Grazing, social and comfort behaviour of Ankole and crossbred (Ankole × Holstein) heifers on pasture in south western Uganda

The aim of this study was to assess the grazing, social and comfort behaviour of the indigenous purebred Ankole cattle breed and crossbred (Holstein × Ankole) animals under typical management conditions in south western Uganda. Twelve focal animals in each of four groups (two groups per genotype) were observed regarding their grazing, social and comfort behaviour on pasture.No significant differences in grazing behaviour patterns (eating, walking, standing) were found between the genotypes. Resting occurred only very rarely in both genotypes. Walking distances of Ankole and Ankole × Holstein crosses were also similar. There was no difference in the occurrence of agonistic interactions between the two genotypes. However, Ankole cattle engaged in more non-agonistic social interactions than their crossbred counterparts. Individual distances were lower in Ankole heifers and more herd mates were found within a radius of 5 m around the Ankole animals. The most important comfort behaviour pattern in both genotypes was self-licking, which occurred to similar frequency in Ankole and crossbred heifer groups. Crossbred animals scratched themselves and rubbed on objects more often than Ankole heifers.Although Ankole cattle and their Holstein crosses did not differ in grazing, distances walked and agonistic behaviours, the significant differences between the two genotypes in herd cohesion and comfort behaviour may pose challenges on the management of crossbred animals under extensive open grazing conditions as present in south western Uganda. Thus, apart from (re)productive performance traits, behavioural traits of both genotypes may also be taken into account for breeding decisions and management under current production conditions.     

Reproductive potential and endocrinological responses of sheep kept under controlled lighting. III. Prolactin and pituitary responsiveness to gonadotrophin releasing hormone in the post partum period

Five ewes of each of four breed types (pure Merino and crosses with Dorset Horn, South Suffolk and Border Leicester) were kept on a 6-monthly light-cycle in each of two light controlled rooms in an attempt to breed them twice in one calendar year. Four and 17 days following parturition they were treated with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) (75, 150, 300 μg) and the pattern of release of luteinising hormone (LH) was studied and compared with that obtained in ‘normal’ cyclic ewes. Weekly plasma prolactin levels were determined at weeks 1–5. Overall, mean and peak levels of LH in the post-partum ewes were only one half those of cyclic ewes. The mean level ran from 8.4 ng/ml at day 4 to 18.2 ng/ml at day 17. This compared with 25.3 ng/ml for cyclic ewes. There was a significant effect of breed type, Merino and Dorset Horn × ewes releasing more LH than did South Suffolk × and Border Leicester × ewes. There were no significant effects of breed or week of sampling on plasma prolactin.None of the observed differences in pattern of release of LH could be related to the observed breed-type differences in fertility and it appears that factors other than endocrinological - e.g. uterine involution - may be involved in the ability to conceive of ewes in which oestrus and ovulation have been induced shortly after parturition.     

Novel polymorphisms of goat growth hormone and growth hormone receptor genes and their effects on growth traits

In this study, the polymorphisms of growth hormone (GH) gene 5' promoter region and intron 8, exons 4 and 10 of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene were analyzed in Xinong Saanen goats (SG) and Boer goats (BG). Two alleles (A and B) and three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were detected at P1 locus of GH gene, and two alleles (G and T) and two genotypes (GG and GT) were detected at P4 locus of GHR gene by PCR-SSCP analysis. In addition, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-A73C (P1 locus) and G114T (P4 locus), were identified by DNA sequencing. The frequencies of alleles A and B in the two goat breeds were 0.61-0.62, and 0.39-0.38, respectively, and the frequencies of alleles G and T in the two goat breeds were 0.82-0.86, and 0.18-0.14, respectively. The SNP loci were in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in both goat breeds (P<0.05). Polymorphisms of GH and GHR genes were shown to be associated with growth traits in BG breed. AA and GG genotypes were associated with superior growth traits in 1-, 2- and 3-month old individuals. Hence, AA and GG genotypes are suggested to be a molecular marker for superior growth traits in BG breed.     

Stimulated growth hormone (GH) release in Friesian cattle with respect to GH genotypes.

