Prion protein genetic polymorphisms and breeding strategies in Portuguese breeds of sheep

Polymorphisms at the prion protein locus were studied in 965 animals, representative of 13 native and 3 exotic sheep breeds in Portugal. In general, ARQ was the predominant allele in most breeds, but the desirable ARR allele was present in all breeds studied. A different pattern was found in Ile de France, where ARR was predominant and VRQ had the highest frequency among the breeds analysed. In most of the breeds, especially in those of the coarse-wool type, the major hurdle in selecting for genetic resistance to clinical scrapie was the elimination of ARQ rather than VRQ alleles. Breeding schemes aiming at the creation of ARR-homozygous selection nuclei were simulated for representative breeds, and results indicate that, with intense selection, it would take between 4 years in Ile de France and 11 years in Mondegueira to obtain homozygosity in the nucleus, and the length of time needed for fixation was not affected by the type of mating (random or assortative) used. Nevertheless, intense selection for the PrP genotype alone would have undesirable consequences in terms of inbreeding, and correlated responses in production and adaptation traits should be evaluated before such a scheme is adopted.     

Microsatellite-based diversity analysis and genetic relationships of three Indian sheep breeds

The genetic structure of three Indian sheep breeds from two different geographical locations (Nali, Chokla from north‐western arid and semi‐arid region; Garole from eastern saline marshy region) of India was investigated by means of 11 ovine‐specific microsatellite markers as proposed in FAOs MoDAD programme. Microsatellite analysis revealed high allelic and gene diversity in all the three breeds. Nali sheep showed higher mean number of alleles and gene diversity (6.27 and 0.65) than Chokla (5.63 and 0.64) and Garole (5.63 and 0.59). High within population inbreeding estimates observed in the three breeds (F_IS, Chokla = 0.286, Nali = 0.284, Garole = 0.227) reflected deficit of heterozygotes. The overall estimates for F‐statistics were significantly (p < 0.05) different from zero. High values of F_ST (0.183) across all the loci revealed substantial degree of breed differentiation. Based on pair wise F_ST and N_m between different breeds, Nali and Chokla (F_ST = 6.62% and N_m = 4.80) were observed to be the closest followed by Garole and Nali (F_ST = 20.9% and N_m = 1.80), and Garole and Chokla (F_ST = 21.4% and N_m = 1.71). In addition, genetic distance estimates, phylogeny analysis and individual assignment test used to evaluate interbreed genetic proximity and population structure also revealed substantial genetic differentiation between Garole and the other two Rajasthani (Nali and Chokla) sheep. This divergent status of Garole sheep indicated genetic uniqueness of this breed suggesting higher priority for its conservation.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of five Cuban cattle breeds using 30 microsatellite loci

Conservation and improvement strategies in farm animals should be based on a combination of genetic and phenotypic characteristics. Genotype data from 30 microsatellites were used to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among five Cuban cattle breeds (Siboney de Cuba, Criollo Cubano, Cebú Cubano, Mambí de Cuba and Taíno de Cuba). All microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic in all the breeds. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.67 ± 0.02 in the Taíno de Cuba breed to 0.75 ± 0.02 in the Mambí de Cuba breed, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.66 ± 0.03 in the Cebú Cubano breed to 0.73 ± 0.02 in the Siboney de Cuba breed. The genetic differentiation between the breeds was significant (p < 0.01) based on the infinitesimal model (F_ST). The exact test for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium within breeds showed a significant deviation in each breed (p < 0.0003) for one or more loci. The genetic distance and structure analysis showed that a significant amount of genetic variation is maintained in the local cattle population and that all breeds studied could be considered genetically distinct. The Siboney de Cuba and Mambí de Cuba breeds seem to be the most genetically related among the studied five breeds.     

The genetic diversity and structure of 18 sheep breeds exposed to isolation and selection

The phylogenetic layout of the genotyped (30 microsatellite) 18 sheep breeds in this study demands and provides the opportunity to evaluate both neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity in a naturally and artificially selected and subdivided sheep population. Seven Pramenka strains from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia characterized by a very low intensity of artificial selection, preserved the highest neutral genetic variability. Eight central and north‐western European breeds under considerable artificial isolation and selection preserved the lowest genetic variability. Only combinations of various phylogenetic parameters offer a reasonable explanation for underlying evolutionary forces working in the investigated island and mainland sheep breeds under variable natural and artificial selection. More than 60% of total genetic, diversity was allocated to virtually unselected Pramenka strains, and an additional 25% to native moderately selected Graue Gehoernte Heidschnucke and intensively selected Ostfriesische Milchschafe. Some economically very important breeds and strains did not contribute to a pool with maximal genetic diversity, while they play an important role in the cultural heritage of respective countries.     

