scholarly journals Copy number variation of amylase alpha 2B gene is associated with feed efficiency traits in Large White pigs--title not given--

Author(s):  
Tsukasa Yoshidomi ◽  
Kazuaki Tanaka ◽  
Tatsuya Takizawa ◽  
Satoshi Nikaido ◽  
Tetsuya Ito ◽  
...  

Copy number variation (CNV) of the AMY gene in humans has been enthusiastically studied for its association with starch digestibility and obesity. The alpha-amylase (AMY) is a major starch digestive enzyme in mammals. This study aimed to determine the association between CNV of the porcine pancreatic amylase (AMY2B) gene and feed efficiency. Improvement of feed efficiency in growing pigs is of great economic interest. We assayed the copy number of AMY2B by using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in a Large White pig population. We identified three genotypes for AMY2B CNVs, namely I/I (homozygotes of haplotype I; a chromosome with one copy of AMY2B), I/II (heterozygotes of haplotype I and II; a chromosome with two copies) and II/II (homozygotes of haplotype II). We tested the genotypes of the parental generation consisting of six males, 21 females and 265 offspring piglets to validate the AMY2B CNV genotyping. With very few mistyping exceptions, copy numbers of AMY2B were transmitted to piglets in segregation ratios following Mendelian inheritance. Finally, we performed an association analysis between the CNV of the AMY2B gene and feed efficiency traits in 207 uncastrated male pigs. The generalised linear model analysis showed the significant effects of AMY2B CNV genotype on average daily feed intake, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio during growth from 30 kg to 100 kg body weight. However, it was not associated with average daily gain, backfat thickness and loin eye muscle area. Individuals with the genotype I/I had about 76.6 ± 27.1 g lower average daily feed intake, 5.35 ± 1.90 kg lower total feed intake and 0.089 8 ± 0.026 5 lower feed conversion ratio than individuals with I/II and II/II genotypes. Thus, AMY2B CNV has the potential to be an effective genetic marker that could reduce feed costs for pig farming.  

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-191
Author(s):  
A. A. Ogunbode ◽  
A. F. Baderinwa ◽  
I. O. Gbemisola

Deficit of conventional feed resources in meeting increased demand has led to hike in their prices culminating in soaring cost of livestock feed. This has necessitated the search for cheap and easily available alternatives. Pride of barbados seed which constitute a waste has potential of becoming a cheap and easily available feed resource. Performance and nutrient digestibility of dietary inclusion of raw pride of barbados seed meal was evaluated in an eight week feeding trial. Atotal of sixteen crossbred (Large White x Landrace) weaned pigs of eight weeks of age were weighed and allotted to four dietary treatments with four pigs each being a replicate in a completely randomized design. Diet 1 (control) was without raw pride of barbados seed meal while 5%, 10% and 15% of virgin raw pride of barbados were included in diets 2,3 and 4 respectively. Weekly weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility of raw pride of barbados seed meal was also determined. Results revealed a significant average final body weight of 16.75kg (diet 3) to 24.50kg (diet 4).The pigs fed 15% raw pride of barbados had the highest feed intake of 137.20kg in diet 4 while the lowest feed intake was obtained in pigs fed 10% (diet 3) inclusion level of raw pride of barbados. Pigs maintained on the control diet had the best feed conversion (7.60kg) while the pigs fed diet 3 had the lowest feed conversion ratio (8.93kg). Crude protein, ether extract and dry matter digestibility was highest at T4 (84.15%, 80.21% and 86.70%) respectively while the least values (68.71%, 65.75% and 71.10% was obtained in T2 and T3 respectively. This study concluded that 15% inclusion of raw pride of barbados in the diets of crossbred weaned pigs had no deleterious effect on performance and nutrient digestibility of pigs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Ufuoma G Sorhue ◽  
Ikenna Omeje ◽  
Ifeanyichukwu udeh ◽  
Adimabua M Moemeka ◽  
Raphael E Onainor

