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Effects of breed type and accelerated fat removal on subprimal yields and carcass values.

Nine Brown Swiss and nine English crossbred steers representing the industry standard were slaughtered to determine the effects of cattle type and hot fat removal on subprimal yields and carcass value. After dressing, cod fat, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPHF), and subcutaneous fat thicker than .6 cm was removed from the right side of each carcass (HFT). The left side was not hot-fat trimmed (NFT). Both sides were fabricated into subprimal cuts with no more than .6 cm of subcutaneous fat. Carcass side values were adjusted to a 300-kg chilled carcass weight basis. All comparisons were made for the carcasses using a USDA Select quality grade end point. English crossbred steer carcasses had more (P < .05) subcutaneous fat on the loin and chuck and more (P < .05) total hot fat trim, when KPHF was not included, than Brown Swiss steers (P < .05). Brown Swiss steers had more (P < .05) KPHF. Hot-fat trimmed sides had higher (P < .05) percentage yields from the chuck, brisket, foreshank, rib, plate, round primal cuts, and most of the subprimal cuts than NFT sides, but the primal loin percentage was higher (P < .05) in the NFT sides. The total subprimal cuts yield was approximately 5% higher for the HFT sides than for the NFT sides, and the total fat trim during fabrication was more than 6% less. When the value of the sides was calculated from unadjusted weights, the NFT sides were approximately $26.50 more valuable than the HFT sides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effects of vasectomy on fructose levels in the ejaculate of rams.

Fructose concentration was studied in the ejaculates of 20 intact and 19 vasectomised rams over a two year period. In intact rams the concentration ranged from 222-740 mg/100 ml of seminal plasma during the breeding season (October to December), with lower values (0-300 mg/100) during the rest of the year. In vasectomised rams the seasonal pattern was less marked with very high values (800-1260 mg/100 ml) as well as low values (0-20 mg/100 ml) being encountered during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons, indicating changes in accessory gland function.

Animals↗

Analysis of the genetic structure of endangered bovine breeds from the Western Pyrenees using DNA microsatellite markers.

In the Western Pyrenees, three out of four native cattle breeds are in grave danger of extinction. Genetic variation of all four breeds was assessed by analyzing 478 animals using 11 microsatellite markers. A moderate/high within-breed variability was found, a favorable factor to consider when planning conservation and improvement programs. Interestingly, the only selected commercial breed, the Pirenaica, showed depressed heterozygosity levels and a low average number of alleles, perhaps explainable by intensive human selection exacerbated by a bottleneck effect. The Pirenaica also exhibited pronounced genetic differences and was the largest contributor of diversity among the breeds from the Western Pyrenees. Among endangered cattle breeds from this region, our results highlight the singularity of the Betizu. Geographic isolation among herds may be responsible for the large F(IS) value found in the Betizu breed. Lastly, our study suggests that the use of highly selected breeds may be one of the causes of distortion in phylogenetic analyses.

Alleles↗

Seasonal variation in the feedback of sex steroid hormones on serum LH concentrations in the male horse.

The possibility of seasonal variation in the feedback effect of testosterone or oestradiol was investigated by giving replacement treatment to geldings for 2-3 weeks during breeding and non-breeding seasons. In the non-breeding season, testosterone suppressed LH values (mean +/- s.e.m., ng/ml) in all geldings (before treatment, 7.5 +/- 2.3; final treatment week, 1.8 +/- 0.2; P less than 0.05), whereas early in the breeding season, testosterone caused a prolonged rise in LH (before, 6.8 +/- 2.3; final week, 18.9 +/- 6.4; P less than 0.05). In all testosterone experiments, LH returned to pretreatment levels within 2 weeks after treatment. Oestradiol treatment caused a prolonged increase (P less than 0.05) in LH concentrations (mean +/- s.e.m., ng/ml) in both seasons (breeding: before 5.2 +/- 1.1; final week, 16.2 +/- 4.8; non-breeding before, 10.9, 20.1 +/- 5.2). We conclude that in geldings the feedback effect of testosterone varies with season and, further, that testosterone replacement may be able to restore to geldings the stallion's seasonal pattern of LH secretion. The results suggest that, in male horses, testosterone and possibly oestradiol, are important components in the neuroendocrine pathway controlling seasonal breeding and, moreover, are essential for the generation of a positive signal for LH secretion in the breeding season.

