Breeds German Research Articles

Resilience indicator traits in 3 dairy cattle breeds in Baden-Württemberg

In recent years, research in animal breeding has increasingly focused on the topic of resilience, which is expected to continue in the future due to the need for high-yielding, healthy, and robust animals. In this context, an established approach is the calculation of resilience indicator traits with time series analyses. Examples are the variance and autocorrelation of daily milk yield in dairy cows. We applied this methodology to the German dairy cow population. Data from the 3 breeds (German Holstein, German Fleckvieh, and German Brown Swiss) were obtained, which included 13,949 lactations from 36 farms from the state Baden-Württemberg in Germany working with automatic milking systems. Using the milk yield data, the daily absolute milk yields, deviations between observed and expected daily milk yields, and relative proportions of daily milk yields in relation to lactation performance were calculated. We used the variance and autocorrelation of these data as phenotypes in our statistical analyses. We estimated a heritability of 0.047 for autocorrelation and heritabilities between 0.026 and 0.183 for variance-based indicator traits. Furthermore, significant breed differences could be observed, with a tendency of better resilience in Brown Swiss. The breed differences can be due to both genetic and environmental factors. A high value of a variance-based indicator trait indicates a low resilience. Performance traits were positively correlated with variance-based indicator traits calculated from absolute daily milk yields, but they were negatively correlated with variance-based indicators calculated from relative daily milk yields. Thus, they can be considered as different traits. Although variance-based indicators based on absolute daily milk yields were affected by the performance level, variance-based indicators based on relative daily milk yields were corrected for the performance level and also showed higher heritabilities. Thus, they seem to be more suitable for practical use. Further studies need to be conducted to calculate the correlations between resilience indicators, functional traits, and health traits.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Egypt

BackgroundDogs play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic vector-borne pathogens worldwide, yet reports of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in Egypt are scarce.MethodsSerum samples were collected from pet dogs (n = 500) of the three most common breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Pit Bull) in five Governates of Cairo (n = 230), Giza (n = 110), Al-Qalyubia (n = 60), Al-Gharbia (n = 60) and Kafr El-Sheikh (n = 40) with a hot desert climate. The presence of antibodies to Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, A. platys), Ehrlichia spp. (E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and Dirofilaria immitis were assessed using IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® ELISA tests. For each pathogen, risk factors (i.e. geographical area, keeping condition, sex, age, breed, tick infestation, weekly sanitation of dog enclosures and application of ectoparasiticides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach.ResultsIn total, 18.2% (n = 91, 95% CI 15.1–21.8) of dogs scored seropositive for at least one pathogen, the most frequent being Ehrlichia spp. (n = 56; 11.2%; 95% CI 8.7–14.3) followed by Anaplasma spp. (n = 33; 6.6%, 95% CI 4.7–9.1), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) (n = 9; 1.8%, 95% CI 0.9–3.4) and D. immitis (n = 7; 1.4%, 95% CI 0.9–2.9). In the tested population, 15.4% (95% CI 12.5–18.8) of dogs were exposed to a single pathogen while 2.4 (95% CI 1.4–4.2) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.1–1.4) were simultaneously exposed to two or three pathogens, respectively. Major risk factors associated with VBDs were living outdoors (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001), female sex (Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.005), German Shepherd breed (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.04; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.03), tick infestation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.003; D. immitis, P = 0.02), irregular sanitation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.002; D. immitis, P = 0.01) and not using ectoparasiticides (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.007).ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first large-scale seroepidemiological study of CVBDs in Egypt. Considering that all of the detected pathogens are potentially zoonotic, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of pet dogs and successful chemoprophylaxis are advocated.Graphical

Comparative Effects of Milk Containing A1 versus A2 β-Casein on Health, Growth and β-Casomorphin-7 Level in Plasma of Neonatal Dairy Calves.

