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| 2. |
- Brunberg, Emma, et al.
(författare)
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Omnivores Going Astray : A Review and New Synthesis of Abnormal Behavior in Pigs and Laying Hens
- 2016
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Research Foundation. - 2297-1769. ; 3, s. 1-15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pigs and poultry are by far the most omnivorous of the domesticated farm animals and it is in their nature to be highly explorative. In the barren production environments, this motivation to explore can be expressed as abnormal oral manipulation directed toward pen mates. Tail biting (TB) in pigs and feather pecking (FP) in laying hens are examples of unwanted behaviors that are detrimental to the welfare of the animals. The aim of this review is to draw these two seemingly similar abnormalities together in a common framework, in order to seek underlying mechanisms and principles. Both TB and FP are affected by the physical and social environment, but not all individuals in a group express these behaviors and individual genetic and neurobiological characteristics play an important role. By synthesizing what is known about environmental and individual influences, we suggest a novel possible mechanism, common for pigs and poultry, involving the brain-gut-microbiota axis.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Eriksson, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
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Invited review: Breeding and ethical perspectives on genetically modified and genome edited cattle
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Dairy Science. - : American Dairy Science Association. - 0022-0302 .- 1525-3198. ; 101, s. 1-17
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The hot topic of genetic modification and genome editing is sometimes presented as a rapid solution to various problems in the field of animal breeding and genetics. These technologies hold potential for future use in agriculture but we need to be aware of difficulties in large-scale application and integration in breeding schemes. In this review, we discuss applications of both classical genetic modifications (GM) using vectors and genome editing in dairy cattle breeding. We use an interdisciplinary approach considering both ethical and animal breeding perspectives. Decisions on how to make use of these techniques need to be made based not only on what is possible, but on what is reasonable to do. Principles of animal integrity, naturalness, risk perception, and animal welfare issues are examples of ethically relevant factors to consider. These factors also influence public perception and decisions about regulations by authorities. We need to acknowledge that we lack complete understanding of the genetic background of complex traits. It may be difficult, therefore, to predict the full effect of certain modifications in large-scale breeding programs. We present 2 potential applications: genome editing to dispense with dehorning, and insertion of human genes in bovine genomes to improve udder health as an example of classical GM. Both of these cases could be seen as beneficial for animal welfare but they differ in other aspects. In the former case, a genetic variant already present within the species is introduced, whereas in the latter case, transgenic animals are generated-this difference may influence how society regards the applications. We underline that the use of GM, as well as genome editing, of farm animals such as cattle is not independent of the context, and should be considered as part of an entire process, including, for example, the assisted reproduction technology that needs to be used. We propose that breeding organizations and breeding companies should take an active role in ethical discussions about the use of these techniques and thereby signal to society that these questions are being responsibly addressed.
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| 5. |
- Fischer, Klara, et al.
(författare)
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Social Impacts of GM Crops in Agriculture : A Systematic Literature Review
- 2015
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 7:7, s. 8598-8620
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- It has recently been argued that the fragmented knowledge on the social impacts of genetically modified (GM) crops is contributing to the polarised debate on the matter. This paper addresses this issue by systematically reviewing 99 peer-reviewed journal articles published since 2004 on the social impacts of GM crops in agriculture; summarising current knowledge, and identifying research gaps. Economic impact studies currently dominate the literature and mainly report that GM crops provide economic benefits for farmers. Other social impacts are less well studied, but present a more complex picture. Studies on access to and benefits of GM crops show that these vary significantly depending on the political and regulatory setting. Substantial evidence indicates that intellectual property rights (IPR) and the private industry's dominance limit the access and utility of available GM crops to many farmers. Wellbeing is frequently discussed in the literature, but rarely investigated empirically. Existing evidence is contradictory and inconclusive. Impact studies from the Global North are virtually non-existent. Moreover, two-thirds of publications are based on previously published empirical evidence, indicating a need for new empirical investigations into the social impacts of GM crops in agriculture.
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| 6. |
- Hansen-Axelsson, Helen, et al.
