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DNA study offers fresh insights into pig muscle growth
The findings could be used to predict muscle growth in developing pigs.
Researchers hope their findings will help to support breeding selection programmes.

New research revealing insights into pig muscle development could lead to new tools to inform breeding selection.

The findings are published in G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics by a team from the Roslin Institute and the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health.

In the study, researchers analysed DNA in frozen tissue samples from muscle in piglets at various stages of development. Through this, they were able to pinpoint regions of DNA that control activity in genes linked to muscle growth and study activity in these genes. 

The scientists noted variations in regions of DNA between small and large piglets, suggesting a difference in how DNA is regulated, which subsequently governs muscle growth between large and small piglets. 

It is hoped the findings could help to predict muscle growth in developing pigs, to produce litters with fewer very small piglets. The improved knowledge could also underpin research into other areas of pigs' development, health and welfare.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to identify variations in the genetic code of pigs associated with growth and better understand how these differences regulate the activity of genes involved in muscle development to inform pig breeding programmes.

They also hope to apply their method of analysing frozen tissue to investigate how the genetic code of livestock controls their characteristics. The use of frozen tissues samples can also help to limit the number of animals used for research. 

Dr Emily Clark, from the Roslin Institute, explains: “Pigs are widely farmed and it is important that we understand their biology, including detailed knowledge of their genetic code. Our findings help to improve understanding of the pig genome and will support further research to aid breeding selection programmes.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.