Simple SummaryBovine milk generally contains two types of the milk protein β-casein, A1 and A2. Enzymatic digestion of the A1 type yields the opioid peptide β-casomorphin-7, which is suggested to adversely affect human and animal health. This study aimed to compare the effects of milk containing either homozygote A1 or A2 β-casein on health and growth parameters in 47 dairy calves during the first three weeks of life. Additionally, we studied, for the first time, the levels of intact β-casomorphin-7 in plasma of calves fed milk of alternative β-casein genotypes. Milk feeding of “A2-milk” led to a lower milk intake and a looser fecal consistency (higher prevalence of diarrhea) compared to “A1-milk”. Nevertheless, weight gains and end weights of calves of both feeding groups were similar, which might be caused by the associated higher protein content of milk containing the A2 variant. Intact β-casomorphin-7 was detected in plasma after A1- and A2-milk consumption, but was almost 5 times higher for A1-calves. In summary, A2-milk minimized the cleavage of the opioid peptide β-casomorphin-7 and might have advantages in the development of pre-weaned dairy calves.Research has shown that digestion of A1 β-casein (β-CN) affects gastrointestinal motility and opioid activity through the release of the peptide β-casomorphin-7 (β-CM7). In the case of the A2 variant, the cleavage of β-CM7 does not occur or occurs at a very low rate. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the effects of milk containing either homozygote A1 or A2 β-CN on health and growth parameters of dairy calves. Forty-seven neonatal calves (24 females, 23 males) of the breeds German Holstein (GH, n = 9), German Simmental (GS, n = 33) and their crossing (GH × GS, n = 5) were used in a 21-day feeding study. Fecal score (FS), respiratory frequency (RF), and rectal body temperature (BT) were recorded daily, whereas body weight was measured at birth and at day 21 to estimate the average daily weight gain (ADG). Additionally, blood was collected from calves three times during the experimental period and, for the first time, the respective plasma samples were analyzed for intact β-CM7. Consumption of A2-milk led to a lower daily milk intake (dMI) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fecal consistency was softer for calves fed A2-milk (p < 0.05). Although 44% of A2-calves had diarrhea or revealed a tendency towards it (FS ≥ 3), A1-calves had a prevalence of 21%. Calves with a FS of 4 were offered an electrolyte solution and received a dietary food supplement for the stabilization of the fluid and electrolyte balance. Nevertheless, similar ADG and end weights (EW) of calves fed A1- or A2-milk (p > 0.05) indicate that A2-milk may compensate higher diarrhea rates and lower dMI due to the associated higher protein content. This is the first report of intact β-CM7 in plasma of calves fed milk of either A1 or A2 β-CN. Evidence from this study suggests that due to the change in the amino-acid sequence, A2-milk might be able to prevent or, at least, to minimize the cleavage of β-CM7 in calves.

Associations between maternal milk protein genotypes with preweaning calf growth traits in beef cattle.

The objectives of this study were to investigate milk casein polymorphisms in dams and to determine the impacts of maternal casein genotypes on growth traits of their sucking calves. Milk samples from 433 dams of the breeds German Angus (GA) and German Simmental (GS) were typed at the milk protein loci α s1-casein (αs1-CN), β-casein (β-CN), α s2-casein (αs2-CN), and κ-casein (κ-CN) via isoelectric focusing. Associations between casein genotypes in maternal milk with growth traits of their 1,872 calves were analyzed until the age of weaning using linear mixed models, considering either genotypes of individual casein loci (model 1) or composite α s1-β-α s2-κ-CN genotypes within the casein cluster (model 2). Besides environmental effects such as sex, age of the dam, and calving year-season, genetic effects (breed group and maternal and paternal effects) were considered in statistical models. The composite casein genotype BBǀA2A2ǀAAǀAB (order of genes on bovine chromosome 6: α s1-ǀβ-ǀα s2-ǀκ-CN) was associated with greater average daily weight gains (ADG) and heavier age-adjusted weaning weights (WW) of calves (P < 0.05). The effects of composite genotypes on birth weight of calves were similar (P > 0.05; model 2). With regard to individual casein loci, greater ADG and WW were observed for calves from dams with the genotypes κ-CN BB and α s1-CN BB, respectively (P < 0.05; model 1). Age-adjusted WW was largest for calves from dams carrying the κ-CN genotype BB (215 kg) compared with calves representing the maternal AB and AA genotypes (both 204 kg). Results from the present study suggested selectable casein genotypes due to their nutritional value of milk (value in terms of offspring performances), offering new perspectives for breeding strategies in beef cattle to improve preweaning calf performance.

