Effects of forage type,body condition and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine cytochrome P450 regulatory region on cow productivity*

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the coding sequence of cytochrome p450 (CYP3A28) have been associated with milk yield and composition, and calving traits in cows. In this study, we aimed to determine whether (i) the CYP3A28 regulatory region was polymorphic and (ii) SNP genotype, forage type, body condition and their interactions affect cow productivity. Primers for CYP3A28 promoter were designed to amplify a 483‐bp segment by PCR. Amplicon sequences revealed seven SNP (T‐318C, T‐113A, C‐189T, T‐78G, A6G, G17A and T21C) in Brahman (38 cows), Brahman x Angus reciprocal crosses (47 cows) and crossbreds (98 cows). Angus cows (n = 41) appeared to be fixed at those SNP locations. Genotype and forage {endophyte‐infected tall fescue [KY+; Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J. Darbyshire] vs. bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]} effects on lifetime (8‐years) calving rate, and calf weaning weights and heights were determined in Herd 1 (126 cows); genotype and BC (low vs. moderate) effects on calving date and calving percent were determined in Herd 2 (98 cows). Four SNP (T‐318C, T‐113A, A06G and T21C) appeared to be related to cattle productivity, CC cows at T‐318C having a lower (p < 0.05) lifetime calving rate than TC or TT cows (65%, 85% and 81% respectively). Cows that grazed KY+ and were TT at T‐318C produced calves that tended (p < 0.07) to weigh less than their contemporaries. Moreover, calves of TT cows were shorter (p < 0.05) at weaning than calves of CC or TC cows. In Herd 2, moderate‐BC cows that were TT or AA at T‐318C, T‐113A, T‐78G, A6G and T21C had greater (p < 0.05) calving rates (74–80%) than heterozygous cows (46–60%), and low‐BC cows that were AA at G17A calved at least 6 days earlier (p < 0.05) than heterozygous cows. Our findings suggest that SNP in the CYP3A28 regulatory region of Brahman‐influenced cows are associated with cattle productivity.     

黄羽肉鸡IGF-1基因单核苷酸多态性与生长性状的相关研究

本试验将类胰岛素生长因子1(IGF-1)作为研究肉鸡生长的候选基因,以海门京海集团的第二世代黄羽肉鸡为试验材料,根据鸡IGF-1基因DNA序列设计引物,采用PCR-SSCP方法进行SNP检测和基因型分析,探讨IGF-1基因多态性与鸡生长性状之间的关系。于IGF-1基因外显子1上发现一处突变。这个突变产生的不同基因型与鸡生长性状进行的统计分析结果表明,个体的1日龄初生重、4周龄、12周龄及300日龄成年体重在不同基因型之间均存在显著差异(P<0.05)。AA基因型1日龄初生重、4周龄、8周龄及300日龄成年体重均显著高于BB基因型个体(P<0.05)。推测可以将IGF-1基因应用于鸡生长的标记辅助选择育种实践。     

Genetic analyses of piglet survival and individual birth weight on first generation data of a selection experiment for piglet survival under outdoor conditions

Genetic parameters of piglet survival traits and birth weight were estimated on the first generation data of a selection experiment aimed at improving piglet survival using a multiple trait linear and threshold model. Data on 5293 piglets for survival at birth, at day one after birth and during the entire nursing period, as well as individual birth weight and litter size, were recorded in an outdoor production system. Genetic effects of piglet survival traits and birth weight were estimated based on threshold and Gaussian models, respectively, using a Bayesian approach. The statistical model included as fixed effects selection group, parity, gender, fostering, gestation length and month of farrowing and, alternatively, an adjustment for litter size. Direct genetic effects (i.e. the piglet's genetic potential) for piglet survival and birth weight were estimated separately, whereas maternal genetic and environmental effects could only be estimated for the given data structure in a combined litter effect. Posterior means of heritabilities for direct genetic effects of survival at birth, at first day after birth and the entire nursing period, as well as birth weight, were 0.08, 0.07, 0.08 and 0.20, respectively. Genetic correlations among survival traits were in the range of 0.29 to 0.40 and indicate that these traits were mainly attributable to different genetic effects. Genetic correlations between direct effects of survival traits and birth weight ranged between 0.18 and 0.23 and were reduced when weights of stillborn piglets were omitted in the analysis or the traits were adjusted for litter size. The magnitudes of direct genetic effects of survival traits are substantially higher than estimates in the literature, which may indicate that these traits have a higher genetic influence under outdoor conditions. The use of birth weight in the multiple trait estimation provided important information for the estimation of survival traits due to its favourable genetic correlations with survival, its high heritability and its high information content as a continuously measured trait.     

