Genetic homogenisation of birth weight in rabbits: Indirect selection response for uterine horn characteristics

A divergent selection experiment on within-litter homogeneity of birth weight in rabbits was carried out at the INRA experimental farm at Auzeville. The two lines were created by selecting breeding does and bucks from the female strain AGP22 bred at the Grimaud Frères Sélection Company. This involved a new model incorporating a genotypic value for the mean of individual birth weight and a genotypic value for the environmental variance. This new “trait” was modelled in the usual infinitesimal framework, giving estimated breeding values for environmental variability. There was a favourable selection response with a significant difference in within-litter standard deviation of birth weight between the lines selected for increasing (HOM) or decreasing (HET) homogeneity. At the end of the third generation, 31 females from the HOM line and 33 from the HET line were sacrificed to collect the uterine horns and measure their initial length (L1) and their length after elongation with a weight of 50 g (L2) and then 70 g (L3). The length in the homogeneous line was significantly greater, whatever the weight (L1: + 1.3 cm, P = 0.02; L2:  + 2.8 cm P < 0.001; L3:  + 4.2 cm, P < 0.001). The absolute and the relative elongations were significantly higher in the HOM line. There was no significant effect of the line on the number of ova shed, the weight of the ovary, or the weight of the uterine horns. It is concluded that the divergence between lines for the within-litter homogeneity of birth weight is at least partly due to the characteristics of the genital tract, i.e. the length and capacity for elongation of the uterine horn.     

Selection for ovulation rate in rabbits: genetic parameters and correlated responses on survival rates

The aim of this work was to evaluate the correlated responses on survival rates after 10 generations of selection for ovulation rate (OR). Selection was based on the phenotypic value of ovulation rate estimated at d 12 of second gestation by laparoscopy. Traits recorded were litter size (LS), estimated as total number of rabbits born per litter in up to 5 parities; OR, estimated as the number of corpora lutea in both ovaries; the number of implanted embryos (IE), estimated as the number of implantation sites; the number of right and left IE (RIE and LIE); ovulatory difference (OD), defined as the difference between the right and the left OR, expressed as an absolute value; implantatory difference (ID), defined as the difference between RIE and LIE, expressed as an absolute value; embryonic survival (ES), calculated as IE/OR; fetal survival (FS), calculated as LS/IE; prenatal survival (PS), calculated as LS/OR. A total of 1,081 records were used to analyze ES, and 770 were used to analyze FS and PS. The number of records used to analyze the other traits ranged from 1,079 for ID to 3,031 for LS. Data were analyzed using Bayesian methodology. Genetic parameters of OR, OD, and LS were estimated in a previous paper. Estimated heritabilities of IE, ID, ES, FS, and PS were 0.11, 0.03, 0.09, 0.24, and 0.14, respectively. Estimated repeatabilities of IE, ID, and ES were 0.22, 0.12, and 0.20. Estimated phenotypic correlations of OR with ES, FS, and PS were -0.07, -0.26, and -0.28, respectively. Their estimated genetic correlations with FS and PS were negative (probability of being negative 1.00 and 0.98, respectively). Nothing can be said about the sign of the genetic correlation between OR and ES. Ovulation rate was phenotypically uncorrelated with ID. Their estimated genetic correlation was positive (probability of being positive 0.91). The genetic correlation of ID with PS and LS was not accurately estimated. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between LS and survival rates were positive (probability of being positive 1.00). In 10 generations of selection, FS decreased around 1% per generation. No correlated response in ES was observed. In summary, the decrease in FS in rabbits selected for OR seemed to be responsible for the lack of correlated response observed in LS.     

