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PubMed1994

[The hemoglobin concentration in the blood of dairy cattle of different breeds and their offspring during the peripartum period].

Blood samples taken repeatedly from dairy cows on pasture (50 Holstein-Friesian) and then from 181 cows and their newborn calves within 5 to 10 min after birth were used for measurement of haemoglobin content (Hb). Hb decreased with ongoing lactation and pregnancy, increased several weeks before parturition and reached its highest value shortly after birth. There was some individual, breed and age specificity of Hb in dairy cows. Assisted calvings using marked traction resulted in no difference in Hb values of the cows when compared to other calvings; whereas the calves' Hb values were smaller and the difference between calf Hb and cow Hb was greater. A strong correlation between Hb of the cow and Hb of the newborn calf and the difference Hb calf-Hb cow could be found.

Aging↗

PubMed1991

Simulation of life-cycle efficiency of lamb and wool production for genetic levels of component traits and alternative management options.

A deterministic computer model was used to predict effects of genetic improvements in performance and of management options on life-cycle flock TDN input per unit of empty body weight (EBW) or carcass lean (CLN) equivalent value of market lamb, cull ewe, and wool output from a pure breeding system of sheep production for sheep fed to maintain normal weight. Relative values per kilogram for market lambs, cull ewes, and clean wool were 1 to .33 to 2.04 in lamb empty body equivalent, but 1 to .33 to 1 in lamb carcass lean equivalent. A 10% increase in lamb viability improved TDN/EBW or CLN by -15 to -20% for high to low lambing rates. Corresponding smaller gains were -7 to -11% for fertility, -3 to -13% for lambing rate, -1 to -3% for wool growth rate, -1 to -5% for milk production without creep feeding, -2 to -1% for mature size to about 70 kg, and -.6 to -.9% for precocity of fertility. Increasing leanness 10% improved TDN/CLN by -3 to -1% but increased TDN/EBW 3% because of higher maintenance requirements of leaner sheep. Higher protein requirements for increased lambing rate, milk production or leanness, or greater increases in non-feed than in feed costs, would mean only slightly less reduction of TDN/output than shown. Creep feeding was beneficial only for prolific, low-milking stock. Flushing reduced adverse effects of restricted feeding. Different values for wool vs meat or for costs of feed vs non-feed inputs would change results. These estimates for relative economic importance of traits apply to derivation of optimum criteria for selection among breeds or crosses, or within-breeds used in rotation crossbreeding, but would differ for specialized terminal-sire or maternal breed roles.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed1995

Factor VIII activity in canine von Willebrand disease.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between factor VIII (FVIII) activity and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) concentration in canine von Willebrand Disease (vWD). In addition, the clinical utility of measuring FVIII activity in vWD was assessed. This was performed by the concurrent analysis of both FVIII activity and vWf:Ag concentration in three breeds of dogs, namely Dobermans (n=183), Scottish Terriers (n=169), and Labrador Retrievers (n=146). In the three breeds tested, linear regression analysis illustrated a positive relationship between FVIII activity and vWf:Ag concentration. This was reaffirmed in the Doberman and Scottish Terrier breeds, in which dogs with vWf:Ag concentrations < 50 CU/dL ("carriers") had lower median FVIII activities than dogs with vWf:Ag concentrations > 70 CU/dL ("normals"). The determination of various FVIII "cut-off" values was a poor test to separate Dobermans with and without clinical signs of hemorrhage attributable to vWD. In addition, the occurrence of hemorrhage in Dobermans with vWf:Ag concentrations < 50 CU/dL was not influenced by the FVIII activity. Various tests were performed to determine if the measurement of FVIII activity aided in the identification of "carriers" of the vWD gene in the Doberman and Scottish Terrier breeds. These included the use of optimal FVIII "cut-off" values for each breed and a FVIII "cut-off" value of 55 CU/dL; FVIII/vWf:Ag ratios and FVIII/vWf:Ag ratio "cut-off" values; and linear regression analysis of vWf:Ag concentration against FVIII activity. Of all these tests, only the determination of FVIII/vWf:Ag ratios appeared to have promise for "carrier" detection. The data in the present study indicated that routine FVIII assessment in vWD is not warranted; however, measurement of FVIII activity may be of use in confirming the "carrier" status of vWD.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1985

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of plasma gonadotropins and prolactin in wild mallard drakes.