Animals↗

Assessment of the value of doubled haploids as progenitors in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) breeding.

In order to evaluate twelve doubled haploids (DHs) of Theobroma cacao L. used as parents, a trial was set up in Côte d'Ivoire. Several traits were observed, such as yield, vigour, yield/vigour ratios, resistance to the black pod disease caused by Phytophthora, percentage of flat beans and mean weight of 100 cocoa beans. Out of the three progenies derived from crosses between two DHs, two showed severe drawbacks. A reduction of the heterogeneity within these progenies was occasionally observed for some of the traits, but failed to be consistent. When tested as female parents in combination with diploid testers, some of the DHs showea significantly higher combining value than their parents for traits such as the mean weight of 100 beans and the yield/canopy surface ratio. The results showed the potential of DHs to improve selected parents in only one cycle of selection but more crosses between two DHs need to be tested in order to evaluate potential of the resulting F(1) progenies.

Cacao↗

Improving plant breeding with exotic genetic libraries.

Naturally occurring variation among wild relatives of cultivated crops is an under-exploited resource in plant breeding. Here, I argue that exotic libraries, which consist of marker-defined genomic regions taken from wild species and introgressed onto the background of elite crop lines, provide plant breeders with an important opportunity to improve the agricultural performance of modern crop varieties. These libraries can also act as reagents for the discovery and characterization of genes that underlie traits of agricultural value.

Breeding↗

Relaxation of equine tracheal muscle in vitro by different adrenoceptor drugs.

Strips of tracheal smooth muscle from 12 horses were contracted by carbachol in tissue baths under isometric conditions. This contraction (approximately 50% of maximum: EC50) was relaxed completely with adrenoceptor drugs. The only exception was clenbuterol, where the degree of relaxation was approximately 90%. In all horses the EC50-value for isoprenaline (mean 1.6 x 10(-8) M) was less than that for adrenaline (mean 9.6 x 10(-8) M) and noradrenaline (mean 1.8 x 10(-6) M). The potency ratio was 1 < 6 < 110 which indicates that the beta 2-subtype dominates among the beta-adrenoceptors of equine airways. All preparations were also very sensitive to the specific and potent beta 2-receptor agonists clenbuterol (mean 5.7 x 10(-9) M) and procaterol (mean 3.6 x 10(-10) M). No differences in EC50-values due to age, sex and breed were observed in this material. The standard deviation of the mean EC50-values seems to be larger for the specific beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists than for the unspecific. A reason for this could be differences in the pattern of the beta-adrenoceptor population.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Profile of some plasma enzyme activities in growing dwarf and landrace kids.

Plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase activities were studied in clinically healthy Danish landrace and dwarf kids in seven herds from birth to 12 months of age. The purpose was to evaluate the influence of age, breed and herd on reference values. The mean enzyme levels +/- standard deviation (s) in neonatal dwarf kids were 0.09 +/- 0.04, 1.23 +/- 0.24, 2.79 +/- 1.50 and 18.3 +/- 11.0 mu kat/l respectively. The respective values in landrace kids were 0.13 +/- 0.06, 1.06 +/- 0.22, 2.44 +/- 1.60 and 37.6 +/- 23.6 mu kat/l. In 8-12 months old dwarf kids they were 0.30 +/- 0.11, 1.49 +/- 0.13, 3.28 +/- 0.44 and 11.1 +/- 2.4 mu kat/l respectively and 0.23 +/- 0.05, 1.12 +/- 0.34, 3.68 +/- 1.63 and 14.1 +/- 8.40 mu kat/l respectively in landrace kids of the same age. The 5th to 95th percentile intervals of the enzyme activities were within mean +/- 2s for most age groups in both breeds except alkaline phosphatase. The means and medians were close to each other for the values of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase but not for alkaline phosphatase. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase levels were low at birth and increased with age, whereas for alkaline phosphatase it was vice versa. Significant differences were observed in mean enzyme activities between kids of different ages (within breeds), breeds (in same age kids) and herds (within same breed and age kids). Sex variations (within the breeds) were not observed. It was concluded that plasma enzyme activities are dependent on age, breed and environment.

Aging↗

Semen characteristics, testicular size, and reproductive hormone concentrations in mature duroc, meishan, fengjing, and minzhu boars.

