Association of DGAT2 gene polymorphisms with carcass and meat quality traits in domestic pigeons (Columba livia)

1. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) plays an important role in the synthesis of triacylglycerol, but its effects on meat quality and carcass composition in pigeons are unclear. In this study, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exons of the DGAT2 gene were identified and analysed by using DNA sequencing methods in 200 domestic pigeons (Columba livia). The associations between DGAT2 polymorphisms and carcass and meat quality traits were also analysed.

2. Sequencing results showed that 5 nucleotide mutations were detected in exons 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the DGAT2 gene. The analysis revealed three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) in G18398T and G22484C, in which the AA genotype and A allele had the highest frequency.

3. In the SNP of G18398T located in exon 5, individuals with genotype BB had significantly higher meat quality and lower abdominal fat content than those with AA or AB genotype. In the SNP of G22484C located in exon 6, the genotype AA showed highest carcass trait values, while the genotype BB represented better meat quality, compared to AA and AB genotypes.

4. The results imply that DGAT2 gene has a close relationship with carcass and meat quality traits in pigeons, and the SNPs of G18398T and G22484C can be used as genetic markers for marker-assisted breeding in pigeon.     

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.     

Association of SNPs in exon 2 of the MHC B-F gene with immune traits in two distinct chicken populations: Chinese Beijing-You and White Leghorn

Abstract

Antibody titers raised for vaccinations against avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) were higher in Chinese Beijing-You (BJY) than in White Leghorn (WL) (P<0.001), but there was no breed difference in titers for sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Genotyping by PCR-SSCP identified seven haplotypes in WL and 17 in BJY. After sequencing PCR products (35 and 85, respectively), 43 (WL) and 47 (BJY) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the 264 bp of exon 2. In WL chickens, significant associations were found with antibody responses to AI (two SNPs), ND (six SNPs), and SRBC (one SNP), while in BJY there was association with responses to ND (two SNPs) and SRBC (two SNPs), but none with AI. These results indicate that the genomic region bearing exon 2 of the major histocompatibility complex B-F gene has significant effects on antibody responses to SRBC and vaccination against AI and ND. Different SNPs affected antibody titers for each of the antigens and they differed between these very distinct breeds.     

Use of bioinformatic SNP predictions in differentially expressed genes to find SNPs associated with Salmonella colonization in swine

Asymptomatic Salmonella-carrier pigs present a major problem in preharvest food safety, with a recent survey indicating >50% of swine herds in the United States have Salmonella-positive animals. Salmonella-carrier pigs serve as a reservoir for contamination of neighbouring pigs, abattoir pens and pork products. In addition, fresh produce as well as water can be contaminated with Salmonella from manure used as fertilizer. Control of Salmonella at the farm level could be through genetic improvement of porcine disease resistance, a potentially powerful method of addressing preharvest pork safety. In this research, we integrate gene expression profiling data and sequence alignment-based prediction of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to successfully identify SNPs in functional candidate genes to test for the associations with swine response to Salmonella. A list of 2527 genes that were differentially regulated in porcine whole blood in response to infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were selected. In those genes, SNPs were predicted using ANEXdb alignments based on stringent clustering of all publically available porcine cDNA and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences. A set of 30 mostly non-synonymous SNPs were selected for genotype analysis of four independent populations (n = 750) with Salmonella faecal shedding or tissue colonization phenotypes. Nine SNPs segregated with minor allele frequency ≥15% in at least two populations. Statistical analysis revealed SNPs associated with Salmonella shedding, such as haptoglobin (HP, p = 0.001, q = 0.01), neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (NCF2 #2, p = 0.04, q = 0.21) and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (p = 0.066, q = 0.21). These associations may be useful in identifying and selecting pigs with improved resistance to this bacterium.     

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the 5' upstream region of the porcine myosin heavy chain 4 gene with meat quality traits in pigs

We identified a potential molecular marker associated with meat quality traits in the myosin heavy chain 4, MYH4 gene of Landrace pigs. Sequencing revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; g.‐1398G>T) in the 5' upstream region of MYH4. It was significantly associated with the number of type IIa muscle fibers and water‐holding capacity based on filter‐paper fluid uptake. The GG genotype groups had a greater number of type IIa fibers and a larger area composed of type IIa fibers than the other genotype group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.061, respectively). Expression level of MYH4 gene in the genotype TT or GT was higher than in genotype of GG (P < 0.0001). The T allele may enhance expression level of MYH4 gene and then the portion of IIb type fiber in the muscle be increased by the T allelle. Therefore, we suggest that the g.‐1398G>T in the 5' upstream region of the porcine MYH4 may be used as a molecular marker for meat quality traits, although its functional effect is not defined yet.     