An epizootic situation is in relation to the nematodosiss of gastroenteric channel of dogs

Gastrointestinal nematodes are prevalent among dogs in Ukraine and most other countries. Economic losses in dog breeding for invasive diseases are diffi cult to calculate in material terms, but they are clearly manifested in terms of animal health. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to fi nd out the epizootic situation regarding the nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs of diff erent age, sex and breed groups in the Belotserkovsky district of Kyiv region. The studies were conducted on the territory of single-sector private sector farms of 15 settlements of Belotserkovsky district and on the territories of shelters for homeless animals of Belaya Tserkov. Koprovoskopichesky researches were carried out by the combined method standardized by Kotelnikov - Hrenov. According to the results of coprovoscopy of samples from dogs of the Belotserkovsky area, a signifi cant spread of nematodes of the gastrointestinal canal was established (EI was 50.18%). Eggs of such nematodes as Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides stercoralis were isolated. Diseases were recorded in the form of mono-invasions, among which the largest proportion of the aff ected were trihuriza (27.11%), toxocariasis (6.59), ankylostomosis (1.83%), and myxinvasions, which again led the trichuris. Animals from birth to 7 years were most aff ected. In terms of gender, females were more vulnerable. The highest incidence of invasion was among outbred dogs (51.56%). Most dogs in this group are aff ected by trichuris (54.55%) and myxinvasia (29.29%), which also included T. vulpis. Breeds German Shepherd, Dachshund, Russian Spaniel had the highest percentage of nematode infestations among all studied breeds. The leader among pathogens was T. vulpis, which covered more than half (52.63%) of rocks, myxinvasions were 28.94%, which included T. vulpis. The breeds of the Belgian shepherd, shih-tzu, Russian-European chamomile, alabai were resistant. Key words: dog, invasion, trichrosis, toxocariasis, ankylostomosis, toxascarose, distribution, koproovoskopichni research, extensiveness of invasion, intensity of invasion.

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (7): signalment and cutaneous manifestations of dogs and cats with adverse food reactions

BackgroundOutside of pruritus, there is no clear consensus on the nature and prevalence of cutaneous manifestations of adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs and cats.ResultsWe searched two databases on August 7, 2018, for articles reporting detailed data on the signalment and clinical signs of at least one dog or cat with a cutaneous AFR (CAFR). We identified 233 and 407 citations from which were selected 32 articles reporting original information. Twenty-two articles included data on 825 dogs with CAFRs. The reported age of onset varied from less than one to 13 years of age; a beginning of signs by 6 or 12 months of age was noted in 22 to 38% of dogs, respectively. The female-to-male ratio also varied considerably. Four breeds (German shepherd dogs, West Highland white terriers, Labrador and golden retrievers) accounted for about 40% of affected dogs. Most dogs diagnosed with a CAFR were pruritic, most often in a generalized pattern, with the ears, feet, and abdomen also being frequently affected; the perineum was uncommonly targeted, however. Canine CAFRs presented mainly as recurrent bacterial skin infections, otitis externa and atopic dermatitis. Twelve articles reported novel information on 210 cats with this syndrome. There was no apparent breed and gender predisposition for feline CAFRs, but cats appeared to develop signs later than dogs with the same syndrome. Most cats with a CAFR were pruritic, especially on the head/face and neck, with the abdomen and ears also commonly involved. Symmetric self-induced alopecia, a head-and-neck self-traumatic dermatitis, miliary dermatitis and variants of eosinophilic diseases were the most common manifestations of feline CAFRs.ConclusionsCAFRs affect dogs and cats of any age, any breed, and both genders, with the proportion of juvenile dogs diagnosed about twice that of cats. There are no reliable breed predisposition data. Most patients are pruritic, with half the dogs having generalized pruritus and half the cats scratching their face/head or neck. Canine CAFRs most often manifest as bacterial skin infections, otitis externa or atopic dermatitis; cats with CAFRs will exhibit the expected clinical phenotypes associated with feline hypersensitivity dermatitides.

