Vaccination against gastrointestinal nematode parasites of ruminants using gut-expressed antigens

To date, proteins isolated from the surface of the gut of gastrointestinal nematodes, particularly Haemonchus contortus, have generally proved to be useful protective antigens and several are being progressed towards recombinant protein-based vaccines. This paper describes the properties of some of the most promising antigens and summarises their performance in laboratory and field based trials. The antigens described include contortin, H11, H-gal-GP, GPI and cysteine proteinases. In addition, the discussion addresses the utility of selected antigens to protect against co-infecting nematode species such as Teladorsagia circumcincta and against related nematode infections such as Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle.     

Temperature effects on seed germination and expression of seed dormancy in wheat

Because preharvest sprouting decreases quantity and quality of wheat grain, researchers need effective protocols to assess response to preharvest sprouting conditions. The aim of this study was to determine which temperature gives the greatest difference in seed germination and expression of seed dormancy in 10 spring wheat genotypes. The genotypes were grown in the field near Swift Current, Saskatchewan in 2000 in a randomized complete block with four replicates. Seed samples were harvested at approximately 25% moisture content (wet weight basis) and dried to 12% moisture content with minimal after-ripening. Germination was under controlled environment at temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 30 °C in darkness. A weighted germination index (WGI) was calculated. The analysis of WGI, for each temperature, showed highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) genotype effects on germination. Most genotypes decreased in WGI (increased dormancy) as temperature was increased from 10 to 30 °C. The greatest differences in seed germination tended to be at 15 °C and 20 °C. The level of seed dormancy depended on the genotype and germination temperature. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

奶牛隐性乳房炎的研究进展

奶牛乳房炎是奶牛常见、多发的疾病之一,严重制约着奶牛养殖业的发展,文章对奶牛乳房炎的病因、发病机理、临床症状、诊断方法及防治措施等进行了综述,这将对内蒙古自治区奶牛养殖业的发展产生积极影响.     

Shifting undesirable correlations

Wheat functions as a complex well-integrated organism with adaptation to many environments. Traits of wheat may be correlated to each other in a positive or a negative manner. The direction of the correlation is independent of breeding objectives and may change from one production environment to another. Grain yield is correlated positively with time to maturity in environments without terminal stress. The negative correlation between grain yield and grain protein concentration exemplifies an undesirable relationship in a wheat quality type in which protein concentration is positively correlated with bread loaf volume. However, this same correlation has an advantage to those end-products that are favored by low protein concentration such as confectionary products. To shift the negative correlation between grain yield and protein concentration requires assembling a more photosynthetically efficient, nitrogen-use efficient and\or water-use efficient genotype in combination or separately. Simultaneous selection for quantitative and quality traits is a breeding strategy, which with the inclusion of marker assisted selection, can shift undesirable correlations.     

华北土石山区森林枯落物与土壤水文效应研究

以河北省易县崇陵小流域3种不同林分的枯落物层和土壤层为研究对象,对其水文效应进行初步研究。结果表明:3种林分枯落物蓄积量差异较大,侧柏枯落物蓄积量最大,高达57.9t/hm2,油松枯落物蓄积量次之,为29.8t/hm2,刺槐枯落物蓄积量最小,是28.7t/hm2;3种林分枯落物中,侧柏林的枯落物持水能力最强,为114.5t/hm2,油松林的枯落物持最小,仅为60.1t/hm2;3种林分下土壤的平均容重和总孔隙度差别不大,容重的变化范围在1.46~1.66g/cm3;总孔隙度均偏低,具体表现为:侧柏(30.86%)油松(29.31%)刺槐(27.1%);3种林分林下土壤持水能力有所差异,表现为:侧柏油松刺槐。土壤持水能力与各林分林下土壤的孔隙度大小呈正相关,即土壤孔隙度越大,土壤的持水能力越强;3种林分的土壤稳渗速率相差较大,表现为:刺槐(10.50mm/min)油松(2.80mm/min)侧柏(0.80mm/min)。     

西南矮马矮小性状基因SHOX的克隆测序和多态性研究

本研究首次克隆出西南马矮小性状基因完整第二外显子序列,GenBank登录号为EU556739;通过PCR-SSCP方法对8个品种150匹马的该序列做了多态性分析,在P2位点上268处有1个G→A的突变,和431处有1个T→G的突变导致了等位基因B变为等位基因A.该位点除云南文山马(WS)的优势基因型和优势等位基因分别为AB型和B外,其余类群马均为BB型和B.云南丘北马(QB)、云南文山马(WS)、云南大理马(DL)、建昌马(JC)和设特兰马(ST)在P2位点上处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态.     

The current value of frozen-thawed boar semen for commercial companies

Opportunities for use of frozen-thawed semen (FTS) must address genetic advancement and fertility for developing practical models for use. Concerns about slowed genetic gains, lowered fertility and additional costs may limit use of FTS. However, FTS is presently used for international exchange among nucleus farms to help maintain genetic diversity. Use of FTS beyond several days can provide increased flexibility for on-farm use and allow additional time for disease tests. There may be potential for use of FTS for short-term banking during periods of low demand and while sires await breeding value tests. Opportunities exist for FTS use in long-term banking of sire lines, creation of semen pools for genetic progress evaluation and for use in emergencies. Advancing FTS technology will require the following: (i) more efficient production of doses; (ii) improved fertility with single sire or pooled matings; (iii) education and training; and (iv) models for FTS use and economics for use under various scenarios.