Association of a genetic marker with blood serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentration and growth traits in Angus cattle

The objective of this research was to evaluate a biallelic genetic marker identified in the first promoter region of the bovine IGF-I gene. The point mutation was identified as a T-to-C transition by sequencing the polymorphic fragments. A PCR-RFLP procedure was developed for determining the marker genotypes. Marker genotypes were determined for 760 Angus calves from divergent lines that were created by selection for high or low serum IGF-I concentration (allele A: 63.9%, B: 36.1%). Data were analyzed using the multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood computer programs with animal models. The full animal model included fixed effects of marker genotype, birth year, season of birth, sex, age of dam, and selection line; random effects of animal, maternal genetic, and maternal permanent environmental effects; and a covariate for age of calf. Traits analyzed included blood serum IGF-I concentrations on d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning test, mean IGF-I concentration, birth weight, weaning weight, on-test weight, off-test weight, off-test hip height, postweaning gain, and weight gain during the 20-d period immediately after weaning. Results from the analysis across selection lines showed a significant association of the BB genotype with higher weight gain during the first 20 d after weaning and a slight dominance effect of the marker on postweaning gain. Analysis within the low IGF-I line also showed a significant association of the BB genotype with higher weight gain during the first 20 d after weaning and with on-test weight, although analysis within the high IGF-I line did not show any significant association. The associated effects of the marker need to be verified in other cattle populations.     

Genetic parameter estimates for serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentration and carcass traits in Angus beef cattle

Divergent selection for serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration began at the Eastern Ohio Resource Development Center (EORDC) in 1989 using 100 spring-calving (50 high line and 50 low line) and 100 fall-calving (50 high line and 50 low line) purebred Angus cows. Following weaning, bull and heifer calves were fed in drylot for a 140-d postweaning period. At the conclusion of the postweaning test, bulls not selected for breeding were slaughtered and carcass data were collected at a commercial abbatoir. At the time of this analysis, IGF-I measurements were available for 1,283 bull and heifer calves, and carcass data were available for 452 bulls. A set of multiple-trait, derivative-free, restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML) computer programs were used for data analysis. Estimates of direct heritability for IGF-I concentration at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning period, and for mean IGF-I concentration were .32, .59, .31, and .42, respectively. Direct heritabilities for carcass traits ranged from .27 to 1.0, .26 to 1.0, and .23 to 1.0 when the age-, fat-, and weight-constant end points, respectively, were used, with marbling score having the smallest heritability and longissimus muscle area having the highest heritability in each case. Maternal heritability and the proportion of phenotypic variance due to permanent environmental effect of dam generally were < or = .21 for IGF-I concentrations and for carcass traits other than longissimus muscle area. Additive genetic correlations of IGF-I concentrations with backfat thickness, longissimus muscle area, hot carcass weight, marbling score, quality grade, and yield grade averaged -.26, .19, -.04, -.53, -.45, and -.27, respectively, when carcass data were adjusted to an age-constant end point. Bulls with lower IGF-I concentrations had higher marbling scores and quality grades, but also had higher backfat thickness and yield grades regardless of the slaughter end point. Serum IGF-I concentration may be a useful selection criterion when efforts are directed toward improvement of marbling scores and quality grades of beef cattle.     

Genetic parameter estimates for serum insulin-like growth factor I concentrations, and body weight and weight gains in Angus beef cattle divergently selected for serum insulin-like growth factor I concentration

