{"title":"Molecular approaches to improved pig fertility.","authors":"Max F. Rothschild, L. Messer, A. Vincent","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.15.0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.15.0016","url":null,"abstract":"Geneticists have made limited progress in improving reproductive traits in pigs through traditional selection and crossbreeding systems. Recent advances in molecular genetics and the human genome project have allowed progress in gene identification and gene mapping in pigs. The pig genetic linkage map now has over 1700 genetic markers, and about 200 of these are genes. Furthermore, comparative genomic maps are improving and are becoming useful tools. Molecular approaches such as candidate gene identification and genomic scans permit new genes and chromosomal regions to be discovered which may influence reproduction. One significant finding is that the oestrogen receptor locus (ESR) is associated with increased litter size. Differences between female Chinese pig ESR BB and AA homozygotes have averaged 2.3 pigs born alive for first parity, and in commercial Large White crosses the differences are about 0.9 pigs per litter. Additional new genes have been discovered which may significantly affect litter size. Initial genome scans have revealed that there may be a gene or genes influencing ovulation rate and litter size on chromosome 8. Approaches such as positional comparative candidate gene analysis and eventually positional cloning will probably identify the genes controlling reproduction in pigs.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"35 1","pages":"227-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74833534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Burghardt, Jeffery A. Bowen, G. Newton, F. Bazer
{"title":"Extracellular matrix and the implantation cascade in pigs.","authors":"R. Burghardt, Jeffery A. Bowen, G. Newton, F. Bazer","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.15.0011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.15.0011","url":null,"abstract":"The structural and functional alterations of uterine epithelial cells that permit the apical-apical union of conceptus and uterine epithelium are complex and are likely to involve many different adhesion molecules with distinct but inter-related functions. A number of changes in the molecular composition at the apical surface of uterine epithelial cells associated with the transition from the pre-receptive to the receptive state in the pig uterus are reviewed. Molecules that function in the adhesion cascade resulting in implantation are represented by a variety of adhesion systems. However, integrins are probably the dominant adhesion systems because their capacity to mediate adhesion is linked to their activation by engaging other surface molecules.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"52 1","pages":"151-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89741696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Culture and storage of pig embryos.","authors":"D. Davis","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.12.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.12.009","url":null,"abstract":"Studies have consistently demonstrated that 4-cell pig embryos can be cultured to the blastocyst stage in a simple salt solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA). Pig embryos appear to be detrimentally affected by lower levels of lactate and pyruvate than are mouse embryos, but in general their in-vitro requirements are similar. Results from embryos cultured between the 4-cell and blastocyst stages are consistent enough to allow the use of culture for the storage and shipment of pig embryos. However, results obtained after culture and transfer indicate a reduction in viability similar to that observed for cultured cattle and mice embryos. Embryos collected earlier than the 4-cell stage have been difficult to support in vitro beyond one or two cleavage divisions. Pig blastocysts may benefit from serum in their in-vitro environment: lamb, fetal calf and human serum supported continued development but pig serum was detrimental. There are conflicting reports on the efficacy of a more complete medium (Minimum Essential Medium) on the growth of pig embryos. Embryo culture will almost certainly contribute to the application of biotechnology to embryos by providing more appropriate environments for in-vitro manipulations and also, possibly, by providing a system for the early selection of desirable embryonic genotypes.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"104 1","pages":"115-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90587289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Management of boars for efficient semen production.","authors":"W. Flowers","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.15.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.15.005","url":null,"abstract":"Consistent production of large quantities of fertile semen is a primary concern of boar management programmes. Common visual tests such as motility are poor indicators of the fertilizing capacity of an ejaculate. Research studies have demonstrated that, in general, if motility is 60% or greater, there are no relationships among the percentage of motile spermatozoa, in vitro sperm penetration rates, farrowing rates and litter size. Biological and environmental factors that influence the production of total numbers of spermatozoa are either inhibitory or stimulatory. Chronic undernutrition and heat stress inhibit spermatogenesis, while photoperiod and genetic factors are stimulatory. A consistent stimulatory effect of photoperiod does not appear to occur under all environmental conditions. In contrast, selection for increased testis size consistently results in greater sperm production. In addition, libido is decreased by heat stress and undernutrition. However, failure to allow boars to interact socially with other pigs during pubertal development appears to be the most damaging factor. Effective boar management programmes must minimize the occurrence of factors that adversely affect spermatogenesis and simultaneously accentuate those with a stimulatory role.