Comparison of Vietnamese and European pig breeds using microsatellites

This study characterized autochthonous pig breeds of Vietnam and compared them with breeds from other regions. A total of 343 animals were considered from 5 indigenous pig breeds of Vietnam (Muong Khuong, Co, Meo, Tap Na, and Mong Cai), 2 exotic breeds kept in Vietnam (Landrace and Yorkshire), 3 European commercial breeds (German Land-race, Piétrain, and Large White), the Chinese breed Meishan, and the European Wild Boar. Each individual was genotyped for 20 selected polymorphic microsatellite loci. The Vietnamese autochthonous breeds showed higher degrees of polymorphism, allelic diversity, and heterozygosity than the other pig breeds. Also, large genetic diversity was observed across the area of distribution, with village-specific subpopulations, which led to significant inbreeding coefficients. As expected, genetic distances showed large differences among European-based, Chinese, and Vietnamese indigenous breeds and reflected the geographical distribution of breeds. In comparison with the European breeds, the Vietnamese indigenous pig breeds harbored a considerable amount of genetic diversity and, therefore, will be of significance for livestock bioconservation.     

Genetic analysis of three South African horse breeds

Genetic variability at 7 blood-group and 10 biochemical genetic loci was examined in 3 South African horse breeds, the Nooitgedacht, Boerperd and Basuto Pony. Observed heterozygosity for these breeds was intermediate for domestic horses, with the highest heterozygosity in the Boerperd and the lowest in the Basuto Pony. The 3 breeds show greater genetic similarity to each other than to other domestic horse breeds. Compared to other breeds, the South African breeds show greater genetic similarity to breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Holstein, Trakehner and Hanovarian and also to North American breeds such as the Saddlebred, Standardbred and Morgan Horse.     

The legacy of Columbus in American horse populations assessed by microsatellite markers

Criollo horse populations descend from horses brought from the Iberian Peninsula over the period of colonization (15th to 17th century). They are spread throughout the Americas and have potentially undergone genetic hybridization with other breeds in the recent past. In this study, 25 autosomal microsatellites were genotyped in 50 horse breeds representing Criollo populations from 12 American countries (27 breeds), breeds from the Iberian Peninsula (19), one breed each from France and Morocco and two cosmopolitan horse breeds (Thoroughbred and Arabian). The genetic relationships among breeds identified five clusters: Celtic; Iberian; North American with Thoroughbred influence; most Colombian breeds; and nearly all other Criollo breeds. The group of “all other Criollo breeds” had the closest genetic relationship with breeds originating from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically with the Celtic group. For the whole set of Criollo breeds analysed, the estimated genetic contribution from other breeds was approximately 50%, 30% and 20% for the Celtic, Iberian and Arab-Thoroughbred groups, respectively. The spatial distribution of genetic diversity indicates that hotspots of genetic diversity are observed in populations from Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay and western United States, possibly indicating points of arrival and dispersion of Criollo horses in the American continent. These results indicate that Criollo breeds share a common ancestry, but that each breed has its own identity.     

用微卫星标记分析贵州地方鸡种的遗传多样性及亲缘关系

利用20个微卫星座位对贵州12个地方鸡种和隐性白洛克进行遗传分析,得到各品种的等位基因频率、平均杂合度、多态信息含量及品种间的Nei氏标准遗传距离,并进行了聚类分析。结果表明:13个鸡种在各微卫星座位上的遗传杂合度均有差异,平均遗传杂合度为0.6885(贵州地方鸡种为0.6915);平均多态信息含量为0.6297(贵州地方鸡种为0.6326),说明贵州地方鸡种遗传多样性较隐性白洛克丰富。UPGMA聚类分析结果显示,13个鸡种分为2大类群,隐性白洛克独自构成一个类群,12个贵州地方鸡种为另一个类群,12个贵州地方鸡种进一步可分为4个小类群。研究结果对贵州地方鸡种资源的评估、保存和利用具有一定的指导意义。     

Conservation priorities and optimum allocation of conservation funds for Vietnamese local chicken breeds