Rapid Detection of SNPs in Buffalo MC4R Gene by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

The study used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for rapid determination of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in buffalo MC4R gene,which provided a foundation for constructing the marker-assisted selection(MAS)strategy.The cDNA sequence of buffalo MC4R gene was screened rapidly based on PCR amplification and sequencing method,and in which 13 SNPs were found.To further identify the reliability of screening system,8 SNPs were genotyped in 380 buffaloes using the MALDI-TOF-MS technology.The results revealed that 8 SNPs had an average of 98.0% in call rate,and in which three genotypes could be accurately distinguished.The average minor allele frequency (MAF),average heterozygosity and polymorphism information content (PIC) value of the 8 markers was 0.24,0.28 and 0.23,respectively.Our findings indicated that the rapid determination method of MALDI-TOF-MS with PCR and sequencing with highly accurate properties was a useful tool for identifying the SNPs of buffalo MC4R gene that laid the foundations for studying SNP genotype in buffalo genes associated production traits.     

飞行时间质谱法检测水牛黑素皮质素受体4基因多态性

应用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱技术(MALDI-TOF-MS)检测水牛黑素皮质素受体4(MC4R)基因的多态性(SNPs),为今后建立水牛辅助标记选择策略奠定基础。以水牛MC4R基因序列为模板,利用PCR扩增测序法筛查了水牛MC4R基因13个SNPs。为进一步验证筛选的可靠性,应用MALDI-TOF-MS针对380头水牛检测了8个标记的基因型。结果显示,平均检出率为98.0%,能够准确的检测出3种常见的基因型。所检SNP位点的平均最小等位基因频率(MAF)为0.24,平均杂合度为0.28,平均多态信息含量(PIC)为0.23。本研究建立的基于PCR测序法联合MALDI-TOF-MS检测水牛MC4R基因多态性的方法,具有快速、可靠和准确的特点,为今后开展水牛生产性状基因的SNP分型和检测等研究奠定了基础。     

A note on cloning and analysis of the osteopontin gene with egg quality traits in two Chinese domestic ducks

ABSTRACT

1. Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly phosphorylated acidic glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in eggshell formation. In this study, an 893-bp cDNA sequence of the OPN gene, which encodes 180 amino acids, was obtained.

2. Polymorphisms of the OPN gene were analysed with DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism methods in two Chinese domestic laying ducks (Jingding n = 100, Youxian n = 478, respectively).

3. One polymorphism was identified in exon 7 (NM_ 004676534.1:c.267T>C) of the OPN gene, with three genotypes: TT (both T allels weren’t mutated (wild type)), TC (one T allel was mutated to C (heterozygote genotype)) and CC. (both T allels were mutated to C (homozygote 20 genotype)) Association analysis with egg quality traits in the two Chinese domestic laying ducks showed that the ducks with the CC genotype had significantly greater eggshell strength and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05). Hence, the exon 7 267T>C polymorphism of the OPN gene is a potentially valuable genetic marker for laying duck breeding programmes.     

Effect of active immunization against GnRH on testosterone concentration,libido and sperm quality in mature AI boars

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of the Improvac on testosterone concentration in blood serum, sexual behavior and sperm quality in matured AI boars. A total of nine Danish Landrace AI boars were included in the analysis.

Methods

The trial period lasted for 15 weeks and was divided into four periods: Control period: three weeks before vaccination; Period I – four weeks after first vaccination; Period II – four weeks after second vaccination, Period III – four weeks after third vaccination. Blood and sperm samples were collected at weekly intervals. Freshly collected sperm samples were analyzed.

Results

Testosterone concentration correlated with libido (r = 0.531; p < 0.001), volume of ejaculate (r = 0.324; p < 0.001) and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (r = 0.207; p < 0.05). Testosterone concentration rised significantly (p < 0.05) in 5–6 week of trial, e. i. after the first dose of Improvac and after this peak the level of testosterone further progressively decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results from this study indicate that active immunization of sexually matured boars against GnRH has negative impact on testosterone concentration, sexual behavior, volume of ejaculate and total number of normal spermatozoa in ejaculate.     