Cage size affects comfort, safety and the experienced security of working dogs in cars

Working dogs often spend a large amount of their time in cars. It has been hypothesized that a larger compartment in the car would be more comfortable for the dog, but that a smaller space could be safer, especially while driving. This presents a potential conflict. In this study, working dogs of the breeds German Shepherd (N = 8) and Springer Spaniel (N = 8) from the Swedish Police and Customs respectively, were each tested in four different car cage sizes; two cages were the minimum size allowed according to Swedish regulations (one of fixed size and one adapted to the size of the dog) and for comparison we tested one larger (fixed sized) and one smaller (adapted sized) cage. These were tested under two different driving phases; normal driving (including turns and changes in speed) and slow cruising (without turning forces and of an even speed). The study was conducted at a test track using an estate car, typical of that used by these organizations. Testing of each cage size involved 30 min in the car, excluding the habituation period. The dogs’ behaviour and heart rate activity was recorded. Statistical analyses used a mixed model and pairwise comparisons. We found a large effect of our two driving phases, for example heart rate was higher and behavioural stress indicators more frequent during normal driving, implying that this was a more demanding situation for dogs compared to the slow cruising. Regarding cage size effects, there were fewer overall movements and body position changes by dogs in the three smaller cages compared to the largest cage size. That this could be a sign of decreased comfort is supported by the finding that dogs could not turn around in these cages without curving their back upwards or lowering their rump in these cages. This could have negative physical effects, especially in German Shepherds which are predisposed to musculoskeletal disease. Furthermore, German Shepherd dogs showed more bracing postures, i.e. more attempts to maintain their balance, in the small fixed cage size. For these dogs this cage size was shorter than their own body length. However, this bracing did not result in them losing their balance any less often, illustrating the importance of space allowance for maintaining balance during transportation and implying that a smaller cage is not necessarily safer.

Understanding of human referential gestures is not correlated to human-directed social behaviour in Labrador retrievers and German shepherd dogs

Dogs are known to excel in interspecific communication with humans and both communicate with humans and follow human communicative cues. Two tests commonly used to test these skills are, firstly, the problem-solving paradigm, and, secondly, following human referential signals, for example pointing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether dogs that seek more human contact in an unsolvable problem-solving paradigm also better understand human communicative cues in a pointing test. We also assessed between- and within-breed variation in both tests. 167 dogs were tested and were of the breeds German shepherd dog and Labrador retriever. The Labradors were separated into the two selection lines: common type (bred for show and pet) and field type (bred for hunting). A principal component analysis of behaviours during the problem solving revealed four components: Passivity, Experimenter Contact, Owner Contact and Eye Contact. We analysed the effect of these components on success rate in the pointing test and we found no effect for three of them, while a negative correlation was found for Owner Contact (F(1,147) = 6.892; P = 0.010). This was only present in common-typed Labradors. We conclude that the ability to follow a pointing cue does not predict the propensity for human-directed social behaviour in a problem-solving situation and suggest that the two tests measure different aspects of human-directed social behaviour in dogs.

