蒙古马生长激素基因的克隆及部分序列的PCR-SSCP分析

通过PCR-SSCP方法对7个品种285匹马的生长激素基因做了多态性分析,在所检测的5′端侧翼区、第一内含子、第二外显子和第五外显子4个位点中,仅第五外显子检测到多态,该多态位点由A和B两种等位基因控制.GH基因第1 719处1个T→C的突变和1 743处G→A的突变,导致等位基因B变为等位基因A.除纯血马外,A基因在各品种中均为优势等位基因,B基因为纯血马的优势基因.在此多态位点,乌珠穆沁马、乌审马和巴尔虎马处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态,纯血马、三河马和锡尼河马则未达到Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态.     

猪2,4-双烯-辅酶A还原酶（DECR1）基因的多态性研究

选取山西马身猪、山西白猪、长白猪、大白猪和杜洛克猪5个品种共454头,采用PCR-SSCP技术,检测了DECR1基因第5外显子位点的遗传多态性.结果显示,DECR1基因第5外显子位点存在多态性,表现出CC、CD、DD三种不同基因型.群体遗传学分析结果表明,除山西马身猪外,其余品种都是等位基因D为优势基因;Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验显示,长白猪、大白猪、山西白猪处于平衡状态,山西马身猪、杜洛克处于非平衡状态;各品种猪的多态信息含量均表现为中度多态,PIC值均在0.3629～0.3748之间.     

马COMT基因第4外显子多态性分析

探讨COMT基因第4外显子(C4位点)多态性,进而探究不同品种马在该位点的遗传变异程度和选育强度。采用PCR-SSCP方法对不同品种马的COMT基因C4位点进行多态性分析。结果表明:第4外显子区域存在多态现象,发现AA、BB 2种基因型,并有3处突变分别是13处C突变为A、199处C突变为G的颠换、120处T突变为C的转换。不同品种间的基因型分布存在差异,纯血马的优势基因型和优势等位基因是BB型和B;而乌审马、锡尼河马、三河马、巴尔虎马、乌珠穆沁马的优势基因型和优势等位基因均为AA型和A;处于哈代-温伯格平衡状态(P0.05)的只有巴尔虎马,其他品种马都没有处于哈代-温伯格平衡状态(P0.01)。纯血马C4位点的杂合度为0.499,多态信息含量为0.374,呈中度多态性。纯血马C4位点杂合度和多态信息含量较高,表明该群体的遗传物质基础一致性较高,该位点遗传性能趋于稳定。     

马生长激素基因多态性与体尺指标之间的关联性分析

为研究广西德保矮马、百色马和新疆伊犁马的生长激素(GH)基因多态性与体尺指标之间的相关性,本实验利用PCR-SSCP技术分析3个品种277匹马GH基因5′侧翼区、第3外显子、第4外显子、第5外显子的遗传多态性。结果表明:只有GH基因第5外显子出现多态性,表现为AA、BB和AB 3种基因型,其他片段未发现多态性。群体遗传学分析表明,等位基因A和B的基因频率相等;Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验显示,3个品种马均处于非平衡状态;它们的多态信息含量均为中度多态。统计分析表明,GH基因第5外显子的基因型与3个品种马体尺指标之间无显著相关性。     

5个猪种DECR1基因外显子2单链构象多态性的群体遗传学分析

试验利用PCR-SSCP技术检测了山西马身猪、山西白猪、长白猪、大白猪和杜洛克猪5个品种共490头猪的DE-CR1基因外显子2的多态性。结果显示,DECR1基因外显子2位点存在多态性,表现出AA、BB和AB 3种基因型。群体遗传学分析结果表明,5个猪种都是等位基因B为优势基因;Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验结果显示,山西白猪和杜洛克猪处于平衡状态,山西马身猪、长白猪和大白猪处于非平衡状态;各品种猪的多态信息含量均为中度多态。     

