**3.7 Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia (MMA) syndrome**

Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia (MMA) syndrome causes huge economical losses in the swine industry. Andaman local sow aged 3 years with the history of farrowing 18 days ago and complaint of anorexia, restlessness and inattentive towards her piglets, agalactia and lameness was presented with the elevated rectal temperature, congested mucus membrane, swollen painful mammary glands with foul smelling muco-purulent vulval discharge. Based on the visible clinical signs, sow was tentatively diagnosed as suffered from mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome. The affected sow was treated with ice fomentation, cleaning with liquid soap, application of Lugol's iodine solution and antiseptic ointment on the udder, injection of gentamicin, streptopenicillin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, prostaglandin F2α, intrauterine infusion of normal saline followed by Lugol's iodine solution along with supportive therapy with multivitamin and hydrotherapy in water bath. The pig was fed with boiled chicken eggs for supports to her health. The piglets were fed with toned cow milk during the treatment regimen along with creep feed. On day 3rd post treatment, the sow was recovered and allowed the piglets to suckle. Thus the quick diagnosis and prompt treatment saved the pigs from the life threatening syndrome along with eliminating the pre-weaning piglet mortality. The MMA prevalence could be reduced through optimization of husbandry, feeding and managemental practices. This is first report of MMA syndrome in Andaman local pig in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that too affected after 18 days of farrowing [30].

commonly spread at the Jarawa as well as Onge tribal forest reserve areas of Andaman group of islands. The Jarawa tribes also prefer this wild pig. They are being poached by the primitive Jarawa tribes and are the main source of protein for them from time immemorial. Due to unauthorised poaching, the number of this wild pig is reducing day by day, which needs attention for its conservation. Andaman wild pig was once found all over in the forests of the Andaman group of Islands, but have become extremely rare and currently the last strong holds are the Jarawa Reserve forest area, Rutland and Little Andaman Islands. It is a scheduled animal, black in colour, short legged, small to medium sized and a prolific breeder. As per the literature, Andaman wild pig has the litter size (number) from 4 to 7; however, due to unavailability of food and water and illegal hunting, their numbers has been decreasing very fast in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Presently, this pig comes under schedule I Part I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act of India, 1972. These wild pigs of Andaman are well adapted physiologically and anatomically to this island ecosystem over the many centuries as they are native of these islands. They are black in colour, short legged, small to medium sized animal and very active,

*Domestic Pig Germplasms of Andaman and Nicobar Islands*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95916*

Body height of Andaman wild pig was measured as 20 inch at the level of shoulder with the compact body. The pig is very active, wild expression and a fast running animal. The RBC concentration, PCV and Haemoglobin concentration were

presented as body length (from shoulder to base of tail): 23, body height at shoulder level: 20, neck width: 15.5, ear length: 3, ear width: 3, Leg length; 9, hoof circumference: 2.5, tail length: 4, abdomen width: 20.5, chest width: 21.5, testis length: 2.5, testis width: 2 and body weight based on chest girth: 16 kg [31]. Boden Kloss [14] observed that the pigs (*Sus scrofa andamanensis*) in Andaman islands appeared were diminutive in stature and the fully grown boar was only 20 inches high at the

The blood profiles of Andaman wild male pig revealed that the RBC: 9.72 x 10<sup>6</sup>

μL, MCV: 63.1 f1, PCV: 61.3%, MCH: 17.77 pg., MCHC: 28.17 g/dl, Hgb: 17.27 g/dL. The leucocytic parameters of Andaman wild male pig revealed that the WBC: 35.12

/μL, lymphocyte: 62.80%, monocyte: 8.37%, neutrophils: 4.80%, eosinophils: 21.37% and basophils: 0.70%. The thrombocytic parameters of Andaman wild male

This comparision study was conducted in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Blood indices revealed that PCV, RBC and Hgb were significantly higher in Andaman wild pig than in other all pig breeds (Nicobari pig, Large White Yorkshire and Andaman local pig). The RBC, PCV and Hgb of LWY were significantly higher as compared to Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig. No significant differences in RBC, PCV and Hgb were found between Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig. Andaman wild pig has significantly higher Hgb, RBC and PCV indicates that a higher level of oxygen is required for wild pig as it is a fast running animal

11.90 [22]. The WBC is also found high in Andaman wild pig. WBC count of Andaman wild pig is higher than that reported in wild boar of Croatia [32].