Data for the current study were obtained from a divergent selection experiment in which the selection criterion was the average serum IGF-I concentrations of 3 postweaning blood samples collected from purebred Angus calves. Multiple-trait derivative-free REML procedures were used to obtain genetic parameter estimates for IGF-I concentrations and for BW and BW gains measured from birth to the conclusion of a 140-d postweaning performance test. Included in the analysis were 2,674 animals in the A(-1) matrix, 1,761 of which had valid records for IGF-I concentrations. Direct heritability estimates +/- SE for IGF-I concentration at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning period and for mean IGF-I concentrations were 0.44 +/- 0.07, 0.51 +/- 0.08, 0.42 +/- 0.07, and 0.52 +/- 0.08, respectively. Heritability estimates for maternal genetic effects ranged from 0.10 +/- 0.05 to 0.20 +/- 0.06. The proportion of total phenotypic variance due to the maternal permanent environmental effect was essentially zero for all measures of IGF-I concentrations. Genetic correlations of IGF-I concentrations with weaning and post-weaning BW ranged from 0.07 +/- 0.12 to 0.32 +/- 0.11 and generally demonstrated an increasing trend during the postweaning period. Averaged across the various measures of IGF-I, the genetic correlation of IGF-I with preweaning gain was 0.14, whereas the genetic correlation with postweaning gain was 0.29. Genetic correlations between IGF-I and BW gain were positive during all time intervals, except between weaning and the beginning of the postweaning test and from d 84 to 112 of the postweaning period. Environmental and phenotypic correlations of IGF-I with BW and BW gains were generally positive, but small. These results indicate that postweaning serum IGF-I concentration is moderately to highly heritable and has small positive genetic, environmental, and phenotypic correlations with BW other than birth weight and with pre- and postweaning gain. Therefore, if IGF-I proves to be a biological indicator of an economically important trait (e.g., efficiency of feed use for growth) in beef cattle, it should be possible to rapidly change IGF-I concentrations via selection without significantly altering live weight or rate of gain.     

Evaluation of serum insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) in Angus cattle divergently selected for serum IGF-I concentration

Postweaning serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations and serum IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) were investigated in 68 (1992 Fall-born) and 84 (1999 Fall-born) Angus cattle selected for either high or low serum IGF-I concentrations since 1989. Relative serum levels of IGFBP were determined by [¹²⁵I]IGF-I Western ligand blotting. IGFBP species of 38–42, 34, 30, and 24 kDa were identified. The 34 kDa species was identified as IGFBP-2 by immunoblot analysis. No significant line effects were observed for any of the IGFBP. In both 1992 and 1999, heifers had higher IGFBP-2 levels than bulls (P<0.0005). In 1992 calves, relative levels of the 38–42 and 24 kDa species were significantly correlated with serum IGF-I concentration. In 1999 calves, none of the IGFBP were correlated with serum IGF-I, although IGFBP-2 was negatively correlated with several measures of body weight. No significant line effects were observed for growth or serum IGF-I traits in 1992 calves. However, 1999 high line calves had higher serum IGF-I concentrations and body weights than low line calves (P<0.05). In both 1992 and 1999 calves, bulls had higher serum IGF-I concentrations and body weights than heifers (P<0.05). Thus, while selection for high versus low serum IGF-I concentrations has resulted in divergence between the selection lines and also in changes in body weights, it has not resulted in changes in serum IGFBP levels. Furthermore, circulating IGFBP-2 appears to be higher in heifers than in bulls, and also appears to be negatively correlated with body weights.     

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the leptin gene with carcass and meat quality traits of beef cattle

Studies with different populations are required to properly characterize the robustness of associations of polymorphisms in candidate genes with economically important traits across beef cattle populations before this sort of genetic information can be used efficiently in breeding and management decisions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of previously reported SNP in the bovine leptin gene with carcass and meat quality traits from a large sample of crossbred beef cattle. Five SNP (UASMS1, UASMS2, UASMS3, E2JW, and E2FB) were genotyped on 1,111 crossbred bulls, heifers, and steers. The measured traits included fat, lean, and bone yield (%) by partial rib dissection, grade fat, LM area, HCW, quality grade, LM i.m. fat, and tenderness evaluation of LM and semitendinosus muscle. Only four SNP were analyzed (UASMS1, UASMS2, E2JW, and E2FB), because UASMS1 and UASMS3 were completely linked. A uni-variate mixed-inheritance animal model was used to evaluate the association of either genotypes or haplo-types with the traits. The two leptin exon 2 SNP were associated with fat and lean yield and grade fat (E2JW, P < 0.01; E2FB, P < 0.05), and they interacted in their effect on LM tenderness (P < 0.01). The leptin promoter SNP were either not associated with any of the traits (UASMS2) or with fat yield only (UASMS1). Three haplotypes (TCAC, CCAT, TTAC) were at high frequency in the population (88%) and had similar effects on all the traits. Compared with the common haplotypes, one haplotype (CCTT) showed a significantly different effect on fat and lean yield and grade fat (P < 0.01), and one haplotype (TTTT) had a different effect on LM tenderness (P < 0.03). Therefore, important associations between SNP within the leptin gene with lean yield, fatness (fat yield and subcutaneous fat), and tenderness were detected. Results confirm some of the previously reported associations, but diverge with respect to others, showing that further efforts are required to validate some prospective associations.     

