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Genetic control of resistance to subgroup A and subgroup C tumour viruses in Rhode Island Red fowl: evidence for linkage between the tumour virus a (tva) and tumour virus c (tvc) loci.

A study, using the Rhode Island Red (RIR) strain of fowl maintained at Houghton Poultry Research Station, was made to investigate the genetic control of cellular response to infection with viruses of subgroups A and C. Family matings within the RIR strain and test-crosses between the RIR parents and White Leghorn (WL) parents of known ararcrcr genotype were set up to ascertain linkage between the tumour virus a (tva) and tumour virus c (tvc) loci. The results confirmed that in this RIR strain, the two loci, tva and tvc, control the cellular response to viruses of subgroups A and C, respectively, as reported in other breeds of fowl (WL and New Hampshire). As in WL fowl, the two loci are linked. The linkage value of 0-22 in the male sex agreed well with that reported in the WL male sex, indicating that the two loci are located in the same sites in homologous chromosomes in the two breeds. However, in the RIR strain, no sex difference in crossing over between the two linked loci was found, contrary to that reported in WL fowl where the absence of crossing over between the two loci was observed in the heterogametic female sex.

Animals↗

[The marmoset in biomedical research. Value of this primate model for cardiovascular studies].

Because of its small size, low cost of maintenance, breeding capabilities in captivity, the marmoset, a New World monkey, appears well suited for clinical and fundamental investigations. The contribution of this laboratory animal in the main areas of biomedical research is succinctly described: viral oncology, infections diseases, immunology, reproduction, toxicology and teratology, odontology, behaviour and neuro-psychopathology. Emphasis is put upon the exceptional interest of the use of marmoset as a biological model in cardiovascular studies.

Angiotensinogen↗

Conservation of rice genetic resources: the role of the International Rice Genebank at IRRI.

Rice genetic resources, comprising landrace varieties, modern and obsolete varieties, genetic stocks, breeding lines, and the wild rices, are the basis of world food security. The International Rice Genebank at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines conserves the largest and most diverse collection of rice germplasm. The facilities of the genebank ensure the long-term preservation of this important diversity. In field research, factors that affect long-term viability of rice seeds have been identified, leading to the introduction of modified practices for germplasm multiplication and regeneration. The value of conserved germplasm can be assessed in terms of useful traits for rice breeding and the economic impact that germplasm utilization has on rice production and productivity. The application of molecular markers is changing perspectives on germplasm management. International policies affecting access to and use of rice germplasm are discussed.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

[Interbreed and interspecies variation in the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in cows and buffaloes].

Studied were for subclinical mastitis 3252 cows of the Bulgarian Brown breed, 1409 cows of the Bulgarian Simmenthal breed, 1082 cows of the Bulgarian Red cattle, 341 cows of the Iskar cattle, 1086 cows of the Black and White breed, and 418 buffalo-cows. Established were mathematically dependable variations with regard to the individual sensitivity to subclinical mastitis of the main cattle breeds reared in this country. Highest was the percent of subclinical mastitis in the cows of the Bulgarian Simmenthal breed - 28.22. Bulgarian Brown cows and the cows of the Bulgarian Red breed were equally affected with subclinical mastitis - 25.24 and 25.23 per cent, respectively. In the Iskar and Black and White cattle the values were 12.60 and 12.70 per cent, respectively, i.e., the per cent of subclinical mastitis was more than twice lower as compared with the first three breeds. Buffalo-cows showed high absolute and relative resistance both with regard to subclinical and to clinical mastitis.

Animals↗

Genetic diversity in three groups of barley germplasm assessed by simple sequence repeats.

Genetic diversity can be measured by several criteria, including phenotype, pedigree, allelic diversity at marker loci, and allelic diversity at loci controlling phenotypes of interest. Abundance, high level of polymorphism, and ease of genotyping make simple sequence repeats (SSRs) an excellent molecular marker system for genetics diversity analyses. In this study, we used a set of mapped SSRs to survey three representative groups of barley germplasm: a sample of crop progenitor (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum) accessions, a group of mapping population parents, and a group of varieties and elite breeding lines. The objectives were to determine (i) how informative SSRs are in these three sets of barley germplasm resources and (ii) the utility of SSRs in classifying barley germplasm. A total of 687 alleles were identified at 42 SSR loci in 147 genotypes. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 31, with an average of 16.3. Crop progenitors averaged 10.3 alleles per SSR locus, mapping population parents 8.3 alleles per SSR locus, and elite breeding lines 5.8 alleles per SSR locus. There were many exclusive (unique) alleles. The polymorphism information content values for the SSRs ranged from 0.08 to 0.94. The cluster analysis indicates a high level of diversity within the crop progenitors accessions and within the mapping population parents. It also shows a lower level of diversity within the elite breeding germplasm. Our results demonstrate that this set of SSRs was highly informative and was useful in generating a meaningful classification of the germplasm that we sampled. Our long-term goal is to determine the utility of molecular marker diversity as a tool for gene discovery and efficient use of germplasm.

