Crossbreeding Program Research Articles

Performance evaluation of Indigenous and Garole crossbred sheep (F1) under semi-intensive management system

A crossbreeding program was sought to enhance the genetic attributes of coastal sheep by mating them with Garole rams. The breeding program involved a combination of two male Garole with a group of twenty indigenous ewes. These sheep were permitted to mate naturally, without external intervention. Data collection focused on key metrics like birth weight (kg lamb-1), litter size, sex of lambs, instances of dystocia, weaning weight (kg lamb-1), weaning age (days), body weight (kg), age at puberty (days), and mortality rates (%). Crossbred male lambs had an average birth weight of 1.48±0.12 kg, while female lambs averaged 1.57±0.10 kg. Male to female ratio among crossbred lambs was 54.1% to 45.9%. As for weaning, males and females averaged 151.92±2.24 days and 144.00±4.20 days, respectively, with respective weaning weights of 7.98±0.85 kg for males and 8.31±0.90 kg for females. Between 30 and 60 days, male and female lambs gained at 50.16±5.94 g day-1 and 51.44±7.82 g day-1, respectively. Between 331 and 360 days, growth rates were 15.33±3.84 g day-1 and 22.33±6.00 g day-1 for males and females respectively. Dystocia, or difficult births, occurred in 75% of cases. There was no mortality for male lambs, but female lambs experienced a 20% mortality rate. Crossbreeding has emerged as a viable strategy for increasing meat production due to enhanced growth rates and their adaptability to certain environments. It can be concluded that crossbreeding of indigenous coastal sheep with Garole ram can be carried out to increase body weight and ADG. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 55-67, 2024

Adaptability parameters of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ of spring barley in the conditions of the Ryazan region

The purpose of the current work was to study the ecological adaptability and stability of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ of spring barley varieties of different ecological and geographical origins over three years of research in the conditions of the Ryazan region. To analyze and study this issue 26 varieties of the collection nursery were studied on the fields of the laboratory of breeding and primary seed production of ISA, a branch of the FSBI FRAEC VIM, located in the forest-steppe agroclimatic zone of the Ryazan region in 2021–2023. To calculate the adaptability parameters, there were used the following coefficients and indicators: adaptability coefficient (AC), yield range (d, %), homeostatic index (Homi), variety yield stability level index (VISLi, %), environmental adaptability (a linear regression coefficient) (bi), stability of the trait (σd2), index of environmental conditions (Ij), stability factor (SF), genetic flexibility of the variety (Ymin+Ymax/2), stress resistance (Ymin–Ymax) and coefficient of responsiveness to favorable growing conditions (Cr), calculated using appropriate methods. The study has established that the dominant influence (66.4 %) on the variability of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ of the studied varieties is made by the factor “year” (growth and development conditions). A significant contribution to the formation of the indicator “weight of 1000 grains” is made by the meteorological conditions of the grain filling phase (July) – HTC (r = +0.722 p = 0.01) and the amount of precipitation (r = +0.637, p = 0.01). 80.8 % of the 26 varieties studied belonged to the large-grain group (1000-grain weight was more than 50.0 g), the average varietal yield of the varieties was quite high with 6.84 t/ha. Based on the principle of ranking the obtained indicators of adaptability of the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ and its components, there were identified the varieties ‘Dobry’, ‘Magutny’ (Republic of Belarus) and ‘Lenetah’ (USA), which took, respectively, first, second and third places in the rating scale. It can be recommended to involve these varieties in a breeding crossbreeding program to increase grain size.

Genome wide association studies for carcass traits measured by video image analysis in crossbred lambs

