Search Results (1,234)

In vitro capacitation of boar spermatozoa remains highly variable among laboratories due to differences in media composition, incubation conditions, and previous semen handling. Since capacitation is a dynamic process, identifying how different media modulate specific sperm responses over time is crucial to improving the standardization of porcine in vitro fertilization protocols. This study evaluated the temporal dynamics of membrane lipid disorder, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity, and motility patterns in response to different media. Commercial boar semen doses were centrifuged and resuspended in a non-capacitating control solution or in three capacitation media differing mainly in bicarbonate, caffeine, and energy substrate composition, and evaluated every 15 min using flow cytometry and computer-assisted semen analysis at 38 °C for up to 2 h. Media containing higher bicarbonate and caffeine concentrations induced rapid membrane lipid destabilization and increased acrosomal exocytosis during the initial incubation period. Subsequently, these changes were accompanied by a more rapid decline in cell viability over time. In contrast, the medium containing lower bicarbonate together with lactate and pyruvate preserved higher viability, mitochondrial activity, and a more sustained, linear movement pattern (higher linearity and straightness). Interestingly, training-associated responses were detected immediately at time 0, suggesting that semen storage conditions may prime spermatozoa before incubation. Overall, medium composition and pre-treatment handling conditions should both be considered when standardizing porcine reproductive technologies. Full article

Heat stress (HS) impairs boar reproductive capacity via damaging Sertoli cells (SCs) and disrupting the integrity of the blood–testis barrier (BTB). This present study investigated the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of PTD-FNK against HS-induced injury in porcine SCs. A HS model (43 °C, 1 h) was established, and 0.1 nM was determined as the optimal working concentration of PTD-FNK. Results showed that PTD-FNK effectively reversed HS-induced BTB disruption by restoring the expression levels of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1, and Cx43) to baseline levels (p < 0.05). Concurrently, PTD-FNK alleviated HS-induced oxidative stress by enhancing total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). It also suppressed HS-triggered apoptosis by downregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (Caspase-3/8/9 and Bax) and upregulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PTD-FNK maintained cellular homeostasis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics—restoring mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and balancing the expression of fusion-related protein Mfn1 and fission-related protein Drp1.Transcriptomic and LY294002 experiments confirmed PTD-FNK exerted effects via the PI3K/AKT pathway, modulating ID3, H2AX, DDIT3, CDKN1C, RAD51, and TP53. Thus, PTD-FNK protects SCs from HS through multi-target regulation dependent on PI3K/AKT, providing a novel strategy for boar reproductive health under HS. Full article

Background/Objectives: African swine fever (ASF) has caused substantial wild boar (Sus scrofa) mortality across Europe and prompted intensive density-reduction measures, yet its long-term effects on population genetics remain poorly understood. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare genetic diversity, population structure, demographic signatures, and wildlife forensic identification parameters in the same wild boar population before ASF emergence and after several years of ASF-related management. Methods: Wild boar samples collected before ASF emergence in Hungary (n = 67) were compared with samples collected after several years of ASF-related management from the same geographic area (n = 65). All 132 individuals were genotyped at 13 tetrameric microsatellite loci. Diversity was assessed using allelic richness, allele number, and heterozygosity; differentiation using F-statistics, analysis of molecular variance, and discriminant analysis of principal components; demographic history using a two-phase mutation model; and forensic performance using probability of identity and probability of identity among siblings. Results: The post-ASF population showed lower genetic diversity and significant temporal differentiation. Paired Wilcoxon tests indicated a significant reduction in the number of alleles, whereas changes in heterozygosity were not significant. Bottleneck analyses provided no robust evidence of a recent genetic bottleneck. Forensic discrimination power declined modestly while remaining sufficient for individual identification. Conclusions: Because no contemporaneous unaffected reference population was available, these changes cannot be attributed specifically to ASF or management rather than to genetic drift or natural turnover, although they are consistent with sustained demographic disturbance. Nevertheless, this study provides the first temporal genetic comparison of a European wild boar population before ASF emergence and after several years of ASF-related management and demonstrates that a routinely used STR marker panel remains suitable for wildlife forensic individual identification despite these genetic changes. Full article

