Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th September 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scientists map genome of inbred pig
“We believe this new genome assembly and transcriptome atlas will further enhance the utility of the Babraham pig as a biomedical model,” said Dr Schwartz.
The model could provide insight into zoonotic diseases.

A near-complete genome assembly for a highly inbred breed of pig has been developed by researchers at The Pirbright Institute.

The Babraham pig, a UK breed derived from the Large White, is genetically consistent across crucial immune-related gene complexes, enabling greater replication in immunological research.

Scientists hope the study, published in Immunogenetics, could pave the way for using the animal as a biomedical model to enhance both animal and human health.

“Once we had generated the genome assembly and assessed likely sources of error, we compared uniformity across the genome with another Babraham pig,” explained Dr John Schwartz, a bioinformatics specialist at Pirbright. 

“Gene transcription data was then used from multiple tissues to investigate gene content and usage within several immune-related gene complexes. This enabled us to confidently characterize and annotate genes involved in immune responses within the Babraham pig, and compare these to other genomes to gain insight into their evolution and impact on health.” 

Like humans, pigs have two slightly different copies of their genome – one from each parent. In individuals that are highly inbred, these copies are more identical. This similarity helps scientists piece them together because there are fewer variations to account for between the two copies.

Scientists hope the new genome will provide insight into viral pig diseases, such as African swine fever and influenza, and inform studies into zoonotic diseases. It is also hoped the genetic uniformity of Babraham pigs may also be used for studies of xenotransplantation.

Together with the genome assembly, researchers also generated 'transcriptome atlas' of the same breed, which records data to produce patterns of gene expression across various tissues within the organism. 

“We believe this new genome assembly and transcriptome atlas will further enhance the utility of the Babraham pig as a biomedical model,” said Dr Schwartz.

Image (C) Shutterstock.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.