Breeding Research Station Research Articles

Clustering of Dam’s Body Weight Based on Birth Weight of Lambs in Nilagiri Sheep

The population of Nilagiri breed of Sheep is threatened and required micro breeding strategy for conservation and genetic improvement. Data on 4,619 Nilagiri lambs born during the 28 years (1993-2021) at the Sheep Breeding Research Station (SBRS), Sandynallah of the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India were utilized for this investigation. Data on birth weight of lamb along with dam’s body weight at the time of lambing were collected. Relationship between different body weights of dam was investigated in terms of lamb’s birth weight using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc test for different dam body weight pairwise comparison. Heatmap was drawn for P values between different dam’s body weights aiding in visualization of the possible compatibility between body weights of dam. The birth weight of lambs positively correlated with that of dam’s body weight. Heat map visual analysis revealed five different clusters viz. less than 23.00 kg, 23.01-26.00 kg, 26.01-29.00 kg, 29.01-32.00 kg and greater than 32.01 kg sets of patterns. This was the first study in sheep breed for applying heatmap tool for growth trait analysis.

Effects of inbreeding on reproduction and fitness traits in a closed flock of Nilagiri sheep, an endangered Indian breed

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of inbreeding on reproductive and fitness traits in Nilagiri sheep. Information on pedigree of 6430 animals collected during the year of 1965–2015 by Sheep Breeding Research Station (SBRS) in Sandynallah were used for analysis. Inbreeding coefficient (F) was calculated from pedigree information using Wright’s method. The average inbreeding per cent was 1.82% in the whole population studies (6430 animals). The average inbreeding per cent was 3.9% for 3007 no. of inbred animals. The effect of inbreeding on most of the reproduction and fitness traits were significant and depression due to inbreeding was evident.The significant effect of inbreeding on reproduction traits viz., age at first service (AFS), weight at first service (WFS), age at first lambing (AFL) and fitness traits viz., tupping percent (TP), number of lambs weaned per ewe mated (NLWEM), number of lambs weaned per ewe lambing (NLWEL) and total lambs weaned per ewe over lifetime (TLWE) was studied using a general linear model, with individual inbreeding coefficient as covariate. The partial regression coefficient for AFC, WFS, AFL, TP, NLWEM, NLWEL and TLWE were 1.28 days, −0.25 kg, 8.13 days, −0.02%, −0.028, −0.017 and −0.182 per 1 per cent increase in inbreeding for Nilagiri sheep. Survival and litter size were not affected by inbreeding. In general, inbreeding had a depressive effect on most of the reproduction and fitness traits. Inbreeding in the population has to be restricted through methods such as introduction of unrelated animals or following co-ancestry based mating system.

Investigation of species composition of the fungi of the Fusarium genus and the resistance of the Chornobyl radio-mutants to fusarium head blight for the purposes of winter wheat