Selection for ovulation rate in rabbits: Direct and correlated responses estimated with a cryopreserved control population

The aim of this work was to evaluate the response in 10 generations of selection for ovulation rate in rabbits using a cryopreserved control population. Selection was based on the phenotypic value of ovulation rate estimated at d 12 of second gestation by laparoscopy. To produce the control population, embryos from 50 donor females and 18 males, belonging to the base generation of the line selected for ovulation rate, were recovered. A total of 467 embryos (72-h embryos) were vitrified and stored in liquid N(2) for 10 generations. The size of both populations was approximately 10 males and 50 females. The number of records used to analyze the different traits ranged from 99 to 340. Data were analyzed using Bayesian methodology. A difference between the selected and the control populations of 2.1 ova (highest posterior density interval (HPD(95%))[1.3, 2.9]) was observed in ovulation rate (OR), but it was not accompanied by a correlated response in litter size (LS; -0.3; HPD(95%) [-1.1, 0.5]). The number of implanted embryos (IE) increased with selection in 1.0 embryo (HPD(95%) [-0.6, 2.0]), but this increase was not relevant. Prenatal survival, embryonic survival, and fetal survival (FS) were calculated as LS/OR, IE/OR, and LS/IE, respectively. Prenatal survival was reduced with selection (-0.12; HPD(95%) [-0.20, -0.04]), basically because of a decrease in FS (-0.12; HPD(95%) [-0.19, -0.06]). Embryonic survival could have slightly decreased (-0.05; HPD(95%) [-0.12, 0.02]). In summary, comparison with a control population showed that ovulation rate in rabbits increased with selection without any correlated response in litter size, basically because of a decrease in fetal survival.     

The relationship of food intake during growth and food intake at maturity with lactation food intake in a mouse model

Selection for increased leanness and improved food efficiency in pigs has resulted in a decreased voluntary food intake. It has been argued that voluntary food intake during lactation should be considered in sow breeding programmes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenotypic correlation of food intake during growth and food intake at maturity with maximum lactation food intake in a mouse model. A total of 179 records were available on female mice selected for litter size at birth (S-line) and non-selected control females (C-line) from 3 weeks of age to 21 days in lactation. Half of the litters were standardized to eight pups per litter (s) and half were not standardized (ns). Growth intake was measured as the average intake between 21 and 42 days of age, mature intake was measured from a linear regression of food intake against age between 42 and 69 days of age, and lactation intake was measured as a linear regression of food intake against days in lactation between 5 and 14 days in lactation. In both lines, females with a higher growth intake also had a higher mature intake (r = 0.63 to 0.75, P < 0.0001). Lactation intake was related with growth intake and mature intake in Sns females (r = 0.50 and 0.46, P < 0.01) and with growth intake in Ss females (r = 0.32, P < 0.05). In both lines, lactation intake was highly correlated with litter weight (r = 0.48 to 0.94, P < 0.001). Sns and Ss females with higher growth intake supported larger litter weights during lactation (r = 0.32 and 0.30, respectively, P < 0.05) and Sns females with higher mature intakes tended to support larger litter weights (r = 0.28, P = 0.060). It is suggested that lactating C-line females eat to support a given litter size, while S-line females support the maximum litter weight that is allowed for by their intake capacity, and still produce at high levels when litters are standardized. Since lactating sows mobilise body reserves, the relationship of food intake during growth with that during lactation may be reflected in the relationship between growth intake and body condition.     

Selection for ovulation rate in rabbits: genetic parameters, direct response, and correlated response on litter size

The aim of this work was to evaluate the response to 10 generations of selection for ovulation rate. Selection was based on the phenotypic value of ovulation rate, estimated at d 12 of the second gestation by laparoscopy. Selection pressure was approximately 30%. Line size was approximately 20 males and 80 females per generation. Traits recorded were ovulation rate at the second gestation, estimated by laparoscopy as the number of corpora lutea in both ovaries; ovulation rate at the last gestation, estimated postmortem; ovulation rate, analyzed as a single trait including ovulation rate at the second gestation and ovulation rate at the last gestation; right and left ovulation rates; ovulatory difference, estimated as the difference between the right and left ovulation rates; litter size, estimated as the total number of kits born and the number of kits born alive, both recorded at each parity. Totals of 1,477 and 3,031 records from 900 females were used to analyze ovulation rate and litter size, respectively, whereas 1,471 records were used to analyze ovulatory difference, right ovulation rate, and left ovulation rate. Data were analyzed using Bayesian methodology. Heritabilities of ovulation rate, litter size, number of kits born alive, right ovulation rate, left ovulation rate, and ovulatory difference were 0.16, 0.09, 0.08, 0.09, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively. Phenotypic correlations of ovulation rate with litter size, number of kits born alive, and ovulatory difference were 0.09, 0.01, and 0.14, respectively. Genetic correlations of ovulation rate with litter size and with number of kits born alive were estimated with low accuracy, and there was not much evidence for the sign of the correlation. The genetic correlation between ovulation rate and ovulatory difference was positive (P = 0.91). In 10 generations of selection, ovulation rate increased in 1.32 oocytes, with most of the response taking place in the right ovary (1.06 oocytes), but there was no correlated response on litter size (-0.15 kits). In summary, the direct response to selection for ovulation rate was relevant, but it did not modify litter size because of an increase in prenatal mortality.     

