The role of agro-ecological factors and transboundary transhumance in shaping the genetic diversity in four indigenous cattle populations of Benin

The indigenous cattle population of Benin is a diverse mix of taurine and hybrid breeds shaped by diverse ecological and climatic conditions with eight agro-ecological zones (AEZ). Presumably, the taurine breeds face current endangerment due to ongoing indicine introgression following climate change and transboundary transhumance. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the indigenous breeds Lagune, Somba, Pabli and Borgou considering spatial agro-ecological and socio-economic factors (transhumance) based on 50k SNP and microsatellite data. Among the four sampled breeds, six genetic clusters were identified using model-free (discriminant analysis of principal components) and model-based (TESS and ADMIXTURE) methods separating taurine from hybrid breeds. Results based on an extension with publicly available historic SNP data sets from taurine and indicine West African cattle and additional outgroups provided additional insight into changes of genetic structure in the sampled breeds over time. Both taurine breeds, Somba and Lagune, showed a stable foundation but also spatially limited partial indicine introgression associated with transhumance leading to high genetic diversity. In addition, we found evidence for spatial diversity and changes in genetic structure over time in the Borgou breed in comparison of our samples with the historic samples which could be explained by potential continuous indicine introgression into the Borgou breed in two sample regions. Results for the Pabli breed do not conclusively point to full absorbance by the Borgou in comparison with all available Borgou samples. Further research is needed in this regard.     

地方、培育、引入品种资源的保存与发展的研究进展

作者就20世纪 80年代以来我国多次畜禽资源调查的结果作了详细的介绍,报道了576个品种在近30年来的变迁情况。除了常见的马、驴、黄牛、水牛、大额牛、牦牛、绵羊、山羊、猪、鸡、鸭、鹅、特禽的品种以外,尚有7种,如骆驼、兔、梅花鹿、马鹿、水貂、貉、蜂等动物。其中地方品种426个,培育品种73个,引入品种77个。已有19个地方品种灭绝,37个受严重威胁。作者回顾了20世纪末开始应用遗传检测手段,包括个体、细胞、蛋白质和分子水平4个层次的研究进展。证明多层次综合研究才能反映品种的全貌。建议资源调查中要着重选育强度带来的影响,品种调查提纲必须周密,要以品种特征和外貌为主,与遗传分析相结合,才可能提出可行的保种和开发方案。作者论证了配子和胚胎超低温保存、DNA保存的前景,并指出与企业合作进行保种的动向,国家应长期重点加以支持。     

Natal patterns among registered dogs in the United States

Breed, geographic, and seasonal distributions of canine births registered with the American Kennel Club for the years 1971 to 1973, accompanied by litter size and sex ratio data, were studied. A few breeds accounted for a large portion of the births. The breed distribution of births changed as popularity of various canine types waxed and waned. The geographic distribution of births generally paralleled the pattern of human population and was relatively stable. A distinct, repetitive seasonal distribution of births was evident. Human intervention probably molded much of this pattern, but genetic factors and environmental conditions also were involved. Litter size and sex ratio varied primarily with breed rather than with region or season and hence appeared genetically based.     

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.     

Analyses of Genetic Diversity and Phylogeny of mtDNA D-loop from Yak in Karakoram-Pamir Area

This experiment was conducted to clarify the genetic diversity,genetic differentiation and phylogenetic status of yak in Karakoram-Pamir area.The mtDNA D-loop region sequence was selected as a molecular marker,and the sequence and genetic diversity of the mtDNA D-loop region of yak in Karakoram-Pamir area were analyzed by PCR direct sequencing and bioinformatics methods.The yak sequence in GenBank was used.The maximum likelihood method was used to construct the phylogenetic tree and the intermediary network relationship.The results showed that the mtDNA D-loop sequence of yak in Karakoram-Pamir area was rich in A and T bases,with AT content of 61.2%,and there were 63 polymorphic loci,accounting for 7.04% of the total number of nucleotides.The results indicated that A and T bases were rich in the mtDNA D-loop sequences at 61.2%.There were 63 mutation sites,accounting for 7.04% of all nucleotides,The average haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.806,the average nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.01528,and the average nucleotide difference (K) was 13.509,indicating that the yak was rich in genetic diversity in Karakoram-Pamir area;Through phylogenetic analysis,there were two branches in yak in China,forming two branches and six small clades.The yak in Karakoram-Pamir area involved in this study had two different maternal origins.Additionally,yak in the Karakoram-Pamir area was less shared with other breeds of yak haplotypes.In the branch C,the yak group in the Karakoram-Pamir area accounts for a large proportion and was shared with wild yak.The yak population in Karakoram-Pamir area had a unique genetic background,which might be the result of early domestication of wild yaks.It was suggested to increase the identification of yak breeds and the formulation of breed standards in this area,and strengthen the protection of yak genetic resources in this area.According to the current situation of the population,wild blood yaks were introduced for purification and rejuvenation to prevent breed degeneration and decrease of genetic diversity.The introduction of foreign yak breeds and disorderly hybridization were reduced to ensure the characteristics of this breed of high-quality yak breed resources.     