Aim. To investigate the field resistance of collection spelt-like samples of the Chornobyl radio-mutants (RM) of winter wheat to Fusarium head blight and to determine the species composition of the fungi of the Fusarium genus in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The resistance (in scores) of ten RM-samples of winter wheat to Fusar- ium head blight was determined in field conditions by visual inspection of plants using standard methods (Trybel et al, 2010). To determine the infection rate of the seeds, the biological method of seed germination in the rolls of filtration paper was used. DNA was extracted using the reaction kit AGROSORB NK (Agrogen Novo, Ukraine), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The molecular identification of the species composition of the fungi of the Fusarium genus was conducted with the commercial test systems “Fuzarioz zlakiv” (AgroDiagnostica, RU) according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the real-time PCR. Results. The results of evaluating the field resistance of ten spelt-like RM-samples of winter wheat to Fusarium head blight are presented. The species composition of the Fusarium fungi as of 2016–2018 in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, namely in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Chernivtsi, Poltava, Kharkiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky regions is presented. To study the spe- cies composition of the Fusarium fungi, 639 seed samples of winter wheat were taken from the farms located in the territory of nine regions in the Forest-Steppe zone. The results of molecular identification of the infection rate in the seed material demonstrate the presence of seven out of eight fungi species under investigation: F. avena- ceum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum during the years of studies. Yet, F. culmorum, F. langsethiae were not identified in 2017, and F. cerealis was not found during the study years, in 2016–2018. It should be noted that the most frequent incidence was found for F. graminearum, F. avenaceum and F. tricinctum, which was within the range of 25.8–44.0 %, and according to (Zhdanova, 2002) it refers to the group of frequently dispersed species. The results of the PCR diagnostics of the species composition of Fusarium fungi in Kyiv region, where field studies were conducted to evaluate the resistance of collection spelt- like Chornobyl radio-mutants in 2016–2018 (Bila Tserkva Breeding Research Station (BTBRS) of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the NAAS (Mala Vilshanka village, Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv region) demonstrated the spreading of six species of Fusarium fungi: F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. sporotrichioides, F. poae, F. tricinctum, F. culmorum, among which high aggressiveness to the wheat spikelets was observed in F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum; medium aggressiveness – in F. poae, and low aggressiveness – in F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum. On the background of the obtained species diversity of the disease agent, we evaluated the field resistance in ten spelt-like RM-samples of winter wheat to Fusarium head blight, whose resistance fluctuated within 7.4–8.4 scores in the study years. Under the climatic conditions most favorable for the disease development, in 2016 (from the time of spring vegetation restoration on March 01, to full ripeness of grain on July 09, there was 404.2 mm of precipitation which exceeded the perennial indices by 175 %) the samples under investigation: RM-1, RM-3, RM-4, RM-5, RM-6, RM-9, RM-10 exceeded the resistance of the standard variety, Lisova Pisnia, – 7.0 scores. Conclusions. The field and laboratory studies related to the species composition and geographic distribution of the Fusarium fungi give grounds for the assumption of the presence of an expansive species complex of Fusarium fungi in the territory of nine regions in the Forest- Steppe of Ukraine: F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum. A close association between the biology of the group of Fusarium fungi and weather conditions of their environment was used by us to investigate the resistance of ten collection spelt-like samples of the Chornobyl radio-mutants in 2016–2018 and to isolate five RM-samples of winter wheat (RM-9, RM-5, RM-6, RM-10, RM-4), which had higher resistance to Fusarium head blight than the standard variety, Lisova Pisnia, on average for three years of studies. It should be noted that in 2016, under weather conditions favorable for pathogen development, RM-3 and RM-4 were found to be reliably more resistant compared to the standard. The five spelt-like RM-samples of winter wheat (RM-9, RM-5, RM-6, RM-10, RM-4) with high resistance indices on average for the years of studies (2016–2018) are introduced by us to the breeding programs as the initial material to obtain varieties, resistant to Fusarium head blight.

EFFICACY OF SOME NEW CHEMISTRY INSECTICIDES AGAINST THE CHICKPEA POD BORER (Helicoverpa armigera) [HUBNER

Helicoverpa armigera [Hubner] is the most devastating chickpea pest responsible for substantial yield loss. Productivity losses by gram pod borer range from 20 to 90 percent depending upon the severity of insect attack. The experiment involving five synthetic new chemistry insecticides viz; chlorantraniliprole 200 SC, spinosad 240 SC, flubendiamide 480 SC, lufenuron 50 EC and emamectin benzoate 1.9 % EC was carried out at Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot (Pakistan) to determine their relative efficacy against larvae of H. armigera during rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21. Results revealed that during 2019-20, T1 (chlorantraniliprole treated plots) showed least larval population of H.armigera i.e. 2.96, 2.06, 1.19 and 0.82 after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of sprays respectively. Similarly, minimum pod damage (4.3 %) and highest reduction in pod damage (76.11%) were recorded in T1 plots followed by T2 and T3. Likewise, during 2020-21 lowest number of H.armigera (2.56, 1.86, 1.02 and 0.53 after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of spray) and minimum pod damage (5.2) were recorded in T1. Data also revealed that the highest grain yield 1652 and 1710 kg ha-1 during first and second year respectively was also recorded in T1 (chlorantraniliprole treated plots). Therefore, chlorantraniliprole may be treated as most effective insecticide for the management of H. armigera.

