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Andres Legarra - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Pedigree and genomic evaluation of pigs using a terminal-cross model
    Genetics Selection Evolution, 2016
    Co-Authors: Llibertat Tusell, Andres Legarra, Hélène Gilbert, Juliette Riquet, Marie-josé Mercat, Catherine Larzul
    Abstract:

    Background In Crossbreeding schemes, within-line selection of purebreds is performed mainly to improve the performance of crossbred descendants under field conditions. The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance is an important parameter to be assessed because purebred performance can be a poor predictor of the performance of crossbred offspring. With the availability of high-density markers, the feasibility of using crossbred information to evaluate purebred candidates can be reassessed. This study implements and applies a single-step terminal-cross model (GEN) to real data to estimate the genetic parameters of several production and quality traits in pigs.MethodsPiétrain sires were mated with Piétrain and Large White dams to produce purebred and crossbred male half-sib piglets; growth rate, feed conversion ratio, lean meat, pH of longissimus dorsi muscle, drip loss and intramuscular fat content were recorded on all half-sibs. Animals were genotyped using the Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChip. The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance was estimated separately for each trait. Purebred animals were evaluated using an animal model, whereas the additive genetic effect of a crossbred individual was decomposed into the additive effects of the sire and dam and a Mendelian sampling effect that was confounded with the residual effect. Genotypes of the Piétrain animals were integrated in the genetic evaluation by using a single-step procedure. As benchmarks, we used a model that was identical to GEN but only accounted for pedigree information (PED) and also two univariate single-step models (GEN_UNI) that took either purebred or crossbred performance into account.ResultsGenetic correlations between purebred and crossbred performance were high and positive for all traits (>0.69). Accuracies of estimated breeding values of genotyped sires and purebred offspring that were obtained with the GEN model outperformed both those obtained with the PED and the GEN_UNI models. The use of genomic information increased the predictive ability of the GEN model, but it did not substantially outperform the GEN_UNI models.ConclusionsWe present a single-step terminal-cross model that integrates genomic information of purebred and crossbred performance by using available software. It improves the theoretical accuracy of genetic evaluations in breeding programs that are based on Crossbreeding.

  • Application of single-step genomic evaluation for crossbred performance in pig
    Journal of Animal Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Tao Xiang, B. Nielsen, Andres Legarra, O. F. Christensen
    Abstract:

    Crossbreding is predominant and intensively used in commercial meat production systems, especially in poultry and swine. Genomic evaluation has been successfully applied for breeding within purebreds but also offers opportunities of selecting purebreds for crossbred performance by combining information from purebreds with information from crossbreds. However, it generally requires that all relevant animals are genotyped, which is costly and presently does not seem to be feasible in practice. Recently, a novel single-step BLUP method for genomic evaluation of both purebred and crossbred performance has been developed that can incorporate marker genotypes into a traditional animal model. This new method has not been validated in real data sets. In this study, we applied this single-step method to analyze data for the maternal trait of total number of piglets born in Danish Landrace, Yorkshire, and two-way crossbred pigs in different scenarios. The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performances was investigated first, and then the impact of (crossbred) genomic information on prediction reliability for crossbred performance was explored. The results confirm the existence of a moderate genetic correlation, and it was seen that the standard errors on the estimates were reduced when including genomic information. Models with marker information, especially crossbred genomic information, improved model-based reliabilities for crossbred performance of purebred boars and also improved the predictive ability for crossbred animals and, to some extent, reduced the bias of prediction. We conclude that the new single-step BLUP method is a good tool in the genetic evaluation for crossbred performance in purebred animals.

