Effects of Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars on carcass traits of first-cross barrows.

Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars were mated to crossbred gilts during two breeding seasons. From each sire breed group each season, six pens of approximately eight barrows each were slaughtered. A pen of pigs from each sire breed group was slaughtered at 7-d intervals from 168 to 203 d of age each season. Breed of sire effects were significant for all age-adjusted carcass traits except carcass length, fat thickness at the last rib, color score, and firmness score. At 184 d of age, Duroc crosses had the heaviest (P less than .05) slaughter and carcass weights; Minzhu crosses were lighter (P less than .05) than Meishan crosses but not lighter than Fengjing crosses. Differences among age-constant traits reflect differences in BW. After adjustment to a constant carcass weight of 78 kg, the three Chinese breeds had very similar carcass characteristics. Carcasses sired by Durocs had significantly less backfat and larger longissimus muscle area than carcasses sired by the Chinese breeds. Weight of each trimmed wholesale lean cut and their total weight were significantly higher for Duroc crosses than for Chinese crosses. Breed of sire means did not differ significantly for belly weight, but Duroc crosses had less (P less than .05) weight of leaf fat. Relative to Chinese crosses, longissimus muscles from Duroc crosses had more marbling (P less than .05). Sire breed groups did not differ significantly for color or firmness score. Pigs sired by Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu produced carcasses with significantly less lean content at a carcass weight of 78 kg than did pigs sired by Duroc.     

A comparison of progeny sired by high and low indexing Hampshire and Duroc central test station boars: progeny performance

A 2-yr study compared progeny performance of high (HI) and low (LI) indexing central test station boars purchased in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Boars were evaluated for a National Swine Improvement Federation index recommended for central test stations. The 1st yr 22 Hampshire boars were mated to three- and four-breed Duroc, Yorkshire, Landrace and Spotted cross gilts. A disease outbreak the first farrowing season caused severe death loss and reduced performance. From 198 litters, 826 pigs completed their gain test. The 2nd yr 23 Duroc boars were mated randomly to gilts produced the previous year. From 181 litters, 1,070 pigs completed their gain test. No differences existed for postweaning average daily gain (ADG) and probe backfat thickness (PBF); however, progeny sired by HI Hampshire boars were an average of 5.66 units better for the index (I) compared with progeny of LI Hampshire boars. Gilt progeny of HI Duroc boars were .03 kg, .79 mm and 3.93 units greater for ADG, PBF and I, respectively, than LI Duroc-sired gilts. Barrow progeny of LI Duroc boars gained .01 kg/d faster, had .59 mm more PBF and were no different for I than barrows sired by HI Duroc boars. Maternal grandsire effects were important for Duroc-sired pigs, with gilts of HI maternal grandsires having .01 kg faster ADG, yet barrows of HI maternal grandsires had .02 kg slower ADG as compared with gilts and barrows having LI maternal grandsires, respectively.     

Genetic correlations between male reproductive traits and growth traits in growth performance tested Duroc,Landrace and Yorkshire breed boars

Male‐related traits at 180–225 days of age for 6464 grow‐finish performance tested boars were measured from 2000 to 2016. Heritability estimates and genetic correlations among average daily gain, feed efficiency, back fat thickness, teat counts, mounting libido, leg locomotion, penile length, sperm motility, sperm concentration and total sperm counts were estimated by VCE software using a multiple traits animal model in each breed. Growth‐tested boars had heritability estimates of male reproductive traits in 0.34–0.56 of teat counts, 0.12–0.20 of libido, 0.08–0.12 of locomotion, 0.17–0.58 of penile length, 0.04–0.21 of sperm motility and concentration, 0.17–0.30 of total sperm counts. Total sperm counts were genetically positively correlated with penile length in all breeds. Boars with higher total sperm counts had genetically better libido and locomotion. Genetic correlation between feed efficiency and sperm motility and feed efficiency and sperm concentration were positive in Duroc and negative in Landrace and Yorkshire. Sperm motility and concentration were genetically negatively correlated with average daily gain in Yorkshire. Male reproductive traits of imported breeds could be improved with care in the change of growth traits, especially in Yorkshire.     