This is the first UK genome wide association study investigating potential links between Video Image Analysis (VIA) carcass traits and molecular polymorphisms in crossbred sheep. Phenotypic and genotypic data were collected from two crossbred lamb populations: Texel x Scotch Mule (TxSM, n = 2330) and Texel x Lleyn (TxL, n = 3816). Traits measured included live weights at birth, eight weeks and weaning (∼15 weeks). VIA-predicted traits included total weights and weights of fat, muscle and bone in the whole carcass and primal (hind leg, saddle, shoulder) regions. Within-breed heritabilities estimated for the VIA traits ranged from 0.01 to 0.70, indicating potential for inclusion of some traits in breeding programmes. The two crossbred populations differed in SNPs associated with different traits. Two SNPs on chromosomes two (s74618.1) and eight (s68536.1), respectively, reached genome-wise significance for TxSM, explaining <1% of trait variance, for whole carcass fat and muscle weights, hind leg and saddle fat weights and shoulder bone weights. For TxL, four SNPs reached genome-wise significance, on chromosome two for hind leg muscle weight (OAR2_117,959,202 and OAR2_11804335), on chromosome 10 for whole carcass bone weight (OAR19_8,995,957.1), and on chromosome 19 for weaning weight (s40847.1), each explaining <1% of trait genetic variation. Differences in apparent genetic control of carcass traits may be influenced by the lambs' cross-breed, but also by management decisions affecting environmental variance and trait definitions, which should be understood in order to define protocols for incorporation of carcass traits into (cross)breeding programmes. ImplicationsCombining VIA-measured carcass traits with conventional production traits in a breeding programme could potentially improve the production and product quality of meat sheep. Phenotypes for VIA traits could be collected relatively easily if VIA machines were present at all abattoir sites. The current study and future Genome Wide Association Studies may help to identify potentially informative molecular markers, that explain large proportions of the genetic variance observed in VIA-measured carcass traits. Including this information in the estimation of breeding values could increase the accuracy of prediction, increasing the potential rate of genetic improvement for product quality. This study confirms the polygenic architecture of the investigated carcass traits, with a small number of molecular markers that each explain a small amount of genetic variation. Further studies across breed types are recommended to further test and validate molecular markers for traits related to lamb carcass quality, as measured by video image analysis.

Breed Preference by Farmers and the Morphometric Characteristics of Sukuma Goats and a Crossbred of Malya and Sukuma Goats in Maswa District, Tanzania

Aims: To study farmers’ perception toward performance of crossbreds (Malya x Sukuma) relative to the indigenous Sukuma goats.&#x0D; Study Design: The study was of cross-sectional design employing comparative analysis.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Maswa District of Tanzania over a three weeks period.&#x0D; Methodology: Fifty respondents from household which were previously involved in the crossbreeding program were sampled purposively. In which they were interviewed using questionnaires on good/positive and bad/negative attributes for each genotype, then ranks of desired breed according to market price, mature body size and age of attaining mature size. Body weights and linear body measurement of mature crossbred (Malya x Sukuma) goats and pure Sukuma goats were also taken after interviewing each household respondent. Interview data were analyzed using descriptive statistics option of SPSS and body measurements were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS.&#x0D; Results: The most preferred breed was crossbred goats due to their high market price, large mature body size and early age of attaining mature size. Good attributes for Sukuma goats were disease resistance (98%) and drought resistance (94%) while bad attributes were low price in the market (88%), small body size (94%) and slow growth rate (72%). Good attributes for crossbred goats were premium price in the market (92%), high growth rate (80%) and large body size (94%). Bad attributes for crossbred goats had very low frequency. The crossbred goats were larger compared to Sukuma goats. Their mature body measurements were body length (60.6±0.46 cm), heart girth (77.6±0.58 cm), height at withers (66.4±0.42 cm) and body weight (35.1±0.52 kg) for crossbred goats while corresponding mature body measurements for Sukuma goats were 49.6±0.42 cm, 65.1±0.54 cm, 56.7±0.39 cm and 21.6±0.48 kg, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Crossbred goats were accepted by farmers due to their beneficial impact to the households’ economy.

Environmental impact of Holstein Friesian and 3-breed crossbred dairy cows using a life cycle assessment approach applied to individual animals