Interaction of GH polymorphism with body weight and endocrine functions in Japanese black calves

We assessed the interaction of GH gene polymorphisms (AA, AB and BB genotypes) with body weight and measures of endocrine function in Japanese black calves at 10 months of age. The average body weight for the BB genotype (281+/-5 kg) was significantly lower (P=0.0017, ANOVA) than those for the AA (324+/-9 kg) and AB (317+/-7 kg) genotypes. Plasma concentrations of insulin and IGF-I were greater for the AA genotype than for the AB genotype, and AB and BB genotypes, respectively. There were significant differences in the triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations among the GH genotypes. The area under the basal GH concentration was significantly greater (P=0.0314) for the AA genotype than for the two other genotypes. The incremental area over the basal GH concentrations in response to intravenous GHRH injection (0.4 microg/kg BW) was significantly smaller (P=0.0005) for the BB genotype than for the two other genotypes. In addition, linear regression analysis between GH incremental area induced by GHRH and body weight demonstrated that there was a positive linear correlation (r=0.6496, P<0.002) for incremental areas less than 600 ng min/ml, but a negative correlation (r=0.6473, P<0.05) for incremental areas over 600 ng min/ml. These findings indicate that the GH genotypes of the animals could be associated with difference in the GH response in Japanese black cattle at 10 months of age. We also observed a relationship between genotype and animal performances, but other studies on more animals in different conditions must be realized to make a definite conclusion.     

Expression and functional analysis of the Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) gene in the sheep ovary during the oestrous cycle

Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) is a regulator of cellular apoptosis and was previously identified via RNA-Seq to be associated with follicular development in mammalian ovaries. However, the mechanism underlying the FSTL3 regulation of oestrus in sheep remained poorly understood. In this study, the oestrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations in blood were detected, and the expression level and functional analysis of FSTL3 in the ovary were studied during the different reproductive stage in Aohan fine wool sheep (seasonal breeding breed in China). The concentrations of E2 and P4 at the anestrus were significantly lower compared to dioestrus, proestrus and oestrus stages. Higher expression levels of FSTL3 were observed in the sheep ovary, hypothalamus, and thyroid. During different reproductive stages, higher expression levels were found during the stages of dioestrus and proestrus, while lower levels were found during the oestrus and anestrus stages. Functional analysis of FSTL3 was performed in primary granulosa cells (GCs) of sheep. The concentration of E2 increased significantly after RNAi interference of FSTL3, while the P4 level decreased. FSTL3 can decrease P4 levels, which might be involved in mediating oestrous cycle in sheep.     

黄羽肉鸡ACSL1基因多态性与腹脂性状的相关性研究

长链酯酰辅酶A合成酶(ACSLs)是长链脂肪酸通过硫代酯化进而合成酰基辅酶A衍生物所必需的酶,也是脂肪酸代谢的第一步.哺乳动物ACSL家族由ACSL1、ACSL3、ACSL4、ACSL5和ACSL65个不同的成员组成,ACSL1是主要的异构体之一.为探讨黄羽肉鸡ACSL1基因作为腹脂性状分子标记的可行性,本实验采用PC...     

