Polymorphisms of <Emphasis Type="Italic">STAT5A</Emphasis> gene and their association with milk production traits in Holstein cows

The STAT5A gene was studied as a candidate gene for five milk production traits (milk yield at 305 days, protein percentage, fat percentage, lactose percentage and dry matter percentage) in Holstein cows. According to the sequence of bovine STAT5A gene, two pairs of primers (P1 and P2) were designed to detect polymorphisms of STAT5A gene in 401 Holstein cows by PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP. The results showed that the products amplified by primers P1 and P2 displayed polymorphisms. For P1, three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) were detected, and the frequency of AA/AG/GG was 0.252/0.486/0.262, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed a single nucleotide substitution A–G at 14217 bp (GenBank NC_007317) of bovine STAT5A gene while compared GG genotype with AA genotype. The differences of the least squares means for the four milk production traits (milk yield at 305 days, fat percentage, lactose percentage and dry matter percentage) between AA, AG and GG were not significant (P > 0.05). Least squares mean of protein percentage for AG or GG was significantly higher than that for AA (P < 0.05); the difference of the least squares mean for protein percentage was not significant between AG and GG (P > 0.05). For P2, three genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) were detected in Holstein cows, and the frequency of CC/CT/TT was 0.751/0.234/0.015, respectively. Sequencing revealed an insertion CCT at 17266 (NC_007317) of bovine STAT5A gene while compared CC genotype with TT genotype. The differences of the least squares means for the three milk production traits (protein percentage, lactose percentage and dry matter percentage) between CC, CT and TT were not significant (P > 0.05). Least squares mean of milk yield at 305 days for TT or CT was significantly higher than that for CC (P < 0.05); the difference of the least squares mean for milk yield at 305 days was not significant between TT and CT (P > 0.05). Least squares mean of fat percentage for CC or CT was significantly higher than that for TT (P < 0.05); the difference of the least squares mean for fat percentage was not significant between CC and CT (P > 0.05). The results preliminarily indicated that allele G of A14217G polymorphic site of STAT5A gene is a potential DNA marker for improving protein percentage in dairy cattle, 17266indelCCT polymorphic site of STAT5A gene is a potential DNA marker for improving milk yield at 305 days and fat percentage in dairy cattle.     

Supplementary artificial light to increase egg production of geese under natural lighting conditions

A new supplementary lighting program was designed to increase the egg production of geese under natural light conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementary lighting program on egg production of White Roman geese in an open housing system at the Tropic of Cancer. Forty mature White Roman geese were randomly allocated into two groups (male:female=1:4). The supplementary lighting program with a total daily photoperiod of between 12.0 h and 13.5 h was initiated on 1 November and withdrawn from the experimental group on 30 January. In contrast, the geese in the control group were kept under natural lighting conditions throughout this study. The results showed that the laying peak of the experimental group occurred earlier than normal in the reproductive season and the geese continued laying throughout the breeding season. The geese in the experimental group had 47.6 eggs/goose which was significantly (P<0.05) more than that of the control group having 26.4 eggs/goose. We can conclude that the supplemental lighting method will result in an earlier laying peak of the geese in the breeding season and higher egg production. The supplementary lighting program was able to maximize egg production in geese at the Tropic of Cancer.     

Association between melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the velvet antler yield of Sika deer

Melatonin, a secretion from pineal gland is ambiguously considered as the key hormone involved in regulation of the antler cycle in Sika deer. To find out more about the roles of melatonin and its receptor gene, we carried out current study to investigate the association between polymorphisms in melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene and the antler yield from Sika deer. A total of 251 Sika deer were analyzed in this study, of which consisted of Wusan Sika deer (n = 163) and Dongfeng Sika deer (n = 88). MTNRA gene was amplified by PCR and genotyped by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). Three polymorphism loci (C518T, C629G and C635T) were detected in exon2 of MTNR1A gene. The restriction site Ecol881 was used for C518T while a C629G polymorphism locus was digested with Mval restriction endonucleases. In Wusan Sika deer the allele frequencies of C and T were 0.637 and 0.363 for C518T, Also C and G alleles in C629G locus were 0.206 and 0.794. Genotypic frequencies of allele CC, CT and TT were 33.7, 59.9 and 6.4 % respectively, It showed 1.8, 37.4 and 60.7 % for frequencies of genotypes CC, CG and GG. In Dongfeng Sika deer the allele frequencies of C and T were 0.518 and 0.482 for C518T, C and G alleles were 0.375 and 0.625 for C629G. Genotypic frequencies were 10.6, 82.4 and 7.1 % for genotypes CC, CT and TT respectively, and they were 1.1, 72.7 and 26.2 % for genotypes CC, CG and GG. Among three SNPs, only C629G showed significant association (P < 0.05) with average antler yield in Wusan Sika deer, while no SNP was significant in Dongfeng Sika deer. These preliminary results implied that the identified SNPs of MTNR1A gene might influence the antler yield in Wusan Sika deer.     