Semen quality is a critical factor for the success of artificial insemination programs in swine production, and is influenced by collection method, genetic lineage, collection interval and pharmacological interventions. This study evaluated the effects of Dinoprost-tromethamine (DP; Lutalyse^®, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ, USA), a prostaglandin F₂α analog, on boar semen quality in a commercial stud, considering manual versus semi-automatic collection systems, four genetic lines and resting time between collections. A total of 653 boars (146 Large White, 210 Landrace, 282 Duroc and 15 Hybrid [Duroc × Pietrain]) were monitored over 12 months, resulting in 22,977 semen collections. DP was administered intramuscularly as a single dose of 1 mL per boar (6.71 mg of active compound; approximately 0.028 mg/kg body weight), 20 min before semen collection, exclusively to animals classified with low libido (scores 1–3), whereas boars with normal libido (scores 4–6) remained untreated. Semen parameters (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total motility and kinematic traits assessed by CASA) were analyzed using mixed-effects models including collection method, DP treatment, genetic line and their interactions. Semi-automatic collection increased ejaculate volume and total motility but resulted in lower sperm concentration compared with manual collection. DP administration increased sperm motility and sperm concentration while reducing ejaculate volume, with the greatest improvement in motility observed in Hybrid boars and more modest or nonsignificant responses in the other genetic lines. Longer collection intervals were associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas ejaculate volume and motility were not affected by resting time. These findings indicate that the impact of DP, collection method and collection interval on semen quality is breed-dependent and highlight the need to tailor reproductive management protocols according to boar genetics, libido and collection technology. Full article

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic pathogen. Infection in breeding boars triggers severe testicular inflammatory storms, resulting in testicular swelling, asthenospermia, oligozoospermia and even irreversible loss of reproductive capacity. Magnolol, a natural extract, exhibits remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study utilized swine testicular (ST) cells as an in vitro model to explore magnolol’s protective effects against JEV-mediated inflammation and its underlying mechanism. ST cells were infected with JEV at an MOI of 1 and treated with magnolol at 8, 12 and 16 μg/mL. We detected pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, performed 4D-FastDIA quantitative proteomics to screen differentially expressed proteins, verified key RIG-I and NF-κB cascade molecules at mRNA and protein levels, and tracked p65 nuclear translocation through immunofluorescence. The data showed that JEV significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and CCL5, while magnolol reduced these cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. JEV reshaped the proteome of innate immunity and inflammation, and excessively activated the RIG-I/NF-κB axis to increase IKKβ, TRAF2, TRAF6 transcription and p65 phosphorylation and nuclear import; 24 h treatment with 16 μg/mL magnolol greatly restrained this overactivation. In summary, magnolol alleviates JEV-triggered inflammatory injury by inhibiting the RIG-I/NF-κB pathway, offering experimental evidence for its use as a natural agent to mitigate JEV-induced cellular inflammatory response in boars. Full article

Municipal records of human–wildlife conflict are widely available but remain underused for identifying conflict-prone urban interfaces and supporting preventive management. This study compared reported human–wild boar (Sus scrofa) conflict patterns and the land-use composition of high-density report zones in Olsztyn, Poland, in 2010 and 2020. Municipal records of wild boar presence, complaints, and interventions were matched to street-network features and integrated with harmonized land-use data in a geographic information system. Kernel density estimation delineated high-density report zones, Getis–Ord Gi* analysis characterized street-segment clustering, and land-use overlay and descriptive compositional metrics quantified differences between years. High-density zones shifted from an extensive, peripheral configuration in 2010 to a markedly more compact pattern integrated into the urban fabric in 2020. Proportional shares increased for transport (+12.64 percentage points), residential (+10.12), and recreational areas (+2.40), while industrial and wasteland areas (−13.13), grasslands (−6.33), and forests (−4.85) decreased. These findings indicate a reorganization of reported conflict geography, not changes in wild boar abundance, habitat preference, movement behavior, or synurbization. Routinely collected municipal records can support targeted monitoring, traffic-risk mitigation, waste management, green-space planning, and preventive urban wildlife management. Full article

