Association of cytokines genes (ILL, IL1RN, TNF, LTA, IL6, IL8, IL0) polymorphic markers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible roles of the cytokines genes in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Polymorphisms in the genes encoding IL1B, IL1RN, TNFA, LTA, IL6, IL8 H IL10 were investigated in COPD patients (N = 319) and healthy individuals (N = 403) living in Ufa, the Republic of Bashkortostan. We observed that IL1RN*2/IL1RN*2 genotype of ILRN gene was associated with susceptibility for COPD (9.8% vs. 4.67%; chi(2)= 5.45, df= 1, P = 0.02; OR = 2.21). Analysis of the LTA gene polymorphic locus A252G showed that in patients with COPD, the frequency of the GG genotype was significantly higher than that in the control group (7.84% vs. 3.72%; chi(2) = 5.00, df= 1, P = 0.025). The increase of this genotype was significant in case of stage IV of COPD (11.18% vs. 4.79%; chi(2) = 3.075, df= 1, P = 0.07). Frequency of genotype combination TNFA-308 G/G and LTA252 A/A significantly decreased in COPD group (38.55% vs. 46.93% in control group; chi(2) = 8.82, df= 1, P = 0.0039). The frequency of GG genotype of the IL6 gene was higher in the patients with stage IV of COPD (43.75% vs. 31.54%, chi(2) = 4.14, P = 0.041). Our results indicate that the genotype frequency of the T(-511)C, T3953C of IL1B, G(-308)A of TNFA, G(-1 74)C of IL6, A(-251)C of IL8 and C(-627)A of ILl0 genes polymorphisms was similar in COPD and healthy control groups.     

Prion octapeptide-repeat polymorphism in Polish Black-and-White cattle

The study was carried out in a Polish Black-and-White cattle population, represented by 167 AI sires, 200 young tested bulls, 190 bull-dams, and 606 randomly chosen cows from commercial herds. The fragment of the bovine prion protein gene (PRNP) coding the octapeptide-repeat sequence, was identified by PCR analysis. Two different gene variants of 349 bp and 373 bp in size, produced three genotypes: PRNP 6/6, PRNP 6/5 and PRNP 5/5, respectively. Allele frequency in all examined populations, on average 0.894 for PRNP 6 and 0.106 for PRNP 5, shows a significant difference between the group of cows from commercial herds, characterised by high frequency of PRNP 5 (q = 0.137) in comparison to AI sires (q = 0.077), young tested bulls (q = 0.052) and bull-dams (q = 0.084). Moreover, both analysed female groups of bull-dams and cows from commercial herds are distinguished by the presence of PRNP 5/5 homozygous animals, which were not recorded in the AI sires and young tested bulls, and had never been recognised in earlier examined Holstein-Friesian populations. Analysis of the genetic equilibrium indicates a very high conformity between observed and expected number of animals in the separate PRNP genotype groups. However, some tendency of difference is observed in highly selected cows, qualified as bull-dams on the basis of very high level of milk performance traits.     

Genotypes of vitamin-D-binding protein (DBP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy population of Republic Bashkortostan

The distribution of alleles and genotypes of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) gene has been studied in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD, n = 298) and healthy individuals (n = 237) from two ethnic groups (Tatars and Russians) living in Republic Bashkortostan. Statistically significant differences in the distribution of DBP gene genotypes between Tatars and Russians (chi2 = 8.854, df = 5, P = 0.04) were revealed. The pattern of allele's distribution within DBP gene was similar in healthy control subjects of both ethnic groups, with gradient reduction in row GC*1S> GC*1F> GC*2. The most common genotypes were: GC*1F/1S in Tatars (36.79%) and GC*1S/2 in Russians (34.62%). It has been shown, that Tatars with genotype GC*1F/1S have a lower risk of COPD development: the frequency of GC*1F/1S genotype in COPD patients was significantly lower than in healthy individuals (19.85% versus 36.79%; chi2 = 7.622, P = 0.0067, Pcor = 0.0335; OR = 0.42 CI 95% 0.22-0.79). At the same time, COPD patients from the same group had higher frequency of GC* 1F/2 genotype than healthy individuals (19.08% versus 8.49%; chi2 = 4.52, P = 0.033, Pcor = 0.165; OR = 2.54 CI 95% 1.067-6.20). In Russian population the distribution of alleles and genotypes of DBP gene were similar in COPD patients and healthy individuals.     