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the growth performance and expression patterns of growth hormone gene and insulin-like growth factor in metabolic tissues of pigs fed different unconventional feed sources. A total of 45 growing pigs were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments at 9 animals per treatment and 3 animals per replicate. Treatment one (T1) comprise of whole maize (WM) which served as the control, T2: brewers dried grain (BDG), T3: cassava peel meal (CPM), T4: plantain peel meal (PPM) and T5: corn husk meal (CHM) at 35% inclusion in the diet. Data collected and analyzed includes; initial body weight (IBW), final body weight (FBW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency (FE). At the end of the feeding trial, three animals per treatment (one animal per replicate) were slaughtered; the duodenum and liver were collected and stored using RNALater prior to RNA extraction. Real-time qPCR was performed in 40cycles using the PowerUp SYBR Green reagent and analysed using the Delta-Delta Ct method. All data were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. The results showed that the treatment diets had effect on growth performance with significant differences (P < 0.05) observed for average final weight, average total weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency while the initial weight were not significantly different (P > 0.05). IGF-2 was differentially expressed in the liver and duodenum across treatments while significant differences were not observed in the expression pattern of the growth hormone gene in both tissues. This study showed promise for the use of unconventional feeding stuffs in pig feeding and reveals that genes influencing performance characters are differentially expressed in relation to the source of unconventional feeds used in compounding pig diet.


1969 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-282
Author(s):  
J. Le Dividich ◽  
I. Canope

The effect of increasing the dietary crude protein (CP) level on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Large White pigs reared in Guadeloupe under tropical climatic conditions was determined. Test animals included 32 females and 32 barrows, each weighing about 24 kg initially. They were individually fed one of four test diets based on corn and soybean-oil meal containing 12, 16, 20, and 24% CP, respectively. The 12 and 16% CP diets were supplemented with synthetic L-lysine hydrochloride. The animals were slaughtered at 95 kg liveweight. On the basis of maximum daily gain and minimum feed conversion ratio, the best level of CP among the various levels compared was 16% for the growing pigs (from 24 to 60 kg liveweight) and 12% for the finishing pigs (from 60 kg to 95 kg liveweight). There was no significant effect of sex on growth performance, but the feed conversion ratio of the finishing females was 8% better than that of the barrows. As the dietary CP level increased, dressing percentage and backfat thickness decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Females were significantly leaner (P < 0.05) than barrows. Further work is needed to determine the optimum level of CP for finishing pigs.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farouk Messad ◽  
Isabelle Louveau ◽  
Basile Koffi ◽  
Hélène Gilbert ◽  
Florence Gondret

Abstract Background Improving feed efficiency (FE) is a major challenge in pig production. This complex trait is characterized by a high variability. Therefore, the identification of predictors of FE may be a relevant strategy to reduce phenotyping efforts in breeding and selection programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of expressed muscle genes in prediction of FE traits in growing pigs. The approach considered different transcriptomics experiments to cover a large range of FE values and identify reliable predictors. Results Microarrays data were obtained from longissimus muscles of two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI). Pigs (n = 71) from three experiments belonged to generations 6 to 8 of selection, were fed either a diet with a standard composition or a diet rich in fiber and lipids, received feed ad libitum or at restricted level, and weighed between 80 and 115 kg at slaughter. For each pig, breeding value for RFI was estimated (RFI-BV), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and energy-based feed conversion ratio (FCRe) were calculated during the test periods. Gradient boosting algorithms were used on the merged muscle transcriptomes to identify very important predictors of FE traits. About 20,405 annotated molecular probes were commonly expressed in longissimus muscle across experiments. Six to 267 expressed muscle genes covering a variety of biological processes were found as important predictors for RFI-BV (R2=0.63-0.65), FCR (R2=0.61-0.70) and FCRe (R2=0.49-0.52). The error of prediction was less than 8% for FCR. Altogether, 56 predictors were common to RFI-BV and FCR. Expression levels of 24 target genes were further measured by qPCR. Linear regression confirmed the good accuracy of combining mRNA levels of these genes to fit FE traits (RFI-BV: R2=0.73, FRC: R2=0.76; FCRe: R2=0.75). Stepwise regression procedure highlighted 10 genes (FKBP5, MUM1, AKAP12, FYN, TMED3, PHKB, TGF, SOCS6, ILR4, and FRAS1) in a linear combination predicting FCR and FCRe. In addition, FKBP5 and expression levels of five other genes (IGF2, SERINC3, CSRNP3, EZR and RPL16) significantly contributed to RFI-BV. Conclusion It was possible to identify few genes expressed in muscle that might be reliable predictors of feed efficiency.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farouk Messad ◽  
Isabelle Louveau ◽  
Basile Koffi ◽  
Hélène Gilbert ◽  
Florence Gondret