Geographical isolation of native sheep breeds in the UK—Evidence of endemism as a risk factor to genetic resources

This study addresses the potential risk to the genetic resources of UK sheep breeds from endemism. Twelve native breeds are analysed that exist in significant numbers and continue to be commercially farmed livestock. The breeds were selected to represent regions of the British Isles: North of England hill breeds (Herdwick, Rough Fell, Lonk, Dalesbred), South of England breeds (Southdown, Romney, Devon Closewool, Exmoor Horn), Scottish breed (South Country Cheviot) and Welsh/Welsh border breeds (Welsh Hill Speckled Face, South Wales Mountain (Nelson), Clun Forest).For each breed, numerical data were collected in collaboration with breed society members and analysed in terms of population size and structure together with the extent of their geographical range. The number of flocks per breed proved to be highly variable, questioning the assumption that has been made that the number of breeding units can be disregarded in the calculations of endangerment. The data also indicated that an average flock size for a breed cannot be estimated to gain an insight of the population structure, since this parameter was found to vary considerably within and between breeds. The endemism was best illustrated in the breed maps which clearly highlighted the degree to which each breed was associated with a distinct geographical area. From the maps, ten of the twelve breeds analysed were concentrated, but the flocks of two breeds were visually more dispersed. In numerical terms, the ten breeds were found to have up to 95% of their breed numbers concentrated within a radius of 65 km from the mean centre of each breed.The study provides a valuable foundation for future research into genetic diversity within and between the sheep breeds analysed, a baseline of information to enable population trends to be examined and a robust evidence-base for policy decisions on Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR).     

Effect of selection for scrapie resistance on genetic diversity in a rare and locally adapted sheep breed: The case of Sambucana

In Italy, since 2005 a breeding plan to increase scrapie resistance has been adopted. The impact of this selection on genetic diversity was assessed on Sambucana, an autochtonous sheep breed reared in southern Piedmont, by analysing the evolution of allele frequencies at different levels: PRNP (prion protein) gene, microsatellite loci on OAR13 (where PRNR maps), and microsatellite loci on other chromosomes, not subjected to selection for scrapie resistance. A total of 147 young rams, 80 born in 2004 and 67 in 2008–2009 were analysed. Evidence of diversity loss was observed for PRNP gene as a consequence of the directional selection. Diversity was affected in the immediate vicinity of PRNP but the effect on more distant loci on the same chromosome was trivial. With regard to neutral markers, lack of heterozygosis with no changeover of allele frequencies was observed suggesting an increase of inbreeding. Mating policies would be sufficient to solve these problems. A selection scheme based on genotyping rams and eliminating carriers of both susceptible and high susceptible alleles is the best way to improve natural resistance to scrapie with low costs and minimal problems in the current conservation programmes targeting rare breeds.     

Drift across the Atlantic: genetic differentiation and population structure in Brazilian and Portuguese native goat breeds

Brazilian goat breeds are believed to derive mainly from animals brought by Portuguese settlers since the 16th century. We used microsatellite markers in a sample of 436 animals to study genetic variability and differentiation of the six Portuguese (PT) and six Brazilian (BR) goat breeds currently recognized in the two countries. These breeds were also compared with an outgroup represented by a sample of Alpine (ALP) goats. The effective number of alleles and allelic richness were slightly higher in PT than in BR breeds. The global F(ST) was nearly 0.11 when PT and BR breeds were considered, with a mean pairwise F(ST) of about 0.03 among PT breeds, 0.07 among BR breeds and 0.15 between PT and BR breeds. The dendrogram illustrating relationships between populations and the correspondence analysis indicate the existence of two very distinct clusters, corresponding to the countries of origin of the breeds studied, which are nearly equidistant from the Alpine outgroup. The analysis with structure confirmed the separation between PT and BR breeds but suggests that some BR breeds, especially Graúna and Canindé, may share a common ancestry with PT breeds. The divergence observed between PT and BR breeds may result from founder effects and genetic drift but could also reflect the introduction in Brazil of goats originating from other regions, e.g., West Africa.     

