The effect of including genomic relationships in the estimation of genetic parameters of functional traits in pigs.

The term functionality in animal breeding is used for traits that increase the efficiency of production by lowering the input cost, such as animal health and leg weakness related to longevity. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of genomic information, in a multivariate variance component analysis, on some of these traits. In addition, the effect of the inclusion was studied by testing the model's prediction ability based on best linear unbiased estimates for fixed and random effects.

Genetic conditions of joint Nordic genetic evaluations of lifetime competition performance in warmblood sport horses.

Breeding programmes for warmblood sport horses are similar in the Nordic countries Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, and stallions of same origin are used. The aim was to investigate whether a joint Nordic genetic evaluation based on lifetime competition performance is feasible and beneficial for breeding competitive sport horses in the Nordic countries. Results for almost 45,000 horses in show jumping and 30,000 horses in dressage were available.

Genetic trends of conformation traits and genetic correlations to osteochondrosis in boars.

The objective of our study was to investigate the heritabilities and genetic correlations between traits from a linear exterior assessment system and osteochondrosis (OC) measured by computed tomography (CT), and in addition, to study the genetic trend in a population where the conformation traits have been included in the breeding goal. The data material consisted of phenotypes from a total of 4571 Norsvin Landrace test boars. At the end of the test period, all boars were subjected to a detailed exterior assessment system.

Genetic parameters for feed intake, litter weight, body condition and rebreeding success in primiparous Norwegian Landrace sows.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for feed intake recorded as farmers' perception of young sows' appetite for the first 3 weeks of lactation (APP) and feed intake recorded for one day in the 3rd week of lactation (FEED), litter weight (LW) at 3 weeks, sow body condition at weaning (BC) and the following five reproduction traits: weaning-to-service interval of 1 to 7 days (WSI7), weaning-to-service interval of 1 to 50 days (WSI50), delayed service or not (DELAYED), pregnant on first service or not (PREGNANT) and litter size in 2nd parity (NBT2). The analyses included data on 4606 Norwegian Landrace 1st-parity sows and their litters. The Gibbs sampling method was used.

Osteochondrosis in pigs diagnosed with computed tomography: heritabilities and genetic correlations to weight gain in specific age intervals.

The aim of this study was to develop a method for scoring osteochondrosis (OC) by using information from computed tomography (CT), as well as to estimate the heritability for OC scored by means of CT (OCwCT) of the medial and lateral condyles at the distal end of the humerus or the femur of the right and left leg and the sum of these scores (OCT). In addition, we were aiming at revealing the genetic relationship between OCwCT traits and growth in different periods (days from birth to 30 kg (D30), days from 30 to 50 kg (D30_50), days from 50 to 70 kg (D50_70), days from 70 to 90 kg (D70_90), days from 90 to 100 kg (D90_100) and days from birth to 100 kg (D100)). The OCwCT was assessed for 1449 boars, and growth data were collected for these 1449 boars and additional 3779 boars tested in the same time period.

Genetic diversity and admixture of indigenous cattle from North Ethiopia: implications of historical introgressions in the gateway region to Africa.

Microsatellite variation was surveyed to determine the genetic diversity, population structure and admixture of seven North Ethiopian cattle breeds by combining multiple microsatellite data sets of Indian and West African zebu, and European, African and Near-Eastern taurine in genetic analyses. Based on allelic distribution, we identified four diagnostic alleles (HEL1-123 bp, CSSM66-201 bp, BM2113-150 bp and ILSTS6-285 bp) specific to the Near-Eastern taurine. Results of genetic relationship and population structure analyses confirmed the previously established marked genetic distinction between taurine and zebu, and indicated further divergence among the bio-geographical groupings of breeds such as North Ethiopian, Indian and West African zebu, and African, European and Near-Eastern taurine.

Prediction of fat quality in pig carcasses by near-infrared spectroscopy.