野牦牛及青海地方牦牛品种全线粒体基因组母系遗传多样性、分化及系统发育分析

旨在从分子水平上探究野牦牛及青海地方牦牛品种的母系遗传多样性、群体遗传结构、亲缘关系和遗传背景。本研究在测定青海省4个地方牦牛品种(即青海高原、环湖、雪多和玉树牦牛)22条全线粒体基因组(Mitogenome)序列的基础上,从GenBank下载了已公布的野牦牛及上述4个地方牦牛品种的142条相应序列,使用BioEdit 7.2.5、Arlequin 3.11和Network 10.1等软件对共计164条线粒体基因组序列进行综合分析。结果显示：1)根据序列间核苷酸变异共确定了115种单倍型,其中野牦牛和青海地方牦牛品种分别拥有22种和93种单倍型;在野牦牛和青海高原、环湖、雪多、玉树牦牛中分别检测到22、26、18、23、19种特有的单倍型。遗传多样性分析显示,野牦牛单倍型多样度最高(0.992 8±0.014 4),且高于4个青海地方牦牛品种的单倍型多样度(0.973 1±0.007 7);4个青海地方牦牛品种单倍型多样度大小依次为：雪多牦牛(0.988 5±0.012 6)、玉树牦牛(0.975 8±0.018 7)、青海高原牦牛(0.973 0±0.016 6)和环湖牦牛(0.939 3±0.027 8)。2)野牦牛与环湖牦牛之间的固定分化指数值(F_ST值)最大(0.041 2),分化程度最高,而与玉树牦牛间的F_ST值最小(-0.008 8),分化程度最低。青海4个地方牦牛品种中,雪多牦牛与青海高原牦牛之间F_ST值最大(0.035 8),分化程度最高,而雪多牦牛与环湖牦牛间F_ST值最小(0.011 2),分化程度最低。3)聚类分析显示,4个青海地方牦牛品种各自为1类,存在明显的母系遗传差异。相比而言,环湖牦牛和雪多牦牛聚类较近,青海高原牦牛和玉树牦牛聚类较近,而野牦牛与玉树牦牛聚类关系更近,各品种(群体)间的聚类结果与其分化程度、地理分布一致。4)系统发育分析表明,115种单倍型分布在3个大的母系遗传分支(即Mt-Ⅰ、Mt-Ⅱ和Mt-Ⅲ),其中Mt-Ⅰ支系所占比例为72.17%,由A、B、E和F 4种单倍型组构成;Mt-Ⅱ支系包括C、D和H 3种单倍型组,占26.09%;而Mt-Ⅲ支系只包含G单倍型组,由雪多牦牛和野牦牛所拥有,所占比例为1.74%,提示牦牛有3个母系起源。综上所述,野牦牛和青海4个地方牦牛品种均具有丰富的母系遗传多样性,其多样性水平由高到低依次为野牦牛、雪多牦牛、玉树牦牛、青海高原牦牛和环湖牦牛。青海4个地方牦牛品种间及与野牦牛间的遗传分化程度均较弱,但各自拥有特有的母系遗传信息,存在明显的母系遗传差异。野牦牛和青海家牦牛品种由3个母系支系组成,推测牦牛有3个母系起源。     

Development of a New Yak Breed Through Utilization of Wild Yak Genetic Rsource-seral Technologies for the Development of the Datong Yak Breed

On the Datong Yak Breeding Farm of Qinghai Province(Datong farm), the scientists of the Lanzhou Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Pharmaceutics of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with others,explored the possibility to cross wild yak bulls with domestic yak cows in the past 20years and a new yak breed, the Datong yak, has been developed.     

