Genetic diversity of mtDNA D-loop sequences in four native Chinese chicken breeds

1. To explore the genetic diversity of Chinese indigenous chicken breeds, a 585 bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) region was sequenced in 102 birds from the Xichuan black-bone chicken, Yunyang black-bone chicken and Lushi chicken. In addition, 30 mtDNA D-loop sequences of Silkie fowls were downloaded from NCBI. The mtDNA D-loop sequence polymorphism and maternal origin of 4 chicken breeds were analysed in this study.

2. The results showed that a total of 33 mutation sites and 28 haplotypes were detected in the 4 chicken breeds. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of these 4 native breeds were 0.916 ± 0.014 and 0.012 ± 0.002, respectively. Three clusters were formed in 4 Chinese native chickens and 12 reference breeds. Both the Xichuan black-bone chicken and Yunyang black-bone chicken were grouped into one cluster. Four haplogroups (A, B, C and E) emerged in the median-joining network in these breeds.

3. It was concluded that these 4 Chinese chicken breeds had high genetic diversity. The phylogenetic tree and median network profiles showed that Chinese native chickens and its neighbouring countries had at least two maternal origins, one from Yunnan, China and another from Southeast Asia or its surrounding area.     

不同肉牛品种杂交西门塔尔杂种牛效果的研究

为了研究不同肉牛品种杂交改良西门塔尔杂种牛的效果,筛选出产肉量高、肉质好、抗逆性强的品种杂交组合,为大规模开展杂交提供依据,试验采用红安格斯、利木赞、夏洛莱(法系)、德国黄牛4个品种牛,分别杂交西门塔尔杂种母牛,产犊后从每个杂交组合中选择11头断奶小公牛,在相同饲养管理条件下持续育肥至18月龄,并进行屠宰和肉质评定。结果表明:红安西杂组合杂交效果最好,其次是利西杂及夏西杂,德黄西杂组合杂交效果较差。说明在生产实际中,如果采用断奶小公牛持续育肥至18月龄时出栏、屠宰,应优先选择红安格斯×西门塔尔杂交组合。     

Molecular characterization of Prototheca in 11 symptomatic dogs

Protothecosis is an uncommon disease caused by algae of the genus Prototheca. In dogs, the infection is usually first localized to the colon but has the propensity to later disseminate hematogenously to many other organs, with marked tropism for the eyes and central nervous system. Diagnosis is established by culture and/or evidence of Prototheca organisms in cytologic or histologic preparations. Species characterization, however, requires molecular investigations. Our laboratory set up a real-time PCR targeting portion D1/D2 of the 28S rRNA for identification of Prototheca species from both positive cultures (of rectal swabs and urine) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Prototheca bovis, P. ciferrii, and P. wickerhamii were characterized in 11 dogs with systemic or cutaneous protothecosis. Prototheca identifications were phylogenetically consistent with the new taxonomy proposed for this genus based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. As a pilot study, we screened feces and rectal scrapes from 200 asymptomatic dogs, using 2 cohorts of stray and owned animals, to determine the prevalence of intestinal carriage of Prototheca spp. The Prototheca-negative results from both cohorts of healthy dogs suggest that predisposing factors related to the host probably contribute more to the acquisition of clinical disease than exposure to contaminated environments.     

二十八个冷季型草坪草品种的耐盐性比较

在干旱区的硫酸盐型土壤上,采用田间小区试验法,对28个冷季型草坪草品种的耐盐性进行比较,草坪型黑麦草品种间的耐盐性差异不显著,耐盐性最强,草坪型高羊茅品种次之,紫羊茅品种普通的耐盐性较？“派尼”强,草地早熟禾品种“公园”,“橄榄球2号”,“亨特”相对较耐盐,参试种幼苗的耐盐性次序为草坪型高羊茅,细弱剪股颖＜草坪型黑麦草＜匍匐紫羊茅＜草地早熟禾＜硬羊茅,以出苗率,保苗率和空隙率为指标,综合评价28个草坪草品种的耐盐性,佳丽2号,三A,高帽,凌志,贝克,未来2000E,爱神特,博士的耐盐性最强;美洲虎3号,矮星2号,小野马,飞思达2号,猎狗5号,交战2号次之,橄榄球2号,公 羊1号,亨特,美洲王,普通,高地,派尼,公园再次,康尼,优异,斯巴达,纳苏,抢手股,齿塔基最差。     

