THE ROLE OF QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI IN PIG SELECTION

Selekcija svinja donedavno se temeljila isključivo na fenotipskom očitovanju pojedinih obilježja životinje i/ili njezinih predaka, potomaka i srodnika. No, tijekom zadnjeg desetljeća u intenzivnoj proizvodnji počele su se koristiti molekularno genetske metode u identifikaciji i poboljšanju uzgojno-selekcijskih svojstava. Na taj su način brojni znanstveno istraživački rezultati s područja genetike svinja sve više implementirani u praksi s ciljem poboljšanja ekonomičnosti proizvodnje. Primjenom navedenih spoznaja moguće je poželjne jedinke identificirati u najranijoj dobi, prije nego li se ekonomski bitna svojstva počnu očitovati. Također, primjenom testova kojima se otkrivaju pogreške u kodovima odgovarajućih gena, moguće je pravovremeno isključiti iz daljnjeg uzgoja jedinke koje su nosioci pojedinih nasljednih bolesti. Nakon pete službene objave u siječnju 2007. godine, baza podataka kvantitativnih genskih biljega (QTL) svinja sadržavala je 1673 QTL-a za 281 različitih svojstava, da bi krajem 2007. taj broj iznosio 1809 QTL-a.. Pritom je 77% utvrđenih biljega povezano sa svojstvima koja određuju kakvoću mesa, 15% vezano je za proizvodna svojstva, 4% uz reproduktivna svojstva, njih 3% povezano je s odlikama vanjštine, a dok je uz zdravlje jedinki vezano 1% utvrđenih QTL-a.Pig selection was based on phenotypic manifestation of features in animals and/or their relatives. Molecular and genetic methods for identification and improvement of breeding and selection features take place in intensive production during last decade. In that way, numerous scientific results were implemented in practice to improve production economy. These methods make it possible to identify desirable animals in the early age, even before these economically significant production features have become apparent. With tests for detection of gene code errors concerning specific hereditary diseases these individuals could be eliminated from further breeding. After the fifth release of Pig quantitative trait loci database (QTLdb) at the beginning of 2007, there were 1673 QTL for 281 different breeding traits. At the end of 2007 this number reaches 1809 QTL. The most of them (77%) are traits connected with meat quality, 15% are connected with production features, 4% with reproduction features, 3% of them are connected with exterior and 1% with animals’ health

PRIRAST I GUBICI ODOJAKA VELIKOG JORKŠIRA TIJEKOM RAZDOBLJA SISANJA S OBZIROM NA PORODNU MASU

Growth of piglets during the suckling period is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. In addition to breed composition, one of the most important endogenous factors is the body weight at birth. This factor also significantly affects the losses to weaning, since it is known that light piglets are more susceptible to diseases and stress factors. In this paper we wanted to present trends of growth of Yorkshire piglets during the suckling period, with respect to the birth weight, as well as mortalities in each group. To lessen the effects of mother genetics and sex of individuals, as well as the influence of external factors, in the litter in which we observed the piglet of birth weight less than 1000 grams, the same-sex offspring heavier than 1000 g was taken as a control. Piglets were weighed at birth, on 7th, 14th and 21st day. Obtained results indicate that a statistically significant difference in body weight between the two groups maintained until weaning at the same level (P<0.01), where the piglets in the control group consistently progressed, while the lighter piglets were of very uneven growth and final weight at weaning. Average daily gain during the entire period was significantly higher (P<0.01) in heavier animals by 66.7 grams per day. Correlation of birth weight with body mass at weaning was positive and strong (r = 0.61, P<0.05). Furthermore, higher losses were recorded in the experimental group of piglets (29.2% compared to 8.3% in the control group), where they were the highest during the first 7 days.Prirast odojaka tijekom razdoblja sisanja određen je kako genetskim, tako i okolišnim čimbenicima. Pored pasminskog sastava, jedan od važnijih endogenih čimbenika je tjelesna masa pri porodu. Taj čimbenik također u značajnoj mjeri utječe i na gubitke do odbića, s obzirom da je poznata činjenica da su lakši odojci podložniji bolestima i stresu. U ovom smo radu željeli prikazati utjecaj porodne mase na prirast odojaka velikog jorkšira tijekom razdoblja sisanja te ukupna uginuća po skupinama. Kako bismo što više umanjili genetski utjecaj krmača te spola jedinki, kao i utjecaje vanjskih čimbenika, iz svakog legla u kojem smo promatrali odojka porodne mase manje od 1000 grama, kao kontrola promatran je istospolni potomak teži od 1000 g. Odojci su vagani po porodu, te 7., 14. i 21. dana. Dobiveni rezultati pokazuju da se statistički značajna razlika u tjelesnoj masi između dvije skupine zadržala do odbića na istoj razini (p<0,01), pri čemu su odojci kontrolne skupine ujednačeno napredovali, dok su lakši odojci bili vrlo neujednačenog prirasta i završne težine kod odbića. Nadalje, odojci kontrolne skupine tijekom promatranog razdoblja imali su značajno veći (p<0,01) prosječni dnevni prirast u odnosu na pokusnu skupinu za 66,7 grama/dan. Povezanost porodne mase s tjelesnom masom kod odbića bila je pozitivna i jaka (0,61; p<0,05). U pokusnoj skupini odojaka zabilježeni su veći gubici (29.2% u odnosu na 8.3% u kontrolnoj skupini), posebice tijekom prvih 7 dana

