Segregation and linkage analysis of DNA markers in microspore derived and F2 populations of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

Summary The segregation of RFLP and RAPD markers was compared in two oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) breeding populations from the cross Topas x R4, the latter being a low linolenic mutation line. A total progeny of 68 F₂ and 40 microspore derived plants were studied with 25 markers. The results indicated a significant excess of Topas alleles at five RAPD loci in the microspore derived population. This suggests that genomic regions which probably affect microspore culture ability do not have identical distribution in the two population types.     

Measurement of endogenous amino acid losses in poultry

1. Ileal endogenous amino acid losses were determined in broiler chickens and in cannulated cross‐bred layer strain cockerels using either a nitrogen‐free diet, regression analysis or a 48 h fast.

2. Endogenous amino acid flows to the ileum in fasted cockerels were significantly lower than those obtained both by feeding the nitrogen‐free diet, and from regression analysis in either broilers or cockerels. Regression analysis gave the highest flows.

3. The apparent digestibility coefficients of amino acids in a diet containing 200 g/kg crude protein were lower in broilers (0.84) than in cockerels (0.88). When corrected, by regression analysis, for the contribution of endogenous amino acids, the true digestibility coefficients became 0.90 and 0.92 respectively.     

Protein synthesis measured in the whole body of chick embryos cultured in vitro

1. Whole body protein synthesis was measured in chick embryos cultured in vitro. On day 7 of incubation chick embryos were cultured for 60 min in synthetic serum‐free medium containing 4‐[³H]phenylalanine. Specific radioactivities in free and protein‐bound phenylaline in the whole embryo were measured, starting 2 min after commencement of the culture process.

2. The values for fractional synthesis rate (FSR) estimated in vitro at 20, 30, 45 and 60 min during the embryo culture agreed well, ranging from 35 to 40%/d, suggesting that the method would serve as a useful model for studying the effect of growth promoters in chick embryos.

3. Bovine insulin in the synthetic medium did not affect FSR of protein in chick embryos cultured in vitro.     

Food intake adjustments of chicks: Short term reactions of genetic stocks to deficiencies in lysine,methionine or tryptophan

1. Growth, food intake, and food preference were measured in two experimental lines (White Rocks and White Leghorns) of chickens fed diets varying in content of lysine, methionine, or tryptophan. Diet A was balanced in all amino acids, while the remaining 6 diets were moderately ( ～ 30%) or slightly ( ～ 15%) deficient in either lysine, methionine, or tryptophan relative to NRC recommendations for broiler diets.

2. Body weight and food utilisation efficiency of White Leghorns at 10 d of age were not affected by diet, whereas the lower concentrations of lysine and methionine depressed these traits in White Rocks.

3. Tryptophan deficiency reduced food intake of White Leghorns, but not White Rocks.

4. With choice feeding of balanced and deficient diets from day 10 to 16, preferences between the diets were minimal for White Leghorns, whereas for White Rocks there was an almost immediate preference for the balanced diet, followed by lack of preference or preference for the deficient diet.

5. Apparently for some genetic stocks there is rapid adjustment to deficiencies in these amino acids with overconsumption, followed by compensation for preference of the balanced diet. The response, however, will vary depending on the deficient amino acid.