胸窗萤的生殖习性

研究胸窗萤Pyrocoelia pectoralis Olivier雌、雄成虫生殖系统、交配和产卵行为。描述雌雄成虫在求偶过程中的多种行为:寻找、竞争、抱对、交配、受精。雌雄交配时间可持续(82.5±34.8)min(n=15),雌雄均有多次交配现象。雌虫羽化后可立即交配产卵。在(25±2)℃室温下,雌虫寿命8.87±2.06d(n=30),雌萤平均产卵量为72.03±34.38粒(n=30),产卵量与雌虫体重呈正相关关系(y=235.28x-20.38,R2=0.7283,df=43,P<0.01);而产卵日龄与每日产出率呈指数函数关系(y=1.5339e-0.9148x,R2=0.9987,df=5,P<0.01)。因子分析结果显示,影响雌虫生殖力的因子可以归为外部形态因子和内在生理因子。     

Genetic and maternal determinants of effective dispersal: the effect of sire genotype and size at birth in side-blotched lizards

We assessed genetic factors on progeny dispersal due to sire color morph genotypes in a field pedigree and lab crosses, and we measured maternal effects by studying both natural and experimentally induced egg size variation. Progeny were released into nature upon hatching, but we recorded dispersal distance at maturity, which reflects effective dispersal after viability selection has run its course. Progeny dispersal was significantly affected by sire genotype. Progeny from orange sires dispersed the farthest. Progeny from blue sires dispersed intermediate distances. Progeny from yellow sires were the most philopatric. Sire genotype effects interacted with egg size. In particular, enlarged progeny from orange sires dispersed farther, while enlarged progeny from yellow sires were more philopatric. Progeny from blue sires were unaffected by egg size manipulations. Egg manipulations and natural variation generally had concordant effects indicative of causation. However, asymmetry of gigantization and miniaturization on progeny dispersal from some sire genotypes suggest the involvement of maternal factors besides egg size. Results of laboratory crosses with progeny released into nature confirmed key sire genotype effects and identified additional maternal effects that modulated dispersal as a function of progeny gender. We discuss the adaptive implications of progeny dispersal in the context of male (rock-paper-scissors) and female strategies (r- and K-density cycle) that are associated with color morphs.     

Association of cytochrome P450 genes polymorphisms (CYP1A1 and CYP1A2) with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Bashkortostan

To assess the role that polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 genes play in genetic predisposition to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the allele and genotype distributions of CYPIA1 (2455 A/G, 3801T/C) and CYP1A2 (-2464T/delT, -163C/A) genes were studied in Tatar and Russian COPD patients and in cases of healthy individuals (Russian, Tatar and Bashkir), residents of Bashkortostan. It was shown that the CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes haplotypes frequency distribution patterns do not differed between Tatars and Russians ethnic groups (chi2 = 0.973, df = 3, p = 1.00 and chi2 = 1.546, df = 3, p = 0.92, respectively). Analysis of the the CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes haplotypes revealed statistically significant differences in the haplotypes frequency distributions between Bashkirs versus Russians and Tatars (chi2 = 12.328, df= 3,p = 0.008; chi2 = 9.218, df=3, p = 0.034, respectively for CYP1A1 gene and (chi2 = 18.779, df=3, p = 0.0001, chi = 14.326, df=3, p = 0.003, respectively for CYP1A2 gene). The (-2467)delT allele and CYP1A2*1D haplotype of CYPIA2 gene was associated with higher risk of COPD in Tatar ethnic group (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.24-2.71, chi2 = 9.48, p = 0.003 and chi2 = 9.733, p = 0.0027, Pcor = 0.008; OR = 3.908, 95% CI 1.56-10.19, respectively). On the other hand the CYP1A2*1A haplotype had protective effect (chi2 = 6.319, p = 0.0127, Pcor = 0.038; OR = 0.6012, 95% CI 0.402-0.898). But at the same time we did not find any differences in the genotypes and haplotypes frequency distributions of the CYP1A2 gene within the patients and healthy groups in Russian ethnic group. We also did not find any association of CYP1A1 gene with COPD in ethnic groups of Bashkortostan.     