我国主要地方绵羊品种mtDNA细胞色素b基因PCR-RFLP研究

应用PCR-RFLP方法，对我国9个地方绵羊品种和3个引人品种共计120个个体的线粒体DNA(mtDNA)细胞色素b(cyt b)基因进行了分析。结果表明，12种限制性内切酶在所研究的个体中共检测到22个酶切位点，15种限制性态型，其中StuⅠ、EcoRⅠ和MboⅡ表现出多态，15种限制性态型归结为4种基因单倍型，即单倍型Ⅰ、单倍型Ⅱ、单倍型Ⅲ和单倍型Ⅳ。单倍型Ⅰ为受试绵羊品种的基本单倍型。线粒体DNA细胞色素b基因遗传多态度为0．0142％，说明我国地方绵羊品种线粒体DNA多态度贫乏。     

Comparison of performance of F1 Romanov crossbred ewes with wool and hair breeds during fall lambing and body weight and longevity through six production years

The objective of this study was to evaluate wool (Dorset and Rambouillet) and hair (Dorper, Katahdin, and White Dorper) breeds for their ability to complement Romanov germplasm in an annual fall lambing system by estimating direct maternal grandsire and sire breed effects on economically important lamb and ewe traits. After 3 yr of evaluation under spring lambing, ewes of the five F1 types were transitioned to spring mating, exposed to composite terminal sires, and evaluated under a barn lambing system at 4, 5, and 6 yr of age. A total of 527 first generation crossbred (F1) ewes produced 1,151 litters and 2,248 lambs from 1,378 May exposures. After accounting for differences in dam age, birth type, and sex, lamb survival to weaning was unaffected by maternal grandsire breed (P = 0.30). However, lambs born to 50% Dorset (16.8 ± 0.21 kg) or 50% White Dorper ewes (16.8 ± 0.28 kg) were heavier at weaning than those born to 50% Katahdin dams (13.8 ± 0.32 kg; P < 0.001). Additionally, lambs born to 50% Dorset ewes were heavier than those born to 50% Rambouillet (16.0 ± 0.22 kg) and 50% Dorper ewes (15.7 ± 0.33; P ≤ 0.03), but no other pairwise maternal grandsire breed differences were observed (P ≥ 0.06). Ewe body weight (n = 3,629) was recorded prior to each of six possible mating seasons and, across ages, was greatest for Dorset- and Rambouillet-sired ewes (56.7 ± 0.44 and 56.5 ± 0.45 kg, respectively), intermediate for Dorper- and White Dorper-sired ewes (54.7 ± 0.78 and 54.1 ± 0.64 kg, respectively), and least for Katahdin-sired ewes (51.5 ± 0.45 kg). Fertility after spring mating (0.80 ± 0.03 to 0.87 ± 0.02), litter size at birth (1.46 ± 0.09 to 1.71 ± 0.07), and litter size at weaning (1.25 ± 0.06 to 1.46 ± 0.06) were not impacted by sire breed (P ≥ 0.16). Ewe longevity, assessed as the probability of being present after 6 production years, was also not affected by sire breed (0.39 ± 0.03 to 0.47 ± 0.03; P = 0.44). Rambouillet-sired ewes weaned more total weight of lamb (21.5 ± 0.94 kg) than Katahdin-sired ewes (17.8 ± 0.94 kg; P = 0.05), but no other sire breed differences were detected (P ≥ 0.07). Results demonstrated that incorporating the Romanov into a crossbreeding system is a practical means of improving out-of-season ewe productivity.     