Characteristics of new population of melon breeding Bikovskaya experimental station

Relevance. Melon is one of the most common cultures among melons. Bykovskaya for melon breeding research station scouting for new varieties of melon. When breeding melons, it is necessary to pay attention to such economic characteristics of melons as precocity, productivity, high quality products, resistance to disease, cold resistance.Methods. Studies were carried out in 2017-2018 at the Bikovskaya experimental station, in rainfed conditions. Object of study – varieties and hybrid populations of melon.Results. As a result of selection work the new variety sample of melon of Syngent x Dune is received. In 2017, this population was first included in the station variety testing. According to the research results, the new hybrid population Matures before The standard of the autumn variety for 6 days. The excess in yield over the standard is 6.6 t / ha. The taste of the new variety sample is at the level of standard varieties Osen. Thus, the variety sample of Syngent x Dune has a beautiful appearance, high yield of marketable products, good taste of the fruit, resistance to sunburn, good transportability, which will diversify the range of melon varieties grown in Russia.

EVALUATION OF GENETIC DIFFERENCES ON IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE IN TWO NATIVE CHICKEN STRAINS FED ON DIFFERENT NATURAL AND ORGANIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the genetic differences in immunological response by use the natural growth promoters in diets offered to local chicken strains (GoldenMontazah (GM) and Bandra (B)). The present study was carried out in Seds Poultry Breeding Research Station, Animal Production Research Institute, Banysweif Governorate, through August to January (2016). A total of 240 chicks (120 hens of each strain) were used from 16 to 40 weeks of age. Birds were randomly distributed into six treatments. Each treatment had 20 (female) chicks (20X 6X 2) that were individually caged. The first treatment of each strain served as a control group and fed the formulated basal diet without any tested feed additives. The second treatment fed the basal diet with BioPlus® 2B, (400gm/ton) a commercial probiotic preparation (pro. (Bio)). The third treatment hens were fed the same basal diet with the addition of TechnoMos® (500gm/ton) a prebiotic type (pre. (Tech)).The fourth treatment fed the basal diet with Diamond V®(2.5kg/ton) a commercial prebiotic produced (pre. (Dia)). The fifth treatment fed the basal diet with FORMI® NDF (2kg/ton) (organic acid (FORMI)). The sixth treatment fed the basal diet with combination of (BioPlus® 2B, (400gm/ton) + TechnoMos® (500gm/ton) + FORMI® NDF (1kg/ton)) (combination (BTF)). Data showed that, the Heterophils/Lymphocyte ratio percentage value was significantly higher in Golden Montaza than Bandara. The highest value was found for organic acids (FORMI) group and the lowest value was found for probiotic (Bio Plus) group. As for the antibody titer before vaccination the highest values were found for pre (Tech) group in comparison to pre (Dia) group. And there were no significant differences between the control group and all treated groups. Also, the higher values of antibody titer against Newcastle vaccine after vaccination were found in pre (Tech.), org ((FORMI), combination (Bio, Tech and FORMI) and control groups compare to values were found in pre (Dia) and pro (Bio) groups. As for the differences titer between before and after vaccination against Newcastle disease virus, there were no significant differences.