Heritability of ram mating success in multi-sire breeding situations

Multi-sire mating of a mob of ewes is commonly used in commercial sheep production systems. However, ram mating success (defined as the number of lambs sired by an individual) can vary between rams in the mating group. If this trait was repeatable and heritable, selection of rams capable of siring larger numbers of lambs could reduce the number of rams required for mating and ultimately lead to increased genetic gain. However, genetic correlations with other productive traits, such as growth and female fertility, could influence the potential for ram mating success to be used as a selection trait. In order to investigate this trait, parentage records (including accuracy of sire assignment) from 15 commercial ram breeding flocks of various breeds were utilised to examine the repeatability and heritability of ram mating success in multi-sire mating groups. In addition, genetic and phenotypic correlations with growth and female fertility traits were estimated using ASReml. The final model used for the ram mating success traits included age of the ram and mating group as fixed effects. Older rams (3+years old) had 15% to 20% greater mating success than younger rams (1 or 2 years of age). Increasing the stringency of the criteria for inclusion of both an individual lamb, based on accuracy of sire assignment, or a whole mating group, based on how many lambs had an assigned sire, increased repeatability and heritability estimates of the ram mating success traits examined. With the most stringent criteria employed, where assignment of sire accuracy was >0.95 and the total number of lambs in the progeny group that failed to have a sire assigned was<0.05, repeatability and heritability for log_e(number of lambs) was 0.40±0.09 and 0.26±0.12, respectively. For proportion of lambs sired, repeatability and heritability were both 0.30±0.09. The two ram mating traits (log_e(nlamb) and proportion) were highly correlated, both phenotypically and genetically (0.88±0.01 and 0.94±0.06, respectively). Both phenotypic and genetic correlations between ram mating success and growth and other female fertility traits were low and non-significant. In conclusion, there is scope to select rams capable of producing high numbers of progeny and thus increase selection pressure on rams to increase genetic gain.     

马尾松二代无性系种子园子代父本分析及花粉散布

目前国内较早建立的马尾松(Pinus massoniana)二代种子园正陆续进入正常开花结实期。研究马尾松二代种子园花粉散布和自由授粉子代的父本组成, 可为生产上指导马尾松高世代种子园的规划设计和遗传管理提供理论依据。该文利用筛选的11对SSR引物, 对马尾松二代无性系种子园内8个无性系单株的320个自由授粉子代和48个候选父本进行了扩增, 并采用最大似然法对子代进行父本分析。结果表明: 11个位点共检测到61个等位基因, 每个位点的等位基因数在2-11之间, 平均为5.55个。试验亲本和子代群体的总平均观测杂合度(H_o)、期望杂合度(H_e)及多态信息含量(PIC)分别为0.428、0.433和0.387。在80%的可信度水平下可为232 (72.50%)个子代确定其父本。平均每个采种母树与19个父本产生子代。在自由授粉状态下, 马尾松二代种子园自交率为1.72%, 自交现象很弱, 其交配方式以异交为主。绝大多数亲本无性系的雄性繁殖适合度在1.00%-4.00%之间, 候选父本平均繁殖适合度为2.17%, 平均形成5个后代。马尾松有效花粉的散布距离和固定交配距离的父本繁殖适合度均符合正态分布, 两者呈极显著负相关, 其主要散布距离集中在0-100 m, 而检测到的最大散布距离为192 m。种子园花粉污染率较低, 仅为4.06%。总体看来, 树冠南面子代亲本交配距离较北面有增加的趋势, 但树冠南、北面子代父本组成数并未表现明显的规律。     

Sex segregation ratio and gender expression in the genus Actinidia

The sex segregation ratio was checked in bi-parental families of Actinidia deliciosa (2n=6x=174) obtained by crossing four females (A12, Mo3, Br4, Hw1) with two males (T2, M1) and one fruiting male (M3h, subandroecious) according to a factorial mating design. The M3h fruiting male was also selfed. The sex ratio was checked in maternal families of A. kolomikta (2n=2x) and A. chinensis (2n=2x) as well as in A. deliciosa. Seedlings of both diploid species took 3–4 years to progress beyond juvenility, whereas a noticeable number of seedlings from biparental crosses of A. deliciosa involving A12 and Hw1 as seed parents were still non-flowering after seven growing seasons. Open-pollinated families of both diploid and hexaploid species as well as most families from biparental crosses showed a sex segregation ratio approaching 11. Subandroecious lines with different degrees of ovary and pistil development appeared in proportions of 0–4.2%, depending on the cross, but only 6 of the 2567 male vines checked were capable of setting fruit. No case of self-fertility or apomixis was detected among 1866 bagged female vines. Selfed M3h progenies gave only female and male phenotypes in a ratio of 1 female to 3 males. No off-type vines were found among these progenies. The same disomic sex segregation ratio seems to be operating at different ploidy levels in the genus Actinidia. Since selfed fruiting males produced both female and male individuals, the male sex appears to be the heterogametic one. Such evidence indicates that a monofactorial system based on one or more linked genes or on an X/Y chromosome set must be controlling sex expression. How a monofactorial sex-determining mechanism could operate in polyploids to give a 11 female: male ratio is discussed. Minor modifying gene(s) seem to be responsible for the feminization of males, and their expression appears enhanced by environmental conditions. Masculinizing gene(s) seem to be lacking in female genotypes.     