The effects of bovine growth hormone (GH) polymorphism at the amino acid position 127 (substitution of leucine to valine) on milk and meat production traits have been reported; however, the physiological background of this influence has not yet been recognised. The aims of this study were to estimate allele frequencies of the growth hormone gene in a population sample of Friesian cattle, and to characterise the TRH-induced GH release with respect to GH genotypes. The analysis covered data on 214 Polish Friesians, aged 11 months, used to identify GH genotypes by the PCR-RFLP technique. Frequencies of leucine (Leu) and valine (Val) alleles were 0.69 and 0.31, respectively. The GH release was analysed after thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation in blood samples collected over a period of 2.5 h. There was a lack of significant difference in the overall characteristics of GH release in the blood of Friesian cattle with different GH genotypes (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the Val/Val homozygotes had higher GH baselines both within heifers and bulls (14.1 +/- 2.8 and 14.6 +/- 2.0 ng.mL-1, respectively) than others. Moreover, males of the Val/Val genotypes showed the highest peak amplitude of GH release (55.5 +/- 8.1 ng.mL-1) in comparison to all other animals. The results presented provide evidence for the lack of difference in stimulated GH release with respect to GH genotypes in dairy cattle.     

Variation in hormonal feedback and reproductive performance in adult rams of different genotypes

Adult Moroccan rams of two different genotypes were compared on the basis of seasonality, fertility and sensitivity to gonadal feedback on the pituitary and hypothalamus. One breed with less seasonal breeding and high fertility, D'Man and one with less fertility and marked seasonal variation in breeding behaviour, Bnihsen. Four animals in each genotype were hemicastrated and 9 mo later castrated, to examine the effect of hormonal control on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal feedback system. Nine months after hemicastration the D'Man breed showed higher gonadotrophine values (LH, FSH). The remaining testicule in turn produced more estradiol-17beta but less testosterone in these rams. The testosterone production was increased in the Bnihsen rams following castration. After castration the FSH values increased rapidly in all animals with higher values for the D'Man rams. LH-release was faster in the hemicastrated rams than in controls. This is the first report on differences for hormonal feedback-systems in adult rams from different genotypes. The hormonal feedback-system is less sensitive for adult rams from breeds with higher fertility and nonseasonaly. In addition to that it was found that a difference seems to exist in the regulation for the release of FSH and LH.     

Estrus induction in Beagle bitches with the GnRH-agonist implant containing 4.7 mg Deslorelin

Estrogens, gonadotrophins, dopamine agonists, gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and its agonists have been used for estrus induction in bitches. A long acting GnRH agonist implant (4.7 mg Deslorelin; Suprelorin®, Virbac) with a continuous hormone release has been developed for suppression of sexual function in male dogs. In this study we administered the Deslorelin implant placed subcutaneously on the medial side of the leg to induce estrus in 11 anestrous Beagle bitches (group A). 6 Beagle bitches (group B) with a spontaneous estrous cycle were used as controls. The progress of pre-estrus and estrus was documented by behaviour, vaginoscopy, vaginal cytology and progesterone concentration. In group A a bloody vaginal discharge was detected on average 4.8 (range 3-10) d after application of the implant. At this moment implants were removed under local anaesthesia. Pre-estrus lasted for an average of 4.5 d (range 1-12). All bitches showed estrous signs and ovulated. The ovulation took place on day 8.2 (range 4-15) after start of pre-estrus. In group B pre-estrus lasted for 7.5 d (range 6-9), and the mean day of ovulation was day 11 (range 9-13). As a consequence of ovulation, progesterone serum concentrations exceeded 10 ng/ml during or after the time of ovulation in all bitches. All bitches were bred to fertile Beagle stud dogs or inseminated with fresh semen intravaginally. Between days nine and 19 after ovulation all bitches underwent ovariohysterectomy. The uterine horns were flushed and flushes were examined for ova or embryos. The pregnancy rate in group A was 63.6% and in group B 66.7%. Despite the significantly shorter period of pre-estrus a fertile estrus could be induced in 7 out of 11 treated bitches. Induction of a fertile estrus can be achieved with a GnRH-implant—already registered for the use in male dogs—placed subcutaneously on the medial side of the leg.     