Immuno-histological mapping and functional association of seminal proteins in testis and excurrent ducts with sperm function in buffalo

The region-specific expression of seminal proteins in testis and excurrent duct system determines the quality and function of the spermatozoa. In the present study, localization and expression of some of the seminal proteins such as insulin-like growth factor receptor 1β (IGF-1Rβ), phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4 (PEBP4), α-tubulin and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) were carried out in testis, excurrent duct system and spermatozoa of buffalo. IGF-1Rβ was localized in the cells of the seminiferous tubules of the testis, except in primary spermatocytes. The PEBP4 was localized only in the elongated spermatid, whereas α-tubulin and TFPI2 proteins were localized in all cells of the seminiferous tubule including spermatocyte. In the buffalo spermatozoa, IGF-1Rβ, PEBP4, α-tubulin and TFPI2 were localized in the acrosome region, the post-acrosomal region till the tail end, post-acrosome to the entire tail region and the equatorial region, respectively. The study indicates that IGF-1R, α-tubulin and PEBP4 proteins regulate spermatogenesis, whereas TFPI2 may be involved during the zona binding process of the buffalo spermatozoa.     

日粮中添加果寡糖对水牛瘤胃液体外发酵功能的影响

本试验采用人工瘤胃体外产气法研究体外条件下日粮中添加果寡糖(FOS)制剂对水牛瘤胃发酵功能的影响。结果显示:与对照组比较,0.4%、0.8%、1.2%、1.6%和2.0%FOS组日粮可消化有机物分别提高0.84%、2.05%、2.06%、2.11%和1.34%,且差异均显著(P<0.05);代谢能分别提高1.45%、3.63%、3.63%、3.63%和2.32%,且差异均显著(P<0.05);培养液中微生物蛋白分别提高42.65%(P<0.05)、37.75%(P<0.05)、53.92%(P<0.05)、52.94%(P<0.05)和13.24%(P>0.05);挥发性脂肪酸分别提高20.9%、14.82%、18.97%、16.4%和14.58%,且差异均显著(P<0.05)。日粮添加FOS可以显著降低培养液中氨态氮含量(P<0.05),但对pH值无显著性影响(P>0.05)。综上所述,日粮中添加FOS可改善瘤胃发酵功能,且以1.6%的添加量效果最优。     

Association study of molecular polymorphisms in candidate genes related to stress responses with production and meat quality traits in pigs

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exerts a large range of effects on metabolism, the immune system, inflammatory processes, and brain functions. Together with the sympathetic nervous system, it is also the most important stress-responsive neuroendocrine system. Both systems influence production traits, carcass composition, and meat quality. The HPA axis may be a critical target for genetic selection of more robust animals. Indeed, numerous studies in various species have demonstrated the importance of genetic factors in shaping the individual HPA axis phenotype, and genetic polymorphism can be found at each level of the axis, including hormone production by the adrenal cortices under stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), hormone bioavailability, or receptor and postreceptor mechanisms. The aim of the present experiment was to extend these findings to the brain neurochemical systems involved in stress responses. To this end, a number of candidate genes were sequenced for molecular polymorphisms and their association was studied with stress neuroendocrine and production traits in a genetically diverse population consisting of 100 female pigs from an advanced intercross (F10-F12) between 2 highly divergent breeds, Large White (LW) and Meishan (MS). The LW breed has a high production potential for lean meat and a low HPA axis activity, and the MS breed has low growth rate, fat carcasses—but large litters of highly viable piglets—and a high HPA axis activity. Candidate genes were chosen in the catecholaminergic and serotonergic pathways, in the pituitary control of cortisol production, among genes previously demonstrated to be differentially expressed in ACTH-stimulated adrenal glands from LW and MS pigs, and in cortisol receptors. Sixty new polymorphisms were found. The association study with carcass and meat quality traits and with endocrine traits showed a number of significant results, such as monoamine oxidase (MAOA) polymorphisms with growth rate (P = 0.01); lean content and intramuscular fat (P < 0.01), which are the most important traits for carcass value; dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) with carcass composition (P < 0.05); and vasopressin receptor 1B (AVPR1B) with meat quality traits (P ≤ 0.05). The effect of these polymorphisms on neuroendocrine parameters (eg DRD3 and HPA axis or AVPR1B and catecholamines) indicates information regarding their biological mechanism of action.     