This study aimed to set up a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach at level of individual animals to assess the effects of a 3-breed crossbreeding program on the environmental impact of cows. It involved 564 cows, 279 purebred Holstein (HO) and 285 crossbreds (CR), originated from a 3-breed crossbreeding program based on the rotational use of Viking Red, Montebèliarde and HO sires and kept in 2 dairy herds of northern Italy (224 and 340 cows/herd, respectively). The reference unit of the LCA model was the lifetime of cows, from the birth to culling or death. Data were collected at different levels: individual animal-based data referred to the whole life (birth, calving, dry, cull or death dates, and milk production); individual test-date collection of body measures and BCS, used to predict body weight and to estimate energy requirements; common farm-based data concerning herd management (diets composition, and materials used). Data were used to compute: dry matter intake, milk and milk components production, gross income (GI) and income over feed costs (IOFC) pertaining to the lifespan of cows. An individual LCA-derived approach was set up to compute global warming potential (GWP), acidification and eutrophication potential (AP and EP, respectively), and land occupation (LO), which have been associated with different functional units (cow in her whole life or per d of life; kg of milk fat plus protein, and € of GI and of IOFC produced in the herd life). Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model including the fixed effects of genetic group (CR vs HO), farm and their interaction (genetic group x farm). Compared with HO, CR cows completed more lactations (+12%), had earlier first calving (-2 weeks), yielded more fat plus protein in milk both in the lifespan (+8%) and per d of life (+4%). Concerning the environmental impact, when compared with HO herd mates, CR cows had nominal greater emissions per cow in the whole life, similar emissions per d of life and nearly 3% lower GWP, AP and EP per kg of fat plus protein yielded in lifespan. Income over feed costs per unit of emission tended to be nearly 4% greater in CR compared with HO cows. Also the use of land tended to be lower in CR compared with HO in most indicators considered. In conclusion, LCA could be adapted to represent individual animals. Moreover, managing dairy cows according to a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding scheme may be regarded as a strategy that can contribute to mitigate the emissions and to improve the environmental impact of dairy operations.

Evaluation of Some Local and Registered Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Varieties Based on SRAP Markers

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a member of the Asteraceae family, is an important plant grown in the world as a source of vegetable oil. In addition, it is a versatile crop that is also used as biodiesel, animal feed, spice, dye, and medicinal plant. In this study, SRAP markers were used to determine the genetic diversity and relationships between four local and three registered safflower cultivars for use in cross-breeding programs. The twelve primer combinations yielded a total of 101 bands, including 33 polymorphic bands. The level of polymorphism of SRAP markers which were represented by the average number of total bands (NTB) (8.4), the average number of polymorphic bands (NPB) (2.8), polymorphic band ratios (PBR%) (34.5%), resolving power (RP) (1.48), effective multiplex ratio (EMR) (1.17), and marker index (MI) (0.43) was low. Conversely, polymorphism information content (PIC) (0.35), Nei’s gene diversity (h) (0.36) and Shannon's information index (I) (0.55) showed a significant genetic variation in the safflower genotypes studied. The polymorphism information content of the SRAP primer combinations used in the study ranged from 0.24 to 0.46, with an average of 0.35. Genetic similarity was calculated according to Dice similarity and varied from 0.12 to 0.92, with a mean genetic similarity (GS) of 0.58. The cophenetic correlation between the Dice similarity matrix and corresponding dendrogram obtained by SRAP (r = 0.95) revealed very good compliance. The genetically close genotypes were Remzibey05 - TR64702 and TR49119 - TR42630 (GS=0.91). Also, Dinçer5-118 and Yenice5-38 were the most genetically distant varieties (GS=0.12). Dinçer5-118 was very different from other genotypes (GS=0.29).

The jigsaw puzzle of pedigree: whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity and ancestral lineage in Sunong black pigs

The Sunong black pig is a new composite breed under development generated from Chinese indigenous pig breeds (i.e., Taihu and Huai) and intensive pig breeds (i.e., Landrace and Berkshire), which is an important genetic material for studying breeding mechanisms. However, there is currently limited knowledge about the genetic structure and germplasm characteristics of Sunong black pigs. To comprehensively understand their genetic composition and ancestry proportions, we performed population structure and local ancestry inference analysis based on whole-genome sequencing information. The results showed that Sunong black pigs could be clustered independently into a group, whose pedigree was intermediate between indigenous and commercial pig breeds, but closer to commercial pigs. Furthermore, local ancestry inference analysis revealed that Sunong black pigs inherited immune and reproductive traits from indigenous pig breeds, including CC and CXC chemokine family, Toll-like receptor family, IFN gene family, ESR1, AREG and EREG gene, while growth and development-related traits were inherited from commercial pig breeds, including IGF1 and GSY2 gene. Overall, Sunong black pigs have formed a relatively stable genome structure with some advantageous traits inherited from their ancestral breeds. This study deepened the understanding of the breeding mechanism of Sunong black pigs and provided a reference for cross-breeding programmes in livestock.

