Background: Feeding of fermented feed is not popular among the pig farmers inspite of manifold advantages as preparation is laborious, involves technical knowledge requiring considerable time. An attempt was made to standardise a preparation method of FLF and comparative assessment was made with dry and liquid feed in LWY pigs. 
 
Methods: Twenty-four weaned LWY piglets (11.45&plusmn;2.42 to 11.46&plusmn;2.37 kg) were assigned - dry feed (T1), Liquid feed (T2), liquid feed fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (T3) and liquid feed fermented with Enterococcus faecium (T4) in a 180 days feeding trial. Liquid feed was prepared by mixing feed and water at 1:2 (w/w) and the FLFs were prepared by fermenting liquid feed with Lactobacillus acidophilus for T3 and Enterococcus faecium for T4. Pigs were fed individually ad libitum considering each piglet as replicate. Nutrient digestibility was estimated at 18th and 30th week of age conducting two feeding trials. Carcass traits and sensory quality of pork were evaluated by slaughtering 3 pigs from each treatment at the end of trial. 
 
Result: No significant effect (P&gt;0.05) of FLFs was observed in feed intake in the growing phase, but it was significantly high in T3 and T4 in the finishing phase. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) high body weight gain with improvement of 17.76% in T3 and 17.71% in T4 were recorded. Apparent nutrient digestibility was better in T3 and T4 and crude protein digestibility was significantly (P&lt;0.05) high in T3 in finishing phase. Significantly improved feed efficiency was recorded for T3 and T4. The feeding cost/kg body weight gain was Rs. 128.36, 120.43, 112.87 and 115.51, respectively for T1, T2, T3 and T4. Significantly high dressing% and carcass length with positive effect on water holding capacity were observed for feeding FLFs, but without any significant effect on proximate composition and sensory attributes of pork.

Effect of Fermented Liquid Feed (FLF) on Performance and Feed Efficiency of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) Pigs under Tropical Climate of North-East India

<div>Background: The profitability in swine production is mostly associated to the superior growth performance. The information pertaining to the genetic and non-genetic factors influencing growth traits is significant to enable animal breeders to adopt better selection and managemental methods. 
 
Methods: Data from 50% LWY-Desi genetic group and 75% LWY-Desi genetic group that were maintained at the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Pigs, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati were used to understand the effect of genetic and non-genetic parameters on production traits. 
 
Result: The genetic group, period of birth, season, parity and sex have significant influence on post weaning body weights in most of the ages. Certain age groups showed significant effect on post-weaning average daily gain; but no specific trend was observed for age groups between the two genetic groups. The heritability estimates for post weaning body weights and ADG were medium to high in both the genetic groups. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among post-weaning body weight were inconsistent in direction. Overall, the 75% LWY-Desi genetic group performed better than 50% LWY-Desi genetic group, presumably due to the higher exotic inheritance and genetic superiority.</div>

Genetic Evaluation of Post Weaning Growth Performances in Large White Yorkshire Cross Bred Pigs

<div>Background: Large White Yorkshire (LWY) breed has been extensively used for crossbreeding in India. Genetic evaluation of pre-weaning mortality (PWM) in LWY pigs maintained at Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu was done to understand adaptability of the breed to tropical conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Methodology: Pre-weaning mortality was recorded as a binomial trait, for which threshold models have been found to be appropriate. (Co)Variance components for random sources of variation including direct genetic, maternal genetic, maternal permanent environmental and common litter were estimated using linear and threshold models.Factors including inbreeding of the individual animal affecting the trait were included as fixed effects in the mixed models used.&nbsp; 
 
Conclusion: The pre-weaning mortality of LWY pigs was comparatively lower indicating better adaptability of the breed. Inbreeding levels above 6 per cent were found to increase PWM. Common litter had significant influence on the genetic parameter estimates. Estimates obtained using threshold model were higher than those obtained by linear models. Threshold models provided solutions for complex models, which had convergence problems with the linear, REML method of estimation. Heritability estimates for PWM obtained through this study could be useful in formulation of breeding plan for LWY pigs in the country.</div>

