HMGCR基因多态性与肉牛屠宰性状相关性分析

MHGCR是胆固醇生物合成过程中的限速酶,在内源胆固醇生物合成过程中起着重要的作用。研究以牛HMGCR基因为候选基因,采用PCR-SSCP和测序技术在利杂牛、利西杂牛、秦川牛、西杂牛和夏西杂牛五个群体共123个个体中检测遗传变异情况。结果表明,检测到AA和AB共2种基因型,没有发现BB基因型,测序分析发现一处SNP多态位点(GenBank:BC153262.1 11137TC)。不同基因型与屠宰性状的相关性分析显示,在利西杂群体中AA基因型个体与AB基因型个体相比,AA基因型个体的屠宰率和牛柳指标达到了极显著水平(P0.01),而AA基因型的上脑重显著高于AB基因型(P0.05),其余各项指标基因型间差异不显著(P0.05)。因此,HMGCR基因单核苷酸多态性对利西杂牛脂肪沉积有一定的影响,可作为影响屠宰性状的候选基因,指导肉牛的育种工作。     

中国西门塔尔牛GH基因SNPs与经济性状的关联分析

本试验采用PCR-RFLP和DNA测序等技术检测牛生长激素基因P3位点(growth hormone,GH-P3)在中国西门塔尔牛群体中的多态性,并利用最小二乘法拟合线性模型对该位点与牛经济性状进行关联分析。结果表明,BB基因型个体胴体重和净肉重极显著高于AA和AB基因型个体(P<0.01),屠宰率和净肉率显著高于AA和AB基因型(P<0.05),AA基因型背膘厚极显著低于AB、BB基因型(P<0.01)。本研究结果显示,GH-P3位点对中国西门塔尔牛个体胴体重、屠宰率、净肉重、净肉率及背膘厚等经济性状有显著或极显著的影响,为中国西门塔尔牛重要经济性状的分子标记辅助选择(MAS)及品系培育提供理论依据。     

中国西门塔尔牛GH基因SNPs与经济性状的关联分析

本试验采用PCR-RFLP和DNA测序等技术检测牛生长激素基因P3位点（growth hormone,GH-P3）在中国西门塔尔牛群体中的多态性,并利用最小二乘法拟合线性模型对该位点与牛经济性状进行关联分析。结果表明,BB基因型个体胴体重和净肉重极显著高于AA和AB基因型个体（P＜0.01）,屠宰率和净肉率显著高于AA和AB基因型（P＜0.05）,AA基因型背膘厚极显著低于AB、BB基因型（P＜0.01）。本研究结果显示,GH-P3位点对中国西门塔尔牛个体胴体重、屠宰率、净肉重、净肉率及背膘厚等经济性状有显著或极显著的影响,为中国西门塔尔牛重要经济性状的分子标记辅助选择（MAS）及品系培育提供理论依据。     

SIRT1和SIRT2基因多态性及合并基因型与秦川牛肉用性状的关联分析

旨在探讨SIRT1和SIRT2基因的多态性与秦川牛肉用性状的关系,寻找与秦川牛肉用性状相关的分子标记。本研究利用DNA测序和PCR-PFLP方法检测秦川牛SIRT1和SIRT2基因的多态位点并对其进行基因分型,同时分析了单个多态位点不同基因型及合并基因型与秦川牛肉用性状的关联性。结果发现,在SIRT1基因3′侧翼区检测到两个多态位点(G25764A和A25846G),同样在SIRT2基因3′侧翼区也检测到两个突变位点(C19501T和C19518T)。关联性分析表明,在本试验所选取的505头秦川牛样本中,G25764A位点上AA基因型个体的眼肌面积极显著高于AB基因型(P0.01);A25846G位点上AA基因型个体的眼肌面积与AB和BB两组基因型分别存在显著性差异(P0.05)和极显著性差异(P0.01);C19501T位点的不同基因型对眼肌面积和肌间脂肪影响显著(P0.05),优良基因型为AA;C19518T的BB基因型个体背膘厚显著高于AA基因型(P0.05)。通过合并基因型发现,AB-BB-AA-BB的各个肉用性状表现最优(P0.01或P0.05)。以上结果提示,SIRT1和SIRT2基因单核苷酸多态性及合并基因型对秦川牛肉用性状有一定的影响,可以作为进行秦川牛肉用性状分子标记辅助选择的候选基因。     

PLIN基因多态性与秦川牛胴体、肉质性状的相关性研究

旨在研究PLIN基因第3、4外显子多态性与秦川牛部分产肉性状的关系。以相同饲养条件下18~24月龄的405头秦川牛为研究对象,利用PCR-SSCP方法和测序技术,对PLIN基因第3、4外显子进行SNPs位点检测,并将发现的SNPs位点与部分产肉性状进行关联性分析。结果,在第3外显子的156 bp处发生T→C突变,第4外显子的14 bp处发生C→T突变。方差分析表明:AB基因型个体的宰前活体质量、胴体质量、背膘厚和眼肌面积显著高于AA和BB基因型个体(P0.05),而且相对于AA基因型个体达到差异极显著水平(P0.01);DE基因型个体的胴体长、胴体胸深和背膘厚显著高于DD和EE基因型个体(P0.05),DD基因型个体的肌肉嫩度极显著高于EE和DE基因型个体(P0.01)。研究显示,PLIN基因单核苷酸多态性对秦川牛脂肪沉积有一定的影响,可作为影响胴体和肉质的候选基因,指导肉牛的育种工作。     