HERD HEALTH MANAGEMENT, LEGISLATION AND RISK FACTORS IN PRESERVATION OF AUTOCHTHONOUS ANIMAL BREEDS

Zaštita zdravlja je integralni dio uzgoja svih vrsta životinja. Bolesti domaćih životinja, pa tako i izvornih pasmina jesu ne samo zdravstveni već i socio-ekonomski problem. Pojava bolesti unutar populacija izvornih pasmina životinja dovodi do ekonomskih gubitaka uslijed manje proizvodnje, uginuća ili nemogućnosti korištenja proizvoda životinjskog podrijetla. Smanjenje populacija izvornih pasmina je sociološki i ekološki problem, u smislu očuvanja biološke raznolikosti kao dijela kulturne baštine pojedinog kraja. Bolesti su velika opasnost pogotovo za male populacije, rasprostranjene na manjem području, očuvane in vivo i in situ bez ex situ postupaka, jer može doći do ugroze cijele populacije. Zakonom propisane mjere o postupanju u slučaju izbijanja pojedinih bolesti, odnosno o preve-ntivnim postupcima kod pojedinih vrsta odnose se na sve životinja jednako. U Hrvatskoj je zakonska osnova izjednačena ili u procesu izjednačavanja s legislativom EU. Zdravstvena zaštita izvornih pasmina domaćih životinja trebala bi se temeljiti prvenstveno na preventivnim mjerama kako bi se smanjili mogući rizici za navedene populacije. Pod preventivom mislimo na preventivno cijepljenje, ali i pravilnu hranidbu, higijenu vode za piće, optimalne mikroklimatske uvjete u nastambama te redovito kretanje životinja.Heard health management is integral part of animal breeding. Domestic animal, as well as autochthonous breeds diseases presents health and socio-economic problem. Disease outbreaks in autochthonous breeds can cause economic losses due to diminished production, mortality or to inability to use animal products. Decrease in autochthonous breed population size is social and ecological problem in means of loss of animal genetic resources. Especially small populations are at risk in case of disease outbreaks because these populations are usually spread on smaller regions and preserved in vivo and in situ without ex situ methods. Legislation includes preventive and those measures which should be taken in case of disease outbreaks. Croatian legislation is already or is in the process of adjustment according to EU legislations. Herd health management for autochthonous breeds should be based upon preventive measures to diminish all risks. Under preventive measures we consider preventive vaccination of animals, good nutrition, drinking water hygiene, optimal housing conditions and regular animal exercise

Prediction of reproductive performance of ewes based on the early production data, ewe birth rank, dam age, and dam birth rank

This research aimed to analyze whether ewes' total reproductive performance up to the fourth year of life (RP4) can be predicted based on the data available at an early stage of a ewe's productive life. The RP4 of 133 Romanov ewes was measured in terms of the total number of lambs born per ewe (TNLE) and total birth weight of lambs per ewe (TBLE). Multiple regression was used to analyze whether early reproductive performance indicators (first litter size – FLS, age at first lambing – AFL, first lambing interval – FLI), ewe birth rank, dam age, and dam birth rank can be used as the predictors of RP4. Predicted R2 and 95 % prediction intervals were used as indicators of the precision of prediction. Average TNLE and TBLE at the end of fourth year of ewe life were 11.84 lambs and 37.96 kg, respectively. FLS and FLI significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced TNLE and TBLE, while AFL was not a significant (P&gt;0.05) variable. Ewes with shorter FLI had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher TNLE (10.94 lambs) and TBLE (36.17 kg) than ewes with long FLI (TNLE = 9.12 lambs and TBLE = 28.05 kg). R2 predicted for TNLE and TBLE was 7.54 % and 11.49 %, respectively. The ewe's birth rank and the dam's birth rank significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced TNLE and TBLE. Ewes born as singletons and ewes from singleton-born dams had significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower TNLE and TBLE than ewes born as triplets and ewes from triplet-born dams. R2 predicted for TNLE was 16.76 %, and 25.69 % for TBLE. FLS and FLI are better predictors of RP4 than AFL. The birth rank of ewe and dam also proved significant predictors of RP4. For both sets of predictors (early reproductive indicators and birth rank data), low values of R2 predicted indicate that precise prediction of RP4 cannot be made.</p