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and milk production traits in Italian Brown cattle

Italian Brown is a cattle breed largely exploited in the production of many dairy products in Italy, including typical and traditional cheeses. For this reason, the improvement of selection methods is of economic relevance while a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms regulating milk production is of general scientific interest. We selected a total of 561 samples, representing virtually all Italian Brown bull population, to test for association between milk production traits and 29 known genes harbouring 106 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After filtering, a total of 31 SNPs in 22 candidate genes and 473 bulls were retained. Associations between each SNP and milk traits were tested by a mixed model approach, obtaining seven significantly associated SNPs, two of which (in β-Lactoglobulin) associated with all traits, and four (in Chemokin receptor I, αs1 casein, k casein, fatty acid synthase, thyroid hormone responsive and Oxytocin prepropetide genes) associated with at least one trait.     

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine Toll-like receptor 1 gene and association with health traits in cattle

ABSTRACT: Bovine mastitis remains the most common and costly disease of dairy cattle worldwide. A complementary control measure to herd hygiene and vaccine development would be to selectively breed cattle with greater resistance to mammary infection. Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1) has an integral role for the initiation and regulation of the immune response to microbial pathogens, and has been linked to numerous inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine TLR1 gene (boTLR1) are associated with clinical mastitis (CM).Selected boTLR1 SNPs were analysed within a Holstein Friesian herd. Significant associations were found for the tagging SNP -79 T > G and the 3'UTR SNP +2463 C > T. We observed favourable linkage of reduced CM with increased milk fat and protein, indicating selection for these markers would not be detrimental to milk quality. Furthermore, we present evidence that some of these boTLR1 SNPs underpin functional variation in bovine TLR1. Animals with the GG genotype (from the tag SNP -79 T > G) had significantly lower boTLR1 expression in milk somatic cells when compared with TT or TG animals. In addition, stimulation of leucocytes from GG animals with the TLR1-ligand Pam3csk4 resulted in significantly lower levels of CXCL8 mRNA and protein.SNPs in boTLR1 were significantly associated with CM. In addition we have identified a bovine population with impaired boTLR1 expression and function. This may have additional implications for animal health and warrants further investigation to determine the suitability of identified SNPs as markers for disease susceptibility.     

Associations of polymorphisms in the Pit-1 gene with growth and carcass traits in Angus beef cattle

The Pit-1 gene was studied as a candidate for genetic markers of growth and carcass traits. Angus beef cattle that were divergently selected for high- or low-blood serum IGF-I concentration were used in this study. The single-strand conformation polymorphism method was used to identify polymorphism in the Pit-1 gene including regions from intron 2 to exon 6. Two polymorphisms, Pit1I3H (HinfI) and Pit1I3NL (NlaIII), were detected in intron 3 of the Pit-1 gene. One polymorphism, Pit1I4N (BstNI), was found in intron 4, and a single nucleotide polymorphism, Pit1I5, was found in intron 5. The previously reported polymorphism in exon 6, Pit1E6H (HinfI), was also studied in 416 Angus beef cattle. Associations of the polymorphisms with growth traits, carcass traits, and IGF-I concentration were analyzed using a general linear model procedure. No significant associations were observed between these polymorphisms and growth and carcass traits.     

Association of bovine KISS1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with reproductive traits in Indian Cattle

Kisspeptins, a family of neuropeptide encoded by the Kiss1 gene, have emerged as crucial regulator of fertility and reproduction by regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The present study was aimed to identify and associate SNPs in the KISS1 gene with reproductive traits in cattle of Indian origin. DNA samples collected from 300 individual cows of three Indian dairy breeds (Gir, Kankrej and Frieswal) of cattle were used in the study. The SNPs of KISS1 gene were identified with PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis using two sets of primer pairs. A total of 5 SNPs were identified in the targeted region of which, two were selected for screening the population and association studies. The analysis revealed that genotypes of rs442633552G>A and rs42022871C>T had a significant association with dry period. The SNP rs42022871C>T also established significant role in milk production traits, and selection of TT-genotyped animals will improve the reproduction and production potential of the animals.     

