Body Conformation Research Articles

Relationship between polymorphism in the CRH gene and the traits of body conformation of Salers cows

The study analyzed three SNP polymorphisms located in exon 2 of the corticotropin-coding genes (rs110167397, rs381116984, rs109244394), later referred to as CRH1, CRH2, CRH3, respectively. The research was conducted in a Salers cattle herd. Identification of genotypes of individual animals was carried out using polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The heterozygous genotypes of all analyzed polymorphisms they determined the most extensive body mass of the analyzed animals. Other traits, such as cow size, muscularity, hip height and chest girth, were the most favorable for homozygous GG individuals concerning CRH1 polymorphism. Studying the relationship between CRH2 polymorphism and the animals with the genotype TT was preferred for traits such as muscularity and chest girth. It was shown that the CRH3 polymorphism significantly affected the muscularity and higher values of the zoometric measurement (hip height, chest girth) in the case of cows with the genotype CC. Significant differences were found in the study (p ≤ 0.01; p ≤ 0.05).

Morphostructural Characterization of the Black Creole Goat Raised in Central Mexico, a Currently Threatened Zoogenetic Resource.

Simple SummaryThe need to characterize and document local animal populations has gradually gained global importance. This is because these populations represent a genetic pool, and before developing strategies for their conservation, they need to be evaluated. The Black Creole goat, which is distributed mainly in the central region of Mexico, represents one of the first Creole populations, derived from goat cattle introduced 500 years ago by Spanish colonizers. However, morphological and racial standards have not been established for this population, even though the quality of their milk and the social importance they represent in semi-desert areas are known. In the present study, the morphostructure of the Black Creole goat was evaluated using morphometric variables that describe the body conformation of the animals. The results showed a homogeneous population and confirmed the zootechnical purpose of the animals. These results represent the first morphological study carried out on the Black Creole goat and could be the basis for establishing its racial standard.In order to evaluate the morphostructural variability of the Black Creole goat (BCG), the present study was carried out in a population of 226 animals from eight localities and 14 morphometric variables were taken. Descriptive statistics for the variables were obtained and 10 of these presented variation coefficients of less than 10%. The degree of harmony in the morphology of the population was determined by the number of positive correlations with significant differences (p < 0.05), including a correlation test using Spearman’s method. In order to reduce the matrix of variables, a principal components analysis was performed, and it was evaluated based on Kaiser’s criteria (eigenvalue > 1). Finally, a hierarchical analysis of conglomerates using Ward’s method was performed using the Euclidean distance to evaluate the distances among localities. Morphometric variables were also included to visualize the relationship among the localities and their average per variable. The results showed that the animals evaluated presented a certain degree of homogeneity and maintained a highly harmonic model. The BCG population showed a high aptitude for milk production, which confirmed the zootechnical purpose of the breed. The BCG populations evaluated maintain similar morphostructural profiles specific to them that can distinguish this population from other animal breeds.

Functional annotation and Bayesian fine-mapping reveals candidate genes for important agronomic traits in Holstein bulls

A hundred years of data collection in dairy cattle can facilitate powerful studies of complex traits. Cattle GWAS have identified many associated genomic regions. With increasing numbers of cattle sequenced, fine-mapping of causal variants is becoming possible. Here we imputed selected sequence variants to 27,214 Holstein bulls that have highly reliable phenotypes for 35 production, reproduction, and body conformation traits. We performed single-marker scans for the 35 traits and multi-trait tests of the three trait groups, revealing 282 candidate QTL for fine-mapping. We developed a Bayesian Fine-MAPping approach (BFMAP) to integrate fine-mapping with functional enrichment analysis. Our fine-mapping identified 69 promising candidate genes, including ABCC9, VPS13B, MGST1, SCD, MKL1, CSN1S1 for production, CHEK2, GC, KALRN for reproduction, and TMTC2, ARRDC3, ZNF613, CCND2, FGF6 for conformation traits. Collectively, these results demonstrated the utility of BFMAP, identified candidate genes, and enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of cattle complex traits.