P6051 Incidence of SOD1 mutation in a sample of pure breed German Shepherd in Colombia

P6051 Incidence of SOD1 mutation in a sample of pure breed German Shepherd in Colombia

The effects of breed, grazing system and concentrate supplementation on the fatty acid profile of the &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;musculus longissimus dorsi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and the kidney fat of steers

Abstract. The study is aimed at determining the effect of breed (German Simmental vs. German Holstein), grazing system (continuous grazing system [CGS] vs. rotational grazing system [RGS]) and concentrate supplementation (level and type of concentrate) on the fatty acid profile of longissimus muscle and kidney fat of steers. The trial involved four phases: in P1 all animals remained indoors; in P2 and P4 they were allocated on CGS or RGS; during P3 one group remained outdoors, the other indoors. In P1 and P3 the steers were offered grass silage and concentrate. In P3 the indoors group received a supplement with a medium or low-concentrate level. For the last 28 days of P4 the steers were offered a concentrate type with 4.9 % linseed oil or with 1.0 % rapeseed oil. CGS-pasture resulted in higher fatty acid values than RGS-pasture; linseed-oil concentrate resulted in higher ALA, Σn-3 and lower LA, Σn-6 than rapeseed-oil concentrate. German Simmental breed had lower IMF-content and higher Σn-3, Σn-6, n-6/n-3 ratio and PUFA/SFA ratio in longissimus dorsi and kidney fat than German Holstein breed. The proportion of CLA was higher in German Holstein breed than in German Simmental breed (0.56 vs. 0.50 g/100 g FAME). RGS group showed lower ALA and higher n-6/n-3 in longissimus dorsi and kidney fat than CGS-group. Neither the level nor the type of concentrate affected the LD and kidney fat fatty acids. Healthy fatty acids levels were higher in the German Holstein breed meat. The CGS-group meat had higher contents of ALA and EPA. However, the legal requirements for human nutrition and other health related claims could not be met.

Detection of a polymorphic site of the porcine &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;C8G&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; gene and evaluation of association with haemolytic complement activity

Abstract. C8 is a component of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system, which causes lysis of the target cells. C8 consists of three subunits C8A, C8B, and C8G. This study focus on the porcine C8G gene aiming to identify its cDNA sequence, to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and to analyse its association with haemolytic complement activity in the classical (CH50) and the alternative (AH50) pathway. The C8G is 840 bp in length encoding 202 amino acids. The C8G is similar (≥65 %) among mammalian species (pig, human, cattle, dog, and mouse) at both the cDNA and the protein level. One SNP was detected at nucleotide 423C→T (SNP c.423C&gt;T; codon 124GAC→GAT). The SNP does not segregate among the European commercial breeds German Landrace and Pietrain but in the Vietnamese autochthonous breed Muong Khuong (Vietnamese potbelly pig) and an experimental F2 crossbreed population based on Duroc and Berlin Miniature Pig (DUMI). Haemolytic complement activity of animals of the DUMI populations obtained at about 6, 14 and 16 weeks of age before and after vaccinations showed short-termed increments due to the immune stimulation and long-term increase due to aging. Family based association tests indicate effects of C8G on AH50 and CH50 at 16 weeks of age immediately before PRRS vaccination (AH50_PRRS0, P=0.087; CH50_PRRS0, P=0.027). However, the results did not indicate a consistent effect of the respective alleles on haemolytic complement activity in the alternative and the classical pathway. The study provides weak evidence for the candidacy of the porcine C8G for innate immune response and disease resistance in pigs.

Detection of new allotypic variants of bovine λ-light chain constant regions in different cattle breeds

In the cattle breeds German Black Pied (GBP), German Simmental (GS), Holstein Friesian (HF), Aubrac (A) three transcribed allotypic variants in isotype IGLC2 and five allotypic variants in isotype IGLC3 were identified. Substitutions within the putative interface to CH1 at position 11 and 79 were noted. In IGLC2 b, K79E led to a charge conversion. In IGLC3 b and IGLC3 c, the E79N replacement removed the charge while the T11K substitution resulted in a positively charged amino acid residue. In addition, D15 and T16 were found in IGLC2 c, IGLC3 b, and IGLC3 c. Substitutions located on the outer site of the molecule were observed in IGLC2 b (V40, H45.5), IGLC2 c (A1, V40, D77), IGLC3 b (A1, D77, D109, P127), IGLC3 c (A1, G45.5, D77, D109, P127), IGLC3 d (D109), and IGLC3 e (A1). Amino acid residues P83 (IGLC2 c, IGLC3 b, IGLC3 c), N93 (IGLC2 b), D93 (IGLC3 b), and G93 (IGLC3 c) were positioned in cavities but seemed to be accessible for solvents.

