Hanna Jankowiak

Morphometric Characteristics of the Reproductive System in Polish Large White and Polish Landrace Gilts at 100 Kg Body Weight / Charakterystyka morfometryczna układu rozrodczego loszek wielkiej białej polskiej i polskiej białej zwisłouchej przy masie ciała 100 kg

Abstract The study involved an analysis of the developmental stage of reproductive organs collected at slaughter from 160 gilts (Polish Large White (PLW), n = 80; Polish Landrace (PL), n = 80) at 100 kg body weight. Due to a large variation in slaughter age (140-190 days), three groups of animals were set up: A (less than 160 days), B (160 to 180 days) and C (more than 180 days). PL gilts reached their slaughter weight earlier than PLW gilts (P≤0.05). Uterine weight increased with the age of animals but due to high variability and large deviations from the mean value, statistically significant differences were demonstrated only between gilt groups A and B for both breeds together (120.57 g vs. 148.83 g; P≤0.05). Larger differences related to the age of the gilts were found for cervical length between the groups compared (P≤0.01). The total length of the right and left uterine horns showed a significant increase with age in PLW gilts (P≤0.05). The ratio between uterine weight without ligament and the length of uterine horns (g/cm) was significantly higher in group B than in group A in gilts of both breeds together (P≤0.05), which might indicate thickening of the uterine walls. Uterine capacity was significantly higher in older animals yet due to a large variability of this trait, no significant differences between the groups were shown. The length and diameter of oviducts, the weight of each ovary, their sum and dimensions did not reveal any consistent changes associated with the age or breed of pigs. However, the size of the ovaries determined volumetrically and reported as the volume of ovaries in gilts of both breeds was significantly larger in group B compared with C (P≤0.01). No significant differences related to the studied traits were stated between PLW and PL prepubertal gilts. However, the effect of age on morphometric development of the reproductive system was more pronounced in PLW than in PL gilts. STRESZCZENIE W niniejszej pracy oceniano u 160 loszek (wbp n = 80; pbz n = 80) stan rozwoju narządów rodnych pobranych przy uboju przy masie ciała 100 kg. Ze względu na duże zróżnicowanie wieku przy uboju (140-190 dni) utworzono trzy grupy zwierząt: A (poniżej 160 dni), B (od 160 do 180 dni) i C (powyżej 180 dni). Nieco wcześniej osiągały masę ubojową loszki rasy pbz niż rasy wbp (P≤0.05). Masa macicy zwiększała się wraz z wiekiem zwierząt, jednak ze względu na dużą zmienność i dużą wartość odchylenia od średniej, statystycznie istotne różnice wykazano tylko między grupą loszek A i B obu ras łącznie (120.57g wobec 148.83 g; P≤0.05). Większe różnice związane z wiekiem loszek wykazano dla długości szyjki macicy między porównywanymi grupami (P≤0.01). Długość prawego i lewego rogu macicy podana łącznie wykazała istotny wzrost wraz z wiekiem zwierząt u loszek rasy wbp (P≤0.05). Proporcja masy macicy bez więzadła do długości rogów (g/cm) była istotnie większa w grupie B, niż w grupie A u loszek obu ras łącznie (P≤0.05), co może wskazywać na pogrubienie ścian macicy. Pojemność macicy była wyraźnie większa u zwierząt starszych, lecz ze względu na dużą zmienność tej cechy nie wykazano istotności różnic między grupami. Długość i średnica jajowodów, masa poszczególnych jajników, ich suma i wymiary nie wykazały systematycznych zmian związanych z wiekiem i rasą świń. Jednak wielkość jajników określona metodą wolumetryczną i podana jako objętość jajników u loszek obu ras była istotnie większa w grupie B w porównaniu z C (P≤0.01). Nie wykazano istotnych różnic związanych z rasą w morfometrycznej budowie układu rozrodczego niedojrzałych płciowo loszek wbp i pbz. Jednak wpływ wieku na badane cechy był bardziej wyraźny u loszek rasy wbp niż pbz.