Evolution in Extremis: The When, How, and Why of Hawaiian Carabid Beetles

The Hawaiian Archipelago is the most isolated oceanic island system in the World, separated from the nearest source areas by more than 4000 km. Five independent colonization events have resulted in diversification of a native carabid beetle fauna in excess of 400 known species. This diverse assemblage is disharmonic, with the major radiations restricted to the platynine genus Blackburnia Sharp (139 species), the subgenus Nesocidium Sharp of Bembidion Latreille (21 species), and the moriomorphine genus Mecyclothorax Sharp (239 species). Biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary attributes of these three radiations are compared in order to determine factors crucial to carabid beetle diversification in this most-isolated situation. Biogeographical attributes include the age of origin of the constituent radiation, the island likely colonized by its common ancestor, and the biological characteristics, where known, of the colonizing ancestors for each independent radiation. Ecological attributes include the amount of habitat specialization undergone during each radiation, taking into account the primordial habitat colonized and the subsequent pattern of occupation of different habitat types during diversification. Evolutionary attributes include brachyptery, body-size evolution, sexual selection, and the evolution of specialized body conformations. It is shown that ecological specialization—i.e., occupation of a diverse array of ecological zones and microhabitats—in concert with reduced dispersal ability brought on by evolution of brachyptery are positively associated with enhanced levels of diversification. Comparing sympatric island faunas, it is shown that the latter operates synergistically with body size, as the smaller-bodied Mecyclothorax beetles speciate much more rapidly than the larger-bodied Blackburnia on Maui and Hawai῾i Island. Nonetheless, small body size does not gaurantee high diversity, as Bembidion beetles attain body sizes similar to Mecyclothorax beetles. Age of origin of a radiation is a subsidiary criterion for diversification given that the Mecyclothorax radiation commenced only 1.2 Ma, whereas it is hypothesized that Blackburnia have been resident in the Hawaiian archipelago for upwards of 28 Ma. Thus especially for Blackburnia we are constrained in our ability to know all of the evolutionary products of the radiation due to extinction of presumably all or nearly all species that occupied the now-sunken islands northwest of the oldest high island of Kauai. We are fortunate to know of several extinct Blackburnia species discovered in lowland subfossil deposits in Kauai, and these species provide crucial information now regarding future patterns of extinction. Sexual selection can be demonstrated for the Bembidion subgenus Nesocidium, and is a likely explanation for genitalic evolution over parts of the Mecyclothorax radiation, but it is not a phenomenon pervasively associated with increased levels of speciation.

A Retrospective Analysis of Complaints to RSPCA Queensland, Australia, about Dog Welfare.

Simple SummaryAnimal neglect and cruelty are important welfare and social issues, and dogs are one of the most commonly reported species to have experienced both. Most previous studies related to canine cruelty and welfare focused on animal abuse and dog fighting. However, literature dealing with the milder but more common forms of animal welfare concerns is limited. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to understand the epidemiology of different types of canine welfare complaints in Queensland in the past decade and also to identify risk factors and their roles in different types of welfare complaints. The number of complaints received each year increased by 6.2% annually. The majority of complaints were neglect-related rather than related to deliberate cruelty, with the most common complaints being that dogs had poor body conformation, insufficient food and/or water, and receiving inadequate exercise. Poor living conditions and leaving dogs in a hot vehicle unattended were more commonly reported in recent years, potentially due to higher public awareness. Adult dogs that were reported were more likely to be alleged to have been poisoned, left unattended in a hot car, abandoned, and to have had inadequate exercise and shelter, compared with puppies. Puppies that were reported were more likely to be alleged to have experienced cruelty, lack of veterinary support, overcrowding, poor living and health conditions, and inappropriate surgery. Recognising which dogs are at most risk of cruelty will inform strategies to address this serious welfare problem. Animal neglect and cruelty are important welfare and social issues. We conducted an epidemiological study of dog welfare complaints and identified risk factors. The retrospective study included 107,597 dog welfare complaints received by RSPCA Queensland from July 2008 to June 2018. The risk factors considered were the age of dogs and the year of being reported. The number of complaints received each year increased by 6.2% per year. The most common complaints were poor dog body conformation, insufficient food and/or water, dogs receiving inadequate exercise, and dogs being confined or tethered. Increasing numbers were most evident for poor living conditions and leaving dogs in a hot vehicle unattended, both of which may have resulted from increasing public awareness. The majority of complaints were neglect-related rather than related to deliberate cruelty. Compared with puppies, adult dogs were more likely to be reported to have been poisoned, left unattended in a hot car or abandoned, as well as to have had inadequate exercise and shelter. Reported puppies were more likely to be alleged to have experienced cruelty, lack of veterinary support, overcrowding, poor living and health conditions, and inappropriate surgery. In conclusion, animal neglect was the most commonly reported welfare concern in dogs. Due to an assumed increasing public awareness of some types of cruelty, the trends of reported concerns differed. Adult dogs and puppies were reported to be involved in different types of welfare concerns. Strategies to address cruelty to dogs can be informed by an understanding of risk factors and trends in types of cruelty.