In recent years, the wild boar population has increased in Italy. Wild boar is one of the most problematic species from a sanitary point of view because it represents a dangerous reservoir of pathogens and viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the circulation of coronaviruses in wild boars, a group of viruses known for their ability to spill over between species. As part of the wild boar population control plan established by the Basilicata region relating to this species, 625 animals were analyzed from May 2024 to January 2026. Nasal swabs were collected at the slaughterhouse in the province of Potenza. Screening was conducted using pan-coronavirus PCR through a nested PCR assay targeting the conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region. Out of all samples analyzed, 1.9% were positive for Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus (PHEV), marking the first identification of this neurotropic coronavirus in wild boars in Italy. The detection of PHEV in free-ranging populations highlights the potential for viral circulation at the wildlife–livestock interface and underlines the importance of integrated surveillance systems to prevent possible interspecies transmission and minimize the risk of spillover to domestic pig herds. Full article

This study investigates intraspecific morphometric variability in the archaeozoological assemblages from the multi-period site of Șoimuș-Teleghi (Hunedoara County, Romania), encompassing occupation phases from the Early Neolithic (Starčevo-Criș culture) to the Late Bronze Age. The new AMS radiocarbon dates obtained refine the chronological framework of the site. The results reveal pronounced morphometric variability in cattle (Bos taurus), with horncore flattening indices, dental dimensions, and postcranial measurements enabling the differentiation of males, females, and probable castrates—the latter suggesting traction-oriented management strategies. A notably large horncore from the Vinča level may indicate hybridisation between domestic cattle and aurochs (Bos primigenius). Sheep (Ovis aries) display an increase in estimated withers height from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, potentially reflecting improved husbandry. The pig (Sus domesticus) scapula scatter plot indicates a female-dominated culling pattern, while postcranial elements suggest relatively robust forelimbs combined with more gracile distal limb segments. Among wild taxa, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) exhibit clear sexual dimorphism and generally large body sizes, consistent with the selective hunting of prime adult males. Comparative analysis with contemporary assemblages from Transylvania, Banat, and Hungary situates the Șoimuș-Teleghi material within broader regional trends, while highlighting certain distinctive features, particularly the large dimensions of Early Neolithic cattle and the diachronic size increase observed in caprine. Full article

Sex-related differences in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are recognized as important modulators of cardiovascular physiology, but they are still insufficiently explored in large animal models. This study examined the influence of sex and gonadal status on oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and hematological parameters in clinically healthy domestic pigs. Twenty sexually mature pigs (10 months old) were divided into four groups: boars, barrows, gilts, and ovariectomized females (n = 5 per group). In serum, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-RD), total superoxide dismutase (TSOD), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), together with concentrations of triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were determined. In myocardial and liver tissues, antioxidant enzymes, lipid parameters, and MDA were analyzed. Spectrophotometric methods were used for enzyme activities and lipid parameters, while MDA was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hematological parameters were determined using an automated hematology analyzer, and serum hormone concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassays. Group-dependent differences were observed, although the relatively small sample size warrants cautious interpretation. In serum, gilts had higher phospholipid, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol concentrations, along with the most favorable LDL: HDL ratio, whereas boars showed the least favorable ratio. Lipid peroxidation, assessed by MDA, was lowest in gilts and highest in barrows. In myocardial tissue, gilts showed higher GSH-RD and TSOD activities and lower MDA concentrations than barrows, suggesting potentially stronger antioxidant protection. In the liver, differences were found in cholesterol, triglycerides, and MDA concentrations, with higher cholesterol in barrows, higher triglycerides in boars, and higher MDA in gilts and ovariectomized females. Hematological differences were also evident, with lower leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in gilts and higher platelet count and plateletcrit in barrows and ovariectomized females. Overall, sex and gonadal status were associated with distinct patterns of metabolic and oxidative responses across serum and tissues. Given the small sample size and cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and as associative rather than causal. Full article