促排卵二号生殖激素治疗母牛排卵障碍试验报告

作者应用促排卵二号生殖激素，对排卵障碍的一些母牛，在输精的同时肌注２００ｍｇ１支，对照组输精时不作任何处理，结果表明，试验组母牛第一情期受胎率平均为７９．４％，比对照组（４６．２％）情期受胎率提高３３．２％，差异极显著（Ｐ〈０．０１），明显缩短了母牛的空怀天数。     

A review of the effect of energy intake on pregnancy rate and litter size-discussed in relation to group-housed non-lactating sows

The number of group-housed non-lactating sows is increasing rapidly in Europe as a consequence of changed legislation initiated by elevated public concern of animal welfare. Lower litter size and pregnancy rate in group compared to individually housed non-lactating sows have been observed in several on-farm experiments. The overall aim of this paper is to consider whether the variation in energy intake in a group of non-lactating sows can influence variation in litter size and pregnancy rate. A review of existing literature with main emphasis on publications after 1980 was carried out to clarify whether pregnancy rate and litter size may be influenced by energy intake. The studies reviewed indicate that low energy intake compared to high energy intake before mating may impair litter size in gilts and in sows that experienced severe weight loss during lactation. Furthermore, moderate energy intake compared to low energy intake in the first 3 days after mating may reduce litter size in the gilt but not in the sows. Both pregnancy rate and litter size might be influenced by very low energy intake in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. Based upon studies indicating that low ranking sows may consume considerably less than high ranking sows (e.g., 50-80%) in group-housed systems, it is suggested that the variation in feed intake in a group of restricted fed pregnant female pigs may be large enough to influence pregnancy rate and litter size.     

Reproductive responses of rabbit does to a supplemental lighting program

The objective was to investigate whether the productivity of rabbit does can be improved, when natural photoperiod is decreasing, by adopting a supplemental lighting program. Three experiments were conducted involving two groups: control, submitted to the natural decreasing photoperiod, and supplemented with a lighting program which provided 14 h light/24 h beginning at 10 weeks of age. In the first experiment, 20 nulliparous does, 10 from each group, were euthanized 8 h after being presented to a buck; the overall number of follicles, whose diameter exceeded 1 mm, was determined macroscopically. The right ovaries were collected, histologically analyzed, and electronically measured. In the second experiment, 30 nulliparous does, 15 from each group, were presented to a buck (day 1). Receptive does were euthanized on day 8 to evaluate embryonic survival (number of normal embryos/ovulation rate). In the third experiment, 48 nulliparous does, 24 from each group, were followed from the first presentation to the buck until the weaning of the first litter. The effect of treatment on reproductive and body weight traits of does, and litter performance traits, at birth and weaning, was evaluated. The average number of follicles whose diameter exceeded 1 mm was higher in the treatment group (12.05±1.07 vs. 8.63±1.00, P=0.037). Receptive does of the treatment group had heavier ovaries relative to those of the control group (790±59 vs. 470±64 mg, P=0.004), whereas no treatment difference regarding this trait was found for non-receptive ones. Treatment had a favorable effect on pregnancy rate of total exposed and of receptive does (80.0% vs. 33.3%, P=0.01, and 92.3% vs. 50.0%, P=0.02, respectively). The number of underdeveloped embryos was lower (0.067±0.380 vs. 2.500±0.455, P=0.004), embryonic survival up to day 8, and uterus weight was higher in the treatment group (0.839±0.075 vs. 0.534±0.087, P=0.033 and 13.83±0.72 vs. 10.99±0.84, P=0.037, respectively). Number of presentations tended to be lower (1.32±0.17 vs. 1.75±0.16, P=0.077) and adjusted litter size in the first reproductive cycle tended to be higher (7.09±0.89 vs. 5.22±0.68, P=0.091) in the treatment group relative to the control group. A supplemental lighting program providing 14 h light/24 h favors reproductive performance of primiparous does; its application may be recommended to increase productivity when natural photoperiod is decreasing.     