Complications related to entry techniques for laparoscopy in 159 dogs and cats.

To report the frequency and risk factors of complications related to 3 entry techniques for laparoscopy in small animals. Single-institution retrospective case series. 159 client-owned dogs and cats. Medical records were reviewed for dogs and cats undergoing laparoscopic surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2 ) insufflation between 2006 and 2018. Data including entry site, entry technique, signalment, body conformation, complications, and operating surgeon/resident were analyzed by univariate regression analysis. Factors with P < .25 were included in multivariate regression analysis. Complications occurred in 33 of 159 (21%) surgeries and were considered minor (CO2 leaks, omental insufflation, repeated entry) in 30 of 33 (91%) cases. The Ternamian visual entry, modified Hasson, and Veress needle entry techniques were associated with complications in 7 (9%), 17 (26%), and 9 (60%) surgeries, respectively. Major complications occurred in 3 of 159 (2%) surgeries, in which entry-related hemorrhage prompted conversion to an open technique (2 [13%] entries with Veress needle) and 1 [1%] with the Ternamian visual). Entry location and entry technique remained significant in the final multivariate model. Complications were 11.7 times more likely after a paramedian entry than after a midline entry; the odds ratio of complications were 5 and 28 times higher after modified Hasson and Veress needle entries, respectively, than after Ternamian visual entry. In this study, a Ternamian visual entry technique and midline entry site appeared associated with fewer complications than 2 other techniques. The findings in this study are preliminary, and superiority of any entry technique must be reevaluated in a prospective randomized controlled study.

Genetic parameter estimates for body conformation traits using composite index, principal component, and factor analysis

Information about genetic parameters is population specific and it is crucial for designing animal breeding programs and predicting response to selection. This study was carried out to estimate the genetic parameters for 23 body conformation traits of 45,517 Chinese Holstein reared in Eastern China from 1995 to 2017 with the Bayesian inference method using a linear animal mixed model. The methods to integrate these traits included (1) using the composite index from the Dairy Association of China and (2) applying principal component analysis and factor analysis to explore the relationship between the conformation traits. Estimates of heritability using the composite index were low (0.04; feet and legs) to moderate (0.23; body capacity). Strong genetic correlations were observed between the individual body conformation traits. Both principal components (1 to 7; eigenvalues ≥ 1) and latent factors (1 to 7; eigenvalues ≥ 1) explained 60.37% of total variability. Principal component 1 and factor 1 accounted for the traits that are usually associated with milk production. Moderate to low heritability were estimated through multi-trait analysis for principal components (from 0.07 to 0.21) and latent factors (from 0.07 to 0.23). Genetic correlations among the 2 multivariate techniques are typically lower compared with the one existing among the measured traits. Results from these analyses suggest the possibility of using both principal component analysis and factor analysis in morphological evaluation, simplifying the information given by the body conformation traits into new variables that could be useful for the genetic improvement of the Chinese Holstein population. This information could also be used to avoid analyzing large number of correlated traits, thereby improving precision and reducing computation burdens to analyze large and complex data.