浙江省本地及引进鹅种遗传多样性研究

本研究利用PCR和DNA克隆测序技术扩增并分析了浙江省5个地方鹅种和1个引进家鹅品种96个个体的线粒体DNA D环区(D-loop)全序列。结果表明:浙江省境内的家鹅线粒体DNA D-loop全序长为1 166～1 179 bp,共发现89个变异位点,定义了36种单倍型,群体总核苷酸多样度达到了0.007 25,单倍型多样度为0.862,说明鹅群的遗传资源较为丰富,其中磐石灰鹅的遗传多样性最丰富,朗德鹅的遗传多样性最匮乏,而且没有发现朗德鹅与其他本地鹅种之间的显著差异。同时,个体聚类图中同品种内的个体没有聚在一起,说明浙江省鹅品种的母系来源比较混杂,品种选育偏重于父系,应同时结合基因组水平对其遗传结构进行分析。     

Kazakhstani native cattle reveal highly divergent mtDNA from Bos taurus and Bos indicus lineages with an absence of Bos indicus Y chromosome

Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country and contains two important propagation routes for livestock from the Fertile Crescent to Asia. Therefore, genetic information about Kazakhstani cattle can be important for understanding the propagation history and the genetic admixture in Central Asian cattle. In the present study, we analyzed the complete mtDNA D‐loop sequence and SRY gene polymorphism in 122 Kazakhstani native cattle. The D‐loop sequences revealed 79 mitochondrial haplotypes, with the major haplogroups T and I. The Bos taurus subhaplogroups consisted of T (3.3%), T1 (2.5%), T2 (2.5%), and T4 (0.8%) in addition to the predominant subhaplogroup T3 (86.9%), and the Bos indicus subhaplogroup of I1 (4.1%). Subsequently, we investigated the paternal lineages of Bos taurus and Bos indicus, however, all Kazakhstani cattle were shown to have Y chromosome of Bos taurus origin. While highly divergent mtDNA subhaplogroups in Kazakhstani cattle could be due to the geographical proximity of Kazakhstan with the domestication center of the Fertile Crescent, the absence of Bos indicus Y chromosomes could be explained by a decoupling of the introgression dynamics of maternal and paternal lineages. This genetic information would contribute to understanding the genetic diversity and propagation history of cattle in Central Asia.     

Lymphangiosarcoma with bone formation of the auricle in a dog

A 12-year-old mixed-breed neutered female dog was referred with cutaneous tumors at the left auricle. Histologically, the cutaneous tumor located in the dermis comprised numerous clefts and cavernous channels lined by neoplastic endothelial cells with no erythrocytes. Bone tissue without direct contact with neoplastic cells was seen in the well-developed stromal connective tissue. The neoplastic endothelial cells exhibited mild to moderate atypia. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin and factor VIII-related antigen. Basement membrane around the neoplastic lumens was positive for laminin in a linear or granular pattern. Ultrastructural examination revealed discontinuous basement membrane beneath the tumor cells. Histopathological features of this case were consistent with lymphangiosarcoma, and stromal ossification was characteristic.     

Outcome of 19 dogs with parathyroid carcinoma after surgical excision

Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare in dogs and there is little information documenting its treatment and prognosis. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of dogs with PTC treated with surgical excision. Medical records of 19 dogs undergoing surgical excision of PTC between 1990 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Dogs were presented for clinical hypercalcaemia or incidental hypercalcaemia noted by referring veterinarians on routine serum chemistry profiles. A parathyroid nodule was identified with cervical ultrasound in 17/17 dogs. Hypercalcaemia resolved in 18/19 dogs within 4 days postoperatively. Nine developed hypocalcaemia. None were confirmed to develop recurrent or metastatic PTC. The only death associated with PTC was a dog that was euthanized for intractable hypocalcaemia 9 days after surgery. Estimated 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 72, 37 and 30%, respectively. Excision of PTC results in resolution of hypercalcaemia and excellent tumour control.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the femoral head of normal dogs and dogs with avascular necrosis.

