美系大白猪雌激素受体基因多态性与繁殖性状的相关分析

研究将ESR基因作为母猪繁殖性状候选基因,进行多态性检测和相关分析,旨在为大白猪的分子标记辅助选择提供依据。试验采用PCR-RFLP方法分析了451头美系大白母猪ESR基因的多态性,以及多态性与总产仔数、产活仔数和初生窝重间的相关性,并分析ESR基因对繁殖性状的效应。结果表明:ESR基因在该美系大白猪中分布处于哈德-温伯格不平衡状态。在头胎中,AA型个体总产仔数、产活仔数和初生窝重分别为10.47头、9.90头和13.79 kg,均高于BB型个体的9.78头(P0.01)、9.01头(P0.05)和12.41 kg(P0.05);AA型个体的3个性状均高于AB型,但均差异不显著(P0.05);AB型个体的总产仔数和初生窝重分别为10.32头和13.45 kg,均显著高于BB型个体(P0.05),AB型个体产活仔数为9.60头,高于BB型,但差异不显著(P0.05)。经产(2~5胎)AA型个体的总产仔数、产活仔数和初生窝重分别为11.55头、11.03头和16.53 kg,均高于AB型个体的11.07头(P0.05)、10.44头(P0.01)、15.67 kg(P0.05),且极显著高于BB型个体(10.82头、10.02头和15.17 kg)。ESR基因的A等位基因对繁殖性状均具有正的加性效应。ESR基因AA型在美系大白猪中为有利基因型,A等位基因为有利等位基因。该位点可用于美系大白猪的育种中,在种猪选育时提高ESR基因的A等位基因频率可以提高产仔数和初生窝重。     

申农I号猪ESR基因的多态性及其与繁殖性能相关性分析

本研究采用PCR-RFLP的方法,对申农I号144头母猪进行ESR基因的多态性进行检测,分析ESR基因型对头胎总产仔数与产活仔数的遗传效应。结果表明,在申农I号母猪群中,ESR基因存在遗传多态性,可分为AA、AB和BB三个基因型,A、B等位基因频率分别为0.5069和0.4931。AA型、AB型和BB型的频率分别为0.2639、0.4861和0.2500,但AA、AB和BB三种基因型与产仔数之间差异均不显著。     

申农1号猪ESR基因的多态性及其与繁殖性能相关性分析

本研究采用PCR—RFLP的方法,对申农1号144头母猪进行ESR基因的多态性进行检测,分析ESR基因型对头胎总产仔数与产活仔数的遗传效应。结果表明,在申农1号母猪群中,ESR基因存在遗传多态性,可分为AA、AB和BB三个基因型,A、B等位基因频率分别为0．5069和0．4931。AA型、AB型和BB型的频率分别为0．2639、04861和0．2500,但AA、AB和BB三种基因型与产仔数之间差异均不显著。     

三江白猪OB基因多态性及其与繁殖性能的相关性分析

试验利用PCR-RFLP法研究了三江白猪OB基因3 469位点的多态性及其与繁殖性能的相关性。结果表明:OB基因经HinfⅠ酶切后出现3个条带,表现为3种基因型(AA型、AB型和BB型)和2个等位基因(A和B),A等位基因为优势基因,基因频率为67.6%;头胎产活仔数BB型极显著高于AA型(P<0.01),BB型高于AB型,AB型高于AA型,但差异都不显著(P>0.05),BB基因型比AB型和AA型的头胎产活仔数分别高出1.65头、2.19头;不同的基因型对前5胎最高产仔数的影响差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

米猪与大白猪、长白猪FSHβ基因多态性分布差异分析

采用PCR方法对FSHβ基因在中国地方猪种米猪和外种猪大白、长白这2种群体共193头母猪中的多态性分布进行分析。结果显示:2群体均有2个等位基因A和B,3个基因型AA、AB和BB。米猪各种基因型数量AA型>AB型>BB型,AA型为其优势基因型,等位基因A、B的频率分别为0.841 5、0.158 5。外种猪BB型>AB型>AA型,BB型为其优势基因型,等位基因A、B的频率分别为0.108 1、0.891 9。由此可见,中国地方猪种米猪与外种猪长白猪和大白猪的FSHβ基因多态性分布上有显著差异。     

