Frequencies of PRNP gene polymorphisms in Vietnamese dairy cattle for potential association with BSE

Summary Since 2004, significant associations between bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) susceptibility in cattle and frequencies of insertion/deletion (ins/del; indel) polymorphisms within the bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) have been reported. In this study, we investigated the frequencies of indel polymorphisms within two variable sites, a 23-bp indel polymorphism in the promoter region (23indel) and a 12-bp indel polymorphism in intron 1 region (12indel), in the PRNP in 206 Vietnamese dairy cattle and seven Japanese BSE-affected cattle. In Vietnamese dairy cattle, the frequency distributions of del allele and del/del genotypic polymorphisms in the 23indel site, which are thought to be associated with BSE susceptibility, were significantly higher, whereas the frequencies of del allelic and del/del genotypic polymorphisms in the 12indel site, which have been reported to confer BSE susceptibility, were significantly lower. We have provided evidence that Vietnamese dairy cattle have a unique genetic background in the PRNP gene in comparison with cattle or sires previously reported in other countries.     

Low mitochondrial DNA diversity of Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima feral cattle

This study aims to estimate the mitochondrial genetic diversity and structure of Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima feral cattle, which are maintained in small populations. We determined the mitochondrial DMA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D‐loop) sequences for both cattle populations and analyzed these in conjunction with previously published data from Northeast Asian cattle populations. Our findings showed that Japanese native cattle have a predominant, Asian‐specific mtDNA haplogroup T4 with high frequencies (0.43–0.81). This excluded Kuchinoshima cattle (32 animals), which had only one mtDNA haplotype belonging to the haplogroup T3. Japanese Polled showed relatively lower mtDNA diversity in the average sequence divergence (0.0020) than other Wagyu breeds (0.0036–0.0047). Japanese Polled have been maintained in a limited area of Yamaguchi, and the population size is now less than 200. Therefore, low mtDNA diversity in the Japanese Polled could be explained by the decreasing population size in the last three decades. We found low mtDNA diversity in both Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima cattle. The genetic information obtained in this study will be useful for maintaining these populations and for understanding the origin of Japanese native cattle.     

荷斯坦公牛PRNP多态性与精子活力相关性及抗病性评估

为分析荷斯坦公牛朊蛋白基因(PRNP)多态性与精子活力的关系,并对其抗病性进行评估,选育抗病公牛,本实验以公牛精液为样品,研究脚基因中12bp、23 bp和24 bp 3个片段的插入/缺失多样性、基因mRNA转录水平及其与精子活力等指标的关系.结果表明,12bp和23 bp在群体中均得到3种基因型,24 bp只有2种基因型.不同基因型群体的mRNA转录水平存在显著差异,而基因型与精液产量和活力等指标存在相关性,抗病力和精子活力指标存在负相关.本研究中3个片段的插入-缺失多样性可以作为公牛选育的辅助标记.     

梅花鹿朊蛋白基因(PRNP)的克隆及序列分析

根据GenBank中鹿朊蛋白基因序列设计特异性扩增引物，采用PCR方法从中国梅花鹿基因组中扩增得到梅花鹿的朊蛋白基因，采用PCR产物直接测序，并将其克隆到pGEM—TEasy载体中测序进行进一步确认，通过分析表明所克隆的梅花鹿朊蛋白基因的ORF基因片段包含771bp，编码256个氨基酸的前体蛋白，相对分子质量约为28200。与已报道的其他品种鹿朊蛋白基因序列进行对比分析，核苷酸及氨基酸序列的同源性均在98％以上。本试验为进一步研究中国梅花鹿朊蛋白的多态性提供了数据。     

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.     