High level expression of bioactive recombinant human growth hormone in the milk of a cloned transgenic cow

Transgenic farm animals have been proposed as an alternative to current bioreactors for large scale production of biopharmaceuticals. However, the efficiency of both methods in the production of the same protein has not yet been established. Here we report the production of recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) in the milk of a cloned transgenic cow at levels of up to 5 g l(-1). The hormone is identical to that currently produced by expression in E. coli. In addition, the hematological and somatometric parameters of the cloned transgenic cow are within the normal range for the breed and it is fertile and capable of producing normal offspring. These results demonstrate that transgenic cattle can be used as a cost-effective alternative for the production of this hormone.     

Genetic characterization of European-Zebu composite bovine using RFLP markers

A population of 370 European-Zebu composite beef heifers, consisting of six different breed compositions (A-F), were characterized genetically, using RFLP markers of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes. Our objectives were to genetically characterize this population and to determine the structure and the genetic variability of this hybrid herd. The genotypes were determined through PCR, followed by digestion with restriction endonucleases. The PCR-RFLP analysis made it possible to identify the LHR and FSHR genotypes, as well as to characterize the degree of heterozygosis, which was high for all of the breed compositions, for both loci, except for two combinations for LHR (B and C). The observed heterozygosity (Ho) was lower than the expected heterozygosity (He) for compositions C (for LHR) and A and D (for FSHR); however, for the population as a whole, Ho was above He (with a mean of 57 versus 46%, respectively), reflecting the elevated genetic variability in this population and also the informative value of the RFLP markers, which could be useful for population genetic characterization studies. The analysis of the degree of genetic structure of this population, estimated by the Nei's statistic, for both loci, indicated an elevated total genetic diversity (HT = 47%), with most of this variability being due to intrapopulational diversity (HS = 46%), with a low degree of genetic differentiation among the six breed compositions (GST = 1.2%). The estimates generated by the Wright's F statistic indicated a non-endogamic population, with excess heterozygotes (FIT = -0.22), which was also observed at the intrapopulational level (FIS = -0.23). The results gave evidence that the genetic selection applied to this European-Zebu composite population did not affect the expected high genetic variability for this type of crossbreeding, which makes it possible to use these animals to obtain economically valuable productive and reproductive traits.     

The association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in growth hormone (GH) gene with litter size and superovulation response in goat-breeds

Two active mutations (A 781 G and A 1575 G) in growth hormone (GH) gene, and their associations with litter size (LS), were investigated in both a high prolificacy (Matou, n = 182) and a low prolificacy breed (Boer, n = 352) by using the PCR-RFLP method. Superovulation experiments were designed in 57 dams, in order to evaluate the effect of different genotypes of the GH gene on superovulation response. Two genotypes (AA and AB, CC and CD) in each mutation were detected in these two goat breeds. Neither BB nor DD homozygous genotypes were observed. The genotypic frequencies of AB and CC were significantly higher than those of AA and CD. In the third parity, Matou dams with AB or CC genotypes had significantly larger litter sizes than those with AA and CD (p < 0.05). On combining the two loci, both Matou and Boer dams with ABCD genotype had the largest litter sizes when compared to the other genotypes (p < 0.05). When undergoing like superovulation treatments, a significantly higher number of corpora lutea and ova, with a lower incidence of ovarian cysts, were harvested in the AB and CC genotypes than in AA and CD. These results show that the two loci of GH gene are highly associated with abundant prolificacy and superovulation response in goat breeds.     