Production Systems and Breeding Practices of Arab and Oromo Goat Keepers in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Northwestern Ethiopia: Implications for the Development of Community-based Breeding Programs

To better understand and describe the production systems and breeding practices of Arab and Oromo goat keepers, we undertook a household survey in semi-arid and sub-humid parts of Benishangul Gumuz region, Northwestern Ethiopia. Multi-stage random and probability proportional to size sampling techniques were employed to select peasant associations and households, respectively.Data were collected from 249 goat keeping households (86 in semi-arid and 163 in sub-humid areas) through personal observations, focus group discussions and structured questionnaires, and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and indices were used to present the data. In both areas, goats were kept mainly to generate cash income followed by meat production and saving with overall indices of 0.40, 0.23 and 0.17, respectively. The average ± SD of flock sizes per households were 12.5 ± 4.0 in Arab goat keepers and 9.9 ± 3.8 in Oromo. The mean numbers of does, doe kids, bucks, kids and castrates were significantly higher in Arab goat keepers as compared to Oromo. Body size, twining ability and coat color were the most preferred attributes of both goat keepers in selecting breeding does while breeding bucks were selected based on their body conformation, growth and coat color. Mating was predominantly uncontrolled mainly due to communal grazing lands. Castration of bucks was significantly (p < 0.01) more frequent in Arab goat keepers than Oromo. The average age at first kidding, kidding interval, reproductive lifetime and number of kids born per lifetime of Arab does were 13.9 ± 1.7 months, 7.2 ± 1.8 months, 7.2 ± 2.0 years and 10.7 ± 2.5, respectively. The corresponding values for Oromo does were 14.9 ± 2.4 months, 7.8 ± 1.1 months, 7.9 ± 1.9 years and 9.7 ± 1.6. The difference between Arab and Oromo goat keepers in terms of production objectives, flock sizes, trait preferences and breeding practices should be carefully considered in the development of breed improvement programs in the study areas. Keywords: Arab goat, Breeding practice, Oromo goat, Production system, Traits DOI : 10.7176/ALST/73-03 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Proximate carcas composition with different CaHPO4 and body conformation of Red Tilapia

Carcass composition of traits such as protein, ash, moisture, amino acids and minerals in red tilapia was investigated. All diets were formulated at 29% of crude protein 0.5% of calcium-phosphate and energy: protein ration 150:5 for diet C1, 30% of crude protein, 1.0% of calcium-phosphate and energy: protein ration 151:7 for diet C2, and 31% of crude protein, 1.5% of calcium-phosphate and energy: protein ration 151:5 for diet C3. The body weight of tilapia species is 169.38g (±4.32). 60 of fish and three replicates were used for this study to the analysis of carcass composition. The other carcass parts of body fish as muscle, bone, scale, and gill was found to be significant (p<0.01). The mean of carcass composition of three levels of calcium-phosphate as muscle, bone, scale, and gill were found to be higher in level diet C2 compared to diet C1 and C3 was found no significant differences.

Copy number variation of bovine SHH gene is associated with body conformation traits in Chinese beef cattle.

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) regulates many key developmental processes during vertebrate limb development, fat formation, and skeletal tissue regeneration. Current whole genome sequencing data have identified a copy number variation mapping to bovine Sonic Hedgehog gene (SHH-CNV). The object of this study was to characterize the SHH-CNV distributions in 648 individuals from 11 Chinese cattle populations and further to investigate the associations of the copy number changes with gene expression and cattle growth traits. The SHH-CNV showed a high variance within Chinese indigenous yellow cattle. Compared to yak and dairy cattle, the beef cattle like Luxi and Xianan breed had significantly higher median copy numbers, suggesting the diversity of SHH-CNV in beef cattle selections. The negative correlation of SHH-CNV with SHH transcriptional level in adult adipose tissue (P < 0.01) indicated the dosage effects of SHH-CNV related to bovine fat formation. Association analysis of SHH-CNV and body size traits was conducted in five breeds. The results revealed that the copy number gain type of SHH-CNV exhibited significantly better chest depth in 24months old Qinchuan cattle, and better body weight, body length, and chest girth in 18months old Nanyang cattle, whereas the normal copy number had superior chest girth and body weight in adult Jinnan cattle (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In summary, this research uncovered meaningful effects of SHH-CNV on gene expression and cattle phenotypic traits, indicating its potential applications for genetic improvement of beef cattle.