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the leptin gene with body weight and backfat growth curve parameters for beef cattle

Previous research has identified differences in carcass characteristics across SNP in the bovine leptin gene at slaughter, but before feedlot operators implement selection and sorting strategies, more information is needed to determine how carcass characteristics change over time. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 2 leptin SNP on growth curve parameters for BW and backfat. Two SNP (UASMS2 and R25C) were genotyped on 1,653 cross-bred steers and heifers in a commercial feedlot. Up to 4 serial measures of BW and ultrasound estimates of backfat thickness were taken for each animal from the time of placement on feed to slaughter. The measures were used to estimate growth models that describe changes in BW and backfat thickness as a function of days on feed. Data analysis was carried out by estimating nonlinear mixed models to determine the individual and joint effect of each SNP on growth curve parameters. Brody growth curves were fit to the BW data. Variations in the R25C SNP did not significantly affect growth parameters individually or in combination with the UASMS2 SNP. Variations in the UASMS2 SNP were significant in Brody growth curve parameters for BW growth (P < 0.001). The genotype UASMS2-CC was the heaviest at the beginning of the feeding period and exhibited the largest asymptotic mature BW, but UASMS2-TT cattle exhibited the fastest rate of BW growth. A modified power function was fit to the serial ultrasound backfat measures. Models that included the combined effect of the R25C and UASMS2 SNP provided the best fit to the data. Genotypes differed significantly in power function parameters for backfat growth (P < 0.001). The R25C-CC/UASMS2-TT cattle had the smallest backfat thickness at placement. The genotype R25C-CC/UASMS2-TT exhibited the fastest backfat growth rate, whereas backfat in R25C-CC/UASMS2-CC cattle grew at the slowest rate. The association between leptin genotype and growth in BW and backfat presents opportunities to identify genetically distinct cattle and to differentially optimize feeding times accordingly.     

Impact of blood serum insulin-like growth factor I on platelet-activating factor in bull spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to examine differences in platelet-activating factor [1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine; PAF] in spermatozoa between two lines of Angus beef cattle divergently selected for blood serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentration. Endogenous lipids were extracted from the spermatozoa and endogenous PAF content was determined by radioimmunoassay. The amount of PAF detected in spermatozoa obtained from high IGF-I bulls (n = 8) ranged from 0.145 to 3.571 pM/10(6) cells. The level of PAF extracted from spermatozoa obtained from low IGF-I- bulls (n = 5) ranged from 0.001 to 1.024 pM/10(6) cells. Polynomial regression analysis revealed a significant cubic relationship (R(2) = 0.374; F = 6.292; P < 0.05) between spermatozoa PAF content and blood serum IGF-I concentration. Spermatozoa-derived PAF levels (mean +/- SEM) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the high IGF-I group (1.90 +/- 0.39 pM/10(6) cells) than in the low IGF-I group (0.59 +/- 0.20 pM/10(6) cells). High IGF-I bulls have a greater than three-fold higher PAF content in their spermatozoa than low IGF-I bulls. The data demonstrate that not only is PAF present in bull spermatozoa but that levels are significantly higher in individuals with high serum IGF-I concentrations.     

Reproductive performance of bulls divergently selected on the basis of blood serum insulin-like growth factor I concentration.

The objectives of this study were to examine differences in scrotal circumference, sperm motility, and percentage of normal sperm cells between two lines of Angus beef cattle divergently selected for blood serum IGF-I concentration. Data were obtained from an ongoing experiment involving 100 spring-calving (50 high and 50 low line) and 100 fall-calving (50 high and 50 low line) purebred Angus cows. Scrotal circumference, percentage of motile sperm cells, and percentage of normal sperm cells did not differ between high and low IGF-I line yearling bulls (P = .79, .50, and .56, respectively). The IGF-I concentrations measured at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning test are abbreviated as IGF28, IGF42, and IGF56, respectively. Coefficients for the quadratic regression of scrotal circumference on IGF28 and IGF42 tended to be negative (P = .07 and .08, respectively), as did the coefficient for the quadratic regression of the percentage of motile sperm cells on IGF42 (P = .08). The coefficient for the linear regression of percentage of normal sperm cells on IGF28 was positive (P = .02). The coefficient for the quadratic regression of percentage of normal sperm cells on IGF56 was negative (P = .04). Coefficients for the quadratic regression of scrotal circumference and percentage of normal sperm cells on mean IGF-I concentrations were negative and important (P = .04 and .08, respectively). Thus, scrotal circumference and percentage of normal sperm cells are related to blood serum IGF-I concentration in yearling Angus bulls.     