Sequence variations of the bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) in native Korean Hanwoo cattle

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is one of the fatal neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) caused by infectious prion proteins. Genetic variations correlated with susceptibility or resistance to TSE in humans and sheep have not been reported for bovine strains including those from Holstein, Jersey, and Japanese Black cattle. Here, we investigated bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) variations in Hanwoo cattle [Bos (B.) taurus coreanae], a native breed in Korea. We identified mutations and polymorphisms in the coding region of PRNP, determined their frequency, and evaluated their significance. We identified four synonymous polymorphisms and two non-synonymous mutations in PRNP, but found no novel polymorphisms. The sequence and number of octapeptide repeats were completely conserved, and the haplotype frequency of the coding region was similar to that of other B. taurus strains. When we examined the 23-bp and 12-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms in the non-coding region of PRNP, Hanwoo cattle had a lower deletion allele and 23-bp del/12-bp del haplotype frequency than healthy and BSE-affected animals of other strains. Thus, Hanwoo are seemingly less susceptible to BSE than other strains due to the 23-bp and 12-bp indel polymorphisms.     

Detection of prion gene promoter and intron1 indel polymorphisms in Anatolian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a fatal disease caused by miss folded prion protein. Studies in the cattle, comparing genetic data from BSE diseased and healthy animals have shown that indel polymorphisms in the promoter and intron 1 of PRNP gene were associated with disease susceptibility. Several studies were conducted to find out allele and genotypic frequencies of indel polymorphisms in promoter and intron 1 of the cattle PRNP gene. Unlike domestic cattle and bison, no indel polymorphisms of the PRNP promoter and intron 1 were examined in any population of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Aim of this study was to analyse frequencies of allele, genotype, and haplotype of the indel polymorphisms (23 bp indel in promoter and 12 bp indel in intron 1) in prion protein coding gene (PRNP) of water buffalo. Therefore a PCR based procedure, previously used in cattle to detect indel polymorphisms of PRNP promoter and intron 1 locus, was applied to 106 Anatolian water buffalo DNAs. Our results have revealed high frequency of in variants and in23/in12 haplotype for PRNP promoter and intron 1 indel polymorphisms in water buffalo. The results of the study have demonstrated that frequencies of allele, genotype, and haplotype of the indel polymorphisms in PRNP gene of the Anatolian water buffalo are significantly different those from cattle and bison PRNP indel polymorphisms.     

Identification of leptin gene polymorphisms associated with carcass traits and fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle

Previous studies have indicated that some leptin gene polymorphisms were associated with economically important traits in cattle breeds. However, polymorphisms in the leptin gene have not been reported thus far in Japanese Black cattle. Here, we aimed to identify the leptin gene polymorphisms which are associated with carcass traits and fatty acid composition in Japanese Black cattle. We sequenced the full‐length coding sequence of leptin gene for eight Japanese Black cattle. Sequence comparison revealed eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Three of these were predicted to cause amino acid substitutions: Y7F, R25C and A80V. Then, we genotyped these SNPs in two populations (JB1 with 560 animals and JB2 with 450 animals) and investigated the effects on the traits. Y7F in JB1 and A80V in JB2 were excluded from statistical analysis because the minor allele frequencies were low (< 0.1). Association analysis revealed that Y7F had a significant effect on the dressed carcass weight in JB2; R25C had a significant effect on C18:0 and C14:1 in JB1 and JB2, respectively; and A80V had a significant effect on C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, monounsaturated fatty acid and saturated fatty acid in JB1. The results suggested that these SNPs could be used as an effective marker for the improvement of Japanese Black cattle.     

Allele frequencies of the extension locus encoding the melanocortin-1 receptor in Japanese and Korean cattle

In order to estimate the influence of the Extension (E) locus in cattle coat color, the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene in Japanese Black, Japanese Brown and Korean (Hanwoo) cattle were sequenced. The sequences of the coding region revealed three alleles (E^D, E⁺ and e), which were previously reported. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to investigate the gene frequencies of the three breeds. Japanese Black was almost composed of E^D and E⁺ individuals, E^D = 0.481 and E⁺ = 0.514, and no homozygous e/e, therefore that is consistent with the hypothesis that E^D and E⁺ induce black pigment synthesis. Allele frequencies between Japanese Brown and Hanwoo were obviously different; however, recessive red e allele frequency was 0.038 for Japanese Brown and 0.948 for Hanwoo, even though both breeds have quite similar coat colors (ranging from yellowish brown to dark brown including a red coat color). This result suggested that other genes are also associated with a coat color of red and brown in cattle.     