Population structure and genetic characterization of two native Danish sheep breeds

ABSTRACT

Genetic diversity in livestock animals has become recognized as important genetic resource for future sustainable livestock production. Especially native breeds, adapted to their local environment, are of considerable interest. Here, we report a genome-wide characterization of two native Danish sheep breeds, the Danish Landrace sheep and the Danish White-Headed Marsh sheep. We investigated the genetic diversity both at national and European breed level using a European-derived reference panel. The native Danish breeds are genetically distinct from other Nordic breeds. Their closest relatives are Border Leicester, Galway, and Texel. Apart from gene flow between native Danish breeds, Texel admixture was most dominant. For Danish Landrace sheep, a population split into two genetically distinct sub-populations was detected. Compared to other livestock species, genomic inbreeding was moderate. However, among European-derived sheep the native Danish breeds were among the 10 most inbred investigated, illustrating the need for sustainable management strategies to preserve genetic diversity.     

The relative resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection of three British sheep breeds

The relative resistance of Manx Loaghtan, Shetland and Southdown sheep to naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infection was assessed over a ten week period. Thirty shearling ewes, ten from each of the three breeds, were co-grazed on an infective pasture. The animals were initially treated with an anthelmintic to minimise previous nematode infection, and faecal samples were collected from individual animals every two weeks. Southdown sheep had significantly higher faecal egg counts (FEC) than Shetland by week 6, and than Manx Loaghtan by week 10. After ten weeks there was an 86-fold difference in FEC between Shetland and Southdown sheep, and a 14-fold difference between Manx Loaghtan and Southdown sheep. These preliminary results suggest that primitive Shetland and Manx Loaghtan sheep may have greater resistance to gastrointestinal parasites, a trait that could be of value to the UK livestock industry.     

Analyses of genetic diversity in five Canadian dairy breeds using pedigree data

The issue of loss of animal genetic diversity, worldwide in general and in Canada in particular, has become noteworthy. The objective of this study was to analyze the trend in within‐breed genetic diversity and identify the major causes of loss of genetic diversity in five Canadian dairy breeds. Pedigrees were analyzed using the software EVA (evolutionary algorithm) and CFC (contribution, inbreeding, coancestry), and a FORTRAN package for pedigree analysis suited for large populations (PEDIG). The average rate of inbreeding in the last generation analyzed (2003 to 2007) was 0.93, 1.07, 1.26, 1.09 and 0.80% for Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Canadienne, Guernsey and Milking Shorthorn, respectively, and the corresponding estimated effective population sizes were 54, 47, 40, 46 and 66, respectively. Based on coancestry coefficients, the estimated effective population sizes in the last generation were 62, 76, 43, 61 and 76, respectively. The estimated percentage of genetic diversity lost within each breed over the last four decades was 6, 7, 11, 8 and 5%, respectively. The relative proportion of genetic diversity lost due to random genetic drift in the five breeds ranged between 59.3% and 89.7%. The results indicate that each breed has lost genetic diversity over time and that the loss is gaining momentum due to increasing rates of inbreeding and reduced effective population sizes. Therefore, strategies to decrease rate of inbreeding and increase the effective population size are advised.     

Genetic characterization of the autochthonous sheep populations from Chiapas, Mexico

The Tzotziles, a Mayan native group located in Chiapas, Southern Mexico, have sheep breeding as one of their principal means of subsistence. Sheep were introduced in the Americas by the Spaniards in the first half of the XVI Century. Three populations of sheep from Chiapas—Café, Chamula and Chiapas—were typed with 27 microsatellites. Genetic distances were calculated for three Iberian breeds, Spanish Merino, Churra, two Canary Islands breeds, Canaria and Palmera, and the French Mutton Merino (Precoce). In the case of Chiapas sheep most of the markers showed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and the fixation index of Fst (0.095) showed a moderate level of genetic differentiation. The three distinct sheep subpopulations (Café, Chamula and Chiapas) are genetically differentiated inside the Chiapas sheep population. These breeds could be historically related to Spanish sheep populations, but have diverged significantly as a result of genetic drift and selection.     

