Responses to 19 generations of litter size selection in the NE Index line. II. Growth and carcass responses estimated in pure line and crossbred litters

Our objective was to estimate responses in growth and carcass traits in the NE Index line (I) that was selected for 19 generations for increased litter size. Differences between Line I and the randomly selected control line (C) were estimated in pure line litters and in F1 and three-way cross litters produced by mating I and C females with males of unrelated lines. Contrasts of means were used to estimate the genetic difference between I and C and interactions of line differences with mating type. In Exp 1, 694 gilts that were retained for breeding, including 538 I and C and 156 F1 gilts from I and C dams mated with Danbred NA Landrace (L) sires, were evaluated. Direct genetic effects of I and C did not differ for backfat (BF) at 88.2 kg or days to 88.2 kg; however, I pigs had 1.58 cm2 smaller LM area than did C pigs (P < 0.05). Averaged over crosses, F1 gilts had 0.34 cm less BF, 4.29 cm2 greater LM area, and 31 d less to 88.2 kg than did pure line gilts (P < 0.05). In Exp 2, barrows and gilts were individually penned for feed intake recording from 27 to 113 kg and slaughtered. A total of 43 I and C pigs, 77 F1 pigs produced from pure line females mated with either L or Danbred NA 3/4 Duroc, 1/4 Hampshire boars (T), and 76 three-way cross pigs produced from F1 females mated with T boars were used. Direct genetic effects of I and C did not differ for ADFI, ADG, G:F, days to 113 kg, BF, LM area, ultimate pH of the LM, LM Minolta L* score, or percentage of carcass lean. Interactions of line effects with crossing system were significant only for days to 113 kg. Pure line I pigs took 4.58+/-4.00 d more to reach 113 kg than did C pigs, whereas I cross F1 pigs reached 113 kg in 6.70+/-3.95 d less than C cross F1 pigs. Three-way cross and F1 pigs did not differ significantly for most traits, but the average crossbred pig consumed more feed (0.23+/-0.04 kg/d), gained more BW per unit of feed consumed (0.052+/-0.005 kg/kg), grew faster (0.20+/-0.016 kg/d), had less BF (-0.89+/-0.089 cm), greater LM area (5.74+/-0.926 cm2), more lean (6.21+/-0.90%), and higher L* score (5.27+/-1.377) than the average pure line pig did (P < 0.05). Nineteen generations of selection for increased litter size produced few correlated responses in growth and carcass traits, indicating these traits are largely genetically independent of litter size, ovulation rate, and embryonic survival.     

Comparing the photopic ERG i-wave in different species

The i‐wave, a post b‐wave component of the human photopic electroretinogram (ERG), is claimed to originate at the level of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) or more distally. We investigated whether this wave is a feature common to all species. Photopic ERGs were obtained from the following species: Beagle dog, European cat, New Zealand white rabbit, Göttingen minipig, Cynomolgus monkey, Sprague–Dawley and brown Norway rats, Hartley guinea pig, and CD1 and C57BL6 mice. Results were compared with those obtained from normal human subjects. Except for rats and mice, all species yielded a well‐demarcated i‐wave, easily identifiable and separated from the a–b‐wave complex by ≈ 20 ms. Our sample suggests that the i‐wave is a feature common to the photopic ERG of most species including humans. In view of its suggested origin, the i‐wave would offer a unique opportunity to test, with the flash ERG, the functional integrity of the retinal ganglion cells in animals where use of a pattern stimulus is not always easily obtained.     

Genetics of adaptation and domestication in livestock

In this review, we assess the current state of knowledge on domestication of the major livestock species. We present first some historical background on location and dates of domestication of livestock. The characteristics that favoured domestication are described, especially gregariousness, precocity of young and diet. We then describe the genetic processes involved during domestication, i.e. uncontrolled processes such as inbreeding and genetic drift, partially controlled processes such as relaxation of natural selection and natural selection in captivity and controlled processes such as active selection. Details are also given on how the resource allocation theory explains changes occurring during domestication. The methods used to assess the extent to which domestication has changed animals (comparisons of wild and domestic stocks, longitudinal analysis and molecular genetics) are also listed. Finally, major behavioural modifications observed during domestication are described, including relationships with humans and predators, and social, feeding, reproductive and maternal behaviours as well as morphological changes.     

