• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.123-128
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• 2006

Production of cloned pigs by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has unlimited value for developing critical biotechnology such as xenotransplantation. Various efforts have been made to establish this technology, and several litters of live piglets have been produced after transfer of SCNT embryos. However, the efficiency is very low compared to piglet production by artificial insemination or natural mating. So far, most studies have been limited to in vitro production of SCNT embryos. This study was conducted to standardize a surrogate recipient (gilts) for transfer of SCNT embryos to improve pregnancy rate. Potential surrogate gilts over 7 months of age were checked for their estrous status by observing external signs; vaginal fluid, vulva redness, vulva swelling, and standing response to back pressure. Viscosity of vaginal fluid was evaluated and classified as none (0), medium (1), and strong (2). Vulva redness and swelling was respectively assessed by none or shrink (0), medium (1), strong (2). Back pressure was estimated by an immediate move (0), standing less than 10 sec (1), and standing over 10 see (2). And then ovulation status of each surrogate was classified as pre-ovulation (PO-17 surrogates), just prior to ovulation (JPO-20 surrogates), in ovulation (IO-12 surrogates), just after ovulation (JAO-14 surrogates) and after ovulation (AO-24 surrogates) at the time of surgery for embryo transfer (ET). Real-time ultrasonographic scanners have been used for pregnancy diagnosis by observing amniotic vesicles. The first pregnancy diagnosis was done on Day 30 after ET and then repeated 2-week interval. In the results, SCNT embryos transferred into JPO surrogates gave better pregnancy rates (45%) than others (4% to 11%) on Day 30 after ET. These result indicates that surrogate gilts in a status just prior to ovulation can offer optimal condition to establish pregnancy by transfer of SCNT pig embryos.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.129-134
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• 2010

This survey was carried out to investigate the dimensions of farrowing accommodation and farrowing crate by types. Farrowing crates are used to prevent the crushing death in the swine industry generally but farrowing crates include many problems in the animal welfare viewpoint: e.g. restriction of movements and maternal instincts. Therefore, the studies of alternative systems have been discussed for a while in U.K., U.S.A. and Canada. We surveyed eight farms for about eight months. To accurately compare the farrowing housing, small scale swine farms (3,000hd or less) were excluded from all data in this survey. Lactating accommodations were divided into vertical lactating accommodation type and diagonal accommodation type, and farrowing crates were divided into vertical bar type and horizontal bar type. In this survey, nipple waterer, partial slotted floor and total slotted floor were 80%, 40% and 60% respectively, and the lactating accommodations' dimensions ranged from 3.90 to $4.92\;m^2$. We believe that these data of the survey contribute to develop alternative systems and then contribute to improve the animal welfare in Korea.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in the liver of normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) weanling piglets. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of sixteen pairs of NBW and IUGR piglets from sixteen sows were selected according to their birth weight. At postnatal day 14, all piglets were weaned and fed either a control diet or a leucine-supplemented diet for 21 d. Thereafter, a $2{\times}2$ factorial experimental design was used. Each treatment consisted of eight replications with one piglet per replication. RESULTS: Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets had a decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Also, IUGR piglets exhibited reductions (P < 0.05) in the activities of hepatic mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), citrate synthase (CS), ${\alpha}$-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (${\alpha}$-KGDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and complexes I and V, along with decreases (P < 0.05) in the concentration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the protein expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-${\gamma}$ coactivator $1{\alpha}$ (PGC-$1{\alpha}$). Dietary leucine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the content of ATP, and the activities of CS, ${\alpha}$-KGDH, MDH, and complex V in the liver of piglets. Furthermore, compared to those fed a control diet, piglets given a leucine-supplemented diet exhibited increases (P < 0.05) in the mtDNA content and in the mRNA expressions of sirtuin 1, PGC-$1{\alpha}$, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and ATP synthase, $H^+$ transporting, mitochondrial F1 complex, ${\beta}$ polypeptide in liver. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary leucine supplementation may exert beneficial effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in NBW and IUGR weanling piglets.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2012

This study was conducted to analyze the transgenic efficiency and sex ratio in ${\alpha}$-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GalT) knock-out (KO) transgenic pigs according to generation. GalT KO piglets were produced by artificial insemination or natural mating. The transgenic confirmation of GalT KO was evaluated by PCR amplification using specific primers. After electrophoresis, three types of bands were detected such as 2.3 kb single band (Wild), 2.3 and 3.6kb double bands (GalT KO -/+; heterozygote), and 3.6kb single band (GalT KO -/-; homozygote). Transgenic efficiency in F1 generation was 64.5% (23/35) of GalT KO (-/+). In F2 generation, GalT KO transgenic efficiency was 36.4% (21/57, Wild), 47.5% (28/57, GalT KO -/+), and 16.1% (8/57, GalT KO -/-), respectively. Interestingly, no homozygote piglets were born in 6 deliveries among total 11 deliveries, although they were pregnant between male (M) and female (F) $F_1$ heterozygote. In the 5 litters including at least one GalT KO -/- piglet, the transgenic efficiency was 13.3% (2/24, Wild), 51.3% (14/24, GalT KO -/+), and 35.3% (8/24, GalT KO -/-), respectively. The sex ratio of M and F was 40:60 in $F_1$ and 49:51 in $F_2$ generation, respectively. Based on these results, GalT KO transgenic pigs have had a reproductive ability with a normal range of transgenic efficiency and sex ratio.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1325-1335
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• 2018