The objectives of this study were to estimate conservation potential of Vietnamese local breeds and to investigate optimal allocation of conservation funds to maximize genetic diversity conserved between these breeds. Twenty-nine microsatellites were genotyped in 353 individuals from nine Vietnamese local chicken breeds and two chicken breeds of Chinese origin. The Vietnamese chicken breeds were sampled from the northern and southern parts of Vietnam while the two Chinese breeds have been kept as conservation flocks at the National Institute of Animal Sciences, Hanoi. The Weitzman approach was used to assess alternative strategies for conserving genetic diversity between breeds. Three different models, which reflect the range of possible functions in typical conservation situations, were applied. An average extinction probability of 48.5% was estimated for all Vietnamese chicken breeds. The highest conservation potential was found in the Te, Dong Tao and Ac chicken breeds, whereas the lowest corresponding values were observed in the Ri and Mia chicken breeds. The conservation funds were mainly allocated to the same three breeds (Te, Dong Tao and Ac) under all three models. This study suggests that conservation potential of the Vietnamese chicken breeds varies considerably. Population priorities for allocation of conservation funds in this study do not depend on the cost model used. The three breeds (Te, Dong Tao and Ac) with the highest conservation potential should be the prime candidates to be allocated conservation funds if the conservation budgets are limited.     

3个地方品种猪血液生化指标分析

为了解中国地方猪种的血液生化指标,试验用Monarch660全自动生化分析仪检测了通城猪、陆川猪和宁乡猪3个地方猪种24项血液生化指标,统计结果表明,3个品种间有6项指标差异极显著(P＜0.01),通城猪和宁乡猪间有4项指标差异不显著(P＞0.05),陆川猪和宁乡猪间有3项指标差异不显著(P＞0.05)。通过3个地方猪品种间同一指标的比较,以及与人参考值、中国小型猪品种、其他地方猪品种和国外引进猪品种比较,为中国地方猪品种资源的合理保护和利用提供科学依据。     

Comparison of Greek breeds of horses using RAPD markers

To assess genetic markers able to distinguish between five Greek breeds of horses, the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used. A total of 40 primers were initially screened in all breeds to identify primers that consistently revealed well-amplified, polymorphic bands. Despite the variability that was found within breeds, no specific RAPD marker for the discrimination of the breeds was detected. This is probably due to the extensive cross-breeding that has taken place over the years, resulting in a mixing of breeds. The high phenotypic divergence of the pony of Skyros from all the other Greek breeds of horses could be explained in terms of micro-evolutionary processes, such as natural selection owing to differential fitness. In addition, to determine the genetic affinities between breeds, all samples were screened with five primers. These primers produced a total of 93 bands, 51 of which were polymorphic. Data analysis for genetic polymorphism revealed a degree of divergence between breeds. According to the discriminant analysis (DA) classification, 100% of the individuals examined in this study could be classified correctly into their breeds. The results of this study show that RAPDs could be a powerful tool for the classification testing of individual horses, as well as for the determination of the genetic variation found among breeds, which is important for a proper management policy designed to protect this species.     

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Seven Chinese Indigenous Chicken Populations in Guizhou Province

To investigate the population structure and genetic diversity of indigenous chicken breeds in Guizhou, a total of 150 individual samples were collected from 12 breeds, including seven local chicken breeds in Guizhou Province, three Chinese native breeds found in other provinces, and two commercial breeds. The genotype datasets were obtained using a 50K single nucleotide polymorphism array method, and then a series of population analyses were performed. The obtained population parameters and linkage disequilibrium decay indicated a higher degree of genetic diversity in Guizhou chickens than in commercial breeds. Two Guizhou local breeds, Wumeng black-bone and Weining, were clustered with a breed from a neighboring province, Xinwen black-bone, which exhibited similar ancestral composition patterns. A newly found breed, Wumeng crested, had high genetic diversity and displayed genetic differences from other Guizhou breeds. These findings provide insight into the establishment of efficient conservation and utilization programs for Guizhou chicken breeds.     

The Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of Five Guangxi Pig Breeds and Three Exotic Pig Breeds by Analysis of mtDNA D-loop Sequences

In order to compare the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between Guangxi pig breeds and three exotic pig breeds,one pair of primers was used to amplify 85 mtDNA D-loop sequences of five Guangxi pig breeds (Bama Xiang pig,Dongshan pig,Guizhong spotted pig,Luchuan pig,Huanjiang Xiang pig),and we downloaded 45 mtDNA D-loop sequences of three exotic pig breeds (Duroc,Yorkshire,Landrace) from GenBank.Then the haplotype,genetic diversity and phylogenetics analysis were carried out.The results showed that 38 haplotypes were identified in 130 sequences,and the mean distances among Guangxi pig breeds were smaller than that among Duroc,Landrace and Guangxi pig breeds.The NJ phylogenetic tree classified all samples into two clusters.One contained all of Guangxi pig breeds and partial Yorkshire,the other was composed wholly of exotic pig breeds,which mean there were two distinct maternal origins.In the cluster of Guangxi pig breeds,Luchuan pig were clustered,and the others were rather dispersive.It indicated that Luchuan pig had simple maternal bloods,and the other breeds had complex maternal bloods,and they had gene flow with each other.The maternal pig resources in Guangxi were not affected by the introduction of exotic pig breeds,and they were still suitable for use as a female parent in their development and utilization.     

Analysis on Polymorphisms of Three CNV Regions in Five Pig Breeds

The paper was aimed to investigate the polymorphism of copy number variation (CNV) in different pig breeds.Three CNV regions of CNVR91,CNVR92 and CNVR143 were chosen from the porcine SNP60 chip genotyping results.The polymorphisms of three CNVs were determined by Real-time quantitative PCR method,taking five pig breeds as samples,including Yorkshire pig,Xiang pig,Kele pig,Nuogu pig and Rongchang pig breeds.The results showed that the dominant status of CNVR91 was loss in Xiang pig,while it was normal in other four pig breeds.The major type of CNVR92 was deletion in Xiang pig,Yorkshire pig,Kele pig and Rongchang pig breeds,with a high normal percent in Nuogu pig.For CNVR143,the dominant event was gain in Xiang pig and Nuogu pig breeds,but it was not diverse in other three pig breeds.These results indicated that three CNV regions emerged with polymorphism in five pig breeds,which might have effects on gene expression in CNV regions and physiological function by dosage effect especially in Xiang pig,Nuogu pig and Kele pig breeds.     

Genetic Analysis of Three Lithuanian Native Horse Breeds

This study was the first to analyze the polymorphic characteristics of a wide range of genetic markers in three Lithuanian horse breeds. Genetic variation at seven red blood cell alloantigen (blood group) loci, 10 biochemical genetic loci and 16 microsatellites was examinated in 31 Zemaitukai, 30 large-type Zemaitukai and 24 Lithuanian Heavy Draught horse and compared to that of other domestic horse breeds. Genetic variability of the Zemaitukai breeds based upon blood groups and biochemical loci was higher than average for domestic horse breeds. For microsatellite loci, the variability of the large-type Zemaitukai and the Heavy Draught breeds also was high compared to the mean variation for domestic breeds; however, for the Zemaitukai breed, variation levels were very near the average for horses.     

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of eight local chicken breeds of Southern Xinjiang

ABSTRACT

1. The genetic diversity and population structure were studied for eight local chicken breeds, including Anjiyan (AN), Hetian Black (HH), Hetian Ma (HM), Aheqi (AH), Baicheng You (BC), Hejing (HJ), Tashkurghan (TS) and Ruoqiang (RQ), in the Southern Xinjiang region of China, using 20 microsatellite markers.

2. Total 336 alleles were obtained from all chicken breeds, with a mean of 16.8 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.444 to 0.911, with a mean of 0.729 and almost all of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg standards. The observed and expected heterozygosity of the eight breeds ranged from 0.5 to 0.677 and from 0.656 to 0.774, with the lowest observed in the AN and the highest in BC breed. The average breed genetic diversity was 0.655 for AN and 0.766 for BC chickens.

3. According to the neighbour-joining (NJ) method, three main clusters were identified in the NJ phylogenetic tree with AN and RQ breeds in one clade, HH and HM breeds in the second clade and TS, HJ, AH and BC breeds in the third clade.

4. Based on STRUCTURE analysis, the most likely cluster number of all breeds was K = 4, whereby HH and HM breeds formed one cluster and AH, BC, HJ and TS formed another, and RQ, AN chicken formed their own distinct cluster. These results indicated that HH and HM breeds had similar genetic background, as did the breeds of AH, BC, HJ and TS. RQ, AN breed had unique genetic backgrounds, distinct from the other breeds. Genetic introgression was detected from AN to HH and HM.

