Comparative analysis of whole blood transcriptomics between European and local Caribbean pigs in response to feed restriction in a tropical climate

Feed restriction occurs frequently during pig growth, either due to economic reasons or stressful environmental conditions. Local breeds are suggested to have better tolerance to periods of feed restriction. However, the mechanisms underlying the response to feed restriction in different breeds is largely unknown. The aims of the present study were 1) to compare the transcriptome profile in response to feed restriction and refeeding of two contrasted breeds, Large White (LW), which has been selected for high performance, and Creole (CR), which is adapted to tropical conditions, and 2) to investigate the effect of a moderate feed restriction and refeeding on whole blood transcriptome. Analysis of blood transcriptome allows to study the response to feed restriction and refeeding in a dynamic way. RNAseq was performed on blood samples of growing LW and CR pigs at two time points: after 3 weeks of feed restriction and after 3 weeks of refeeding. The data was compared with samples from control animals offered the same diet on an ad libitum basis throughout the whole experiment.