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin were measured in serial samples taken from seven captive wild mallard drakes exposed to natural lighting and temperature in Kiel, West Germany (54 degrees N), for 20 months. The seasonal pattern of plasma LH levels was characterized by high titers during the reproductive phase in the spring, a steep decrease toward the end of this phase (May/June), low levels during the summer, and a second annual peak in the fall. Plasma FSH levels increased during February and March, the period of rapid testicular growth, and reached the highest values at the end of March/beginning of April. Later in the spring FSH levels decreased and remained low for the rest of the year. The concentrations of plasma prolactin increased progressively during April and May, reaching their highest values at the end of the breeding season, coinciding with the steep fall in the levels of plasma gonadotropins. Prolactin concentrations fell during July and August and were at their lowest level in the autumn. It is concluded that the development of photorefractoriness is associated with an increase in the concentrations of plasma prolactin.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte function in clinical bovine patients and in cows with or without Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.

A fluorochrome microassay was used to investigate peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function in cattle. Glass-adherent PMNL were reacted with Staphylococcus aureus preincubated in 20% bovine serum for 30, 60 and 90 min. Coverslips were stained with acridine orange (AO) followed by crystal violet to quench extracellular bacterial fluorescence. PMNL function was evaluated by counting the number of dead (stained red with AO) and live (stained green with AO) S. aureus contained within 100 PMNL. A phagocytic index was calculated as the average number of bacteria contained within PMNL. The percentage killing of S. aureus was calculated from the average proportion of S. aureus within PMNL that were dead. Six clinically normal Holstein calves, 3-4 months of age, were sampled on 6 consecutive days. PMNL phagocytosis and killing did not vary significantly (p greater than 0.05) among repeated samplings per calf. PMNL function increased with increasing time of incubation of PMNL with S. aureus. Means (+/- SD) for percentage killing were 46.7 +/- 13.1, 57.4 +/- 11.6, and 62.1 +/- 9.8% for 30, 60 and 90 min of reaction, respectively. Means (+/- SD) for the phagocytic index were 2.9 +/- 0.8, 3.6 +/- 1.0, and 4.2 +/- 1.1 bacteria/PMNL for 30, 60 and 90 min of reaction, respectively. PMNL function was determined in 30 normal cattle of various breeds, age and sex, and these values were pooled to provide normal values for PMNL function. When values for bovine clinical patients (n = 25) with various diagnoses were compared with normal values (defined by the mean +/- 2SD for the 30 normal cattle) for PMNL function, only one patient was observed to exhibit PMNL hypofunction. A cow with disseminated intravascular coagulation in association with peracute coliform mastitis exhibited decreased PMNL killing capacity. Abnormal PMNL function was uncommon in the hospital population studied. Peripheral blood PMNL function was evaluated in lactating Holstein cows with (n = 15) or without (n = 15) chronic subclinical S. aureus mastitis. There was no significant (p greater than 0.05) difference in PMNL function among these cows.

Acridine Orange↗

PubMed2002

A genetic linkage map of willow ( Salix viminalis) based on AFLP and microsatellite markers.

The genus Salix (willow) contains a number of species of great value as biomass crops. Efforts to breed varieties with improved biomass yields and resistances to pests and diseases are limited by the lack of knowledge on the genetic basis of the traits. We have used AFLP and microsatellite markers to construct a genetic map of willow from a full-sib cross of the diploid species Salix viminalis (2n = 38). In accordance with a double pseudo-testcross approach, separate parental maps were constructed and merged to produce a consensus map comprising 291 AFLP and 39 willow microsatellite markers. Nineteen poplar microsatellites were also tested in willow. Five of these amplified loci, of which two were mapped. Linkage groups of the consensus map that could be identified in the parental maps are presented here and spanned 1,256.5 cM with an average interval between markers of 4.4 cM.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Factors affecting fertility according to the postpartum period in crossbred dual-purpose suckling cows in the tropics.

