Genome-wide detection of multiple variants associated with teat number in French Yorkshire pigs.

Background: Teat number is a vital reproductive trait in sows, crucial for providing immunity and nutrition to piglets during lactation. However, "missing heritability" in Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-based Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) has led to an increasing focus on structural variations in the genetic analysis of complex biological traits.

Results: In this study, we generated a comprehensive CNV map in a population of French Yorkshire pigs (n = 644) and identified 429 CNVRs.

Multi-omic characterization of allele-specific regulatory variation in hybrid pigs.

Hybrid mapping is a powerful approach to efficiently identify and characterize genes regulated through mechanisms in cis. In this study, using reciprocal crosses of the phenotypically divergent Duroc and Lulai pig breeds, we perform a comprehensive multi-omic characterization of regulatory variation across the brain, liver, muscle, and placenta through four developmental stages. We produce one of the largest multi-omic datasets in pigs to date, including 16 whole genome sequenced individuals, as well as 48 whole genome bisulfite sequencing, 168 ATAC-Seq and 168 RNA-Seq samples.

Genetic evaluation for production and body size traits using different animal models in purebred-Duroc pigs.

Duroc pigs are popular crossbred terminal sires, and accurate assessment of genetic parameters in the population can help to rationalize breeding programmes. The principle aim of this study were to evaluate the genetic parameters of production (birth weight, BW; age at 115 kg, AGE; feed conversion ratio, FCR) and body size (body length, BL; body height, BH; front cannon circumference, FCC) traits of Duroc pigs. The second objective was to analyze the fit of different genetic assessment models.

Composition, function, and timing: exploring the early-life gut microbiota in piglets for probiotic interventions.

Background: The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects. However, the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics to achieve this outcome remains uncertain.

Results: In the context of this investigation, we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the fecal microbiota of 63 piglets at three distinct pre-weaning time points.