Cervical spondylomyelopathy ('wobbler' syndrome) in the dog: A study based on 224 cases

Over the past 10 to 12 years, cervical spondylomyelopathy has been increasingly recognised in large breed dogs. The breeds mainly affected are dobermanns, great danes and basset hounds. Factors such as age, sex and location of the lesions are discussed in detail based on findings from 224 cases seen at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Hospital. The anatomical changes responsible for the signs show some striking similarities in young dogs of all the breeds affected. Where the condition is commoner later in life, such as in the dobermann, the changes and their effect on the spinal cord show considerable differences. These different findings are compared, and an attempt made to explain them.     

Retrospective analysis of 50 cases of guttural pouch tympany in foals

Between 1994 and 2001, guttural pouch tympany was diagnosed in 51 foals; there were approximately three times as many fillies as colts, of Arabian, different German warmblood breeds and Western horse breeds. There were significantly more Arabian and paint horse foals than expected in comparison with the breed distribution of the foals hospitalised at the Clinic for Horses. The foals' breed and sex did not influence the age of onset, the type and severity of the clinical signs or the recurrence rate. A surgical laser technique was used on 50 of the foals; in 35 cases only one surgical treatment was necessary, in seven cases a second operation was required during the foal's initial period of hospitalisation, and in eight cases a second operation was performed during a second period of hospitalisation. Long-term follow-up information was obtained for 44 of the 50 treated horses; 24 of them were under two years of age and 20 were over two years of age. In six horses, no follow-up information was available. Four horses were euthanased for reasons unrelated to the condition or its treatment. The horses over two years of age were in training or were being used for competitions in dressage or jumping or for breeding purposes, and in only one of them was an adventitious respiratory noise reported. All the horses up to two years of age were reported to be healthy.     

Breed, age and gender distribution of dogs with chronic hepatitis in the United Kingdom

Standardised histological criteria are now available for the diagnosis of canine chronic hepatitis (CH). CH is common in dogs, but no studies have reported breed, age and gender distributions in the United Kingdom (UK). The objective of this study was to determine which breeds had an increased risk for developing CH in the UK and to report the age and gender distribution for those breeds. The databases of six veterinary histopathology laboratories were searched for cases with a histological diagnosis of CH according to standardised criteria. The breed, age and gender of dogs was recorded and compared to a control population to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for developing CH. A total of 551 cases of CH were identified, consisting of 61 breeds. Nineteen breeds were represented by five or more cases. Breeds with an increased risk for developing CH included the American cocker spaniel, Cairn terrier, Dalmatian, Dobermann pinscher, English cocker spaniel, English springer spaniel, Great Dane, Labrador retriever and Samoyed. The median age at diagnosis for all breeds with CH was 8 years (range 7 months to 16 years). Dalmatians, Dobermann pinschers and English springer spaniels with CH were significantly younger than Cairn terriers, English cocker spaniels and Labrador retrievers with CH. Females were over-represented when all cases were examined together. In conclusion, several breeds in the UK have an increased risk of CH, some of which have not been previously reported.     

Genetic diversity studies in farm animals – a survey

During the past decade a large number of genetic diversity studies in domestic livestock based on microsatellite loci was carried out all over the world. A survey among research groups reveals that in 50% of 87 projects more than eight breeds are investigated. Breeds are chosen mainly because of their long history of isolation, unique phenotypic qualities or an evolution within a unique environment. In half of the projects the average planned sample size per breed is higher than 50. Small ruminants are investigated in the majority of projects. The most preferred type of sample is blood and the most preferred markers are microsatellite loci. To combine results from different diversity studies, the adherence to recommendations, e.g. which loci to genotype or required sample sizes per breed, is necessary. The so called International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG)/FAO recommendations, which were developed for that purpose, are well known, but the use of recommended microsatellite loci varies between species. The highest acceptance was found in pig, and the lowest in chicken.     