Objective: This study investigated whether spermine supplementation could regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, and amino acid transporter-related genes expression in the thymus and spleen of early weaned piglets. Methods: Eighty female piglets were randomly distributed to receive adequate nutrients supplemented with spermine (0.4 mmol/kg body weight/24 h) or to be provided with restricted nourishment supplemented with normal saline for 7 h or 3, 6, or 9 d in pairs. Results: Regardless of administration time, spermine supplementation significantly up-regulated cyclin A2 gene expression but down-regulated p21 and cyclin D3 mRNA levels in the thymus and spleen and reduced cyclin E2 gene expression in the thymus of piglets (p<0.05). Irrespective of the treatment period, the reduced Bax and caspase-3 gene expressions and improved Bcl-2 mRNA level were observed in the thymus and spleen of spermine-administrated piglets (p<0.05). Regardless of supplementation time, spermine intake significantly enhanced the expressions of amino acid transporter-related genes (SLC1A1, SLC1A5, SLC7A1, SLC7A7, and SLC15A1) in both thymus and spleen, as well as SLC7A9 in the spleen of piglets (p<0.05). In addition, extended spermine administration also markedly promoted cell proliferation, depressed apoptosis and modulated amino acid transport (p<0.05), and such effects were the greatest during prolonged spermine supplementation (6 d) compared to the other time periods (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spermine supplementation may regulate cell cycle during the G1/S phase, suppress apoptosis and modulate amino acid transport. A period of 6 d of spermine supplementation is required to produce the optimal effects on nutritional implications.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.177-186
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• 1990

To investigate the etiology, pathogenicity and virological properties of NYJ-1-87 strain of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) that was isolated from the diseased piglet in Korea, the virus at $10^{6.0}TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ was inoculated intranasally and subcutaneously into 30 to 35 days-old piglets. Results obtained through the experiments were summarized as follows. 1. Ten of the infected piglets were clinically observed for 15 days. On the 2nd day post-inoculation(pi), the signs of pyrexia, anorexia and convulsion were noted. On the 4th to 7th days pi, nervous signs of incoordination and intermittent spasm were shown in the most of piglets, and one out of 5 piglets infected intranasally was died with severe nervous signs at the 7th day pi. The signs became relieved on the 8th day pi and all of remainder were completely recovered on the 13th to 14th days pi. 2. In hematological study, prominent decrease in the number of total leukocyte and lymphocyte was shown in the ADV-infected piglets on the 6th day pi. On the 8th day pi, the cell numbers were slightly increased and returned to normal level on the 10th day pi. 3. Viral excretion of the ADV-inoculated piglets was examined by swabbing of nasal and oral cavities, and rectal feces. During the periods of the 3rd to 11th days pi, the virus was excreted intermittently from nasal and oral cavities, and rectal feces. The nasal excretions were shown the highest virus concentration of $10^{5.2}TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ at the 5th day pi. 4. Recovery of the inoculated virus from various organs of the piglets that were died or experimentally slaughtered was attempted, and the virus was isolated from the tissues of brain and tonsil by the cultured cell-inoculation method. The highest recovery rate was noted in the tonsil. By indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay using ADV-monoclonal antibody, the viral antigens were detected in tissues of spleen and liver as well as brain and tonsil on the 7th to 9th days pi. The virus was not isolated from blood and the tissues of lung and kidney throughout the experiments. 5. Titers of virus neutralizing antibody in the piglets experimentally infected with ADV became increased after the 6th to 9th days pi in both of intranasal and subcutaneous inoculation showing the highest titers of 64 to 128 on the 29th day pi. When the antibody levels were measured by radial immunodiffusion enzyme assay, the reactive diameter was enlarged to be positive after the 4th to 6th days pi in both of intranasal and subcutaneous inoculation showing the largest diameter of 13 to 14mm on the 29th day pi.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.345-360
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• 2000