Alleles↗

Differences among breeds and manifestation of heterosis in AI boar sperm output.

A total of 271,547 records of semen collections were utilized to appraise sperm characteristics of 3319 boars belonging to eight breeds: Czech Large White (CLW), Czech Landrace (CLA), Prestice Black-Pied (PBP), Czech Meat Pig (CM), Hampshire (HA), Duroc (DC), Pietrain (PN), Large White (LW), and various crosses of these breeds. The data was collected over 8 years (1990-1997) from insemination stations for boars in the Czech Republic. The assessment of sperm output was based on semen volume, number of total spermatozoa and number of viable spermatozoa. A linear model was used for statistical analysis included fixed effects of breed or crossbred combinations, boar within breed or crossbred combinations, year-season, and linear and quadratic regression on age of boars at collection and on interval between collections. The average semen volume of boars ranged from 161 to 349 ml, number of total spermatozoa from 81x10(9) to 119x10(9) and number of viable spermatozoa from 60x10(9) to 86x10(9). The lowest values were detected in DC while the highest were observed in LW. In general, sperm output significantly differed across breeds and their crossbreeds. The highest heterosis effect for semen volume was 30.6% (HA x PN), for number of total spermatozoa 18.2% (HA x PN) and 10.4% for number of viable spermatozoa (CLA x DC). Sperm output varied with season, including high values in autumn and winter and low ones in spring and summer.

Animals↗

Partitioning of upper airway resistance in Friesian and double-muscled calves.

Respiratory resistance in calves was partitioned in two components: upper airway resistance and pulmonary resistance. The former one was divided into naso-pharyngeal and laryngeal resistance. A comparison between seven healthy unsedated double-muscled calves of the Belgian White and Blue breed (BWB) and five healthy unsedated Friesian (F) calves was performed. Respiratory resistance was significantly greater in the BWB calves, due to the significantly higher values of the naso-pharyngeal and the laryngeal resistances. This finding might be related to the higher prevalence of laryngitis in this breed.

Airway Resistance↗

Plasma sex hormone concentrations during the reproductive cycle in the male lizard, Podarcis s. sicula.

Progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and oestradiol concentrations in the plasma were measured by simultaneous radioimmunoassay in males of the lizard Podarcis s. sicula. Hormonal determinations were performed at monthly intervals from January to December (except for August). Testosterone and androstenedione reached peak values of 174.8 ng/ml and 21.4 ng/ml in the mating season (spring) and then testosterone fell abruptly to 5.9 ng/ml in June remaining at this level during hibernation when dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) reached a maximal level of 28.5 +/- 9.3 ng/ml. Castration resulted in a marked decrease of testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone and DHA values, with DHA being significantly lowered only during the winter season. In castrated animals, however, testosterone and androstenedione persisted conspicuously in the plasma during the breeding period, suggesting that adrenal sex steroid output may change during the annual reproductive cycle. In intact animals, progesterone and oestradiol exhibited peak values during the refractory period after the mating season. We suggest a probable role of oestradiol in the induction of the refractory period in this lizard.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗

Changes in productivity and contaminants in bald eagles nesting along the lower Columbia River, USA.

Previous studies documented poor productivity of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the lower Columbia River (LCR), USA, and elevated p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans in eagle eggs. From 1994 to 1995, we collected partially incubated eggs at 19 of 43 occupied territories along the LCR and compared productivity and egg contaminants to values obtained in the mid-1980s. We found higher productivity at new nesting sites along the river, yet productivity at 23 older breeding territories remained low and was not different (p = 0.713) between studies. Eggshell thickness at older territories had not improved (p = 0.404), and eggshells averaged 11% thinner than shells measured before dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane use. Decreases in DDE (p = 0.022) and total PCBs (p = 0.0004) in eggs from older breeding areas occurred between study periods. Productivity was not correlated to contaminants, but DDE, PCBs, and dioxin-like chemicals exceeded estimated no-effect values. Some dioxin-like contaminants in eggs were correlated to nest location, with highest concentrations occurring toward the river's mouth where productivity was lowest. Although total productivity increased due to the success of new nesting pairs in the region, egg contaminants remain high enough to impair reproduction at older territories and, over time, may alter productivity of new pairs nesting near the river's mouth.

Animals↗

Associations between fish reproductive cycle and the dynamics of metazoan parasite infection.