Survivability in Nilagiri and Nilagiri Synthetic Sheep: Genetic and Non-Genetic Effects

Data on 9333 records of Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah, The Nilagiris (Tamil Nadu) available for 25 years (1989 to 2015) were analyzed for pre- and post-weaning survivability (0- 3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and 9-12 months of age). The effect of various genetic and non-genetic factors, viz., breed, contemporary group of birth, birth type, inbreeding, sex and birth weight on survivability were analyzed. The least squares means for survivability during 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months were 92.8 ± 0.8, 95.3 ± 0.8, 98.6 ± 0.6 and 98.2 ± 0.7 % for Nilagiri sheep and 89.9 ± 1.0, 92.9 ± 1.0, 96.9 ± 0.7 and 97.0 ± 0.8 % for Nilagiri synthetic sheep, respectively. Breed and contemporary group of birth had significant (P less than 0.01) effects on pre-weaning survivability. Post-weaning survivability was significantly different in the two genetic groups. Contemporary groups and sex of lamb had a significant effect on all the survivability traits, except that for the period from 9-12 months. Birth weight of lambs had a significant influence on early survivability traits of preweaning and 3-6 months group.

Polymorphism of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene in Nilagiri sheep.

The allelic variation in the regulatory sequence of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene influences the growth traits of sheep. A study was carried out to find out the polymorphisms associated with exon 10 of GHR gene and its association with growth traits of Nilagiri sheep. The blood samples were collected from Nilagiri sheep (n = 103) reared at Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah, Tamil Nadu, India. DNA was isolated using the phenol-chloroform extraction procedure and eight samples having amplified product of part of exon 10 (895bp) sequenced. The results indicated transitions of nucleotide G>A at loci G177624A and G177878A. The genotyping frequencies estimated using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-PCR for GG, GA and AA were 0.262, 0.544 and 0.194, and 0.349, 0.505 and 0.146, respectively. The estimated allele frequencies of G and A nucleotides were 0.5340 and 0.4660, and 0.6015 and 0.3985, respectively, at loci G177624A and G177878A. The effects of both the mutations on growth-related traits viz., birth, weaning (3months) 6, 9 and 12months weight in Nilagiri sheep were found to be non-significant. This can be a novel approach to assess growth of sheep using the mutation in GHR gene. Thus, this approach can be useful for further investigation as a molecular marker associated with genetic improvement.

Effect of inbreeding and individual increase in inbreeding on growth in Nilagiri and Sandyno breeds of sheep

SummaryIndividual increase in inbreeding coefficients (ΔFi) has been recommended as an alternate measure of inbreeding. It can account for the differences in pedigree knowledge of individual animals and avoids overestimation due to increased number of known generations. The effect of inbreeding (F) and equivalent inbreeding (EF) calculated fromΔFi, on growth traits were studied in Nilagiri and Sandyno flocks of sheep. The study was based on data maintained at the Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah. The pedigree information and equivalent number of generations were less in Sandyno compared with Nilagiri sheep. The average F and EF for the Nilagiri population were 2.17 and 2.44, respectively and the corresponding values for Sandyno sheep were 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. The trend of inbreeding over years in both the populations indicated that EF was higher during earlier generations when pedigree information was shallow. Among the significant effects of inbreeding, the depression in growth per 1 percent increase in inbreeding ranged from 0.04 kg in weaning weight to 0.10 kg in yearling weight. In general, more traits were affected by inbreeding in Nilagiri sheep, in which greater regression of growth traits was noticed with F compared with EF. Higher values of EF than F in earlier generations in both the populations indicate that EF avoided the potential overestimation of inbreeding coefficient during recent generations. In the Sandyno population, the magnitude of depression noticed among growth traits with significant effects of inbreeding was higher. The differences in response to F and EF noticed in the two populations and possible causes for the trait wise differences in response to F and EF are appropriately discussed.

English

A study of stability and genetic divergence was carried out on 22 experimental maize hybrids for 3 years, at the Maize Breeding Research Station, Poonch, India, to evaluate potential crosses particularly for double cross hybrid with a view that well developed single cross hybrids represent an interesting potential base population for double cross hybrid, as they have high and stable yield and desirable agronomic characteristics, with large proportions of favourable loci previously selected. Considering the estimation of stability and genetic diversity together in the present investigation, both directional crosses based on most diverse and stable parents namely PHM 10 x PHM 23, PHM 10 x 35 and PHM 10 x PHM 31 may be recommended which can throw out superior segregants in hybridization.   Key words: Maize hybrid, stability, genetic divergence.