Production Systems and Breeding Practices of Arab and Oromo Goat Keepers in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Northwestern Ethiopia: Implications for the Development of Community-based Breeding Programs

To better understand and describe the production systems and breeding practices of Arab and Oromo goat keepers, we undertook a household survey in semi-arid and sub-humid parts of Benishangul Gumuz region, Northwestern Ethiopia. Multi-stage random and probability proportional to size sampling techniques were employed to select peasant associations and households, respectively. Data were collected from 249 goat keeping households (86 in semi-arid and 163 in sub-humid areas) through personal observations, focus group discussions and structured questionnaires, and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and indices were used to present the data. In both areas, goats were kept mainly to generate cash income followed by meat production and saving with overall indices of 0.40, 0.23 and 0.17, respectively. The average ± SD of flock sizes per households were 12.5 ± 4.0 in Arab goat keepers and 9.9 ± 3.8 in Oromo. The mean numbers of does, doe kids, bucks, kids and castrates were significantly higher in Arab goat keepers as compared to Oromo. Body size, twining ability and coat color were the most preferred attributes of both goat keepers in selecting breeding does while breeding bucks were selected based on their body conformation, growth and coat color. Mating was predominantly uncontrolled mainly due to communal grazing lands. Castration of bucks was significantly (p < 0.01) more frequent in Arab goat keepers than Oromo. The average age at first kidding, kidding interval, reproductive lifetime and number of kids born per lifetime of Arab does were 13.9 ± 1.7 months, 7.2 ± 1.8 months, 7.2 ± 2.0 years and 10.7 ± 2.5, respectively. The corresponding values for Oromo does were 14.9 ± 2.4 months, 7.8 ± 1.1 months, 7.9 ± 1.9 years and 9.7 ± 1.6. The difference between Arab and Oromo goat keepers in terms of production objectives, flock sizes, trait preferences and breeding practices should be carefully considered in the development of breed improvement programs in the study areas. Keywords: Arab goat, Breeding practice, Oromo goat, Production system, Traits DOI : 10.7176/CEIS/10-4-03 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Principal components analysis of body measurements of Sohagi sheep in Upper Egypt

SUMMARYThe current study was conducted to evaluate 383 Sohagi sheep in Sohag governorate, Egypt using a multivariate approach. Data were divided into two age groups of 294 young animals less than 10 months old (147 for each sex) and 89 adults animals from 10 months old and above (9 males and 80 females). Body weight (BW) and four body measurements (heart girth (HG), height at withers (HW), height at rump (HR) and body length (BL)) were measured through the period 2017 and 2018. In young and adult sheep, two factors (principal components) were extracted and accounted for 89.2% and 57.8% of the total variance, respectively. The first factor explained 46.4% and 30.6% of the total variance and the higher positive loading was observed for HW, RH and BL in young sheep whereas the higher positive loading was for HW and RH in adult sheep. The second factor accounted for 42.8% and 27.2% of the total variance and the higher positive loading was obtained for BW and HG in young sheep while was influenced by BW, HG and BL in adult sheep. The use of principal components was more proper than the use of original associated traits to explain body measurements in this study. Thus, extracted factors could be useful in breeding programs with enough decrease in the number of measurements traits to be registered to interpret the body conformation. Also, these principal components could be used as factor scores to predict body weight of Sohagi sheep.