<div>Genetic Evaluation of Pre-weaning Mortality in Large White Yorkshire Pigs Using Threshold and Linear Models in Hot and Humid Conditions of South India</div>

Background: Selective breeding in pigs based on a higher potential of disease resistance can be achieved by studying the association between immune responsiveness and susceptibility to infectious diseases. The early immune responsiveness of pigs assessed in a quantifiable scale for different determinant cytokine genes&rsquo; expression involved in regulation of immune response can be a major determinant for evaluating the immune responsiveness.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In this study, we carried out the quantitative relative expression of candidate cytokine genes [Interleukin-1 beta-(IL1&beta;), IL6, IL10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF&alpha;) and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) gene expression in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Zovawk (indigenous) and Large White Yorkshire (LWY-exotic) pig breeds using real-time PCR to understand the differences in swift immune responsiveness against gram-negative bacteria. 
&nbsp; 
Results: Zovawk PBMCs&rsquo; pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1&beta; and IL6 expression increased rapidly with LPS stimulation up to 12 h, being significantly higher as early as 4 h compared to that of the LWY PBMCs. In Zovawk pigs, the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes&rsquo; expression was found to be quick and high; whereas, in LWY pigs the response was slow and low. Interestingly, the expression of IL10 was not detected in LPS-stimulated PBMCs of Zovawk pigs indicating that the remarkably higher expressions of IL6 and IL1b&nbsp;in response to LPS are within the threshold of the Zovawk pigs which have evolved through generations. Our findings clearly indicate the sturdy and early immune responsiveness of indigenous pigs against gram-negative bacteria over the exotic pigs.

Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Indigenous Pigs Causes Enhanced Expression of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Over Exotic Pigs

<div>Background: Pig is recognized as an advantageous non-rodent animal model within a large number of biomedical research areas and of xenotransplantation of animal organs into humans. People prefer taking goat milk during dengue fever like conditions for recovery from low blood constituents, particularly the blood platelets, without any scientific proof.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Haemoglobin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and blood platelets count were studied in 2.5 months old 18 experimentally induced hypovolemic Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets at CVASc., GBPUAT, Pantnagar after feeding them milk of Pantja goats and black Badri cows over a period of 30 days during Oct.&ndash;Nov. 2019 and May-June 2020. Hypovolemia in piglets was achieved by withdrawing their 15% of total estimated blood volume (@ 7.5% in each time on day 1st and 3rd of experiment), followed by providing them with milk, which was double the amount of blood withdrawn, for 30 days. Control group (T1) piglets (6 no.) were maintained on basal diet, whereas group T2 and T3 piglets were given milk of Pantja goats and black Badri cows, respectively. Blood samples for testing were collected on 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th and 30th day. 
 
Result: Average normal blood picture of weaned LWY piglets for haemoglobin (g/dl), ESR (mm/hr) and platelets count (105 cells/ mm3) was 11.36 &plusmn; 0.20, 10.00&plusmn; 2.01, 3.1767 &plusmn; 0.2577, respectively. For haemoglobin and ESR, the values on testing days and the overall values for group T1, T2 and T3 piglets did not show any significant variation. However, the pooled values for haemoglobin were significantly different (P&lt;0.01) on various testing days, being higher on day 1st and 30th than on 3rd, 7th and 15th day, implying that normal haemoglobin level was regained on 30th day of hypovolemia. The pooled values for ESR were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) on various testing days, being higher on day 1st and 3rd only, which may be due to simultaneous increase in total erythrocyte counts. Overall mean platelets count (x105&nbsp;cells/ mm3) for LWY piglets was 3.2570&plusmn; 0.0890 and their values in group T1, T2 and T3 piglets were 3.0983&plusmn;0.1675, 3.0820&plusmn;0.1490 and 3.5907&plusmn;0.1885, respectively, being significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) for black Badri cow milk fed group piglets. This may imply usefulness of black Badri cow milk over Pantja goat milk in improving blood platelets count in human, considering pig a good animal model for human within a large number of biomedical researches.</div>

