鸡胰岛素样生长因子1受体基因G26336A、C111014A多态位点的检测及其与生产性状的相关性

根据GenBank发表的鸡胰岛素样生长因子1受体(insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor,IGF1R)基因序列针对外显子2和3设计2对引物,采用DNA池测序和PCR-SSCP技术,对鸡IGF1R基因的G26336A、C111014A位点进行多态性检测,并与鸡的生产性状进行相关性分析。结果表明,G26336A位点AA基因型个体56日龄体重显著低于BB基因型个体(P<0.05),AA和AB基因型个体在84日龄体重显著低于BB基因型个体(P<0.05)。C111014A位点CC、CD基因型个体初生重显著低于DD基因型(P<0.05),CC基因型个体在300日龄体重显著低于DD基因型(P<0.05)。研究结果初步表明,IGF1R基因可能是影响鸡生长性状的一个主效基因或是与之存在紧密遗传连锁的一个标记。     

鸡GDF-5基因外显子1多态性与鸡骨骼发育性状的相关研究

根据GenBank发表的鸡GDF-5基因的mRNA序列设计引物，以白耳鸡和东北农业大学选育的肉鸡高、低腹脂系第8世代鸡群为试验材料，通过测序和PCR-SSCP的方法进行SNP检测和基因型分析，探讨GDF5基因多态性与鸡生长和骨骼发育性状之间的关系。结果发现在GDF-5基因外显子1的84bp处存在1个C／T的突变位点，对该突变位点在研究群体中进行基因型分析，结果产生3种基因型，AA型个体的基因序列和GenBank（Accession No：AF123389）中的一致为C，而BB型个体的基因序列在84bp处突变为T。基因型与鸡体组成性状的统计分析结果表明，AA基因型个体的跖骨围显著高于AB基因型个体（P〈0．05）；AA基因型和AB基因型个体的跖爪重和跖爪率显著高于BB基因型个体（P〈0．05）；AB基因型个体的股骨长和股骨重显著高于BB基因型个体（P＜0．05）；表明该基因对鸡的骨骼性状有较大的影响或与控制骨骼发育性状的主效基因相连锁。     

鸽SPAG6基因多态性与精子活力、体尺性状的相关性研究

为探讨鸽精子相关抗原6蛋白(SPAG6)基因单核苷酸多态性(SNPs)及其与鸽精子活力和体尺性状之间的关系,选择98只12月龄银王鸽,采用DNA直接测序法对SPAG6基因部分片段进行SNPs筛选。结果表明:在SPAG6基因编码区和非编码区分别发现2个和7个突变位点,其中G26789T位点BB基因型个体精子活力显著高于AB基因型(P0.05),AA基因型个体胫长均值显著高于BB基因型(P0.05);C16181G和C16336T位点与胫围显著相关(P0.05),BB基因型为优势基因型;T27507C位点AA基因型个体胫围均值显著高于AB基因型(P0.05);T30364C位点3种基因型个体胸宽差异显著,其中BB基因型为优势基因型(P0.05)。由此可见,SPAG6基因与精子活力和体尺性状密切相关,可以作为银王鸽精子活力与体尺性状分子标记的候选基因。     

Genetic Effects of IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBP-1 Genes on the Growth Traits in Jinghai Yellow Chicken

旨在对IGF-Ⅰ和IGFBP-1基因部分SNPs与鸡生长性状进行关联分析.试验以京海黄鸡为材料,采用PCR-SSCP方法检测2个候选基因的单核苷酸多态性(SNPs),采用一般线性模型(GLM)分析基因型与生长性状的遗传效应.结果表明,IGF-Ⅰ基因外显子3序列的60 bp处有A→G的点突变,在京海黄鸡中检测到AA、AB、BB 3种基因型,A等位基因频率为0.613,B等位基因的频率为0.387;IGFBP-1基因外显子2序列的21 bp处有A→T的点突变,104 bp处有T→C的突变,在京海黄鸡中检测到CC、CD和DD 3种基因型,C等位基因频率为0.558,D等位基因频率为0.442.IGF-Ⅰ基因BB基因型个体4周龄体质量显著高于AA和AB型个体(P＜0.05);IGFBP-1基因DD基因型个体8周龄体质量显著高于CC基因型个体(P＜0.05),4、12和16周龄体质量差异极显著(P＜0.01).因此,推测这些SNPs对京海黄鸡生长性状具有一定的影响,应用于鸡育种过程中的标记辅助选择可以加快育种进程.     