饲粮维生素E水平对公猪繁殖及精浆营养生化参数的影响

选择年龄、体重、精液质量较一致、正在使用的健康壮年杜洛克公猪5头,采用5×5正交拉丁方试验设计,在不同阶段分别饲喂含维生素E10.0mg/kg(处理1)、22.5mg/kg(处理2)、35.0mg/kg(处理3)、47.5mg/kg(处理4)、60.0mg/kg(处理5)的饲粮,研究饲粮中维生素E对公猪繁殖参数、精浆生殖激素、精浆营养生化参数的影响。结果表明,⑴处理3、4、5公猪精子活率显著高于处理1(P<0.05);处理1公猪精子畸形率显著高于处理3、4、5(P<0.05);精子活率、精子畸形率随饲粮维生素E含量(10.0mg/kg～60.0mg/kg)的增加而分别增加或降低。⑵采精量、精子密度、精浆FSH、精浆LH、精浆T、精液pH、精浆尿素含量、精浆总蛋白质含量,各处理间没有显著的差异(P>0.05)。⑶精浆的GSH-Px活力随饲粮维生素E含量的增加而升高。⑷结论,杜洛克公猪饲粮中维生素E的含量以35.0mg/kg较为适当。     

Prediction of performance of progeny from test station boars.

Data were obtained from 1,954 Duroc and 2,252 Yorkshire purebred and crossbred progeny sired by 34 Duroc and 32 Yorkshire boars, respectively. Boars were purchased from the North Carolina Swine Evaluation Station during August 1983 to December 1988. Boars were selected to represent high and low indexes at the test station. Progeny were raised and tested under conditions similar to commercial pig production at the Tidewater Research Station. For each breed of boar (Duroc and Yorkshire), breed type (purebred and crossbred), and sex (castrates and gilts) of progeny, regression coefficients of progeny traits on each sire trait were computed. Progeny traits were ADG, days to 104.3 kg BW (DAYS), backfat thickness (BF), and feed conversion ratio (FC). Sire traits were ADG, DAYS, BF, FC, and INDEX. Effects of boar test group and progeny test group were included in the models. Averaged over breed type and sex, a 25-unit (1 SD) increase in sire INDEX resulted in 14.5 g more ADG, 3.2 fewer DAYS, .57 mm more BF, and .017 lower FC in Durocs and 5.6 g more ADG, .01 more DAYS, .81 mm less BF, and .083 lower FC in Yorkshires. The low magnitude and variable signs of some regression coefficients suggested that predictions of progeny performance from performance of individual sires at the North Carolina Swine Evaluation Station were not very reliable. Differences between regressions for purebreds and crossbreds implied small correlations between the two breed types. Differences between Durocs and Yorkshires indicated that genetic parameters might not be the same for the two breeds.     

Performance of Duroc and Yorkshire boars and gilts and reciprocal breed crosses

Analyses of variance were computed for records on growth and body composition traits made in 1983 by 255 boars and gilts in selected and control lines of Durocs and Yorkshires and their reciprocal crossbreds. Previous selection over a period of several generations was mainly on an index of sow productivity including preweaning litter sizes and weight. Animals in the select lines were selected for high index values; animals in the control lines were selected to average near the mean index values of that year and line. Breeding animals in all four lines during that period were basically randomly selected with regard to growth rate or body composition traits. The same boars sired both purebred and crossbred litters in 1983. Traits analyzed were average daily gain (ADG) during a standard test period from 56 d of age to 90.7 kg and average backfat thickness (ABF) and longissimus muscle area (LMA) from ultrasonic scans at 90.7 kg. Crossbred pigs had greater (P less than .01) ADG than purebred pigs, but did not differ (P greater than .05) in ABF or LMA. Heterosis was 8.2% for ADG. Crossbreds with Yorkshire dams had thinner (P less than .01) ABF and larger (P less than .01) LMA than crossbreds with Duroc dams. Boars had greater (P less than .05) ADG, thinner (P less than .01) ABF and smaller (P less than .01) LMA than gilts. Correlations between 38 half-sib family averages of purebred and crossbred pigs of the same sex and the same sires were .07, .37 and .24 for ADG, ABF and LMA, respectively. Implications of the above and additional findings for swine breeding strategies are discussed.     