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (NIRS) technology for prediction of the chemical composition (moisture content and fatty acid composition) of fat from fast-growing, lean slaughter pig samples coming from breeding programmes. NIRS method I: a total of 77 samples of intact subcutaneous fat from pigs were analysed with the FOSS FoodScan NIR spectrophotometer (850 to 1050 nm) and then used to predict the moisture content by using partial least squares (PLS) regression methods. The best equation obtained has a coefficient of determination for cross-validation (CV; R(2)(cv)) and a root mean square error of a CV (RMSECV) of 0.

Genetic parameters of fat quality in pigs measured by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Subcutaneous fat from Norwegian Landrace (n=3230) and Duroc (n=1769) pigs was sampled to investigate the sources of variation and genetic parameters of various fatty acids, fat moisture percentage and fat colour, with the lean meat percentage (LMP) also included as a trait representing the leanness of the pig. The pigs were from half-sib groups of station-tested boars included in the Norwegian pig breeding scheme. They were fed ad libitum to obtain an average of 113 kg live weight.

Simultaneous estimation of daily weight and feed intake curves for growing pigs by random regression.

In this study, random regression models were used to estimate covariance functions between feed intake and BW in boars from the two breeds: the Norwegian Landrace and the Norwegian Duroc. In total, 1476 animals of the Norwegian Landrace breed and 1300 animals of the Norwegian Duroc breed had registrations on daily feed intake and growth from 54 to 180 days of age. Random regressions on the Legendre polynomials of age were used to describe genetic and permanent environmental curves in BW (up to the second order) and feed intake (up to the first order) for both the breeds.

Genetic parameters between slaughter pig efficiency and growth rate of different body tissues estimated by computed tomography in live boars of Landrace and Duroc.

In this study, computed tomography (CT) technology was used to measure body composition on live pigs for breeding purposes. Norwegian Landrace (L; n = 3835) and Duroc (D; n = 3139) boars, selection candidates to be elite boars in a breeding programme, were CT-scanned between August 2008 and August 2010 as part of an ongoing testing programme at Norsvin's boar test station. Genetic parameters in the growth rate of muscle (MG), carcass fat (FG), bone (BG) and non-carcass tissue (NCG), from birth to ∼100 kg live weight, were calculated from CT data.

Heritability of shoulder ulcers and genetic correlations with mean piglet weight and sow body condition.

The objective of this paper was to estimate the heritability for shoulder ulcers and the genetic correlations between shoulder ulcers, mean piglet weight and sow body condition. The analyses were based on information on 5549 Norwegian Landrace sows and their 7614 purebred litters. The genetic analysis was performed using the Gibbs sampling method.

Genetic parameters of meat quality traits in two pig breeds measured by rapid methods.

To study genetic variation in meat quality traits measured by rapid methods, data were recorded between 2005 and 2008 on samples of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) in Landrace (n = 3838) and Duroc (n = 2250) pigs included in the Norwegian pig breeding scheme. In addition, ultimate pH levels in the glycolytic LD (loin muscle) and M.

Prediction of genetic growth curves in pigs.

Genetic growth curves of boars in a test station were predicted on daily weight records collected by automated weighing scales. The data contained 121 865 observations from 1477 Norwegian Landrace boars and 108 589 observations from 1300 Norwegian Duroc boars. Random regression models using Legendre polynomials up to second order for weight at different ages were compared for best predicting ability and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) for both breeds.

Analysis of genetic diversity and conservation priorities for six north Ethiopian cattle breeds.

Genetic diversity and conservation potential of six indigenous cattle breeds of north Ethiopia was analysed based on 20 microsatellite markers using core set methods. Expected future diversity (assuming assigned extinction probabilities are valid for the next 20-50 years) were 0.988+/-0.

Analysis of inbreeding depression in the first litter size of mice in a long-term selection experiment with respect to the age of the inbreeding.

An understanding of inbreeding and inbreeding depression are important in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and animal breeding. A new method was developed to detect departures from the classical model of inbreeding; in particular, it investigated differences between the effects of inbreeding in recent generations from that in the more distant past. The method was applied in a long-term selection experiment on first-litter size in mice.