To determine the relationship between first service conception rate (FSC) and the postpartum period (PP), 6160 calvings from 2250 crossbred dual-purpose cows were analysed. The effects of breed predominance (BT: Bos taurus and BI: Bos indicus), season of service (dry, intermediate and humid), parity (1 or 2 and more), agroecological region (Sub-humid and Dry Tropical Forest) and milk production were studied. The postpartum period was grouped according to the calving-first service interval as G1 < or = 60 days (n = 1889); G2 > 60 < or = 90 days (n = 1436); G3 > 90 < or = 120 days (n = 1030); and G4 > 120 days (n = 1805). Data were analysed by chi-squared test. The overall mean for FSC was 58.2% and was lower in G1 (p < 0.01). All PP showed a breed effect on FSC, with mean values of 61.6% and 53.3% for BI and BT, respectively. Season of service also affected FSC, which was significantly lower during the humid period: 51.2% versus 57.4% and 61.5% for the intermediate and dry periods (p < 0.01), respectively. Parity and environmental effects were not observed on FSC. Levels of milk yield did influence the FSC, which decreased from 66.7% and 61.0% for milk yields of < 1500 kg and between 1501 and 2000 kg to 46.0% in milk yields > 2000 kg (p < 0.01).

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Electrophoresis and chromatography of wheat proteins: available methods, and procedures for statistical evaluation of the data.

Analysis of gluten proteins from the wheat grain endosperm has long challenged the analytical chemist. Several hundred unique polypeptides are present, many in large polymers. This complexity, plus useful relationships of composition to genotype and quality, encouraged development and application of electrophoresis and chromatography for gluten analysis. We review the methods of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography available for study of wheat proteins. Singly and in combination, they provide rapid, reproducible, high-resolution separations based on size, charge, or surface hydrophobicity. As challenging and important as the analyses themselves, however, is interpretation of data. Subjective evaluation is sometimes possible, but statistical methods such as similarity scores, clustering, principal components, multiple linear regression, and partial least squares now are increasingly used for data analysis. We review the use of these procedures, and precautions necessary to avoid misinterpretation of data. Optimal evaluation of protein analytical data will enhance the value of such analyses in wheat breeding, marketing, and processing.

Chromatography↗

PubMed1995

An evaluation of visual assessment for fertility in Brahman cross cows using the Bonsma technique.

A technique of visual assessment of cattle for reproductive efficiency, described by Professor Jan Bonsma of South Africa, was evaluated in two well-managed large herds of 1/2 to 3/4 Brahman cross heifers and cows located in the dry tropics of north Australia. Individual lifetime performance records were available for all animals. Experienced cattlemen carried out the assessments. Higher scores were previously claimed to indicate higher fertility. The technique had high repeatability (0.7) and was quickly learned by the assessors. Scores from visual assessment had no useful predictive value for either heifer or cow fertility or for growth rate up to 27 mo of age, although 2.5-yr-old heifers which were scored as subfertile matured into 4% smaller cows than heifers which had scored higher. Scores decreased as fatness increased (P < 0.05). Some biases in visual assessment occurred. Lactating cows scored higher than nonlactating cows (P < 0.05), independently of their reproductive record. Red and grey cows scored higher than brindle and black/brown cows (P < 0.05). Bonsma scores were not influenced by the percentage of Brahman in the genotype. Significant, but apparently random, age effects on scores also occurred. It was concluded that the visual assessment criteria described by Bonsma were of no practical value in assessing potential productivity of breeding animals in well-managed Brahman cross cattle in the dry tropics.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1978

Glutathione levels in the red blood cells of cattle.

1. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in the red blood cells of 259 cattle of two diverse populations consisting of various breeds. 2. There was a uniform distribution of GSH values ranging from 40.0 to 113.0 mg/100 ml red cells with a mean value of 72.0 mg +/- 1.26 (S.E.). 3. An absence of bimodal distribution was, thus, shown in the cattle breeds examined.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Comparative gene frequencies between the Canchim breed of Brazil beef cattle and their foundation breeds.