秦川牛及其杂种牛UCP3基因SNPs检测及其与胴体、肉质性状的相关性

采用PCR-SSCP技术对秦川牛(QQ)及其杂种牛西秦(XQ)、安秦(AQ)、德秦(DQ)4个群体共计229头个体UCP3基因进行SNPs多态性检测,发现了AA、AB、AC、AD 4种基因型.测序结果表明,AA基因型为纯合型;AB摹因型在第820位发生C→T突变;AC基因型在第775位发生G→A突变;AD基因型在951位发生G→T突变.方差分析结果表明,4个群体中AA基因型个体在宰前活体质量、胴体质量、胴体长、眼肌面积、系水力、大理石花纹中显著高于AB、AC、AD基因型个体(P<0.05);AB基因型个体的背膘厚显著高于AA、AC、AD基因型个体(P<0.05).初步推断,AA基因型为优势基因型,A为优势等位基因,对选择有正向效应.     

草原红牛胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白6基因外显子2的遗传多态性及遗传效应分析

本试验旨在研究草原红牛不同基因型与屠宰肉用性状的关联性。选用草原红牛作为试验群体,采用PCR-SSCP方法检测胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白6(insulin-like growth factors binding proteins 6,IGFBP6)基因外显子2的多态性,采用最小二乘法拟合线性模型将突变位点的不同基因型与牛屠宰肉用性状进行关联分析。结果表明,在IGFBP6基因外显子2上发现1个多态性位点A180G,具有3种基因型:AA、AB和BB。SPSS 13.0统计分析结果表明,IGFBP6基因外显子2 AB和BB基因型净肉重极显著高于AA基因型(P<0.01);眼肌面积和骨重显著高于AA基因型(P<0.05),而在宰前活重、胴体重、肾脂重和肋脂重方面3种基因型个体之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。结果显示,IGFBP6基因的多态性与屠宰肉用性状具有一定的关联性,可为今后草原红牛的育种保种工作提供理论依据,并对草原红牛肉用性状的改善提供参考。     

不同绵羊品种GHSR基因多态性与生长性状的关联分析

以GHSR基因为候选基因,随机选取滩羊、小尾寒羊和兰州大尾羊3个品种共计1 249个个体为试验材料,利用DNA池测序结合琼脂糖凝胶电泳方法,检测突变多态性,分析其与体重、生长性状的相关性。试验结果表明,在GHSR基因的第一内含子上存在24 bp的插入/缺失突变,3个绵羊品种中均存在AA、AB、BB 3种基因型。该位点的多态性与3种绵羊8个生长性状指标关联分析显示,兰州大尾羊BB基因型的个体体重显著高于其他基因型;AB基因型的个体体高、十字部高显著高于其他基因型;小尾寒羊AB基因型的个体胸宽显著高于其他基因型;AA基因型的个体体高、十字部高显著高于BB基因型;滩羊AB基因型的个体体斜长、体重显著高于AA基因型,BB基因型的个体体高显著低于其他基因型。研究表明:GHSR基因可以作为3种绵羊生长性状的候选基因,为绵羊育种选育提供新思路。     

A-FABP基因5′侧翼区多态性及其与秦川牛肉用性状的关联分析

本研究通过对牛脂肪型脂肪酸结合蛋白(A-FABP)基因5′侧翼区的1441bp序列进行SNPs检测,结果在转录起始位点上游-389bp处发现T→C突变,进而利用PCR-SSCP的方法在秦川牛、南阳牛、鲁西牛、夏南牛和郏县红牛共5个牛群体中进行个体基因型分析,结果发现3种基因型,分别命名为AA、AB和BB。χ2检验表明,除秦川牛外其它各品种在该基因座均处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态(P0.05)。基因型与秦川牛肉用性状的关联分析发现,AB基因型个体的宰前活体质量、胴体质量、含水率均显著低于AA和BB基因型个体(P0.05),AA和BB基因型个体之间差异不显著;BB基因型个体大理石花纹等级极显著优于AB基因型个体(P0.01),显著优于AA基因型个体(P0.05)。推测这一位点可能是影响牛肉大理石花纹及含水率的主效QTL或与之紧密连锁,可尝试做为肉牛肉质性状的候选分子标记。     

早胜牛A-FABP基因SNPs与胴体品质和肉质性状的关系

为研究早胜牛(Bos taurus)A-FABP基因多态性与胴体品质和肉质性状的相关性,采用PCR-SSCP方法对5个早胜牛群体(庆阳群体、平凉群体、南德温与庆阳杂种群体、西门塔尔与平凉杂种群体、秦川与平凉杂种群体)A-FABP基因型进行了测定,并分析其多态性与胴体品质和肉质性状的相关性。结果表明,A-FABP基因第2外显子区c.280AG,并检测到3种基因型AA、AG和GG。对屠宰后胴体和肉质性状相关分析表明,基因型AG屠宰率极显著高于AA(P0.01),而净肉率GG极显著高于AA(P0.01);基因型AG剪切力显著低于AA(P0.05)。由此认为A-FABP基因突变位点可作为早胜牛胴体性状和肉质性状遗传标记。     

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 -