Genetic analyses of piglet survival and individual birth weight on first generation data of a selection experiment for piglet survival under outdoor conditions

Genetic parameters of piglet survival traits and birth weight were estimated on the first generation data of a selection experiment aimed at improving piglet survival using a multiple trait linear and threshold model. Data on 5293 piglets for survival at birth, at day one after birth and during the entire nursing period, as well as individual birth weight and litter size, were recorded in an outdoor production system. Genetic effects of piglet survival traits and birth weight were estimated based on threshold and Gaussian models, respectively, using a Bayesian approach. The statistical model included as fixed effects selection group, parity, gender, fostering, gestation length and month of farrowing and, alternatively, an adjustment for litter size. Direct genetic effects (i.e. the piglet's genetic potential) for piglet survival and birth weight were estimated separately, whereas maternal genetic and environmental effects could only be estimated for the given data structure in a combined litter effect. Posterior means of heritabilities for direct genetic effects of survival at birth, at first day after birth and the entire nursing period, as well as birth weight, were 0.08, 0.07, 0.08 and 0.20, respectively. Genetic correlations among survival traits were in the range of 0.29 to 0.40 and indicate that these traits were mainly attributable to different genetic effects. Genetic correlations between direct effects of survival traits and birth weight ranged between 0.18 and 0.23 and were reduced when weights of stillborn piglets were omitted in the analysis or the traits were adjusted for litter size. The magnitudes of direct genetic effects of survival traits are substantially higher than estimates in the literature, which may indicate that these traits have a higher genetic influence under outdoor conditions. The use of birth weight in the multiple trait estimation provided important information for the estimation of survival traits due to its favourable genetic correlations with survival, its high heritability and its high information content as a continuously measured trait.     

Assessing hygiene proficiency on organic and conventional pig farms regarding pork safety: A pilot study in Finland

A key element in the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be a single farm payment system that is linked to compliance with rules on, for instance hygiene standards. However, there are no recommended methods for assessing the hygiene proficiency of pig production farms. The present study was undertaken to develop a method for this purpose. A first implementation was done on pilot scale; with a set of both conventional and organic pig farms (N = 15). Fifty hygiene-related factors were selected, especially with reference to the possible proliferation of enteric pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. The factors were allocated into 8 evaluation categories: (1) general production management, (2) animal density, (3) the outdoor area for pigs, (4) pest and pet animals, (5) general hygiene in the piggery, (6) pen hygiene, (7) feed production hygiene, and (8) feeding hygiene. A farm questionnaire and a supplementary on-site observation form were devised, and one arbitrary scale of hygiene points assigned for each factor. In addition to the mailed questionnaires, one person subsequently visited all the farms, perused the questionnaire with the owners and completed the observation form. The hygiene scores of the farms in each evaluation category were compared both without weighting and with weighting based on expert opinions. The method proved to be feasible and applicable to different types of production.     

完善我国地方税制度的思考及建议

我国新一轮的税制改革即将开始,这将是继1994年分税制改革以来,我国又一次大的税收制度的调整,其目标是使我国的分税制体制更加完善,更加与市场经济相适应.税制改革中地方税制度的改革是十分关键的一部分,文中分析了当前我国地方税制度中存在的问题,并提出了一些构思性的设想.     

Heart Rate Variability in Horses Engaged in Equine-Assisted Activities

Although there has been a recent surge in using horses to treat mental and emotional human health issues, the consequences of horse-assisted interventions on the stress response of horses have not been well documented. Assessment of the autonomic nervous system and its regulation of cardiovascular function has been used as an indicator of acute and chronic stress in human beings and horses. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive measurement that has been used to assess autonomic nervous system regulation of cardiovascular function. There is evidence to suggest that several factors including the genotype, behavior, environment, temperament, and nutritional status of the horse play a key role in the large inter-individual variations in basal HRV. The present study determined whether 24-hour HRV recordings in horses currently working in equine-assisted therapy (EAT) differ from those previously shown in Thoroughbred horses. Findings from the present study found that in contrast to previous studies in Thoroughbred horses, diurnal and nocturnal low frequency and high frequency powers were not significantly different in horses that are currently engaged in EAT. Future studies are needed to determine the short- and long-term consequences of horses participating in EAT programs. Findings from this study will provide the basis for the development of a physiological/behavioral assessment criteria to determine the consequences of EAT on the well-being of horses as well as to help EAT Centers to improve the beneficial effects of EAT in human beings.     

健全质量管理体系 保证蚕种检验检疫质量

阐述了浙江省蚕种质量检验检疫站质量管理体系的构建与运行实效,对确保全省蚕种质量的作用。     

广东大峡谷自然保护区社区公众野生动物保护意识调查

2008年6月,对广东大峡谷自然保护区社区公众野生动物保护意识进行了问卷调查。结果表明：（1）公众对野生动物保护知识匮乏,缺乏野生动物保护法制意识;（2）公众普遍对野生动物面临的威胁有较明确的认识,具有保护意愿,但缺乏保护野生动物的积极性和主动性;（3）公众接受野生动物保护教育的主要途径是电视。本文针对广东大峡谷自然保护区公众野生动物保护意识现状及其存在的问题,提出了一些建议。     

贵南县乡镇农业技术推广体系存在的问题及其对策建议

乡镇农业技术推广体系是实施科技兴农战略的重要力量,乡镇农业技术推广人员对于提高农民科学文化整体素质起到重要作用。笔者通过对贵南县乡镇农业技术推广现状分析,指出乡镇农业技术推广工作存在着基础设施条件差、推广经费不足、管理体制不顺、推广工作难度大、专业技术人员少、业务素质不高、农技人员待遇低等突出问题,并结合实际,有针对性地提出了搞好乡镇农业技术推广工作的对策建议。