Genetic parameter estimates for plasma oxidative status traits in slaughter pigs

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Oxidative Stress Biology
• Swine Production

Background:

• Plasma oxidative status is crucial for animal health and performance.
• Understanding genetic parameters of oxidative stress markers is vital for sustainable livestock breeding.
• Sex influences physiological traits, including oxidative status, in pigs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sex-specific effects on plasma oxidative status traits in slaughter pigs.
• To estimate genetic parameters (heritability, correlations) for oxidative status indicators.
• To explore the genetic links between oxidative status and performance traits in pigs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of blood samples from 477 crossbred pigs (Piétrain × Landrace × Large White).
• Measurement of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), α-tocopherol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.
• Application of multiple-trait REML animal models to estimate heritabilities and correlations.

Main Results:

• Gilts exhibited higher MDA and lower GPx than barrows; no significant sex differences in FRAP or α-tocopherol.
• Heritability estimates ranged from low (MDA: 0.15) to high (GPx: 0.55).
• Generally low phenotypic and genetic correlations between oxidative status traits and performance traits were observed.

Conclusions:

• Significant additive genetic variance exists for plasma oxidative status traits in slaughter pigs.
• GPx activity shows high heritability, suggesting potential for selective breeding.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the genetic basis of oxidative stress in livestock for breeding applications.