FTO and IRX3 Genes are Not Promising Markers for Obesity in Labrador Retriever Dogs

Abstract Obesity is a serious problem in numerous dog breeds, but knowledge of its hereditary background is scarce. On the contrary, numerous DNA polymorphisms associated with human obesity have been identified, with the strongest effect being demonstrated for FTO gene. We used targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) to search for polymorphisms in the region harboring FTO and IRX3 in 32 Labrador dogs. Moreover, we investigated the selected regions of FTO and IRX3, orthologous to the human regions associated with obesity, in 165 Labradors. For all dogs, the following information was available: age, sex, gonadal status, body weight, and body conformation score (BCS). The use of tNGS revealed 12,217 polymorphisms, but none of these obtained significance when lean and obese dogs were compared. Study of two SNPs in the 5’-flanking region of FTO in 165 dogs – creating two upstream reading frames (uORFs) – also showed no association with body weight and BCS but suggested the need for improvement in FTO annotation. No polymorphism was found in the 5’UTR of IRX3. Additionally, no differences of CpG islands methylation status between lean and obese dogs were found. Our study suggests that FTO and IRX3 are not useful markers of obesity in Labrador dogs.

Age-related changes in body weight, Body Conformation and Scrotal Circumference and Prepubertal Sexual behavior of Kundhi Buffalo Bull Calves

A study was planned to evaluate the production profile of Marecha camel maintained in desert ecosystem of Thal area, Reproductive efficiency is the most important factor in livestock production. Buffalo bulls of excellent genetic make-up possessing high fertility can significantly improve reproductive and productive efficiency in buffaloes. In this situation, an effort is needed to identify areas of male buffalo reproduction that are of applied importance. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between age, body weight, scrotal circumference, body conformation and pre pubertal sexual behavior in Kundhi buffalo bull calves. A positive coefficient correlation (r = 0.90 to 0.95) at P>0.001 were found between age and other traits (body weight, S.C., height at withers, body length and heart girth).Sexual interest and mounting was observed at the mean age of 19.1 ± 0.72 and 21.1 ± 0.89 months respectively. First ejaculation with >10% sperm motility and onset of puberty in bulls was observed at the mean age of 24.2 ± 0.52 and 25.0 ± 0.57 months respectively, when the mean body weight and scrotal circumference reached 381 ± 27.60 kg and 23.17 ± 0.87 cm respectively.It was concluded that body weight, S.C. and body measurements increased linearly with age of the bulls. Generally, bulls gained about 15 kg body weight per month and that bulls grew faster from 12 to 20 months of age.

Evaluation of the Canine Intervertebral Disc Structure in Turbo Spin Echo-T2 and Fast Field Echo-T1 Sequences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

In the current study the hypothesis should be proven that T1 weighted Fast Field Echo (FFE) sequence is a useful method to visualize intervertebral disc degeneration, respectively changes of the expected disc appearance. Medical records of 208 dogs were reviewed and images of 781 intervertebral discs were evaluated by two blinded examiners using a modified Pfirrmann classification system in two MRI sequences: FFE and Turbo-Spin-Echo T2-weighted sequence (T2W). The patients were allocated to three categories based on body conformation: (1) brachycephalic and chondrodystrophic breeds, (2) non-chondrodystrophic and non-brachycephalic breeds with a body weight of < 25 kg, and (3) non-chondrodystrophic and non-brachycephalic breeds with a body weight greater or equal 25 kg. In brachycephalic and chondrodystrophic dogs 340 intervertebral discs were evaluated, the majority of them presented a mild change of the normal disc structure, 53% in the FFE sequence and 41% in T2W images. High discrepancies were observed between mild and moderate degeneration: in the FFE-sequence 15% (n = 50) of the discs had signs of mild degeneration, whereas in T2W the same discs were graded as moderately degenerated. In non-chondrodystrophic and non-brachycephalic breeds under 25 kg body weight 320 intervertebral discs were assessed. In the FFE-sequence 52% (n = 166) of the intervertebral discs were judged as having a mild degeneration. In contrast, these same discs were graded as healthy discs (22%), mildly degenerated (33%), moderately degenerated (37%), and severely degenerated (8%) in T2W. In non-chondrodystrophic and non-brachycephalic breeds greater or equal 25 kg 121 intervertebral discs were assessed. The grading was equal in 43%, but differed in one grade (47%) and in two grades (10%) between the two sequences. In both sequences intervertebral disc herniations were equally well-diagnosed. The Kappa coefficient revealed a high discrepancy between the two MRI-sequences. In conclusion, FFE cannot replace the well-established T2W sequence for grading disc degeneration.

