Genomic prediction based on preselected single-nucleotide polymorphisms from genome-wide association study and imputed whole-genome sequence data annotation for growth traits in Duroc pigs.

The use of whole-genome sequence (WGS) data is expected to improve genomic prediction (GP) power of complex traits because it may contain mutations that in strong linkage disequilibrium pattern with causal mutations. However, a few previous studies have shown no or small improvement in prediction accuracy using WGS data. Incorporating prior biological information into GP seems to be an attractive strategy that might improve prediction accuracy.

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.

Genome-wide association study for loin muscle area of commercial crossbred pigs.

Objective: Loin muscle area (LMA) is an important target trait of pig breeding. This study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with LMA in the Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) crossbred pigs (DLY).

Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed using the Illumina 50K chip to map the genetic marker and genes associated with LMA in 511 DLY pigs (255 boars and 256 sows).