Direct and maternal genetic components of variance for growth traits in Nilagiri and Sandyno Sheep of South India

The Nilagiri sheep is known for its prolificacy and adaptability to high altitudes of the Nilgiri hills. This breed was crossed with exotic sheep such as Rambouillet and Merino to develop a new synthetic sheep called Sandyno at Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah (Tamil Nadu). Both these breeds have been maintained as closed flocks in this station and growth data from 1992 to 2011 were utilized to estimate direct and maternal genetic (co)variance components for various growth traits viz., weight at birth (BW), 3 (3W), 6 (6W), 9 (9W), 12 (12W) and 18 (18W) months of age. An animal model including maternal effects was used to obtain restricted maximum likelihood estimates of (co)variances. The h2 values for BW, 3W, 6W, 9W, 12W and 18W were 0.140, 0.130, 0.074, 0.168, 0.129 and 0.166, respectively in Nilagiri sheep and 0.147, 0.114, 0.098, 0.141, 0.144 and 0.115 in Sandyno sheep. In Nilagiri sheep, maternal influence was significant (P<0.05) for BW, 3W, 6W and 9W and the maternal heritability values for the traits were 0.211, 0.050, 0.126 and 0.098, respectively. In Sandyno sheep, the maternal heritability values were significant (P<0.05) for BW, 3W, 6W, 9W and 18W with values of 0.285, 0.035, 0.054, 0.058 and 0.110, respectively. BW and 6W in Sandyno sheep were the only traits for which models with direct and maternal genetic correlation (σam) were significant (P<0.05). Genetic correlations among body weight traits were positive and moderate to high and ranged from 0.375 to 0.994 in Nilagiri and 0.553 to 0.952 in Sandyno sheep. Maternal effects were important with respect to growth traits in Nilagiri and Sandyno sheep. Moderate estimates of heritabilities and higher genetic correlations provide scope for further improvement in growth traits.

Pedigree analysis of the Nilagiri sheep of South India

The Nilagiri sheep is a dual utility (fine wool and meat), native to the Nilagiri hills of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its adaptability to high altitude and low input system of rearing. At present, this breed is endangered with less than a thousand numbers existing, of which about 50 percent is maintained at Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah. Efforts are on to conserve the breed in-situ. Generation interval (GI), pedigree completeness level, inbreeding coefficient (F), average relatedness (AR), effective population size (Ne), and effective number of founders (fe) and ancestors (fa) were studied for the breed. Pedigree analysis was carried out using data available at the research station on 5 051 animals from 1965 onwards using ENDOG ver. 4.8. Higher values of pedigree completeness (more than 80 percent for 5th generation), balance in percent of ancestors between sire and dam pathways and higher equivalent complete generations (7.12) for the reference population were indicative of the depth in pedigree. The GI, F, and AR were 3.36 years, 2.17 and 3.45 percent, respectively. Ne based on maximum number of generations and individual increase in inbreeding was 298.83 and 97.25, respectively. fe and fa were 59 and 41, respectively, for the reference population. F was far from critical values of inbreeding and fe/fa ratio indicated absence of stringent bottlenecks. The effective population size was on the higher end of the range reported for endangered sheep breeds. The knowledge on genetic diversity and effective population size coefficients would support the cause of conservation.

In given article results of studying of a selection material of a beet sugar (Beta vulgaris L. ssp.vulgaris var. altissima Doell) (Ms-lines and pollinators) the Ivanovo skilled-selection station under program «Betaintercross» are considered