Assessing and explaining trends in dairy cattle herd performance variables while using three-breed rotational crossbreeding: empirical evidence from commercial farms

Three-breed rotational crossbreeding can improve the functional traits of dairy cows, but few farmers in most Western countries use it. This could be due to a lack of knowledge of its medium- and long-term effects on animal performance at the herd level, regardless of the initial states of the farm and herd, the crossbreeding programme(s) used and changes in farm management and structure while transitioning to it. We aimed at assessing changes in animal performance of dairy cattle herds transitioning towards three-breed rotational crossbreeding and at identifying factors that explained them. We sampled 13 French dairy cattle farms for which animal performance data were available for a 9-year period (2009–2017) and described their trends in herd management and the farming system when introducing crossbreeding. We calculated five herd performance variables: mean milk productivity per cow-year (MilkCow), mean Milk solids content (FatProtCont), and the percentages in the herd of cows with no more than 117 days open (FertileCow), with mean somatic cell score less than 4 over the lactation period (HealthyLact) and with four lactations or more (L4+). We defined 15 variables related to herd and farm structure and management. We applied linear regression to each variable over the study period and used the intercept and slope to describe their initial values in 2009 and their trends, respectively. We performed partial least squares (PLS) regression to assess relationships between the trends in herd performance variables and potential explanatory variables, including the initial values of herd performance variables and the initial values of and trends in herd and farm structure and management variables. Linear regressions showed that within herds, median MilkCow decreased (–177 kg/cow per year), FertileCow increased (+1.5%/year) and FatProtCont either remained stable or increased (+0.1 g/kg per cow). Conversely, changes were less distinct for HealthyLact and L4+. From 2009 to 2017, herd size increased in most farms (med = +1.2 LU/year). The PLS regression highlighted that herds in which MilkCow decreased the most over time were those in which HealthyLact and L4+ decreased and increased the most, respectively. Moreover, for herds in which FertileCow increased the most, FatProtCont either decreased, or increased less. Based on association scores from the PLS, changes in the genetic composition of the herd influenced changes in herd performance variables more than did changes in overall farm management (|0.28|–|0.59| vs |0.26|–|0.50|). Our findings suggest that dairy crossbreeding is relevant to rebalance herd performance between production and functional traits.

Characterization of New Grapevine Varieties Cross-Bred from Monastrell, Authorized for Winemaking in the Warm Region of Murcia (South-Eastern Spain)

Crossbreeding programs allow the selection of new genotypes with better agronomic and oenological properties for the production of quality wine, and allow the development of a more sustainable form of viticulture. This paper describes the white genotype ‘Calblanque’, and the red genotypes ‘Calnegre’, ‘Gebas’ and ‘Myrtia’, the first wine grape varieties registered by the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA) as commercial varieties after confirming the winemaking quality of their grapes in a semi-arid climate with high temperatures. These new varieties have recently been authorized for winemaking in the Region of Murcia. ‘Calblanque’, ‘Calnegre’ and ‘Gebas’ were obtained from crosses between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, and ‘Myrtia’ from crosses between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Syrah’. The red genotypes were selected for their phenolic quality—which was very superior to that of the parentals—and for their different harvest dates that allow a staggered harvest and their cultivation in different areas. ‘Calblanque’ was selected for its good balance of acidity and aromatic profile. The attributes of these new varieties could allow their better adaptation to the effects of climate change on grape and wine quality in warm areas.

Pollen viabilities and gene expression profiles across Musa genomes.

Banana (Musa spp.) is a major global economic fruit crop. However, cross-pollination from other Musa cultivars grown in nearby plantations results in seeded fruit that exceeds market demand. This study investigated pollen viability and germination and examined the expression profiles of pollen development-related genes across seven Musa genomes (AA, BB, AAA, BBB, AAB, ABB and ABBB). Twenty-three Musa cultivars were assessed for pollen viability using lacto-aceto-orcein and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining methods. Results revealed that pollen viability obtained from both methods was significantly different among all the studied cultivars. Cultivars carrying BB (diploid) genomes had higher viability percentages than AA (diploid), AAA, BBB, AAB and ABB (triploid) and ABBB (tetraploid) genomes. Germination of the studied cultivars was also investigated on pollen culture medium, with results showing significant differences between the pollen of each cultivar. The best germinating cultivar was TKM (11.0 %), carrying BB genome. Expression profiles of pollen development-related genes by RT-qPCR indicated that both TPD1A and MYB80 genes were highly expressed in triploid Musa genomes but the PTC1 gene showed down-regulated expression, resulting in non-viable pollen. Pollen viability, pollen germination and pollen development-related genes differed across Musa cultivars. This knowledge will be useful for the selection of male parents for Musa cross-breeding programs. Pollen viability should also be considered when planning Musa production to avoid seeded fruit.