<div>Haematological Traits of Induced Hypovolemic Large White Yorkshire Piglets as Affected by Feeding them Milk of Pantja Goats and Black Badri Cows</div>

<div>Background: Pig rearing is the main income source for many unemployed people in India, particularly for the people in the north-east part of the country. It was found that the morbidity as well as mortality of young pigs immediately after weaning is high due to weaning stresses, mainly due to diet changes causing them to suffer from severe diarrhoea. For these reasons, providing creep feed along with dairy products during the period of pre-weaning and post-weaning is recommended. The majority of the farmers used skimmed milk powder which is commonly available in the market places, but since it is expensive, it may diminish the return for small-scale farmers. 
 
Methods: Present study was conducted to compare the growth performance of Large White Yorkshire young pigs (LWY) fed with diet containing skimmed milk and milk replacer during the pre and post weaning periods i.e., from 0 to 56 days of age. Parameters recorded were body weight in kilogram (kg), average daily gain (ADG) in gram (g), average daily feed intake (ADFI) in gram (g), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and cost of feed/kg gain (₹/kg).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Statistical analysis of all the parameters revealed non-significant (P&ge;0.05) differences between the three groups during pre-weaning, post-weaning and overall periods.&nbsp;It may be concluded that skimmed milk powder (SMP) can be replaced by milk replacer powder (MRP) in the diet of weaned pigs without any clinical complications.&nbsp;</div>

Comparative Study on Performance of Young Pigs Fed with Diet Containing Skimmed Milk and Milk Replacer during Pre and Post Weaning Periods

<div>Background: The study was undertaken to assess the association of genetic polymorphisms in reproductive trait-related genes (ESR2, COX2 and PLCz) with semen quality and fertility in Large White Yorkshire (LWY) boars. Identifying favorable genotypes can enhance reproductive efficiency through targeted genetic selection. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Ten LWY boars were selected and ten ejaculates from each were collected. Semen quality was evaluated immediately after collection and after 24 hours of storage at 17&deg;C in BTS extender. Preserved semen was used to inseminate 60 gilts/sows (6 per boar) and conception rate and litter size were recorded. Blood samples were collected for genomic DNA extraction using QIAamp Mini Kit. PCR amplification was performed using gene-specific primers for ESR2, COX2 and PLCz, followed by RFLP analysis with restriction enzymes BsrBI, FatI and Tsp509fI, respectively. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Significant (P&lt;0.01) variation was observed among boars for sperm concentration, mass activity, conception rate and litter size. Preservation significantly reduced motility, live sperm percentage, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity. The AG genotype of ESR2 showed significantly higher motility, sperm concentration, normal sperm count, plasma membrane integrity, conception rate and litter size and lower abnormal sperm count. The AA genotype of COX2 was associated with significantly higher mass activity, live sperm count, conception rate and reduced abnormal sperm count. The PLCz locus was found to be monomorphic.</div>

Assessment of Boar Semen Quality and Fertility in Relation to Variants of Reproductive Trait Associated Genes ESR2, COX2 and PLCz

<div>Background: Artificial Insemination in pigs is much easier than other domestic species but the training of boar for the collection of semen is a big constraint. Certain boars are not acquainted with the fixed steel dummy sow and the surrounding environment. Hence, the dummy sows brought in the boar&rsquo;s pen. The steel dummy sow in comparison to wooden is too heavy and found difficult to bring in a boar&rsquo;s pen. Moreover, the wooden dummy sows are locally made and it becomes cost-effective too. The present study was designed to assess the libido and semen quality of boars by using locally made low-cost portable wooden dummy sows. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted on 16 numbers of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and Mizoram local Zovawk crossbred boars at the age of 10-12 months. The semen collection was done by using a homemade portable &ldquo;wooden dummy sow&rdquo; and steel made &ldquo;fixed dummy sow.&rdquo; The training was done every morning before feeding and semen was collected twice a week by using the gloved hand method when the boars mounted over the dummy sow by holding protruded and erected corkscrew end of the penis firmly. During collection, libido characteristics of the boars were recorded and semen quality was determined.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: The duration of training taken by the boars for semen collection was significantly (P&lt;0.01) less in portable wooden dummies. The sexual behaviour and other behavioural traits were better when boars were trained on a portable wooden dummy. The mean semen volume, sperm mass activity, pH and sperm concentration of LWY crossbred boar was not significantly&nbsp;different between fixed steel and portable wooden dummy. The percentage of initial sperm motility and intact acrosome of boar spermatozoa was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in portable wooden dummy. In&nbsp; conclusion, the homemade portable &ldquo;wooden dummy sow&rdquo; was found to be very effective for the training and collection of semen from breedingboars.</div>