Differences in piglets sex proportion in litter and in body weight at birth and weaning and fattening results.

The aim of the study was presentation the differences in piglets sex proportion in litter and its effect weaning and fattening results. The study was carried out on 133 piglets belonging to 10 litters being progeny of PLW breeding sows and PL boars. Individual piglets growth rate from 1 to 28 day and also during fattening period were recorded. Obtained results were statisticaly analysed including sex proportion. It was showed that in litters was born more gilts (54.89%) than boars (45.11%). Results of weaning piglets to 28 day of life showed higher survival rate of gilts during the weaning period (87.67% vs. 76.67%). Gilts were born heavier as compared to boars (1.35 kg vs. 1.23 kg) and during fattening they achieved higher body weight than barrows (104.48 kg vs. 101.17 kg) (P ≤ 0.05).

The productive lifetime of sows on two farms from the aspect of reasons for culling

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of the productive lifetime (PLT) of sows kept on two farms, from the aspect of reasons for culling. The study was based on data from animals from two breeding farms in Hungary, using the data of 3493 crossbred Dutch Large White and Dutch Landrace sows (DLW × DL) between their first farrowing until the time of culling (2006 and 2012). For six years, the annual culling rate for both farms averaged 45%. The most frequent reasons for removal on both farms were reproductive problems (40%, 51%), leg problems (29%, 23%) and mortality (19%, 15%). There was a significant difference between the distributions of reasons for culling on the two farms (χ2=41.7, P≤0.001). The distributions of reasons for culling differed in three periods of sow breeding (Farm A: χ2=264.7, P≤0.001; Farm B: χ2=511.1, P≤0.001). The percentage of main removal reasons decreased, whereas the frequency of culling due to age increased. Using survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model), significant differences were identified between the PLT of sows culled due to reproductive problems (P≤0.001), leg problems (P≤0.001) and old age (P≤0.001). Reproductive problems (HR: 1.34, P≤0.001) and leg problems (HR: 1.39, P≤0.001) were higher and culling due to old age (HR: 0.44, P≤0.001) was lower on Farm A compared to Farm B. There were no significant differences between the two farms in terms of mortality (HR: 0.99, P=0.923). Overall, the results can be useful for breeders of crossbred (DLW × DL) sow populations in more accurately defining their culling systems.

Pork quality with special emphasis on colour and its changes during storage

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of pork meat, including its colour after 24, 48, and 72 hours from the slaughter and its changes during storage. The meat was obtained from 52 crossbreed porkers F1 (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace), gilts and hogs in equal amounts. The assessment of the quality of the meat was performed in 48 hours after slaughter on the samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle. The meat was analysed in respect to its acidity (pH45 and pH48h), technological properties, and the level of the muscle colours. The sensory evaluation of the meat was conducted in terms of the intensity of colour, marbling, and firmness. The chemical composition of the meat and its tenderness was also evaluated. The colour of meat was measured by the use of the Minolta CR-300 apparatus in CIE L*a*b* system (L* - lightness, a* - participation of redness, b* - participation of yellowness), where the saturation of colour C* was calculated as well as the hue angle ho after 24, 48, and 72 hours from the slaughter. The changes (∆) of colour parameters after 24 h and 48 h of storage were calculated. Results demonstrated that the examined pork had the proper technological properties, it was tender (41.93 N/cm), and low in collagen (0.89%). During the storage of meat after 24, 48, and 72 hours from the slaughter, many significant changes appeared in the parameters of meat colour that is in L*, a*, b*, in saturation with C* and in the hue h° (P<0.01). The values of colour L* were changing into lighter (P<0.01), whereas the participation of colour red a*, yellow b* and the saturation of colour C* and its hue ho showed an increasing trend during storage (P<0.01). It was noticed that there are significant correlation coefficients between the colour parameters L*, a*, b*, its saturation C*, and hue ho, and the technological quality characteristics, the sensory intensity of colour, the content of muscle pigments at 24, 48 and 72 h after slaughter (P<0.01; P<0.05).

