Genetic Variation in Immune Competence of Pigs in Vietnam and Australia

Abstract

The overall aim of the studies presented in this thesis was to examine the variation in immune competence of different pig breeds commonly raised in Vietnam and Australia.In the first study, three of the most popular pig breeds in Vietnam: Mong Cai (indigenous), Large White and Landrace (exotic breeds to Vietnam) were used. A total of 105 weaner piglets of both sexes, aged 8 weeks, from 24 litters were studied. The piglets were the offspring of 15 sires. Under the same environmental and feeding conditions, both humoral and cellular immune responses were tested in these piglets. Antibody responses to injections of keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) and ovalbumin after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days were measured using ELISA. Skin reactivity to mitogens was induced by intradermal injections of phytohaemaglutinine (PHA) and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) t 10 weeks of age and assessed by measuring the change in skin thickness. Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts were also measured at this time.