5. The results of the current study can be used as baseline genetic information to implement effective conservation programs and to make better use of these local chicken breeds, especially for the AN, RQ and TS breeds.     

Frequencies of PrP genotypes in 38 breeds of sheep sampled in the National Scrapie Plan for Great Britain

Between October 2001 and January 2003 the prion protein (PrP) genotypes of over 250,000 sheep were determined through the operation of the National Scrapie Plan (NSP); the results for 38 breeds were analysed to provide an estimate of the underlying PrP genotype distribution of the British sheep population. Although there was marked variability among the genotype profiles of the different breeds, several trends emerged. A comparison of the allele frequencies demonstrated that the breeds could be grouped into three categories: breeds dominated by ARR and ARQ in which the frequency of ARR exceeded the frequency of ARQ; breeds dominated by ARR and ARQ in which the frequency of ARQ exceeded the frequency of ARR; and breeds with significant levels of either AHQ, ARH or VRQ. Hill breeds were more likely to have a lower proportion of animals at low risk of scrapie (NSP type 1) and a higher proportion of animals at an intermediate risk of scrapie (NSP type 3) than other breeds. Most breeds had a small proportion of animals at high risk of scrapie (NSP type 5). The frequency of ARR/VRQ (NSP type 4) was variable.     

Differences between breeds of dog in a measure of heart rate variability

The vasovagal tonus index (VVTI), a time-domain indicator of heart rate variability, was measured in 92 dogs of six breeds (German shepherd dogs, labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels, boxers, bulldogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels). There was a significant difference in VVTI between the six breeds (P = 0.003). Brachycephalic dogs had a higher VVTI than other types of dog (P < 0.005), and when comparing individual breeds brachycephalic breeds tended to have a higher VVTI than non-brachycephalic breeds, although the difference was not always significant. The VVTI was negatively correlated with heart rate (P < 0.01) and dogs suffering from congestive heart failure had a lower VVTI than other dogs, whether compared within or between breeds (P < 0.01).     

中国小型鹅种的遗传多样性分析

采用微卫星标记技术对我国13个小型家鹅群体(莲花白鹅、永康灰鹅、太湖鹅、闽北白鹅、长乐鹅、乌棕鹅、阳江鹅、酃县白鹅、右江鹅、籽鹅、百子鹅、豁眼鹅、伊犁鹅)的遗传多样性进行了分析。结果表明:13个品种的平均杂合度都较高,平均杂合度最高的为太湖鹅,最低的为豁眼鹅,杂合度范围为0.5041~0.7145,13个鹅种资源群体平的均杂合度为0.6132,反映了各鹅种的杂合度都较高,遗传多样性丰富;通过计算DA遗传距离发现各群体的遗传距离较远,分化时间较长;NJ聚类结果将13个中型鹅种聚为三大类,NJ的聚类结果分析与几个鹅品种的地域分布和经济用途的关系并不密切。     

5个猪品种3个拷贝数变异区的多态性分析

为了探究拷贝数变异(copy number variation,CNV)在不同猪品种间的多态性,本试验根据猪SNP60芯片检测结果,以大白猪、香猪、柯乐猪、糯谷猪、荣昌猪为主要研究对象,采用实时荧光定量PCR方法,对5个猪品种基因组中3个CNV区域(CNVR91、CNVR92和CNVR143)的拷贝数进行测定。结果显示,香猪的CNVR91以拷贝数缺失为主,其他4个猪品种的拷贝数以正常为主;香猪、大白猪、柯乐猪、荣昌猪的CNVR92以拷贝数缺失为主,糯谷猪以拷贝数正常为主;香猪和糯谷猪的CNVR143以拷贝数增加为主,其他3个猪品种以拷贝数正常为主。表明3个拷贝数变异区在5个猪品种之间具有多态性,可能通过剂量效应影响香猪、糯谷猪和柯乐猪等相关基因的表达和生理功能。     

乌骨鸡种群遗传结构的RAPD分析

利用RAPD技术对3个品系的乌骨鸡鸡种群体遗传结构进行分析,筛选的5个引物对3个品系的乌骨鸡均能产生特异性的条带,获得的多态性可用于乌骨鸡鸡种的遗传分析。品种间相似指数:两个白丝毛品系间(Ⅰ系和Ⅱ系)最高,黑丝毛乌骨鸡(Ⅲ系)与两个白丝毛品系间均较低,这可能与其品种间的外貌特征以及品种的来源有关。     