The three-way relationship of polymorphisms of porcine genes encoding terminal complement components, their differential expression, and health-related phenotypes

BackgroundThe complement system is an evolutionary ancient mechanism that plays an essential role in innate immunity and contributes to the acquired immune response. Three modes of activation, known as classical, alternative and lectin pathway, lead to the initiation of a common terminal lytic pathway. The terminal complement components (TCCs: C6, C7, C8A, C8B, and C9) are encoded by the genes C6, C7, C8A, C8B, C8G, and C9. We aimed at experimentally testing the porcine genes encoding TCCs as candidate genes for immune competence and disease resistance by addressing the three-way relationship of genotype, health related phenotype, and mRNA expression.ResultsComparative sequencing of cDNAs of animals of the breeds German Landrace, Piétrain, Hampshire, Duroc, Vietnamese Potbelly Pig, and Berlin Miniature Pig (BMP) revealed 30 SNPs (21 in protein domains, 12 with AA exchange). The promoter regions (each ~1.5 kb upstream the transcription start sites) of C6, C7, C8A, C8G, and C9 exhibited 29 SNPs. Significant effects of the TCC encoding genes on hemolytic complement activity were shown in a cross of Duroc and BMP after vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Aujeszky disease virus and PRRSV by analysis of variance using repeated measures mixed models. Family based association tests (FBAT) confirmed the associations. The promoter SNPs were associated with the relative abundance of TCC transcripts obtained by real time RT-PCR of 311 liver samples of commercial slaughter pigs. Complement gene expression showed significant relationship with the prevalence of acute and chronic lung lesions.ConclusionsThe analyses point to considerable variation of the porcine TCC genes and promote the genes as candidate genes for disease resistance.

Influence of a Moxidectin treatment in ewes of two German sheep breeds on the growth rate of their lambs

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an anthelmintic treatment in ewes ( n = 133) of two German sheep breeds (German Black Head Mutton and Leine sheep) on the average daily weight gains (ADW) of their lambs ( n = 180). Eight weeks prior to the lambing season ewes were randomly divided into two groups: (1) no anthelmintic treatment, (2) Moxidectin (Cydectin ® , Forte Dodge, USA) treatment. Starting at birth, body weights of lambs were recorded every other week until 12 weeks of age. Ewes faecal egg count (FEC) was measured 8 weeks after lambing to monitor the efficiency of anthelmintic treatment. Log FEC was significantly lower ( P P = 0.212) to have higher log FEC compared to Leine sheep (3.08 ± 0.29 vs. 2.46 ± 0.39). Average daily weight gains were significantly higher in German Black Head lambs compared to Leine lambs ( P P P Gastrointestinal nematode infections tended to be less severe in Leine sheep. The anthelmintic treatment did not influence growth rates of Leine lambs, suggesting a potentially higher nematode resistance or tolerance in this breed. In German Black Head Mutton, single born lambs from Moxidectin-treated ewes had higher growth rates compared to single born lambs from untreated ewes, whereas no differences could be observed between lambs from treated and untreated ewes that had more than one lamb. These findings may be a consequence of differences in intake of milk, concentrate, and hay.

Prediction of tandem repeat polymorphisms in the coding region of dog genome

After the dog genome was sequenced, an increasing number of studies involving genetic research of dogs have been conducted to understand gene functions and mammalian evolution. To study the genetic diversity in dogs and other mammals, genetic markers linked to function and conserved in wide lineages are necessary. Thus far, few polymorphic markers have been used in dogs. In this study, we surveyed the entire dog genome and predicted a total of 109 tandem repeats (TRs) located on the protein coding region that may be polymorphic by our prediction model. We selected 10 TRs that may be related to neurophysiology and neural developments, and tested them in 167 individuals of 8 dog breeds: 5 European dog breeds (Beagle, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Toy Poodle) and 3 Japanese dog breeds (Japanese Spitz, Shiba, and Shikoku). Among the tested TRs, nine were polymorphic indicating that 90% of the TRs were successfully predicted to be polymorphic. PCR fragments of the TRs were amplified from dog brain cDNA, showing their expression in the dog brain. Our results provide abundant opportunities for the study of phenotypic variations in dogs, and our prediction method for variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) can be applied to any other animal genome sequences for the survey of functional and polymorphic markers.

