Heritability estimates for processing and quality traits in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using a molecular pedigree

Heritability estimates with a microsatellite parentage assignment based pedigree are of special interest in common carp cultured under traditional pond conditions. This method reduces common environment effects as all families can be grown immediately after hatching mixed in the same pond. We applied this method to study genetics of growth and processing traits in common carp at market size (1.5 kg and more). The experimental progeny was established by crossing 147 two-year old males and 8 females (six to eight-year old) of Hungarian synthetic mirror carp population. The fish grew up through three vegetation seasons and at the end a sample of 331 fish was examined for biometrical traits (standard length, body weight, relative head length, relative body height, relative body width), percent fat and processing traits (% processed body, % fillets with skin, % fillets without skin). It was shown that sex had a significant effect on most traits: females were larger and fatter than males, and they had both higher percent processed body and percent fillet with skin. Standard length, body weight, percent fat and relative head length had a high heritability (> 0.5), while relative body height, relative body width, percent processed body and fillet yields had a medium heritability (0.2–0.5). We found relatively high positive genetic correlations between body size (standard length and body weight) and percent fat (0.71 and 0.59, respectively), favourable genetic correlations between body size and percent processed body (0.69 for standard length and 0.74 for body weight) and between body size and fillet yields (0.50–0.77). Genetic correlations between body size and body shape (relative head length, relative body height and relative body width) were weak to moderate, thus selection for better growth should have little impact towards more rotund shape. Relative head length had strong negative correlation (− 0.7 to − 0.9) with percent fat, percent processed body and percent fillet yields. This means that indirect selection for reduced relative head length should be effective in improving of fillet yield.     

Landscape patterns of variation in blood glucose concentration of nestling blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus)

Integration of landscape ecology and conservation physiology has been recommended as a potentially useful way to investigate consequences of human-induced changes in habitats for animal populations. A central goal of this paper was to examine if a simple physiological parameter displays any consistent patterns of spatio-temporal variation. Blood glucose concentration in birds reflects their high metabolic demands and may be influenced by a number of environmental factors. Therefore we present results concerning variation in glucose concentration in the blood of c. 14-day-old nestling blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) in central Poland in an 8-year period, 2005–2012, in two landscapes: an urban parkland and a deciduous forest. The most important findings of the study were: (1) mean levels of blood glucose varied markedly among years, most probably due to variable weather conditions, (2) glucose concentrations were significantly higher in the parkland study site than in the forest site, (3) heavier nestlings had lower glucose levels, and (4) high glucose levels were negatively correlated with fledging and breeding success. Thus we have confirmed that a consistent spatio-temporal pattern really exists.     

Potential toxicity of cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin and bitter apricot seed in rabbits—Health status evaluation

Amygdalin is one of the most studied secondary metabolites of Prunus genus. It is a cyanogenic glycoside which was initially obtained from the bitter almonds seeds and is a major component of the seeds of plants, such as apricots, almonds, peaches, apples and other rosaceous plants. The views of scientists on the use of amygdalin have been contradictory for many years, partly because toxicokinetics and metabolism of amygdalin still have not been adequately explored. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether pure amygdalin intramuscularly injected or apricot seeds oral consumption induce changes in overall health status of rabbit as a biological model. A total of 60 adult rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received no amygdalin while the two experimental groups E1 and E2 received a daily intramuscular injection of amygdalin at doses 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg bw. The experimental groups E3 and E4 were fed crushed bitter apricot seeds (Prunus armeniaca L.), at doses 60 and 300 mg/kg bw, mixed with commercial feed for rabbits. Blood collection was carried out after 14 days. Biochemical, haematological and antioxidant enzymes activity analysis were performed and statistically evaluated. A short‐term amygdalin administration had negligible impact on biochemical parameters—mainly level of urea, bilirubin, cholesterol. Haematological profile of rabbits was influenced very slightly—non‐significant platelet count and platelet percentage increase, erythrocytes count and haemoglobin decrease. SOD activity of rabbits decreased significantly (p > 0.05) after apricot seeds consumption (102.3 U/ml) in comparison to control (117.4 U/ml). Differences might be connected to diverse metabolism by different administration routes and at the same time by the presence of other substances in apricot seeds (phytosterols, polyphenols, fatty acids). However, a short‐term consumption had only slight effect on health status of rabbits and at recommended doses did not represent risk for their health.