Effects of sire line, sire, and sex on plasma urea nitrogen, body weight, and backfat thickness in offspring of Duroc and Landrace boars

In pork production, the efficiency of dietary protein (AA) use is low, resulting in urinary excretion of large quantities of nitrogen as urea. Use of AA and formation of urea are under enzymatic regulation, suggesting genetic regulation. The current study examined the effects of sire line, sire, and sex on growth characteristics and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations in the offspring of 11 Duroc sires and 11 Landrace sires bred to Yorkshire-Landrace dams. Plasma samples were obtained at approximately 107 (age class = 107 d), 128 (age class = 128 d), and 149 (age class = 149 d) d of age from 511 boars, gilts, and barrows group-penned and fed standard finishing diets. Body weight and backfat (BF, mean of 3 measurements) were recorded at the time of blood sample collection. Sex, age class, and their interaction influenced (P < 0.01) BW, BF, and PUN. Predicted traits (i.e., ADG, BW at 21 wk, average daily change in BF, BF at 21 wk, and the mean of 3 PUN measures) were generated. Means (+/-SD) were: ADG, 888 +/- 204 g; BW at 21 wk, 94.2 +/- 12.5 kg; average daily change in BF, 0.083 +/- 0.052 mm; BF at 21 wk, 13.8 +/- 3.0 mm; and the mean of 3 PUN measures, 16.2 +/- 4.4 mg/dL. Predicted weight traits were influenced (P < 0.05) by sire line, and sex influenced (P < 0.01) all predicted traits. Heritability estimates for PUN at 107, 128, and 149 d of age were 0.35 +/- 0.15, 0.21 +/- 0.13, and 0.16 +/- 0.12, respectively. Phenotypic correlations of PUN with growth and fat traits were low. Genetic correlations of PUN measured at 107 d with growth and fat traits were low. However, genetic correlations of PUN measured at 128 or 149 d with growth and fat traits ranged from 0.81 to 0.95. Determination of PUN, as herein, may be of sufficient precision to allow its use in a selection protocol. Selection of pigs with superior growth performance and low PUN may result in a greater efficiency of dietary nitrogen use and a reduced negative environmental impact.     

Effects of the thymic peptide thymulin on in vitro and in vivo testicular steroid concentrations in white composite and Meishan boars.

Immuno-peptides may have positive or negative effects on gonadal steroidogenesis, but few have been tested outside of rodent species or in vivo. In Exp. 1, thymulin, a secreted nonapeptide of the thymus, was incubated (1, 10, 100, or 1,000 ng/mL) with testicular minces (sampled at 3, 6, or 12 h) from Chinese Meishan boars of high gonadotropin/testicular steroidogenic function (n = 8) and White composite boars of European origin (n = 8 ) to test the hypothesis that thymulin could augment hCG stimulation of testicular androgen concentrations. Thymulin alone had few effects on androgen concentrations (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone+dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA+DHEASO4]) in Meishan boar testicular incubates. In minces from White composites incubated with thymulin, testosterone concentrations were generally below control values (P<.05), but DHEA+DHEASO4 concentrations were unaffected. Thymulin had no effect on estrone concentrations in testicular incubates of White composite boars but stimulated estrone concentrations in Meishan testicular incubates. Thymulin plus hCG increased testosterone (3 and 6 h of incubation; P<.05) but not DHEA+DHEASO4 concentrations in White composite testicular incubates. Thymulin plus hCG did not alter androgen or estrogen concentrations from control values in Meishan testicular incubates. In Exp.2 with a protocol similar to that of Exp. 1 for testicular minces from White composite boars (n = 30), thymulin increased testosterone concentrations during the early incubation period (1 to 3 h; P<.05) and depressed testosterone concentrations at later times (6 h; P<.05). Thymulin synergized with hCG in stimulating increases in testosterone and DHEA+DHEASO4 concentrations (P<.05) but had no effect on estrone concentrations in vitro. Thymulin was tested in vivo in boars from three genetic lines selected for high, medium, or normal circulating LH concentrations (Meishan, select White composites, and control White composites, respectively). Injection of thymulin i.v. (4.4, 44.4, or 444.4 ng/kg BW) generally increased circulating testosterone concentrations (2 to 3 h later; P<.01), but the response was dependent on the boar's general circulating LH concentrations and dose of thymulin. Overall results from these studies support the hypothesis of a thymulin augmentation of LH stimulation of androgen increases in vitro and in vivo in the testis of boars.     