A novel Respiratory Health Score (RHS) supports a role of acute lung damage and pig breed in the course of an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeinfection

BackgroundBacterial lung infections are a major cause of economic losses in the pig industry; they are responsible for approximately 50% of the antibiotics used in pigs and, therefore, also present an increasing concern to consumer protection agencies. In response to this changing market we investigated the feasibility of an old approach aimed at the breeding selection of more resistant pigs. As a first step in this direction we applied a new respiratory health score system to study the susceptibility of four different pig breeding lines (German Landrace, Piétrain, Hampshire, Large White) towards the respiratory tract pathogen Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae.ResultsA controlled experimental aerosol infection with an A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 7 isolate was performed using 106 weaning pigs of defined breeding lines from the breeds German Landrace, Piétrain, Hamphire, and Large White. Pigs were clinically assessed on days 4 and 20 post infection following a novel scoring system, the Respiratory Health Score (RHS), which combines clinical, sonographic and radiographic examination results. The ranking on day 4 was significantly correlated with the ranking based on the pathomorphological Lung Lesion Score (LLS; Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient of 0.86 [p < 0.0001]). Based on their RHS pigs were assigned to the different quartiles independent of the breeding line. The RHS-based rankings of pigs on day 4 and on day 20 were highly correlated (Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient of 0.82 [p < 0.0001]) independent of the breeding line. Pigs of the Hampshire line were predominantly found in the lowest scoring quartile (47.6%) and absent in the highest scoring quartile. In contrast, pigs of the German Landrace and Piétrain breeding lines were predominantly found in the highest scoring quartile (32.3% and 35.7%, respectively).ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the RHS obtained from live pigs shows a highly significant correlation to the lung lesion score considered as a "gold standard". The correlation of the ranking at days 4 and 20 post infection implies that the course of disease is highly dependent on the acute lung damage. The different severity of signs among the tested pig breeding lines clearly suggests a genetic difference in the susceptibility of pigs to A. pleuropneumoniae infection.

Variations of Mitochondrial DNA Sequence in Three Breeds of Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

Sequencing of the 300 bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was done. Genetic analysis was carried out for the first time in three exotic breeds (Giant White, Soviet Chinchilla, and German Angora) of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) to determine intra- and interspecific variability and to measure the genetic distance. The frequencies of types of mutations (transition, transversion, deletion, and insertion) were also determined. This study throws light on matrilineage of breeds that arise due to interbreed crosses and the genetic management of a stocked rabbit breeding population.

Immunological Indicators in Dogs Affected by Deep Pyoderma

We examined the immune state of dogs with deep pyoderma to elucidate the relationship between clinical symptoms and immunological processes. We measured selected immunological parameters in control dogs (n = 10) and dogs of various breeds (German Shepherds were not included) affected by deep pyoderma (n = 25). We found that the affected dogs had increased relative counts of neutrophils, decreased relative and absolute counts of lymphocytes, higher relative counts of CD3+ lymphocytes and CD8+ lymphocytes but lower relative counts of CD21+ lymphocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes. The affected dogs exhibited a reduced activity of nonstimulated as well as mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes. Lower values of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in affected dogs were conditioned by the young age of animals. Nevertheless, the changes found in our study were not expressed in all animals.