Influence of age at first farrowing of maternal breed sows on their reproductive performance

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the age of the first farrowing of maternal breed sows Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL), and the parameters of the previously conducted life performance test and the results of the reproductive performance. Offspring of 4-5 litters born in 2009-2014 years from 564 PLW and 300 PL sows were subjected to the analysis. A total of 4,064 litters. In the performance test took into the consideration the body weight on the day of the assessment, standardized daily gains, and standardized thickness of backfat, the percentage of meat content in a carcass and the value of the selection index. In the reproductive assessment took into account the age of the first farrowing, the number of alive and dead piglets in a litter, the number of piglets in 21st day of life, the mortality rate of piglets, the percentage of gilts in a litter. The obtained results were compiled and analyzed in three groups of sows formed according to the age of the first farrowing: group I ≤ 340 days, II 340-380 days and III > 380 days. The age of the first farrowing varied between the groups of sows and ranged from 322 to 400 days. It was shown that the gilts demonstrating in the performance test the greatest body weight, the largest gains, and the smallest meatiness obtained the highest index value and were characterized by the youngest age of the first farrowing (P<0.01 and P<0.05). The number of born and reared piglets till 21st day, was not significantly related to the age of the first farrowing.

The fattening results of pigs fed with a diet with the participation of silage from steamed potatoes

The study included 60 finishers of the F1 crossbreds (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace), a half of gilts and barrows. Animals were divided into two groups of 30 individuals each. The control group (K) amounted to pigs fed with a complete mixtures, while the experimental group (D) - was fed a mixture with the participation of silage from steamed potatoes (26% DM). The mixtures were prepared on the basis of their own cereal pellets and a concentrate. Fattening animals started at body weight of about 30 kg and continued to the average body weight of about 115 kg. The body weight of animals and the quantity of the consumed feed mixtures were recorded during the fattening period. Meatiness of carcasses was evaluated according to the current classification of the EUROP apparatus IM-03.The analysis has been subjected to the following features: total weight gain, fattening period, average daily weight gain, slaughter age and consumption of feed during the fattening and slaughter features: warm carcass weight, slaughter efficiency, fat thickness, the depth of loin muscle and meat content in the carcass. The assessment also includes: the sales value of porker in accordance with the evaluation of their carcasses according to the EUROP and the cost of feeding porker during the whole period of fattening. It has been shown that the pigs in group K had a higher growth rate and earlier reached the slaughter weight than pigs from group D (P<0.01), whereas group D demonstrated a lower feed consumption. Group K was characterized by thinner backfat, higher loin muscle and higher meatiness than the carcasses of pigs from the group D (P<0.01). Carcasses of finishers from the group K were qualified to the most valuable classes S, E, U whereas group D to class E, U, R and O. Lower costs of porker production were shows in group D, whereas in the group K a higher value from the sale was attained. Nutrition with the participation of silage from steamed potatoes was less favorable because of the lower slaughter value of the carcass, than while feeding with the complete mixtures.

Influence of nutrition of pigs with legume-enriched mixtures on the quality of pork

Background. More restrictive requirements concerning food production safety will bring about the process of withdrawing GM plants, including soya, from animal feed mixtures starting in 2017. At present, imported extracted soya meal is the base to make complete-portion mixtures used in pig feed. The soybean meal will have to be replaced by legumes produced in Poland. The aim of the research was a comparison of meat quality coming from pigs fed on complete-portion mixtures on the base of soya meal and complete-portion mixtures with an addition of pea and with an addition of lupine. Material and methods. Meat of 32 crossbred fatteners (plw × pl) was tested. Half of them were fed a soya-share diet (K) and the other (D) a 20–38.5% pea and lupine share diet. In the longissimus lumborum muscle the pH45 and pH48h values and basic chemical composition were determined, as well as technological properties of the meat. The colour of the meat was also analysed with Minolta CR 310 apparatus, as well as sensorially, while its marbling and firmness were tested only sensorially. Results. The assessed meat from both groups, i.e. control (K) and experimental (D), displayed good technological and sensorial properties and colour parameters. Moreover, the meat was tender with a beneficial protein and intramuscular fat content. Conclusion. No negative influence on obtaining good quality meat without any significant differentiation in its parameters was observed from substituting soybean meal for legume seeds in feed mixture.