1. Four hundred and seventy-five animals of the Canchim breed from EMBRAPA-UEPAE de Sao Carlos were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis. 2. Albumin, amylase, transferrins, carbonic anhydrase, hemoglobin and nucleoside phosphorylase gene frequencies were compared with the same frequencies in the foundation breeds, Charolais and Indubrazil. 3. Theoretical values obtained considering the 5/8 European, 3/8 Zebu admixture are near the means calculated from our results and data from literature.

Amylases↗

PubMed1999

The recovery of populations of dogwhelks suffering from imposex in the Firth of Forth 1987-1997/98.

The impact of tributyltin (TBT) contamination on dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus) populations was assessed at 33 sites in the Firth of Forth, UK, during spring 1997 and summer 1998. The sex ratio of the animals; the ratio of juveniles to adults; the degree of imposex, as determined by the relative penis size index (RPSI); and the total tin concentration in a sample of dogwhelk tissue were used as measurements of TBT impact on dogwhelk populations. These data were compared with data from a similar survey carried out at the same sites in the Firth of Forth in 1987 (Bailey, S.K., Davies, I.M., 1988. Tributyltin contamination in the Firth of Forth (1975-1987). Science of the Total Environment 76, 185-192.) before restrictions were introduced on the use of TBT. The results demonstrate a general recovery in dogwhelk populations from the impact of TBT at the majority of the sites studied, although at six of the sites, the RPSI value remains high enough to suggest breeding problems in the population. It is suggested that large vessels are responsible for localised cases of imposex within the Firth of Forth.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1996

Amputation and prosthesis.

Amputation of a limb is a drastic therapy in cattle and should be considered as a last resort in the treatment of limb injuries. Even though the surgical technique for amputation is simple, daily limb management, prosthesis manufacture, and adaptation of the animal to the prosthesis are difficult and time consuming. Dedication of the owner to the aftercare required for the rest of the animal's life is extremely important. Amputation of a limb with prosthesis application is a method of saving valuable animals for breeding purposes or animals of sentimental value. The author reviews his experience with partial foreleg amputation and prosthesis application in three heifers.

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMed1985

Mammary uptake of amino acids and glucose throughout lactation in Friesland sheep.

Changes in mammary blood flow, arterial and venous plasma concentrations of glucose and individual amino acids, udder volume, and milk yield and composition were measured at intervals throughout lactation in four Friesland ewes. Milk yields peaked 50-80 d post partum and declined by 40% within 3 months. Neither mammary blood flow (43.3 +/- 5.8 (s.e.m.) ml/100 cm3 X min) nor udder volume changed significantly throughout the period of study, but for three ewes the 'mammary blood flow: milk yield' ratio increased from 300 (peak yield) to 570 (late lactation). Mammary glucose uptake remained essentially constant throughout lactation despite a 50% decline in lactose output. Arterial concentrations of glucose were much lower at peak yield than in late lactation. Mammary amino acid uptake conformed quite closely to 'essential' and 'non essential' categories previously defined for goats and cows, the degree of balance with output in milk protein being similar at all stages of lactation. For several amino acids arterial concentrations and arteriovenous differences were significantly positively correlated: the changes in arterial concentrations with lactation stage were also correlated for some amino acids. Apart from the intrinsic value of such studies on a breed of ewe increasingly used for dairy purposes, the Friesland ewe appears well suited for use in quantitative metabolic studies on lactation.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2006

Antioxidant composition in cherry and high-pigment tomato cultivars.

Fourteen cultivars of cherry tomatoes and four cultivars of high-pigment tomato hybrids were cultivated in southern Italy, and the red-ripe fruits were analyzed for their content in different classes of antioxidants and for their antioxidant activity. Among the different cultivars, significant differences were found between lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid), and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. LS203 and Corbus appear to be the cultivars with the highest content of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants among cherry tomatoes, respectively. All cultivars of high-pigment tomato hybrids showed an expected exceptionally high lycopene content. Among them, the highest content of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants was found in cv. HLY 13. Hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities were both significantly influenced by genotype. Such results highlight an existing unexploited variability in tomato germplasm and stress the need to evaluate the biodiversity and to support conventional breeding programs to improve tomato nutritional value.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2000

The use of molecular markers to investigate the genetic structure of an oil palm breeding programme.