The biodiversity and genetic structure of Balearic sheep breeds

The Balearic sheep breeds, Mallorquina, Menorquina, Roja Mallorquina, Ibicenca and one possible new genetic group, Formentera, constitute a unique genetic resource in the Mediterranean farming landscape, displaying high genetic diversity levels and being well differentiated among themselves and with respect to the continental sheep breeds. We used a microsatellite panel of markers to study genetic diversity and relationships with other Spanish breeds. The results reported in this study have important implications for the use, conservation and breeding of Balearic sheep stocks. A mean number of 7.59 alleles was found among the Balearic sheep breeds for the microsatellites scored. The whole mean value of observed heterozygosity amounted to 0.62, whereas the expected heterozygosity value was 0.69, suggesting the presence of a great degree of genetic variability, although a significant deficit of heterozygotes was detected for some markers. Genetic distance estimates showed that Balearic sheep are differentiated from the other Spanish breeds and in particular, from the Merino type. The Ibicenca breed showed the highest distance value from other breeds. The neighbour‐net method of analysis clustered the Roja Mallorquina, Menorquina and Mallorquina breeds. The Structure results clearly demonstrated the genetic differentiation among the four Balearic sheep breeds, with the Ibicenca and Formentera races joined, with slight migration among them. Few external genetic influences from the Spanish mainland breeds were detected.     

Drift across the Atlantic: genetic differentiation and population structure in Brazilian and Portuguese native goat breeds

Brazilian goat breeds are believed to derive mainly from animals brought by Portuguese settlers since the 16th century. We used microsatellite markers in a sample of 436 animals to study genetic variability and differentiation of the six Portuguese (PT) and six Brazilian (BR) goat breeds currently recognized in the two countries. These breeds were also compared with an outgroup represented by a sample of Alpine (ALP) goats. The effective number of alleles and allelic richness were slightly higher in PT than in BR breeds. The global F(ST) was nearly 0.11 when PT and BR breeds were considered, with a mean pairwise F(ST) of about 0.03 among PT breeds, 0.07 among BR breeds and 0.15 between PT and BR breeds. The dendrogram illustrating relationships between populations and the correspondence analysis indicate the existence of two very distinct clusters, corresponding to the countries of origin of the breeds studied, which are nearly equidistant from the Alpine outgroup. The analysis with structure confirmed the separation between PT and BR breeds but suggests that some BR breeds, especially Graúna and Canindé, may share a common ancestry with PT breeds. The divergence observed between PT and BR breeds may result from founder effects and genetic drift but could also reflect the introduction in Brazil of goats originating from other regions, e.g., West Africa.     

利用微卫星DNA多态性预测引进肉用绵羊品种杂种优势

旨在利用微卫星DNA在不同绵羊群体中的多态性预测引进肉用绵羊品种与地方绵羊品种的杂种优势。利用23个微卫星基因座对4个国外引进肉羊品种及3个地方绵羊品种的群体多态信息含量、有效等位基因数、杂合度和遗传距离进行遗传检测,并测定引进肉羊与地方肉羊品种的杂交效果。结果,23个微卫星座位在7个绵羊群体中均呈现高度多态,共检测到348个等位基因,平均每个座位等位基因数为15个;多态信息含量在0.532 1~0.936 1,有效等位基因数在2.572 8~9.345 8,平均杂合度在0.549 2~0.936 0,品种平均杂合度在0.714 2~0.829 5,可以用于绵羊遗传多样性的评估。从不同品种看,无角陶赛特的遗传变异最大,而小尾寒羊的遗传变异相对较小;经遗传关系分析,在引进的4个肉羊品种中,与小尾寒羊、蒙古羊及滩羊杂交优势由大到小依次为白萨福克、波德代、无角陶赛特、特克赛尔,与实际杂种优势测定结果一致。利用微卫星DNA多态性预测引进肉用绵羊品种与小尾寒羊、蒙古羊及滩羊的杂种优势是可行的,这将对今后绵羊育种具有重要的应用价值和指导意义。