Chinese breeds of swine are known for their reproductive prolificacy and are noted for large litter size. The current investigation evaluated reproductive components of three breeds of Chinese boars in comparison to a contemporary site breed common in the U.S. Semen from postpubertal Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars was collected during four seasons of the year. After each semen collection and evaluation period, boars were weighted and placed in a restraining chute for testicular measurements and blood sampling for measurement of FSH, testosterone, and inhibin. Although Duroc boars were 2 mo younger than Chinese boars, initial and final body weight and paired testis volume in Durocs were greater (p < 0.05) than in Chinese boars. Total spermatozoa per ejaculate was similar for Duroc and Minzhu boars, but was lower (p < 0.05) in Fengjing and Meishan boars. Progressive motility and sperm morphological characteristics were not affected by breed of boar. Serum FSH concentrations were markedly higher (p < 0.01) in Meishan and Fengjing boars than in other breeds, and concentrations were nearly 8-fold higher in Meishan than in Duroc boars. Breed differences in serum inhibin were essentially the inverse of those observed for FSH, with Durocs exhibiting the highest inhibin concentrations and Meishans exhibiting the lowest. Testosterone values were not different between breeds. However, testosterone concentrations fluctuated with season, and serum testosterone was highest during the fall of the year in all breeds. These results indicated that some reproductive characteristics differ dramatically between Duroc and Chinese breeds of boars. Breed differences existed in body size, testis size, sperm per ejaculate, ejaculate volume, and serum FSH and inhibin concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium in two Japanese beef cattle breeds.

There is little knowledge about the degree of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in beef cattle. This study aims to perform a genome-wide search for LD in Japanese Black and Japanese Brown beef cattle and to compare the level of LD between these two breeds. Parameter D' (the LD coefficient) was used as a measure of LD, and LD was tested for significance of allelic associations between syntenic and between non-syntenic marker pairs. Effects of breed, chromosome, genetic map distance and their interactions with D' were tested based on least squares analyses. Both breeds showed high levels of LD, which ranged over several tens of cM and declined as the marker distance increased for syntenic marker pairs. A rapid decline of the D' value was observed between markers that were spaced 5 and 20 cM apart. LD was significant in most cases for marker pairs <40 cM apart but was not significant between non-syntenic loci. The pattern of LD found in these two breeds was similar to that previously published for dairy cattle. The D' value between breeds was not significantly different (P > 0.05), but the interaction between breed and chromosome was highly significant (P < 0.001). Genetic selection seems to have caused the heterogeneity of the D' values among chromosomes within breed. These results indicate that LD mapping is a useful tool for fine-mapping quantitative trait loci of economically important traits in Japanese beef cattle.

Alleles↗

Sister chromatid exchange in chromosomes of sheep (Ovis aries).

Blood lymphocyte cultures from 32 Comisana and Laticauda sheep breeds (15 males and 17 females) raised in Southern Italy were studied using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test. Of the 932 cells studied, the SCE-mean value was 7.20 +/- 2.5 per cell for both breeds. Indeed, the SCE mean values were 7.12 +/- 2.45 and 7.28 +/- 2.55 in Comisana and Laticauda breeds, respectively, and the differences were not significant. No statistical differences were noticed between male and female cells (7.25 +/- 2.39 and 7.16 +/- 2.60, respectively). The SCE frequency distribution did not follow a Poisson distribution. The number of SCE were significantly higher than expected in chromosomes 1, 2 and 3 (p < 0.001) and significantly lower than expected in the X and remaining chromosomes (p < 0.001) on the basis of relative chromosome lengths.

Animals↗

[Blood characteristics of some french pig populations. Relationships with the malignant hyperthermia syndrome (author's transl)].

Lactic acid, glucose, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and some mineral components were determined in the blood of piglets before and after a halothane test of five minutes (only before for CPK). Two different experimental groups were studied: 222 Pietrain piglets from an INRA experimental herd, and 325 piglets from the Large White, French Landrace and Belgian Landrace breeds entering performance testing stations. Animals reacting positively to halothane ("MHS" piglets) have significantly higher blood levels of lactic acid and potassium before anesthesia than normal animals. CPK is also higher, except for the Belgian Landrace: in this breed CPK shows the same average value and distribution in the two groups of piglets (normal and MHS). There are also breed differences in blood magnesium, independently of the reaction to halothane. But the breed differences observed in lactic acid and CPK are related to the proportion of MHS piglets in each breed. Anesthesia by means of halothane lowers the measured blood characteristics--except for glucose--in normal animals, and rises them--except for potassium--in MHS piglets. The results are discussed in view of the incomplete discrimination between the two types of pigs, with a 5 minutes test, and, particularly, considering possible breed differences in that respect.

