• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1634-1640
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to compare pork characteristics and to determine consumer acceptability of pork chops from antibiotic free Yorkshire crossbreds sired by Berkshire (BY), Large Black (LBY), Tamworth (TY) or Yorkshire (YY) boars and reared in hoop houses. The experiments were conducted at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&TSU) Farm in Greensboro, NC and the Cherry Research Station Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Alternative Swine Unit in Goldsboro, NC (source of antibiotic free Yorkshire sows used at both places). Twenty-four sows were artificially inseminated at each location in each of three trials. Litters were weaned at 4 wks old, and reared within deep-bedded outdoor hoop houses. To compare pork characteristics, 104 randomly selected animals were harvested at a USDA-inspected abattoir at approximately 200 d of age. Variables measured included pH, color score, $L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$, marbling score, drip loss, hot carcass weight, backfat thickness (BF), loin muscle area (LMA), and slice shear force. Sensory panel tests were also conducted at two time periods. The data was analyzed with GLM in SAS 9.01 including location, trial, and sire breed as fixed effects. Backfat thickness, LMA, color score and $a^*$ were different among breeding groups (p<0.05). The LBY pigs had thicker backfat and smaller LMA than the other breed types. The TY and YY had less backfat than all other breed groups. Color score was lower for YY than BY and LBY but intermediate for TY. The $a^*$ was lower for TY than other breeds except LBY which was intermediate. For one sensory panel test, YY pork was more preferred overall as well as for juiciness and texture compared to BY and LBY (p<0.05), but no impact of breed type was noted for the other test, with values similar for BY, LBY, TY and YY pork. This information may help small farmers make decisions about breed types to use for outdoor production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.933-941
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• 2005

To develop a functional cDNA chip, specific genes expressed in the tissues of swine Kagoshima Berkshire were screened. A total of 4,434 ESTs were obtained by constructing a cDNA library from total RNA isolated from the muscle and fat tissues, affirming their functions by investigating similarity of nucleotide sequences with the database at the NCBI. Among them, 1,230 ESTs were confirmed as novel genes, which, to date, have not been identified. Attaching the genes to a cDNA microarray slide revealed expression patterns of genes in muscle and fat according to the growth stages of swine. As specific genes expressed in the muscle tissues of swine with body weight of 30 kg, 60 genes including actin, myosin, tropomysin, transfer RNA-trp synthetase, Kel-like protein 23, KIAA0182 and COI, Foocen-m, etc were obtained. In addition, 18 novel genes were obtained. As specific genes expressed in fat tissues of swine with body weight of 30 kg, 47 genes including annexin II, Collagen, Fibronectin, Pleckstrin homology domain, serine protease, etc were obtained. 21 novel genes were also obtained. The genes specifically expressed in the muscle and fat tissues of swine affect contraction and relaxation of the muscle and the fat. However, studies on the expression mechanisms of the genes are insufficient. To reveal species of structural genes in swine muscle and fat tissue, interrelation studies in expression and function of genes by using the cDNA chip should be conducted.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2013

This study was conducted to determine the meat quality characteristics of pork belly from 3 different two-way crossbreeds of Yorkshire${\times}$Landrace (YL), Yorkshire${\times}$Berkshire (YB), and Yorkshire${\times}$Chester White (YC), which were domesticated for Korean consumers. Twenty pigs from each crossbreed (total n=60) were randomly selected when they reached the 110-120 kg range of market weight, slaughtered, and cooled at $0^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. The pork bellies on the left side of the cooled carcasses were then sampled and analyzed. The pH of pork bellies was the lowest in YC among the crossbreds. There was no significant difference in fat content by crossbred, but YB bellies had the lowest moisture content (p<0.05). The cooking loss of YB bellies was lower than those of others (p<0.05). The TBARS values in YB was significantly higher than those of the others at 14 d. YL bellies had a higher percentage of stearic acid, oleic acid, and MUFA than the other breeds, while YB and YC had a higher percentage of myristic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and n-6 fatty acids than the YB (p<0.05). PUFA content and P/S were significantly higher in YC compared with YL. Except for arginine, the concentrations of most free amino acids were higher in YB bellies than in others, (p<0.05). Sensory evaluation scores of bellies were higher for YC than for other breeds (p<0.05).

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.205-211
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• 2013

The swine is one of the most widespread mammalian throughout the whole world. Presently, many studies concerning microsatellites in swine, especially domestic pigs, have been carried out in order to investigate general diversity patterns among either populations or breeds. Until now, a lot of time and effort spend into a single PCR method. But simple and more rapid multiplex PCR methods have been developed. The purpose of this study is to develop a robust set of microsatellites markers (MS marker) for traceability and individual identification. Using multiplex-PCR method with 23 MS marker divided 2 set, various alleles occurring to 5 swine breed (Berkshire, Landrace, Yorkshire, Duroc and Korea native pig) used markers to determine allele frequency and heterozygosity. MS marker found 4 alleles at SW403, S0227, SWR414, SW1041 and SW1377. The most were found 10 alleles at SW1920. Heterozygosity represented the lowest value of 0.102 at SWR414 and highest value of 0.861 at SW1920. So, it was recognized appropriate allele frequency for individual identification in swine. Using multiplex-PCR method, MS markers used to determine individual identification biomarker and breed-specific marker for faster, more accurate and lower analysis cost. Based on this result, a scientific basis was established to the existing pedigree data by applying genetics additionally. Swine traceability is expected to be very useful system and be conducted nationwide in future.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.485-493
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• 2019

Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic characteristics of Berkshire (BS), Landrace (LR), and Yorkshire (YS) pig breeds raised in the Great Grandparents pig farms using the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) information. Methods: A total of 25,921 common SNP genotype markers in three pig breeds were used to estimate the expected heterozygosity ($H_E$), polymorphism information content, F-statistics ($F_{ST}$), linkage disequilibrium (LD) and effective population size ($N_e$). Results: The chromosome-wise distribution of $F_{ST}$ in BS, LR, and YS populations were within the range of 0-0.36, and the average $F_{ST}$ value was estimated to be $0.07{\pm}0.06$. This result indicated some level of genetic segregation. An average LD ($r^2$) for the BS, LR, and YS breeds was estimated to be approximately 0.41. This study also found an average $N_e$ of 19.9 (BS), 31.4 (LR), and 34.1 (YS) over the last 5th generations. The effective population size for the BS, LR, and YS breeds decreased at a consistent rate from 50th to 10th generations ago. With a relatively faster $N_e$ decline rate in the past 10th generations, there exists possible evidence for intensive selection practices in pigs in the recent past. Conclusion: To develop customized chips for the genomic selection of various breeds, it is important to select and utilize SNP based on the genetic characteristics of each breed. Since the improvement efficiency of breed pigs increases sharply by the population size, it is important to increase test units for the improvement and it is desirable to establish the pig improvement network system to expand the unit of breed pig improvement through the genetic connection among breed pig farms.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.1184-1198
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• 2022

In this study, Rubus coreanus (R. coreanus) byproducts with high polyphenol content were fermented with R. coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum GBL 16 and 17). Then the effect of R. coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria fermented feed (RC-LAB fermented feed) with probiotics (Bacillus subtills, Aspergillus oryzae, Yeast) as a feed additive for pigs on the composition of intestinal microbes and the regulation of intestinal immune homeostasis was investigated. Seventy-two finishing Berkshire pigs were randomly allotted to four different treatment groups and 18 replicates. RC-LAB fermented feed with probiotics increased the genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Mitsuokella, Prevotella, Bacteroides spp., Roseburia spp., and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which are beneficial bacteria of the digestive tract of pigs. Also, RC-LAB fermented feed with probiotics decreased the genera Clostridium, Terrisporobacter, Romboutsia, Kandleria, Megasphaera and Escherichia, which are harmful bacteria. In particular, the relative abundance of the genera Lactobacillus and Streptococcus increased by an average of 8.51% and 4.68% in the treatment groups and the classes Clostridia and genera Escherichia decreased by an average of 27.05% and 2.85% in the treatment groups. In mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and spleens, the mRNA expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1 and Treg cells increased and the mRNA expression of Th2 and Th17 transcription factors and cytokines decreased, indicating a regulatory effect on intestinal immune homeostasis. RC-LAB fermented feed regulates gut immune homeostasis by influencing the composition of beneficial and detrimental microorganisms in the gut and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.710-722
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• 2024

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play a crucial role in culturing muscle stem cells (MuSCs). However, there is a lack of extensive research on how each of these proteins influences proliferation and differentiation of MuSCs from livestock animals. Therefore, we investigated the effects of various ECM coatings-collagen, fibronectin, gelatin, and laminin-on the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of porcine MuSCs. Porcine MuSCs, isolated from 14-day-old Berkshire piglets, were cultured on ECM-coated plates, undergoing three days of proliferation followed by three days of differentiation. MuSCs on laminin showed higher proliferation rate than others (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression levels of PAX7, MYF5, and MYOD among MuSCs on laminin, collagen, and fibronectin (p>0.05). During the differentiation period, MuSCs cultured on laminin exhibited a significantly higher differentiation rate, resulting in thicker myotubes compared to those on other ECMs (p<0.05). Also, MuSCs on laminin showed higher expression of mRNA related with maturated muscle fiber such as MYH1 and MYH4 corresponding to muscle fiber type IIx and muscle fiber type IIb, respectively, compared with MuSCs on other ECM coatings (p<0.05). In summary, our comparison of ECMs revealed that laminin significantly enhances MuSC proliferation and differentiation, outperforming other ECMs. Specifically, muscle fibers cultured on laminin exhibited a more mature phenotype. These findings underscore laminin's potential to advance in vitro muscle research and cultured meat production, highlighting its role in supporting rapid cell proliferation, higher differentiation rates, and the development of mature muscle fibers.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.301-306
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• 2004

This study was conducted to develop new markers at the region that was related to QTL affecting intramuscular fat and backfat thickness on chromosome 6q28 - 6q32 in pigs. Dozens of repeated sequences were founded using shotgun sequencing of several BAC clones corresponding to that region, of which five new microstellite markers that identified polymorphism were discovered. The mean number of alleles at each locus observed 2.13(KP0290F2), 4.63(KP0248Cll), 7.38(KP1231C91), 2.75(KPI23IC92) and 6.2S(KP1231C93) in 8 breeds(Landrace, Korean native pig, Duroc, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Wuzhishan pig, Xiang pig, Min pig). The average estimated heterozygosity values at each locus varied from 0.2100(KP0290F2) to 0.8304(KPI23IC91) in all populations. In other hand, the average allele of all loci WlL'I within range of 0.4517(Berkshire) and 0.6957 (Yorkshire). Of these markers, KP0248C11, KP1231C91 and KP1231C93 were identified to have optimal number of alleles, high heterozygosity values and low standard deviation values. Especially, KPI23IC91 and KPI231C93 might be considered as a useful marker for genetic mapping and diversity study.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.271-280
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Aspergillus niger-derived multi-enzyme complex supplementation to feedrestricted lactating sows on performances, milk yield, blood profiles, and manure excretion as compared with ad libitum-fed sows without supplementation of enzyme. Fifty multiparous lactating Berkshire sows were allotted to 5 treatments of 10 sows per treatment during a 28-d lactation period and litter per sow was standardized to 9 suckling piglets. Treatments were ad libitum-fed sows without enzyme and feed-restricted sows supplemented with four increasing levels (0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08%) of multi-enzyme complex derived from Aspergillus niger. Blood samples from all sows were collected to determine serum metabolite concentrations before the morning feeding on d 27 of lactation. Litter body weight and a piglet weight at weaning, and litter weight gain significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex, but there was no significant difference between ad libitum-fed sows without enzyme and feed-restricted sows supplemented with multi-enzyme complex. Body condition score and backfat depth at weaning significantly (P<0.05) increased as multi-enzyme complex level increased. Lactational backfat depth tended (P>0.05) to less decrease with increasing levels of enzyme complex. Serum inorganic phosphorus and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing levels of enzyme complex. Daily milk yield was not significantly different across treatments, but milk fat yield significantly (P<0.05) increased as multi-enzyme complex level increased. Manure output was significantly (P<0.01) higher for ad libitum-fed sows than for feed-restricted sows, but there was no significant difference among feed-restricted sows supplemented with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex. Fecal phosphorus amount significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex. Feed costs of sows per litter weight gain were reduced by 1.25% to 9.67% with increasing levels of multi-enzyme complex as compared with ad libitum-fed sows without enzyme. The results indicated that multi-enzyme supplementation to feed-restricted lactating sows not only increased litter performances, but also was comparable to ad libitum-fed sows, resulting in reduced feed costs. Moreover, the reduction of fecal phosphorus amount with increasing levels of enzyme complex would contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2007

Data of 369 commercial pigs produced from YorkshrexLancrace (YL F1) sows crossed with either Duroc (D), Berkshire (B) or BerkshirexDuroc(BD F1) as a terminal sire were used for the comparison of carcass garde and real retail cut yield. The crosses were performed between May, 2004 and May, 2006 at three interrlated farms belonging to the Gyeongam pork brand. The average carcass weight, carcass backfat thickness, carcass rate, AB grade ratio, lean meat yield were 84.78±0.33kg, 20.72±0.237mm, 76.25±0.208%, 85.7% and 44.30±0.158%, respectively. The average weights of real retail cut were 10.32±0.062kg belly, 4.17±0.025kg boston butt, 3.88±0.022kg rib, 8.40±0.040kg picnic, 15.15±0.081kg ham, 6.44±0.043kg loin and 0.94±0.006kg tender loin. In comparisons of carcass traits among cross types, carcass weights and backfat thicknesses of YL(♀)×B(♂), YL(♀)×BD(♂) and YL(♀)×D(♂) were 85.73±0.516kg, 82.69±0.788kg and 84.79±0.603kg, respectively and 22.09±0.356mm, 20.33±0.543mm and 19.58±0.415mm, respectively. The YL(♀)×B(♂) cross showed the highest carcass weight and backfat thickness. The ratio of AB grade were 0.83±0.030% in YL(♀)×B(♂), 0.97±0.046% in YL(♀)×BD(♂) and 0.83±0.035% in YL(♀)×D(♂), and the YL(♀)×BD(♂) was higher than other two crosses. Weights of belly were 10.28±0.092kg in YL(♀)×B(♂), 10.59±0.133kg in YL(♀)×BD(♂) and 10.25±0.107kg in YL(♀)×D(♂). Consequently, the YL(♀)×BD(♂) cross showed the highest yield. In conclusion, there was no difference in carcass yield of commercial pigs derived from BD (F1) terminal sires with those from D terminal sires. However, weight of belly and AB grade ratio from BD (F1) terminal sires are higher than two others. Therefore, BD (F1) sire could be utilized as terminal one and contribute better profit for the pig industry.