(författare)
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Breakeven prices for recording of indicator traits to reduce the environmental impact of milk production
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. - : Wiley. - 0931-2668 .- 1439-0388. ; 132, s. 30-41
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A breeding scheme using genomic selection and an indicator trait for environmental impact (EI) was studied to find the most effective recording strategy in terms of annual monetary genetic gain and breakeven price for the recording of indicator traits. The breakeven price shows the investment space for developing a recording system for an indicator trait. The breeding goal consisted of three traits - milk production, functional trait and environmental impact - with economic values of Euro83, Euro82 and Euro-83, respectively. The first scenario included only breeding goal traits and no indicator traits (NoIT). The other scenarios included all three breeding goal traits and one indicator trait (IT) for EI. The indicator traits were recorded on a large scale (stayability after first lactation and stature), medium scale (live weight and greenhouse gases (GHG) measured in the breath of the cow during milking) or small scale (residual feed intake and total enteric methane measured in a respiration chamber). In the scenario with stayability, the genetic gain in EI was over 11% higher than it was in NoIT. The breakeven price of recording stayability was Euro8 per record. Stayability is easy to record in the national milk recording system, and its use as an indicator trait for EI would not generate any additional recording costs. Therefore, stayability would be a good indicator trait to use to mitigate EI. The highest genetic gain in EI (23% higher compared to NoIT) was achieved when the GHG measured in the breath of the cow was used as indicator trait. The breakeven price for this indicator trait was Euro29 per record in the reference population. Ideally the recording of a specific indicator trait for EI would take place when: (i) the genetic correlation between the IT and EI is high; and (ii) the number of phenotypic records for the indicator trait is high enough to achieve a moderately high reliability of direct genomic values.
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| 7. |
- Jonas, Elisabeth, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of candidate genes for maternal ability on piglet survival and growth
- 2018
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Ingår i: Livestock Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-1413 .- 1878-0490. ; 207, s. 83-90
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our study aimed to test if genes related to maternal ability can be used as genetic markers to improve piglet production. We considered polymorphisms in the oxytocin gene and other loci related to metabolic oxytocin levels and maternal behavior. We hypothesized that genetic variants in these genes can be used to select sows with good mothering ability, expressed as the ability to raise many fast-growing piglets. We identified polymorphisms in candidate genes and used additional closely located known polymorphisms to genotype sows and to test the association of the polymorphisms. Nine genes, oxytocin (OXT), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), mesoderm specific transcript (MEST), paternally expressed gene 3 (Peg3), growth factor receptor-bound substrate 10 (Grb10), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB), cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38), neurohypophyseal hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) and protein kinase C, gamma (PRKCG) were selected for analysis. We identified four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), while 23 SNP identified using sequencing were already reported in a public database. Sows were genotyped using SNP identified using sequencing and from a public database, and a total of 30 out of 65 SNP segregated in the population. We tested the association of 20 markers with traits from up to 164 sows, including number and weight of piglets born and weaned and growth rate of piglets until week 5. Polymorphisms in or close to genes FOSB, PRKCG, Grb10, OXTR, and AVP showed significant associations (after Bonferroni correction, P < 0.00256) with mean birth weight, piglets stillborn of total born and relative weight change of the sow during lactation. We identified some effects (P < 0.05) of SNP close to or within OXT; MEST, FOSB, AVP and PRKCG on number of piglets dead or stillborn from total or live born. Birth weight and piglet growth were slightly (P < 0.05) influenced by polymorphisms in or close to genes Grb10, Peg3 and PRKCG. Two markers in the regions of genes MEST and Grb10 showed an effect (P < 0.05) on the relative fat and weight change of the sow during lactation, respectively. Most of the associations were either identified in the first or second parity, indicating strong differences between the traits across these early parities. Future studies should investigate the correlation between maternal behavior traits and the traits investigated here and test the effect of the investigated loci on behavior in sows. If these genes are associated with favorable maternal behaviors in pigs and if they are useful indicators of the maternal ability, they could be used to identify sows with high genetic ability to raise many fast growing piglets.
