Producción porcina en el Uruguay: desafíos y oportunidades

A nivel mundial la producción comercial de cerdos se ha intensificado en los últimos años, existiendo un mayor número de cabezas en un menor número de granja (FAO, 2014). Uruguay no ha sido ajeno a este proceso

A genome-wide association study for survival from a multi-centre European study identified variants associated with COVID-19 risk of death

: The clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection vary widely among patients, from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Host genetics is one of the factors that contributes to this variability as previously reported by the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (HGI), which identified sixteen loci associated with COVID-19 severity. Herein, we investigated the genetic determinants of COVID-19 mortality, by performing a case-only genome-wide survival analysis, 60 days after infection, of 3904 COVID-19 patients from the GEN-COVID and other European series (EGAS00001005304 study of the COVID-19 HGI). Using imputed genotype data, we carried out a survival analysis using the Cox model adjusted for age, age2, sex, series, time of infection, and the first ten principal components. We observed a genome-wide significant (P-value < 5.0 × 10-8) association of the rs117011822 variant, on chromosome 11, of rs7208524 on chromosome 17, approaching the genome-wide threshold (P-value = 5.19 × 10-8). A total of 113 variants were associated with survival at P-value < 1.0 × 10-5 and most of them regulated the expression of genes involved in immune response (e.g., CD300 and KLR genes), or in lung repair and function (e.g., FGF19 and CDH13). Overall, our results suggest that germline variants may modulate COVID-19 risk of death, possibly through the regulation of gene expression in immune response and lung function pathways

SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 disease severity are associated with genetic variants affecting gene expression in a variety of tissues

Variability in SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 disease severity between individuals is partly due to genetic factors. Here, we identify 4 genomic loci with suggestive associations for SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and 19 for COVID-19 disease severity. Four of these 23 loci likely have an ethnicity-specific component. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals in 11 loci colocalize with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) associated with the expression of 20 genes in 62 tissues/cell types (range: 1:43 tissues/gene), including lung, brain, heart, muscle, and skin as well as the digestive system and immune system. We perform genetic fine mapping to compute 99% credible SNP sets, which identify 10 GWAS loci that have eight or fewer SNPs in the credible set, including three loci with one single likely causal SNP. Our study suggests that the diverse symptoms and disease severity of COVID-19 observed between individuals is associated with variants across the genome, affecting gene expression levels in a wide variety of tissue types

Common, low-frequency, rare, and ultra-rare coding variants contribute to COVID-19 severity

The combined impact of common and rare exonic variants in COVID-19 host genetics is currently insufficiently understood. Here, common and rare variants from whole-exome sequencing data of about 4000 SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals were used to define an interpretable machine-learning model for predicting COVID-19 severity. First, variants were converted into separate sets of Boolean features, depending on the absence or the presence of variants in each gene. An ensemble of LASSO logistic regression models was used to identify the most informative Boolean features with respect to the genetic bases of severity. The Boolean features selected by these logistic models were combined into an Integrated PolyGenic Score that offers a synthetic and interpretable index for describing the contribution of host genetics in COVID-19 severity, as demonstrated through testing in several independent cohorts. Selected features belong to ultra-rare, rare, low-frequency, and common variants, including those in linkage disequilibrium with known GWAS loci. Noteworthily, around one quarter of the selected genes are sex-specific. Pathway analysis of the selected genes associated with COVID-19 severity reflected the multi-organ nature of the disease. The proposed model might provide useful information for developing diagnostics and therapeutics, while also being able to guide bedside disease management. © 2021, The Author(s)