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"73 1","pages":"67-78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88514008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Behavioural perspectives on piglet survival.","authors":"D. Fraser","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.13.0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.13.0025","url":null,"abstract":"Litters of domestic piglets show strong sibling competition, large differences among litter-mates in birth weight and rate of growth, and, in the absence of human intervention, a high mortality rate. This combination of traits suggests that pigs are using a reproductive strategy similar to that of certain bird species which produce one or more small 'spare' young whose death or survival is determined by sibling competition. Death through competition is natural in such species. Prevention of death requires the early identification and separate rearing of unsuccessful competitors. The major behavioural pathways leading to piglet deaths are considered to be malnutrition through unsuccessful suckling behaviour, and crushing of piglets by the sow. Crushing involves two distinct behavioural sequences: posterior crushing (beneath the sow's hind quarters) and ventral crushing (beneath the udder and rib cage). Farrowing crates are designed to prevent posterior but not ventral crushing. Malnourished piglets appear to be more vulnerable to crushing, perhaps because persistent suckling attempts cause them to spend more time near the sow. Prevention of crushing thus requires a reduction in malnutrition, not merely restriction of the sow's movements. Under certain conditions, dehydration may be an important but neglected aspect of malnutrition. Some litters of piglets have much higher death losses than others, presumably because of risk factors that apply to the litter as a whole. Early malnutrition, resulting from hypogalactia in the sow in the first days after farrowing, appears to be an important risk factor. Farrowing difficulties leading to piglet hypoxia during the birth process may be another. Risk factors that affect whole litters deserve greater emphasis in future research.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"38 1","pages":"355-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91551675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of light and photoperiodicity on pig prolificacy.","authors":"R. Claus, U. Weiler","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.12.0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.12.0014","url":null,"abstract":"In the wild pig mating activity is seasonal. The main breeding period is in late autumn but a second period may occur around April. It is known from other species that seasonal variations in breeding activity are mainly regulated by photoperiod. In the domestic pig seasonal influences on prolificacy still exist: for example, AI boars not only show decreased steroid synthesis, sperm counts and libido in summer compared with the optima which occur in winter but also a biphasic pattern with a transient increase in spring. In cyclic sows ovarian function may be affected with anoestrus mainly in summer and occasionally in February/March. Additionally ovulation rate may be lower in summer and the duration of oestrus prolonged compared with that in late autumn and winter. In consequence the interval from weaning to oestrus is prolonged in summer and mating during this season leads to lower conception rates and slightly smaller litters. Light programmes which extend the daily light period to a constant 15-16 h seem to be ineffective in improving reproductive characteristics of the sow but stimulate the sucking frequency of piglets and increase survival of piglets with a low birthweight. Simulation, in summer, of the decreasing photoperiod (naturally occurring in autumn) stimulates the reproductive characteristics of AI boars, optimizing testicular steroid production, libido and semen composition. Similarly, a programme of decreasing light (20 min decrease/week) from May to August removed the seasonal increase (June-August) of the weaning-to-oestrus interval which was 5.7 days (compared with 23.6 days for the controls). An interaction between photoperiod and puberty attainment seems to exist for male and female pigs. Further experiments with appropriate light programmes, however, are necessary to clarify this interaction.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"6 1","pages":"185-97"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74355707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of neuropeptides and amino acids in controlling secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland in pigs.","authors":"M. Estienne, J. Harter-Dennis, C. Barb","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.15.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.15.001","url":null,"abstract":"All reproductive processes involve one or more of the protein hormones secreted from the anterior pituitary gland: LH, FSH, prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Primary hormones of reproduction, such as LH and FSH, directly regulate a reproductive activity. For example, LH and FSH stimulate follicular growth and the associated secretion of oestradiol in sows. In contrast, secondary hormones of reproduction such as TSH are permissive and regulate other physiological systems that indirectly, but profoundly, influence reproduction. Reproduction in pigs can be enhanced by developing strategies to alter and control secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland. However, the successful manipulation of adenohypophysial hormone secretion will require a sound understanding of the mechanisms controlling the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Hypothalamic hormones including GnRH, dopamine, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) are synthesized in perikarya that possess axons that terminate at the median eminence. These hormones are released into the hypothalamo-hypophysial portal vasculature, travel to the anterior pituitary gland and stimulate or inhibit secretion of adenohypophysial hormones. Secretion of hypothalamic hormones is ultimately controlled by a variety of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, the most studied in swine being the endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) and more recently, the excitatory amino acids (ExAA). In general, EOP inhibit GnRH and hence LH secretion, and this effect involves the central catecholaminergic system. A definitive role for EOP in the modulation of FSH release remains to be determined. EOP stimulate secretion of GHRH and thus growth hormone release, and depending on the animal model studied, EOP exert either stimulatory or inhibitory influences on prolactin secretion. ExAA, working via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors at the central nervous system, stimulate secretion of LH, FSH, growth hormone and prolactin in appropriate animal models. However, in certain situations, an inhibitory effect of ExAA on LH secretion has been demonstrated. The modulation of growth hormone and prolactin secretion by ExAA involves EOP. Research investigating the function of ExAA and EOP in the physiological control of swine reproduction warrants further scrutiny.