利用微卫星标记对四个绵羊品种遗传多样性的初步研究

采用3个微卫星标记，对4个中国地方绵羊品种进行遗传多样性检测。利用POPGENE软件分析了受试羊等位基因频率、等位基因数、有效等位基因数、遗传杂合度。     

Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth in West African crossbred sheep

Effects of genetic and environmental factors on pre-weaning and post-weaning growth were studied in West African crossbred sheep. Effects of lamb genotype (7/8 Sahelian–1/8 Djallonké, 3/4 Sahelian–1/4 Djallonké and 1/2 Sahelian–1/2 Djallonké; hereafter denoted 7/8Sa, 3/4Sa and 1/2Sa, respectively), parity, type of birth, sex of lamb and year-season of lambing on birth weight, weaning weight, 8-month weight and pre- and post-weaning growth rates were determined. At birth 7/8Sa and 3/4Sa lambs were heavier (p<0.01) than 1/2Sa lambs. Lambs born to first-parity ewes were lighter (p<0.01) at birth than lambs of older ewes. At weaning and 8 months of age, lambs born to fourth-parity ewes were heavier (p<0.05) than those born to ewes of the other parities. Parity did not have any significant effects on pre-weaning growth rate. Lambs born in the rainy season of 2001 were significantly heavier at birth and at 8 months of age than those born in the dry season of 2001/02, but there was no difference between the two groups at weaning. Pre-weaning growth rate was significantly faster in lambs born in the dry season of 2001/02 but the reverse was true for post-weaning growth rate.     

5个白鹅群体的遗传结构和进化分析

应用微卫星标记对我国5个白鹅品种资源群体(太湖鹅、四川白鹅、织金白鹅、伊犁鹅、皖西白鹅)的遗传结构和进化进行了研究。结果表明:(1)5个白鹅群体的平均杂合度都较高,反映了各鹅种群体内的遗传变异较大,各鹅种的适应性较强;(2)通过计算DS遗传距离和UPG-MA聚类,发现5个白鹅群体间的遗传距离较远,分化时间较长,5个白鹅群体分别独自为一类,聚类结果反映了5个鹅品种的进化与它们的选育历史及地理分布关系密切。应加强对我国现有鹅种资源的保护力度和开发力度。     

利用微卫星标记对地方鸡种群体遗传结构的聚类分析

利用29个微卫星标记,通过计算亚群体杂合度（Hs）、总群体杂合度（Ht）、遗传分化系数（Gst）和基因流（Nm）,并基于Reynolds遗传距离、Nei遗传距离运用NJ和UPGMA聚类法构建4类聚类图,比较分析国家地方禽种遗传资源基因库保存的7个地方鸡品种（仙居鸡、鹿苑鸡、固始鸡、大骨鸡、河南斗鸡、狼山鸡、萧山鸡）间的遗传分化和亲缘关系。结果表明,7个地方鸡种29个微卫星座位的总群体杂合度、亚群体杂合度的平均值为0.642,0.551;平均遗传分化系数为0.142。7个地方鸡品种间,萧山鸡与鹿苑鸡的基因流动最大,为5.832 7;狼山鸡与固始鸡的基因流动最小,为0.805 3;基于Reyonalds遗传距离运用NJ聚类法获得的7个鸡种间的亲缘关系聚类图较为准确地反映了7个地方鸡种间的遗传分化和亲缘关系。     

中国家禽资源分布现况和四个濒危鸡种遗传结构的研究

通过对我国地方家禽品种的资源调查,摸清了我国家禽资源的现状,根据国际畜禽濒危等级划分标准对我国家禽资源进行了濒危分类,这些最新的调查结果为国家科学决策家禽品种资源的保护、研究和开发规划提供了第一手资料和科学依据,为全国开展第二次畜禽资源调查提供了可借鉴模式。新抢救保护的四个濒危鸡种,其具有丰富的遗传多样性和特殊经济性状,在优质鸡的育种和开发利用上具有广阔的市场空间。     

Changes in bone structure of Corriedale sheep with inherited rickets: A peripheral quantitative computed tomography assessment

An inherited skeletal disease with gross and microscopic features of rickets has been diagnosed in Corriedale sheep in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to quantify the changes present in tibia from sheep with inherited rickets using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. In affected sheep, scans in the proximal tibia, where metaphysis becomes diaphysis, showed significantly greater trabecular bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD). The sheep with inherited rickets had significantly greater BMC and bone area in the mid-diaphysis of the proximal tibia compared to control sheep. However, BMD in the mid-diaphysis was significantly less in affected sheep than in controls, due to the greater cortical area and lower voxel density values in affected sheep. From this it was concluded that the increased strain on under-mineralised bone in sheep with inherited rickets led to increased bone mass in an attempt to improve bone strength.     

