Association of the estrogen receptor 1 and 2 polymorphisms with fat distribution in heavy pigs

More than 80% of Italy's pig production is used in the production of traditional dry cured ham. Dry cured ham production requires fresh legs with at least 15 mm of fat coverage. For decades, Italian pigs have been selected for fatness, as legs constitute almost 60% of the commercial value of the animal. Lately, however, thigh prices have dropped, increasing the economic importance of the Longissimus dorsi (L. dorsi) to the pig industry. This research sought to identify genes that can modulate fat repartitioning, resulting in fat legs and lean L. dorsi. As estrogens are known to control the distribution of body fat in humans and rodents, we investigated the polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESRPvuII5700/4200) and estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2 A949G) genes in 612 pigs (278 females, 334 castrated males) and collected the following phenotypical data: carcass weight, lean percentage, leg weight, back fat and leg fat thickness. Castrated males of the ESRPvuII5700/5700 genotype had significantly more back fat (P<0.05) with no significant effect on leg fat. Conversely, ESRPvuII5700/5700 females had significantly less leg fat (P<0.05) with no significant effect on back fat. Both males and females of the ESR2 AA genotype had less leg fat (P<0.05) without any effect of the polymorphism on back fat. Our findings suggest that ESRPvuII5700/4200 and ESR2 A949G polymorphisms are associated with subcutaneous fat localization in pigs

Association of the Estrogen Receptor Gene PVUII Restriction Polymorphism with Fat Content in San Daniele Dry Cured Hams

In Italy more than 80% of pig production is destined to the traditional Italian dry cured ham market. Dry cured ham production requires fresh legs with at least 20 mm of fat coverage. For decades, Italian pigs were selected for fatness as hams constituted almost 60% of the commercial value of the animal. Lately, tight prices dropped and therefore Longissimus dorsi acquires economical importance for the pig industry. The aim of this research was to identify genes that might modulate fat repartition in order to have fat legs and lean L. dorsi. Estrogens are known to control the distribution of body fat mass in human and rodents. Therefore, we investigated the estrogen receptor PVUII polymorphism in 604 pigs (274 females, 330 castrated males) for which the following phenotypical data was collected: carcass weight, backfat thickness, leg weight, leg length and leg fat cover. Fatty acid profiles and IMF were recorded in the Bicipite femoris of 125 animals (62 females, 63 catrated males). Castrated males of the 11 genotype had significantly more backfat (P&lt;0.05) and longer legs (P&lt;0.05). No effect on the leg fat cover was observed. The bicipite femoris of castrated males of the 11 genotype has less IMF (P&lt;0.05), lower concentrations of palmic and oleic acids (P&lt;0.05). Our findings suggest that the ESR polymorphism is associated with fat distribution in pigs

Technical note: direct enzyme immunoassay of progesterone in bovine milk whey

A simple extraction-free or direct quantitative ELISA for progesterone in bovine milk whey was developed. Whey samples are easy to collect, transport, and store. This method also allows for monitoring progesterone levels in cattle, which is important in reproductive management. The assay was designed to cover the concentration range 0.05 to 2 ng/mL, and the sensitivity of the method was 1.5 pg/mL. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 8 and 12%, respectively. A high correlation (r = 0.90) between ELISA and radioimmunoassay measurements of progesterone in the same milk whey samples was obtained. The method can be easily applied in practice because samples can be stored at room temperature (22 to 26\uff70C) for 4 d. Moreover, because analysis requires milk coagulation, that process can be initiated during transport by standard mail services to the laboratory. Upon arrival at the laboratory, whey can be kept refrigerated for 1 wk before analysis. This tool is useful for monitoring luteal activity of dairy cows

Effect of cyclicity on ovsynch synchronization treatment efficiency in dairy cows

Administration of PGF-2\u3b1 and GnRH is a widely used method for ovulation synchronization. The objective of this study was to assess whether regular cyclic activity prior to synchronization treatment increases conception rate. The experiment was performed on 326 multiparous Italian Friesian dairy cows synchronized with GnRH and PGF-2\u3b1 80 days at least, after calving. The treatment begins with an injection of GnRH, given at any stage of the estrous cycle. Seven days later, an injection of PGF-\u3b1 is given followed two days later by a second injection of GnRH. Cows were inseminated 8 to 24 h after the second GnRH injection without regard to estrus behavior. Cyclic activity of animals before hormonal treatment was assessed by daily measurement of milk progesterone. Moreover progesterone concentrations were used to discriminate animals in two groups: HHL (H= high progesterone levels at the first GnRH injection; H= high progesterone levels at the PGF2\u3b1 injection; L= low progesterone levels at insemination) and NNN (HLL, HHH or LHL). This experiment demonstrates that synchronisation treatment is more efficacious on cows showing regular cyclic activity (conception rate of 49.4% vs 19.4%; P<0.001). This difference between cyclic and non-cyclic cows is also observed in the HHL group (48% vs 31%, P<0.01) and in the NNN group (38% vs 7%, P<0.01). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a regular cyclic activity improved synchronization treatment efficiency