母猪倒骑式按摩输精法的应用效果研究

研究的目的是验证猪常规人工授精中倒骑式按摩法输精方法的效果,分析配种后受胎率与产仔数.在断奶发情的实验母猪发情鉴定表现定立表现时,采用倒骑式按摩法输精技术,实施子宫颈人工授精.按摩母猪乳房时间为30～60 s.输精完成后继续倒骑60 s.试验组与对照组相比,母猪发情表现主要集中在72 h到96 h之间,母猪断奶处理12...     

Seasonality of oestrus,ovulation and ovulation rate of Sicilo‐Sarde sheep

This study aimed to investigate monthly changes in oestrus and ovulatory activity of Sicilo‐Sarde sheep. Experimental animals comprised 25 adult and 10 maiden ewes at the start of the experiment. For 12 consecutive months (September–August), the females were exposed to natural photoperiod and permanently kept in presence of seven aproned rams. Oestrus was checked daily and ovarian activity was monitored by monthly endoscopies during the last week of each month. Ovulation rate for a particular month was assessed as the sum of corpora lutea or corpora albicans present on both ovaries at the time of endoscopy. Proportions of ewes observed in oestrus at least once a month were lowest in March (24.3%) and highest in June and October (100%). They tended (p < 0.06) to be different according to age, dropping during summer from a common value of 100% in June to 85.7% and 90% in July and then to 57.1% and 70% in August for, respectively, the Adults and Maiden females. Overall, the experimental period, 92.5% and 83.8% of Adult and Maiden ewes ovulated at least once per month (p < 0.01) respectively. Least proportions ovulating, attained 60% and 30% in April for, respectively, Adult and Maiden ewes before peaking up at 100% again in May (p < 0.05). Mean (±SD) ovulation rate of Sicilo‐Sarde sheep is 1.40 ± 0.503. Adult females had a higher (p < 0.001) ovulation rate than Maiden sheep with respective average values of 1.51 ± 0.516 and 1.16 ± 0.373. It varied little between months and decreased in Adults from a maximum value of 1.95 in October to a minimum value of 1.16 in April. It is concluded that benchmarking seasonal variations of reproductive activity in Sicilo‐Sarde breed would be valuable in designing improved management calendars for this breed.     

不同类群大白猪窝产仔数的遗传分析

对双肌臀大白猪和普通大白猪组成的 561窝产仔数的资料进行了遗传分析。结果表明 :公猪和胎次均对母猪产仔数 (总产仔数和活产仔数 )具有极显著影响 (P <0 .0 0 1 ) ,季节和类群均对母猪产仔数 (总产仔数和活产仔数 )具有显著影响 (P <0 .0 5)。大白猪产仔数的平均值随胎次增长而增加。夏季分娩的大白猪具有最高的产仔数 ,依次为春季和冬季 ,秋季最低。大白猪总产仔数和活产仔数的遗传力分别为0 .0 9和 0 .1 0 ,属低遗传力 ,直接选择窝产仔数几乎没有效果 ;它们之间的遗传相关为 0 .80 ,表型相关为0 .85,环境相关为 0 .90 ,它们之间的协遗传力为 0 .0 8。这些参数表明总产仔数和活产仔数是两个不同的性状 ,在生产实践中单独记录它们是有理由的、必要的。     

