Effect of DGAT1 gene mutation in sows of dam-line on the composition of the produced milk and piglet rearing during 21-day lactation

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene (DGAT1) involved in the synthesis and transport of triglycerides is located on chromosome 4 in pigs, in the region with about 200 QTLs responsible among other things for: fat thickness, daily gains, fat content and composition of fatty acids. It is thus probable that the gene polymorphism (as in cows) may affect the fat content in colostrum and milk of sows. The objective of the experiment was to assess the effect of DGAT1 polymorphism on the milk composition of sows and as a result on piglet rearing during the suckling period. The experiment was performed on 207 sows of breeds used in breeding program as a dam-line: polish large white (PLW) and polish landrace (PL). Colostrum and milk of sows were collected at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of lactation to assay solids, total protein, fat and lactose. Data on piglet rearing performance were collected at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of lactation. The tests performed showed that A/G rs45434075 DGAT1 mutation occurring in PLW and PL sows did not  significantly affect the quality of their colostrum and milk expressed as solids content, and at the same time on piglet rearing performance. However, it was observed that PLW sows of the DGAT1GG genotype was characterised by a higher fat content in colostrum, whereas PL sows of the same genotype had an increased protein content and a reduced lactose content in milk. Key words: DGAT1, Polymorphism, milk, rearing of piglets, maternal breed.Abbreviation:  PLW, Polish large white; PL, polish landrac

Przykład systemu produkcji wysokojakościowych produktów z wieprzowiny

The production system of high quality pork products – an example. The aim of the article was to present the Spanish production model of dried, ripening hams – Jamon Ibérico. Many years of Spaniards’ experience in extensively fattened Iberian pigs, using the potential of pastureland areas called dehesa and refi ning the technology of ham production in a slow drying process makes the obtained product (Jamon Ibérico) characterized by very good quality (confi rmed by scientifi c research) and palatability. The established law regulations of this kind of production in royal decrees issued in 2007 and then in 2014 introduced a number of regulations to improve and stabilize the quality of the fi nal product. Because of the care for the safety of genetic resources of Iberian pigs, regulations on the origin of animals, their treatment and breeding methods have been tightened. In addition, the labeling conditions for regional products have been defi ned. The aim of these new labeling conditions is to ensure the possibility of identifying the breeding system and the way of feeding Iberian pigs by placing appropriate markings on the labels of fi nished products. The above mentioned actions are an example of the Spanish concern for the interests of both consumers and producers of Iberian pork products. With the dynamically operating promotion system, dried ham Jamon Ibérico is known not only in Spain but throughout the whole Europe

Analysis of reproduction and litter performance of the Zlotnicka Spotted breed and its different crossbreeds

Zlotnicka Spotted (ZS) is a native Polish pig breed. It is characterized by low reproduction and litter performance. This study aimed to determine the suitability of ZS pigs when crossed with Duroc and Polish Large White (PLW) according to reproduction and litter performance. Data concerning the number of piglets in the litter, litter weight, litter balance and piglet wastage were evaluated at birth, on the 7th and 21st days, and during weaning. ZS sows in purebred litters had 8.82 piglets at birth. However, the number of weaned piglets was of particular importance being only 7.33 heads in this study population. Wastage in purebred litters up to weaning was 17.34%. The highest number of piglets at birth (10.76 heads) and number of weaned piglets (8.98 heads) were estimated for D/ZS x ZS litters, although, at weaning, the heaviest piglets (9.61 kg) came from PLW x ZS litters. Results show that crossing ZS sows with Duroc, PLW boars, as well as crossing of D x ZS, improves reproduction and litter performance