**4.3 Comparision study among the wild, indigenous and exotic pigs**

/μL, MPV: 6.83 f1, Pct: 0.43% and PDW:

/

found very high [22]. The phenotypic characters of male pig (in inches) are

alert and fast runner [22].

**4.2 Haematological profiles**

pig revealed that the platelet: 696.00 103

**4.1 Physical profiles**

shoulder.

10<sup>3</sup>

**221**

### **3.8 Foster mother behaviour**

Piglet movement from one sow to another is known as fostering which is frequently observed when the number of piglets a sow gives birth to do not match her rearing ability. This practice is very common in Andaman local pigs. Andaman local sow aged 3 years farrowed 6 piglets with good health condition. At the near farrowing room, another Andaman local pig farrowed 8 piglets with good health condition. The second Andaman local sow died due to complete uterine prolapse. These orphan piglets were allowed to suck in another normal sow. The unaffected sow accepted and fostered till the weaning age.

#### **3.9 Coprophagia behaviour**

The coprophagy was observed in Andaman local pig is autocoprophagy (eating its own faeces). This may possibly to rebalance their microbiome or to ingest missing nutrients. Coprophagy is thought to be a source of vitamins B and K, produced by gut bacteria.

#### **3.10 Placentophagy behaviour**

An Andaman local sow aged 2 years was observed to eat her own placenta after 1-2 hours of farrowing. History revealed that the farrowing was normal with 6 piglets, sow was late attended and the placenta was eaten by dam. Body temperature, pulse and respiration rate were observed within the range. It is advised to attend sow after farrowing along with feeding the pig with good balanced diet enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements.

#### **3.11 Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of indigenous pig germplasm**

The complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of Nicobari pig and Andaman local pig were submitted to GenBank with the accession numbers MK248681 and MK248682, respectively. Both the Nicobari as well as Andaman local pigs have the length of the mitogenome of 16,613 bp and are have 37 encoded genes which include protein coding genes (13 PCGs), two rRNAs and 22 tRNAs. In addition, one AþT rich region (D-loop) was present. The orientation and order of the genes was same as to the mitogenomes of similar vertebrate species. Protein coding genes were located on heavy strand except ND6. Start codons for 13 protein coding genes were having ATN codon followed by truncated/ abbreviated stop codon was found in ND1, COX3, ND2, ND4 and ND3. From the phylogenetic tree, it was found that Nicobari pig has close phylogenetic relationship with Banna mini and Breed I pig, whereas Andaman local pig is close to Mong Cai and Jinhua pig. Mitogenome analysis on local indigenous pig breeds revealed that the analysis will be useful to format conservation strategy of the swine breeds in Andaman and Nicobar islands [8].

### **4. Andaman wild pig (***Sus scrofa andamanensis***)**

Long snouted Little Andaman wild pig (Schedule II animal under Forest Act, India) is a threatened and endangered in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Andaman wild pig is preferred by the local people as a meat source. Wild pig of Andaman is