Assessment of Libido and Semen Quality of Boar by using Low-cost Portable Wooden Dummy Sow

Background: Aloe vera is a perennial herbaceous plant that resembles like a cactus that thrives in arid, warm climates. It has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. Though it is used for treatment of variety of ailments and improves the body&rsquo;s physiology but continued treatment of fresh extract Aloe vera lowered sperm concentration, motility andpercentage viability, resulting in higher sperm abnormalities. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of different percentage of dried Aloe vera leaf powder on sperm quality of crossbred boar (75% Yorkshire x 25% Zovawk) with GEPS extender. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The study was conducted on three mature, Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and Zovawk (75% LWY and 25% Zovawk) crossbred boars. A total of 45 ejaculates, 15 from each boar were taken for the study. Each ejaculate was combined 1:1 with extender (GEPS) and divided into three aliquots, each of which was diluted with 0%, 5% and10% Aloe vera powder (PH 7.4) and stored for 48 hours at 17&deg;C in a BOD incubator. At 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after preservation, the stored semen sample was tested for progressive motile sperm by traditional method, live sperm by Eosin-Nigrosin staining, acrosome integrity by Giemsa staining andsperm membrane integrity by HOST test, total protein, sperm membrane protein, cholesterol, ALT and AST level. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The per cent sperm motility, live sperm, acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane integrity of boar spermatozoa was decreased while preserving the semen sample by using GEPS extenders along with 5% and 10% of dried Aloe vera leaf powder at 17&deg;C for 48 hours. The level of total protein, ALT and AST in seminal plasma was increased while preserving the semen sample by using GEPS extenders along with 5% and 10% of dried Aloe vera leaf powder at 17&deg;C for 48 hours. The level of sperm membrane protein and cholesterol of boar spermatozoa decreased while preserving the semen sample by using GEPS extenders along with 5% and 10% of dried Aloe vera leaf powder at 17&deg;C for 48 hours. The total per cent of sperm abnormalities was increased while preserving the semen sample by using GEPS extenders along with 5% and 10% of dried Aloe vera leaf powder at 17&deg;C for 48 hours. In conclusion, the dried Aloe vera leaf powder @ 5% and 10% level having detrimental effect on semen quality of crossbred (75% Large White Yorkshire and 25% Zovawk) boar while preserving with ZEPS extender at 17&deg;C. The quality of boar semen was deteriorated chronologically at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours preservation with GEPS extender along with 5% and 10% of dried Aloe vera leaf powder at 17&deg;C. 
&nbsp;

Effect of Different Percentage of Dried Aloe Vera Leaf Powder on Quality of Boar Semen

<div style="text-align: justify;">Thirty two weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups allotted to the three dietary treatments, T1- control ration, T2- control ration plus 5 per cent fat and T3- T2 plus 150 mg/kg carnitine. The total dry matter intake, fortnightly body weight of each individual animal and economics were recorded. There was a significant improvement (P&lt;0.01; and 0.05) observed for pigs under supplemented group (T2 and T3) than that of control group (T1) with regards to all growth parameters studied during growing phase than finisher phase and overall period. The cost of feed per kg weight gain during the overall period was found to be comparable among treatments (T1, T2, and T3). It may be concluded that primary response of pigs to dietary supplements were more during growing stage than finisher and inclusion of 5 % fat would be beneficial for improving growth in weaned LWY piglets.</div>