Reciprocal translocations in the pig (Sus scrofa): a review

The incidence and effect of 29 different reciprocal translocations in the pig are reviewed. It is concluded that heterozygosity for these translocations causes major reproductive loss. The chromosome anomaly appears to occur spontaneously and between 42 per cent and 50 per cent of hypoprolific boars are carrier animals. The incidence in the general population is calculated to be 0.6 per 1000.     

Body wall defects and amniotic band syndrome in pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

The amniotic band syndrome is a congenital condition. It is characterized by the presence of fibrous amniotic bands that may entangle or entrap different foetal parts in utero, resulting in deformation, malformation or disruption. We report on a female piglet presenting amniotic band adherences in the right abdominal flank, several body wall defects (gastroschisis, abdominoschisis with omphalocele), severe scoliosis, anomalous umbilical cord with single umbilical artery, anal atresia, anomalous liver and absent gall bladder, hypoplastic genitalia, ankylosis and arthrogryposis in pelvic limbs, and bilateral patellar agenesia. The ethiopatogenia is discussed, as well as the comparative and embryological implications.     

Macro anatomical investigations of the cranial cervical ganglion in domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

In this study, the left and right cranial cervical ganglia (ganglion cervicale craniale) of eight young (four male, four female) domestic pigs weighing around 70-80 kg were inspected macro anatomically. The cranial cervical ganglion (CCG) was found cranio-ventrally of the distal ganglion of the vagus nerve, medial of the jugular process extremity, ventral of the atlas, dorsal of the epiglottis base and medial of the common root (CR) established by the internal carotid and occipital arteries. The internal carotid nerve and jugular nerve ramified from the cranial part of CCG. The jugular nerve gave branches that merged with the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves. Other nerve branches originating from the cranial part of the ganglion reached to the external carotid artery and CR. The internal carotid nerve varied among cadavers in number of branches (two to four). These branches did not travel along the side of the internal carotid artery. The central part of CCG gave thin nerve branches that reached to various anatomical structures including the first and second cervical nerves, wall of the pharynx, accessory nerve, hypoglossal nerve, vagus nerve, external carotid artery and CR. The caudal part of CCG gave nerve branches that merged with the vagus, cranial laryngeal nerves, and common carotid artery. The external carotid nerves, which were two or three in number, also originated from the caudal part of CCG. In conclusion, the nerves ramifying from CCG of the pig varied in number among cadavers. Compared with literature raised in other species, there are also differences in number of nerve branches and course pattern of these nerves.     

Morphological and genetic analysis of Vietnamese Sus scrofa bones for evidence of pig domestication

In the present study, we used morphological and genetic analyzes to distinguish bones of domestic boars from those of wild boars. We analyzed 65 Sus bones (cranium, mandible and teeth) stored in three research institutes in Vietnam and in a village in Vietnam. Based on comparison of bucco‐lingual measurements of mandibular parts, the 58 specimens were morphologically classified into two size groups: a large bone group and a small bone group. Analysis of 572‐bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences indicated that the large bones had genetic links to wild boar lineage including Ryukyu, Taiwan and Korean wild boars, and that the small bone group was closely related to East Asian domestic pigs. The phylogenetic analysis and parsimonious networks constructed among mtDNA haplotypes belonging to Ryukyu wild boar lineage showed that the Ryukyu wild boar is closely related to the Vietnamese wild boars, and uniquely miniaturized on their islands after the Ryukyu archipelago became isolated from the Asian continent.     

Molecular characterization of cytokine TWEAK and its receptor Fn14 in pig (Sus scrofa)

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF). The interaction of TWEAK with its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) regulates multiple cellular responses, including stimulation of proliferation, migration, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and induction of proinflammatory cytokines. This paper reports for the first time the molecular cloning of porcine TWEAK and Fn14 by EST and RACE strategies. The full-length cDNA of porcine TWEAK is 1327bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 747bp. Its genomic DNA consists of seven exons and six introns and is approximately 10kb in size by computer-assisted analysis. Sequence similarity at the amino acid level between porcine TWEAK and human or mouse was 95 and 92%, respectively. The full-length cDNA of porcine Fn14 contains 691bp, of which 390bp are the ORF. Sequence similarity at the amino acid level between porcine Fn14 and human, or mouse, or frog was 95, 93 and 64%, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) analysis revealed that both TWEAK and Fn14 are constitutively expressed in various tissues in pig. Our results suggest that the TWEAK-Fn14 pathway is evolutionarily highly conserved. It will be helpful for investigation on the biological role of the TWEAK/Fn14 system in this important animal model. Furthermore, it provides insight into the molecular evolution of the emerging TWEAK and Fn14 families.     

