Brown Genotypes Research Articles

Differential Expression of PBF Dof Transcription Factor in Different Tissues of Three Finger Millet Genotypes Differing in Seed Protein Content and Color

Finger millet is one of the most nutritious cereal crops, as it is rich in calcium, minerals, and phosphorus. It also contains high protein, with prolamins being the major seed storage proteins. Genes encoding prolamins are coordinately expressed in developing endosperm wherein they are under spatial and temporal transcription control, involving cis-acting and trans-acting motifs in their promoters and trans-acting transcription factors. The PBF Dof (prolamin-binding factor DNA binding with one finger only) transcription factor can be an important regulator for seed storage protein gene expression. In this study, the spatial distribution of the PBF Dof gene has been investigated in different tissues, including root, stem, and flag leaf during vegetative growth as well as S1, S2, S3, and S4 stages of developing spikes in three finger millet genotypes, including brown (PRM-1), golden (PRM-701), and white (PRM-801) differing in grain protein content and color using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. Semi- quantitative and quantitative PCR results revealed that PBF Dof is expressed in all tissues analyzed; however, expression of PBF Dof is relatively higher in developing stages of spikes than in other tissues in all three genotypes. Spatial expression of PBF Dof genes in all tissues analyzed is similar to that reported for wheat PBF genes but in contrast to that of barley and maize PBFs wherein expression is restricted to the endosperm. Moreover, a negative correlation is observed between prolamin content and each of grain yield and grain protein in all three finger millet genotypes. The grain protein content of the white (PRM-801) genotype is highest (9.56%), followed by golden (PRM-701; 9.0%) and brown (PRM-1; 7.5%) genotypes, and it is related to higher expression of PBF Dof in S2, S3, and S4 stages, respectively. This indicates that early induction of seed protein genes in the white genotype provides a longer period for accumulation of seed storage proteins in the endosperm when compared with those in other genotypes.

The effect of genotype, housing system and egg collection time on egg quality in egg type hens

The effect of egg collection time, genotype and housing system on egg quality characteristics was evaluated in an experiment with laying hens of ISA Brown, Hisex Brown and Moravia housed on litter and in conventional cages. The experiment was conducted from 20 to 64 weeks of age. Eggs were collected and recorded daily at 06:00, 10:00 and 14:00 h. Once every four weeks, two days in row, all eggs laid from each pen or cage at each oviposition time were used for egg quality analyses (total 1 694 eggs). Egg collection time was dependent on genotype. Significantly more eggs were laid at 06:00h by ISA Brown while Moravia laid eggs mainly at 10:00 and 14:00 h. Housing on litter postponed the time of oviposition. The highest egg weight (62.09 g) was recorded in Hisex Brown genotype placed in cages and at 06.00 h. Interactions of all factors were determined also in Haugh units (<I>P</i> ≤ 0.041). Eggshell strength was affected by housing system, genotype and egg collection time (<I>P</i> ≤ 0.049). It was higher in cages than on litter, and lower in the Moravia genotype in comparison with the other two strains.

Nitrogen and energy balance in growing mink (Mustela vison) fed different levels of bacterial protein meal produced with natural gas

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of increasing the dietary content of bacterial protein meal (BPM) on energy and protein metabolism in growing mink kits. Sixteen male mink kits of the standard brown genotype were randomly fed one of four diets: A control (Diet I) based on high-quality fish meal, and three experimental diets in which 20% (Diet II), 40% (Diet III) and 60% (Diet IV) of the digested nitrogen (DN) was replaced with BPM. Nitrogen balance and respiration experiments (indirect calorimetry) were carried out when the animals were approximately 9.5, 14.5, 17.5, 23.5 and 28.5 weeks of age. The apparent digestibility of crude protein and energy decreased significantly with increasing dietary BPM. The retained nitrogen was 0.45, 0.54, 0.52 and 0.40 g/kg0.75 on Diets I, II, III and IV, respectively, the observed differences between diets being non-significant (p = 0.06). Heat production (HE) was between 645 and 665 kJ/kg0.75 on all diets (p = 0.78). Retained energy (RE) was approximately 150 – 160 kJ/kg0.75 on Diets I to III, whereas it was −11 kJ/kg0.75 on Diet IV, the differences being significant (p < 0.001). A lower feed intake and apparent digestibility of energy caused the negative RE on Diet IV. The amount of HE from oxidation of protein decreased from 32.7% on Diet I to 26.6% on Diet IV, and oxidation of fat increased from 53.8% on Diet I to 63.5% Diet IV. In conclusion, protein and energy metabolism remained unaffected when up to 40% of DN was derived from BPM.