骨形成蛋白15基因Bcu I多态性对猪产仔性能的影响

采用PCR—RFLP方法,检测了小梅山猪和大白猪骨形成蛋白15（BMP15）基因exon2的多态性,结果显示,在这2个品种中均有A和B两个等位基因存在。利用最小二乘分析研究了该多态位点对猪头胎、二胎和经产的总产仔数和产活仔数的影响。结果表明,在小梅山猪中,不同基因型经产母猪的总产仔数和产活仔数间差异显著,AA产活仔数最高,为14．28头,BB总产仔数和产活仔数最低,分别为12．67头和12．33头;大白猪中,不同基因型母猪在头胎总产仔数和经产总产仔数方面差异显著,其他方面差异均不显著,但都呈现出AA〉AB〉BB的趋势。     

北极狐FSHR基因多态性与产仔数关联分析

为了研究北极狐FSHR基因的多态性与北极狐产仔数的相关性,试验采用PCR-SSCP技术检测北极狐FSHR基因多态性,用最小二乘法分析其多态性对北极狐产仔数影响的遗传效应。结果表明:FSHR基因在北极狐中存在多态性,A等位基因为优势等位基因。对于初产母狐,BB基因型母狐的总产仔数(TNB)和产活仔数(NBA)比AA基因型母狐分别多1.08头和1.58头(P0.05);对于经产母狐,BB基因型母狐的TNB和NBA比AA基因型母狐分别多1.72头和1.03头(P0.05)。在北极狐群中,北极狐FSHR基因处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态。说明北极狐FSHR基因B等位基因对北极狐产仔数性状有显著影响。     

OPN基因多态性对长白猪产仔数的影响

采用PCR-RFLP技术检测长白猪OPN基因的多态性,并分析各基因型与产仔数性状的相关性。结果表明:OPN基因A等位基因的频率为0.1851,B等位基因的频率为0.8149;不同基因型经产母猪和所有胎次母猪的总产仔数、产仔活数呈AA>AB>BB趋势,且AA型显著高于AB和BB型。     

巴克夏猪、霍寿黑猪及其杂交后代ESR基因和FSHβ基因多态性的检测

本研究采用PCR和酶切方法检测了32头巴克夏猪、48头霍寿黑猪、105头巴克夏猪×霍寿黑猪ESR基因和FSHβ基因多态性,并分析多态位点在3个猪群中的分布特征。结果表明:巴克夏猪ESR基因PvuII酶切位点仅检测到AA型;霍寿黑猪ESR基因呈中度多态,AB和BB型频率高于AA型,等位基因B频率高于A;巴克夏猪×霍寿黑猪ESR基因呈中度多态,AB型频率依次高于AA和BB型,等位基因A频率高于B。巴克夏猪FSHβ基因呈中度多态,BB型频率依次高于AB和AA型,等位基因B频率高于A;霍寿黑猪FSHβ基因呈中度多态,AB型频率高于BB和AA型,等位基因B频率略高于A;巴克夏猪×霍寿黑猪FSHβ基因呈中度多态,AB型频率依次高于BB和AA型,等位基因B频率高于A。本研究结果为开展猪产仔数的标记辅助选择提供了基础。     

猪PRLR和FSHβ基因多态性检测及其与繁殖性状的关联分析

试验旨在研究催乳素受体(prolactin receptor,PRLR)和卵泡刺激素β(follicle-stimulating hormoneβ,FSHβ)基因的多态性及其与母猪繁殖性状的关联分析。采用PCR-RFLP方法对大白猪、杜洛克猪和长白猪3个猪种共487头母猪进行了PRLR和FSHβ基因多态性检验,并采用单因子方差分析、LSD法分析不同基因型与母猪总产仔数、产活仔数、断奶窝重和断奶窝仔数等繁殖性状的相关性。结果表明,PRLR基因在大白猪和长白猪中B等位基因均为优势基因,基因频率分别为0.717和0.548,大白猪BB基因型总产仔数显著高于AA基因型(P<0.05),长白猪BB基因型断奶窝重显著高于AB基因型(P<0.05);FSHβ基因在大白猪、杜洛克猪和长白猪3个猪种中B等位基因均为优势基因,基因频率分别为0.804、0.760和0.789,长白猪BB基因型总产仔数和产活仔数均显著高于AB基因型(P<0.05),呈现BB>AA>AB趋势。因此,PRLR和FSHβ基因对荣昌猪场母猪繁殖性能有一定影响,可作为母猪繁殖性能分子选育的候选参考基因。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.