中国南方荷斯坦奶牛κ-CN基因第四、第五外显子的多态性研究

本文利用PCR-RFLP技术，检测了中国南方荷斯坦牛κ-酪蛋白（κ-casein，κ-CN）基因第4、第5外显子的遗传多态性。结果表明：κ-CN基因第4、第5外显子均存在遗传多态性，第4外显子上存在突变位点g．10943A〉C，第5外显子上存在突变位点g．15153T〉C。第4外显子有两种基因型（AA，AB），等位基因频率分别为0．9379和0．0621，第5外显子有三种基因型（AA，BB，AB），等位基因频率分别为0．6512和0．3488。κ-CN两个外显子PCR-RFLP位点的基因型分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡定律（p〉0．05）。κ-CN基因第4、第5外显子座位的多态信息含量分别为0．1097和0．3511，第4外显子呈现低度多态，第5外显子呈现中度多态；其杂合度、有效等位基因数分别为0．1165、1．1318和0．4543、1．8324。     

4个绵羊品种MHC-DRB3基因外显子2的多态性分析

采用PCR-RFLP方法分析4个绵羊品种（阿勒泰羊、中国美利奴肉用多胎品系、湖羊和陶塞特羊）MHC-DRB3基因第2外显子的多态性，并进行聚类分析以及基因杂合度和多态信息含量的计算。结果表明：在绵羊MHC-DRB3基因第2外显子第122、154、168、220和241 bp碱基处表现出多态性；χ2适合性检验结果表明，4个绵羊群体MHC-DRB3基因的第2外显子的PstⅠ酶切位点达到了Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态，TaqⅠ和HaeⅢ酶切位点多态性均未达到Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态；4个绵羊群体基因杂合度和多态信息含量值分别在0.693～0.774和0.662～0.738之间，表明4个绵羊品种具有丰富的遗传多样性；聚类结果表明，中国美利奴肉用多胎羊和湖羊亲缘关系最近，阿勒泰羊和陶塞特羊关系较远，与实际选育过程一致，MHC-DRB3多态性可作为绵羊育种标记进一步研究。     

麦洼牦牛UCP基因多态性及其与生长性状的遗传效应分析

为了探讨麦洼牦牛UCP2和UCP3基因多态性及其与生长性状的相关性,为牦牛育种工作中遗传标记的辅助选择提供数据参考,试验以97头麦洼牦牛为研究对象,采用直接测序法获得UCP2基因第1,2,3,4外显子及部分内含子和UCP3基因第3,6外显子及部分内含子序列,比对获得多态位点,研究其遗传多态性与麦洼牦牛生长性状间的关联性。结果表明:UCP2基因第4外显子检测到1个多态位点(T1 499C),第4内含子检测到2个多态位点(A1 766G、C1 925T); UCP3基因第6外显子检测到1个多态位点(T13 190C)。4个突变位点在麦洼牦牛粉嘴和纯黑类群中均处于HardyWeinberg平衡状态(P0. 05); 4个多态位点均表现为低度多态[多态信息含量(PIC)0. 25]。UCP2基因T1 499C位点CT基因型个体体重均值显著高于TT型(P0. 05)。说明麦洼牦牛UCP2和UCP3基因存在多态性,其中UCP2基因T1 499C位点可作为麦洼牦牛生长发育性状遗传育种辅助选择的分子标记。     

鸡MAOA基因外显子6的SNP分析

研究采用PCR-SSCP方法分析了吐鲁番斗鸡和新罗曼鸡单胺氧化酶A基因外显子6部分序列的多态性。结果表明：吐鲁番斗鸡单胺氧化酶A基因外显子6存在1个单核苷酸多态性（SNP）位点T-102C,产生AA、AB两种基因型;新罗曼鸡未检测到多态,只表现AA一种基因型。χ^2适合性检验结果表明：2个鸡种均处于Hardy—weinberg平衡状态（P〉0．05）,说明吐鲁番斗鸡单胺氧化酶A基因外显子6位点基因型频率的分布与新罗曼鸡差异极显著（P〈0．01）。     

