Preventing Genetic defects in Swine
Class
Article
Graduation Year
2018
College
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Department
School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education
Faculty Mentor
Joshua Dallin
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Livestock projects provide youth with opportunities to learn through hands-on, experiential learning experiences, critical thinking, and reflection. With the advance of genetic testing and its availability to producers, youth have the opportunity to become better producers by learning about genetics with their livestock projects. This research was performed with two purposes in mind, (1) to collect data concerning genetic defects in junior livestock show hogs, and (2) to educate youth and producers on the importance of genetic testing and how they can utilize genetic testing to promote healthy livestock production.Swine hair samples were collected from junior livestock show pigs in thirteen counties across the state of Utah. Samples were then sent in for genetic testing. Testing was performed for two genetic defects, Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS), caused by the Halothane (HAL) gene, and Rendement Napole (RN). Both genes are passed from parent to offspring and can lead to poor pork (meat) quality in heterozygous carriers or homozygous mutants. PSS can also lead to other swine health issues, including sudden death. Testing found that 52% of the swine tested had a genetic defect that could lead to poor meat quality and other losses. This high percentage is alarming because the HAL and RN gene are completely avoidable with proper breeding practices. Genetic test results are almost always available for commercial boar sires and tests can be performed to determine whether or not personally held sires are possessors of the HAL or RN gene. By educating youth and producers on how to utilize these tests and information, they can select for pigs that are stress and RN free and greatly reduce the prevalence of poor meat quality and health issues in swine.
Location
South Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
4-13-2017 2:45 PM
Preventing Genetic defects in Swine
South Atrium
Livestock projects provide youth with opportunities to learn through hands-on, experiential learning experiences, critical thinking, and reflection. With the advance of genetic testing and its availability to producers, youth have the opportunity to become better producers by learning about genetics with their livestock projects. This research was performed with two purposes in mind, (1) to collect data concerning genetic defects in junior livestock show hogs, and (2) to educate youth and producers on the importance of genetic testing and how they can utilize genetic testing to promote healthy livestock production.Swine hair samples were collected from junior livestock show pigs in thirteen counties across the state of Utah. Samples were then sent in for genetic testing. Testing was performed for two genetic defects, Porcine Stress Syndrome (PSS), caused by the Halothane (HAL) gene, and Rendement Napole (RN). Both genes are passed from parent to offspring and can lead to poor pork (meat) quality in heterozygous carriers or homozygous mutants. PSS can also lead to other swine health issues, including sudden death. Testing found that 52% of the swine tested had a genetic defect that could lead to poor meat quality and other losses. This high percentage is alarming because the HAL and RN gene are completely avoidable with proper breeding practices. Genetic test results are almost always available for commercial boar sires and tests can be performed to determine whether or not personally held sires are possessors of the HAL or RN gene. By educating youth and producers on how to utilize these tests and information, they can select for pigs that are stress and RN free and greatly reduce the prevalence of poor meat quality and health issues in swine.