S. Banik

Microsatellite and Mitochondrial Diversity Analysis of Native Pigs of Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

ABSTRACT Assessment of genetic diversity in indigenous animals is an important and essential task for animal genetic improvement studies as well as conservation decision-making. The genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among geographically and phenotypically distinct three pig breeds/types native to Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalayan global biodiversity hotspots were determined by genotyping with a panel of 22 ISAG recommended microsatellite loci as well as sequencing partial MTRNR1gene. The mean number of alleles per locus, effective number of alleles and observed heterozygosity were found to be 11.27 ± 0.85, 5.29 ± 0.34, and 0.795 ± 0.01, respectively. The moderate FST value (0.115 ± 0.01) indicated a fair degree of genetic differentiation among the native breeds. The Nei’s unbiased genetic identity estimates indicated less genetic distance (0.2909) between Niang Megha and Tenyi Vo pigs than the both individually with Ghoongroo breed. The divergence time was also estimated from the microsatellite analysis. Analysis of MTRNR1gene revealed distinct clustering of native Indian pigs with Chinese pigs over European pigs. The study revealed the abundance of genetic variation within native Indian pigs and their relationships as well as genetic distances.

Evaluation of pig rearing farmers of north east India as prospective breeder: a retrospective analysis.

The present study was conducted for objective evaluation of the pig rearing farmers of north east India as breeder. Preliminary survey of persons engaged in pork production and processing were made, and reproductive tracts of slaughtered animals were collected from organized (ORG-) and unorganized (UNORG-) slaughter houses in and around Guwahati for assessing their reproductive status through morphometric examination and maturation potential of oocytes. The survey revealed that male pigs, sourced from organized farms, were mostly slaughtered at 8–12 months of age, whereas female pigs were slaughtered after third or fourth farrowing, at ORG-slaughter houses. Pigs slaughtered at UNORG-slaughter houses were mostly sourced from primary producers and household enterprises, and stage of reproductive life was not an important factor influencing the decision to selling. Organometry of female genital organs showed higher values (P<0.05) for pigs slaughtered in ORGslaughter houses. Further, higher numbers (P<0.05) of corpus luteum were found in ORG-ovaries. However, higher number (P<0.05) of surface follicles, in-vitro matureable oocytes and in-vitro matured oocytes were found in UNORG-ovaries. The results of present study suggest that female pigs of unorganized production system are more likely to be sold and slaughtered before realizing their (re) production potential.

Advances in Genetic Improvement of Meat Quality Traits in Pig

This article reviews the advances in molecular genetics that have led to the genetic improvement in meat quality in pigs. During the past few decades, genes, or markers associated with genes have been identified that affects meat quality. The huge amount of information emerging from genomic studies is opening up new opportunities for the genetic selection of pigs. Several genes that influence meat quality have already been, or are close to being identified. Some of them have already been implemented into breeding programs by marker-assisted selection. Fields like functional genomics and proteomics are helping in better understanding of the function and regulation of genes and how these participate in complex networks controlling the phenotypic characteristics of a trait. An integrated approach of genomics and proteomics with bioinformatics tools will further exploit the available molecular genetics information. This will allow animal breeders to make progress more rapidly to meet the demand for high quality pork.

Comparative assessment of native, crossbred and exotic pigs during different seasons (winter, spring and summer) based on rhythmic changes in the levels of serum cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase levels and PBMC HSP70 mRNA expression pattern

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to ascertain the adaptive capability of pigs to different seasons based on changes in serum cortisol and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA expression. Based on average THI, the seasons were classified as winter (November–February), spring (March–June), and summer (July–October). Hormone cortisol was found to be influenced by season (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.05), and genetics of the animal (p < 0.05). However, level of LDH was not influenced by either of these factors. HSP70 mRNA expression was higher in almost all age groups in crossbred and exotic pigs during summer in comparison to other seasons. Lower HSP70 gene expression was observed in almost all age groups of native pigs in comparison to crossbred and exotic during summer. In conclusion, native pigs were acclimatized for thermal stress in comparison to crossbred and exotic breeds of pigs. Also, the expression pattern of HSP70 gene is breed-specific, most likely due to variations in thermal tolerance and adaptation to different environmental conditions. Both serum cortisol and HSP70 gene may act as reliable biological markers for assessing the adaptive capabilities of pigs to different seasons.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT EXTENDERS IN PRESERVATION OF LIQUID HAMPSHIRE BOAR SEMEN AT 15°C

The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of different liquid semen extenders for preservation of boar semen at 15°C. Twenty ejaculates, four from each of five Hampshire boars were used to study the efficacy of BTS, GEPS, FEY and LSEEY extenders for preservation of boar semen at 15°C up to 72 h. The mean sperm motility, live sperm and live spermatozoa with intact acrosome were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in GEPS as compared to other extenders. The sperm motility, live sperm and live spermatozoa with intact acrosome differed significantly (P < 0.01) between extenders, preservation periods and interaction of extenders and preservation periods. GEPS was found to be the best extender for preservation followed by BTS, LSEEY and FEY.