Reference ranges of hematology and lymphocyte subsets in healthy Korean native cattle (Hanwoo) and Holstein dairy cattle

There are no accurate reference ranges for hematology parameters and lymphocyte subsets in Korean native beef cattle (Hanwoo). This study was performed to establish reliable reference ranges of hematology and lymphocyte subsets using a large number of Hanwoo cattle (n = 350) and to compare differences between Hanwoo and Holstein dairy cattle (n = 334). Additionally, age‐related changes in lymphocyte subsets were studied. Bovine leukocyte subpopulation analysis was performed using mono or dual color flow cytometry. The leukocyte subpopulations investigated in healthy cattle included: CD2⁺ cells, sIgM⁺ cells, MHC class II⁺ cells, CD3⁺CD4⁺ cells, CD3⁺CD8⁺ cells, and WC1⁺ cells. Although Hanwoo and Holstein cattle are the same species, results showed several differences in hematology and lymphocyte subsets between Hanwoo and Holstein cattle. This study is the first report to establish reference ranges of hematology and lymphocyte subsets in adult Hanwoo cattle.     

牛朊蛋白(bPrPc)基因的克隆和序列分析

分别从9头牛(3头牦牛、3头荷斯坦牛和3头秦川黄牛)全血中提取基因组总DNA，用所设计引物以聚合酶链式反应扩增出细胞型朊蛋白(PrP^c)基因，并克隆到pMD18-T载体。序列分析表明所克隆的牛PrP。的片段大小为795bp，包含了牛朊蛋白基因的完整编码区序列，为含单一外显子的完整开放阅读框，与国内外报道的已知序列基本相同。本次所报道的牛PrP(bPrP^c)基因含6个短而富含G-C的元件，可编码八肽Pro-His-Gly-Gly-Gly-Trp-Gly-Gln／Arg或九肽Pro-Gin／His-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Trp／Arg-Gly-Gin。这些bPrPC基因序列相比较，其核苷酸和氨基酸同源性分别在99．0％～100．0％和99．2％～100．0％之间。在整个18个碱基替换中，多数替换是保守的，为同义突变，仅有5个替换引起氨基酸突变，分别为HN200302的W60R、HN200303的S154N、MN200301的A129V、NN200302的Q234R和NN200303的Q94R突变。发现牦牛朊粒基因在126(A-G)、234(G-A)和678(T-C)位的特征性核苷酸替换，但均为同义码替换。     

新疆褐牛与美新褐牛生长性能比较分析研究

[目的]旨在为今后新疆褐牛品质选育提高工作奠定基础.[方法]通过对伊犁新褐种牛场和伊犁尼勒克县牧强新疆褐牛种畜场的牛群进行体型外貌鉴定,测定1～10岁纯种新疆褐牛和美国瑞士褐牛冻精冷配改良后代母牛关新F1、F2代的生长性能指标,对数据进行统计分析.[结果]显示,美新F1、F2代不同生长阶段各生长性能指标均显著（P＜0.05）或P＜0.05的高于纯种新疆褐牛.[结论]美国瑞士褐牛优良基因对提高新疆褐牛体尺和体重等指标效果显著.     