Catherine Larzul - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Pedigree and genomic evaluation of pigs using a terminal-cross model
    Genetics Selection Evolution, 2016
    Co-Authors: Llibertat Tusell, Andres Legarra, Hélène Gilbert, Juliette Riquet, Marie-josé Mercat, Catherine Larzul
    Abstract:

    Background In Crossbreeding schemes, within-line selection of purebreds is performed mainly to improve the performance of crossbred descendants under field conditions. The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance is an important parameter to be assessed because purebred performance can be a poor predictor of the performance of crossbred offspring. With the availability of high-density markers, the feasibility of using crossbred information to evaluate purebred candidates can be reassessed. This study implements and applies a single-step terminal-cross model (GEN) to real data to estimate the genetic parameters of several production and quality traits in pigs.MethodsPiétrain sires were mated with Piétrain and Large White dams to produce purebred and crossbred male half-sib piglets; growth rate, feed conversion ratio, lean meat, pH of longissimus dorsi muscle, drip loss and intramuscular fat content were recorded on all half-sibs. Animals were genotyped using the Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChip. The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance was estimated separately for each trait. Purebred animals were evaluated using an animal model, whereas the additive genetic effect of a crossbred individual was decomposed into the additive effects of the sire and dam and a Mendelian sampling effect that was confounded with the residual effect. Genotypes of the Piétrain animals were integrated in the genetic evaluation by using a single-step procedure. As benchmarks, we used a model that was identical to GEN but only accounted for pedigree information (PED) and also two univariate single-step models (GEN_UNI) that took either purebred or crossbred performance into account.ResultsGenetic correlations between purebred and crossbred performance were high and positive for all traits (>0.69). Accuracies of estimated breeding values of genotyped sires and purebred offspring that were obtained with the GEN model outperformed both those obtained with the PED and the GEN_UNI models. The use of genomic information increased the predictive ability of the GEN model, but it did not substantially outperform the GEN_UNI models.ConclusionsWe present a single-step terminal-cross model that integrates genomic information of purebred and crossbred performance by using available software. It improves the theoretical accuracy of genetic evaluations in breeding programs that are based on Crossbreeding.

Robert Turnbull - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • impact of grazing dairy steers on winter rye secale cereale versus winter wheat triticum aestivum and effects on meat quality fatty acid and amino acid profiles and consumer acceptability of organic beef
    PLOS ONE, 2017
    Co-Authors: Hannah Phillips, Bradley J Heins, Kathleen Delate, Robert Turnbull
    Abstract:

    Meat from Holstein and crossbred organic dairy steers finished on winter rye and winter wheat pastures was evaluated and compared for meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and consumer acceptability. Two adjacent 4-ha plots were established with winter rye or winter wheat cover crops in September 2015 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN). During spring of 2015, 30 steers were assigned to one of three replicate breed groups at birth. Breed groups were comprised of: Holstein (HOL; n = 10), crossbreds comprised of Montbeliarde, Viking Red, and HOL (MVH; n = 10), and crossbreds comprised of Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (NJV; n = 10). Dairy steers were maintained in their respective replicate breed group from three days of age until harvest. After weaning, steers were fed an organic total mixed ration of organic corn silage, alfalfa silage, corn, soybean meal, and minerals until spring 2016. Breed groups were randomly assigned to winter rye or winter wheat and rotationally grazed from spring until early summer of 2016. For statistical analysis, independent variables were fixed effects of breed, forage, and the interaction of breed and forage, with replicated group as a random effect. Specific contrast statements were used to compare HOL versus crossbred steers. Fat from crossbreds had 13% greater omega-3 fatty acids than HOL steers. Furthermore, the omega-6/3 ratio was 14% lower in fat from crossbreds than HOL steers. For consumer acceptability, steaks from steers grazed on winter wheat had greater overall liking than steers grazed on winter rye. Steak from Crossbreeds had greater overall liking than HOL steers. The results suggest improvement in fatty acids and sensory attributes of beef from crossbred dairy steers compared to HOL steers, as well as those finished on winter wheat compared to winter rye.