The parasite fauna of the stone loach (Barbatula barbatula) was investigated monthly from May to December 2001. Four parasite species were recorded: Gyrodactylus spp. (Monogenea), Tylodelphys clavata (Digenea), Proteocephalus sagittus (Cestoda), and Raphidascaris acus (Nematoda). The changes in the seasonal dynamics of parasite infection were investigated throughout the 8 months. The potential effect of the reproductive investment of the host, measured by gonad mass and gonado-somatic index (GSI), on the parasite infection was tested against the prediction that, during periods of high reproductive investment (beginning of the breeding period or forming gonads after breeding), the fish are more susceptible to parasite infection. Differences between parasite loads between genders were also hypothesized. Seasonal differences in infection were observed for all parasite species studied. The values of GSI showed a pattern of energy accumulation in the pre-reproductive period and at the beginning of breeding, a decrease during breeding, and an increase in the post-breeding period. A similar pattern was observed for parasite abundance, a strong or weak increase in spring and/or autumn and a decrease during summer (July and August). Positive correlations between the abundance of Gyrodactylus spp. and R. acus and both gonad mass and GSI were found in females after eliminating the effect of fish weight. Our results suggest that stone loach females are more susceptible to parasite infection in periods of higher reproductive investment. The main factor determining the infection of T. clavata was fish size. The abundance of P. sagittus was positively correlated with GSI in the total fish sample with no detectable effect of sex or fish weight. The increase in cestode infection in spring supports the hypothesis that the parasite life cycle could by synchronized with the beginning of host reproduction, probably induced by increasing fish hormone levels in the spring.

Animals↗

Strain differences in catecholamine content of pigeon brains.

Concentrations of dopamine, noradrenaline and DOPAC were measured in 6 regions of telencephalon and in the cerebellar cortex of adult white Carneaux, and mixed breed pigeons of either sex. In both groups the regional differences in the amount of dopamine replicated the pattern we published earlier. The absolute values, however, differed in these groups: in all telencephalic regions the amount of dopamine was lower in the Carneaux strain than in the mixed breed specimens; in 4 of these regions the difference was statistically significant. A similar tendency was observed in the noradrenaline concentration but the difference was significant only in two telencephalic samples and the cerebellum. The concentration of DOPAC was significantly smaller in two telencephalic regions of the Carneaux pigeons.

Analysis of Variance↗

Response of four indigenous cattle breeds to natural tsetse and trypanosomosis challenge in the Ghibe valley of Ethiopia.

A comparative study on the response of four indigenous cattle breeds of Ethiopia, namely Abigar, Horro, Sheko and Gurage, to natural challenge of trypanosomosis in the Tolley-Gullele area of the Ghibe valley has been undertaken from August 2000 until August 2004. Fifty female yearlings each of Horro, Sheko and Abigar and 31 of the Gurage were purchased from their natural habitats and introduced in to medium to high tsetse-trypanosomosis challenge area of the Ghibe valley. While the natural habitats of first three breeds are naturally infested with tsetse flies and trypanosomosis, that of the Gurage is known to be very minimal, if any, and hence the Gurage breed was used in this study as the known susceptible breed. During the study animal health, production performance and tsetse fly situation were monitored monthly. The Sheko breed has manifested very significantly (p<0.001) high overall average packed cell volume (PCV) values (25%) compared to that of Abigar (24%), Horro (23%) and Gurage (22%). It also had the lowest mean trypanosome prevalence rate of 9% against 23% of Horro, 26% of Abigar and 27% of Gurage, and the least number of Berenil treatments (1.36) compared to Abigar (4.0), Horro (4.6) and Gurage (6.7). While the Abigar manifested high sensitivity and frequent death to PCV depression, the Horro showed strong resilience to PCV depression and better response to Berenil treatment assistance. At this stage the Sheko breed was also found to be equal to the other breeds in its reproductive performance. These results need to be substantiated with further in-depth investigation including immune response, animal behavior and environmental influences.