Abstract Background Improving feed efficiency (FE) is a major challenge in pig production. This complex trait is characterized by a high variability. Therefore, the identification of predictors of FE may be a relevant strategy to reduce phenotyping efforts in breeding and selection programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of expressed muscle genes in prediction of FE traits in growing pigs. The approach considered different transcriptomics experiments to cover a large range of FE values and identify reliable predictors. Results Microarrays data were obtained from longissimus muscles of two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI). Pigs (n = 71) from three experiments belonged to generations 6 to 8 of selection, were fed either a diet with a standard composition or a diet rich in fiber and lipids, received feed ad libitum or at restricted level, and weighed between 80 and 115 kg at slaughter. For each pig, breeding value for RFI was estimated (RFI-BV), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and energy-based feed conversion ratio (FCRe) were calculated during the test periods. Gradient boosting algorithms were used on the merged muscle transcriptomes to identify very important predictors of FE traits. About 20,405 annotated molecular probes were commonly expressed in longissimus muscle across experiments. Six to 267 expressed muscle genes covering a variety of biological processes were found as important predictors for RFI-BV (R2=0.63-0.65), FCR (R2=0.61-0.70) and FCRe (R2=0.49-0.52). The error of prediction was less than 8% for FCR. Altogether, 56 predictors were common to RFI-BV and FCR. Expression levels of 24 target genes were further measured by qPCR. Linear regression confirmed the good accuracy of combining mRNA levels of these genes to fit FE traits (RFI-BV: R2=0.73, FRC: R2=0.76; FCRe: R2=0.75). Stepwise regression procedure highlighted 10 genes (FKBP5, MUM1, AKAP12, FYN, TMED3, PHKB, TGF, SOCS6, ILR4, and FRAS1) in a linear combination predicting FCR and FCRe. In addition, FKBP5 and expression levels of five other genes (IGF2, SERINC3, CSRNP3, EZR and RPL16) significantly contributed to RFI-BV. Conclusion It was possible to identify few genes expressed in muscle that might be reliable predictors of feed efficiency.


2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 471 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Arthur ◽  
G. Renand ◽  
D. Krauss

Data on young Charolais bulls were used to evaluate the effect of age of dam, and provide genetic parameter estimates for growth and feed efficiency traits in weaners compared with yearlings. Records on 510 performance test bulls born from 1985 to 1989 and 792 progeny test bulls born from 1988 to 1997 were used, plus available pedigree information (total n = 5493). After weaning (approximately 225 days of age), progeny test bulls were housed in barns and tested until 15 months for all bulls and 19 months of age for half of the bulls. From the records, the test period was artificially partitioned into a weaner and a yearling test. Both tests were for 140 days, with the weaner test commencing at approximately 274 days of age (6–8 weeks after weaning), and the yearling test commencing at approximately 430 days of age. For each test (weaner or yearling), average daily gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (feed intake per unit weight gain), and residual feed intake (feed intake net of the expected requirements for growth and maintenance) were calculated. Liveweights at 12 and 18 months of age were also studied. Age of dam effect was significant (P < 0.05) for weight at 12 and 18 months of age, and for all weaner traits except residual feed intake. All the traits studied were moderately heritable (0.20–0.46) except for feed conversion ratio in yearlings (0.10). Genetic correlations for the same traits measured in weaners and later in yearlings were less than unity (0.42–0.95), with the 3 highest correlations obtained for weight (0.950.03), feed intake (0.900.07), and residual feed intake (0.750.12). Therefore, for genetic improvement purposes, traits measured in weaners should be considered different from those measured in yearlings, except for weight and feed intake. However, the medium to very high genetic correlations between weaner and yearling tests for most of the traits studied indicate that selection based on weaners will have a positive correlated response in yearlings and vice versa.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Rodde ◽  
Marc Vandeputte ◽  
Trong Quoc Trinh ◽  
Vincent Douchet ◽  
Marc Canonne ◽  
...  