DALMATIAN TURKEY – AN ARCHAIC FORM OF POULTRY

Potpisom Konvencije o biološkoj raznolikosti Republika Hrvatska aktivno se uključila u očuvanje ukupnog biodiverziteta. Od autohtonih pasmina peradi za sada su u Popis izvornih i zaštićenih pasmina i sojeva domaćih životinja nastalih na teritoriju Republike Hrvatske upisani zagorski puran i kokoš hrvatica. No, proces identifikacije te karakterizacije pojedinih tradicionalnih formi životinja koje se uzgajaju na nekom području još traje. Među takve tradicionalne oblike spada i dalmatinska tuka, koja se na području dalmatinskog zaleđa uzgaja generacijama. Navedena forma pura, povijesno uključena u tradiciju kraja, uspjela se održati zbog izričite sklonosti žitelja tog područja tradicionalnom te zbog njihove visoke primjerenosti ruralnom uzgoju, kao i lokalnim društvenim i gospodarskim prilikama. Svjesni činjenice da se u arealu dalmatinskih tuka sve češće ekstenzivno uzgajaju različiti hibridi pura, nalazimo nužnim što prije utvrditi njihove prosječne morfološke i fiziološke odlike da bismo mogli dati osnovne smjernice za karakterizaciju pasmine, procijeniti veličinu populacije čistih jata, ustanoviti jata sa primjesama krvi hibrida te usmjeriti uzgoj roditeljskih parova u čistoj krvi. Uz znanstvenu, stručnu te komercijalnu podršku od dalmatinskih bi se tuka mogao razviti još jedan snažan gastronomski simbol Dalmatinske zagore. Na taj bi način njihov tradicionalni, a pritom komercijalni uzgoj na obiteljskim poljoprivrednim gospodarstvima mogao imati primjetne promidžbene učinke i donositi znatne prihode.After signing the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Republic of Croatia has been actively included into preservation of biological and landscape diversity. Today, Hrvatica Hen and Zagorje Turkey are the only two autochthonous breeds of poultry that are included into the National Register of Autochthonous Breeds. However, processes of identification and characterization of autochthonous breeds are still continuing. Dalmatian Turkey can also be included in those traditional forms. As an archaic form of turkey it has been traditionally reared in the area of the Dalmatian hinterland. It is historically involved in the tradition of this region and maintained due to local inhabitants and their tendency towards traditional forms. Furthermore, those turkeys are suitable for extensive breeding, as well as for the local social and agricultural conditions. The daily increasing number of hybrids causes decrease of the amount of Dalmatian Turkey in this area. For that reason we find it necessary to determine their average morphological and physiological characteristics as soon as possible. In this way it will be possible to determine the main trends for breed characterization, to find flocks without influence of other breeds or hybrids, to determine the average population size, as well as to find parental flocks for further breeding and selection. With the scientific, professional and commercial support, Dalmatian Turkey may also present a culinary speciality from the Dalmatian hinterland. In this way, traditional, but commercial breeding on family farms could increase the budget and the standard of this region