Anesthesia↗

Genetic correlation between heifer pregnancy and scrotal circumference measured at 15 and 18 months of age in Nellore cattle.

Data of pregnancy diagnosis from 24,945 Nellore heifers, raised under tropical conditions in Brazil and exposed to breeding at about 14 months of age, were analyzed simultaneously with 13,742 (analysis 1), 36,091 (analysis 2), 8,405 (analysis 3), and 8,405 (analysis 4) scrotal circumference (SC) records of contemporary young bulls in order to estimate heritability (h(2)) for yearling heifer pregnancy (HP) and for SC measured at around 15 (SC15) and 18 (SC18) months of age and to estimate genetic correlation between HP and SC15 (SC18). Heifer pregnancy was considered as a categorical trait, with the value 1 (success) assigned to heifers that were detected as pregnant by rectal palpation approximately 60 days after the end of a 90-day breeding season and the value 0 (failure) otherwise. In analyses 1 and 3, SC was measured at around 15 months of age and in analysis 2 and 4 it was measured at around 18 months of age. Only 8,848 animals from datasets 1 and 2 were common in both files, which means the same animals measured at different ages. Datasets used in analyses 3 and 4 included the same animals, measured at 15 and at 18 months of age, respectively. Heritability estimates for HP were similar in all analyses, with values ranging from 0.66 +/- 0.08 to 0.67 +/- 0.008. For SC15, the estimates were 0.57 +/- 0.05 in analysis 1 and 0.60 +/- 0.07 in analysis 3. For SC18, the estimates were 0.53 +/- 0.03 in analysis 2 and 0.64 +/- 0.06 in analysis 4. The estimates of genetic correlation between HP and SC15 were 0.15 +/- 0.10 in analysis 1 and 0.11 +/- 0.11 in analysis 3. For the correlation between HP and SC18, the values were 0.27 +/- 0.10 in analysis 2 and 0.16 +/- 0.11 in analysis 4. Based on standard errors and confidence intervals, the best heritability and genetic correlation estimates were obtained from analysis 2, which included more data and a better pedigree structure. Pearson correlation between HP and SC breeding values was similar to the genetic correlation estimates obtained from two-trait models, when all animals in the pedigree file were considered for its calculation. If only sires were considered for the calculation, Pearson correlation was higher but the pattern was the same as from two-trait analyses. The high heritability estimates obtained in the present study confirm that expected progeny difference (EPD) for HP can be used to select bulls for the production of precocious daughters and that the low genetic correlation between SC and HP indicates a greater efficacy of selection based on heifer pregnancy EPD than of selection based on scrotal circumference EPD. The results of the present study, although not conclusive, indicate that SC measured at around SC18 would have a higher genetic correlation with HP than would SC measured at around SC15.

Age Factors↗

Serum proteins in healthy Basenjis and Basenjis with chronic diarrhea.

A serologic survey was conducted to characterize the electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins in healthy Basenji dogs (n = 137) and Basenjis with chronic diarrhea (n = 32). Serum protein electrophoresis values for Basenjis were similar to previously reported values from dogs of other breeds. Dogs with histologically confirmed lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis had a statistically significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in total protein, albumin, and albumin/globulin ratio. alpha 2-Globulin and gamma-globulin values were significantly increased in old dogs (9 years of age or older) with lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis. Although not statistically significant, gamma-globulin values were generally increased in Basenjis with lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis when compared with the values in age-matched clinically healthy Basenjis.

Alpha-Globulins↗

The equine electrocardiogram with standardized body and limb positions.