Estimation of economic weights for number of teats and sperm quality traits in pigs

Accurate predictive modelling facilitates efficient and effective trait selection in animal breeding and can decrease costs while maximizing profits when raising economically important animals. The objective of this study was to extend a previously developed bioeconomic model and computer program to calculate the marginal economic values (MEVs) and economic weights (EWs) for direct and maternal pig traits affected by new reproductive traits, namely the number of sow functional teats (NFTs) and boar sperm quality traits (SQTs) that included sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility percentage and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The MEV of NFTs represented the cost differences between naturally and artificially reared piglets until weaning and the cost differences between naturally and artificially reared finished animals. The MEVs of SQTs expressed the saved costs for artificial insemination, assuming a decreased price per insemination dose when improving the SQTs. The absolute and relative EWs for the newly defined complex of traits in the breeding objectives for pig breeds involved in the Czech national three-way crossing system (Czech Large White [CLW], Czech Landrace [CL] and Pietrain [PN]) were calculated using gene flow methods. The NFT trait was included only for dam breeds, and the relative EW averaged 3.6% of the total economic importance based on the genetic standard deviations of all 19 simultaneously evaluated traits in CLW and CL breeds. The relative EWs of the four SQTs comprised 2.0% of the total economic importance of the 19 traits in the CLW and CL dam breeds and 8% of the total economic importance of the 18 traits in the PN sire breed. Therefore, inclusion of the NFTs for dam breeds and SQTs for sire breeds in the breeding goal is recommended to aid in obtaining ideal outcomes with optimal economic values.     

奶水牛牛分枝杆菌的分离与鉴定

从患疑似结核病的广西奶水牛群中进行牛分枝杆菌的分离和鉴定。共收集了238份临床样品(鼻黏液及牛奶),病料经1.25 mol/mL NaOH溶液预处理后,接种罗氏培养基进行细菌分离。分离菌经进一步纯化后进行抗酸性染色并镜检,镜检后判为阳性的细菌再接种到鉴别培养基上进行鉴别培养,同时,应用PCR方法对镜检为阳性的细菌进行进一步的鉴别检验。结果收集的所有临床样品,经37℃培养后共获得细菌12株。这12株菌经抗酸性染色后镜检都为分枝杆菌阳性,进一步经鉴别培养基鉴定12株菌中有2株为牛分枝杆菌,其余均为非典型分枝杆菌。2株牛分枝杆菌经PCR方法鉴定得以确诊。     

Haplotype analysis of β-actin gene for its association with sperm quality and boar fertility

β‐actin (ACTB) was examined as a direct functional candidate gene for the possible association with sperm concentration, motility (MOT), semen volume per ejaculate, plasma droplet rate, abnormal sperm rate (ASR) and the fertility traits, non‐return rate and number of piglets born alive (NBA). Three polymorphisms in intron 3 (T>C) and one polymorphism in exon 4 (T>C) of porcine ACTB gene were identified by comparative sequencing of animals of the breeds Pietrain and Hampshire. Association analysis revealed that haplotypes affected the variation of the traits MOT, ASR and NBA. The beneficial haplotypes may provide considerable improvement of sperm quality and fertility in the tested commercial boar population.     

Genomic additive and dominance variance of milk performance traits

Milk performance traits are likely influenced by both additive and non‐additive (e.g. dominance) genetic effects. Genetic variation can be partitioned using genomic information. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic variance components of production and milk component traits (e.g. acetone, fatty acids), which are particularly important for milk processing or which can provide information on the health status of cows. A genomic relationship approach was applied to phenotypic and genetic information of 1295 Holstein cows for estimating additive genetic and dominance variance components. Most of the 17 investigated traits were mainly affected by additive genetic effects, but protein content and casein content also showed a significant contribution of dominance. The ratio of dominance to additive variance was estimated as 0.64 for protein content and 0.56 for casein content. This ratio was highest for SCS (1.36) although dominance was not significant. Dominance effects were negligible in other moderately heritable milk traits.     

