Screening genetic diseases prevalence in Braunvieh cattle

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Heritable abnormalities can cause a reduction in productive performance, structural defects, or death of the animal. There are reports of hereditary...     

Methods of collection,extender type,and freezability of semen collected from creole bulls raised in the tropical highlands of Ecuador

This study was conducted to determine the best combination between two collection method and two extenders in the cryopreservation of semen from creole bulls adapted to highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes. Sixty ejaculates from three adult Creole bulls were evaluated after collection by artificial vagina (AV) and electroejaculation (EE). Semen samples were split into two aliquots and diluted with a soy lecithin extender (Andromed®; A) or an egg yolk-containing extender (Triladyl®; T) and packed in straws of 0.25 ml with 20 × 10⁶ sperms. Optical microscopy and computer-assisted semen analysis system (CASA) were used to evaluate semen quality characteristics. The effects of collection methods and extender type as well as its interaction were evaluated by a factorial ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test. Semen samples collected with EE and frozen with T (EE-T) and A (EE-A) had greater proportion of spermatozoa with optical assessed individual progressive motility (IPM), plasmatic membrane intact (HosT), and lower tail abnormalities than those obtained with AV and frozen with the same extenders (AV-T and AV-A); however, differences were significant only between EE-A and AV-T. CASA assessment indicated that the total mobility (TM) was greater (P < 0.05) in semen samples diluted with T, although these samples had a greater proportion (P < 0.05) of sperms with local motility (LM) and fewer immobile sperms (IS), than those extended with A. Generally, semen samples obtained with EE or AV and diluted with T seems to be the best option to ciopreserve gametes of Creole bulls raised in highlands of Ecuadorian Andes.

     

Molecular cloning and characterisation of a homologue of the alpha inhibitor of NF-kappaB in the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus)

NF-kappaB has been found to play roles in many different compartments of the immune system during differentiation of immune cells and development of lymphoid organs and during immune activation. The activity of NF-kappaB is primarily regulated by a family of structurally related proteins known as the IkappaB proteins. Herein, we report the molecular cloning and characterisation of a griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) orthologue of the alpha inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaBalpha). The full-length cDNA consists of 1553 bp with an ORF encoding a 313 amino acids protein (GenBank accession number EU161944). The putative G. fulvus IkappaBalpha protein (Gf-IkappaBalpha) possesses the characteristic organization of the mammalian IkappaBalpha proteins. Gf-IkappaBalpha contains an N-terminal signalling receiver domain, a central ankyrin repeat domain, required for its interaction with NF-kappaB, and a putative PEST-like sequence in the C-terminus. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that Gf-IkappaBalpha mRNA levels were higher in vulture heart, lung, artery and PBMC cells than in small and large intenstine and kidney. The predicted amino acid sequence of Gf-IkappaBalpha was 73% identical to human IkappaBalpha, and 91% identical to chicken IkappaBalpha. These results confirm the existence of the NF-kappaB signalling pathway in vulture and suggest a similar functional interaction between IkappaBalpha and NF-kappaB. Based on the results and the homology to the vertebrate NF-kappaB cascade, these studies help to highlight a potentially important regulatory pathway for the study of the related functions in vulture immune system.     

Testicular histomorphometry and the proliferative and apoptotic activities of the seminiferous epithelium in Syrian hamster during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod

Syrian hamsters are photoperiodic rodents in which reproduction, including testicular function, is stimulated by long photoperiod exposure and curtailed by exposure to a short photoperiod. The objectives of this study were to characterize the testis histomorphometrically and to determine the role of the proliferation and apoptosis phenomena in the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod. The study was performed using conventional light microscopy, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP in situ nick end labelling staining, image analysis software, and transmission electron microscopy in three recrudescence groups: initial recrudescence (IR), advanced recrudescence (AR) and total recrudescence (TR). The results morphometrically pointed to the gradual recovery of the testicular and tubular volumes, as well as of the seminiferous epithelium. Among the IR and AR groups, the increase in testicular and tubular volumes was accompanied by an increase in tubular diameter and length, with an increase in interstitial volume. From AR to TR, there was an increase in the tubular and total volumes, but, in this case, with a gradual increase in tubular diameter. Recovery of the seminiferous epithelium was accompanied by changes in apoptosis and proliferation activities. The first decreased halfway through the process, and the second remained higher than the control levels throughout the recrudescence stage. Alterations in the spermatozoa were ultrastructurally observed, which indicated that spermiogenesis was not yet completely normal. In conclusion, spontaneous testicular recrudescence in Syrian hamster comprises two histomorphometrical phases: the first related to an increase in tubular length and diameter and interstitial volume and the second depending principally on the gradual increase in tubular diameter. The restoration of the seminiferous epithelium is due to apoptosis reaching normal values in the AR group accompanied by higher proliferative activity than that observed in the Control group.     

Survey of how different groups of veterinarians manage the use of neuromuscular blocking agents in anesthetized dogs

Objective

To analyze practice habits associated with the use, reversal and monitoring of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in dogs by different groups of veterinarians.