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| 8. |
- Jonas, Elisabeth, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of oxytocin genes on maternal behavior in sows
- 2016
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Ingår i: DCA rapport. - 2245-1684 .- 2245-1692. ; , s. 12-12
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The project we are working on is based on two hypotheses: there is a variation between Swedish Yorkshire sows in oxytocin genes, and some alleles in these genes have favourable effects on maternal behaviour. The hormone oxytocin affects maternal behaviour. But the hormone level in blood fluctuates, and regular sampling is needed to investigate oxytocin. However, blood sampling, also using a fixed cannula, might alter the behaviour. Here, we focus on candidate genes for oxytocin and sow behaviour instead of measuring oxytocin levels. The experiment is ongoing at the Swedish Livestock Research Centre Lövsta (SLU) using purebred Yorkshire sows. Husbandry and management follow the routines of the farm (one sow with litter per pen, straw, no crates, cross fostering avoided). Behavioural observations are performed by the staff during the routine work, and cameras are installed above the pens. Sow body weight and body condition during lactation and piglet weight are recorded regularly. The behaviour is recorded using cameras and with a questionnaire answered by the staff at day 1 and day 21 on 100 sows. Behavioural records include nest building, sows' carefulness and reaction towards their piglets, anxiety, fear of humans, aggression and nursing. Blood samples were collected from all potential breeding sows and used for DNA extraction. Nine genes related to maternal behaviour and the regulation of oxytocin were identified in the literature: Fosb and Peg3 on chromosome (SSC) 6, CD38 on SSC8, AVPR1B and Grb10 on SSC9, Oxyr on SSC13, Oxy and AVP on SSC17 and Mest on SSC18. One or two fragments from each gene were sequenced to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). These SNP and some known genetic markers located close to the genes were used to genotype 181 sows. Genotyping was done by the MAF laboratory at the Karolinska Institute. Thirty-one out of 45 markers segregated in the population, i.e. there was genetic variation between sows in all candidate genes. We are currently analysing the associations between markers (alleles) and behavioural traits as well as traits related to piglet survival and growth, and sows' use of body reserves during lactation. We will continue with more detailed information from the camera recordings on sows with interesting alleles. Preliminary results from 68 sows show that there is phenotypic variation between sows with regard to nest building, being careful with the new-born piglets, anxiety and reaction to the piglets when returning from weighing, whereas most sows showed no aggression towards piglets or humans. Aggression towards humans and anxiety tend to be repeated from day 1 to day 21.
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| 9. |
- Maximillian, Manzi, et al.
(författare)
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Growth traits of crossbreds of Ankole with Brown Swiss, Holstein Friesian, Jersey, and Sahiwal cattle in Rwanda
- 2018
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Ingår i: Tropical Animal Health and Production. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0049-4747 .- 1573-7438. ; 50, s. 825-830
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of the study was to compare body weights and growth from birth to 18 months of age of various groups of crossbred cattle born from 1999 to 2007, being crossbreds of Ankole (A) with Brown Swiss (B), Holstein Friesian (F), Jersey (J), and Sahiwal (S). Average weights were 26.5 kg at birth, 161 kg at weaning, and 226 kg at 18 months. Both season and sex significantly affected birth weight (BW), weight at 8 and 18 months (W8 and W18), and average daily gain from weaning to 18 months (ADG18) and, unlike season, sex significantly affected average daily gain to 8 months and weaning age. The general trend was that average daily gain attained a maximum before weaning and thereafter decreased until 18 months. Least square means for AB and AF calves were comparable and significantly differed only for W18 and ADG18. AJ had the lowest BW but was comparable with AS, AJxS, and ASxJ for W8, age-adjusted weaning weight, and W18. Generally, AF was heavier than other breed groups, but the difference was smaller than expected probably because environmental conditions did not allow full expression of genetic potential for growth.
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| 10. |
- Maximillian, Manzi, et al.
(författare)
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Reproductive performance of Ankole cattle and its crossbreds in Rwanda
- 2019
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Ingår i: Tropical Animal Health and Production. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0049-4747 .- 1573-7438. ; 51, s. 49-54
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to assess the reproductive performance of Ankole cattle and its crossbreds with Friesian (F), Jersey (J), and Sahiwal (S). The traits (number of records) studied were calving to first insemination, CFI (797); calving to last insemination, CLI (797); conception rate, CR (4354); number of inseminations, NINS (936); and calving interval, CI (259). The overall means of intervals CFI, CLI and CI, CR, and NINS were 192, 198 and 480days, 67%, and 1.23 respectively. Breed group was significant (P<0.05) for all traits except NINS, while season of calving was significant for CFI, CLI, and CI, and season of insemination was significant for CR. The breed group AF had better CR than the purebred Ankole and AS, and AS had lower CR than AJxS and AJ. On the other hand, Ankole (and to some extent AF) had longer CFI and CLI than AJ, AS, and FF. Ankole had 54days longer CI than all crossbreds taken together. The prolonged intervals CFI, CLI, and CI observed in this study call for proper postpartum anestrus management both in terms of nutrition and calf suckling management.
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