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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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Albuquerque A, Garrido N, Charneca R, Egas C, Martin L, Ramos A, Costa F, Marmelo C, Martins JM. Influence of Sex and a High-Fiber Diet on the Gut Microbiome of Alentejano Pigs Raised to Heavy Weights. Vet Sci 2023; 10:641. [PMID: 37999464 PMCID: PMC10675691 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110641] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of sex and a dietary transition on the gut microbiota of a local Portuguese pig breed. Three groups of male Alentejano pigs (n = 10 each) were raised between ~40 and 160 kg LW. Group C included pigs that were surgically castrated, while the I group included intact ones; both were fed with commercial diets. The third group, IExp, included intact pigs that were fed commercial diets until ~130 kg, then replaced by an experimental diet based on legumes and agro-industrial by-products between ~130 and 160 kg. Fecal samples were collected two weeks before slaughter. The total DNA was extracted and used for 16S metabarcoding on a MiSeq® System. The dietary transition from a commercial diet to the experimental diet substantially increased and shifted the diversity observed. Complex carbohydrate fermenting bacteria, such as Ruminococcus spp. and Sphaerochaeta spp., were significantly more abundant in IExp (q < 0.05). On the other hand, castrated pigs presented a significantly lower abundance of the potential probiotic, Roseburia spp. and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group (q < 0.01), bacteria commonly associated with better gut health and lower body fat composition. Understanding the role of gut microbiota is paramount to ensure a low skatole deposition and consumers' acceptance of pork products from non-castrated male pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Albuquerque
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Departamento de Ciência Agrárias e Veterinárias, Edifício Quartel do Trem, Avenida 14 de Janeiro n° 21, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal
| | - Rui Charneca
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- MED & CHANGE, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT–Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Conceição Egas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit, Biocant, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - Luísa Martin
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnologias, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amélia Ramos
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnologias, Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Costa
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Carla Marmelo
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Martins
- ECO-PIG Consortium, Z.I. Catraia, Ap. 50, 3440-131 Santa Comba Dão, Portugal; (N.G.); (R.C.); (L.M.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.M.)
- MED & CHANGE, Departamento de Zootecnia, ECT–Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
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Wang C, Yang C, Zeng Y, Zhang M. GnRH-immunocastration: an alternative method for male animal surgical castration. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1248879. [PMID: 38026623 PMCID: PMC10644813 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1248879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Castration of male animals is intended to produce high-enhance quality of animal meat, prevent unpleasant taste, reduce aggressive behavior, and manage overbreeding. Over the years, Tranditional methods of mechanical and surgical castration have been employed over the years, but they fall short of meeting animal welfare requirements due to the associated risk of infection, pain, and stress. Immunocastration, specifically Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-immunocastration, targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis, has emerged as an animal-friendly alternative to surgical castration, effectively addressing these issues. This review seeks to systematically summarize the principles, development, current applications and challenges of GnRH-immunocastration, offering insights into its role in promoting animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cuiting Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yutian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Fernández-Fígares I, Haro A, Lachica M, Lara L, Seiquer I, Nieto R. Metabolic Profile of Growing Immune- and Surgically Castrated Iberian Pigs Fed Diets of Different Amino Acid Concentration. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2650. [PMID: 37627441 PMCID: PMC10451894 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162650] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to further characterize the performance and nitrogen retention differences previously observed between immunocastrated (IC) and surgically castrated (SC) pure Iberian pigs. Fifty-four pigs were used (three sexes: IC males, IC females and SC males), fed three isoenergetic diets (160, 140 and 120 g CP/kg DM; six pigs/treatment combination) from 40 kg BW until slaughter (105 kg BW). Plasmatic post-absorptive metabolites and hormones, and backfat tissue composition were determined. The IC males showed a trend towards higher plasmatic creatinine (p = 0.06) and IGF-1 concentrations than SC males and IC females (p < 0.001). SC males showed a higher predisposition to carcass fatness and insulin resistance compared to IC males. Plasmatic isoleucine concentration was higher in IC and SC males compared to IC females (p < 0.01), and valine was greater in IC males compared to the rest of the pigs (p < 0.001). Total branched-chain amino acids (AA) were greater in IC males than in IC females (p < 0.01). Total plasmatic essential AA concentrations tended to be greater in IC males (p = 0.09). The present results support the increased performance and nitrogen retention capacity previously observed in IC male Iberian pigs compared to SC males and IC females, which can be attributed to increased anabolic capacity related with lean growth in Iberian IC males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernández-Fígares