WELFARE OF TURKEYS IN INTENSIVE PRODUCTION

Osnovni cilj intenzivnog uzgoja je visoka proizvodnost. Međutim, takvim uzgojem stvoreni su uvjeti u kojima nije moguće zadovoljenje optimalnih bioloških potreba purana, važnih u kontekstu njihove dobrobiti. Genetska selekcija na ubrzanom prirastu, odnosno većoj tjelesnoj masi rezultirala je zdravstvenim problemima, posebice lokomotornog i kardiovaskularnog sustava. Osim toga, održavana visoka gustoća naseljenosti životinja po jedinici smještajnog prostora u farmskom uzgoju uzrokom je lošije kvalitete zraka u peradnjacima, moguće pojave kanibalizma, kao i smanjene mogućnosti kontrole zdravstvenog stanja jedinki. Ostale probleme po dobrobit predstavljaju i postupci izlova, prijevoza i klanja purana. U svrhu sprečavanja pojave kanibalizma purani se uzgajaju pri smanjenom intenzitetu osvjetljenja i/ili im se skraćuju kljunovi, što su postupci koji su već sami po sebi problem dobrobiti. Narušena dobrobit rasplodnih jedinki očituje se i provedbom programa restriktivne hranidbe, a u svrhu kontrole tjelesne mase. Zbog navedenih razloga smanjenja dobrobiti purana pri intenzivnoj proizvodnji nameće se potreba modifikacije određenih postupaka proizvodnje i obogaćenja njihova okoliša.Within the conditions of intensive rearing, of which the main goal is high productivity, certain turkeys\u27 needs, important in the welfare context, cannot be satisfied. Genetic selection for rapid growth and higher body weight has resulted in many health problems, for instance problems of the locomotory system, and has also made natural mating in turkeys impossible. Besides, a high stocking density per housing space unit in farm rearing causes poor air quality, cannibalism as well as lower possibility of animal inspection. Furthermore, routine procedures like catching, transportation and slaughtering represent major welfare problems for turkeys. With the aim to prevent cannibalism, turkeys are raised at low light intensity or/and beak trimming is conducted, which also raises questions about animal welfare. Poor welfare of breeding birds is also manifested in restrictive feeding programs, with the purpose of forced molting and controlling of their body weight. The above mentioned reasons of poor welfare in intensive turkey production prove the need of modification of certain production practices as well as of environmental enrichment

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF HYGIENIC AIR QUALITY DETERMINATION, AS SWINE WELFARE INDICATOR IN INTENSIVE PRODUCTION

Higijenska kvaliteta zraka u svinjogojskim objektima jedan je od osnovnih zdravstvenih i proizvodnih čimbenika. Cilj rada bio je utvrditi brojnost mezofilnih bakterija i gljivica u zraku nastambi svinja u pojedinim tehnološkim fazama proizvodnje, uz praćenje uobičajenih mikroklimatskih pokazatelja. Istraživanje je provedeno u prasilištu od 185 m2 s 28 boksova za prasenje, odgajalištu od 47 m2 s 12 jednoetažnih kaveza te tovilištu od 167,5 m2 sa 14 boksova. Tijekom istraživanja je u prasilištu bilo smješteno prosječno 25 krmača s leglom, odgajalištu 215 prasadi te tovilištu 190 svinja. Mjerenja su obavljena u 6 navrata tijekom proljetno-ljetnog razdoblja. Prema dobivenim rezultatima broja mezofilnih bakterija u zraku objekata, najveća prosječna vrijednost od 8,20 x 105 CFU/m3 zraka utvrđena je u odgajalištu. Ona je ujedno bila i statistički značajno veća u odnosu na njihov broj u tovilištu. Najveća prosječna vrijednost broja gljivica od 1,61 x 105 CFU/m3 zraka, također je utvrđena u odgajalištu, ali se nije značajno razlikovala obzirom na njihov broj u drugim proizvodnim fazama. Razlozi takvim vrijednostima mogu biti neodgovarajuća gustoća naseljenosti životinja po jedinici smještajnog prostora, kao i prekomjerna vlaga zraka koje su u razdoblju istraživanja utvrđene u odgajalištu.Hygienic air quality in swine facilities is one of the basic health and production factors. The aim of this investigation was to determine the number of airborne mesophilic bacteria and fungi in particular technological phases of production, by monitoring of common microclimatic parameters. Researching was conducted in the farrowing stable of 185 m2 with 28 farrowing pens, nursery stable of 47 m2 with 12 one floor cages and fattening stable of 167,5 m2 with 14 pens. During investigation there were placed in farrowing stable 25 sows with litter in average, nursery stable 215 piglets and in fattening stable 190 pigs. The measurements were taken at 6 occasions during spring-summer period. According to the obtained results of number of airborne mesophilic bacteria in facilities, the highest mean value of 8,20 x 105 CFU/m3 of the air, was determined in nursery stable. This value was significantly higher according to their number in fattening stable. The highest mean value of fungi of 1,61 x 105 CFU/m3 of the air was also determined in nursery stable, but there was no significant difference according to their number in other production phases. The reasons of such values can be non-adequate animal density per unit of housing space as well as effusive air humidity which were determined during researching in nursery stable