牦牛杂种优势利用新途径研究报告

本项研究提出了牦牛种间杂交的新途径（黑白花牛冻精×藏黄牛×牦牛，即三元杂交）。揭示了含１／２黑白花牛血液的杂种藏黄公牛（黑白花牛冻精×藏黄牛，以下简称杂种藏黄公牛）从半农半牧区引入高寒牧区后，有良好的适应性。它与牦牛自然交配，繁殖成活率４１４１％，比用“冻配”技术生产犏牛提高１７７１个百分点。自然交配繁殖的Ｆ１代犏牛杂种优势明显，初生重较大，公、母分别为２０２５±２６１ｋｇ、１９９５±２８４ｋｇ，相应比牦牛高６７５、６７０ｋｇ；生长发育快，２５岁时公、母体重分别为３１０７８±６８８ｋｇ、３０５７９±１４１６ｋｇ，比同龄牦牛相应重１２６４８和１４９９２ｋｇ；母犏牛２～３岁可初配，３～４岁挤奶，比牦牛提前１～２岁挤奶；第一胎（１８３天）挤奶量６５９３６ｋｇ±４１３４ｋｇ，为同胎次母牦牛的２６５倍、同胎次母黄犏牛的１７２倍。     

新疆马分布区水热分布相似类型及其特征

在新疆马分布选择了１０个样点,依据气修分布性原理,用月平均降水量和月平均温度作指标,计算欧氏距离,并进行聚合分类,探讨两项指标的年内分配规律,结合年均温、年均降水量和气温年较差进行分析研究,进而确定出５个气候分布相似类型。     

Breed distribution of dogs with diabetes mellitus admitted to a tertiary care facility

OBJECTIVE: To determine which dog breeds are at low and high risk for developing diabetes mellitus (DM). DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: Hospital population of 221 dogs with DM and 42,882 dogs without DM during 5.5 years. PROCEDURE: 165 breeds (including a mixed-breed category) were represented in the hospital population. Breed-specific expected numbers of dogs with DM were calculated by multiplying the proportion of all dogs admitted to the hospital that were determined to have DM during the study period by the breed-specific totals during the study period. Breeds or breed groups evaluated in the analysis (n = 20) were restricted to those that had a combined observed and expected count > 5 to document breeds at low and high risk for developing DM. Proportionate changes in the risk of developing DM by breed were calculated and presented using exact odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and P values. Mixed-breed dogs were chosen as the reference breed. RESULTS: Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, Pugs, and Toy Poodles were at high risk for developing DM. Dog breeds found to be at low risk for developing DM were German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The finding that certain dog breeds are at low or high risk for developing DM suggests that some genetic defects may predispose dogs to development of DM, whereas other genetic factors may protect dogs from development of DM.     

浅谈我省地方畜禽品种资源保护及开发利用

近年来，我省先后从国内外引进了20多个鸡种，10多个牛种、羊种和猪种等，因其高效而占领了我省市场。同时存在着盲目引种，品种多乱、杂等问题。伴随着少数高产畜禽品种的普及推广，使各地固有的许多品种资源迅速减少或消失。因此，针对陕西畜禽品种资源的现状问题，并结合近年来畜牧业生产中的实际状况，特就如何搞好地方畜禽品种资源的保护及开发利用提出建议与对策。     

Quantitative Histology Studies on the Test in Hybrid Bull of Wild and Domestic Yak

The testicular tissue of three types of yak bull (1/2 wild yak,cross 1/2 wild yak and domestic yak) were studied quantitatively at 6,12,18 and 24 months old. The results showed that the average values changed from breed to breed at the same age. But there were no significant difference. The volume density and the height of seminiferous tubule and epithelium increased with the age and testicular weight. The capacity rate of the testicular seminiferous tubule in three types were 78.71% ,75.78% and 78.58% respectively, which nearly reached the level of mature bull.     