Quantitative trait loci analysis for growth and carcass traits in a Meishan x Duroc F2 resource population

We constructed a pig F2 resource population by crossing a Meishan sow and a Duroc boar to locate economically important trait loci. The F2 generation was composed of 865 animals (450 males and 415 females) from four F1 males and 24 F1 females and was genotyped for 180 informative microsatellite markers spanning 2,263.6 cM of the whole pig genome. Results of the genome scan showed evidence for significant quantitative trait loci (<1% genomewise error rate) affecting weight at 30 d and average daily gain on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 6, carcass yield on SSC 7, backfat thickness on SSC 7 and SSC X, vertebra number on SSC 1 and SSC 7, loin muscle area on SSC 1 and SSC 7, moisture on SSC 13, intramuscular fat content on SSC 7, and testicular weight on SSC 3 and SSC X. Moreover, 5% genomewise significant QTL were found for birth weight on SSC 7, average daily gain on SSC 4, carcass length on SSC 6, SSC 7, and SSC X and lightness (L value) on SSC 3. We identified 38 QTL for 28 traits at the 5% genomewise level. Of the 38 QTL, 24 QTL for 17 traits were significant at the 1% genomewise level. Analysis of marker genotypes supported the breed of origin results and provided further evidence that a suggestive QTL for circumference of cannon bone also was segregating within the Meishan parent. We identified genomic regions related with growth and meat quality traits. Fine mapping will be required for their application in introgression programs and gene cloning.     

Effect of sperm concentration in an ejaculate on morphometric traits of spermatozoa in Duroc boars

The experimental material consisted of 75 ejaculates collected form 8 Duroc boars. The ejaculates were divided into three groups according to sperm concentration in an ejaculate. An ejaculate was obtained from each boar monthly and it was used to make microscopic preparations to examine spermatozoa morphology. In each preparation morphometric measurements were taken of fifteen randomly selected spermatozoa characterized by normal morphology. The following measurements of spermatozoa were taken: length and width of the spermatozoa head, head area, length of the flagellum, perimeter of the spermatozoon head and total spermatozoon length. The results were used to calculate indicators of spermatozoa morphology. Moreover, assessments were made of frequency of morphological defects to isolate spermatozoa with primary and secondary abnormalities following the Blom classification system. It was found that the concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate influenced the morphometric characteristics of spermatozoa. Ejaculates with low sperm concentrations are characterized by larger spermatozoa as compared to ejaculates with high sperm concentrations. However, sperm concentration in the ejaculate does not much influence the shape of spermatozoa.     

Comparative Study of the Lifetime Productivity and Performance Characteristics of Meishan and Duroc Cross-bred Pigs

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of Meishan genotypes to improve production efficiency through increased reproductive performance and sow longevity. Sows of White composite, with either 1/4 Meishan, 1/4 Duroc or 1/8 Duroc were kept for up to six parities and reproductive performance and lifetime productivity of each sow breed was recorded. Progeny from these sows were analysed for growth and carcass characteristics. It was noted that Meishan genotype sows were more prolific (+1 pig/litter -1 ; P <0.05) and had greater longevity in the herd than either of the Duroc genotypes. The growth rate of slaughter pigs from 1/4 Meishan sows was slower than that of either 1/8 or 1/4 Duroc (893, 976 and 931 g day -1 , respectively; P <0.05) and they had poorer carcass lean content (56, 59 and 58%, respectively; P <0.05). The study would suggest that 1/4 Meishan sows may be useful for systems with low costs of production, small penalties for fat carcasses and where gilt replacement costs are high.     