- Department of Nutrition and Sustainable Animal Production, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Haro
- Department of Nutrition and Sustainable Animal Production, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Lachica
- Department of Nutrition and Sustainable Animal Production, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Luis Lara
- Department of Nutrition and Sustainable Animal Production, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel Seiquer
- Department of Nutrition and Sustainable Animal Production, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain
| | - Rosa Nieto
- Department of Nutrition and Sustainable Animal Production, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain
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P. Pinto R, Martin L, Ramos A, Conceição M, R. da Costa R, Vaz-Velho M. Feeding and housing boars after puberty without castration allows
for good performance and low boar taint. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/148234/2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Batorek-Lukač N, Čandek-Potokar M, Škrlep M, Kubale V, Labussière E. Effect of Changes in Dietary Net Energy Concentration on Growth Performance, Fat Deposition, Skatole Production, and Intestinal Morphology in Immunocastrated Male Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:789776. [PMID: 34970619 PMCID: PMC8712477 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.789776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional requirements of heavy immunocastrated (IM) pigs and therefore appropriate feeding strategies have not yet been determined. Thus, the effects of changes in dietary net energy (NE) content were studied in 41 IM pigs, fed ad libitum diets with low, medium, and high NE content (LNE, MNE, and HNE diets, with 8.5, 9.3, and 10.0 MJ NE/kg, respectively), from 84 days of age until slaughter at an average age of 172 days and an average body weight of 122.5 kg. In the period from 143 to 170 days of age, there was a tendency for a greater NE intake (p = 0.08) in pigs fed the HNE diet along with greater (p < 0.01) backfat gain. Dietary treatment affected carcass composition, as lower backfat thickness (p = 0.01) and lower area of fat over the longissimus muscle (p = 0.05) were observed in the LNE and MNE pigs. In addition, greater lean meat content (p = 0.04) was observed in the LNE pigs. Reducing the NE of the diet by replacement of cereals and soybean meal with high-fiber ingredients resulted in lower indole production in the ascending colon (p < 0.01) and greater skatole production (p < 0.01) in the cecum. Greater villus area, width, height and perimeter, crypt depth, and thickness of the intestinal mucosa in the jejunum, ileum, ascending colon, and descending colon were found in the LNE group (p < 0.01) than in the HNE group, while those in the MNE group was intermediate. Cell proliferation was not affected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). The present results show that a reduction in dietary NE concentration lowers lipid deposition, without affecting performance or energy efficiency in IM pigs. This technique provides an advantage in terms of improved leanness, without affecting growth rate in IM pigs after immunization, which is particularly important when the backfat thickness is a determinant of carcass value and IM pigs are fattened to higher weights (e.g., in heavy pig production) or when a longer delay between immunization and slaughter is practiced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Batorek-Lukač
- Agricultural institute of Slovenia, Animal Production Department, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural institute of Slovenia, Animal Production Department, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Kubale
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Preclinical Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Alternatives to Piglet Castration: From Issues to Solutions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041041. [PMID: 33917235 PMCID: PMC8067991 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Because castrated male pigs convert feed into meat less efficiently than entire males, they are less efficient regarding the utilization of resources [...].
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Marín-García PJ, Llobat L. How Does Protein Nutrition Affect the Epigenetic Changes in Pig? A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020544. [PMID: 33669864 PMCID: PMC7923233 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression and depend of nutrition. In farm animals, and concretely, in pigs, some papers on protein nutrition have been realized to improve several productive traits. Changes in protein diet influence on epigenetic mechanisms that could affect productive and reproductive traits in individuals and their offspring. The purpose of this review was to update the current knowledge about the effects of these nutritional changes on epigenetic mechanisms in pigs. Abstract Epigenetic changes regulate gene expression and depend of external factors, such as environment and nutrition. In pigs, several studies on protein nutrition have been performed to improve productive and reproductive traits. Indeed, these studies aimed not only to determine broad protein requirements but also pigs’ essential amino acids requirements. Moreover, recent studies tried to determine these nutritional requirements for each individual, which is known as protein precision nutrition. However, nutritional changes could affect different epigenetic mechanisms, modifying metabolic pathways both in a given individual and its offspring. Modifications in protein nutrition, such as change in the amino acid profile, increase or decrease in protein levels, or the addition of metabolites that condition protein requirements, could affect the regulation of some genes, such as myostatin, insulin growth factor, or genes controlling cholesterol and glucose metabolism pathways. This review summarizes the impact of most common protein nutritional strategies on epigenetic changes and describes their effects on regulation of gene expression in pigs. In a context where animal nutrition is shifting towards precision protein nutrition (PPN), further studies evaluating the effects of PPN on animal epigenetic are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lola Llobat