Growth traits, as core economic indicators in pig breeding, are closely associated with production costs, rearing duration, and final carcass quality and have thus consistently been a major focus of genetic improvement. This study aimed to identify candidate genes affecting Age to 120 kg live weight (AGE120), Backfat thickness at 120 kg (BF120), and Loin muscle depth at 120 kg (LMD120) in pigs. Ear tissue samples were collected from 3364 healthy adult pigs (including 558 boars and 2805 sows) from three breeds: Large White, Landrace, and Duroc. Genotyping was performed using an 80 K functional site array, and quality-controlled SNP (Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism) loci were subjected to genotype imputation, resulting in 15,447,611 loci obtained. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for Age to 120 kg live weight, Back fat thickness at 120 kg, and Loin muscle depth at 120 kg were conducted using a mixed linear model in Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA). Genes located within 500 kb upstream and downstream of significant GWAS loci were extracted using the biomaRt package in R. Furthermore, colocalization analysis was performed using expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) data of 34 tissues from the PigGTEx database to identify genes that share the same causal variant as the GWAS signals. Through integrated GWAS and eQTL colocalization analysis, in addition to five previously reported genes associated with pig growth traits (TAF11, ZC3HAV1L, ANKS1A, USP20, and TBC1D1), a set of novel, high-confidence candidate genes was identified: ZNF215, UBE2Z, HOXB7, SARDH, ADAMTSL2, ATP6V0A4, RPL10A, PGM2, and RELL1. These findings enrich our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying growth traits in pigs at heavy body weights and provide an important foundation for subsequent functional validation and molecular breeding applications. Full article

Boar sperm freezability (SF) is an economically important trait that influences reproductive efficiency and genetic improvement in pigs. However, its genetic basis remains poorly understood. In this study, semen samples from 382 Duroc and 151 Yorkshire boars were evaluated for sperm motility and recovery rate, and all individuals were genotyped using an 80K SNP array. Within-breed GWAS were first conducted, followed by a meta-analysis integrating the GWAS results from both boars. Individuals were classified into GSF and PSF groups based on sperm recovery rate for subsequent selection signature analysis. The results showed that Duroc boars exhibited significantly higher SF than Yorkshire boars. Heritability estimates for SF were moderate, with values of 0.35 in Duroc and 0.30 in Yorkshire. GWAS identified 10 significant SNPs in Duroc and 33 in Yorkshire associated with SF. Meta-analysis further detected 12 significant SNPs, annotated to candidate genes such as CCDC181, PARN, SOX9, and NCKAP5L. Association analysis identified ten representative variants significantly correlated with sperm recovery rate, with variants in PARN and MAP2K6 showing strong additive effects. Selection signature analysis revealed multiple genomic regions under differential selection between GSF and PSF groups, identifying several candidate genes associated with SF. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are mainly involved in spermatogenesis, flagellar motility, cellular stress response, and cold adaptation pathways. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the genetic architecture of boar SF and identifies potential molecular markers for genetic improvement and functional genomic studies in pigs. Full article

Boar taint is a persistent challenge in pork production, caused primarily by the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in adipose tissue. It affects 5–40% of uncastrated male pigs and is perceived negatively by a substantial proportion of consumers, with skatole detectable by almost all individuals. Traditional surgical castration effectively prevents boar taint but is increasingly criticized on animal welfare grounds. Immunocastration using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccines has emerged as a promising alternative, providing reversible suppression of reproductive function while maintaining growth efficiency. This review integrates current knowledge on the biochemical basis of boar taint, evaluates the performance of commercial vaccines such as Improvac^® and GonaCon^®, and examines economic, regulatory, and consumer factors influencing adoption. Immunocastration presents limitations due to variability in immune responses, the need for multiple doses, and challenges related to public perception. To address these challenges, intensive research is underway on single-dose formulations, precision adjuvants, and advanced delivery technologies, all of which are expected to drive the next generation of immunocastration vaccines. Full article