日粮钙水平对泌乳水牛生产性能的影响

为了探讨日粮钙水平对泌乳水牛生产性能的影响,本试验选用12头胎次、泌乳时间、泌乳量相近的水牛,随机分成4组,每组3头水牛。采用4×4拉丁方试验方法,4组水牛基础日粮中钙含量分别占基础日粮干物质的0.47%、0.62%、0.78%、0.93%,其他营养成分均相同,其中磷占采食干物质比例为0.50%;共4期试验,每一试验期21 d,其中预饲期7 d,正饲期14 d。试验结果表明:1、不同钙水平日粮对泌乳水牛的产奶性能影响不显著(P>0.05),但0.78%钙水平日粮组水牛的产奶量分别比其他3组提高5.4%、5.5%、3.9%,不同钙水平对水牛奶营养成分影响不显著(P>0.05)。2、不同钙水平日粮对水牛血浆中钙含量影响差异显著(P<0.05);随着日粮钙水平的上升,水牛血液甲状旁腺素和1,25二羟基维生素D呈显著下降趋势(P<0.05)。综合各指标,日粮钙占采食干物质的比例为0.78%能进一步提高泌乳水牛产奶量。     

日粮阴阳离子水平对围产期奶水牛泌乳性能的影响

本试验研究了日粮阴阳离子(DCAD)水平对围产期的泌乳水牛采食量、尿液pH值、泌乳初期泌乳性能的影响。选择32头2胎以上、品种、上期泌乳量、健康体况相似的处于围产期的泌乳水牛,随机分成4个组,分别饲喂DCAD水平为+139.89、+54.22、-29.11和-110.21mmoL/kg的4种日粮进行试验,试验期为产前21 d开始至产后30 d。结果表明:随着日粮DCAD水平的降低,各组间试验水牛干物质采食量无显著差异,尿液pH值随之显著降低。各组产奶量无显著差异,但可提高水牛产后泌乳量2.50%～4.86%,极显著降低水牛乳体细胞数(P<0.01);乳蛋白率、乳脂率、乳糖率均有显著提高(P<0.05)。综上所述,泌乳水牛日粮适宜DCAD水平为-110.21 mmoL/kg左右。     

绵羊Lpin2基因多态性及其与尾型和屠宰性状的关联分析

试验旨在研究Lpin2基因遗传变异对绵羊尾型和屠宰性状的影响。以两品种脂尾型绵羊广灵大尾羊和小尾寒羊为研究对象,采用DNA直接测序法检测Lpin2基因5'非编码区部分序列的单核苷酸多态性（SNPs）,并分析其与尾型及屠宰性状的关联性。结果发现,Lpin2基因5'非编码区起始密码子上游约1 200 bp的DNA序列中存在3个SNPs,即NC_019480.2:g.－663 dup ATT（SNP1）、g.－388 T > C（SNP2）和g.－330 T > G（SNP3）,其中SNP1为三核苷酸ATT重复扩展短串联重复序列（STR）的拷贝数变异（CNV）,在广灵大尾羊中的突变频率显著高于小尾寒羊（P<0.05）,显著降低了广灵大尾羊的胴体重与屠宰率（P<0.05）,对小尾寒羊的屠宰性状无显著影响（P>0.05）。SNP2和SNP3构成单倍型块,形成的单倍型对各性状无显著影响（P>0.05）。试验结果可为绵羊肉质性状的标记辅助选择提供参考依据。     

Relationship between sperm quality traits and field-fertility of porcine semen

An investigation involving seven boars, active in artificial insemination, and 1,350 multiparous sows was conducted at a private farm and aimed at examining the relationship between sperm quality traits and boar fertility in terms of farrowing rate and litter size. This experiment was done for 6 months. The semen samples were evaluated for subjective sperm motility and concentration. Ejaculates with at least 1 × 10⁸ sperm/mL and 70% sperm progressive motility were extended with a commercial medium to 30 × 10⁶ sperm/mL and used for artificial insemination (AI). AI dose was 100 mL semen containing 3 × 10⁹ spermatozoa. Aliquots of diluted semen were assessed for live morphologically normal spermatozoa (LMNS, eosin-nigrosin stain exclusion assay) and sperm chromatin instability (SCI, acridine orange assay). Farrowing rates according to different boar sperm varied (p < 0.001) from 59.3 to 88.92%. The mean values of LMNS (47.2~76.5%) and SCI (0.16~4.67%) differed significantly among boars. LMNS (r = 0.79, p < 0.05) and SCI (r = -0.90, p < 0.02) accounted for 62.2 and 81.7% of the variability in farrowing rates, respectively. After the combination of sperm traits, the relationship between percentage of LMNS with stable chromatin structure and farrowing rate was significant (r = 0.86, p < 0.05). The number of live piglets per parturition was not significantly correlated with sperm quality attributes. In conclusion, boar fertility after AI with freshly diluted semen can be predicted based on the evaluation of sperm morphology and chromatin integrity.