梅山猪与杜洛克猪中等卵泡差异表达基因的鉴定

本试验采用抑制性消减杂交技术构建了卵泡期第4天梅山猪和杜洛克猪中等卵泡M2组织差异表达的消减cDNA文库,从中筛选差异表达的基因,并通过实时荧光定量PCR对其进行验证,利用DAVID软件对差异表达的基因进行聚类分析。结果表明,从梅山猪和杜洛克猪M2卵泡消减文库中筛选得到了148和75个差异表达的ESTs,分别含有125和60个已知的基因。实时荧光定量PCR验证结果与筛选结果相符。GO功能分类注释到调控代谢、细胞循环、生物合成、胞内转运、类固醇雌激素受体和刺激等生物学过程。KEGG Pathway分析表明有6个基因参与TGF-beta信号通路,5个基因参与卵母细胞减数分裂信号通路,7个基因参与类固醇雌激素受体信号通路,推测TGF-beta信号通路中的基因可能调控猪卵泡的发育。研究结果为深入探讨卵泡发育机理和对繁殖性状影响的遗传机理奠定了基础。     

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Medium-sized Ovarian Follicles between Meishan and Duroc Sows

To reveal the molecular mechanism involved in different number of ovulation between hyperprolific and ordinary sows, forward and reverse subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed to screen differentially expressed genes in medium ovarian follicles at 4th day during follicular phase of estrous cycle between Meishan and Duroc sows. The differentially expressed genes selected were demonstrated by Real-time PCR and cluster analysis was performed through DAVID. The results showed that a total of 148 and 75 non-redundant ESTs were isolated from the SSH library of Meishan and Duroc sows M2 follicles, including 125 and 60 known genes, respectively. The results of Real-time PCR were consistent with the screening results. GO analysis indicated that these genes were involved in regulation of metabolic process, cell cycle, biosynthetic process, intracellular transport, steroid hormone receptor and stimulus. KEGG pathway analysis defined 6 genes involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway, 5 genes in oocyte meiosis pathway, 7 genes in steroid hormone receptor signaling pathway. Genes controlling TGF-beta signaling pathway were considered to play an important role in regulating follicle development. The research would be helpful for further studying the follicular development and the genetic mechanism on reproductive traits.     

Cholecystokinin like immunoreactivity in the brains of young Meishan and Duroc pigs(4)