Array CGH-based detection of CNV regions and their potential association with reproduction and other economic traits in Holsteins

BackgroundCopy number variations (CNVs) are structural variants consisting of large-scale insertions and deletions of genomic fragments. Exploring CNVs and estimating their effects on phenotypes are useful for genome selection but remain challenging in the livestock.ResultsWe identified 1043 CNV regions (CNVRs) from array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) data of 47 Holstein bulls. Using a probe-based CNV association approach, we detected 87 CNVRs significantly (Bonferroni-corrected P value < 0.05) associated with at least one out of 41 complex traits. Within them, 39 CNVRs were simultaneously associated with at least 2 complex traits. Notably, 24 CNVRs were markedly related to daughter pregnancy rate (DPR). For example, CNVR661 containing CYP4A11 and CNVR213 containing CTR9, respectively, were associated with DPR and other traits related to reproduction, production, and body conformation. CNVR758 was also significantly related to DPR, with a nearby gene CAPZA3, encoding one of F-actin-capping proteins which play a role in determining sperm architecture and male fertility. We corroborated these CNVRs by examining their overlapped quantitative trait loci and comparing with previously published CNV results.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is one of the first genome-wide association studies based on CNVs called by array CGH in Holstein cattle. Our results contribute substantial information about the potential CNV impacts on reproduction, health, production, and body conformation traits, which lay the foundation for incorporating CNV into the future dairy cattle breeding program.

Comparative analyses of sperm DNA methylomes among human, mouse and cattle provide insights into epigenomic evolution and complex traits

ABSTRACTSperm DNA methylation is crucial for fertility and viability of offspring but epigenome evolution in mammals is largely understudied. By comparing sperm DNA methylomes and large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals between human and cattle, we aimed to examine the DNA methylome evolution and its associations with complex phenotypes in mammals. Our analysis revealed that genes with conserved non-methylated promoters (e.g., ANKS1A and WNT7A) among human and cattle were involved in common system and embryo development, and enriched for GWAS signals of body conformation traits in both species, while genes with conserved hypermethylated promoters (e.g., TCAP and CD80) were engaged in immune responses and highlighted by immune-related traits. On the other hand, genes with human-specific hypomethylated promoters (e.g., FOXP2 and HYDIN) were engaged in neuron system development and enriched for GWAS signals of brain-related traits, while genes with cattle-specific hypomethylated promoters (e.g., LDHB and DGAT2) mainly participated in lipid storage and metabolism. We validated our findings using sperm-retained nucleosome, preimplantation transcriptome, and adult tissue transcriptome data, as well as sequence evolutionary features, including motif binding sites, mutation rates, recombination rates and evolution signatures. In conclusion, our results demonstrate important roles of epigenome evolution in shaping the genetic architecture underlying complex phenotypes, hence enhance signal prioritization in GWAS and provide valuable information for human neurological disorders and livestock genetic improvement.

Vertebral heart size in healthy Australian cattle dog.

The vertebral heart score or size (VHS) measurement is routinely used to provide a more objective measurement of cardiomegaly in dogs. However, breed or body conformation can influence the VHS.To assess the specific VHS for the Australian Cattle Dog, left-to-right lateral, right-to-left lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs from 20 individuals free from cardiac and pulmonary disease were obtained. The mean VHS was significantly higher in Australian Cattle Dog (10.5±0.4 vertebrae), when compared with the average VHS for 100 normal dogs of different breeds that had been initially published (9.7±0.5 vertebrae). This emphasizes the importance of breed-specific VHS ranges. In our study group of normal Australian Cattle Dogs, the mean VHS was 10.5±0.5 vertebrae (mean ±SD) on right lateral and 10.3±0.5 vertebrae on left lateral radiographs. The VHS on right lateral views was significantly larger than on left lateral views. The VHS was 10.5±0.6 vertebrae on dorsoventral and 11.1±0.6 vertebrae on ventrodorsal radiographs. The VHS on ventrodorsal views was significantly larger than on dorsoventral views.