Genetic Stability for New Genotypes of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Fertilizer Combinations

A field experiment was conducted on maize crop for ten genotypes in two environmentally different locations in the autumn season (2020_2021) and included three levels of fertilization (Dabanah Company recommendation, Ministry of Agriculture recommendation, without fertilization), The first location is in one of the peasant farms located in the Rashidiya area in Mosul, which is 13 km away from the city center, and the second site is the Al-Dabbana company research station in Erbil, located in the Al-Kuwair area, which is approximately 54.5 km away from the center of Mosul. The results showed the excelled of genotype 215479, which was highly stable for (stem diameter and leaves area, ear length, Ash percentage), and these results provide the possibility of benefiting from this highly stable genotype. While the results of the stability triangle showed that the genotype (215472) was highly stable for five traits (number of days of female flowering, plant height, number of leaves, ear length, weight of 300 grains),Therefore, these two genotypes can be used in future cross-breeding programs to create new cultivars.

Effect of genotype and environment on the productive and survivability traits of lambs under a community-based management system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and survival of local and Dorper crossbred lambs managed under a community-based management system, using data collected between 2012 and 2021. The fixed effects considered were breed, location, sex, type of birth, parity, season, and year of birth. The results revealed that Dorper crossbred lambs consistently weighed and gained more than local lambs (p<0.0001) at all ages and that environmental factors such as location, sex, type of birth, parity, season, and year of birth had considerable influence on most growth traits at all ages. The mean birth weight of local, low-grade, and high-grade Dorper crossbred lambs were 2.12 ± 0.04, 2.94 ± 0.03, and 3.08 ± 0.03 kg, respectively. The corresponding pre-weaning daily gain was 89.12 ± 1.85, 112.16 ± 1.38, and 117.98 ± 1.71 g/day, respectively. The post-weaning body weight gain at 90-180 days for the same groups was 32.6 ± 2.16, 46.85 ± 1.62, and 45.93 ± 1.98 g/day, respectively. Dorper crossbred lambs exhibited a bodyweight advantage of up to 45%, 31%, 34%, and 28% over local lambs at birth, 3, 6, and 12 months of age, respectively. Lambs born in the dry season had the lowest weaning (p<0.0001) and six-month (p = 0.0098) weight compared to those born in the rainy seasons. Lamb genotype didn’t have a significant influence on the survival of lambs at all ages, but most environmental factors influenced survivability. Lambs born to ewes in their 5th parity and above had a mortality risk of 0.51 times higher than those born to ewes in their 1st to 4th parity at the age of 6- months. Year of lambing affected lamb pre-weaning (χ2 = 0.0003) and post-weaning (χ2 = 0.0001) survival. Compared to the base year 2021, lambs born in 2017 and 2018 had a higher risk of mortality at 6-month (10.1 and 15.9 times, respectively) than those born in 2021. Season of birth also significantly (χ2 <0.001) affected lamb survivability, with lambs born in the dry season, having a higher mortality risk at weaning (0.46 times) and yearling (0.66 times). Lambs with a birth weight of 2 kg and below had a 2.3 times higher survival risk at 6-months compared to lambs born with 3 kg and above. In conclusion, Dorper crossbred lambs can be considered to improve lamb growth performance and produce fast-growing lambs. However, the study recommends further research to validate the crossbreeding program (considering the influential production environment, research on supplementation for lambs in the dry-season, adjusting the mating season, and the economic feasibility of crossbreeding are suggested).

A Bayesian Multivariate Gametic Model in a Reciprocal Cross with Genomic Information: An Example with Two Iberian Varieties.