新疆褐牛与荷斯坦牛犊牛死亡率的影响因素分析

犊牛的健康状况关系到整个牛群的质量,降低犊牛的死亡率对提高牧场的效益具有十分重要的意义。为了掌握犊牛死亡率及影响犊牛死亡的因素,试验采取实地调查与资料分析相结合的方法,对新疆褐牛犊牛及荷斯坦牛犊牛死亡率进行了分析,通过Excel对某牛场近16年的7 157条产犊记录进行初步统计,根据新疆的气候特点划分季节,3~5月为春季,6~8月为夏季,9~11月为秋季,12~次年2月为冬季;品种为新疆褐牛犊牛和荷斯坦牛犊牛,年份从1999年到2014年分为16个水平,出生犊牛性别划分为公、母2个水平。利用SAS 8.1软件分析不同年份、品种、出生季节、犊牛性别及不同月龄等因素对新疆褐牛与荷斯坦牛犊牛死亡率的影响,结果表明,品种、年份、产犊季节和犊牛性别对新疆褐牛及荷斯坦牛犊牛死亡率有不同程度的影响,新疆褐牛的犊牛死亡率显著高于荷斯坦牛（P＜0.05）,1月龄时,新疆褐牛的犊牛死亡率显著高于荷斯坦牛（P＜0.05）;2006、2009、2010年的犊牛死亡率显著高于其他年份（P＜0.05）,在2011~2014年,犊牛的死亡率相对较少;冬季的死亡率显著高于夏季（P＜0.05）。降低犊牛的死亡率是牛群繁育过程中一个不可忽略的问题。犊牛的死亡率受到遗传和环境因素的共同影响,只有将各种环境因素给予合理控制,才能提高犊牛的健康水平。     

Economic efficiency of Japanese Black cattle selection schemes utilizing crossbreeding with the Holstein breed

The economic efficiency of Japanese Black (JB) cattle selection schemes utilizing crossbreeding with the Holstein (H) breed was evaluated in the context of maximizing profitability. Selection schemes were defined that differed in the records available for use as selection criteria. The selection schemes were assessed based on profitability per cow in the JB cattle population. Within each selection scheme, two terminal crossbreeding systems were considered: two‐way crossbreeding without backcrossing (F₁ system) and two‐way crossbreeding with backcrossing (F₁ cross system). The impact on profitability of varying number of sires selected per year and the proportion of H cows that were inseminated by JB semen and of F₁ females that are retained for replacement was examined for all selection schemes. Utilizing crossbreeding with the H breed was less profitable than purebreeding of the JB. Profitability was higher in the F₁ system than in the F₁ cross system in all selection schemes. Profitability was influenced more by changes in the number of sires selected per year than by the proportion H cows that were inseminated by JB semen and of F₁ females that were retained for replacement. Implications of these results for the JB breeding program are discussed.     

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Mortality Rates of Xinjiang Brown Cattle and Holstein Cattle Calves

Calves health were related to the quality of entire herd,reducing the mortality rate of calves had important significance to improve the efficiency of pasture. In order to better understand the mortality rate and influencing factors on calves death,the combined methods of field survey and data analysis were adopted to analyze the mortality rate of Xinjiang Brown calves and Holstein calves. Based on the 7 157 calves records of a cattle farm in nearly 16 years, preliminary statistical analysis were taken on these data in Excel. According to the characteristics of Xinjiang climate, the seasons was divided into four parts that from March to May was spring, June to August was summer, September to November was autumn, and December to next year February was winter. Varieties of breeds were the Xinjiang Brown calves and Holstein calves, the years of birth from 1999 to 2014 was divided into 16 levels, the sex of born calves were divided into 2 levels that males and females. The effects of different years, breeds, seasons of birth, sex of calves, and different ages on the mortality rate of Xinjiang Brown calves were analyzed using SAS 8.1 software. The results showed that different breeds, years, seasons of birth, and sex of calves affected the mortality rate of Xinjiang Brown calves with different extent,the mortality rate of Xinjiang Brown calves was higher than Holstein calves (P <0.05);At one month old, the mortality rate of Xinjiang Brown calves was higher than Holstein calves (P <0.05);The mortality rate in 2006, 2009 and 2010 were higher than other years (P <0.05), the calf mortality rate was relatively small from 2011 to 2014;The mortality rate of winter seasons was higher than summer (P <0.05). To reduce the mortality rate of calves was a problem that could not be ignored in the process of cattle breeding. The calves mortality rate was affected by genetic and environmental factors, only by controlling the various environmental factors with reasonable ways, could improve the health level of calves.     