THE EFFECTS OF THE MATING SYSTEM ON PROGENY PERFORMANCE IN HYLA CRUCIFER (ANURA: HYLIDAE)

We performed a controlled mating experiment to determine whether genetic variation in larval traits in Hyla crucifer was predictable on the basis of mating status or body size of male parent. Larval growth rate was predictably related to body size of the sire. Males from the upper half of the body-size distribution sired offspring with 6% higher growth rates than those of offspring sired by males from the lower half of the body-size distribution. Offspring sired by males that obtained mates in nature had 3% higher growth rates than their half-siblings sired by males that did not mate in nature. Genetic variation for larval-period duration and size at metamorphosis was detected; however, neither mating status nor body size of sire could be used to predict values of these traits in the progeny. Although all three larval traits can affect fitness, there was no evidence that the offspring of some sires would always outperform the offspring of others in all three traits. The predictable association between adult male size and larval growth rate means that the H. crucifer mating system would have a directional effect on larval growth rate if male body size influences the outcome of male-male competition or female choice.     

Segregation for sexual seed production in Paspalum as directed by male gametes of apomictic triploid plants

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gametophytic apomixis is regularly associated with polyploidy. It has been hypothesized that apomixis is not present in diploid plants because of a pleiotropic lethal effect associated with monoploid gametes. Rare apomictic triploid plants for Paspalum notatum and P. simplex, which usually have sexual diploid and apomictic tetraploid races, were acquired. These triploids normally produce male gametes through meiosis with a range of chromosome numbers from monoploid (n = 10) to diploid (n = 20). The patterns of apomixis transmission in Paspalum were investigated in relation to the ploidy levels of gametes. METHODS: Intraspecific crosses were made between sexual diploid, triploid and tetraploid plants as female parents and apomictic triploid plants as male parents. Apomictic progeny were identified by using molecular markers completely linked to apomixis and the analysis of mature embryo sacs. The chromosome number of the male gamete was inferred from chromosome counts of each progeny. KEY RESULTS: The chromosome numbers of the progeny indicated that the chromosome input of male gametes depended on the chromosome number of the female gamete. The apomictic trait was not transmitted through monoploid gametes, at least when the progeny was diploid. Diploid or near-diploid gametes transmitted apomixis at very low rates. CONCLUSIONS: Since male monoploid gametes usually failed to form polyploid progenies, for example triploids after 4x x 3x crosses, it was not possible to determine whether apomixis could segregate in polyploid progenies by means of monoploid gametes.     

The effect of male mating competitiveness, developmental rate, and viability of larvae and pupae in Drosophila melanogaster heterozygous for the temperature-sensitive lethal mutation l(2)M167DTS on the dynamics of the mutation elimination from the population

The dependence of selection on an introduced mutation 1(2)M167DTS on male mating competitiveness, viability, and developmental rate of larvae and pupae of Drosophila melanogaster, heterozygous for this mutation, was examined in population experiments with preset conditions. The limitations of fitness parameters of individuals l(2)M167DTS/+ relative to individuals +/+ were estimated according to the conditions of the experiment and phenotypic characteristics of the mutation studied. Under conditions of limited food supply and dependence on emergence time in each generation, the sequence of female mating was shown to be of less importance than the order of medium utilization by the progeny of a certain genotype related to the male success in the first mating. The limiting factors acting on the l(2)M167DTS mutation were viability and developmental rate.     

ANEUPLOIDY IN CITRUS

Analyses of ploidy levels in progenies from 2x x 2x, 2x x 4x, 4x x 2x, 4x X 4x, and 4x x OP crosses during embryogenesis and seed germination indicate that the progenies include an array of aneuploids. The occurrence of some of the aneuploids was previously unreported. Most of the aneuploids were from 2x x 4x crosses, which yielded the largest number of progeny. Chromosome counts from embryos and endosperms of sectioned young seeds provide evidence that aneuploids originate in progenies of 2x x 4x crosses from the functioning of male gametes with more or fewer chromosomes than 2x = 18 in syngamy with reduced and unreduced female gametes. The origins of aneuploids in progenies from other crosses are problematical at this writing.     