The article considers the results of studying breeding material of sugar beet (MS-lines and many-seeded pollinators) of Ivanivsk Variety Testing Station in the framework of Beta-Intercross Program. Betaintercross Breeding Program for Sugar Beet has been developed by, and is implemented in, the Institute for Bioenergy Crops, formerly known as Sugar Beets Institute (ISB). Ivansivsk Variety Testing Station has been fully engaged into implementation of the Program since 1996. Key task for the Program is to draw genetic potential of breeding materials of sugar beet of the Institute research entities, namely Bila Tserkva Breeding Research Station, Ivanivsk Breeding Research Station, Uladovo-Liulinets Breeding Research Station, Uman Breeding Research Station, Ialtushkivka Breeding Research Station, as well as domestic and foreign companies with the view of maximizing the effect of heterosis use with the view of producing highly productive hybrids of new generation. Over various years, apart from various experimental re-search entities of the Institute, such companies as KWS (Germany), Novi Sad Institute (Serbia), Ramon (Russia), Danisco Seed (Denmark), Belorus ZDS and others have taken part [in the above Program]. The article provides key principles for the Program implementation scheme and its method. The cooperation has enabled to produce a range of highly productive hybrids listed in the State Register capable of competing at today’s market of sugar beet seed. Among these there are hybrids produced jointly with Ivanivsk Research Breeding Station, in particular: Romul (2005), Prometei (2008), Ramses (2009), Risolt (2007), Kvarta (2010), Zluka (2010), ITSB 0801 (2011), ITSB 0802 (2011), ITSB 0904 (2012), ITSB 0905 (2012).

A Cross-Sectional Study of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in Wild Boars Reared in Different Types of Captive Setting in Thailand

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae are account as economically important pathogens in swine business worldwide. The studies of these two pathogens in Thailand were restricted on domestic pigs in swine industry and the status of these pathogens in wild boars is currently not available. This cross-sectional study aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of antibodies to these agents in captive wild boars. Fifty-two serum samples were collected from wild boars reared in three different types of captive settings including a commercial wild boar farm, a wildlife breeding research station and a zoo. All serum samples were examined for antibodies to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by ELISA methods. The results revealed that the highest true prevalence of both pathogens was found in sera derived from wild boars in wildlife breeding research station at 69 and 66% for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae respectively. This study is the first to reveal seroprevalence of antibodies against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaein wild boar populations in Thailand. More detailed investigations are critically needed.

DETECTION AND PHYLOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HEPATITIS E VIRUS GENOTYPE 3 IN A CAPTIVE WILD BOAR IN THAILAND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was studied in different types of wild boar captive settings in Thailand, including a wildlife breeding research station, zoo, and commercial wild boar farm, which were located in different locations of Thailand. Fifty-one fecal samples were collected and screened for HEV RNA and then analyzed. One sample obtained from a wildlife breeding research station in Ratchaburi province was HEV positive. Phylogenetic characterization revealed that the virus was HEV genotype 3 and belongs to subgroup 3e, which is closely related to HEV recently isolated from domestic pigs and humans in the country. It was hypothesized that HEV is shared among wild boars, domestic pigs, and humans in Thailand.

Quality Structure of the Noctuidae Family in Selected Habitats of the Agricultural Landscape

Quality Structure of the Noctuidae Family in Selected Habitats of the Agricultural LandscapeThe aim of the study was to compare the Noctuidae moths in three selected farmland environments, using ecological indices. The study was conducted from 2003 to 2006 on fields sown with winter wheat, sugar beets, maize and winter rape plants. The subject of the study was the imago of moth caught by light traps. Light traps (Polish brand) were located at: the Institute of Plant Protection, the Agricultural Research Station in Winna Góra, the Sugar Beet Breeding Research Station in Więcławice and the Institute of Plant Protection in the Poznań research garden. The collected Noctuidae imagines were identified and characterized quantitatively and qualitatively. The Noctuidae imagines were analyzed using Shannon-Weaver's diversity index (H'), Simpson's dominance index (d) and Marczewski-Steinhaus index of similarity (MS %). The results showed a higher similarity between species composition in the agrocenos of Poznań and Więcławice. The smallest diversity of species, reflected in the lowest value of the diversity index and the high value of the dominance index, was observed in the biotic community of Winna Góra which reveals a few Noctuidae, namely:Agrotis segetum(Schiff. et Den.),A. exclamationis(L.),Xestia c-nigrum(L.), andDiscestra trifolii(L.).