A study of experimental acute lung injury in pigs on zero end-expiratory pressure

OBJECTIVES: Tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFL) has been reported in humans with acute lung injury (ALI) and assumed to be associated with small airway closure. Detection of EFL is important because by selecting positive end-expiratory pressure at such a level that EFL is no longer present in the tidal breath, the repeated opening and closure of small airways can be prevented. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of EFL in two experimental models of ALI. ANIMALS: Ten female piglets. METHODS: Animals were anaesthetized, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated on zero end-expiratory pressure. Acute lung injury was induced by oleic acid (OA) (n = 5) or saline lavage (SL) (n = 5). Tidal EFL was assessed by the negative expiratory pressure test. Lung and chest wall mechanics were partitioned using an oesophageal balloon. Resistance and static elastance were assessed by a rapid airway occlusion technique at baseline ventilatory settings. RESULTS: There was no EFL at any time before and after ALI in both models. This may be due to an increased elastance which promoted higher expiratory flow after ALI and to a decreased chest wall to lung static elastance ratio which could favour small airways patency. The similar increase in total lung resistance, in the two models, after ALI was mostly due to an increased airway resistance in the OA model and to the lung tissue resistance in the SL model. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tidal EFL was not detected in experimental ALI. This finding casts some doubt about the usefulness of some experimental models of ALI to mimic some reported findings in human ALI.     

Antigen specific immunological responses of badgers (Meles meles) experimentally infected with Mycobacterium bovis

European badgers (Meles meles) are considered to be an important reservoir of infection for Mycobacterium bovis and are implicated in the transmission of tuberculosis to cattle in Ireland and Great Britain. Accurate tests are required for tuberculosis surveillance in badger populations and to provide a basis for the development of strategies, including vaccination, to reduce the incidence of the infection. In this study, we have developed an endobronchial M. bovis infection model in badgers in which we measured cell-mediated immune and serological responses for up to 24 weeks post-infection. Groups of badgers were subjected to necropsy at 6-week intervals and the gross lesion severity status compared with immune responses measured in blood samples taken throughout the course of the study. The panel of antigens included bovine and avian tuberculins (PPD) as well as single antigens, ESAT-6, CFP-10, MPB70, Rv3019c, Rv3873, Rv3878 and Rv3879, all known to be recognised by the immune system in other animal models of tuberculosis infection. Our results demonstrated that M. bovis infected badgers responded to specific antigens as early as 6 weeks post-infection, consistent with the presence of visible lesions. The data also revealed unique patterns of antigen recognition with high levels of PBMC proliferation in the presence of CFP-10 but low proliferation levels with ESAT-6. Using a multi-antigen print immunoassay (MAPIA), we were able to confirm that MPB83 is the dominant antigen recognised by serum antibodies in infected badgers.     

Differential immunity in pigs with high and low responses to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

One hundred Hampshire x Duroc cross-bred pigs (HD) and 100 NE Index line (I) pigs were infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and evaluated for resistance/susceptibility. Controls (100/line) were uninfected littermates to the infected pigs. Viremia, change in weight (WTdelta), and rectal temperature at 0, 4, 7, and 14 d postinfection were recorded. Lung, bronchial lymph node (BLN), and blood tissue were collected at necropsy (14 d postinfection). The first principal component from principal component analyses of all variables was used to rank the pigs for phenotypic response to PRRS virus. Low responders (low PRRS burden) had high WTdelta, low viremia, and few lung lesions; high responders (high PRRS burden) had low WTdelta, high viremia, and many lesions. The RNA was extracted from lung and BLN tissue of the 7 highest and 7 lowest responders per line and from each of their littermates. Expression of 11 innate and T helper 1 immune markers was evaluated with cDNA in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design. Significant upregulation in lung, lymph, or both of infected pigs relative to controls occurred for all but one gene. Expression differences were greater in HD than I pigs. Significant downregulation for certain immune genes in low pigs, relative to littermate controls, was detected in lung and BLN, particularly in line I. Serum levels of the immune cytokines affirmed the gene expression differences. High preinfection serum levels of IL 8 were significantly associated with PRRS virus-resistant, low pigs. After infection, low expression of interferon gamma in cDNA and in serum was also correlated with PRRS virus resistance. Important genetic associations were revealed for fine mapping of candidate genes for PRRS virus resistance and determining the causative alleles.     