麒麟鸡MCEE基因多态性与体重的相关性分析

为了探讨MCEE基因作为麒麟鸡生长性状遗传标记的可能性,试验选择1日龄健康麒麟鸡126只,采用Sanger测序法对MCEE基因的3'UTR区进行单核苷酸多态性(SNP)检测,并分析对麒麟鸡生长性状的影响。结果表明:麒麟鸡MCEE基因的3'UTR区检测到2个SNP突变位点,即第8 959位碱基的G/A转换和第9 082位碱基的C/T转换,分别命名为G8959A和C9082T;MCEE基因3'UTR区G8959A位点形成GG、GA和AA 3种基因型,C9082T位点形成CC和CT 2种基因型;MCEE基因G8959A突变位点的GG型个体21日龄体重显著高于GA型个体(P0. 05),极显著高于AA型个体(P0. 01),G为优势等位基因,基因频率为0. 655,GG型为优势基因型,基因型频率为0. 429;MCEE基因C9082T突变位点的CC型个体21日龄体重显著高于CT型个体(P0. 05),C为优势等位基因,基因频率为0. 786,CC型为优势基因型,基因型频率为0. 571。说明MCEE基因3'UTR区检测到的2个SNPs位点(G8959A和C9082T)对21日龄麒麟鸡体重有显著或极显著影响(P 0. 05或P 0. 01),G8959A位点GG基因型和C9082T位点CC基因型为优势基因型,适合作为麒麟鸡生长性状的有效遗传标记。     

美利奴羊与细毛羊杂交F1代LPL基因外显子3 A384T位点多态性与肉质性状的关联分析

为了研究南非肉用美利奴羊与东北细毛羊杂交F1代脂蛋白脂酶(LPL)基因的基因型与肉质性状的关联性,试验采用直接测序及PCR-RFLP技术对LPL基因外显子3进行多态性检测。结果表明:LPL基因外显子3上存在T304C和A384T 2个单核苷酸多态性(SNPs)位点,其中A384T位点存在TT、TA、AA 3种基因型,为低度多态,已达到Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态。A384T位点基因型与肉质性状相关性分析结果表明,TT基因型个体的滴水损失极显著高于TA基因型和AA基因型个体(P0.01),TT基因型个体的p H1值显著高于TA基因型个体(P0.05),TT基因型个体的肉豆蔻酸含量显著低于TA基因型和AA基因型个体(P0.05),TT基因型个体的棕榈酸含量显著低于TA基因型个体(P0.05),TT基因型个体的甘氨酸含量显著高于TA基因型个体(P0.05),TT基因型个体的精氨酸含量显著高于TA基因型和AA基因型个体(P0.05)。推测A384T位点有望作为杂交F1代肉羊肉质性状的分子遗传标记位点。     

MyoG与Myf5基因与京海黄鸡生长性状的相关分析

以京海黄鸡为材料,采用PCR-SSCP方法检测MyoG和Myf5基因的单核苷酸多态性(SNPs),并分析基因型间的互作以及基因型对生长性状的遗传效应。结果表明,MyoG基因外显子3上存在一个T36C突变,形成了AA、AB和BB 3种基因型;Myf5基因外显子1上存在一个A1313G突变,形成了CC、CD和DD 3种基因型。对生长性状的最小二乘分析结果显示,BB型个体的2~16周龄均显著或极显著的高于AA型个体(P0.05或P0.01)。CD型个体仅在初生体质量上显著优于CC型个体。基因互作分析结果显示,互作效应对6、8周龄体质量的影响达到了极显著水平(P0.01)。本试验为京海黄鸡生长性状的标记辅助选择提供了参考依据。     

