cold weather conditions. In conclusion, weather
conditions and loading density are of greater importance for the occurrence of carcass damages and pork quality variation than transportation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Čobanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Saša Novaković
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Igor Tomašević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nedjeljko Karabasil
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Comparison of diurnal rectal and body surface temperatures in large white piglets during the hot-dry season in a tropical Guinea savannah. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:102953. [PMID: 34420610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the differences in rectal and body surface temperatures and their extent of conformity using digital and infrared thermometers, respectively, in piglets during the hot-dry season in a tropical guinea savannah of Nigeria. Thirty Large White piglets of both sexes, aged 10-14 days, served as the experimental subjects. The rectal and surface body temperatures were recorded concurrently with those of the ambient dry- and wet-bulbs, during the day at 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00 h (GMT +1). There were significant (P < 0.05) diurnal variations in all body and ambient temperature readings, with the highest values obtained in the afternoon (at 15:00 h GMT + 1). The mean diurnal rectal and body surface temperatures in the piglets at 09:00-18:00 h were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the corresponding values at 06:00 h. The overall mean rectal temperature (39.00 ± 0.04 °C) was higher (P < 0.01) than body surface temperature recorded for the eye (38.05 ± 0.04 °C), ear (38.10 ± 0.07 °C), head (37.97 ± 0.05 °C), nose (35.68 ± 0.13 °C), scapula (38.16 ± 0.06 °C), thigh (38.00 ± 0.06 °C), back (38.02 ± 0.06 °C) and hoof (36.83 ± 0.07 °C). The largest and smallest mean difference between rectal and body surface temperatures was -3.32 ± 0.12 °C and -0.84 ± 0.06 °C for the temperature of the nose and scapula, respectively. The positive correlation (P < 0.05) between body temperatures (rectal and surface) of the piglets with ambient temperature implied that the later had a tremendous effect on the former. Body surface temperatures at the region of eye, ear, head, nose, scapula, thigh, back and hoof had significantly (P < 0.0001) linear and positive relationships with rectal temperature. In conclusion, the similar diurnal trends, highly significant correlation coefficients and linear relationships between the rectal and body surface temperatures suggest that the later may serve as valid and reliable estimates of the former in piglets.
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21
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Vitali M, Bosi P, Santacroce E, Trevisi P. The multivariate approach identifies relationships between pre-slaughter factors, body lesions, ham defects and carcass traits in pigs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251855. [PMID: 34014995 PMCID: PMC8136735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abattoir meat inspection has been proposed for the collection of welfare outcomes. The identification of suitable animal-based measures (ABM) is still a critical point that needs to be implemented to avoid collinearity among measures. The present study aims to benchmark the presence of ABM such as skin and tail lesions and ham defects in carcasses from 79 batches of Italian Heavy pigs and to identify possible relationships between the assessed ABM and pre-slaughter factors such as the season and the overnight lairage. Furthermore, the study also considers the effect of pre-slaughter conditions and ABM on carcass traits parameters (cold carcass weight and lean meat percentage). Skin and tail lesions were recorded at the slaughter line. The presence of abscesses, muscle tears and veining defects were assessed in the hams at trimming, according to the Parma Ham Consortium. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify relationships between ABM and pre-slaughter factor; therefore, a linear model was built to assess the effect on carcass weight and lean meat percentage. Main welfare issues were represented by skin and tail lesions and muscle tears (prevalence above 10%). Multivariate analysis evidenced that skin lesions and veining defects were mostly associated with the warm season. Abscesses and muscle tears in the hams were more likely related to overnight lairage, while tail lesions contributed equally to both season and lairage. Moreover, lairage related factors showed to affect lean meat percentage. The findings of the present study suggest that ham defects might be useful indicators of pre-slaughter stress. The validation of these findings with physiological parameters could be of interest for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Vitali
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Bosi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Santacroce
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Trevisi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Huang Y, Shen Y, Zou H, Jiang Q. Analysis of long non-coding RNAs in skeletal muscle of Bama Xiang pigs in response to heat stress. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:259. [PMID: 33852074 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) molecules and predict their target genes related to muscle development and lipid metabolism in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of Bama Xiang pigs under constant heat stress. Ten male Bama Xiang pigs with an average initial body weight of 14 kg were randomly divided into control group (22°C) and heat stress (35 °C) group. The experiment lasted for 28 days. All the pigs were slaughtered at the end of the experiment, and LD muscles were collected for muscle quality analysis and transcriptome sequencing. Heat stress reduced meat quality of Bama Xiang pigs. lncRNAs in LD were identified systematically by deep RNA sequencing between the two groups. The results showed that 365 lncRNAs from the LD were identified, including 128 intergenic lncRNAs, 82 intronic lncRNAs, and 155 anti-sense lncRNAs. The differences lie in transcript of length, number of exons and wider size distribution, and expression level per KB fragment in three subtypes of lncRNAs. The three types of transposable elements coverage, including Line/L1, SINE/tRNA, and LTR/ERVL-MaLR, are the highest in mRNA and the three subtypes of lncRNAs in pigs. lncRNAs and mRNAs were different in comparison of features. The results predicted the target genes of the significant differentially expressed lncRNAs related to muscle development and lipid metabolism. This is the first study to expand the knowledge about muscle-related lncRNAs biology in Bama Xiang pigs under heat stress and will contribute to the development of alleviating the adverse effects of heat stress on pork quality targeting lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Yujian Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Qinyang Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
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23
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Sardi L, Gastaldo A, Borciani M, Bertolini A, Musi V, Garavaldi A, Martelli G, Cavallini D, Nannoni E. Pre-Slaughter Sources of Fresh Meat Quality Variation: The Case of Heavy Pigs Intended for Protected Designation of Origin Products. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122386. [PMID: 33327382 PMCID: PMC7764830 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focused on loin quality in Italian heavy pigs intended for the production of PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) products, and investigated the pre-slaughter factors which negatively affect the quality of fresh meat. Data were collected on 44 shipments (loads) of pigs. Shipments were carried out under commercial conditions. Several pre-slaughter parameters were recorded within the entire process (on-farm, during transport, and at the slaughterhouse). On a subset of pigs (10 animals from every load, N = 440), serum cortisol and creatine kinase were measured and loin samples were analyzed for pH, instrumental color, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and sensory quality. Cluster analysis of the instrumentally-assessed meat quality parameters allowed the categorization of the shipments into two clusters: lower quality (LQ) and higher quality (HQ). Our results showed that the factors with significant differences between the two clusters were journey duration, ambient temperature, distance traveled, and irregular behaviors (slipping, falling, and overlapping) at unloading (all greater in LQ, p < 0.05). The pre-slaughter conditions associated with lower loin quality were ambient temperatures above 22 °C, distance traveled above 26 km, travel duration between 38-66 min, more than 5.9% of animals showing irregular behaviors at unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
| | - Alessandro Gastaldo
- Foundation C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production) Studies and Researches, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Marzia Borciani
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Bertolini
- Foundation C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production) Studies and Researches, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Valeria Musi
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Anna Garavaldi
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
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