Possible causes and treatment strategies for the estrus and ovulation disorders in dairy cows

The reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined, along with an increase in their milk yield. First-service conception rates in lactating dairy cows are often lower than 50%. The precise detection of estrus is an important factor in the reproductive management of dairy cows for successful fertilization and pregnancy. However, estrus expression has been decreasing in modern dairy cows, affecting the detection rate of estrus. In addition to estrus, a high incidence of ovulation disorders affects the fertility of dairy cows. To address these problems, it is necessary to understand the changes in the endocrine functions that underlie estrus and ovulation disorders, and to develop effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have revealed that neurokinin B and neurokinin 3 receptor signaling play important roles in the regulation of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing and luteinizing hormones, suggesting a potential clinical avenue for the stimulation of gonadal function. In this review, I have discussed the problems in estrus and ovulation disorders in modern dairy cows as well as the possible applications of neurokinin 3 receptor agonists in the treatment of these disorders.     

猪窝产仔数遗传改进的效果

综述猪窝产仔数直接选择和间接选择的效果。表明“超多产”选择方案是提高猪窝产仔数的一种有效方法;窝产仔数的两个组分—排卵数和出生前存活率—之间存在大的负遗传相关;直接选择排卵数的反应是每世代产生０．４９±０．１０个卵子,窝产仔数的相关反应被估计为每世代０．０８９±０．０５８头猪,出生前存活率的相关反应大约是每世代（－１．６±０．５）％;对排卵数和出生前存活率的指数选择产生每世代０．７８±０．０４个卵子、０．１１±０．０５头总产仔数、（－０．９±０．１）％出生前存活率的反应。最后介绍了基于排卵数、潜在的胚胎存活率和子宫容量建立起来的窝产仔数的一种模型,组分的一个指数应当是选择窝产仔数最有效的方法。     

Correlated response in litter size components in rabbits selected for litter size variability

A divergent selection experiment for the environmental variability of litter size (Ve) over seven generations was carried out in rabbits at the University Miguel Hernández of Elche. The Ve was estimated as the phenotypic variance within the female, after correcting for year‐season and parity‐lactation status. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlated responses to selection in litter size components. The ovulation rate (OR) and number of implanted embryos (IE) in females were measured by laparoscopy at 12 day of the second gestation. At the end of the second gestation, the total number of kits born was measured (TB). Embryonic (ES), foetal (FS) and prenatal (PS) survival were computed as IE/OR, TB/IE and TB/OR, respectively. A total of 405 laparoscopies were performed. Data were analysed using Bayesian methodology. The correlated response to selection for litter size environmental variability in terms of the litter size components was estimated as either genetic trends, estimated by computing the average estimated breeding values for each generation and each line, or the phenotypic differences between lines. The OR was similar in both lines. However, after seven generations of selection, the homogenous line showed more IE (1.09 embryos for genetic means and 1.23 embryos for phenotypic means) and higher ES than the heterogeneous one (0.07 for genetic means and 0.08 for phenotypic means). The probability of the phenotypic differences between lines being higher than zero (p) was 1.00 and .99, respectively. A higher uterine overcrowding of embryos in the homogeneous line did not penalize FS; as a result, this line continued to show a greater TB (1.01 kits for genetic means and 1.30 kits for phenotypic means, p = .99, in the seventh generation). In conclusion, a decrease in litter size variability showed a favourable effect on ES and led to a higher litter size at birth.     

猪窝产仔数的表型和遗传参数估计

对二花脸猪、大白猪、杂交一代和回交一代四个群体共计 2 0 1 0窝产仔数的资料进行了统计遗传分析。结果表明 :各胎次组中 ,随着二花脸猪血缘的减少 ,窝产仔数 (总产仔数和活产仔数 )平均值有下降的趋势。猪总产仔数和活产仔数的遗传力分别为 0 .0 81和 0 .1 1 6,属低遗传力 ,直接选择窝产仔数几乎没有效果 ;它们之间的遗传相关为 0 .793,表型相关为 0 .895,环境相关为 0 .90 7,它们之间的协遗传力为0 .0 77。这些参数表明总产仔数和活产仔数是两个不同的性状 ,在生产实践中单独记录它们是有理由的、必要的     