IGF-I与IGFBP-1基因对京海黄鸡生长性状的遗传效应分析

旨在对IGF-I和IGFBP-1基因部分SNPs与鸡生长性状进行关联分析。试验以京海黄鸡为材料,采用PCR-SSCP方法检测2个候选基因的单核苷酸多态性(SNPs),采用一般线性模型(GLM)分析基因型与生长性状的遗传效应。结果表明,IGF-I基因外显子3序列的60bp处有A→G的点突变,在京海黄鸡中检测到AA、AB、BB 3种基因型,A等位基因频率为0.613,B等位基因的频率为0.387;IGFBP-1基因外显子2序列的21bp处有A→T的点突变,104bp处有T→C的突变,在京海黄鸡中检测到CC、CD和DD 3种基因型,C等位基因频率为0.558,D等位基因频率为0.442。IGF-I基因BB基因型个体4周龄体质量显著高于AA和AB型个体(P<0.05);IGFBP-1基因DD基因型个体8周龄体质量显著高于CC基因型个体(P<0.05),4、12和16周龄体质量差异极显著(P<0.01)。因此,推测这些SNPs对京海黄鸡生长性状具有一定的影响,应用于鸡育种过程中的标记辅助选择可以加快育种进程。     

4个绵羊品种Leptin基因部分片段的SNPs多态性与生长发育性状的相关性分析

利用PCR-SSCP技术对萨福克、陶赛特、得克塞尔及滩羊4个绵羊品种358个个体Leptin基因等2、3外显子进行多态性分析,共检测到7个SNPs,其中新发现5个SNPs。测序结果表明,在外显子2上无突变。内含子2上存在A99G、G115A、C150T、C171T位点。外显子3上,存在G271A;C316A;G387T位点。外显子3上的SNPs使编码的氨基酸发生变化。统计分析表明A99G、C150T和A99G＋C150T位点与生长发育性状存在相关性。在A99G位点,Aa基因型初生质量、日增质量、体高、胸围和尻宽指标上均高于AA基因型,初生质量、日增质量和体高指标差异显著（P〈0．05）,胸围和尻宽指标差异极显著（P〈0．01）。C150T和A99G＋C150T位点结果一致,突变基因型日增重、体高、体长、胸围和尻宽指标均高于野生基因型,差异显著（P〈0．05）。     

兴义鸭肌肉生长抑制素基因多态性与屠宰性状的相关性分析

为了解兴义鸭肌肉生长抑制素(myostatin,MSTN)基因SNPs与屠宰性状的相关性,本研究采用基因克隆及PCR产物直接测序的方法,将MSTN基因作为鸭屠宰性状的候选基因,对兴义鸭的MSTN基因外显子进行多态性检测.结果表明,在60个兴义鸭个体中筛选出8个SNPs,其中,第1外显子有5个突变位点:SNP1(G77A)、SNP2(A91G)、SNP3(G130A)、SNP4(C325T)和SNP5(C331T);在第2外显子中并未发现突变位点;第3外显子有3个突变位点:SNP6(C206T)、SNP7(A235G)和SNP8(C256A);对这8个SNPs与屠宰性状进行关联性分析,结果并未达到显著水平(P>0.05).本研究结果可丰富MSTN基因的研究数据,为鸭的育种提供参考.     

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.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

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.     

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.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein     

Avian brood parasitism — a growing research area in behavioral ecology (part Ⅱ)

正We are pleased to publish the second special issue on avian brood parasitism and to be responsible guest editors for the two special issues of Chinese Birds (Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012 and Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013), entitled "Avian Brood Parasitism - A Growing Research Area in Behavioral Ecology". The first issue was published in December 2012. The goal of the two special issues is to publish accumulated knowledge and some of the recent developments in     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -