1.

Energy metabolism, growth performance, body composition, meat quality and boar taint compounds in immunocastrated pigs

In the present thesis, the meta-analytical approach was used to quantitatively synthesize the effects of immunocastration and four studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of quantitative and qualitative feed restriction on growth performance, heat production and energy metabolism, carcass and meat quality in immunocastrates. Results show benefits of imunocastrates over entire males and surgical castrates in better performance, with meat quality similar to SC. Feed restriction does not affect performance, carcass composition or meat quality in IC, however increasing the incidence of aggressive behaviour. Additional energy retained due to higher feed intake after immunocastration is directed towards lipid deposition. According to the results of the nitrogen balance study, dietary crude protein content could also be decreased. By reducing net energy concentration of the diet up to 10 % using higher fibre content, similar energy efficiency (gain to net energy intake ratio) may be achieved, with an advantage in terms of reduced lipid deposition, and no effect on growth rate after effective immunization.

D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students

COBISS.SI-ID: 3960876

2.

Effect of hydrolysable tannins on gut microbiota of male pigs

The effect of the of hydrolysable tannin-rich extract on intestinal microbiota was investigated. The analyzed DGGE profiles and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method (with both methods targeting 16S rRNA) of the gut microbiota of boars. supplemented with tannins showed clear effects on microbiota structure and statistically significant differences when compared to the control group.

B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference

COBISS.SI-ID: 3693448

3.

Pig castration: methods of anaesthesia and analgesia for all pigs and other alternatives for pigs used in traditional products

The two main objectives of the study were to: 1) identify, specify and evaluate recognized methods for anaesthesia and/or prolonged analgesia at the time of male pig castration in Europe; 2) evaluate and review the alternatives to surgical castration (i.e. immunocastration, rearing of entire males) for older heavy pigs used in traditional pork products considering quality assurance systems, meat quality and animal welfare. The project was based on the collection of data available in the relevant literature and of opinions of different actors and stakeholders operating in this field covering 16 different European countries.

F.30 Professional assessment of the situation

COBISS.SI-ID: 5202280

4.

Raising entire males or immunocastrates - outlook on meat quality

Taking into account the foressen changes in relation to piglet castration, the present article reviews two of the most viable alternatives to surgical castration (i.e. entire males and immunocastrates), with special emphasis on meat quality assurance.

B.04 Guest lecture

COBISS.SI-ID: 4790632

5.

The use of electronic nose to differentiate entire males from immunocastrates (association with levels of androstenone and skatole)

The aim of this work was to test the ability of the electronic nose (IMM-CNR, Rome, Italy) for the differentiation of fat samples (subcutaneous fat from dry-cured hams) from entire or immunocastrated pigs. Results obtained suggest that the electronic nose used has the potential to discriminate entire males. However, some false negatives cases that were classified as immunocastrates despite relatively high (0.8-1.2 µg/g) androstenone levels, indicating the method needs further development.