藏猪繁殖性状多基因效应分析

藏猪是我国特有的高原型地方猪种, 具有适应高海拔恶劣气候环境、抗病、耐粗、肉质鲜美等特点, 但繁殖力低。文章以促卵泡素b亚基(FSHb)、雌激素受体(ESR)、促乳素受体(PRLR)和视黄醛结合蛋白4(RBP4)等基因作为繁殖性状主要候选基因, 测定76头藏猪的基因型, 分析单基因和多基因合并对繁殖性状的影响效应。结果说明, 在藏猪群体中, FSHb、ESR和PRLR基因不同基因型繁殖性状差异显著, 优良基因型分别为BB、BB和AA。藏猪RBP4基因只有2种基因型, 对繁殖性状影响不显著。FSHb-ESR-PRLR基因的合并优良基因型为BB-BB-AA, 多基因聚合效应高于单基因效应。     

Relationships between sexual behaviour, dominant follicle area, uterus ultrasonic image and pregnancy rate in mares of two breeds differing in reproductive efficiency

Weak or equivocal expression of oestrous behaviour, related to different level of mares' reactivity, may cause problems in oestrus detection and thus influence the reproductive efficiency. The aim of the study was to test whether a breed characterised by low pregnancy rate and high emotional reactivity (Thoroughbreds) differs in oestrous behaviour from a primitive breed with higher reproductive efficiency (Koniks). Additionally, the follicle size was examined to determine how it influences the intensity of oestrus and uterine ultrasonic image and whether the pregnancy rate differs in relation to the intensity of oestrous behaviour and the size of the dominant follicle(s) area on day preceding ovulation in both breeds. During four reproductive seasons the behaviour of 20 Konik polski (K) and 37 Thoroughbred (T) was observed during daily teasing. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic examinations of the reproductive system were carried out. The behaviour of mares was quantified by scoring on an 8-point scale (behavioural score, BS), according to increasing sexual receptivity. Cross-sectional follicular area (FA) was taken as a product of the two largest perpendicular follicular diameters and mean values for each breed were estimated on 1693 and 1982 mm2 for K and T mares, respectively (P < 0.05). Mares were classified according to the pooled area of dominant follicle (FA) during the preovulatory period: group A (FA < or = breed mean) and group B (FA > breed mean). Uterus image (UI) was scored (1-5) according to the increasing uterine echogenicity. The BS was higher (P < 0.01) in K mares (BS = 5.19) than in T mares (BS = 4.04). The BS was significantly related to increasing follicular area (FA). There was no breed difference in uterus image (UI) score. However, significant regression of UI on FA was found in K mares. The intensity of oestrus was positively related with UI (r = 0.29; P < 0.01) only in K mares, no such relationship was found in T mares. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher for K mares (88.5%) than for T mares (46.0%) and lower for T mares with less intense oestrous behaviour (29.4%) as compared to T mares with more intense oestrus (60.0%). No differences in pregnancy rate was found in mares belonging to A or B group of follicular area. The ascertained weaker oestrous behaviour in Thoroughbred was related to lower pregnancy rate. It is hypothesised that oestrus intensity may be the result of breed differences in the response of the neural system to follicular secretions, or may be an effect of higher incidence of multiple non-synchronic ovulation and/or higher sensitivity to stress in Thoroughbred mares.     

Differences in the Spacing Behaviour of Two Breeds of Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) – Influence of Artificial Selection?

The aim of this experiment was to investigate differences in spacing behaviour, measured by the individual distance when resting and feeding, between two breeds of sheep with a different selection history. Eight groups of four pregnant ewes from the Nor‐X breed (a heavy, composite breed mainly selected for growth and meat quality) and eight groups of four pregnant ewes of the coloured Spæl breed (a light breed, mainly selected for wool quality) were placed in oblong experimental pens for 7 d. The distance between animals was measured from digital video recordings. The heavy Nor‐X ewes kept a significantly larger individual distance to their pen mates both during resting and feeding compared with the lighter Spæl ewes. Spæl ewes also kept a significantly smaller individual distance during resting than during feeding, but this difference was not found in Nor‐X ewes. Our results indicate that selection for growth and meat quality might influence spacing behaviour in sheep. Looking at the selection history of these two breeds, we discovered differences in how long they had coexisted with large carnivores. The possible effects of previous exposure to carnivores and the role of domestication in modifying spacing behaviour are also discussed.     