Bradley J Heins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • impact of grazing dairy steers on winter rye secale cereale versus winter wheat triticum aestivum and effects on meat quality fatty acid and amino acid profiles and consumer acceptability of organic beef
    PLOS ONE, 2017
    Co-Authors: Hannah Phillips, Bradley J Heins, Kathleen Delate, Robert Turnbull
    Abstract:

    Meat from Holstein and crossbred organic dairy steers finished on winter rye and winter wheat pastures was evaluated and compared for meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and consumer acceptability. Two adjacent 4-ha plots were established with winter rye or winter wheat cover crops in September 2015 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN). During spring of 2015, 30 steers were assigned to one of three replicate breed groups at birth. Breed groups were comprised of: Holstein (HOL; n = 10), crossbreds comprised of Montbeliarde, Viking Red, and HOL (MVH; n = 10), and crossbreds comprised of Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (NJV; n = 10). Dairy steers were maintained in their respective replicate breed group from three days of age until harvest. After weaning, steers were fed an organic total mixed ration of organic corn silage, alfalfa silage, corn, soybean meal, and minerals until spring 2016. Breed groups were randomly assigned to winter rye or winter wheat and rotationally grazed from spring until early summer of 2016. For statistical analysis, independent variables were fixed effects of breed, forage, and the interaction of breed and forage, with replicated group as a random effect. Specific contrast statements were used to compare HOL versus crossbred steers. Fat from crossbreds had 13% greater omega-3 fatty acids than HOL steers. Furthermore, the omega-6/3 ratio was 14% lower in fat from crossbreds than HOL steers. For consumer acceptability, steaks from steers grazed on winter wheat had greater overall liking than steers grazed on winter rye. Steak from Crossbreeds had greater overall liking than HOL steers. The results suggest improvement in fatty acids and sensory attributes of beef from crossbred dairy steers compared to HOL steers, as well as those finished on winter wheat compared to winter rye.

  • Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins for calving traits, body weight, backfat thickness, fertility, and body measurements.
    Journal of Dairy Science, 2011
    Co-Authors: S. Blöttner, Leslie B Hansen, Bradley J Heins, Monika Wensch-dorendorf, Hermann H. Swalve
    Abstract:

    Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows and pure Holstein cows were compared in a designed experiment. All cows were housed in a freestall barn at the experimental station of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, and calved from July 2005 to August 2008. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were mated to Holstein AI bulls for first calving and mated to Fleckvieh artificial insemination (AI) bulls for second and third calvings. Pure Holstein cows were consistently mated to Holstein AI bulls. At first calving, Holstein-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (282 d) had longer gestation length than Holstein-sired calves from Holstein dams (280 d). For second and third calvings, gestation length was significantly longer for Fleckvieh-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (284 d) than for Holstein-sired calves from Holstein dams (278 d). Holstein-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (43 kg) and Holstein-sired calves from pure Holstein dams (42 kg) were not significantly different for calf weight at birth for first calving. For second and third calvings, Fleckvieh-sired calves from Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred dams (50 kg) had significantly heavier calf weight at birth than Holstein-sired calves from pure Holstein dams (44 kg). For calving difficulty and stillbirth, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were not different from pure Holstein cows at first calving or at second and third calving. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (71 d) were not significantly different from pure Holstein cows (75 d) for days to first breeding during first lactation; however, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (81 d) had significantly fewer days to first breeding than pure Holstein cows (89 d) during second lactation, and the crossbred cows (85 d) tended to have fewer days to first breeding than pure Holstein cows (92 d) during third lactation. For days open, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were not significantly different than pure Holstein cows during any of the first 3 lactations. For body weight, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows were significantly heavier than pure Holstein cows during first lactation (621 kg versus 594 kg) and second lactation (678 kg versus 656 kg). Also, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (18.20mm) had significantly more backfat thickness than pure Holstein cows (15.81 mm) during first lactation. Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows (48 cm) had significantly greater chest width than pure Holstein cows (46 cm). Furthermore, Brown Swiss × Holstein crossbred cows had significantly longer front heel walls (5.2 cm versus 5.0 cm), significantly longer rear heel walls (4.2 cm versus 4.0 cm), and significantly more depth of the front heel (4.4 cm vs. 4.1cm) than pure Holstein cows. This study has shown that F(1) of Brown Swiss × Holstein cows are competitive with pure Holstein cows for all traits analyzed here. For fertility, crossbred Brown Swiss × Holstein cows exhibited fewer days to first breeding during second lactation than pure Holstein cows.

Nanni Costa Leonardo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat in the longissimus thoracis muscle of Apulo-Calabrese and Crossbreed pigs
    2020
    Co-Authors: Aboagye Gizella, Zappaterra Martina, Pasini Federica, Dall'olio Stefania, Davoli Roberta, Nanni Costa Leonardo
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acid profile of thelongissimus thoracismuscle in two genetictypes of pigs. Fifty one pigs of the Italian local breed Apulo-Calabrese and 52 Crossbreeds [Duroc x (Landrace xLarge White)] were fed the same commercial diet and reared in the same indoor system. Fatty acid compositionwas assessed through Folch method and the obtained data were analysed with a mixed model to identify possibledifferences between the two genetic types. The Apulo-Calabrese pigs showed significantly higher contents ofheptadecenoic acid (P< 0.0001), myristic (P= 0.03), arachidic (P= 0.04), myristoleic (P= 0.004), palmi-toleic (P= 0.01) and gondoic (P= 0.01) acids. On the other hand, Crossbreed samples presented highercontents of docosahexaenoic (P= 0.01) and arachidonic acid (P= 0.01). Except for heptadecenoic acid, there were no great differences inlongissimus thoracismuscle fatty acid profile between the two genetic types, suggesting that when Apulo-Calabrese pigs are managed in the same rearing conditions as Crossbreeds their longissimus thoracis muscle fatty acid composition is similar

  • Water status in meat from pig breeds strongly differing in growth performances
    'Elsevier BV', 2020
    Co-Authors: Aboagye Gizella, Zappaterra Martina, Laghi Luca, Petracci Massimiliano, Nanni Costa Leonardo
    Abstract:

    This research compared the distribution and mobility of water in the longissimus thoracis muscle of 51 Apulo-Calabrese and 52 crossbred pigs differing in growth performances. The Apulo-Calabrese and Crossbreed pigs were fed the same diet and slaughtered at 135 and 155\u202fkg live weight, respectively. Besides meat quality measurement, water status was assessed from transverse relaxation time (T2) weighted signals registered by Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR). A mixed model indicated that Apulo-Calabrese pigs had higher a* (P-value\u202f<\u202f0.0001), chroma (P-value\u202f<\u202f0.0001) and total intensity (P-value\u202f=\u202f0.011) values. A Principal Component Analysis showed that the samples from Apulo-Calabrese had higher scores along Principal Component (PC) 2 (P-value\u202f=\u202f4.07\u202f 7\u202f10 125) and lower scores along PC3 (P-value\u202f=\u202f1.50\u202f 7\u202f10 127). However PC2 and PC3 explained a low fraction of the total variance, suggesting that few differences characterize meat quality traits of the two genetic types

  • Apulo-Calabrese and Crossbreed Pigs Show Different Physiological Response and Meat Quality Traits after Short Distance Transport
    2018
    Co-Authors: Aboagye Gizella, Zappaterra Martina, Dall'olio Stefania, Tassone Francesco, Carpino Salvatore, Nanni Costa Leonardo
    Abstract:

    Despite the increasing interest in the welfare of animals during transport, very little is known on the response of local pig breeds to the transport procedures. This study aims to compare the effect of short journey on behaviour, blood parameters, and meat quality traits in 51 Apulo-Calabrese and 52 Crossbreed [Duroc (Landrace LargeWhite)] pigs. All the animals were blood sampled five days before delivery (basal condition) and at exsanguination for the analysis of creatine kinase, cortisol, glucose, lactate, albumin, albumin/globulin, total protein, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate, sodium, and potassium. Post mortem pH, color, drip loss, cooking loss, andWarner-Bratzler shear force were measured at different times in longissimus thoracis samples. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that glucose, albumin/globulin, urea, and AST at exsanguination were influenced by the genetic type. Apulo-Calabrese showed the highest increase in blood values of lactate, creatinine, sodium and potassium after the short distance transport. Behavioural occurrences were similar in both genetic types during unloading and lairage. Small differences were observed for meat quality although significantly higher a* and lower L* were found in Apulo-Calabrese pigs, showing meat with a deeper red colour than Crossbreeds