SUMMARY: Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide found in both the gastrointestinal tract and brain, has been shown to be involved in the control of feed intake in a variety of animals including the pig. Chinese breeds of pigs such as the Meishan are noted for slow growth and heavy adipose deposition. In this study we have described the regional cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity (CCK-IR) concentrations in the brain of young Duroc and Meishan pigs utilizing radioimmunoassay. Brains of days 1, 10, and 20 postnatal pigs from each breed were examined. The CCK-IR increased with age in all three areas examined (cortex, medulla, and hypothalamus). The cortical concentrations rose significantly from days 1 to 10 and from days 10 to 20. The levels in the hypothalamus and medulla increased significantly between days 1 and 20. There were no statistically significant differences in CCK-IR between the breeds at any of the three ages examined. Our results indicate that a rise in CCK-IR in the regions of the brain involved in the control of feed intake may parallel the ability of the young pigs to assimilate nutrients from a solid diet. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Cholecystokinin-?hnliche Immunreaktivit?t in den Gehirnen junger Meishan- und Durocschweine Das Peptid Cholecystokinin (CCK) wird im Gastrointestinaltrakt und im Gehirn gefunden und beeinflu?t Futteraufnahme in einer Reihe von Tieren einschlie?lich Schwein. Chinesische Rassen wie Meishan sind wegen ihres langsamen Wachstums und der starken Fettablagerung bekannt. In dieser Studie beschreiben wir regionale Cholecystokinin-?hnliche Immunreaktivit?ts-(CCK-IR)Konzentrationen im Gehirn junger Duroc- und Meishantiere, mittels Radioimmunassay bestimmt. Gehirne von 1, 10 und 20 Tage alten Ferkeln jeder Rasse wurden untersucht. CCK-IR nahm mit dem Alter in allen drei untersuchten Organen zu (Kortex, Medulla und Hypothalamus). Die kortikalen Spiegel stiegen vom Tag 1 bis 10 und vom Tag 10 bis 20 signifikant, die des Hypothalamus und der Medulla zwischen Tag 1 und 20. Zwischen Rassen waren keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede in CCK-IR. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen einen Anstieg in CCK-IR in Gehirnregionen, die bei Futteraufnahme involviert sind, und k?nnten der F?higkeit junger Schweine zur Assimilation von N?hrstoffen aus festen Rationen parallel sein. RéSUMé: Immunoréactivité de type cholécyctokinine dans le cerveau de jeunes porcs Meishan et Duroc La cholécystokinine (CCK) est peptide présent à la fois dans le tractus gastro-intestinal et le cerveau. Son influence sur le contr?le de la consommation alimentaire a été mise en évidence dans plusieurs espèces d'animaux dont le porc. Les races porcines chinoises comme la Meishan présentent une faible croissance et un dép?t de gras important. Cette étude décrit les concentrations régionales des composés présentant une réactivité immunologique similaire à la cholécystokinine (CCK-IR), déterminés par dosage radio-immunologique, dans le cerveau de porcelets Duroc et Meishan. Des cerveaux de porcelets de chacune des deux races ont été examinés à 1, 10 et 20 jours après la naissance. La CCK-IR augmente avec l'age dans les trois zones du cerveau examinées (cortex, moelle et hypothalamus). Les concentrations corticales augmentent significativement etre 1 et 10 jours d'a ainsi qu'entre 10 et 20 jours d'age. Les concentrations dans l'hypothalamus et la moelle croissent significativement entre 1 et 20 jours d'age. Les différences de CCK-IR entre races ne sont statistiquement significatives pour aucun des trois ages étudiés. Nos résultats montrent qu'un accroissement de CCK-IR dans les régions du cerveau impliquées dans le contr?le de la consommation alimentaire peutètre mis en parallèle avec la capacité de porcelets à assimiler les éléments nutritifs d'un régime alimentaire solide. RESUMEN: Immunoreactividad similar a la de la colecistoquinina en los cerebros de lechones jovenes Meishan y Duroc La colecistoquinina (CCK), un péptido que se encuentra en el sistema digestivo y el cerebro, esta rela-cionado con el control del apetito en varias especies, incluido el cerdo. Las razas chinas como la Meishan se distinguen por su crecimiento lento y deposición de tejido adiposo. En este estudio hemos descrito las concentraciones de sustancias immunoló-gicamente similares a la colecistoquinina (CCK-IR) en tres regiones del cerebro de lechones Duroc y Meishan utilizando radioimmunoensayo. Los cerebros de cerdos de 1, 10 y 20 días de edad de cada raza fueron examinados. La CCK-IR aumentó con la edad en las tres áreas examinadas (córtex, médula e hipotálamo). Las concentraciones en el córtex aumentaron significativamente de 1 a 10 y de 10 a 20 dias de edad. Las concentraciones en el hipotálamo y médula aumentaron significativamente entre los días 1 y 20. No hubo diferencias significativas en CCK-IR entre las razas en ninguna de las edades estudiadas. Nuestros resultados indican que un aumento en CCK-IR en las regiones del cerebro que participan en el control del consumo de alimente podrían ir paralelas a la habilidad de los lechones para asimilar nutrientes de una dieta sólida.     

梅山与杜洛克母猪发情前期卵巢组织差异表达基因的分离与鉴定

为了探讨梅山与杜洛克母猪卵巢差异表达基因对猪排卵与繁殖性状的影响,应用mRNA差异显示技术研究梅山猪与杜洛克猪卵巢中基因表达的差异性,分离9条在纯种梅山猪与纯种杜洛克猪卵巢中差异表达的表达序列标签(ESTs),并用半定量RT-PCR鉴定。通过BLAST比对发现,其中有3条EST与GenBank序列同源性较高。组织表达谱分析揭示了这些ESTs在梅山猪心脏、肝脏、肺脏、肾脏、肌肉、脂肪、小肠、大脑、卵巢、子宫、脾脏、输卵管等各个组织中的表达有不同程度的差异。研究结果表明,梅山猪和杜洛克猪卵巢之间的不同基因差异表达的方向存在差异,这些差异表达的基因可能在某种程度上导致猪繁殖力的差异,进而为研究影响猪排卵数的分子机理调控网络打下基础。     