Association between polymorphisms in the SLC27A1 gene and milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle

We assessed SLC27A1, a candidate gene for milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle. DNA was extracted from the blood of 48 top Chinese Holstein Cattle selected according to phenotypic character and mixed into DNA pool for SNP detection. We tested blood samples of these cattle for SNPs in exon 3 and the 3'-flanking region of the SLC27A1 gene by using polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing. We found 2 polymorphic sites: 112T>C, a synonymous mutation, in exon 3 (SNP(1)), and 64G>A in the 3'-UTR (SNP(2)). We also determined the genotypes of 330 Chinese Holstein cattle by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). We found 3 genotypes each at SNP(1) (TT, TC, and CC) and SNP(2) (GG, GA, and AA). The association among the different genotypes at these 2 sites and milk production traits was analyzed using a least-squares procedure. The results showed that cows with genotype CC had higher milk yields than those with genotype TC (0.01 < p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected among the 3 SNP(2) genotypes in terms of milk production traits. Our results provide evidence that the C allele have potential effects on milk yield trait.     

Associations of polymorphisms in the promoter I of bovine acetyl‐CoA carboxylase‐α gene with beef fatty acid composition

The objectives of this study were to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter I (PI) region of the bovine acetyl‐CoA carboxylase‐α (ACACA) gene and to evaluate the extent to which they were associated with lipid‐related traits. Eight novel SNPs were identified, which were AJ276223:g.2064T>A (SNP1), g.2155C>T (SNP2), g.2203G>T (SNP3), g.2268T>C (SNP4), g.2274G>A (SNP5), g.2340A>G (SNP6), g.2350T>C (SNP7) and g.2370A>G (SNP8). Complete linkage disequilibrium was observed among SNP1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8. Phenotypic data were collected from 573 cross‐bred steers with six sire breeds, including Hereford, Angus, Brangus, Beefmaster, Bonsmara and Romosinuano. The genotypes of SNP1/2/4/5/6/8 were significantly associated with adjusted backfat thickness. The genotypes of SNP3 were significantly associated with triacylglycerol (TAG) content and fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) in Brangus‐, Romosinuano‐ and Bonsmara‐sired cattle. Cattle with g.2203GG genotype had greater concentrations of TAG, total lipid, total saturated fatty acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid than did cattle with g.2203GT genotype. The genotypes of SNP7 were significantly associated with fatty acid composition of LM. Cattle with genotype g.2350TC had greater amounts of several fatty acids in LM than did cattle with genotype g.2350CC. Our results suggested that the SNPs in the PI region of ACACA gene are associated with variations in the fatty acid contents in LM.     

Mutations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">MC4R</Emphasis> gene and its association with economic traits in Qinchuan cattle

MC4R belongs to a seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor which may regulate body composition and insulin action. Many mutations in the MC4R gene are associated with obesity, energy expenditure and serum triglyceride levels in human and animals. Six mutations in the MC4R gene were identified in our study (-293C>G, -193A>T, -192T>G, -129A>G, -84T>C and 1,069C>G). The -129A>G was significantly associated with live weight (LW) (P < 0.05), Cattle with the genotypes AG and GG had higher LW than genotype AA. The 1,069C>G was significantly associated with LW, carcass weight (CW), backfat thickness and marbling score (MS). Cattle with the genotype GG had higher LW, CW and MS than genotype CC; Cattle with the genotypes GG and CG had higher MS than CC. The results suggested that -129A>G and 1,069C>G SNP of the MC4R gene may be useful as a genetic marker for carcass and meat quality traits in Qinchuan cattle.     

