-Glucanase specific expression in the intestine of transgenic pigs

Producing heterologous enzymes in the animal digestive tract to improve feed utilization rate is a new research strategy by transgenic technology. In this study, transgenic pigs specifically expressing -glucanase gene in the intestine were successfully produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer technology in order to improve digestibility of dietary -glucan and absorption of nutrients. The -glucanase activity in the intestinal juice of 4 transgenic pigs was found to be 8.59 +/- 2.49U/mL. The feeding trial results showed that the crude protein digestion of 4 transgenic pigs was significantly increased compared with that of the non-transgenic pigs. In order to investigate the inheritance of the transgene, 7 G(1) transgenic pigs were successfully obtained. The -glucanase activity in the intestinal juice of 7 G(1) transgenic pigs was found to be 2.35 +/- 0.72U/mL. The feeding trial results showed the crude protein digestion and crude fat digestion were significantly higher in 7 G1 transgenic pigs than in non-transgenic pigs. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the foreign -glucanase expressing in the intestine of the transgenic pigs could reduce the anti-nutritional effect of -glucans in feed. In addition, -glucanase gene could be inherited to the offsprings and maintain its physiological function. It is a promising approach to improve feed utilization by producing transgenic animals.