Cloning of Porcine SKP1 Gene and it's Expression Studies between Meishan and Duroc Pigs with Follicle

To detect the expression pattern of S-phase kinase association protein 1 (SKP1) gene in during porcine follicle development.The coding sequence (CDS) of SKP1 gene was cloned from porcine follicular tissue.To analyze the tissue expression profiling of SKP1 gene and its expression level in follicles with different diameter (S,M1,M2,L) from Duroc and Meishan pigs were investigated by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The results showed that the length of CDS of porcine SKP1 was 492 bp,and it's similarity with that of Ovis aries,Homo sapiens,Pan troglodytes,Bos taurus and Rattus were 93.10%,92.90%,92.29%,91.89% and 89.86%,respectively.SKP1 mRNA was expressed in all tested tissues (muscle,fat,heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,stomach,duodenum,ovarian,tubal,uterine,uterine horn,pituitary,corpus luteum,brain,hypothalamus),and especially high in uterine,spleen and tubal.Both in Meishan pig.The expression of SKP1 mRNA in S,M1 and M2 follicles were higher than Duroc pig.Especially,the expression in Meishan pig M1 and M2 follicles were significantly higher than Duroc pig (P<0.01),respectively 2.39,2.82 times,and the expression of L follicle in Duroc pig was higher than Meishan pig,which suggested that SKP1 gene might be involved in the process of procine's follicular development.     

Age‐related changes in semen quality characteristics and expectations of reproductive longevity in Duroc boars

Quadratic fitting was used to regress semen characteristics of 1441 samples consisting of 12‐month collection from 58 Duroc boars against animal age varied from 10 to 80 months. Data was divided into two groups of cool (14.0–22.7°C, RH 81.5%) and hot season (22.9–29.9°C, RH 86.6%), to test effects of age, season and their interactions. Results revealed that young boars of around 1 year old could endure the hot season. The endurance gradually diminished as animals grew. In the hot season animals exhibited peak performance at age around 33 month and it remained for 1 month, while cool‐season kept boars could last for 48 months from 16 months old onward. The reproductive longevity should be 51 month in a subtropical environment and it may extend to 70 month if heat stress can be avoided. The estimated total sperm contribution of a Duroc boar would be 1.8 times more when kept below 22°C than in a natural subtropical environment. It is concluded that to maintain Duroc boars as semen donor to at least 4 years of age is feasible in a subtropical environment and boar longevity could reach 6 years old if well kept in a temperate region.     

猪SKP1基因的克隆及其在梅山猪与杜洛克猪卵泡中的表达研究

为探索SKP1(S-phase kinase association protein 1)基因在猪卵泡中的表达规律,本试验从猪卵泡组织中克隆了猪SKP1基因CDS区全长序列,采用Real-time PCR方法检测SKP1基因在不同组织中的表达谱,进一步分析了该基因在梅山猪和杜洛克猪S卵泡、M1卵泡、M2卵泡、L卵泡中的表达。结果表明,经克隆测序,得到了猪SKP1基因492 bp编码区全长序列,与羊、人、黑猩猩、牛、大鼠的同源性分别为93.10%、92.90%、92.29%、91.89%、89.86%。SKP1基因在各组织中均有不同程度的表达(肌肉、脂肪、心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肺脏、肾脏、胃、十二指肠、卵巢、输卵管、子宫、子宫角、垂体、黄体、大脑、下丘脑),其中在子宫、脾脏、输卵管中表达量较高。SKP1基因的表达量在梅山猪S卵泡、M1卵泡和M2卵泡中的表达量均高于杜洛克猪,特别是在梅山猪M1卵泡和M2卵泡中SKP1基因的表达量极显著高于杜洛克猪(P<0.01),分别达到了2.39、2.82倍,而在L卵泡中的表达量却是杜洛克猪高于梅山猪,结果提示SKP1基因可能参与猪卵泡发育过程。