地方鸡种与隐性白羽鸡遗传变异的AFLP指纹

利用6对AFLP引物组合对我国12个地方鸡种和引进鸡种隐性白羽鸡进行了遗传检测,统计了每个引物组合在各个品种中检测到的多态性条带和特异性条带,计算了13个鸡种的遗传相似系数和遗传距离,并据此构建了UPGMA聚类关系图,分析了所研究鸡种的遗传关系.结果表明:6对AFLP引物组合在13个鸡种中共检测到290条多态性条带,平均每个引物组合产生48.3奈多态性标记,同时在每个品种群体中还检测到了数量不等的特异性条带,其中寿光鸡和东乡黑鸡最多,为9条,旧院黑鸡、兴义矮脚鸡和隐性白羽鸡最少,为1条.13个鸡种聚为4类,其中隐性白羽鸡单独聚为一类,鸡种间的遗传相似系数及聚类结果与各个鸡种的地理分布、现实状况相吻合,从而表明AFLP指纹用于我国地方鸡种的遗传多态性分析、品种鉴定及品种间亲缘关系分析是可行的.     

4个肉用绵羊品种微卫星标记的多态性与系统发育分析

利用10个微卫星座位对4个肉用绵羊品种进行遗传检测,计算出了各品种的平均杂合度、平均多态信息含量及品种间的遗传距离,并进行了系统发育分析。结果表明:10个微卫星座位上共检测到了107个等位基因,等位基因数在5~13个之间。各基因座位多态信息含量为0.498 5~0.890 4,均表现出了高度多态性。各基因座位杂合度较高,为0.563 0~0.899 5,说明肉用绵羊品种有着较丰富的遗传多样性。4个肉用绵羊品种间的遗传距离相对较远,萨福克羊和陶赛特羊先聚在一起,他们之间的遗传距离最近,为0.345 25,然后与夏洛来羊聚在一起,最后与中国美利奴羊聚在一起,中国美利奴羊与夏洛来羊之间的遗传距离最远,为0.516 39。研究结果对我国肉用绵羊资源的评估、保存和预测杂种优势具有一定的指导意义。     

Population structure and genetic differentiation of livestock guard dog breeds from the Western Balkans

Livestock guard dog (LGD) breeds from the Western Balkans are a good example of how complex genetic diversity pattern observed in dog breeds has been shaped by transition in dog breeding practices. Despite their common geographical origin and relatively recent formal recognition as separate breeds, the Karst Shepherd, Sarplaninac and Tornjak show distinct population dynamics, assessed by pedigree, microsatellite and mtDNA data. We genotyped 493 dogs belonging to five dog breeds using a set of 18 microsatellite markers and sequenced mtDNA from 94 dogs from these breeds. Different demographic histories of the Karst Shepherd and Tornjak breeds are reflected in the pedigree data with the former breed having more unbalanced contributions of major ancestors and a realized effective population size of less than 20 animals. The highest allelic richness was found in Sarplaninac (5.94), followed by Tornjak (5.72), whereas Karst Shepherd dogs exhibited the lowest allelic richness (3.33). Similarly, the highest mtDNA haplotype diversity was found in Sarplaninac, followed by Tornjak and Karst Shepherd, where only one haplotype was found. Based on F_ST differentiation values and high percentages of animals correctly assigned, all breeds can be considered genetically distinct. However, using microsatellite data, common ancestry between the Karst Shepherd and Sarplaninac could not be reconstructed, despite pedigree and mtDNA evidence of their historical admixture. Using neighbour‐joining, STRUCTURE or DAPC methods, Sarplaninac and Caucasian Shepherd breeds could not be separated and additionally showed close proximity in the NeighborNet tree. STRUCTURE analysis of the Tornjak breed demonstrated substructuring, which needs further investigation. Altogether, results of this study show that the official separation of these dog breeds strongly affected the resolution of genetic differentiation and thus suggest that the relationships between breeds are not only determined by breed relatedness, but in small populations even more importantly by stochastic effects.