EFFECT OF SEASONALITY ON LITTER SIZE TRAITS IN BLACK SLAVONIAN AND “NERO DI PARMA” PIGS

The aim of this study was to analyse the litter size traits in two genotypes of pig population with black coat: Black Slavonian (BS) and “Nero di Parma” (NP). Data analysis included records from the 1st to 4th parity separately, and all parities (from 1st to 11th) for the following traits: Total Number of Born (TNB), Number of Born Alive (NBA), and Number of Weaned (NW) piglets, collected from 296 BS and 421 NP sows. Litter size traits from 1st to 4thparitywas analysed separately for each breed and ANOVA Repetead Measure test was used to calculate the difference between parities. The analysis of seasonality in all parities was performed using the General Linear Model.Significant differences (P<0.05) between-parity in BS were observed in the 1st and 3rd as well in the 1st and 4th parities for TNB and NW. Only for the NBA difference (P<0.05) was found between 1st and 3rd parities.Differences (P<0.05) in NP pigs were reported between the 1st and 3rd as between 1st and 4th parity for TNB and NBA. First-parity sows for NW shows significant differences (P<0.05) in relation to 2nd, 3rd and 4th parity. In all parities analysed according to the seasons significant differences was recorded between summer and autumn period for TNB (P<0.05) in BS. Difference (P<0.05) was also obtained for NBA between spring and autumn, as well as for summer and autumn season. In all parity analysis in BS pig, the NW (P<0.05) showed differences only between spring and summer period. Season in all parity analysis had a significant impact on litter size traits in NP pig. Differences (P<0.05) was obtained for TNB, NBA and NW among spring-winter, summerwinter and autumn-winter period

DALMATIAN TURKEY – AN ARCHAIC FORM OF POULTRY

Potpisom Konvencije o biološkoj raznolikosti Republika Hrvatska aktivno se uključila u očuvanje ukupnog biodiverziteta. Od autohtonih pasmina peradi za sada su u Popis izvornih i zaštićenih pasmina i sojeva domaćih životinja nastalih na teritoriju Republike Hrvatske upisani zagorski puran i kokoš hrvatica. No, proces identifikacije te karakterizacije pojedinih tradicionalnih formi životinja koje se uzgajaju na nekom području još traje. Među takve tradicionalne oblike spada i dalmatinska tuka, koja se na području dalmatinskog zaleđa uzgaja generacijama. Navedena forma pura, povijesno uključena u tradiciju kraja, uspjela se održati zbog izričite sklonosti žitelja tog područja tradicionalnom te zbog njihove visoke primjerenosti ruralnom uzgoju, kao i lokalnim društvenim i gospodarskim prilikama. Svjesni činjenice da se u arealu dalmatinskih tuka sve češće ekstenzivno uzgajaju različiti hibridi pura, nalazimo nužnim što prije utvrditi njihove prosječne morfološke i fiziološke odlike da bismo mogli dati osnovne smjernice za karakterizaciju pasmine, procijeniti veličinu populacije čistih jata, ustanoviti jata sa primjesama krvi hibrida te usmjeriti uzgoj roditeljskih parova u čistoj krvi. Uz znanstvenu, stručnu te komercijalnu podršku od dalmatinskih bi se tuka mogao razviti još jedan snažan gastronomski simbol Dalmatinske zagore. Na taj bi način njihov tradicionalni, a pritom komercijalni uzgoj na obiteljskim poljoprivrednim gospodarstvima mogao imati primjetne promidžbene učinke i donositi znatne prihode.After signing the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Republic of Croatia has been actively included into preservation of biological and landscape diversity. Today, Hrvatica Hen and Zagorje Turkey are the only two autochthonous breeds of poultry that are included into the National Register of Autochthonous Breeds. However, processes of identification and characterization of autochthonous breeds are still continuing. Dalmatian Turkey can also be included in those traditional forms. As an archaic form of turkey it has been traditionally reared in the area of the Dalmatian hinterland. It is historically involved in the tradition of this region and maintained due to local inhabitants and their tendency towards traditional forms. Furthermore, those turkeys are suitable for extensive breeding, as well as for the local social and agricultural conditions. The daily increasing number of hybrids causes decrease of the amount of Dalmatian Turkey in this area. For that reason we find it necessary to determine their average morphological and physiological characteristics as soon as possible. In this way it will be possible to determine the main trends for breed characterization, to find flocks without influence of other breeds or hybrids, to determine the average population size, as well as to find parental flocks for further breeding and selection. With the scientific, professional and commercial support, Dalmatian Turkey may also present a culinary speciality from the Dalmatian hinterland. In this way, traditional, but commercial breeding on family farms could increase the budget and the standard of this region