山羊ACSS2基因的克隆、序列分析及组织表达研究

本研究旨在对山羊乙酰辅酶A合成酶2（acetyl-CoA synthetase 2,ACSS2）基因进行克隆和生物信息学分析,并检测其在山羊不同泌乳时期乳腺组织中的表达量变化。以山羊乳腺组织RNA为模板,采用RT-PCR方法扩增并克隆山羊ACSS2基因完整CDS区序列,对测序结果进行生物信息学分析,并对ACSS2基因在山羊不同泌乳时期乳腺组织中的表达量进行分析。结果显示,山羊ACSS2基因CDS区序列长2 106 bp,编码701个氨基酸;山羊ACSS2基因与牛、马、人、犬、猪、小鼠和鸡的同源性分别为97.8%、92.0%、91.3%、91.3%、91.1%、88.1%和73.3%。蛋白理化性质分析结果表明,ACSS2蛋白分子质量为78.72 ku,理论等电点为6.03,属于酸性蛋白;跨膜结构和信号肽分析表明,ACSS2蛋白不含跨膜结构和信号肽;结构域分析表明,该蛋白含有1个乙酰辅酶A合成酶N端结构域。亚细胞定位分析结果表明,该蛋白主要分布在内质网（44.4%）、线粒体（33.3%）、细胞质（11.1%）和细胞核（11.1%）中。蛋白质结构预测发现ACSS2蛋白含有α-螺旋（29.10%）、延伸链（21.54%）、β-转角（9.84%）及无规则卷曲（39.52%）。实时荧光定量PCR分析结果表明,ACSS2基因在不同泌乳时期均有表达,其中在泌乳中期表达量最高,在干奶期表达量最低。本试验结果为进一步研究山羊ACSS2基因在脂质代谢过程中的功能及转录调控机制提供了参考。     

Differential expression of genes implicated in liver lipid metabolism in broiler chickens differing in weight

ABSTRACT

1. Lipid parameters and expression of ACACA, APOA1, CPT1A, FASN, FOXO1, LIPG, PPARα and SIRT1 genes involved in lipid metabolism were investigated in two groups of high (HW) and low (LW) weight broilers from the same strain.

2. Blood cholesterol and liver triglyceride levels were significantly increased in HW chickens compared to LW broilers, while other parameters, i.e. blood triglyceride, blood HDL/LDL, liver cholesterol and total liver fat showed no significant changes in either group.

3. The relative expression of ACACA, APOA1 and CPT1A genes was significantly lower in the liver tissues of HW broilers than in the LW group. The mRNA levels of these three genes showed a significant negative correlation with abdominal fat deposition and live weight of broilers. However, relative expression of FASN, FOXO1, LIPG, PPARα and SIRT1 hepatic genes did not differ among broilers.

4. It was concluded that, of eight hepatic genes implicated in lipid metabolism, only the expression of three (ACACA, APOA1 and CPT1A) were significant for fat and leanness within the same strain of chicken. Since reducing body fat is a major goal in the broiler industry, these data can provide fresh insight into the molecular processes underlying the regulation of fat deposition in broilers.     

萨杜湖杂交羊生长性能、羊毛品质及血液生理生化指标测定

为研究萨福克羊×杜泊羊×湖羊杂交羊(萨杜湖杂交羊)生长发育情况及其对当地生态环境的适应能力,采用生产性能常规测定、显微测定和全自动血液生理生化分析仪分别测定了不同年龄阶段萨杜湖杂交羊的体重、体尺指标、羊毛品质(包括不同部位羊毛的净毛率、细度、有髓毛和无髓毛占比、自然长度和伸直长度等指标)和成年羊血液生理生化指标。结果表明:萨杜湖杂交羊早期生长速度较快,初生阶段及周岁时公羊体斜长均显著高于母羊(P<0.05);3月龄时公羊体高、体斜长和胸围均显著高于母羊(P<0.05);6月龄时母羊体重极显著高于公羊(P<0.01),成年时期公羊体重和体高均显著高于母羊(P<0.05);其余各生长阶段内,公母羊间体重及体尺差异不显著(P>0.05)。其成年时平均净毛率较低,为45.21%;长度适中:平均自然长度为4.55cm,伸直长度为6.22cm;细度良好,为17.60μm。公母羊血液生理生化指标及其同国内绵羊参考值相比存在一定的差异,其中母羊血小板总数(PLT)和血小板压积(PCT)均极显著高于公羊(P<0.01),公羊甘油三酯(TG)和白蛋白(ALB)含量显著高于母羊(P<0.05),其余各项指标均无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,萨杜湖杂交羊在生长发育等方面都有不同程度的改进和提高,本试验结果可为该品种杂交羊进一步开发利用提供参考依据。