Assessing the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms at the thyroglobulin gene with carcass traits in beef cattle

The objective of this study was to assess the association of SNP in the thyroglobulin gene, including a previously reported marker in current industry use, with marbling score in beef cattle. Three populations, designated GPE6, GPE7, and GPE8, were studied. The GPE6 population sampled breeds that could be used as alternative germplasm sources in beef cattle production, including Wagyu, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Norwegian Red. The GPE7 population sampled 7 popular beef cattle breeds used in temperate climates of the United States: Angus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus, and Simmental. The GPE8 population sampled Bos indicus-influenced breeds used in subtropical regions of the country and subtropical and tropical regions of the world, including Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuano. Evaluation of 6 SNP in the thyroglobulin gene, including 5 newly described variations, showed no association (P > 0.10) with marbling score in these populations, except a tendency (P < 0.10) for an association with the previously described marker in GPE6. Closer examination of the GPE6 data revealed that the source of the tendency was an association (P < 0.02) with marbling in animals of Wagyu inheritance. Animals having Wagyu background and inheriting the TT genotype had a greater marbling score (599 +/- 20) than those inheriting the CC (540 +/- 10) or the CT (541 +/- 11) genotype. No association was detected with any other carcass trait for this marker in the 3 populations. Furthermore, none of the 5 newly described markers in the gene displayed an association with marbling score. The data indicate that markers at the thyroglobulin gene may be a useful predictor of marbling performance for producers raising Wagyu-based cattle. Although associations with marbling score in the remaining populations were not large or significant, the TT genotype had the numerically greatest marbling score in each population.     

The influence of level of feeding on growth and serum insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in growing beef cattle supplemented with somatotropin

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of level of feeding on growth, feed efficiency (gain:feed; G:F), body composition (BC), and serum concentrations of somatotropin (ST), IGF-I, and IGF-binding proteins (BP) in growing beef cattle supplemented with bovine (b) ST. In each of two consecutive years, 40 growing beef cattle were blocked by weight (average BW: yr 1 = 316 kg, yr 2 = 305 kg) and used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with main effects of bST (0 or 33 microg x kg BW(-1) x d(-1)) and level of feed intake (ad libitum [AL] or 0.75 AL). Relative to uninjected cattle, treatment with bST increased ADG 9.6% (1.14 vs 1.25 kg/d; P < 0.05) and increased G:F 8.1% (12.3 vs 13.3 gain [g]:feed [kg]; P < 0.05), whereas ADG in AL animals was 39% greater than that in 0.75 AL animals (1.39 vs 1.00 kg/d; P < 0.05). There was a tendency (P = 0.10) for a bST x level of feeding interaction, such that the increase in ADG with bST was greater in AL cattle than in 0.75 AL cattle (10.6 vs 7.8%; P = 0.10). Serum concentrations of ST were greater in 0.75 AL cattle than in AL cattle (13.0 vs 8.6 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and in bST-treated cattle than in uninjected cattle (16.3 vs 5.2 ng/mL; P < 0.05). Due to a bST x level of feeding interaction (P < 0.01), the magnitude of the increase in serum ST to exogenous bST was greater (P < 0.01) in 0.75 AL cattle than in AL cattle. Relative to uninjected cattle, treatment with bST increased (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and reduced (P < 0.05) concentrations of IGFBP-2. Similarly, AL cattle had greater (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and reduced (P < 0.05) IGFBP-2 compared with 0.75 AL cattle. In summary, treatment with bST increased growth rate and G:F and stimulated serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 while reducing IGFBP-2. Feeding at 0.75 ad libitum intake reduced the magnitude of response for each of these variables. Thus, limit-feeding may reduce the effect of exogenous bST on growth rate by blunting bST-induced increases in IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and bST-induced decreases in IGFBP-2.     