Geographical variation of mandible size and shape in the Japanese wild pig (Sus scrofa leucomystax)

The mandibles of the Japanese wild pigs (Sus scrofa leucomystax) from various geographical locations, which have been stored in the University of Tokyo and National Science Museum, Tokyo were examined. The mandibles from northern localities were larger in size than those from southern localities. The Oita population was significantly smaller than the Honshu populations. The Mie population was smaller than the Hyogo population in length from the angle of the mandible. In the multivariate analysis, the Kyushu populations could be obviously distinguished from the Honshu populations in the principal component charts. However, each Honshu population did not show the locality-specific distribution of the principal component plots.     

A fine map for maternal lineage analysis by mitochondrial hypervariable region in 12 Chinese goat breeds

As the fast pace of genomic research continues to identify mitochondrial lineages in animals, it has become apparent that many independent studies are needed to support a robust phylogenetic inference. The aim of this study was thus to further characterize the maternal lineage, proposed to originate in southwestern region of China, using a wider survey of diverse goat breeds in China. To this end, we sequenced the mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the mtDNA control region in 145 goats of 12 Chinese breeds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chinese goats were classified into four distinct lineages (A, B, C and D) as previously reported. A Mantel test and the analysis of Analysis of Molecular Variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was not an obvious geographic structure among Chinese goat breeds. Population expansion analysis based on mismatch distribution and Fu's Fs statistic indicate that two expansion events in Chinese goats occurred respectively at about 11 and 29 mutational time units ago, revealing two star-like subclades in lineage B corresponding to two population expansion events. Moreover, lineage B sequences were presented only in the breeds of southwestern or surrounding regions of China. Multiple lines of evidence from this study and previous studies indicate that for Chinese goats mtDNA lineage B originated from the southwestern region of China.     

Diagnostic challenge: Generalized erythema and pruritus in a miniature pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa)

A 10-week-old, intact male miniature potbellied pig (Sus scrofa) presented for intense pruritus that had started approximately 2 weeks earlier. Following microscopic identification of multiple stages of the Sarcoptes scabiei, var. suis from its skin,the pig was treated with ivermectin (300-400 μg/kg subcutaneously), three times at 10-day intervals.     

Surgical correction of periocular fat pads and entropion in a potbellied pig (Sus scrofa)

A 16-year-old Vietnamese potbellied pig was examined because of recurrent ocular discharge and reduced visual ability. Bilateral upper eyelid entropion and impaired vision secondary to periocular fat deposition were diagnosed. Surgical correction with excision of subdermal fat and redundant skin was performed to address both issues. Surgery restored vision and resolved ocular irritation. More than 1 year following surgical therapy the pig is visual and comfortable with no evidence of recurrent fat deposition or entropion.     

Histomorphologic and Histochemical Characteristics of Carpal Glands (Glandulae Carpeae) in Domestic Swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and Wild Swine (Sus scrofa ferus)

Investigations were carried out on samples from carpal glands of domestic and wild swine of different ages. The anatomic position of carpal glands is identical in domestic and wild swine. Glandular acini in domestic swine are bigger and more scarce than in wild swine. LDH activity is more intense in wild swine, while the activity of the investigated diaphorases is almost even. The activity alkaline and acid phosphatase is stronger in domestic swine, while the activity of non-specific esterases is present only in wild animals. The more or less manifest presence of all investigated enzymes indicates that carpal glands in domestic and wild porcine specimens are very active metabolically. Regarding the intensity of enzymatic reactions, some differences are probably due to different sexual maturity, as well as to the method of feeding and housing in these groups of animals.     