Hormonal relationships during the periovulatory period among ewe breeds known to differ in fertility after cervical artificial insemination with frozen thawed semen

Our previous work indicates that ewe breed differences in fertility following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen are due to failure of normal sperm transport and/or early embryo development. Here we examined differences in hormone concentrations about the time of ovulation among more (Finnish Landrace and Belclare) and less (Suffolk and Texel) fertile ewes after AI with frozen thawed semen. In Experiment 1, oestradiol concentrations were measured in samples collected frequently from 12h before to 18h after the LH surge and progesterone was measured in samples collected from 9 to 27h after the LH surge in Suffolk (n=24), Texel (n=20) and Finnish Landrace (n=27) ewes. In Experiment 2, oestradiol concentrations were measured in samples collected frequently from 24h before to 6h after the LH surge and progesterone was measured in samples collected from 6h to 6 days after the LH surge in Suffolk (n=35) and Belclare (n=30) ewes. In Experiment 1, there was an effect of breed, time and their interaction (P<0.001) on oestradiol concentrations between -12 and +6h but only breed differences at +12 and +18h (P<0.01). Progesterone concentrations increased over time (P<0.001) and the rate of increase was significantly greater in Finnish Landrace than in the other two breeds. In Experiment 2, oestradiol concentrations were unaffected by breed. There was an interaction between breed and time with the rate of increase of progesterone being greater in Belclare than Suffolk ewes (P<0.001). In conclusion, differences in hormone concentrations in the periovulatory period are not consistent with ewe breed differences in fertility; however, we have showed that progesterone concentrations rise earlier in the more prolific breeds and suggest that this may explain reported ewe breed differences in embryo development.     

Genotype imputation in the domestic dog

Application of imputation methods to accurately predict a dense array of SNP genotypes in the dog could provide an important supplement to current analyses of array-based genotyping data. Here, we developed a reference panel of 4,885,283 SNPs in 83 dogs across 15 breeds using whole genome sequencing. We used this panel to predict the genotypes of 268 dogs across three breeds with 84,193 SNP array-derived genotypes as inputs. We then (1) performed breed clustering of the actual and imputed data; (2) evaluated several reference panel breed combinations to determine an optimal reference panel composition; and (3) compared the accuracy of two commonly used software algorithms (Beagle and IMPUTE2). Breed clustering was well preserved in the imputation process across eigenvalues representing 75 % of the variation in the imputed data. Using Beagle with a target panel from a single breed, genotype concordance was highest using a multi-breed reference panel (92.4 %) compared to a breed-specific reference panel (87.0 %) or a reference panel containing no breeds overlapping with the target panel (74.9 %). This finding was confirmed using target panels derived from two other breeds. Additionally, using the multi-breed reference panel, genotype concordance was slightly higher with IMPUTE2 (94.1 %) compared to Beagle; Pearson correlation coefficients were slightly higher for both software packages (0.946 for Beagle, 0.961 for IMPUTE2). Our findings demonstrate that genotype imputation from SNP array-derived data to whole genome-level genotypes is both feasible and accurate in the dog with appropriate breed overlap between the target and reference panels.     

Population genetic consequences of extreme variation in sexual and clonal reproduction in an aquatic plant

Most plants combine sexual reproduction with asexual clonal reproduction in varying degrees, yet the genetic consequences of reproductive variation remain poorly understood. The aquatic plant Butomus umbellatus exhibits striking reproductive variation related to ploidy. Diploids produce abundant viable seed whereas triploids are sexually sterile. Diploids also produce hundreds of tiny clonal bulbils, whereas triploids exhibit only limited clonal multiplication through rhizome fragmentation. We investigated whether this marked difference in reproductive strategy influences the diversity of genotypes within populations and their movement between populations by performing two large-scale population surveys (n = 58 populations) and assaying genotypic variation using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs). Contrary to expectations, sexually fertile populations did not exhibit higher genotypic diversity than sterile populations. For each cytotype, we detected one very common and widespread genotype. This would only occur with a very low probability (< 10-7) under regular sexual recombination. Compatibility analysis also indicated that the pattern of genotypic variation largely conformed to that expected with predominant clonal reproduction. The potential for recombination in diploids is not realized, possibly because seeds are outcompeted by bulbils for safe sites during establishment. We also failed to find evidence for more extensive movement of fertile than sterile genotypes. Aside from the few widespread genotypes, most were restricted to single populations. Genotypes in fertile populations were very strongly differentiated from those in sterile populations, suggesting that new triploids have not arisen during the colonization of North America. The colonization of North America involves two distinct forms of B. umbellatus that, despite striking reproductive differences, exhibit largely clonal population genetic structures.     