INGA FOOD, S.A. initiated a crossbreeding program between two Iberian pig varieties, Retinto (R) and Entrepelado (E), with the goal of producing a hybrid sow (F1). Several studies have been conducted to evaluate its productive performance, and these studies have revealed differences in litter size between the two reciprocal crosses, suggesting the presence of genomic imprinting effects. To further investigate these effects, this study introduces a multivariate gametic model designed to estimate gametic correlations between paternal and maternal effects originating from both genetic backgrounds involved in the reciprocal crosses. The dataset consisted of 1258 records (the total number born-TNB and the number born alive-NBA) from 203 crossbred dams for the Entrepelado (sire) × Retinto (dam) cross and 700 records from 125 crossbred dams for the Retinto (sire) × Entrepelado (dam) cross. All animals were genotyped using the GeneSeek® GPP Porcine 70 K HDchip (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). The results indicated that the posterior distribution of the gametic correlation between paternal and maternal effects was distinctly different between the two populations. Specifically, in the Retinto population, the gametic correlation showed a positive skew with posterior probabilities of 0.78 for the TNB and 0.80 for the NBA. On the other hand, the Entrepelado population showed a posterior probability of a positive gametic correlation between paternal and maternal effects of approximately 0.50. The differences in the shape of the posterior distribution of the gametic correlations between paternal and maternal effects observed in the two varieties may account for the distinct performance outcomes observed in the reciprocal crosses.

A Novel Method of Understanding and Identifying Feeding Management Problems in Dairy Cows

There has been a considerable increase in the number of exotic dairy cows in the country through crossbreeding program. Although the increasing number of exotics cows have brought several benefits, it was envisioned that there is a disparity between feeding management and cows' genetic merit. The discrepancy was evidenced by the low milk production from genetically merit cows wherein it believes that reasons are associated with ignorance and lack of knowledge on managing modern dairy cows. Therefore, a novel approach to identifying dairy cows' problems related to feeding management was introduced for Bhutanese farmers. Under this concept, four noble truths are used to educate farmers on the causes of problems and provide solutions for them. Further, to create awareness of body condition score as a key management tool in feeding dairy cows.

Genomic adaptation to extreme climate conditions in beef cattle as a consequence of cross-breeding program

BackgroundUnderstanding the evolutionary forces related to climate changes that have been shaped genetic variation within species has long been a fundamental pursuit in biology. In this study, we generated whole-genome sequence (WGS) data from 65 cross-bred and 45 Mongolian cattle. Together with 62 whole-genome sequences from world-wide cattle populations, we estimated the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of cattle populations. In addition, we performed comparative population genomics analyses to explore the genetic basis underlying variation in the adaptation to cold climate and immune response in cross-bred cattle located in the cold region of China. To elucidate genomic signatures that underlie adaptation to cold climate, we performed three statistical measurements, fixation index (FST), log2 nucleotide diversity (θπ ratio) and cross population composite likelihood ratio (XP-CLR), and further investigated the results to identify genomic regions under selection for cold adaptation and immune response-related traits.ResultsBy generating WGS data, we investigated the population genetic structure and phylogenetic relationship of studied cattle populations. The results revealed clustering of cattle groups in agreement with their geographic distribution. We detected noticeable genetic diversity between indigenous cattle ecotypes and commercial populations. Analysis of population structure demonstrated evidence of shared genetic ancestry between studied cross-bred population and both Red-Angus and Mongolian breeds. Among all studied cattle populations, the highest and lowest levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) per Kb were detected in Holstein and Rashoki populations (ranged from ~ 0.54 to 0.73, respectively). Our search for potential genomic regions under selection in cross-bred cattle revealed several candidate genes related with immune response and cold shock protein on multiple chromosomes. We identified some adaptive introgression genes with greater than expected contributions from Mongolian ancestry into Molgolian x Red Angus composites such as TRPM8, NMUR1, PRKAA2, SMTNL2 and OXR1 that are involved in energy metabolism and metabolic homeostasis. In addition, we detected some candidate genes probably associated with immune response-related traits.ConclusionThe study identified candidate genes involved in responses to cold adaptation and immune response in cross-bred cattle, including new genes or gene pathways putatively involved in these adaptations. The identification of these genes may clarify the molecular basis underlying adaptation to extreme environmental climate and as such they might be used in cattle breeding programs to select more efficient breeds for cold climate regions.