Hordeum × Triticum hybrids

HereditasVolume 73, Issue 1 p. 157-161 Open Access Hordeum × Triticum hybrids Anthon Kruse, Corresponding Author Anthon Kruse Department of Crop Husbandry and Plant Breeding, Research Station Højbakkegård, Taastrup, DenmarkDept. of Crop Husbandry and Plant Breeding Research Station Højbakkegård DK-2630 Taastrup, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this author Anthon Kruse, Corresponding Author Anthon Kruse Department of Crop Husbandry and Plant Breeding, Research Station Højbakkegård, Taastrup, DenmarkDept. of Crop Husbandry and Plant Breeding Research Station Højbakkegård DK-2630 Taastrup, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this author First published: March 1973 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-5223.1973.tb01078.xCitations: 25AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume73, Issue1March 1973Pages 157-161 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Estimates of genetic parameters for growth traits in Kermani sheep

Birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (W6), 9-month weight (W9) and yearling weight (YW) of Kermani lambs were used to estimate genetic parameters. The data were collected from Shahrbabak Sheep Breeding Research Station in Iran during the period of 1993-1998. The fixed effects in the model were lambing year, sex, type of birth and age of dam. Number of days between birth date and the date of obtaining measurement of each record was used as a covariate. Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood, using single and two-trait animal models. Based on the most appropriate fitted model, direct and maternal heritabilities of BW, WW, W6, W9 and YW were estimated to be 0.10 +/- 0.06 and 0.27 +/- 0.04, 0.22 +/- 0.09 and 0.19 +/- 0.05, 0.09 +/- 0.06 and 0.25 +/- 0.04, 0.13 +/- 0.08 and 0.18 +/- 0.05, and 0.14 +/- 0.08 and 0.14 +/- 0.06 respectively. Direct and maternal genetic correlations between the lamb weights varied between 0.66 and 0.99, and 0.11 and 0.99. The results showed that the maternal influence on lamb weights decreased with age at measurement. Ignoring maternal effects in the model caused overestimation of direct heritability. Maternal effects are significant sources of variation for growth traits and ignoring maternal effects in the model would cause inaccurate genetic evaluation of lambs.

Effect of Fermented Cassava Flour on the Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Brown Bread

The effect of incorporating fermented cassava flour into wheat bread quality was investigated. Peeled cassava roots were chopped, fermented in water and dried for seven days before ground into flour, a process that reduced the cyanide content of cassava from 46mg/Kg to 3.6mg/Kg. Wholemeal wheat flour was prepared from different groups of wheat procured from National Plant Breeding Research Station, Njoro. For preparation of composite flours, wheat flour and fermented cassava flour were mixed in the ratios from 100% wheat flour to 100% cassava flour. Protein content, dough properties, gluten content, loaf volume and organoleptic judgement (crust color, internal color, crumb color, taste and aroma, texture, structure and general acceptability) of baked breads were evaluated. Protein content decreased with increase in the level of cassava substitution, except for the 10% cassava composite flour. Up to 20% cassava flour level of substitution had adequate amount of protein required to produce loaves of acceptable volume and texture. Water absorption, peak time, stability and tolerance index increased with increase in the cassava flour level. These increases were not significant up to 50% level of substitution. The decreases in gluten content and loaf volume were not significant at 10% and 20% cassava flour level of substitution respectively. Organoleptic judgement showed a decrease in the quality of breads, though the decrease was not significant at 20% level.

Improvements in the reproductive characteristic of Hungarian Upgraded and Grey Landes geese in Hungary

Since 1969 the Hungarian Upgraded and Grey Landes breeds of geese have been improved at the Goose Breeding Research Station of Gödöllö University of Agricultural Sciences at Babatpuszta. An overview of 15 years history of these two breeds shows an average annual increase in egg production of almost one egg and average annual improvements of 1% in fertility and one day old goslings per year. These improvements are attributed to the results of selection carried out between 1978 and 1992.