Smallholder cattle farmers' breeding practices and trait preferences in a tropical Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone.

The present study was embarked upon to determine the breeding practices and choice of selection and breeding traits of cattle farmers in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 180 smallholder cattle herders were randomly sampled. However, analysis of data was restricted to 144 herders (81 from FCT and 63 from Nasarawa State). Primary data were collected through individual structured questionnaire administration. Chi-square (χ2) statistics were used to compare categorical variables. Arithmetic means of continuous variables between locations were tested using T test. Rank means were also calculated for within- and between-location comparisons of the preference traits. Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithm was used to determine the influence of socio-economic parameters on the traits of preference. Access to credit, personal savings, and type of landholding were significantly (P < 0.05) different between the two locations with higher values recorded for farmers in FCT. However, farmers in Nasarawa State had significantly higher land expanse (2.28 ± 0.19 versus 1.29 ± 0.09). The production objectives were rated similar between locations. The number of foundation stock differed significantly between farmers in the two locations with higher mean recorded in Nasarawa (7.37 ± 0.37) compared to FCT (5.18 ± 0.19). However, mean herd size was higher (34.60 ± 2.58 versus 27.63 ± 2.00; P < 0.05) in FCT than Nasarawa. Among the productivity indices, only average age at first parturition and average calving interval were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by location. Within the FCT, calving interval was the trait of utmost importance in selecting the breeding stock, followed by milk yield, disease resistance, and body size. In Nasarawa State, calving interval, disease resistance, milk yield, body size, and survival were ranked similarly (P >0.05). Across the two locations, body conformation (P < 0.05) and calving interval (P < 0.01) were more highly rated in FCT than Nasarawa State, while heat tolerance was less rated (P < 0.05) in the former. All the traits of preference were influenced by socio-economic factors, and could be exploited in future breeding plans to boost cattle production. A new livestock census in the study area is also advocated to reflect the current reality as regards cattle distribution.

Body conformation of Santa Inês, Texel and Suffolk ewes raised in the Brazilian Pantanal

Brazilian Pantanal has edaphoclimatic adversities that can strongly affect genotypes. Therefore, sheep breeders should choose animals with a suitable body conformation able to express all the genetic potential. The objective of this work is to describe the body conformation of Santa Inês, Texel and Suffolk ewes raised in the Pantanal region. Four hundred and three adult ewes belonging to the Santa Inês (n = 188), Texel (n = 150) and Suffolk (n = 65) breeds were assessed to obtain eleven measures of length, width, and body perimeters. In addition, the morphometric measures were combined for calculations of conformation indices, milk and meat potential production, and genetic capabilities. Measurements of udder, direction of teats and ears, ear size, and head profile were also evaluated. Breed differences for quantitative variables were evaluated through analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the chi-squared test was conducted for qualitative variables. Subsequently, a factorial analysis was performed on the quantitative variables. Factors were labeled according to the factorial weights of the variables in each factor and used as new variables. The hypothesis of equality between breeds was tested simultaneously considering the new variables through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Fischer’s discriminant function. The degree of similarity between breeds was evaluated by using canonical analysis and cluster analysis considering the mean Euclidean distance with grouping by means of complete linkage. According to the qualitative results, Texel and Suffolk ewes did not show phenotypic variability, but a well-defined breed standard. Santa Inês ewes presented variability, thus requiring genetic improvement and breed standardization. Quantitative characteristics (morphometry and indices) varied according to breed of origin. Suffolk and Texel ewes presented the most desirable model for meat production. The main difference between breeds is on body size and structure, which is relevant to the production system used in the Pantanal region.