The purpose of this study was to describe the appearance of the femoral head of normal, young, small breed dogs, and dogs with avascular necrosis using low-field (0.3 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Images of the femoral heads were obtained in the dorsal plane, and included T1-weighted spin-echo, T2-weighted fast spin-echo, fast spin echo-inversion recovery, and fluid attenuated inversion recovery pulse sequences. MR imaging features of the asymptomatic femoral heads and necks included uniform high signal intensity compared with muscle on T1- and T2-weighted images. There was either uniform enhancement or no enhancement on postcontrast T1-weighted images. The MR imaging findings of dogs affected with avascular necrosis differed from those of asymptomatic dogs. Typically, the affected dogs had inhomogeneous intermediate to low-signal intensity within the femoral head and neck compared with muscle on T1-weighted images, inhomogeneous enhancement of the femoral head and/or neck on postcontrast T1-weighted images, and inhomogeneous low- to high- signal intensity within the femoral head and neck on T2-weighted images.     

Intravenous administration of 9-aminocamptothecin to dogs with lymphoma

A colloidal dispersion formulation of 9‐aminocamptothecin (9‐AC) was administered intravenously to 10 dogs with previously untreated, spontaneously occurring, multicentric lymphoma. The dogs received a 72‐h infusion of 9‐AC at a rate of 46.5–51.25 µg m^?2 h^?1 (total dose range 3.35–3.69 mg m^?2). This dose range was associated with myelosuppression, consisting principally of neutropenia with a nadir at 7 days following the start of infusion. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common toxicoses and are most likely to be dose‐limiting toxicities; low‐grade gastrointestinal signs were rarely seen. Concentrations of 9‐AC lactone, as well as clinical toxicities, compare favourably with those found in humans. Tumour responses were seen in all treated dogs. Response to other chemotherapy, following cessation of 9‐AC treatment, was not obviously compromised even in dogs clinically resistant to 9‐AC. 9‐AC is a novel treatment drug for canine lymphoma, which appears to show great promise.     

Farmer’s views and values to focus on cattle conservation policies: the case of eight European countries

Our aim was to identify elements useful in designing policies and programmes for conservation of farm animal genetic resources, taking as case study a group of European local cattle breeds. We first investigated the implications of differences among countries in the policies and programmes to be developed. Secondly, we analysed key elements common to countries, which may affect local breed viability. We used the herd size trend expected by the farmer in the near future as an indicator of breed viability. Fifteen breeds, for a total of 355 farms, were surveyed. To take into account the multiple factors influencing breeds’ demographic trends, the questionnaire included economical, technical and social aspects. Among the major differences across countries was the perception of the farmer on the value attributed to the local breed by society. Concerning the elements common to countries and their association to breed viability, the greater the collaboration among farmers and the stakeholders’ appreciation as perceived by the farmer, the greater the viability of the farm. An opposite trend was observed for the age of the farmer. Older farmers generally planned to soon cease farming or decrease herd size, whereas young farmers planned to increase the size of their herds. Implications of including these elements in conservation polices are discussed.     

Comparison of performance of F1 Romanov crossbred ewes with wool and hair breeds during spring lambing under intensive and extensive production systems