Genetic diversity and signatures of selection in BoHuai goat revealed by whole-genome sequencing

BackgroundCross breeding is an important way to improve livestock performance. As an important livestock and poultry resource in Henan Province of China, Bohuai goat was formed by crossing Boer goat and Huai goat. After more than 20 years of breeding, BoHuai goats showed many advantages, such as fast growth, good reproductive performance, and high meat yield. In order to better develop and protect Bohuai goats, we sequenced the whole genomes of 30 BoHuai goats and 5 Huai goats to analyze the genetic diversity, population structure and genomic regions under selection of BoHuai goat. Furthermore, we used 126 published genomes of world-wide goat to characterize the genomic variation of BoHuai goat.ResultsThe results showed that the nucleotide diversity of BoHuai goats was lower and the degree of linkage imbalance was higher than that of other breeds. The analysis of population structure showed that BoHuai goats have obvious differences from other goat breeds. In addition, the BoHuai goat is more closely related to the Boer goat than the Huai goat and is highly similar to the Boer goat. Group by selection signal in the BoHuai goat study, we found that one region on chromosome 7 shows a very strong selection signal, which suggests that it could well be the segment region under the intense artificial selection results. Through selective sweeps, we detected some genes related to important traits such as lipid metabolism (LDLR, STAR, ANGPTL8), fertility (STAR), and disease resistance (CD274, DHPS, PDCD1LG2).ConclusionIn this paper, we elucidated the genomic variation, ancestry composition, and selective signals related to important economic traits in BoHuai goats. Our studies on the genome of BoHuai goats will not only help to understand the characteristics of the crossbred but also provide a basis for the improvement of cross-breeding programs.

Potential of Pigmented Rice Variety Cempo Ireng in Rice Breeding Program for Improving Food Sustainability

Cempo Ireng (Oryza sativa L. var. Cempo Ireng) is one of the black rice variety in Indonesia that consumed as functional food, not as a staple food because of the black rice contains anthocyanin pigment which has beneficial to human health. High concentration of anthocyanin reaching 393.93 ppm cause black color in the pericarp layer of Cempo Ireng which make this variety as an antioxidant source, low glycemic index, and free of gluten, leading to have higher price in the rice market. However, most of the farmers are not cultivate Cempo Ireng due to the longer vegetative phase up to 150 days compared to the white rice varieties which only takes 90 days, the taller phenotype of Cempo Ireng cause problems in cultivation, and also the purple color of Cempo Ireng attract birds and earhead bug (Leptocorisa oratorius) to feed on black rice caryopsis that cause severe yield loss. Transgenic methods, mutation technique, intensification systems, and physical treatment have been applied in Cempo Ireng to overcome those lack characteristics. In the future, Cempo Ireng also has a big potential to become a parent in cross breeding program because of the positive characters. The aim of this review is to describe the potential of Cempo Ireng in rice breeding program for improving food sustainability.

Evaluation of the Crossbreeding Scheme and Farmers’ Perception of Awassi and Dorper Crossbred Sheep

The objectives of this study were to characterize the performance of crossbred sheep and crossbreeding scheme and to solicit farmers’ opinions about crossbred sheep. A total of 238 respondents were selected from five districts and data were collected through a personal interview, focus group discussion, measurement of animals, and field observation. Continuous type of data were analyzed using different procedures of SAS, while the estimated breeding value (EBV) for distributed rams was estimated by the WOMBAT software fitting animal model. The findings showed that sheep were the most significant species and that they were primarily raised for meat consumption and income generation. The proportions of crossbred sheep were 79.6% in Angot, 61.3% in Dessie zuria, 64.2% in Gazo, 80.6% in Legambo, and 27.5% in the Kobo area. The sheep crossbreeding program was constrained by feed shortage, lack of improved genotype, and diseases. The ongoing sheep crossbreeding program lacks a proper recording scheme, rams were not selected based on genetic merit, not exchanged in time, lack periodic importation of genetically unrelated rams, and lacks fixing the maximum exotic gene level suitable for the production system. The EBVs of Dorper crossbred rams for birth weight and weaning weight were 0.007 kg and 0.273 kg, respectively. Tikur sheep had an earlier age at first lambing (AFL) than Awassi x Tikur sheep. Likewise, the indigenous Wollo sheep had earlier AFL, short lambing interval, and produced a large number of lambs per lifetime than their Awassi crossbreds. Dorper crossbreds were preferred (9.30 - 72.2 times greater and P &lt; 0.001 ) for their growth rate, physical appearance, preference in the market or price, and milk production of ewes compared with indigenous Tumele sheep. The Awassi crossbred sheep were preferred (odds ratio = 12.7– 90.0 and P &lt; 0.001 ) due to their good physical appearance, fast growth rate, wool yield, milk yield, and better preference in the market compared with Tikur and Wollo sheep breeds. The implementation of the crossbreeding program needs some sort of revision, monitoring, and periodic evaluation. Besides, it must be accompanied by improved management to exploit the expected benefits from the crossbreeding program in the low-input production system.