Nicarbazin OvoControl G Bait Reduces Hatchability of Eggs Laid by Resident Canada Geese in Oregon

Abstract: Expanding populations of resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are resulting in increased conflicts with humans. Nonlethal and humane means are needed for managing Canada goose flocks at a variety of sites, including golf courses, industrial parks, government sites, and city parks. Decreased egg production and hatching are side effects of nicarbazin, a veterinary drug used to treat coccidiosis in chickens. Capitalizing on these effects, we developed nicarbazin as a reproductive inhibitor for Canada geese and conducted a field efficacy study. We recruited study sites in 2002 and 2003. Following laboratory testing, we conducted a field efficacy trial of nicarbazin for reducing the hatchability of Canada goose eggs in spring 2004 in Oregon, USA. The study began in February 2004 at 10 sites in Oregon, with 2 control and 3 treated sites on each side of the Cascades. We fed bait daily to resident Canada geese for approximately 6 weeks. We located and monitored nests until hatching or ≥5 days beyond the expected hatching date to determine hatchability. We completed data collection in May 2004. Geese consumed 8,000 kg of bait, with 5,100 kg of OvoControl G® (Innolytics, LLC, Rancho Santa Fe, CA) 2,500-ppm nicarbazin bait consumed among 6 treated sites and 2,900 kg of untreated bait consumed among 4 control sites. We monitored 63 nests at treated sites and 46 nests at control sites to determine hatching success of eggs. There was a 62% reduction in the percentage of nests with 100% hatchability at treated sites as compared to controls. There was a 93% increase in the percentage of nests at treated sites with 0% hatchability as compared to nests with no eggs hatching at control sites. Hatchability from treated sites versus control sites was reduced 36% (F = 5.72, P = 0.0622). We submitted results from this study to support Environmental Protection Agency registration of nicarbazin as a reproductive inhibitor for use in Canada geese. We have shown that treatment of resident Canada geese with OvoControl G 2,500-ppm nicarbazin bait by licensed, trained applicators immediately prior to and during the breeding season can reduce hatchability of eggs laid by treated geese, thereby reducing recruitment of goslings into problem resident Canada goose populations.     

Using a Cost-Effectiveness Model to Determine the Applicability of OvoControl G to Manage Nuisance Canada Geese

Abstract: OvoControl G is a relatively new product that reduces hatchability of Canada goose (Branta canadensis) eggs, and few data are available on its cost effectiveness. Variables such as presence of nontargets, alternative foods, and public support can affect cost efficacy. We present a model that uses these and other factors to estimate the cost of application of OvoControl G for managing nuisance Canada geese. We found that at low goose densities (<35 pairs of geese), fixed labor was a significant portion of costs. As goose densities increase, OvoControl G becomes more cost effective than other methods, such as egg oiling or addling. Managers can use this model to determine whether OvoControl G will provide a successful and cost-effective treatment for population control of Canada geese in specific management areas.     

Egg fertility among vasectomized and non‐vasectomized male resident Canada geese at the Wildlife Conservation Park/Bronx Zoo

In 1991, a vasectomy program was initiated at the Wildlife Conservation Park/Bronx Zoo to minimize the population growth of resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Sixty‐nine males were vasectomized over a 6‐year period. From 1994 to 1998, egg fertility was examined in females paired with vasectomized and non‐vasectomized geese. Of the 340 eggs laid by females paired with vasectomized males, 12% were fertile. In comparsion, of the 526 eggs laid by females paired with non‐vasectomized males, 90% were fertile. The vasectomy procedure was easier to perform on males captured during the breeding season than on those captured during molt owing to the enlarged size of the vas deferens. Where resident Canada goose populations are small and resources available, the implementation of a vasectomy program can be effective in reducing population growth. Zoo Biol 19:35–40, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Interspecific Mate Choice Following Cross-fostering in a Mixed Colony of Greylag Geese (Anser anser) and Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). A Study on Development and Persistence of Species Preferences1

The role of early experience in mate choice and species preference of geese was studied in an experiment where young greylag geese (Anser anser) were cross-fostered by Canada geese (Branta canadensis). In two successive years, all eggs from 9 nests of wild Canada geese were removed and replaced by greylag goose eggs. The young greylag geese then followed their Canada goose foster parents on their southward migration in autumn, to return with them in spring. Of 35 returning birds, all 16 females paired with greylag goose males (100%) whereas of 19 males 5 paired with Canada goose females (14%) and the remaining 14 with greylag goose females (74%). The pair bonds generally persisted as long as both birds were present, but after loss of a partner, the remaining bird usually re-mated. Even when this happened several times during the lifetime of a male, the new mate was always a Canada goose female, showing that the males were sexually imprinted to this species. The Canada goose females which had mated with the greylag ganders also remated when widowed, but their new mate could be either a Canada goose or a greylag goose.     