Morphological Investigations of the Glandulae Profundae Plicae Semilunares Conjuctivae in the Domestic Swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and the Wild Hog (Sus scrofa ferus)

Samples of glandulae profundae plicae semilunares (Harderian glands) from five domestic swine and five wild hogs were used for this research. The gland samples were fixed in Bouin solution and mounted in paraffin. The paraffin slices were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, according to the periodic-acid-Schiff (PAS) method, with alcian blue (pH 2.5), with toluidine blue (pH 4.0), and applying a combination of staining with alcian blue (pH 2.5) and the PAS method. In domestic swine and wild hogs, these glands are tubular-alveolar with wide glandular lumina. A great deal of acid mucopolysaccharides and PAS-positive substances were noted within swines’ glandular cells, while, in wild hogs, PAS-positive substances were not frequent, acid mucopolysaccharides being noted in only a few glandular-acini cells. The appearance of the metachromatic phenomenon was not noted either in domestic swine or in wild hogs. In domestic swine, the level of acid mucopolysaccharides is probably due either to the housing method or to the influence of the alkaline substances that may appear on an eye's mucous conjunctive membrane during intensive breeding, such that the Harderian glands protect the mucous membrane by extracting acid mucopolysaccharides.     

First report of a Trichinella papuae infection in a wild pig (Sus scrofa) from an Australian island in the Torres Strait region

Multiple Trichinella species are reported from the Australasian region although mainland Australia has never confirmed an indigenous case of Trichinella infection in humans or animals. Wildlife surveys in high-risk regions are essential to truly determine the presence or absence of Trichinella, but in mainland Australia are largely lacking. In this study, a survey was conducted in wild pigs from mainland Australia's Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait region for the presence of Trichinella, given the proximity of a Trichinella papuae reservoir in nearby PNG. We report the detection of a Trichinella infection in a pig from an Australian island in the Torres Strait, a narrow waterway that separates the islands of New Guinea and continental Australia. The larvae were characterised as T. papuae (Kikori strain) by PCR and sequence analysis. No Trichinella parasites were found in any pigs from the Cape York Peninsula. These results highlight the link the Torres Strait may play in providing a passage for introduction of Trichinella parasites from the Australasian region to the Australian mainland.     

The Electrocardiogram of Conventional and Miniature Swine (Sus scrofa)

Standard, augmented limb leads and lead V₁₀ (representing the Z axis) taken in sequence and three semi-orthogonal leads (I, aVF, and V₁₀) taken simultaneously were recorded from 43 healthy pigs. Records were analyzed for rate, rhythm, interval duration and component amplitudes. The wave form of QRS complexes were analyzed in all leads studied. P, QRS, and T vectors were calculated for the mean dorsal (frontal), sagittal, and transverse planes. study of orthogonal leads in right sternal recumbency indicated that ventricular activation is spatially oriented dorsad, sinistrad and slightly caudad. No essential difference was noticed in the conventional and miniature swine. Ventricular fibrillation induced electrically in four older pigs was a progressive, terminal event; in two newborn piglets, ventricular fibrillation induced several times was terminated in each case by spontaneous recovery to sinus rhythm.     

A systematic study of brain base arteries in the wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa)

This study aimed at describing and systematizing the arteries of the base of the brain of the wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa). Thirty-three heads were used, of which 30 were injected with latex, and three with acrylic dental resin through the common carotid arteries. The brain carotid artery arose from the rostral epidural rete mirabile, and divided into a rostral and a caudal branch. The rostral branch gave off the middle cerebral artery and then continued as rostral cerebral artery. The latter branched into lateral rhinal, internal ethmoidal and medial rhinal arteries. The rostral cerebral artery joined its contralateral homologue, becoming the single rostral inter-hemispheric artery. The caudal branch emitted the caudal cerebral artery and the tectal arteries, and then fused with the branch of the opposite antimere, joining the basilar artery. The rostral cerebellar arteries derived from this point. The basilar artery originated from the anastomosis between the arteries derived from the caudal epidural rete mirabile of each antimere. The basilar artery extended rostrally, giving off as main collateral branch the caudal cerebellar artery. The basilar artery presented a significant decrease in diameter before joining the caudal branches of the brain carotid arteries. The cerebral arterial circle was rostrally and caudally closed.     