The effect of breeding density and male quality on paternity-assurance behaviours in the house sparrow, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Passer domesticus</Emphasis>

Several factors can influence the risk of cuckoldry through extra-pair paternity for male birds. The number of neighbouring males is thought to affect the chance of females engaging in extra-pair copulations, and species which breed both socially (colonially) and solitarily provide an ideal opportunity to test the effect of close proximity on extra-pair behaviour and paternity guards. In this study, the extent to which male house sparrows, Passer domesticus, used two alternative strategies, namely frequent copulation and mate-guarding, to ensure paternity was investigated. We also examined how males vary the two paternity guards according to their breeding sociality. Pairs at the dense colony started to copulate at a higher rate at the beginning of the fertile period than those of the medium-sized colony and solitary breeding pairs. Male house sparrows appear to fine-tune their strategies according to the breeding density. Both strategies are alternatively used in the weak fertile period but are simultaneously used in the peak fertile period. Our results suggest that males modify their strategy according to their individual abilities: mate-guarding intensity was positively correlated with the black breast badge size.     

牛生长激素受体基因多态性与体尺、体重指标的相关性分析

利用PCR-SSCP技术对南阳牛、利木赞、盖洛威共100头牛的生长激素受体基因的外显子10(GHR10)部分序列进行单核苷酸多态性研究, 并分析了该基因的不同基因型与3个品种牛生产性状的关系。结果表明: 南阳牛、利木赞、盖洛威3个品种中共存在6种基因型(AA、BB、CC、AB、AC、BC), c2检验表明该实验群体在这一位点上处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态(P > 0.05), 利木赞和盖洛威的PIC表现为中度多态,而南阳牛表现高度多态。测序结果显示: 所扩增GHR10部分片段共有5处碱基突变, 分别是495 bp (A/T), 622 bp(C/T), 650 bp(A/C), 702 bp(T/C), 730 bp(A/G); 并导致3处氨基酸替代: 其中622 bp Pro/Ser(脯氨酸/丝氨酸), 650 bp Asn/Thr(天冬酰胺/苏氨酸), 730 bp Ser/Gly(丝氨酸/甘氨酸)。最小二乘分析表明: 基因型AB、BC所对应的12月龄体重最小二乘均值显著高于基因型CC所对应的最小二乘均值(P < 0.05, P < 0.01); 18月龄体重BC基因型显著高于CC基因型(P < 0.01), 基因型AB所对应的18月龄胸围最小二乘均值显著高于基因型CC所对应的最小二乘均值(P < 0.05)。     

Polymorphism analysis of the prion gene in BSE-affected and unaffected cattle

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers designed to amplify the octapeptide repeat region of the bovine prion gene were used to test the association of genotypes with bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) in 56 BSE-affected and 177 unaffected animals. Three alleles (A, B, C) were detected as single-strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCPs) and two alleles (1,2 representing six or five copies of the octapeptide repeat respectively) were detected as amplified double-strand fragment length polymorphisms (AMFLPs). Observed genotypes of SSCPs and AMFLPs were analysed by x-square. The SSCP genotypes of nuclear family members of animals with BSE and BSE-affected animals were different (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) from unrelated animals of the same breed without BSE. No genotypic differences were found between the BSE-affected animals and their relatives (P > 0.469). No AMFLP genotypic differences were detected between BSE-affected animals, their relatives, unrelated animals of the same breed or animals of different breeds (P > 0.05). These data suggest that BSE-affected animals and their relatives are more likely to have the AA SSCP genotype than unrelated animals of the same breed or animals of different breeds.