Chocolate coated cats: TYRP1 mutations for brown color in domestic cats

Brown coat color phenotypes caused by mutations in tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TYRP1) are recognized in many mammals. Brown variations are also recognized in the domestic cat, but the causative mutations are unknown. In cats, Brown, B, has a suggested allelic series, B > b > b1. The B allele is normal wild-type black coloration. Cats with the brown variation genotypes, bb or bb1, are supposedly phenotypically chocolate (aka chestnut) and the light brown genotype, b1b1, are supposedly phenotypically cinnamon (aka red). The complete coding sequence of feline TYRP1 and a portion of the 5' UTR was analyzed by direct sequencing of genomic DNA of wild-type and brown color variant cats. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Eight SNPs were in the coding regions, six are silent mutations. Two exon 2 on mutations cause amino acid changes. The C to T nonsense mutation at position 298 causes an arginine at amino acid 100 to be replaced by the opal (UGA) stop codon. This mutation is consistent with the cinnamon phenotype and is the putative light brown, b1, mutation. An intron 6 mutation that potentially disrupts the exon 6 downstream splice-donor recognition site is associated with the chocolate phenotype and is the putative brown, b, mutation. The allelic series was confirmed by segregation and sequence analyses. Three microsatellite makers had significant linkage to the brown phenotype and two for the TYRP1 mutations in a 60-member pedigree. These mutations could be used to identify carriers of brown phenotypes in the domestic cat.

Genetic Variability in the Fodder Yield, Chemical Composition and Disappearance of Nutrients in Brown Midrib and White Midrib Sorghum Genotypes

Samples of eleven brown midrib (ICSU 96031, ICSU 93046, ICSU 96082, ICSU 96078, ICSU 96075, ICSU 95101, ICSU 96034, ICSU 96063, ICSU 45116, ICSA 93-3 and ICSA 3845 X 3816) and nine white midrib genotypes (ICSU 96050, ICSU 96030, ISU 95082, SSG 59-3, FSHI 93-1, FSHI 2219A X 3211, HC 171, ICSA 93-2 and ICSA 93-1) based on their phenotypic appearance were collected at 50 per cent flowering from the sorghum germplasm grown at Research farm of IGFRI, Jhansi. These genotypes were evaluated with respect to crude protein, fiber composition, in-sacco dry matter, OM, cell wall components disappearance/digestibility besides the fodder yield, total phenolic and availability index values. Brown midrib genotypes were lower (p 0.05) differences were observed in dry matter, crude protein and organic matter contents between brown midrib and white midrib genotypes. Phenolic contents were significantly (p 0.05) differences between genotypes in extent of fiber fraction degradability though in-sacco NDF and ADF degradability was more by 5 and 4 units, respectively in brown midrib genotypes vis-a-vis white midrib genotypes. Average fodder yield (green and dry g/plant) and availability index (%) values were significantly (p<0.05) higher for brown midrib (474.2, 129.8 and 80.4) genotypes than white midrib (375.0, 104.8 and 69.2) genotypes. Lignin contents had significant negative correlation with DM, OM, NDF and ADF degradability. The results of the study revealed that brown midrib genotypes are superior not only with regard to chemical entities and disappearance of DM and fiber fractions but also better in respect of fodder yield and availability index values. Thus, brown midrib sorghum strains may be useful in increasing digestibility, intake, feed efficiency and animal performance. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 9 : 1303-1308)

Flavonoid Composition of Three Genotypes of Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Differing in Seedcoat Color