Association of toll‐like receptor 2 polymorphisms with somatic cell score in Xinjiang Brown cattle

This study aims to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the TLR2 gene, and analyze the association of SNPs or haplotypes and somatic cell scores in 151 Xinjiang Brown cattle and 138 Holsteins to evaluate the role of TLR2 during intramammary infections. TLR2 coding region was amplified by PCR and screened for SNP sequencing. Genotypes and frequencies of SNPs were identified. Finally, the associations of genotypes or haplotypes and somatic cell scores (SCS) were analyzed. The results showed that: (i) 15 SNPs (E+653, E+945, E+978, E+1010, E+1250, E+1688, E+1707, E+1779, E+1782, E+1891, E+1995, E+2025, E+2055, E+2214 and E+2295) were observed and detected from 289 cows; (ii) distribution of the 14 SNPs were significantly different from Xinjiang Brown cattle and Holstein (P < 0.001) except for the E+945 (P > 0.05); (iii) in 11 SNPs (E+945, E+978, E+1010, E+1688, E+1707, E+1779, E+1782, E+1995, E+2025, E+2055 and E+2214), the SCS of AB genotype was lower than AA (P < 0.05) in Xinjiang Brown cattle; and (iv) haplotypes composed of the above‐mentioned 11 SNPs were constructed. The SCS of cattle with Hap5 was lower than that of Hap3 (P < 0.05). This suggests that Hap5 might play an important role in sub‐mastitis resistance in Xinjiang Brown cattle.     

中国荷斯坦牛GlyCAM1基因遗传多态性的研究

以273头中国荷斯坦牛为研究对象,利用CRS—PCR、PCR—SSCP及DNA测序技术检测了GlyCAM1基因外显子3、内含子3的遗传多态性。结果表明：GlyCAM1基因分别在外显子3和内含子3的第2081（A／C）、2417（C／T）位存在突变,2个位点的等位基因频率A／B分别为0．7525,0．2475和0．9046,0．0954;经菇。适合性检验,中国荷斯坦牛内含子3的突变达到Hardy—Weinberg平衡状态（P〉0．05）,但其外显子3的突变未达到Hardy—Weinberg平衡状态（P〈0．05）。     

Frequencies of bovine PrP gene polymorphisms in Holstein and Japanese Black bulls in Japan

We screened for Japanese Black and Holstein bull sire samples to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involving animo‐acid substitutions in the bovine prion gene in the entire coding region of the PRNP gene. Although three silent SNPs were found, we could not detect any SNP with animo‐acid substitution. We also examined the polymorphism of the octapeptide repeat number in these samples. There was no homozygous bull with repeat number 5. The frequency of heterozygous (6/5) bulls was 8% in the Japanese Black bull and 4% in the Holstein bull, respectively. The bull samples used in this study contain popular elite sires, so it appears that the polymorphisms of prion protein (PrP) are rather difficult to find in these two breeds in Japan, except for polymorphism of the octapeptide repeat number.     

Gene dropping analysis of founder contributions in a closed Japanese black cattle population

Gene dropping simulation was applied to Japanese Black cattle population in Hyogo prefecture, to examine the survivals of alleles originated from founder animals. In the analysis, unique alleles were assigned to founders, and the genotypes of all descendants along the actual pedigree were generated through Monte Carlo simulation following Mendelian segregation rules. By replicating this process 10 000 times, the distribution of frequencies of alleles from each founder was estimated. From the distribution, several quantities useful for the management of genetic diversity, such as the probability of allele extinction and the probability of alleles surviving at a critically low frequency were derived. The materials used were 68 781 animals born in 1955–1998 and their pedigree records traced back to the population in 1937 or before. The expected number of alleles retained in the population drastically decreased during the analyzed period, and reached to 57.9 in the population of 1998, which was only 3.3% of the total number of alleles assigned to founders. Detailed analysis of major founders with relatively high genetic contributions to the current population revealed that alleles from most of the major founders are now at high risk of future extinction. These results strongly suggest that for the management of genetic diversity, the genetic contributions of founders are not fully informative, and emphasize the importance of the detection of live animals having founder alleles with high extinction possibilities.