The porcine tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) gene: Identification of a missense mutation and association analysis with meat quality and production traits in Italian heavy pigs

TRIB3 plays an important role in energy metabolism. This work aimed to study the porcine tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) gene and to evaluate its association with meat quality and carcass traits in pigs. By sequencing a portion of the porcine TRIB3 gene two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the first coding exon (one synonymous SNP: c.132 T > C; and one missense mutation: c.146C > T, p.P49L) were identified. The two polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium. In silico analysis of the p.P49L mutation suggested that it could have functional effects. Association studies in four groups of pigs (651 animals in total) indicated that this gene marker was associated with back fat thickness in Italian Large White and Italian Duroc pigs in two different experimental designs (P < 0.1 and P < 0.05). This polymorphism tended to be associated with lactate content of the semimembranosus muscle (P < 0.1). Among several other tissues, TRIB3 is expressed in fat and skeletal muscle.     

Fatty Acid Profiles of Lipid Depots and Cholesterol Concentration in Muscle Tissue of Finishing Pigs Fed Ractopamine

Ractopamine (RAC) enhances lipolysis and depresses lipogenesis in pigs. We hypothesized that depression of fatty acid (FA) formation from six carbon precursors may enhance enrichment of depot lipids from long chain FA in corn-soybean meal finishing diets. We tested that hypothesis as well as the effect of RAC on muscle cholesterol concentration. Finishing pigs were fed 16% protein corn-soybean diets containing 0 or 20 ppm RAC. RAC feeding had only a minor effect on fatty acid profiles (FAP) of lipid depots of finishing pigs. Adipose tissue lipids of pigs fed RAC had lower 18:0 (wk 4) and higher 18:3 (wk 4) and 18:2 (wk 6) compared to controls. Muscle lipid effects were quite variable. Total cholesterol concentration of muscle was not significantly affected by RAC feeding.     

Evaluation of the chemical residue monitoring in animal-derived products in Switzerland

This paper evaluates whether the Swiss monitoring programme for foreign substances in animal products fulfils basic epidemiological quality requirements, and identifies possible sources of bias in the selection of samples. The sampling was analysed over a 4-year period (2002-05). The sampling frame in 37 participating abattoirs covered 51% of all slaughtered pigs, 73% of calves, 68% of beef and 36% of cows. The analysis revealed that some sub-populations as defined by the region of origin were statistically over-represented while others were under-represented. The programme that is in accordance with European Union requirements contained some relevant bias. Patterns of under-sampled regions characterized by management type differences were identified. This could lead to an underestimate of the number of contaminated animals within the programme. Although the current sampling was stratified and partially risk-based, its efficiency could be improved by adopting a more targeted approach.     

Distribution of chloramphenicol to tissues,plasma and urine in pigs after oral intake of low doses

Toxic effects of chloramphenicol in humans caused the ban for its use in food-producing animals in the EU. A minimum required performance level (MRPL) was specified for chloramphenicol at 0.3 μg kg^–1 for various matrices, including urine. In 2012, residues of chloramphenicol were found in pig urine and muscle without signs of illegal use. Regarding its natural occurrence in straw, it was hypothesised that this might be the source, straw being compulsory for use as bedding material for pigs in Sweden. Therefore, we investigated if low daily doses of chloramphenicol (4, 40 and 400 μg/pig) given orally during 14 days could result in residues in pig tissues and urine. A dose-related increase of residues was found in muscle, plasma, kidney and urine (showing the highest levels), but no chloramphenicol was found in the liver. At the lowest dose, residues were below the MRPL in all tissues except in the urine. However, in the middle dose, residues were above the MRPL in all tissues except muscle, and at the highest dose in all matrices. This study proves that exposure of pigs to chloramphenicol in doses occurring naturally in straw could result in residues above the MRPL in plasma, kidney and especially urine.     

病死猪肉的快速检验与处理

病死猪肉严重影响着人民群众的食用安全和身体健康,危害着畜牧业的发展。本文对病死猪肉的检验与处理方法进行了详细论述。并对各种检验方法进行了比较。     

Effects of cooked or roasted full-fat soya bean and soya bean meal on performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs

Abstract : Three maize-based diets were formulated to contain 25% each of cooked, or locally roasted full-fat soya bean, or 20% soya bean meal. The diets were fed to 24 Large White, Landrace, Hampshire and Duroc crossbred pigs from 32·75 kg average weight to 60·2 kg liveweight in a single-way classification bireplicate trial. Average daily feed, average daily gain and feed to gain ratios for the respective diets were 2·19, 2·05 and 2·16 kg; 0·58, 0·60 and 0·61 kg; and 3·88, 3·50 and 3·62. These differences were not statistically significant (P > 0·05). The linear measures and jointed proportions of the carcasses, as well as pig organ weights, were statistically the same for the three test diets. The pigs fed full-fat soya bean however produced soft-fat carcasses. These results suggest that full-fat soya bean, which is appropriately heat-processed, may effectively replace soya bean meal in growing-finishing pig diets.