- Grupo de Fisiopatología de la Reproducción, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Djurkin Kušec I, Cimerman E, Škrlep M, Karolyi D, Gvozdanović K, Komlenić M, Radišić Ž, Kušec G. Influence of Immunocastration on Slaughter Traits and Boar Taint Compounds in Pigs Originating from Three Different Terminal Sire Lines. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010228. [PMID: 33477673 PMCID: PMC7831900 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010228] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Due to the negative public opinion and welfare issues related to surgical castration, gradual introduction of alternatives like entire males and immunocastrates is taking place. Despite several economical and welfare advantages that the alternatives offer, numerous issues (i.e., boar taint, meat quality alterations), as well as their interactions with rearing and breeding (genetic) factors remain unanswered. Therefore, the focus of this study was to investigate the possibility of using different commercial sire lines in three male sex categories (entire males, immunocastrates, surgical castrates) and to compare their carcass traits, meat quality and boar taint compounds. A significant effect of terminal sire line and/or male category together with their interaction was observed for most of the investigated carcass and meat quality traits. The observed interaction should be taken into consideration when deciding on the production of a specific male category. Abstract The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of terminal sire line (TSL) and male category (MC) on carcass and meat quality of commercial fatteners. The study was performed on 180 pigs originating from three terminal sire lines: A (Pietrain × Large White), B (pure Pietrain), and C (Pietrain × Duroc × Large White), being assigned to three groups according to MC: immunocastrates (IC, n = 60), surgical castrates (SC, n = 60) and entire males (EM, n = 60). TSL affected most of the carcass and meat quality traits, together with the androstenone concentration. At the same time, MC had a significant effect on fat thickness, ham circumference, drip loss, cooking loss and androstenone and skatole concentrations. A significant interaction effect was observed for carcass length and ham circumference, as well as for most of the measured meat quality traits (except cooking loss, CIE L*, CIE b*, and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF)). Among the three investigated sire lines, immunocastration was shown to be most beneficial for fatteners sired by the TSL C. However, if deciding to raise EM, fatteners from the TSL B are recommended in terms of carcass and meat quality, although strategies for avoiding boar taint in their carcasses must be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Djurkin Kušec
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
| | - Emilija Cimerman
- Directorate for Professional Support to the Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Croatia, Bani 110, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Martin Škrlep
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova Ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Danijel Karolyi
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Kristina Gvozdanović
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
| | - Miodrag Komlenić
- Belje Plus d.d., Svetog Ivana Krstitelja 1a, 31326 Darda, Croatia;
| | - Žarko Radišić
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
| | - Goran Kušec
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (I.D.K.); (K.G.); (Ž.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-31-554-866; Fax: +385-31-554-853
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Welfare Aspects of Raising Entire Male Pigs and Immunocastrates. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112140. [PMID: 33213105 PMCID: PMC7698590 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Surgical castration of male piglets without pain treatment and anaesthesia is not only a welfare problem but also violates the integrity of the animals. The favoured alternatives of raising entire male pigs (EM) with or without immunocastration (vaccination against boar taint) may, however, impose additional welfare problems under the current housing and management conditions. This focused review is intended to summarise the current state of scientific knowledge and practical reports on critical welfare issues and risk factors. Raising EM with or without subsequent immunocastration could be a welfare conform, future-oriented alternative to conventional surgical castration of pigs, provided that they are kept in a healthy and socially stable environment with sufficient physical resources, as safeguarded by measures of enhanced animal care and management control. Abstract For a long time, scientists assumed that newborns have a severely limited sense of pain (if any). However, this assumption is wrong and led to a “start of the exit” from piglet surgical castration. Some of the currently discussed or already implemented alternatives such as general or local anaesthesia during surgical castration raise additional welfare concerns as well as legal problems and/or are hardly applicable. The favoured long-term, welfare-friendly “gold standard” is to raise entire male pigs (EM). However, this may also impose certain welfare problems under the current conventional housing and management conditions. The specific types of behaviour displayed by EM such as mounting and aggressive behaviours but also increased exploration, which are partially linked to sexual maturation, increase the risk for injuries. The current status of knowledge (scientific literature and farmer experiences) on housing of EM suggests that environmental enrichment, space, group-stability, social constellation, feeding (diet and feeder space), health and climate control are critical factors to be considered for future housing systems. From an animal welfare point of view, an intermediate variant to be favoured to reduce problematic behaviour could be to slaughter EM before reaching puberty or to immunize boars early on to suppress testicular function. Immunization against endogenous GnRH can reduce EM-specific problems after the 2nd vaccination.
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