The objective was to evaluate wool (Dorset and Rambouillet) and hair (Dorper, Katahdin, and White Dorper) breeds for their ability to complement Romanov germplasm in two distinct production systems by estimating direct sire and grandsire effects on lamb growth, survival, and ewe productivity traits. Rams of the five breeds (n = 75) were mated to Romanov ewes (n = 459) over a 3-yr period to produce five types of crossbred lambs (n = 2,739). Sire breed (P > 0.06) did not impact body weight or survival traits of the first-generation crossbred (F1) lambs. The productivity of retained crossbred ewes (n = 830) mated to Suffolk and Texel terminal sires was evaluated at 1, 2, and 3 yr of age in each production system. In the intensive production system, labor and harvested feed were provided for sheep that lambed in March in barns, and ewes were limited to rearing two lambs with additional lambs reared artificially. Ewes in the extensive production system lambed in May on pasture and were responsible for rearing all lambs born with no labor or supplemental feed provided before weaning. A total of 1,962 litters and 4,171 lambs from 2,229 exposures to two terminal sire breeds (Suffolk and Texel) were produced in the experiment. Crossbred ewes in the intensive production system were mated in October, resulting in larger litter sizes than crossbred ewes mated in December for the extensive production system. However, single- and twin-born lamb mortality was similar between the two systems that differed greatly in labor, feed, and facilities. Lambs produced in the intensive system received concentrate feed from an early age and were heavier at 24 wk of age than lambs produced in the extensive system. These outcomes resulted in greater 24-wk litter weight in the intensive than in the extensive system (P < 0.0001). Unexpectedly, the relative performance of crossbred types did not differ importantly between production systems. White Dorper × Romanov crossbred ewes had numerical advantages in productivity in each system; however, differences between ewe types were not significant. In the extensive system, without labor and shelter at lambing or supplemental feed until weaning, 3-yr-old crossbred ewes of all types averaged 1.78 lambs marketed per ewe lambing, and 40% of the ewes that gave birth to triplets weaned their entire litters. These results document that prolific sheep and extensive systems can be successfully combined if appropriate crossbred types are used.     

Effect of alfaxalone infusion on the electroencephalogram of dogs anaesthetized with halothane

ObjectiveTo describe the effects of alfaxalone on the canine electroencephalogram (EEG).Study designExperimental study.AnimalsEight healthy adult Huntaway dogs.MethodsAnaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with halothane (0.85-0.95 end-tidal volume %) in oxygen. Animals were ventilated to maintain stable end-tidal CO₂ and halothane concentrations. Following a 30 minute stabilisation period, alfaxalone (0.5 mg kg^?1) was infused intravenously over a 5 minute period. The electroencephalogram was recorded from the beginning of the stabilisation period until 60 minutes following the start of alfaxalone treatment. Data were subjected to fast Fourier transformation, and median frequency, 95% spectral edge frequency and total EEG power were calculated. Two-factorial repeated measures anova (time and EEG channels were factors) was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).ResultsA shift in the dominant frequency band from beta to delta after alfaxalone treatment and occasional burst suppression were observed. Median frequency decreased significantly below baseline (9.2 ± 1.4 Hz) (mean ± SD) during alfaxalone infusion. The lowest value (4.8 ± 1.2 Hz) was recorded 5 minutes after the start of infusion. Spectral edge frequency also decreased below baseline (26.2 ± 1.5 Hz) and the lowest value (22.6 ± 1.5 Hz) also was detected at 5 minutes after the start of infusion. Total EEG power did not change significantly. In some frequencies EEG power increased soon after the start of alfaxalone infusion, then decreased below baseline later (biphasic pattern).Conclusions and clinical relevanceAlfaxalone induced biphasic changes on EEG and decreased F₅₀ and F₉₅ in halothane anaesthetized dogs.     

Serial haemostatic monitoring of dogs with multicentric lymphoma

Lymphoma is the most common haematopoietic malignancy in dogs and it has been associated with hypercoagulability and subsequent thromboembolism. The objectives of this study were to serially characterize the haemostatic status of dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Thromboelastography, thrombin–antithrombin complex concentration and routine haematology and coagulation panels were measured. Twenty‐seven dogs were included in the study and 15 completed the study in remission. At presentation, 81% (22/27) of dogs with multicentric lymphoma had altered haemostatic profiles consistent with hypercoagulability. Laboratory evidence of hypercoagulability did not resolve during treatment or for up to 1 month following attainment of clinical remission. Accelerated rate of clot formation at the time of chemotherapeutic protocol completion was associated with decreased survival time. We concluded that dogs with multicentric lymphoma were frequently hypercoagulable from presentation through 4 weeks after the completion of chemotherapy. Increased angle and shortened K in dogs that have successfully completed their chemotherapeutic protocol may be associated with shorter survival times.