A first update on mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19

peer reviewe

Efeito de diferentes sistemas de aquecimento no desempenho de leitões lactentes

In Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) during summer and autumn, four heating systems were evaluated for suckling piglets, which used a lamp in each successive half of lactation (28 days in total): S1, infrared and 150W common; S @, common 150W and 100W; S3, 100W common only; S4, common 100W and 60W. 84 litters were used, grouped in six blocks. The variables evaluated were: maximum and minimum temperatures in the piglets' nest, in the maternity and environmental room; litter size (TC); weight gain (GPC) and litter weight (PC); ration consumption (CR); mortality (M); litters with dead (CCM); diarrhea (D); litters with diarrhea (CCD) and electricity consumption (CE). Data corresponding to three periods were analyzed: initial (0-14 d), final (15-28 d) and total (0-28 d). Significant differences were observed for the temperatures in the nests and CE (P &lt;.01) in all periods; in the initial period the S! had higher CPG (P &lt;.10) and S # and S lower CCD (P <.05); In the total period, S1 had higher CPG and CP than the others. The averages at weaning were: TC, 10.4; GPC, 46.5 kg; PC, 61.8 kg; CR, 2.6 kg per litter and period; M, 7.4%; CCM, 44.0%; D, 9.0% and CCD, 86.6%. A negative correlation was found between nest temperature and ration consumption. In conclusion, it is recommended for the time of year studied, not to replace the infrared lamp during the first two weeks, but that it is economical to use ordinary lamps of lower power, in the final period of lactation.En Río Grande del Sur (Brasil) durante verano y otoño, se evaluaron cuatro sistemas de calefacción para lechones lactantes, que usaron una lámpara en cada mitad sucesiva de la lactación (28 días en total): S1, infrarroja y común de 150W; S@, comunes de 150W y 100W; S3, solo común de 100W; S4, comunes de 100W y 60W. Se utilizaron 84 camadas, agrupadas en seis bloques. Las variables evaluadas fueron: temperaturas máximas y mínimas en el nido de los lechones, en la sala de maternidad y ambiental; tamaño de la camada (TC); ganancia de peso (GPC) y peso de la camada (PC); consumo de ración (CR); mortalidad (M); camadas con muertos (CCM); diarrea (D); camadas con diarreicos (CCD) y consumo de energía eléctrica (CE). Se analizaron datos correspondientes a tres periodos: inicial (0-14 d), final (15-28 d) y total (0-28 d). Se observaron diferencias significativas para la temperaturas en los nidos y CE (P<.01) en todos los periodos; en el periodo inicial el S! tuvo mayor GPC (P<.10) y los S# y S menor CCD (P&lt;.05); en el periodo total el S1 tuvo mayores GPC y PC que los otros. Los promedios al destete, fueron: TC, 10.4; GPC, 46.5 kg; PC, 61.8 kg; CR, 2.6 kg por camada y periodo; M, 7.4%; CCM, 44.0%; D, 9.0% y CCD, 86.6%. se encontró una correlación negativa entre temperatura en el nido y consumo de ración. En conclusión, se recomienda para la época del año estudiada, no sustituir la lámpara infrarroja durante las dos primeras semanas, pero que es económico el uso de lámparas comunes de menor potencia, en el periodo final de la lactación.No Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), durante o verão e o outono, foram avaliados quatro sistemas de aquecimento para leitões lactentes, que utilizavam uma lâmpada a cada metade sucessiva da lactação (28 dias no total): S1, infravermelho e 150W comum; S @, comum 150W e 100W; S3, 100 W comum apenas; S4, 100W e 60W comuns. Foram utilizados 84 litros, agrupados em seis blocos. As variáveis ​​avaliadas foram: temperaturas máximas e mínimas no ninho dos leitões, na maternidade e no ambiente; tamanho da ninhada (TC); ganho de peso (GPC) e peso da ninhada (PC); consumo de ração (CR); mortalidade (M); ninhadas com mortos (CCM); diarreia (D); ninhadas com diarreia (CCD) e consumo de eletricidade (CE). Foram analisados ​​dados correspondentes a três períodos: inicial (0-14 d), final (15-28 d) e total (0-28 d). Diferenças significativas foram observadas para as temperaturas nos ninhos e CE (P &lt;0,01) em todos os períodos; no período inicial, o S! teve maior CPG (P &lt;.10) e S # e S $ menor CCD (P &lt;.05); No período total, S1 apresentou maior CPG e CP do que os demais. As médias ao desmame foram: TC, 10,4; GPC, 46,5 kg; PC, 61,8 kg; CR, 2,6 kg por ninhada e período; M, 7,4%; CCM, 44,0%; D, 9,0% e CCD, 86,6%. Uma correlação negativa foi encontrada entre a temperatura do ninho e o consumo de ração. Em conclusão, recomenda-se para a época do ano estudada, não substituir a lâmpada infravermelha durante as duas primeiras semanas, mas que é econômico utilizar lâmpadas comuns de menor potência, no período final da lactação

FR 07. Reproductive performance of three swine breeding systems in Uruguay

Data from three uruguayan farms were used to evaluate three production systems: SISC - with birth stage in confinement; SICT - all stages in confinement; and SIAC - an outdoor system, prior to the birth stage. It was carried out from November 1991 to October 1993. The following variables were evaluated: system, year, farrowing number, sow and litter breed, and farrowing (or matting) date on the performance of the sow and litter measured by: total piglets born (LNT), alive born (LNV), piglets weaned (LD), mortality during suckling period (%M) and gestation length (G). The main effect was the system. The SICT was the best system and differences were detected between this system and the SIAC (P&lt;.01) in all the characteristics and with the SISC in LD, %M and G (P &lt; .01) and LNV (P&lt;.05). The general means were: LNV=9.98, LNT=11.24, %M=14.59, LD=8.30 and G=114.11. Was estimated the investment needed for the suckling period, and how it affects the pig production cost per piglet weaned: SIAC=U$S0.23, SICT=U$S0.34, and SISC=U$S0.53. It was concluded that the SIAC is a possible alternative for the uruguayan farmers