Signatures of selection in Charolais beef cattle identified by genome‐wide analysis

Charolais cattle are one of the most important breeds for meat production worldwide; in México, its selection is mainly made by live weight traits. One strategy for mapping important genomic regions that might influence productive traits is the identification of signatures of selection. This type of genomic features contains loci with extended linkage disequilibrium (LD) and homozygosity patterns that are commonly associated with sites of quantitative trait locus (QTL). Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the signatures of selection in Charolais cattle genotyped with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine HD panel consisting of 77 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total 61,311 SNPs and 819 samples were used for the analysis. Identification of signatures of selection was carried out using the integrated haplotype score (iHS) methodology implemented in the rehh R package. The top ten SNPs with the highest piHS values were located on BTA 4, 5, 6 and 14. By identifying markers in LD with top ten SNPs, the candidate regions defined were mapped to 52.8–59.3 Mb on BTA 4; 67.5–69.3 on BTA 5; 39.5–41.0 Mb on BTA 6; and 26.4–29.6 Mb on BTA 14. The comparison of these candidate regions with the bovine QTLdb effectively confirmed the association (p < 0.05) with QTL related to growth traits and other important productive traits. The genomic regions identified in this study indicated selection for growth traits on the Charolais population via the conservation of haplotypes on various chromosomes. These genomic regions and their associated genes could serve as the basis for haplotype association studies and for the identification of causal genes related to growth traits.     

Induction of CIRBP expression by cold shock on bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes

The aim of this study was to induce the cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRBP) expression on cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) through exposure to a sub‐lethal cold shock and determine the effects of hypothermic temperatures during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Nuclear maturation, cortical granule redistribution and identification of cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRBP) were assessed after 24 hr of in vitro maturation of control (38.5°C) and cold‐stressed oocytes (33.5°C). The presence of CIRBP was assessed by Western blot in COCs or denuded oocytes and their respective cumulus cells. Based on the odds ratio, cold‐stressed oocytes presented higher abnormal cytoplasmic distribution of cortical granules and nuclear maturation than the control group. Although CIRBP was detected in both control and cold‐stressed groups, cold‐stressed COCs had 2.17 times more expression of CIRBP than control COCs. However, when denuded oocytes and cumulus cells were assessed separately, CIRBP only was detected in cumulus cells in both groups. In conclusion, cold shock induced CIRBP expression, but it negatively affected nuclear maturation and cortical granule distribution of bovine oocytes. Moreover, the expression of CIRBP was only identified in cumulus cells but not in oocytes.     

Seroprevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in canines along the United States–Mexico border

Portions of northern Mexico are experiencing a re‐emergence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a tickborne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a member of the spotted fever group of rickettsiae (SFGR). Infection with R. rickettsii can result in serious and life‐threatening illness in people and dogs. Canine seroprevalence has been used as a sentinel for human RMSF in previous studies. This study aims to quantify SFGR seroprevalence in canines in three northern Mexican states and identify risk factors associated with seropositivity. A total of 1,136 serum samples and 942 ticks were obtained from dogs participating in government sterilization campaigns and from animal control facilities in 14 Mexican cities in three states. SFGR antibodies were detected using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assays at titre values ≥1/64. Six per cent (69 dogs) showed antibodies to SFGR, with the highest seroprevalence reported in Baja California (12%), Coahuila (4%) and Sonora (4%). Dogs from Baja California had three times higher odds of having SFGR antibodies compared to dogs from Sonora (OR = 3.38, 95% CI, 1.81–6.37). Roughly one quarter (25%) of surveyed dogs were parasitized by ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) at the time of sample collection. A portion of collected ticks were tested for rickettsial DNA using polymerase chain reaction. Positive samples were then sequenced, showing evidence of SFGR including R. massiliae, R. parkeri and R. rickettsii. Dogs that spent the majority of time on the street, such as free‐roaming or community‐owned dogs, showed a greater risk of tick infestation, seropositivity, bearing seropositive ticks, and may play a pivotal role in the spread of SFGR among communities. Estimating the seroprevalence of SFGR in the canine population can help public health campaigns target high‐risk communities for interventions to reduce human RMSF cases.     

Influence on Polychlorinated Biphenyls Content Using Three Types of Biowastes As Fertilizers In Agricultural Soils

A 4-year field study was carried out to investigate the effects of three types of biowastes application on PCB accumulation in agricultural soils. This study was based on the experiments designed for four soils in two areas of Palencia province (Spain) (Cerrato and Tierra de Campos) for non irrigated and irrigated land after applying biowaste. The amounts of the three different types of biowastes added were determined according to the fertilization needs of nitrogen for the crop. The concentrations of PCBs in soils were determined before and after biowaste application. The three biowaste treatments raise the concentration of PCBs in the soil, sewage sludge compost (SC) treatment produced the main increase in PCBs concentration, followed by municipal solid waste compost (MC) treatment and the dehydrated sewage sludge (SD) treatment. The values of biowaste treated areas were 3.7-11.5 times higher than the respective values of the non treated areas. Changes observed in the congener distribution also suggest the influence of the biowaste on the soil. The biowaste used had an average PCBs concentration of 63.16 ng g^?1 with a range from 34.08 ng g^?1 to 118.93 ng g^?1, which are values below the EEC recommended limit (800 ng g^?1). In the soils without treatment was found an average concentration 0.206 ng g^?1 of PCBs, typical of areas with low levels of environmental pollution.