Assessment of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes residing on chromosomes 14 and 29 for association with carcass composition traits in Bos indicus cattle

Objective of this study was to assess the association of SNP in the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), thyroglobulin (TG), and micromolar calcium-activated neutral protease (CAPN1) genes with carcass composition and meat quality traits in Bos indicus cattle. A population of Brahman calves (n = 479) was developed in central Florida from 1996 to 2000. Traits analyzed were ADG, hip height, slaughter weight, fat thickness, HCW, marbling score, LM area, estimated KPH fat, yield grade, retail yield, sensory panel tenderness score, carcass hump height, and cooked meat tenderness measured as Warner-Bratzler shear force at 7, 14, and 21 d postmortem. Single nucleotide polymorphisms previously reported in the TG and DGAT1 genes were used as markers on chromosome 14. Two previously reported and two new SNP in the CAPN1 gene were used as markers on chromosome 29. One SNP in CAPN1 was uninformative, and another one was associated with tenderness score (P < 0.05), suggesting the presence of variation affecting meat tenderness. All three informative SNP at the CAPN1 gene were associated with hump height (P < 0.02). The TG marker was associated with fat thickness and LMA (P < 0.05), but not with marbling score. No significant associations of the SNP in the DGAT1 gene were observed for any trait. Allele frequencies of the SNP in TG and CAPN1 were different in this Brahman population than in reported allele frequencies in Bos taurus populations. The results suggest that the use of molecular marker information developed in Bos taurus populations to Bos indicus populations may require development of appropriate additional markers.     

Estimation of (co)variance components for reproductive traits in Angus beef cattle divergently selected for blood serum IGF-I concentration

The objective of this study was to obtain estimates of (co)variance components for reproductive traits and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration. Data were from a divergent selection experiment for blood serum IGF-I concentration in Angus beef cattle. Numbers of observations for mean IGF-I concentration of three blood samples taken at d 28, 42, and 56 of the 140-d postweaning test, scrotal circumference (SC), percentage of motile sperm cells (PMSC), percentage of morphologically normal sperm cells (PNSC), age of heifers at first calving (AFC), and calving rate (CR) were 1,848, 825, 596, 765, 294, and 2,092, respectively. Total number of animals in the numerator relationship matrix, including base animals, was 2,864, of which 1,861 were inbred. Estimates of direct heritability for IGF-I concentration of three blood samples collected at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning test and for mean IGF-I concentration were 0.43+/-0.08, 0.51+/-0.09, 0.41+/-0.08, and 0.50+/-0.08, respectively. Estimates of direct heritability for SC, PMSC, PNSC, AFC, and CR were 0.51+/-0.13, 0.08+/-0.12, 0.47+/-0.07, 0.26+/-0.28, and 0.11+/-0.05, respectively. With the exception of age at first calving, estimates of maternal heritability and proportion of phenotypic variance that were due to permanent environmental effects of the dams were smaller than 0.21. Observations for calving rate were entered as either 1 (if calved) or 100 (if not calved). Estimates of additive genetic correlations of mean IGF-I concentration with SC, PMSC, PNSC, AFC, and CR were 0.35+/-0.11, 0.43+/-0.32, 0.00+/-0.03, -0.14+/-0.33, and -0.41+/-0.16, respectively. Environmental and phenotypic correlations for all of the traits with IGF-I measurements were smaller than 0.23. These results suggest that selection for increased serum IGF-I concentration should result in increased scrotal circumference, percent motile sperm cells, and calving rate.     

The relationship of insulin-like growth factor-I with postweaning performance in Angus beef cattle