*Domestic Pig Germplasms of Andaman and Nicobar Islands DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95916*

commonly spread at the Jarawa as well as Onge tribal forest reserve areas of Andaman group of islands. The Jarawa tribes also prefer this wild pig. They are being poached by the primitive Jarawa tribes and are the main source of protein for them from time immemorial. Due to unauthorised poaching, the number of this wild pig is reducing day by day, which needs attention for its conservation. Andaman wild pig was once found all over in the forests of the Andaman group of Islands, but have become extremely rare and currently the last strong holds are the Jarawa Reserve forest area, Rutland and Little Andaman Islands. It is a scheduled animal, black in colour, short legged, small to medium sized and a prolific breeder. As per the literature, Andaman wild pig has the litter size (number) from 4 to 7; however, due to unavailability of food and water and illegal hunting, their numbers has been decreasing very fast in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Presently, this pig comes under schedule I Part I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act of India, 1972. These wild pigs of Andaman are well adapted physiologically and anatomically to this island ecosystem over the many centuries as they are native of these islands. They are black in colour, short legged, small to medium sized animal and very active, alert and fast runner [22].

### **4.1 Physical profiles**

This is first report of MMA syndrome in Andaman local pig in Andaman and Nicobar

Piglet movement from one sow to another is known as fostering which is frequently observed when the number of piglets a sow gives birth to do not match her rearing ability. This practice is very common in Andaman local pigs. Andaman local

The coprophagy was observed in Andaman local pig is autocoprophagy (eating

An Andaman local sow aged 2 years was observed to eat her own placenta after

1-2 hours of farrowing. History revealed that the farrowing was normal with 6 piglets, sow was late attended and the placenta was eaten by dam. Body temperature, pulse and respiration rate were observed within the range. It is advised to attend sow after farrowing along with feeding the pig with good balanced diet

**3.11 Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of indigenous pig germplasm**

pig were submitted to GenBank with the accession numbers MK248681 and MK248682, respectively. Both the Nicobari as well as Andaman local pigs have the length of the mitogenome of 16,613 bp and are have 37 encoded genes which include protein coding genes (13 PCGs), two rRNAs and 22 tRNAs. In addition, one AþT rich region (D-loop) was present. The orientation and order of the genes was same as to the mitogenomes of similar vertebrate species. Protein coding genes were located on heavy strand except ND6. Start codons for 13 protein coding genes were having ATN codon followed by truncated/ abbreviated stop codon was found in ND1, COX3, ND2, ND4 and ND3. From the phylogenetic tree, it was found that Nicobari pig has close phylogenetic relationship with Banna mini and Breed I pig, whereas Andaman local pig is close to Mong Cai and Jinhua pig. Mitogenome analysis on local indigenous pig breeds revealed that the analysis will be useful to format conservation strategy of

The complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of Nicobari pig and Andaman local

Long snouted Little Andaman wild pig (Schedule II animal under Forest Act, India) is a threatened and endangered in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Andaman wild pig is preferred by the local people as a meat source. Wild pig of Andaman is

its own faeces). This may possibly to rebalance their microbiome or to ingest missing nutrients. Coprophagy is thought to be a source of vitamins B and K,

sow aged 3 years farrowed 6 piglets with good health condition. At the near farrowing room, another Andaman local pig farrowed 8 piglets with good health condition. The second Andaman local sow died due to complete uterine prolapse. These orphan piglets were allowed to suck in another normal sow. The unaffected

Islands that too affected after 18 days of farrowing [30].

*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

sow accepted and fostered till the weaning age.

enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements.

the swine breeds in Andaman and Nicobar islands [8].

**4. Andaman wild pig (***Sus scrofa andamanensis***)**

**220**

**3.8 Foster mother behaviour**

**3.9 Coprophagia behaviour**

produced by gut bacteria.

**3.10 Placentophagy behaviour**

Body height of Andaman wild pig was measured as 20 inch at the level of shoulder with the compact body. The pig is very active, wild expression and a fast running animal. The RBC concentration, PCV and Haemoglobin concentration were found very high [22]. The phenotypic characters of male pig (in inches) are presented as body length (from shoulder to base of tail): 23, body height at shoulder level: 20, neck width: 15.5, ear length: 3, ear width: 3, Leg length; 9, hoof circumference: 2.5, tail length: 4, abdomen width: 20.5, chest width: 21.5, testis length: 2.5, testis width: 2 and body weight based on chest girth: 16 kg [31]. Boden Kloss [14] observed that the pigs (*Sus scrofa andamanensis*) in Andaman islands appeared were diminutive in stature and the fully grown boar was only 20 inches high at the shoulder.