Prevalence and genetic parameters for hip dysplasia in Italian population of purebred dogs

This paper aimed to assess the prevalence of hip dysplasia (HD) in some breeds of dogs widely diffused in Italy and to estimate heritability of HD in German Shepherd and Boxer Italian populations. Data consisted of radiographic findings taken on 32,900 dogs (18,665 females and 14,225 males) of 7 breeds (German Shepherd; Boxer; Labrador Retriever; Golden Retriever; Rottweiler; Dobermann; Cane Corso) screened at an age of 17.9 ± 7.0 months. Radiographs of the coxofemoral joints, taken by 478 veterinarians, were scored for HD grade by a single veterinarian panelist according to a grading procedure based on a 5-class linear system (from A, no signs of dysplasia, to E, severe dysplastic hip changes). Logistic regression analysis was used for studying the relationships between selected explanatory variables with the outcome of the diagnosis for HD. Variance components, direct and maternal heritability have been estimated for German Shepherd and Boxer dogs using a REML animal model procedure. Prevalence of HD (hip joint graded C or worse) for the pool of breeds involved approached 22%, with large differences among breeds. In dogs diagnosed as dysplastic, the mild form (grade C) was largely prevalent for all breeds. When compared to the German Shepherd, the Cane Corso exhibited a significantly higher risk, whereas the Dobermann, Labrador and Rottweiler showed a significantly lower risk of being affected by HD. The probability of being diagnosed as dysplastic increased with the increasing of the age of dogs at screening and with the decreasing of experience of x-raying veterinarians. The effect of birth year of dogs on the outcome of the HD diagnosis was significant, but evidenced an inconsistent trend through years. Heritability estimates approached 0.24 and 0.15 for Boxers and German Shepherds, respectively, whereas maternal heritability was close to 0.03 for both breeds. Results from this study demonstrated that HD is fairly prevalent in some breeds of dogs commonly found in Italy, and its reduction should be a goal in breeding schemes of purebred dogs. Age at screening and experience of the x-raying veterinarians are disturbance factors to be considered in screening programs for HD. Heritability estimates for HD was low, but additive genetic variance seems enough for conjecturing selection programs aimed to decrease hip joints disease. Given the low heritability values, current selection schemes based on phenotypic records seem ineffective, whereas the use of breeding values estimated under BLUP animal model procedures should be recommended for gaining genetic progress of Italian dog populations.

Results from an explorative screening program for elbow dysplasia in some breeds of dogs in Italy

This paper aimed to present the first results of an explorative screening program currently running in Italy and focussing on the prevalence of a specific orthopaedic disorder, elbow dysplasia (ED), in some breeds of dogs commonly reared in Italy. Data consisted of radiographic findings taken on 1370 dogs (758 females and 612 males) of 6 breeds (Bernese Mountain dog, Cane Corso, German Shepherd , Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler) screened at an age of 20.6 ± 11.6 months. Radiographs were graded for both ED and hip dysplasia (HD) according to a four- (0 to 3) or a five-grade (A to E) linear system, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used for studying the relationships between breed, sex, age of dogs at screening and HD diagnosis with the outcome of the diagnosis for ED. Prevalence of ED (ED score ≥ 1) for the pool of breeds involved was 25%, and Labrador Retriever (17%) and Rottweiler (40%) showed, respectively, the lowest and the highest prevalence of ED among breeds in the study. Prevalence of HD (grades C or higher) approached 15%. When compared to other breeds, Rottweiler and Bernese Mountain dogs showed significantly higher risk to be affected by ED (odds ratio 3.2 and 3.0, respectively). Conversely, sex did not significantly affect the onset of ED. When compared to the youngest group of dogs at screening (average: 14 months), the oldest group of screened dogs (average: 40 months) exhibited a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed as affected by ED (odds ratio: 1.9). A negative status of hip joints appeared positively associated with a negative status of elbow joints, and dogs diagnosed as affected by HD had a 40% increased risk of being diagnosed as affected by ED. In conclusion, results from this study demonstrated that ED has a noticeable prevalence in some Italian dog populations, particularly in heavy breeds. Screening of dogs for ED appeared feasible and should be performed at a standard age. Phenotypic association between hip and elbow dysplasia observed in this study suggests that the genetic relationships between these skeletal disorders should be investigated.