Eleven-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded from 50 Thoroughbred (TB) and 50 Standard bred (SB) horses at rest with 40 tracings being selected from each group for more complete analysis. Incomplete atrioventricular block with dropped beats commonly reported in mature horses was recorded only in the TB (15%), while wandering of the atrial pacemaker (WAP) thought also to be associated with variations in tone of the autonomic nervous system was detected almost equally in both breeds (30%). In some horses (12.5%), the initial component of the P wave (P1) did not vary as seen with WAP but had a mean manifest electric axis in the frontal plane between 0 and -64 degrees with vectors directed craniad and sinistrad. Breed differences were noted for the mean duration of the P-wave and for the PR and QT intervals while no significant differences were present for mean heart rate. Significant differences have also been reported for other ECG values (amplitude and duration) in relation to age, breed and sex. It may be of value when attempting to determine the clinical or research significance of cardiac vectors or other ECG parameters, to establish values for each of the different breeds. Interpretation of ST-segment deviations and changes in the form of the T-wave are complicated by their associations with conditions of excitement or exercise in clinically normal horses as well as in those with organic heart disease. The diagnostic significance of changes in amplitude and direction of the T-wave requires further elucidation.

Animals↗

A comparative study highlights superiority of LSTM in crop genomic prediction.

We systematically evaluated three key determinants affecting prediction accuracy and the algorithm performance differences based on fifteen state-of-the-art GP methods, and found LSTM suitable for capturing additive and epistatic effects. Genomic prediction (GP) has been developed as an important method supporting crop breeding. By utilizing the phenotype values result from GP, breeders could make decisions in the seedling stage that consequently benefit for cost saving. In recent years, machine learning emerged as an efficient technology to solve modeling problems in many fields, including crop breeding. However, numerous modeling approaches have hindered the application of GP since breeders struggle to choose. Therefore, a comprehensively methodological research with guiding significance is extremely necessary. In the present study, we systematically evaluated three key determinants affecting prediction accuracy and the algorithm performance differences based on fifteen state-of-the-art GP methods. As for genomic feature processing, we found feature selection (SNP filtering approach) performed better than feature extraction (PCA method). Specifically, the feature relationship dependent methods (GBLUP, RNN, and LSTM) as well as DNN architecture showed superior performance with feature selection. Marker density analysis showed positive correlation with prediction accuracy in a limited threshold. Comparison on effect of population size demonstrated a positive correlation between trait genetic complexity and the optimal population size required. By testing fifteen modeling methods, we found LSTM network displayed superior performance, achieving the highest average STScore (0.967) across six datasets. Further research using all cell states or the latest cell states of LSTM inputs demonstrated its architecture particularly adept with capturing additive and epistatic QTL effects among SNPs. In conclusion, our findings provide basic principles for implementing GP in breeding project to maximize prediction accuracy while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Plant Breeding↗

Factors affecting dystocia in Brahman-cross heifers in subtropical southeastern United States.

This study was conducted to determine relative relationships among factors affecting dystocia in Brahman-cross heifers. Body and pelvic measurements were obtained in mid-June (when heifers were approximately 17 mo old), 45 d after a 60-d breeding season. Heifers studied were 207 Red Brangus, 209 Simbrah, and 250 Braford bred to Black Angus bulls; calving began on December 1. Heifers grazed stockpiled bahia and hemarthria grass or ryegrass supplemented with 0.9 kg of 32% protein cottonseed meal and 1.8 kg of mill-run black strap molasses daily during calving. Calvings were scored (1 = no difficulty to 4 = major difficulty). A random sample of birth weights were obtained on 131 and 210 calves in 1992 and 1993. Data were analyzed within year by SAS procedures. Breed differences in dam size and pelvic measurements were highly significant. Residual correlations between body weight and pelvic area were .20 and .35 (both P < .01) for 1991 and 1992. Dystocia incidence was 6.9% in 1992 and 10.5% in 1993, with higher incidence in males than in females (1992, 10.6 vs 3.1%, P = .08; 1993, 15.6 vs 4.2%, P < .01, male vs female, respectively). Male birth weight exceeded (P < .01) that of females (26.7 vs 24.3 kg, 1992; 28.1 vs 26.1 kg, 1993). Correlations among dam size and calf birth weight were not significant. Birth weight was significantly correlated with dystocia score (.19 and .49, 1992 and 1993). Path analyses of influences on dystocia found birth weight, dam heart girth, and body weight significant in 1992, but only birth weight significant in 1993. Regression of calving score on birth weight was curvilinear and significant in both years, with the birth weight inflection point at 22 kg. We conclude that dam body size data obtained following the breeding season were of minor value in determining dystocia, but birth weight was consistently important.

Animals↗