#### **4.2 Haematological profiles**

The blood profiles of Andaman wild male pig revealed that the RBC: 9.72 x 10<sup>6</sup> / μL, MCV: 63.1 f1, PCV: 61.3%, MCH: 17.77 pg., MCHC: 28.17 g/dl, Hgb: 17.27 g/dL. The leucocytic parameters of Andaman wild male pig revealed that the WBC: 35.12 10<sup>3</sup> /μL, lymphocyte: 62.80%, monocyte: 8.37%, neutrophils: 4.80%, eosinophils: 21.37% and basophils: 0.70%. The thrombocytic parameters of Andaman wild male pig revealed that the platelet: 696.00 103 /μL, MPV: 6.83 f1, Pct: 0.43% and PDW: 11.90 [22]. The WBC is also found high in Andaman wild pig. WBC count of Andaman wild pig is higher than that reported in wild boar of Croatia [32].

#### **4.3 Comparision study among the wild, indigenous and exotic pigs**

This comparision study was conducted in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Blood indices revealed that PCV, RBC and Hgb were significantly higher in Andaman wild pig than in other all pig breeds (Nicobari pig, Large White Yorkshire and Andaman local pig). The RBC, PCV and Hgb of LWY were significantly higher as compared to Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig. No significant differences in RBC, PCV and Hgb were found between Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig. Andaman wild pig has significantly higher Hgb, RBC and PCV indicates that a higher level of oxygen is required for wild pig as it is a fast running animal

Andaman wild and Nicobari pig are not differed significantly in their MCV, however, both these pigs were had significantly higher MCV than in Andaman local pig as well as LWY in Andaman and Nicobar Islands [31]. Higher values of MCV in wild pigs impute an enhanced need for oxygen [33]. Nicobari pigs are too growing in open grazing or free range systems; which also fast running animal. The increased blood profile is due to environmental effect on haematological traits as haematological and biochemical values may be affected by a wide range of factors, including environment, season, diet, age and stress [32]. Whereas, MCH of Nicobari pig was found significantly higher in comparison to all the other pig breeds, the value was lowest in LWY. However, MCHC did not show significant differences within the pig breeds. Wild pig of Andaman is well adapted anatomically and physiologically in the humid tropical climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands [31].

Different reproductive parameters like age at puberty (221.67 3.99 days), age at first conception (245.50 3.94 days), age at first farrowing (357.00 4.07 days) and various litter traits like litter size at birth (6.17 0.48), total litter weight at birth (7.26 0.87 kg), individual litter weight at birth (1.18 0.12 kg), litter size at weaning (5.17 0.48), litter weight at weaning (30.46 1.98 kg), individual litter weight at weaning (6.11 0.60 kg) and weaning percentage (84.7 5.51) were

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are completely packed with rich biodiversity. Porcine species occupies 27.26% of total livestock in these islands, of which, 70% pork consumption in Nicobar group of islands. There are three different groups of pig groups/breeds in ANI. Andaman Local is in Andaman group of Islands, Nicobari is in Nicobar group of Islands and Andaman wild pig in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Besides, crossbreds of LWY are prevalent in this ANIs. Nicobari pig plays significant roles in custom, festivals and socio-economic status of Nicobari tribes. Andaman local and Nicobari pigs are reared for meat purpose under free range or semi-intensive system. Andaman wild pig is an endangered pig germplasm of ANI. Another pig group is crossbred of LWY with Andaman local or Nicobari pig. This crossbreed exhibits high growth rate, early maturity and fecundity. In addition, it is highly adapted to the local environmental conditions and can be reared with locally available feed resources. This is highly suitable for commercial pork production in ANI. However, these domestic pig breeds need to be protected and be conserved in

The indigenous porcine population is decreasing gradually in ANI. Therefore conservation and propagation strategy needs to be established for domestic indigenous pig breeds/groups with formation of nucleus of elite flocks in farms [5]. This

• Survey of natural population: this can be performed by scholars or the people of local community. Survey training would be performed by ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar

• Establish shelters and farms for producing young ones for distribution.