RFLP markers (40 probes covering 60% of the oil palm genome) have been used to assess genetic diversity within 54 palms of a specific oil palm breeding programme. A further 10 palms encompassing a broader range of origins were also included to provide a wider framework for comparative analysis. These palms represent a majority of the parents in a crossing programme which aims to combine the best features of African tenera germplasm with South-east Asian Deli dura material. Progeny from these crosses are planted in up to six sites on three continents, where the palms are being assessed in detail for yield components. A total of 157 RFLP bands were scored and the data analysed by calculating genetic distances according to Nei & Li, and by correspondence and cluster analysis. The relationships that emerge through this molecular analysis correspond well with known pedigree and provenance. For example, south-east Asian Deli dura material forms a cluster clearly distinct from AVROS pisifera gene pools, and a selection of African breeding material forms a further and broader grouping. The potential ability of markers to assist in oil palm breeding through examination of the genetic structure of crossing programmes is discussed, as is their value in parental selection to maintain residual diversity within specific breeding pools and use in evaluating the fidelity of breeding lineages.

Chromosome Mapping↗

PubMed2003

Pollen flow in the wildservice tree, Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz. I. Evaluating the paternity analysis procedure in continuous populations.

The joint development of polymorphic molecular markers and paternity analysis methods provides new approaches to investigate ongoing patterns of pollen flow in natural plant populations. However, paternity studies are hindered by false paternity assignment and the nondetection of true fathers. To gauge the risk of these two types of errors, we performed a simulation study to investigate the impact on paternity analysis of: (i) the assumed values for the size of the breeding male population (NBMP), and (ii) the rate of scoring error in genotype assessment. Our simulations were based on microsatellite data obtained from a natural population of the entomophilous wild service tree, Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz. We show that an accurate estimate of NBMP is required to minimize both types of errors, and we assess the reliability of a technique used to estimate NBMP based on parent-offspring genetic data. We then show that scoring errors in genotype assessment only slightly affect the assessment of paternity relationships, and conclude that it is generally better to neglect the scoring error rate in paternity analyses within a nonisolated population.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2001

Skull typology of adult male Kangal dogs.

In this study, a total of 16 skulls of the adult male Kangal dog were used. Craniometric measurements for 44 different parts of the skull were made. All investigated features were expressed as mean +/- SD. Cephalic indices and ratios were calculated. These indices and ratios have been compared with the average values of indices calculated for other breeds. A skull index of 50.29 +/- 1.033, a cranial index of 46.05 +/- 2.213, a facial index of 99.62 +/- 3.891, a facial index-1 of 81.67 +/- 3.667, a basal index of 28.71 +/- 1.425, a basal index-1 of 57.91 +/- 1.365, a length-length index-2 of 1.08 +/- 0.045, a length-width index-2 of 1.99 +/- 0.041, a length-width index-4 of 2.18 +/- 0.108, a palatal index-1 of 62.24 +/- 2.528, a palatal index-2 of 65.37 +/- 2.208, a palato-basal ratio of 55.44 +/- 1.975, a palato-basal ratio-1 of 54.47 +/- 1.716, a palato-palatine ratio of 33.71 +/- 0.860, a palato-palatine ratio-1 of 34.30 +/- 0.733, a cranio-facial ratio of 107.87 +/- 4.819 and a cranio-facial ratio-1 of 144.17 +/- 8.099 were obtained. When the skull, cranial and facial indices were considered together with the other calculated indices and ratios, it was clear that the skulls of the Kangal dogs have to be regarded as of dolichocephalic type. Kangal dogs, with their mastiff-like appearance and massive head, are shown in this study to be typical of a dolichocephalic breed.

Animals↗