Reduced genetic structure of north Ethiopian cattle revealed by Y-chromosome analysis.

Ethiopia is considered to be a putative migratory corridor for both Near-East Bos taurine and Arabian and Indian B. indicus cattle into East Africa. African pastoralism, which is associated with adaptation to specific habitats and farming systems, has contributed to the composite constitution of Ethiopian cattle.

Long-term responses, changes in genetic variances and inbreeding depression from 122 generations of selection on increased litter size in mice.

Data on mice selected for litter size over 122 generations have been analysed in order to reveal the effect of long-term selection on responses and changes in variances over a long selection period. Originally, three lines were established from the same base population, namely an H line selected for large litter size, an L line selected for small litter size and a K line without selection. In generation 122, the mean number of pups born alive (NBA) was 22 for the H line and 11 for the K line.

The effect of fast created inbreeding on litter size and body weights in mice.

This study was designed to reveal any differences in effects of fast created versus total inbreeding on reproduction and body weights in mice. A line selected for large litter size for 124 generations (H) and a control line (K) maintained without selection for the same number of generations were crossed (HK) and used as a basis for the experiment. Within the HK cross, full sib, cousin or random mating were practised for two generations in order to create new inbreeding (IB(F)) at a fast rate.

Genetic analysis of age at first service, return rate, litter size, and weaning-to-first service interval of gilts and sows.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of seven traits related to sow reproductive performance. Data on all Norwegian Landrace pigs (NL) born in nucleus herds and raised in nucleus or multiplying herds from 1990 to 2000 were extracted from the Norwegian national recording scheme. Reproductive traits investigated were age at first service (AFS), return rate in gilts (RRg), age at first farrowing (AFF), live-born piglets in the first litter (NBA1), interval from weaning to first service after first litter (WTS1), return rate after first litter (RR1), live-born piglets in the second litter (NBA2), and interval from weaning to first service after second litter (WTS2).

Genetic correlations between reproduction and production traits in swine.

Genetic correlations between reproduction and production traits were estimated in swine. Reproduction traits investigated were age at first service (AFS), number of live-born piglets in the first litter (NBA1), interval from weaning to first service after first litter (WTS1), number of live-born piglets in the second litter (NBA2), and interval from weaning to first service after the second litter (WTS2). Females generating the data were Norwegian Landrace born in nucleus herds between 1990 and 2000, and the number of records ranged from 13,792 to 56,932.

Genetic analysis of litter size, parturition length, and birth assistance requirements in primiparous sows using a joint linear-threshold animal model.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether selection for number of live born piglets has led to prolonged parturition and increased requirement for birth assistance, resulting in increased numbers of stillborn piglets. Data were collected from 6,718 primiparous Norwegian Landrace sows farrowing between 2001 and 2003. The need for birth assistance was recorded as a binary response.

Components of litter size in mice after 110 generations of selection.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate how ovulation rate and survival rate through pregnancy had been affected by more than 110 generations of upwards selection on litter size in mice. The mean number of pups born alive was 22 in the high line (selected line) and 11 in the control line (an increase in 2.6 standard deviations).

Transcervical resection of endometrium and fibroids. Initial complications.

Transcervical resection of endometrium--and of submucous fibroids when present--seems to represent a new alternative to hysterectomy for patients with uncontrolled bleeding disorders. In the present study, we report our initial experience with the first 20 patients treated with a standard, rigid urological resectoscope. Resection of endometrium--and of fibroids when present--was carried out under general anesthesia.

Comparative study of ketorolac and paracetamol/codeine in alleviating pain following gynaecological surgery.

In a randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose, parallel study of 107 patients, the safety and analgesic efficacy of single and multiple doses of orally administered ketorolac tromethamine (10-40 mg/day) were compared with orally administered paracetamol (1000-4000 mg/day)/codeine (60-240 mg/day) for treating moderate to severe pain after gynaecological surgery. Both drugs effectively reduced pain intensity. After the first dose of medication, over 90% of the patients in each treatment group reported pain reduction of at least 50%.