Development of a ploidy series from a single interspecific Trifolium repens L.Ā . nigrescens Viv. F1 hybrid

 The objective of the current research was to generate a ploidy series of backcross progenies from a single triploid (2n=3x=24) Trifolium repens×T. nigrescens F₁ hybrid (3x H-6909-5). The 3x H-6909-5 plant was highly sterile and produced no seeds from approximately 3000 reciprocal backcrosses to both parental species. Chromosome doubling by an in vitro colchicine method resulted in a marked increase in fertility. Pollen stainability was increased from 9.9% in 3x H-6909-5 to an average of 89.2% (range 87.7–90.9%) in the three chromosome-doubled 6x H-6909-5 plants. Subsequent backcrosses of 6x H-6909-5 and interbreeding of backcross derivatives resulted in an array of fertile hybrids at 4x, 5x and 7x levels and some aneuploids. The occurrence of 7x BC₁F₁ progeny from the T. repens×6x H-6909-5 (4x×6x) cross is the first unequivocal evidence of functional female 2n gametes in white clover. Meiotic pairing in F₁ and BC₁F₁ progeny indicated the presence of allosyndetic pairing, suggesting that genetic exchange between the two species is possible. Received: 17 October 1996 / Accepted: 8 November 1996     

Age,Experience and Sex – Do Female Bulb Mites Prefer Young Mating Partners?

In species where advancing sire age is associated with decreased progeny fitness, female resistance to mating with old partners can be expected to evolve. In polyandrous species, such resistance may be contingent on female mating experience: virgins should be relatively indiscriminate to ensure egg fertility, whereas non‐virgins can be expected to base their re‐mating decisions on the age of their previous versus potential new partners, and ‘trade‐up’ if previously mated with old males. Here, we tested these predictions using a promiscuous and relatively long‐living bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus robini), in which old sire age is associated with decreased fecundity of daughters. In a fully factorial design, we applied two male treatments, young and old, and three female treatments, virgin, previously mated to an old male and previously mated to a young male. Consistent with earlier studies, we observed a reduced mating success of old males. However, we found no support for attributing this result to female discrimination, as female behavior in response to male mounting attempts was not affected by the age of the suitor, or by its interaction with the age of the female’s previous mate. Interestingly, females were passive during 93% of male mounting attempts observed, suggesting that once they are located by a male, they exert little control over copulation. Old males had lower mate‐searching activity and were less efficient in obtaining matings (lower success rate per mounting attempt), suggesting a decreased mate‐securing ability because of aging. Overall, our results suggest that in bulb mites, male ability to secure mates declines with age, whereas they do not support the prediction that females actively discriminate against old partners.     

FITNESS CONSEQUENCES OF MULTIPLE PATERNITY IN WILD RADISH,RAPHANUS SATIVUS

In natural populations, wild radish plants typically mate with 6–8 pollen donors, and seeds of individual fruits are usually sired by 1–4 fathers. Since radish fruits are indehiscent and gravity-dispersed, progeny are most likely to compete with a mixture of full and half siblings. The fitness consequences of single and multiple paternity were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Seeds of every possible cross in a 5 times 5 reciprocal diallel mating design were assigned to one of three competition regimes (four full siblings, four maternal half siblings, or four unrelated individuals per pot) or were grown as singletons. After 14 weeks, the aboveground biomass of all plants was harvested and oven-dried. The dry weight of singletons was more than three times that of progeny grown in competition, indicating that intraspecific competition had occurred. Full- and half-sib progenies did not differ in mean dry weight. Thus, there was no evidence that multiple paternity enhances this aspect of maternal fitness. However, the competition regime dramatically affected the coefficient of variation in dry weight of progeny within a pot. Weight hierarchies were much more pronounced in pots of half sibs and unrelated neighbors than in pots of full sibs. Also variance in dry weight attributable to sire was greatest in the half-sib and “unrelated neighbors” competition regimes. These results suggest that weight hierarchies reinforce genetic differences among the offspring.     