Relationships between Podolic cattle breeds assessed by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping

Italian Maremmana, Turkish Grey and Hungarian Grey breeds belong to the same Podolic group of cattle, have a similar conformation and recently experienced a similar demographic reduction. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship among the analysed Podolic breeds and to verify whether their genetic state reflects their history. To do so, approximately 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped on individuals belonging to these breeds and compared to genotypes of individuals of two Italian beef breeds, Marchigiana and Piemontese, which underwent different selection and migration histories. Population genetic parameters such as allelic frequencies and heterozygosity values were assessed, genetic distances calculated and assignment test performed to evaluate the possibility of recent admixture between the populations. The data show that the physical similarity among the Podolic breeds examined, and particularly between Hungarian Grey and Maremmana cattle that experienced admixture in the recent past, is mainly morphological. The assignment of individuals from genotype data was achieved using Bayesian inference, confirming that the set of chosen SNPs is able to distinguish among the breeds and that the breeds are genetically distinct. Individuals of Turkish Grey breed were clearly assigned to their breed of origin for all clustering alternatives, showing that this breed can be differentiated from the others on the basis of the allelic frequencies. Remarkably, in the Turkish Grey there were differences observed between the population of Enez district, where in situ conservation studies are practised, and that of Bandirma district of Balikesir, where ex situ conservation studies are practised out of the original raising area. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that molecular data could be used to reveal an unbiased view of past events and provide the basis for a rational exploitation of livestock, suggesting appropriate cross-breeding plans based on genetic distance or breeding strategies that include the population structure.     

ECG of the month. Supraventricular tachycardia with second-degree AV block Mobitz type I

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether winning best in show at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was associated with a subsequent increase in breed popularity. DESIGN: Analysis of archival data. STUDY POPULATION: Breed-specific numbers of individual purebred puppies registered with the American Kennel Club between 1946 and 2002. PROCEDURE: For breeds that had won the Westminster Show, the slope of the curve for number of new registrations per year for the 5 years prior to winning was compared with the slope of the curve for the 5 years after winning. In addition, the annual percentage change in number of new registrations for the breed that won each year was compared with the annual percentage change in number of new registrations for the nonwinning breed most similar in popularity to the winning breed. RESULTS: For breeds that had won the Westminster Show, the slope of the curve for number of new registrations per year for the 5 years prior to winning was not significantly different from the slope of the curve for the 5 years after winning. Annual percentage change in number of new registrations for the breed that won each year was not significantly different from annual percentage change in number of new registrations for matched nonwinning breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Results do not support the view that being named best in show at the annual Westminster Show results in a surge in popularity of winning breeds.     

天山山区植被类型改变对新疆气候影响的模拟分析

使用RegCM3区域气候模式,利用CRU资料和气象台站观测资料,验证了RegCM3区域气候模式对新疆降水和气温的模拟能力,分析了天山山区植被类型改变对新疆气候的影响。结果表明,RegCM3区域气候模式对新疆及其临近地区降水、温度的空间分布形势和季节变化特征具有较好的模拟能力。天山山区草地面积的改变,对新疆地区的降水和地面气温的影响很小。如果将天山山区43.5°~45.0° N区域内的地表类型由草地改变为耕地,即假设50%的草地被开垦为耕地,那么,天山山区降水量的变化强度在5-7月逐渐增强,然后减弱。天山植被的变化主要通过影响对流性降水并进而影响总降水的变化。天山植被类型变为农田后会造成较大的地面潜热通量差异并引起地表净热通量较大的差异,进而影响到地面气温的模拟。潜热通量的变化通过影响局地的水汽供应进而引起降水较大的变化。     

Prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy and other myopathies in two equine populations in the United Kingdom

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (EPSM) in two populations of horses in the UK. Biopsy specimens from 94 horses presented to an abattoir (population 1), and 46 horses with neuromuscular disorders presented to a university referral hospital (population 2) were obtained over a period of 4 years. Histological sections were examined by a veterinary pathologist for lesions including abnormal polysaccharide inclusions in myofibres.In population 1, a diagnosis of EPSM was made in 8% and non-specific myopathy in 33% of horses. In population 2, a diagnosis of EPSM was made in 22%, equine motor neurone disease (EMND) in 15% and non-specific myopathy in 37%. Within each population there was no difference in age, sex or breed distribution and muscle disease diagnosis. However, populations differed from each other in age and breed distributions and muscle disease diagnosis. EPSM was found in draft, Warmblood and related breeds and was diagnosed for the first time in cob-types. EMND was reported in 7/46 horses presented for neuromuscular disease and weakness, representing an important diagnosis in the UK. This study showed a high prevalence of EPSM and other myopathies in typical breeds of horses in the UK.