Seasonal variation in sperm characteristics of boars in southern Uruguay

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of season, natural photoperiod, and room temperature at the housing facility on boar semen characteristics in Uruguay (34º66'S; 56º29'W). For this purpose, 117 ejaculates, obtained from eight adult males collected through 12 consecutive months, were assessed for sperm viability, DNA integrity, abnormalities (total, primary, and secondary), ejaculate volume, and sperm concentration. Viability, total and primary abnormalities, volume, and sperm concentration were affected by season. Sperm viability, volume, and sperm concentration were affected by natural photoperiod. In general, autumn and the decreasing photoperiod had a negative impact on most of the semen characteristics, except for volume. Housing temperature did not affect semen characteristics. In boars living in temperate climates, semen quality is negatively affected during autumn and is related to photoperiod changes; however, the effects of temperature changes in housingdo not affect these seminal characteristics. In this scenario, seasonal differences in semen quality may have a negative effect on sow fertilization. Consequently, semen quality control especially during autumn is imperative for the best boar selection to be used for insemination purposes. Seasonal differences in semen quality may have a negative effect on sow reproductive performance. This issue will be addressed in a future investigation

Avaliação de um sistema de produção ao ar livre: 1. Porca desempenho até o nascimento.

The reproductive performance of the Outdoor Pig Production Unit of the Faculty of Agronomy was evaluated for 17 years (1997-2014). Two thousand and fifty matings belonged to 187 sows and 46 boars were analyzed. It was evaluated as: Farrowing Rate (FR); Fertilizing-Service-Weaning Interval (FSWI), Farrowings Interval (FI), Total Piglets Born (TPB) and Piglets Born Alive (PBA), Average Weight (AW) and Litter Weight (LW); were affected by: Genetic Type of the Sow (GTS) and the Board (GTB); Service Season (SS) or Birth Season (BS) and Parity (P); Lactation Length (LL) as a covariate for FSWI and, FI and TPB for AW and LW. In addition, the correlation between the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and FR was studied. Simple means (± SE) for FR, FSWI, FI, LL, TPB, PBA, AW and LW were respectively: 73.7% (4.40); 19.5 days (1.01); 179.5 days (1.00) and 46 days (± 8.70); 9.9 (0.07); 9.3 (0.07); 1.37 (0.01) and 12.5 kg (0.10). FR was lower in summer than in autumn and winter, and showed a negative correlation with THI (-0.057). The FSWI was affected by SS (was greater in summer). The FI only showed to be correlated with LL (-0.623). The number and weight of the piglets was affected by GTS (the crosses sow showed the highest values) and the P, greater in older sows. The GTB only affected the LW. AW was affected negatively and LW positively by TPB. This results confirm the technical viability of the production system.Se evaluó la performance reproductiva de la Unidad de Producción de Cerdos al aire libre, de la Facultad&nbsp; de Agronomía, durante 17 años (1997-2014). Se analizaron 2015 servicios de 187 cerdas y 46 padrillos. Se evaluó como: Tasa de Parición (TP); Intervalo Destete Servicio Fecundante (IDSF), Intervalo Entre Partos (IEP), Lechones Nacidos Totales (LNT) y Nacidos&nbsp; Vivos (LNV), Peso Promedio (PPN) y de Camada (PCN); fueron afectados por: Tipo Genético de la Cerda (TGC) y del Padrillo (TGP); Estación de Servicio (ES) o Nacimiento (EN) y; Paridad (P); el Largo de Lactación (LL) como covariable para IDSF e IEP y, LNT para PN y PCN. Además la correlación entre el Índice de Temperatura y Humedad (ITH) y TP. Los promedios reales (± DEM) para TP, IDSF, IEP, LL, LNT, LNV, PPN y PCN fueron: 73,7% (4.40); 19,5 días (1,01); 179,5 días (1,00) y 46 días (± 8,70); 9,9 (0,07); 9,3 (0,07); 1,37 (0,01) y 12,5 kg (0,10) respectivamente. La TP fue menor en verano que en otoño e invierno y mostró una correlación negativa con ITH (-0.057). El IDSF fue afectado por P y por ES siendo mayor en verano y menor en invierno. El IEP solamente mostró estar correlacionado con LL (-0,623). El número y peso de los lechones fue afectado por TGC las HDP (híbridas Duroc x Pampa Rocha) mostraron los mayores valores y la P con resultados variables. El TGP solamente afectó el PCN. El LNT afectó negativamente el PN y positivamente el PCN. Estos resultados permiten confirmar la viabilidad técnica del sistema de producción