This paper assessed the genetic diversity, structure, and distance of Bamei pigs, a traditional Chinese indigenous breed, to conserve their genetic resources and facilitate comprehensive production planning. Using a 50K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip, we genotyped 64 individuals from a Bamei pig conservation farm. Based on these data, we calculated genetic diversity parameters, constructed family structures, and identified runs of homozygosity (ROH) for each individual to obtain corresponding inbreeding coefficients. The results showed that the Bamei pig conservation population had an average genetic distance of 0.2707. The population maintained relatively rich genetic diversity, as indicated by a polymorphic marker proportion of 88.28% and observed (0.351) and expected (0.340) heterozygosity values that were very close. The inbreeding coefficient calculated based on ROH was at a medium level. The average inbreeding coefficient was 0.1302. Substantial inter-individual variation was observed, with some individuals showing relatively high inbreeding coefficients. Kinship analyses further confirmed the presence of close genetic relationships among certain individuals within the population and potential inbreeding risks. Family-structure analysis classified the boars into six families, with an uneven distribution of boars and sows both across and within these families. In order to ensure the continuous protection of the breed, it is urgent to optimize the breeding program. In the process of offspring retention, individuals with distant genetic relationships with boars and sows should be selected as much as possible, the inbreeding coefficient of the population should be gradually reduced, the number of families should be paid attention to, and the proportion and structural balance of each family should be paid attention to. Full article

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are reliable bioindicator species for assessing environmental pollution. In this pilot study, we measured concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in liver, diaphragm, and testicular tissues from wild boars collected across seven districts of Avellino province (liver/diaphragm: n = 87; testicles: n = 50). Pb reached its highest median value in the diaphragm (0.43 mg/kg w.w.; maximum 14.80 mg/kg), while Cd showed a pronounced affinity for hepatic tissue (median 0.15 mg/kg; maximum 0.62 mg/kg). Zn was the most abundant element overall, particularly in the diaphragm (median 20.51 mg/kg; maximum 46.81 mg/kg). Se concentrations were generally below the detection limit (<0.001 mg/kg), with only occasional outliers. Sex-related differences were evident: males accumulated more Pb in the liver, while females had higher levels of Cd and As. Spatial patterns identified AVMFS009 and AVAR009 as hotspots for Cu, Zn, and Cd, while AVCP003 emerged as the main hotspot for As. Overall, the results reinforce the role of wild boars as effective bioindicators in southern Italy. Full article

To develop green feed additives suitable for antibiotic-free livestock farming on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, this study used Lactobacillus salivarius TB2.1, isolated from Tibetan black pigs, and Lactobacillus agilis CW13.2, isolated from wild boars in the Changbai Mountains, to prepare fermented feed. The study investigated the effects of these additives on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, immune and antioxidant functions, and gut microbiota composition of Duroc × Landrace × Large White crossbred finishing pigs (DLY finishing pigs). The experiment included 72 finishing pigs with an average body weight of 54.07 ± 1.02 kg, which were randomly divided into three groups, each with four replicates of 6 pigs. The control group (CK) was fed a basal diet, one treatment group (TB) was fed a diet consisting of 50% basal diet plus 50% Lactobacillus salivarius TB2.1-fermented feed, and the other treatment group (CW) was fed a diet consisting of 50% basal diet plus 50% Lactobacillus agilis CW13.2-fermented feed. The pre-feeding period lasted 3 days, and the experimental period lasted 57 days. The results showed that, compared with the CK group, (1) the CW and TB groups had significantly higher levels of crude protein, lactic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid in the feed (p < 0.05), and significantly lower levels of crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ammonium nitrogen, and pH (p < 0.05); (2) in the CW and TB groups, final body weight, average daily weight gain, and average daily feed intake were significantly higher (p < 0.001), while the feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.01), with the CW group performing better than the TB group; (3) in both the CW and TB groups, carcass weight, eye muscle area, and meat redness significantly increased (p < 0.001), while backfat thickness and shear force significantly decreased (p < 0.001); (4) in both the CW and TB groups, serum immunoglobulin G, interleukin-2, and superoxide dismutase levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced in the CW group (p < 0.05), and catalase activity was significantly increased in the TB group (p < 0.05); (5) the relative abundance of Escherichia spp. in the cecum was significantly reduced in both the CW and TB groups (p < 0.05), while beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp. were significantly enriched (p < 0.05). In summary, feed fermented with Lactobacillus salivarius TB2.1 and Lactobacillus agilis CW13.2 can effectively improve the production performance of finishing pigs, enhance meat quality, strengthen immune and antioxidant capacities, and optimize the gut microbiota structure. Among these, CW13.2 was more effective in promoting weight gain, while TB2.1 was more effective in regulating protein and lipid metabolism. Fermented feed produced with both strains shows promising application prospects and can provide high-quality microbial strains and technical support for antibiotic-free swine farming on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article