ACDC/Adiponectin and PPAR‐γ Gene Polymorphisms: Implications for Features of Obesity

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate associations of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adipocyte C1q and collagen domain‐containing (ACDC) gene and its regulator, the nuclear peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ gene, with body fat mass and its topographical distribution in postmenopausal women. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 1501 healthy women, 60 to 85 years old, who were genotyped for four SNPs in the ACDC gene (−11391G/A, −11377C/G, +45T/G, +276G/T) and the Pro12Ala SNP in the PPAR‐γ gene. Total body fat mass and the central to peripheral fat mass ratio (CFM/PFM ratio) were measured using DXA. Adiponectin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were measured in 287 subjects. Results: The −11377C/G SNP was associated with adiponectin (p < 0.001) and the CFM/PFM ratio (p = 0.005); the G allele being associated with low adiponectin and high CFM/PFM ratio. Similar associations of adiponectin (p = 0.0001) and the CFM/PFM ratio (p = 0.002) characterized the 1_2 (G_G) promoter haplotype (11391G/A_−11377C/G). Genotype variation of SNP Pro12Ala was associated with total body fat mass (p = 0.04); women with GG being the most obese (p = 0.01). The Ala/Ala (GG) genotype of Pro12Ala SNP interacted with the CC genotype of SNP‐11377C/G in the determination of BMI (p = 0.001), when analyzed using a codominant model. Discussion: Polymorphisms in the ACDC gene are associated with body fat distribution, whereas the Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR‐γ is associated with overall adiposity, apparently in interaction with an ACDC promoter SNP.     

SNPs in KIT and KITLG genes may be associated with oligospermia in Chinese population

Abstract

KIT/KITLG signaling system is crucial for spermatogenesis, which suggests that KIT and KITLG genes may be involved in spermatogenesis impairment and male infertility. To explore the possible association of KIT and KITLG genes with male infertility having spermatogenesis impairment, polymorphism distributions of SNP rs3819392 in KIT gene as well as rs995030 and rs4474514 in KITLG gene were investigated in 372 patients with idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia and 205 fertile controls. As a result, the significant differences in polymorphism distributions of SNP rs3819392 in KIT gene and rs4474514 in KITLG gene were observed between the patients with oligospermia and controls. The frequencies of allele G (94.2% versus 90.0% p?=?0.022) and genotype GG (89.2% versus 82.0% p?=?0.042) in patients with oligospermia were significantly higher than those in controls at rs3819392 locus in KIT gene. In addition, the genotype CC of rs4474514 in KITLG (8.2% versus 3.4%, p?=?0.034) also significantly increased in oligospermic patients in comparison to controls. These findings indicated that SNP rs3819392 in KIT gene and rs4474514 in KITLG gene may be associated with oligospermia, suggesting that polymorphism of KIT and KITLG genes may play a role in oligospermia.     

Association between common genetic variants in pre-microRNAs and gastric cancer risk in Japanese population

Background: Common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs (miRNA) have been shown to be associated with susceptibility to several human cancers. We evaluated the associations of three SNPs (rs11614913, rs2910164, and rs3746444) in pre‐miRNAs (miR‐196a2, miR‐146a, and miR‐499) with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and peptic ulcer diseases, and with the severity of Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastritis in Japanese population. Methods: The rs11614913 (C>T), rs2910164 (G>C), and rs3746444 (A>G) SNPs were genotyped in 552 GC, and 697 non‐cancer subjects, including 141 gastric and 73 duodenal ulcer, and 483 non‐ulcer subjects. The degree of histologic gastritis was classified according to the updated Sydney System, and the serum pepsinogen levels were measured in selected 579 and 204 cases. Results: The rs2910164 CC genotype held a significantly higher risk of GC when compared to non‐cancer subjects (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.66, p =.03). Similarly, the rs2910164 C carrier was associated with higher risk of GC when compared to both non‐cancer and non‐ulcer subjects (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.00–1.93, p =.05, adjusted OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.09–2.27, p =.016, respectively). The rs2910164 CC genotype was associated with non‐cardia and upper third, diffuse type and advanced stage GC. The rs11614913 TT genotype was associated with higher degree of mononuclear cell infiltration (score 0–1 vs 2～, adjusted OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.05–2.49, p =.03). Conclusions: The rs2910164 (G>C) SNP in the miR‐146a is associated with susceptibility to GC. In addition, the rs11614913 (C>T) SNP in the miR‐196a2 is associated with the degree of H. pylori‐induced mononuclear cell infiltration.     