7个牛品种PON2基因第9外显子SSCP分析及其外显子多态性扫描

对氧磷酶2（Paraoxonase-2,PON2）产物是脂肪代谢过程中的抗氧化酶,被确定为影响相关重大心血管疾病和人类寿命的重要候选基因。本研究利用直接测序法对PON2基因所有外显子进行多态位点扫描,利用PCR-SSCP技术对中国西门塔尔牛、鲁西牛、秦川牛、晋南牛、荷斯坦牛、摩拉水牛和尼里-拉菲水牛7个品种的478头个体PON2基因第9外显子T98C位点进行多态性分析。结果表明,PON2基因外显子上共发现4个单核苷酸突变位点,但均未引起氨基酸的改变;第9外显子扩增大小为167bp的片段存在单链构象多态性。除鲁西牛和荷斯坦牛外,其它5个品种牛在该基因座位都处于Hardy—Weinberg平衡状态（P〉0．05）。鲁西牛、南阳牛、晋南牛和荷斯坦牛4个群体处于中度多态（0．25〈PIC〈0．50）,其它3个牛种为低度多态。除摩拉水牛和尼里-拉菲水牛不存在AA基因型外,其它5个牛品种中均存在AA、AB、BB3种基因型,但优势等位基因在7个品种牛群体中存在差异,基因型频率在鲁西牛和南阳牛中AA〉AB〉BB;晋南牛则3种基因型频率之比约为1：1：1;中国西门塔尔牛则出现严重的偏态,B等位基因为绝对优势等位基因;2种水牛中,BB基因型为优势基因型,B等位基因为优势等位基因。利用SAS9．1软件GLM过程分析基因型均值,用邓肯法（Duncan’s）进行基因型间的多重比较,将该基因座不同基因型与7个牛品种间和鲁西牛6个年龄组（n=238）进行了差异分析,结果表明,不同基因型在品种间存在极显著的差异（P〈0．01）;鲁西牛各年龄组与各基因型间差异不显著（P〉0．05）,但各种基因型间存在有着极显著的差异（P〈0．01）。结合各种基因型个体在不同年龄组间的变化趋势,AA型个体可能具有相对较长的使用寿命。     

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.     

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     

Evaluation of the Microbiological Status of Milk and Various Structures in Mammary Glands from Naturally Infected Dairy Cows

A knowledge of the microbiological status of milk and of the different structures in the mammary glands has great importance in elucidating the pathogenesis of mammary gland infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological status of various structures in the mammary glands from naturally infected dairy cows following slaughter. A total of 94 samples of milk, 184 samples of mammary parenchyma, 168 samples of gland cisterns, and 168 samples of teat cisterns were collected for microbiological examination. Microorganisms were detected in 59.9% of all samples, 67.0% of the milk samples, 70.1% of the mammary parenchymas, 55.9% of the gland cisterns and 48.8% of the teat cistern samples. When all samples were considered, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were the most prevalent (35.7%) followed by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (12.2%), Corynebacterium bovis (2.4%), Prototheca sp. (1.9%), and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1.5%). There was a significantly higher occurrence of microorganisms in the milk and mammary parenchyma compared to the gland cisterns and teat cisterns. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Development and survival of free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats on pasture in the Nigerian derived savanna

Four grass plots were sequentially contaminated with goat faeces containing known numbers of unembryonated eggs of predominantly Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. between October 1982 and April 1983. Four other plots were similarly contaminated with sheep faeces between February and May 1987. An additional plot was repeatedly contaminated with sheep faeces from February to April 1987. Populations of free-living stages in faeces and of infective larvae (L₃) in the herbage were subsequently monitored until the end of April and June of 1983 and 1987 respectively. During February and May 1987 two control cultures of sheep faeces were incubated in the laboratory at 25°C–30°C and at a constant temperature of 50°C and the free-living development was also monitored. L₃ developed very readily in the faeces cultured at 25°C–30°C and in those spread on a grass plot in October, at the end of the wet season, but developed less on the plot contaminated in May at the start of the wet season. Worm eggs in faeces deposited on plots during the hot dry season (December to April) or incubated at 50°C died and disintegrated after 24–48 h exposure to the high environmental temperatures. The results indicate that it is unlikely that gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats can develop or survive on open pasture during the dry season in the Nigerian derived savanna zone.