Accurately measuring the phenotype at the individual level is critical to the success of selective breeding programs. Feed efficiency is a key sustainability trait and is typically approached through feed conversion ratio (FCR). This requires measurements of body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), the latter being technically challenging in fish. We assessed two of the principal methods for measuring feed intake in fish over consecutive days: (1) group rearing 10 fish per group and video recording the meals and (2) rearing fish individually on a restricted ration. Juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain and the Cirad strain were entered into the study (128 GIFT and 109 Cirad). The GIFT strain were reared over three consecutive periods of 7 days each under different feeding, recording, and rearing scenarios (i) in groups fed an optimal ration (g100) or (ii) fed a 50% restricted ration (g50) both with video records of all meals and (iii) reared in isolation and fed a 50% restrictive ration. The Cirad strain were tested similarly but only for scenarios (i) and (iii). All fish were fed twice daily with a calculated ration. Correlations showed the same trends for the GIFT and the Cirad strains. For the GIFT strain, correlations were positive and significant for BWG and FI measured in scenarios (i) and (ii), 0.49 and 0.63, respectively, and FI measured in scenarios (i) and (iii) (0.50) but not for BWG measured in scenarios (i) and (iii) (0.29, NS). The phenotypic correlation estimated for FCR between scenarios (i) and (ii) with fish fed an optimal or a 50% restricted ration was low and not significant (0.22). Feed Conversion Ratio for GIFT fish reared in groups or in isolation and fed with a restricted ration [scenarios (ii) and (iii)] were not significantly correlated either. Social interactions between fish, potentially impacting their efficiency, may explain the results. Therefore, selective breeding programs seeking to improve feed efficiency will need to carefully plan the feeding rate and the rearing system used to estimate FCR in order to optimize selection for the targeted production system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 112-121
Author(s):  
C. P. Njoku ◽  
A. O. Fasakin ◽  
T. R. Ayano ◽  
F. T. Aweda ◽  
O. O. Amaihian ◽  
...  

This study was carried out to investigate growth performance and cost benefits of growing pigs on different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Fifty-four, 8 weeks old Large White breed of pigs with an average body weight of 15.33±0.2 kg were randomly assigned to nine treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of two pigs each. Three diets containing different herbal-mix (Control diet without herbal-mix, moringa-basil meal diet, neem-basil meal diet) were formulated and fed to the pigs for sixteen weeks duration of the study. The moringa-basil and neem-basil leaf meals mixtures were in the ratio of 10 to 2; that is ten percent (10%) moringa or neem to two percent (2%) basil. Parameters determined include growth indices and cost benefits. Data collected were subjected to two-way analysis of variance using SAS (2000). Pigs on control diet had the highest final weight (49. 44, 43.22, 40.67 kg) and daily weight gain (515.87, 401.59, 388.89 g/pig) and the best feed conversion ratio (3.56, 4.59, 4.23) when compared to the values documented for pigs on ration containing different herbal-mix feed additives. The least total feed cost and revenue per pig were noted for pigs on neem-basil dietary treatment while the highest values were documented for pigs on control ration. Homogenous light weight pigs had higher feed intake and total feed cost per pigs when compared to other values noted for pigs on other treatment groups. Heterogeneous weight pigs recorded better feed conversion ratio, lower feed cost per kilogram weight gain and higher gross margin values when compared to the values noted for their homogenous counterparts. It can be concluded from this study that performance indices of growing pigs were affected by the dietary inclusion of herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Hence, herbal-mix leaf meals can be integrated into growers ration in order to lower production cost, likewise,unevenly weight growing pigs can be managed together in order to obtain higher production efficiency in terms of feed intake and cost of production.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
E. O. Ewuola ◽  
B. A. Omoniyi ◽  
J. O. Omotoso

The use of feed additives and plant extracts in rabbit husbandry offers an acceptable way to improve welfare, health and meat quality of rabbits as alternative to the use of antibiotics. In a six-week feeding trial, growth rate, nutrient digestibility, haematology and serum biochemical indices of weaned rabbits fed dietary prebiotics and probiotics as natural growth promoters were investigated. Thirty–two weaned crossbred rabbits of 6–week old with average weight of 446.75±32.1g were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments. Diet 1 served as the control without test ingredients while diets 2 (prebiotics-Biotronic®at 4kg/ton), 3 (probiotics- Biovet®-YC at 500g/ton) and 4 (symbiotics: Biotronic® SE and Biovet®-YC) were other treatments. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical variables were monitored. The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design. Feed intake was similar among dietary treatments while weight gain of rabbits fed diets 1, 2 and 3 was the same but significantly (p<0.05) higher than rabbits fed diet 4. Feed conversion ratio was not significantly influenced by the treatments. Feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) higher in rabbits fed symbiotic supplemented diets compared to others. The dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, nitrogen free extracts and ether extract digestibility were significantly (p<0.05) higher in rabbits fed diets 2 and 3 than those on diets 4 and the control. Packed cell volume and haemoglobin were significantly (p<0.05) higher in rabbits fed diets 3 and 4 than diets 1 and 2. Erythrocyte and leukocyte count were not significantly different among the treatments. Total protein, albumin and globulin examined revealed that they were not significantly influenced by the dietary treatments, however, alkaline phosphatase was significantly (p<0.05) higher in rabbits fed test diets than the control. Biotronic®SE and Biovet® -YC in this study had a potential to enhance growth in rabbit when used as feed additive without any adverse effect on health status of the animal.


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