Performance in working memory and attentional control is associated with the rs2180619 SNP in the CNR1 gene

Individual differences in cognitive performance are partly dependent, on genetic polymporhisms. One of the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the CNR1 gene, which codes for cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), is the rs2180619, located in a regulatory region of this gene (6q14–q15). The alleles of the rs2180619 are A > G; the G allele has been associated with addiction and high levels of anxiety (when the G allele interacts with the SS genotype of the 5‐HTTLPR gene). However, GG genotype is observed also in healthy subjects. Considering G allele as risk for ‘psychopathological conditions’, it is possible that GG healthy subjects do not be addicted or anxious, but would have reduced performance, compared to AA subjects, in attentional control and working memory processing. One hundred and sixty‐four healthy young Mexican‐Mestizo subjects (100 women and 64, men; mean age: 22.86 years, SD=2.72) participated in this study, solving a task where attentional control and working memory were required. GG subjects, compared to AA subjects showed: (1) a general lower performance in the task (P = 0.02); (2) lower performance only when a high load of information was held in working memory (P = 0.02); and (3) a higher vulnerability to distractors (P = 0.03). Our results suggest that, although the performance of GG subjects was at normal levels, a lower efficiency of the endocannabinoid system, probably due to a lowered expression of CB1R, produced a reduction in the performance of these subjects when attentional control and working memory processing is challenged .     

Effect of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) gene on chicken reproductive traits

Luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) gene, potentially related to reproductive traits in chickens, was genotyped by using the Pooled DNA Sequencing, PCR–SSCP and Directing Sequencing techniques. 306 Erlang Mountain chickens form one line (SD03, a line that has been selected for egg quality from a local chicken breed in Sichuan province, China) were genotyped in this study. The associations between LHCGR polymorphisms and six reproductive traits [body weight at first egg (BWAFE), weight of first egg, age at first egg (AFE), number of eggs at 300 days of age (EN), body weight at 300 days of age and egg weight at 300 days of age (EWTA)] were estimated using the one-way analysis of variance method. Results showed that SNP +G4058A and SNP +T4099G of the LHCGR gene were significantly associated with BWFE and AFE. Birds with the AG genotype for the +G4058A SNP exhibited shorter AFE (P < 0.05) and greater EN than those of the GG and AA genotypes, suggesting a balancing selection (overdominance); the effect of allele C in SNP +C3021T and allele C in SNP +T4490C on EN and AFE is additive and may reflect the influence of positive selection. These alleles have promise as genetic markers for future marker-assisted selection.     

Ontogenic expression pattern and genetic polymorphisms of the retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene in Erlang mountainous chickens

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is the only circulatory transport protein for vitamin A. Based on the essential role of vitamin A in chicken reproduction, we measured RBP4 mRNA abundance in Erlang mountainous chickens. We also identified and analyzed the gene polymorphism and its effect on reproduction traits among 349 chickens. The expression of RBP4 mRNA showed specific developmental changes and striking differences among tissues. The mRNA abundance was greatest (P < 0.05) in the liver, intermediate in the ovary, kidney, small intestine, oviduct and heart, and lowest in the hypothalamus and pituitary, as compared to all other tissues (P < 0.05). We detected one single nucleotide polymorphism (g.19942455C>G) in intron 2 of the RBP4 gene. Three genotypes (CC, CG and GG) were identified, with a significant effect of genotype on the age at first egg (AFE), first egg weight (FEW), total eggs at 300 days (TE300), highest continuous laying days (HCLD) and average laying interval (ALI). The GG genotype, where chickens display earlier AFE, more TE300, longer HCLD and shorter ALI, would be genetically advantageous and its selection may improve reproduction traits. These results suggested that the RBP4 gene might play an important role in reproduction traits in chickens.