Study of the process of formation of a unique congenital polydactyly in mini-pigs

Abstract

The formation of a unique anomaly of the structure of the distal extremities – polydactyly in mini-pigs of the selection of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICiG) SB RAS was studied. The genealogy of two looked animals with polydactyly (six–toed on the fore and hind limbs) - a black boar and a white pig, demonstrated the hereditary nature of the manifestation of this anomaly, differing depending on the method of breeding in several generations, is analysed. Anatomisation of distal fragments of the limbs of these two pigs culled at the age of 15-16 months showed the formation of differentiation of trophic structures of blood supply to the accessory fingers and tendon-ligamentous apparatus, including ligaments of the finger-lift muscle. The prepared samples were processed for histological staining and microscopy, which showed the interior features of the formation of connective and bone tissues of the phalanges of additional fingers on the fore and hind limbs, characteristic of each studied animal. The results are discussed in connection with topical issues of veterinary pathogenetics of farm animals and the context of the interest of classical and modern biology in polydactyly.