延迟交配对橘小实蝇繁殖适度的影响

橘小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel是一种世界性的入侵害虫,严重为害多种经济果蔬。本文通过响应面分析方法,研究了延迟交配对橘小实蝇交配率、产卵量、孵化率和寿命的影响。结果表明,交配率随雌虫交配日龄的延迟先增后减,雌、雄成虫均为35日龄处理组中的交配率最高,为81.00%±2.00%;而雄虫交配日龄的延迟则对其卵孵化率有明显的负面作用,在56日龄雄虫与35日龄雌虫处理组中,其卵孵化率最低,仅为27.56%±4.55%。雌成虫产卵量和寿命受到雌、雄虫双方交配日龄的的影响,产卵量（y）与雄虫日龄（x1）和雌虫日龄（x2）的回归方程为y=514.36+3.08x1-11.05x2,雌成虫寿命（y）与雄虫日龄（x1）和雌虫日龄（x2）的回归方程为y=35.85+0.23x1+0.40x2。研究结果为田间使用性信息素迷向法防治橘小实蝇提供了理论依据。     

How multiple mating by females affects sexual selection

Multiple mating by females is widely thought to encourage post-mating sexual selection and enhance female fitness. We show that whether polyandrous mating has these effects depends on two conditions. Condition 1 is the pattern of sperm utilization by females; specifically, whether, among females, male mating number, m (i.e. the number of times a male mates with one or more females) covaries with male offspring number, o. Polyandrous mating enhances sexual selection only when males who are successful at multiple mating also sire most or all of each of their mates'' offspring, i.e. only when Cov_♂(m,o), is positive. Condition 2 is the pattern of female reproductive life-history; specifically, whether female mating number, m, covaries with female offspring number, o. Only semelparity does not erode sexual selection, whereas iteroparity (i.e. when Cov_♀(m,o), is positive) always increases the variance in offspring numbers among females, which always decreases the intensity of sexual selection on males. To document the covariance between mating number and offspring number for each sex, it is necessary to assign progeny to all parents, as well as identify mating and non-mating individuals. To document significant fitness gains by females through iteroparity, it is necessary to determine the relative magnitudes of male as well as female contributions to the total variance in relative fitness. We show how such data can be collected, how often they are collected, and we explain the circumstances in which selection favouring multiple mating by females can be strong or weak.     

Reproductive strategies of rhesus macaques

Reproductive strategies incorporate a multitude of mechanisms that have evolved to promote the reproductive success of individuals. Evolutionary perspectives tend to emphasize the advantages of male-male competition and female choice as mediators of differential reproduction. Male rhesus macaques have not been observed to fight for access to sexually receptive females, although they suffer more wounds during the mating season. An increased likelihood of attacks appears to coincide with male troop entry. Males who spend more time in consort and mate with more females tend to sire more offspring. Genetic analysis of paternity has pinpointed age and endurance rivalry, rather than agonistic competition, as key variables associated with variation in progeny production. Female rhesus macaques often copulate with multiple males during their ovulatory period, and tend to conceive on the first cycle of the mating season. Female reproductive success is more likely to be a function of offspring survivorship than the identity of particular male partners. The role of female choice as a direct mediator of male reproductive success is unresolved, but female mate selection seems to indirectly affect male reproductive success because female preference for mating with novel males seems to foster male dispersal. Evaluating whether mating preferences for particular male phenotypes affectsfemale reproductive success is a task for the future. A common denominator to the reproductive strategies of both female and male rhesus macaques is that feeding patterns affect body condition which influences reproductive output and regulates relative reproductive success.     

Fatness QTL on chicken chromosome 5 and interaction with sex

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting fatness in male chickens were previously identified on chromosome 5 (GGA5) in a three-generation design derived from two experimental chicken lines divergently selected for abdominal fat weight. A new design, established from the same pure lines, produced 407 F2 progenies (males and females) from 4 F1-sire families. Body weight and abdominal fat were measured on the F₂ at 9 wk of age. In each sire family, selective genotyping was carried out for 48 extreme individuals for abdominal fat using seven microsatellite markers from GGA5. QTL analyses confirmed the presence of QTL for fatness on GGA5 and identified a QTL by sex interaction. By crossing one F1 sire heterozygous at the QTL with lean line dams, three recombinant backcross 1 (BC1) males were produced and their QTL genotypes were assessed in backcross 2 (BC2) progenies. These results confirmed the QTL by sex interaction identified in the F2 generation and they allow mapping of the female QTL to less than 8 Mb at the distal part of the GGA5. They also indicate that fat QTL alleles were segregating in both fat and lean lines.