Drought adaptability of different subspecies of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) under contrasting moisture conditions: Association with solvent retention capacity and quality-related traits.

Few prior efforts have been made to investigate the genetic potential of different subspecies of Triticum turgidum for drought tolerance and their quality-related traits compared with common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and to identify the association among agronomic, micronutrients, and quality-related traits, especially under climate change conditions. In this research, grain quality, technological properties of flour, and some agronomic traits were studied in 33 wheat genotypes from six different subspecies of Triticum turgidum along with three cultivars of Triticum aestivum in the field, applying a well-watering (WW) and a water stress (WS) environment during two growing seasons. A high degree of variation was observed among genotypes for all evaluated traits, demonstrating that selection for these traits would be successful. Consequences of water stress were manifested as declined DM, GY, and LASRC; and significantly increased GPC, K+/Na+, WAF, WSRC, SuSRC, and SCSRC compared to the well-watering condition. The reductions in the unextractable polymeric protein fraction and glutenin-to-gliadin ratio indicated a poorer grain yield quality, despite higher protein content. This study showed that the early-maturing genotypes had higher water absorption and pentosan, and therefore were more suitable for bread baking. In contrast, late-maturing genotypes are ideal for cookie and cracker production. Two subspecies of T. turgidum ssp. durum and T. turgidum ssp. dicoccum with high micronutrient densities and quality-related traits, and T. turgidum ssp. oriental due to having high values of grain protein content can be used to improve the quality of T. aestivum through cross-breeding programs. Based on the association of different traits with SRC values and other quality-related traits and PCA results, contrasting genotypes can be used to develop mapping populations for genome studies of grain quality and functional properties of flour in future studies.

Comparison of three maternal composite sheep breeds managed under pasture lambing and purebred or terminal mating systems: ewe body weight, reproductive efficiency, and longevity.

Extensive sheep systems have lower inputs (e.g., feed, labor, infrastructure) but, generally, lower outputs per ewe than intensively managed flocks. Average ewe prolificacy is low (< 1.1 lambs per ewe) across the United States and traditional expectation is that costs required to support larger litters will not be recovered due to greater lamb mortality. The Composite-IV (C-IV) is a 50% Romanov, 25% Katahdin, and 25% White Dorper hair sheep developed and selected for enhanced reproductive efficiency at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Objectives of the current study were to compare productivity of C-IV ewes (N = 404) to Katahdin (N = 342) and Polypay (N = 390), two popular maternal composite breeds, in a lower-input system. Experimental ewes were exposed to either rams of their own breed or Texel rams for the first time at 7 mo of age and remained in the same mating system for up to 4 yr. Ewes lambed on pasture from May to June and were expected to rear their lambs in the absence of supplemental feed and with minimal intervention. The ewe age × breed interaction effect impacted all annually recorded traits (P < 0.01) including number and total weight of lamb marketed at 25 wk per ewe exposed to mating (LS25 and LW25, respectively). Within all ages, LS25 of C-IV was greater (1.2 to 1.63 lambs; P < 0.01) than Katahdin (0.71 to 1.17 lambs) and Polypay (0.68 to 1.26 lambs) which were similar. At 1, 2, and 3-yr of age, C-IV ewes had, on average, 12 to 17 kg greater LW25 (P ≤ 0.01) than other breeds. Polypay LW25 was similar to Katahdin at 1 yr of age, but 8 to 13 kg greater (P < 0.01) at older ages. At 4 yr of age, LW25 was similar for C-IV and Polypay (63 and 62 kg, respectively). Overall, Texel mating improved LW25 by 3 kg compared to purebred mating (P < 0.01). Twin litters were most common within mature ewes (> 1 yr) of all breeds (52% to 65%); however, the proportion of triplet litters was numerically greater for C-IV (13%) than Katahdin (1%) or Polypay (4%). The frequency of mature ewes that gave birth to and reared twins (75% to 82%) was high for all breeds. Most triplet-bearing mature C-IV ewes reared twins (43%) though many reared triplets (39%). Ewe reproductive efficiency can be enhanced in lower-input systems by utilizing additive breed effects and heterosis in a complimentary crossbreeding program. More research is needed to identify indicator traits associated with lamb survival and to derive appropriate levels of prolificacy to fit specific management constraints.