The physicochemical characteristics of the Longissimus lumborum muscle of crossbred pigs in relation to the CLPS and RYR1 genes polymorphism

The experiment was conducted on 109 F1 crossbred fatteners [(Polish Large White x Polish Landrace) x Pietrain]. The animals were slaughtered at about 105 kg of live body weight. The detection of the gene polymorphism was conducted with the PCRRFLP procedure (CLPS/DdeI and RYR1/HinP1). The meat quality of the Longissimus lumborum muscle in respect to colipase (CLPS) and stress susceptibility (RYR1) genotypes was evaluated. Such traits as the pH of meat, drip loss, water holding capacity and basic chemical component were analyzed. Assessed from a sample of three-breed crossbred porkers, the existence of two alleles CLPS (A and B) candidate gene and three of its genotypes AA, AB and BB as well as two alleles of the RYR1 gene (C and T) and three of its genotypes (CC, CT, TT) has been confirmed. No significant differences were showed in subgroups (CLPS genotype x RYR1 genotype) among the meat quality traits. Moreover, the interactions between the CLPS and RYR1 genes were statistically not significant for the performed values. The candidate gene (colipase) did not differ the analysed traits connected with the quality of meat. However, a significant influence of the major gene (RYR1) on meat quality traits was confirmed. Meat obtained from three-breed crossbred pigs was usually of good quality.

Correlation of carcass meat content with development of the reproductive system in sexually immature gilts

This study evaluated the correlation of carcass meat content with the development of the reproductive system in sexually immature gilts of Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL) breeds. The results, obtained from three groups (I, II, III) of gilts differing in lean meat percentage, indicate an effect on fattening and slaughtering traits as well as on the morphometric characteristics of the uterus. There were statistically significant differences in the values of fattening and slaughtering traits in the groups of gilts tested. Studies on the relationship between morphometric characteristics of the reproductive system and carcass meat content showed that there was a correlation between the weight of the uterus with and without the broad ligament and the meat content of the carcass. The weight of the uterus was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in gilts with lower meat content. The negative influence of high gilt meatiness on development of the reproductive system was more pronounced in PLW gilts.

BONE STRENGTH (ossis tibiae) OF NATIVE PIGS ZŁOTNICKA SPOTTED BREED AND CROSSBREDS OF POLISH LARGE WHITE AND PoLISH LANDRACE PIGS

The purpose of this study was to compare the bone strength traits in two groups of pigs different in terms of genetic value, fast growth capability and meat deposition in the body. The study covered 33 fatteners of the Zlotnicka Spotted breed (ZŁP) and 20 crossbreds F1 (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace). Tibial bones were obtained following slaughter and evaluated in terms of properties and geometry, as well as bending and compressive strength. Mineral composition of the bone tissue was also established, i.e.: ash, Ca, P, Na, K, Zn and Mg. The significance of differences between the traits demonstrated by pigs in both groups subject to the study was estimated, with calculated overall correlations between the primary bone properties. The results confirmed significant differences in terms of geometry of the bones in both animal groups. In the ZŁP breed pigs, compared to the F1 crossbred group (PLW x PL), the outside and inside diameters of the tibial shaft were smaller (P ≤ 0.01), yet the average thickness of the wall of the bone was slightly larger. The bending force required to fracture the bone turned out to be lower in Zlotnicka Spotted pigs, the opposite of the results obtained with regard to the compressive strength. Furthermore, calcium content, calcium-phosphorus ratio (Ca : P) and sodium content were highly statistically or significantly larger in the bone tissue of the Zlotnicka Spotted pigs. Consequently, the final results show that the bone strength demonstrated by modern pig breeds subject to intensive selection focused on high growth rate and increased meat deposition is in no way lower than the same trait recognized in the Zlotnicka Spotted breed kept in preservative breeding conditions.