• Analysis of recording of the breed performance in different conditions and

• Establishing farms are: With the help of the Tribal Council in Car Nicobar and Hut Bay, Kamorta, ICAR-CIARI, Mayabunder, Diglipur and Port Blair, help from Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Creation of multiple centres can help that if one centre is severely affected by a natural calamity or disaster or disease outbreak,

reported in Large White Yorkshire x Andaman local crossbred pigs [6].

*Domestic Pig Germplasms of Andaman and Nicobar Islands*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95916*

**6. Conclusion**

this Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.

**7.1 Conservation and propagation strategy**

**7. Outlook work for future work**

locations on and off the farm.

other remaining centres could help to restore.

can be performed as follow as

Islands, India

**223**

The blood leukocyte indices revealed that the WBC was significantly higher in Andaman wild pig in comparison to Nicobari pigs and was lowest in LWY. Similarly lymphocyte concentration was significantly lower in LWY than in all the other pig breeds; however, there was non-significant difference between the Andaman wild pig, Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A significantly higher monocyte was found in LWY as compared to all the other pig breeds. Wild pig of Andaman had lower neutrophils significantly as compared to other all pig breeds available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands; LWY has highest value. Eosinophil was highest in Andaman wild pig followed by Andaman local pig, Nicobari pig and LWY. No significant differences were found in basophils among all the pig breeds studied. The neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio was lowest in Andaman wild pig and was highest in LWY. The MCV of Andaman wild pig was also significantly higher in comparison to Andaman local pig and LWY [31].

Blood thrombocytic values in Andaman wild pigs revealed that no significant (p < 0.05) difference was found in PLT between Andaman wild pig and LWY but the values were significantly higher in comparison to Andaman local pig and Nicobari pig. MPV value of LWY was significantly lower in comparison to all the other pig breeds studied. PCT of Andaman wild pig was significantly higher than Nicobari pig and LWY but did not differ significantly with Andaman local pig. PWD of LWY was lowest among all the breeds [31].

The reports on Andaman wild pigs revealed that based on the physical appearance, phenotypic characters and haematological profiles, these pigs are native to these islands and are well adapted to this island ecosystem over the centuries. Extensive survey on population status and studies on characterisation (*in situ* and *ex situ*) measures to protect this protected breed and scientific breeding methods should be implemented [22].

### **5. Andaman pig crossbred**

Andaman cross breed is a cross between Large White Yorkshire and Andaman local or Nicobari pig. They are dark brown to slight white with different lines of black colour. This crossbred pigs exhibit high growth rate, fecundity and early maturity. It has high prolificacy (litter size 8–10 nos.), maternal care and the average body weight of matured animal varies from 110 to 125 kg. Moreover, this crossbred is adapted highly to the local tropical humid environmental conditions and also can adjust with locally available feed resources on the different agricultural produces. This is highly suitable for commercial production of swine meat in the island [16].

*Domestic Pig Germplasms of Andaman and Nicobar Islands DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95916*

Different reproductive parameters like age at puberty (221.67 3.99 days), age at first conception (245.50 3.94 days), age at first farrowing (357.00 4.07 days) and various litter traits like litter size at birth (6.17 0.48), total litter weight at birth (7.26 0.87 kg), individual litter weight at birth (1.18 0.12 kg), litter size at weaning (5.17 0.48), litter weight at weaning (30.46 1.98 kg), individual litter weight at weaning (6.11 0.60 kg) and weaning percentage (84.7 5.51) were reported in Large White Yorkshire x Andaman local crossbred pigs [6].