Three dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes differing in seedcoat color, mineral brown (P C D J G B v), yellow brown (P C D J G b v), and pale greenish yellow (P C D J g b v), were analyzed phytochemically. Kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucoside (astragalin) was isolated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy from all three genotypes, and was the main flavonoid monomer present. Flavonoid polymers (condensed tannins) were detected by thin layer chromatography, but anthocyanins were not detected in the three genotypes. High pressure liquid chromatography analyses indicated that astragalin was present at similar concentrations in pale greenish yellow and mineral brown genotypes, but was significantly lower in yellow brown. Presently, we do not know the functions of the G and B color genes, although the presence of astragalin in the three genotypes studied indicates these genes do not appear to act in a qualitative manner with regard to astragalin production, but may control the amount of astragalin present. Subtle differences in color between these genotypes may be due to the amount and type of tannins which have secondarily polymerized with phenolics and flavonoid monomers.

New Mechanism of Melanosomes Transport into Hair of Lambs of Different Breeds and Genotypes

By light microscopic investigation of skin and wool specimens of newborn lambs, we discovered a previously unknown mechanism for melanosomes transport in the process of dermal papilla melanocytes regular mitosis and migration into the hair shaft. This mechanism plays a great role in hair pigmentation especially in dominant (ED/ED) and recessive (Aa/Aa) black lambs of all investigated breeds. The rate of pigment cell mitosis, proliferation, and migration differs greatly in lambs of investigated color genotypes. In black genotypes the rate of melanocyte mitosis is very high and is approximately the same as in the hair bulb matrix cells, whereas in brown and red genotypes this rate is much lower. Melanocyte mitosis in the light red and tan groups was not found.

Association of seed type and colour with establishment, yield and seed quality in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

SUMMARYUsing closely related inbred lines, the effects of selecting for two contrasting seed types (desi and kabuli) and colours (brown and white) were determined for a number of agronomic and seed characters in chickpea. Plant establishment was 53% higher in desi types than in kabuli types, and 20% higher in brown-seeded lines than in white-seeded lines. Increased contents of tannins in testas of brown seeds were associated with the seed colour response, whereas the difference in establishment between desi and kabuli types was probably a function of the thicker desi testa. Differences in yield due to seed type and colour reflected differences in establishment, but were smaller in magnitude.Seed type was clearly associated with testa fraction and fibre content. Desi seeds averaged 15·7% testa and 13·2% acid detergent fibre, but kabuli seeds contained only 6·7% testa and 5·6% fibre. In contrast, the crude protein content of kabuli seeds was 1·4 percentage points higher than that of desi seeds. Testa and fibre contents of brown kabuli seeds were significantly greater than those of white kabuli seeds, although the differences were smaller than those between desi and kabuli types.Decortication was satisfactory for white desi seeds, but for white kabuli seeds it gave rise to highly fragmented cotyledons which were often contaminated with attached testa. Brown kabuli seeds produced a sample of intermediate quality. It is suggested that, with some genetic improvements and processing refinements, brown kabuli genotypes could be developed as dual-purpose chickpeas, having both culinary and stockfeed uses.

Effect of brown midrib and normal genotypes of sorghum X sudangrass on ruminal fluid and particulate rate of passage from the rumen and extent of digestion at various sites along the gastrointestinal tract in sheep.

The objectives of this experiment were to determine fluid and particulate rate of passage from the rumen and extent of digestion at various sites along the gastrointestinal tract in sheep fed normal and brown midrib sorghum X sudangrass hybrids. Four Suffolk wethers (80 kg) with ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulae were assigned to one of four diets in a 4 X 4 Latin square with a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Diets were hays of two sorghum X sudangrass varieties, Redlan X Greenleaf and Redlan X Piper, and their corresponding brown midrib mutants. There were no compositional differences resulting from variety or genotype in lignin content or fiber components, although alkali-soluble phenolic acids were higher in normal genotypes than in brown midrib. Vanillin was lower, whereas para-coumaric acid was higher, in normal genotypes than in brown midrib mutants. Ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and cellulose was lower (P less than .05) for normal genotypes than for the brown midribs. Total-tract digestibility of cellulose was higher (P less than .05) for brown midrib mutants than for corresponding normal genotypes. No quantitative differences in fiber composition or lignin content were detected between normal and brown midrib genotypes; however, differences in composition of alkali-soluble phenolic acids of the lignin fraction could explain differences in digestibility detected between the two genotypes.