应用灰色关联度法对肉兔产仔数与相关性状关联度的探讨

本文结合肉兔产业基地生产,获取了肉兔开产1～3胎的平均产仔数与相关性状,通过灰色关联度分析,初步看出与产仔数关联度高的性状依次是体长〉体重〉耳长〉耳宽,说明在开产早期选择体长、发育好的母兔个体对提高产仔数有实际意义。     

东北松嫩草地羊草群落环境因素与凋落物分解季节动态

对羊草群落凋落物分解季节动态与微生物呼吸速率、土壤有机质、土壤C/N、土壤温度、土壤水分等11种环境因素的季节动态进行了系统的研究,结果表明:1)凋落物分解季节动态呈单峰曲线,8月中旬达最大值4.285mg/(g·d)。2)凋落物分解指数为1.55,95%凋落物分解需6.8年。3)微生物呼吸速率季节动态呈单峰曲线,8月中旬达最大值13.27Cg/(cm2·d),同凋落物分解速率显著正相关。4)凋落物分解速率同土壤有机质含量、土壤C/N显著负相关。5)凋落物分解速率同土壤水分显著正相关。     

Evaluation of ovulation rate and ovarian phenotype in puberal heifers from a cattle population selected for increased ovulation rate

Long-term selection for increased ovulation rate (1984 to 2002) has resulted in a unique ovarian phenotype in the MARC Twinner cattle population. Ovulation rate and frequency of bilateral ovulations were examined by rectal palpation in 29,547 estrous cycles for 3,910 heifers (12 to 18 mo of age) in this population. Bilateral ovulations (one corpus lutuem [CL] on each ovary) were of interest because bilateral twin pregnancies result in decreased dystocia and increased calf survival. Ovulation rate increased linearly at a rate of 0.026 CL per year, and it currently averages 1.48 +/- 0.04 CL per estrous cycle. Concurrent with the increase in ovulation rate, the frequency of triplet ovulations increased from 0% to 2.3 +/- 0.8% (P < 0.001). Ovulation rate of both the right and left ovary increased equally at a rate of 0.013 CL per year, and mean ovulation rate of the right ovary remained greater than mean ovulation rate of the left ovary throughout the study (0.66 vs. 0.55 +/- 0.003 CL per estrous cycle; P < 0.001). Although correlations were low, ovulation rate of one ovary was negatively correlated (P < 0.001; r = -0.07) with ovulation rate of the same ovary in the previous estrous cycle, but positively correlated (P < 0.001; r = 0.13) with the contralateral ovary of the previous estrous cycle. The proportion of bilateral ovulations averaged 55.7 +/- 0.7%, a value greater than the predicted 49.5% (P < 0.001). In addition to dystocia and retained placenta, triplet pregnancies increase the incidence of pregnancies gestating fetuses of opposite sexes and subsequent incidence of freemartins; thus, selection pressure on ovulation rate may need to be adjusted in the MARC Twinner population. The proportion of bilateral ovulations in the population is greater than expected, and this may be an economically important trait, which will respond to selection and be beneficial for improving bovine reproductive efficiency. Understanding factors controlling the increased functional activity of the right ovary and bilateral ovulations may provide further insights into the mechanisms controlling follicle selection and methods to improve reproductive management of cattle.     

燕麦早熟性的选择

在燕麦(Auena sativa L.)育种中,人们通常是以抽穗期做为选择早熟的主要指标,但抽穗过早往往会对产量(籽产和地上生物量)造成不利影响。本试验分别依抽穗期、灌浆持续期及抽穗期+灌浆持续期的指数等指标,在三个组合的F_s群体进行选择,并对其后代进行了比较。结果表明:三组材料的后代在生育期天数上无显著差异;抽穗期和灌浆持续期均与生育期天数呈高度正相关。另外,缩短灌浆持续期虽对产量等经济性状无明显不利影响,但由于遗传力偏低,对其直接选择的效果不理想。