The effects on CTC (T1) and CTC, Sulfathiazole and Penicillin Combination (T2) medication in feed through one life cycle of pigs, namely, weaning, mating, farrowing, lactation, growing, finishing and slaughter, were tested under local condition. In sow phase, productivity and the number of microflora in urine before and after medication of CTC were studied and average daily gain and feed conversion rate were checked during growing and finishing period. All pigs reached at 155 days old were slaughtered for pathological examination. 1. Litter size, farrowing rate and survival rate at birth were improved by CTC medication from weaning to 21th day after mating and mortality of piglet at weaning, 25 days after farrowing, was reduced in the CTC medication group, but no siginificant. 2. The number of microflora in the sow urine was changed with the medication at 200ppm of CTC in feed. In particular, the number of E coli, Samonella and Staphylococci were reduced by CTC medication. 3. The average daily gain and feed conversion rate of grower and finisher pigs was improved significantly in both treated groups, most in the high level CTC (T1) medicated group and was lowest in the control group. 4. The number of infected lungs was reduced not significant by both treatments (as % pneumonic lesions Co 66.7%, T1 47.1%, T2 31.4%) and the severity of lung lesions was significantly reduced by both high level of CTC and CTC combination medication in feed. 5. Although there were no statistical differences in atrophic rhinitis based on turbinate scores among the 3 groups, the number of mild and moderate (Grade 2 and 3) infections was higher in the control group (9/36) than in the treated groups (T1 2/34 & T2 4/35).

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.92-97
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• 2005

This study was carried out to determine the storage, cryotolerance, heat and drying resistance, when Lactobacillus acidophilus CT 01 isolated from preweaned piglet feces growing at suboptimal temperature. L. acidophilus CT 01 suboptimal temperature incubated for 48 hours had the slowest growth rate at 22℃ but the highest viable cell number after 36 hours at 22℃, with 1.3×10/sup 9/ CFU/mL. In case of 4 and 20℃ storage, the suboptimal temperature incubated groups had a viability higher than the control (p<0.01). The cryotolerance of suboptimal temperature incubated L. acidophilus CT 01 was a higher than the control (p<0.01). When L. acidophilus CT 01 was heat treated at 60℃ for 15 minutes and 30 minutes, the suboptimal temperature incubated L. acidophilus CT 01 at 22℃ had a viability higher more than the control (p<0.01). L. acidophilus CT 01 incubated suboptimal temperature was inoculated by 30% to the carrier, and dried at 50℃ for 12 hours had the highest viability in the suboptimal temperature incubated L. acidophilus CT 01 at 28℃.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.341-352
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• 2011

Colibacillosis in pigs remain a major swine industry bruden worldwide. Although some progress has been made in treating collibacillosis in pigs by using biosecurity and antimicrobials, it still remain a considerable problem. The use of host-specific bateriophages as a biocontrol is one possible alternative. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bacteriophage against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 infection in piglets. Twenty-eight piglets were randomly divided into four groups and each group was allocated with 7 pigs. Group B, C and D were inoculated with 5 ml of ETEC K88 ($1{\times}10^8$ CFU/ml) per head of piglet via oral. Group C and D were fed with bacteriophages (Group C, $1.0{\times}10^6$ PFU/g; Group D, $1.0{\times}10^8$ PFU/g; CJ CheilJedang Corp., Korea) orally as treatment. In piglets administrated bacteriophages and challenged with ETEC K88 (Group C and D), Clinical signs and the growth performance were improved and antibody titers were maintained low level compared with piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (Group B, P<0.05). Group B were shown high pH in the alimentary tracts compared with other piglets (P<0.05). In quantitative analysis by real-time PCR, the results of Group C and D were lower than those Group B in faecal and intestinal samples (P<0.05). Severe villus atrophy and crypt hyperplasia were observed in Group B consequently V/C ratio increased, compared with other piglets. These results indicate that feeding with bacteriophage has effect to prevent ETEC K88 infection in piglets and suggest that use of bacteriophage can be considered a valid antibiotic alternative.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.91-94
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• 2012

This study was conducted to develop an algorithm for determination of abnormal body temperature in piglets through skin and core temperature database at normal condition. 5 piglets (mean BW : 46 kg) were employed for the experiment. They were adapted in the individual metabolism cage set at $22.5{\pm}2.0^{\circ}C$ of room temperature for 2 weeks before the measurement of body temperature. Ear, neck, head and subcutaneous neck temperature (as core temperature) of piglets were measured for every 1 minute during 30 consecutive days through 1mm k-type thermocouple wire and NI-devices (National Instruments Corporation, Austin, Texas, USA). Body temperature data were accumulated and integrated into the 1 day unit. Change of daily mean skin and core body temperatures in piglets were lowest at around 06:00, highest at around 14:00 and gradually decreased until the day after 06:00. Each skin temperatures were varied with the measuring site and largely depended on the room temperature changes. Established database of skin and core body temperature in piglets through this study can be applied to develop an algorithm for monitoring and determining the abnormal condition of animal by using radio frequency identification.