Animals↗

Analysis of petal shape variation of Primula sieboldii by elliptic fourier descriptors and principal component analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Petals are important for Primula sieboldii because of the commercial value of its flowers, and their form is a target characteristic for breeding. An appropriate understanding of petal form in terms of genetic mechanisms and environmental effects is necessary for improvement of this species. The aim of this study was to establish a quantitative evaluation method of petal shape by elliptic Fourier descriptors and principal component analysis (EF-PCA), and thus to investigate genotypic and environmental effects on petal morphology. METHODS: EF-PCA describes an overall shape mathematically by transforming coordinate information concerning its contours into elliptic Fourier descriptors (EFDs) and summarizing the EFDs by principal component analysis. To examine varietal effects on principal component (PC) scores and petal area among commercial varieties, nested ANOVAs were performed (since the samples had a hierarchical structure with four sources, i.e. variety, plant, flower and petal). KEY RESULTS: Petal shape variation could be evaluated successfully and the symmetrical and asymmetrical elements of the overall shape variation could be detected. The proportions of the variance component due to varietal differences were more than 70 % in the first five PCs of the symmetrical elements and petal area. By contrast, the proportions due to varietal effects of all PCs of the asymmetrical elements were less than 20 %, and the proportions of the variation within a flower were more than 75 %. It was also demonstrated that the yearly variance of petal shape was small, and that of petal area was large. CONCLUSIONS: Within a flower the major source of the symmetrical elements is genotypic and the asymmetrical elements are strongly affected by the environment. With respect to petal area, the contribution of genotypes is also large; it is, however, affected by the macro-environment more notably than is petal shape.

Analysis of Variance↗

Hematologic values of the yucatan miniature pig.

Mean values and ranges for 16 hematological parameters for healthy, young, sexually-mature Yucatan miniature swine are presented. No significant differences were observed between sexes with regard to hemograms. Comparison of observed values with those published in the literature for standard domestic and other breeds of miniature swine reveals no major differences.

Journal Article↗

Breed differences in the phenotype and gene frequencies in canine D blood group system.

The D system of canine blood groups was studied in 3,191 dogs of many different breeds. The frequencies of the D system phenotypes and genes were measured. These frequencies varied considerably between the breeds native to Japan. The frequency of the D1 phenotype was higher in breeds native to Japan than in those of non-Japanese origin. Conversely, non-Japanese breeds generally had the D2 phenotype. The dogs described as mongrel in Japan had D system frequencies intermediate between native Japanese and non-Japanese breeds. One of the most interesting findings was that in the Afghan bound the frequency of the D1 gene (0.3333) was the same as in the Shiba, though only the Shiba was native to the Japanese isles. Another Japanese breed was the Tosa, and its D1 gene frequency was 0.063, a value even lower than that for the non-Japanese Maltese (0.097).

Animals↗

I plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) with hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and alpha-melanocyte stimulating-hormone (alpha-MSH) in healthy ferrets and ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism. ANIMALS: 16 healthy, neutered, privately owned ferrets, 28 healthy laboratory ferrets (21 sexually intact and 7 neutered), and 28 ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURES: Healthy ferrets were used for determination of reference plasma concentrations of ACTH and a-MSH. Diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism was made on the basis of history, clinical signs, urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratios, ultrasonography of the adrenal glands, and macroscopic or microscopic evaluation of the adrenal glands. Blood samples were collected during isoflurane anesthesia. Plasma concentrations of ACTH and alpha-MSH were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of ACTH in 23 healthy neutered ferrets during the breeding season ranged from 4 to 145 ng/L (median, 50 ng/L). Plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH in 44 healthy neutered or sexually intact ferrets during the breeding season ranged from < 5 to 617 ng/L (median, 37 ng/L). Reference values (the central 95% of the values) for ACTH and alpha-MSH were 13 to 100 ng/L and 8 to 180 ng/L, respectively. Plasma concentrations of ACTH and alpha-MSH in ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism ranged from 1 to 265 ng/L (median, 45 ng/L) and 10 to 148 ng/L (median, 46 ng/L), respectively. These values were not significantly different from those of healthy ferrets. Plasma ACTH concentrations of sexually intact female ferrets in estrus were significantly higher than those of neutered females. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism did not have detectable abnormalities in plasma concentrations of ACTH or alpha-MSH. The findings suggest that hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is an ACTH and alpha-MSH-independent condition.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Entomological observations on dengue vector mosquitoes following a suspected outbreak of dengue in certain parts of Nagaland with a note on their susceptibility to insecticides.

Three species of Aedes viz., Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes annandalei were detected from different breeding sources in and around human habitats during entomological study conducted following an outbreak suspected to be of dengue (which occurred during, 1994) in parts of Medziphema PHC area of Nagaland in two different points of time ie., in the year, 1994 and, 2000. The potential dengue vector, Aedes albopictus showed high preponderance by breeding in all types of containers searched with high Breteau Index (BI) value of 85.0 and 72.72 recorded in, 1994 and, 2000 respectively whereas the BI value for other potential vector, Aedes aegypti was recorded low (4.9) in the year, 1994 with a substantial increase (31.81) in, 2000. The change in ecosystem along with the process of urbanization has facilitated the growth of these dengue vector mosquitoes in the area of investigation. Adults of both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found to be susceptible to DDT, dieldrin and malathion in insecticide bioassay carried out using WHO test kit.

Aedes↗