This study was designed to evaluate the ontogeny of serum IGF-I (SI) concentrations and its relationship to animal performance in a 140-d postweaning feeding trial. Ninety-eight progeny representing six sires (three high and three low feed conversion) and two sexes (43 bulls and 55 heifers) with ad libitum access to feed were allocated by sire and sex to monitor individual weights and pen feed consumption. Blood serum samples were obtained at the beginning of test (average age of 230 d) and every 28 d thereafter until each animal reached a fat thickness (estimated by sonoray) of 8.9 mm. Individual serum samples were acid-ethanol extracted and measured for IGF-I peptide by heterologous RIA. Serum IGF-I concentrations differed (P less than .10) between high (H) and low (L) feed conversion progeny groups at the end of the first 28-d period (125.12 vs 89.52 ng/ml) and tended to differ at the conclusion of the second 28-d period (P less than .15). Weight gains of H and L groups tended to differ in the second and third 28-d periods (P = .11 and .10, respectively). Serum IGF-I concentrations differed (P less than .05) between bulls and heifers for the first through fourth 28-d periods (P less than .01, P less than .05, P less than .10 and P less than .01, respectively). Phenotypic correlations indicated that pens with higher mean SI concentrations at the beginning of the test consumed less feed and had lower cumulative feed:gain ratios.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of fat supplementation on leptin, insulin-like growth factor I, growth hormone, and insulin in cattle

We investigated the effect of fat supplementation on plasma levels of hormones related to metabolism, with special attention to leptin, in cows in early lactation and in feedlot steers. In experiment 1, 34 lactating cows received no fat or else 0.5 or 1.0 kg of partially hydrogenated oil per day in addition to their basal diet from day 20 before the expected calving date to day 70 postpartum. In experiment 2, part of the corn in the basal concentrate was replaced with 0.7 kg of the same oil such that the diets were isocaloric; 18 cows received the fat-substituted diet and 18 a control diet from day 20 before the expected calving date to day 75 postpartum. In experiment 3, calcium salts of fatty acids were added to the basal diet of 14 feedlot steers for 80 d; another 14 steers received a control diet. The basal plasma levels of leptin were higher in the cows than in the steers. Dietary fat supplementation did not affect the leptin levels in the lactating cows but lowered the levels in the feedlot steers despite greater energy intake and body fatness (body weight) in the steers receiving the supplement than in those receiving the control diet. The levels of insulin-like growth factor I and insulin were decreased with dietary fat supplementation in the lactating cows but were unaffected in the steers, suggesting that responses to fat ingestion depend on the physiological state of the animal, including age and sex. Finally, no effects of supplementary fat on the level of growth hormone were demonstrated in any of the models.     

Genetic parameter estimates for serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentration and ultrasound measurements of backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area in Angus beef cattle

A divergent selection experiment for serum IGF-I concentration began at the Eastern Ohio Resource Development Center in 1989 using 100 spring-calving (50 high line and 50 low line) and 100 fall-calving (50 high line and 50 low line) purebred Angus cows. Following weaning, bull and heifer calves were fed in drylot for a 140-d period. Real-time ultrasound measurements of backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area were taken on d 56 and 140 of the postweaning test. Only ultrasound data from calves born from fall 1995 through spring 1999 were included in the analysis. At the time of this study, IGF-I measurements were available for 1,521 bull and heifer calves, and ultrasound data were available for 636 bull and heifer calves. Data were analyzed by multiple-trait, derivative-free, restricted maximum likelihood methods. Estimates of direct heritability for IGF-I concentration at d 28, 42, and 56 of the postweaning period, and for mean IGF-I concentration were 0.26 +/- 0.07, 0.32 +/- 0.08, 0.26 +/- 0.07, and 0.32 +/- 0.08, respectively. Direct heritabilities for ultrasound estimates of backfat thickness ranged from 0.17 +/- 0.11 to 0.28 +/- 0.12, whereas direct heritabilities for longissimus muscle area ranged from 0.20 +/- 0.10 to 0.36 +/- 0.12, depending on the time of measurement and the covariate used for adjustment (age vs. weight). Direct genetic correlations of IGF-I concentrations with backfat thickness at d 56 and 140 and with longissiumus muscle area at d 56 and 140 averaged 0.02, 0.20, -0.08, and 0.23, respectively, when age was used as the covariate for both IGF-I and ultrasound measurements. Corresponding genetic correlations when age was used as the covariate for IGF-I and weight was used as the covariate for ultrasound measurements were 0.05, -0.07, -0.22, and -0.04, respectively. Therefore, the positive associations of serum IGF-I concentration with backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area at d 140 seem to have been partially mediated by weight. Results of this study do not indicate strong associations of serum IGF-I concentration with fat thickness or muscling of bulls and heifers during the postweaning feedlot period.