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"69 4 1","pages":"3-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77149411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influencing prolificacy of sows by selection for physiological factors.","authors":"R. Johnson, D. Zimmerman, W. Lamberson, S. Sasaki","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.12.0011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.12.0011","url":null,"abstract":"The potential to improve prolificacy, with major emphasis on selection for components of litter size, ovulation rate and prenatal survival, and selection for physiological factors are reviewed. Response to selection for physiological factors is superior to direct selection if physiological factors have moderate heritabilities and moderate to high genetic correlations with the trait to be improved. There are very few estimates of the genetic parameters needed to calculate the relative efficiency of direct and indirect selection. Testis size is highly heritable and positively correlated genetically with ovulation rate in both mice and pigs and may be potentially useful in an index with litter size to improve ovulation rate and prenatal survival. Selection for growth, ovulation rate or litter size has increased ovulation rate in mice, but the physiological explanations are different. Selection for litter size in a line of pigs previously selected for ovulation rate was effective; the realized heritability was 0.18 +/- 0.06. Potential improvements in litter size from index selection for ovulation rate and prenatal survival are discussed and compared to direct selection for litter size.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"90 1","pages":"139-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83910766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mathematical models of sow reproduction.","authors":"W. Close, J. Pettigrew","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.13.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.13.006","url":null,"abstract":"Nutrition affects reproduction, but the physiological mechanisms are not known. Defining those mechanisms is a high priority for animal scientists. This paper briefly describes mathematical models developed to aid in elucidating those mechanisms and which may be applied to predict animal performance. Two types of mechanistic mathematical models of sows are described, based respectively on nutrient partitioning and on metabolic and physiological principles. The nutrient partitioning model is relatively mature but the metabolic/physiological model is still at an early stage of development. The use of such models in the design and evaluation of feeding programmes, in understanding the biological system and in improving research efficiency are outlined. These two models are now being used as described, and it is anticipated that they, and other models, will make important contributions to the marked improvements in reproductive performance in commercial pig production that is anticipated during the next few years.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"140 1","pages":"83-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82881395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sources and biological actions of relaxin in pigs.","authors":"C. Bagnell, Q. Zhang, B. Downey, L. Ainsworth","doi":"10.1530/biosciprocs.14.0009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/biosciprocs.14.0009","url":null,"abstract":"Although the major source of relaxin in pigs is the corpus luteum of pregnancy, there is now evidence for relaxin gene expression and translation into protein in the theca interna cells of the preovulatory follicle, the corpus luteum of the cycle and the uterus. The theca interna cells retain their ability to express the relaxin gene and protein following ovulation. During the early stages of development of the corpus luteum, the theca-derived small lutein cells are the source of the relaxin transcript. As the corpus luteum becomes fully functional, there is a switch in the site of relaxin synthesis from small theca-derived lutein cells to large granulosa-derived cells. In the absence of luteolysis, this switch is accompanied by a dramatic rise in relaxin synthesis. Relaxin has been identified in boar seminal plasma and can maintain or increase sperm motility. However, a source of relaxin in the boar has not been identified. Relaxin is an important regulator of uterine function during pregnancy acting systemically to suppress myometrial activity and promote cervical dilation at parturition. The changes in thecal relaxin production during follicle development and its ability to promote growth and changes in proteolytic enzyme activity of granulosa cells in vitro have led to the concept of an autocrine or paracrine role for relaxin within the follicle. Uterotrophic effects of relaxin have been reported in rodents and swine and support the hypothesis that relaxin promotes uterine growth and expansion in early pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetuses. Mammotrophic effects of relaxin in rodents have now been extended to pigs, with evidence that relaxin is necessary for normal mammary parenchymal development in late pregnancy. In most instances the mechanisms responsible for, and the physiological significance of, these diverse biological effects remain to be elucidated.","PeriodicalId":16956,"journal":{"name":"Journal of reproduction and fertility. Supplement","volume":"44 1","pages":"127-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81153920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}