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion study of two wheat cultivars and evaluation of xylanase supplementation

Background

The filamentous fungus Talaromyces versatilis is known to improve the metabolizable energy of wheat-based poultry diets thanks to its ability to produce a pool of CAZymes and particularly endo-β(1,4)-xylanases. In order to appreciate their in vivo mode of action, the supplementation effect of two of its xylanases, XynD and XynB from families GH10 and GH11 respectively, have been evaluated on two different wheat cultivars Caphorn and Isengrain, which were chosen amongst 6 varieties for their difference in non starch polysaccharides content and arabinoxylan composition.

Results

Polysaccharides digestion was followed during 6 h along the digestive tract using the TNO gastrointestinal model-1, to mimic monogastric metabolism. Polysaccharide degradation appeared to occur mainly at the jejunal level and was higher with Isengrain than with Caphorn. For both cultivars, XynD and XynB supplementation increased notably the amount of reducing end sugars into the jejuno-ileal dialysates, which has been confirmed by a valuable increase of the soluble glucose into the jejunal dialysates.

Conclusions

The amounts of arabinose and xylose into the dialysates and ileal deliveries increased consequently mainly for Caphorn, suggesting that XynD and XynB supplementation in wheat-based diet could alleviate the anti-nutritional effects of arabinoxylans by limiting the physical entrapment of starch and could increase the available metabolizable energy.     

Tree-induced soil compaction in forest ecosystems: myth or reality?

Trees subjected to wind loading are supposed to induce a soil deformation. However, knowledge is lacking about this phenomenon. In the present contribution, we hypothesized that soil compaction is higher in the surroundings of the lateral roots and in particular at their distal part where the amplitude of the root movements is expected to be largest. To test this hypothesis, we focused on a shallowly rooted tree, the European beech (Fagus sylvatica), in a large forest situated south of Brussels. Mean soil compaction significantly increased as one moves away from the tree, up to a distance of 5 m. Soil compaction was not evenly distributed around tree trunks, the highest values being in the north direction. Only part of these results supports the hypothesis about soil compaction due to wind-induced movements within near-surface lateral roots in beechwoods on silt loams. The need for additional research is highlighted.     

Linking forest dynamics to richness and assemblage of soil zoological groups and to soil mineralization processes

We conducted a study in a spruce forest, grown on a sub-acidic bedrock, in the Italian Alps in order to assess whether (1) forest dynamics influences animal communities, and in particular whether the richness of zoological groups peaks during the regeneration phase, (2) the diversity of zoological groups is correlated to C mineralization, considered as a measurement of soil functioning, (3) aspect influences the above relationships. We compared soil animal communities, soil physico-chemical features and nutrient mineralization in three developmental phases of spruce, with increasing tree cover (clearing, regeneration and mature trees) and two sun exposures (North, South). Animal communities changed with spruce dynamics. Mature spruce stands were characterized by higher densities of Acari, while regeneration stands and clearings were mainly characterized by higher densities of Collembola and most groups of macrofauna. As hypothesized, the richness of zoological groups was highest in regeneration stands, especially in the south facing site, probably because of the simultaneous occurrence of a dense herbaceous cover and spruce litter, leading to higher local soil heterogeneity. However, zoological group diversity (Shannon index), which was lowest in mature stands, was better explained by the herbaceous cover, i.e., by the quality of food resources, in both south and north facing sites. Variations of soil characteristics with the developmental phase of trees, reflecting a higher litter input and slower litter decomposition rate beneath mature trees, are in line with the distribution of zoological groups. As expected, the diversity of zoological groups was positively correlated to C mineralization. Changes in animal communities with phases of the forest cycle were much more pronounced in the south compared to the north facing site. In light of previously published results, we discuss how the diversity and composition of soil animal communities are plant driven.