Indirect estimation of porcine parvovirus maternal immunity decay in free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa) piglets by capture-recapture data

Linear mixed regression and logspline density estimation were performed to estimate the survival curve and half life of passively acquired antibodies against porcine parvovirus (PPV) in 44 wild boar piglets captured in the Northern Apennines, Italy. One piglet had no detectable maternal antibodies at 2.5 months post partum and no antibodies were detected in any of the remaining piglets by 4 months of age. Fitted survival curves indicated that maternal antibodies were undetectable from 2.5 to 6 months of age, with a median value at 3 months and a low probability of persistent maternal antibodies after 4 months of age. The estimated half life was 23 days (95% confidence interval 22-26 days). The results agree with previous data for decay of maternally acquired antibodies against PPV in the domestic pig and indicate the value of capture-recapture analysis for the estimation of infection parameters in free-living animals.     

Morphometric analysis of the spinal cord of the Sus scrofa (large white and landrace crossbreed)

The incidence of spinal cord (SC) injury in developed and undeveloped countries is alarming. The pig (Sus scrofa) has been recommended as a suitable research model for translational studies because of its morphophysiological similarities of organ systems with humans. There is a dearth of information on the SC anatomy of the large white and landrace crossbreed (LW-LC) pigs. We therefore aim to describe the gross morphology and morphometry of its SC. Twelve juvenile LW-LC pigs (six males and six females) were used. The skin and epaxial muscles were dissected to expose the vertebral column. The SC was carefully harvested by laminectomy, and 13 gross SC morphometric parameters were evaluated. Thirty-three spinal nerves were seen emanating from either side of the SC by means of dorsal and ventral spinal roots. The overall average of SC length and weight was 36.23 ± 1.01 cm and 16.60 ± 0.58 g, respectively. However, the mean SC length and weight were higher in females compared with males, with SC weight being statistically significant. A positive relationship between SC length and weight was significant for males (p = 0.0435) but not for females (p = 0.42). Likewise, the strength of the relationship between SC length and weight was significant in males (r = 0.82) but not significant in females (r = 0.41). Baseline data for the morphometric features of the spinal cord in the LW-LC pigs were generated, which will contribute to the knowledge of this species anatomy and useful information on regional anaesthesia that should further strengthen the drive in adopting the pig as a suitable research model for biomedical research.     

First description of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Croatia and phylogenetic analysis of partial PCV2 sequences

This report describes the first case of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in wild boar in Croatia. During the winter season of 2004, eight wild young piglets (of approximately 2 to 5 months of age) were found dead in a fenced hunting area. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out on mesenteric lymph nodes and all animals yielded positive results. In one of these animals diagnosis of PMWS was established based on the three key diagnostic criteria including the clinical manifestation, moderate lymphoid lesions consisting of lymphocyte depletion and granulomatous inflammation, and detection of the presence of PCV2 genome within the lymphoid lesions by in situ hybridisation (ISH). Three additional wild piglets had also mild PMWS-like lesions and a low amount of PCV2 was also found. No PMWS-like lesions or PCV2 genome were detected in the rest of the wild piglets studied. Three PCR-positive isolates were partially sequenced, which confirmed the diagnosis of PCV2 and demonstrated that the three sequences were genetically identical. The phylogenetic analysis of a representative PCV2 isolate indicated that its sequence (DQ875444) is grouped in a separate branch with Hungarian isolate (AY256460) and differs from any of the annotated sequences.     

野猪消化能力及其消化道结构的研究

本研究以八眉猪为对照,分别对体质量在53 kg±2.3 kg的野猪消化能力和体质量在33kg~43 kg的野猪消化道结构进行了研究。结果表明,野猪日采食量(2.44 kg±0.15 kg)显著低于八眉猪(3.43 kg±0.28 kg)(P<0.05);八眉猪对粗蛋白质的日消化量(0.309 kg±0.084 kg)显著高于野猪(0.231 kg±0.126 kg)(P<0.05),但野猪对粗蛋白质的消化率(75.89±1.26)却显著高于八眉猪(72.3±0.45);野猪对粗纤维的日消化量(0.059 kg±0.028 kg)和消化率(45.72±1.82)显著低于八眉猪,而对磷的利用率(27.67±1.91)显著高于八眉猪(19.99±1.79)。野猪的大肠长度(3.36±0.38 m)、大肠容积(5.91±1.04 L)、胃容积(1.82±1.36 L)、小肠长度(14.15±0.31L)、均极显著小于八眉猪(P<0.01)。