Lowland Breeds Research Articles

Metabolomics and transcriptomics of embryonic livers reveal hypoxia adaptation of Tibetan chickens

BackgroundExploring the hypoxia adaptation mechanism of Tibetan chicken is of great significance for revealing the survival law of Tibetan chicken and plateau animal husbandry production. To investigate the hypoxia adaptation of Tibetan chickens (TBCs), an integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis of the liver on day 18 of embryonic development was performed. Dwarf laying chickens (DLCs), a lowland breed, were used as a control.ResultsA total of 1,908 metabolites were identified in both TBCs and DLCs. Energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism related differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs) were significantly enriched under hypoxia. Important metabolic pathways including the TCA cycle and arginine and proline metabolism were screened; PCK1, SUCLA2, and CPS1 were found to be altered under hypoxic conditions. In addition, integrated analysis suggested potential differences in mitochondrial function, which may play a crucial role in the study of chicken oxygen adaptation.ConclusionsThese results suggest that hypoxia changed the gene expression and metabolic patterns of embryonic liver of TBCs compared to DLCs. Our study provides a basis for uncovering the molecular regulation mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation in TBCs with the potential application of hypoxia adaptation research for other animals living on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, and may even contribute to the study of diseases caused by hypoxia.

Cryptosporidium infections in asymptomatic calves up to 4 months in Poland: a cross-sectional population study

Cattle cryptosporidiosis is noted worldwide with varied frequency of infection prevalence depending on geographical, environmental and husbandry factors. In this study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in cattle was determined on the basis of molecular results obtained by testing 1601 faecal samples collected from calves up to 4 months of age housed in all Polish provinces from 2014 to 2018. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) locus by conducting PCR–RFLP analysis of the amplified DNA fragments. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in the cattle population was 45.3% (CI 95%: 42.8–47.7; 725/1601). The infected animals were housed on 233/267 (87.3%) of monitored farms with regional prevalence ranging from 27.8 to 62%. The restriction pattern of 18S rRNA amplicons for positive samples was characteristic of C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and unexpectedly also of C. baileyi and C. suis. Infections of C. bovis and C. ryanae prevailed in the studied cattle population relegating C. parvum to third in prevalence. Likewise, mixed infections caused by C. bovis and C. ryanae as well as C. parvum and C. bovis were observed. A relationship between the infecting parasite species and animal breed was found. For instance, C. parvum prevailed in Black and White lowland breed, C. ryanae in Limousine cattle and C. andersoni in dairy animals of mixed dairy breeds. Furthermore, differences in prevalence of particular parasite species between cattle breeds were also shown.

Identification of candidate genes related to highland adaptation from multiple Chinese local chicken breeds by whole genome sequencing analysis.

Understanding the genetic mechanism of highland adaptation is of great importance for breeding improvement of Tibetan chickens (TBC). Some studies of TBC have identified some candidate genes and pathways from multiple subgroups, but the related genetic mechanisms remain largely unknown. Different genetic backgrounds and the independent genetic basis of highland adaptation make it difficult to identity the selective region of highland adaptation with all TBC samples. In this study, we conducted pre-analysis in a large-scale population to select a TBC subgroup with the purest and highest level of highland-specific lineage for the further analysis. Finally, the 37 samples from a TBC subgroup and 19 Lahsa White chickens were used to represent the highland group for further analysis with 80 samples from five Chinese local lowland breeds as controls. Population structure analysis revealed that highland adaptation significantly affected population stratification in Chinese local chicken breeds. Genome-wide selection signal analysis identified 201 candidate genes associated with highland adaptation of TBC, and these genes were significantly enriched in calcium signaling, vascular smooth muscle contraction and the cellular response to oxidative stress pathways. Additionally, we identified a narrow 1.76 kb region containing an overlapping region between HBZ and an active enhancer, and our identified region showed a highly significant signal. The highland group selected the haplotype with high activity to improve the oxygen-carrying capacity, thus being adapted to a hypoxic environment. We also found that STX2 was significantly selected in the highland group, thus potentially reducing the oxidative stress caused by hypoxia, and that STX2 exhibited the opposite effects on highland adaptation and reproductive traits. Our findings advance our understanding of extreme environment adaptation of highland chickens, and provide some variants and genes beneficial to TBC genetic breeding improvement.

Padrão de expressão dos genes CRYAB e CTGF em duas raças de suínos em altitudes diferentes

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

Origin, demographics, inbreeding, phylogenetics, and phenogenetics of Karamaniko breed, a major common ancestor of the autochthonous Greek sheep.

Greece has a long history in autochthonous sheep, the genetic ancestry of which has been associated with four subtypes known to inhabit Greece at the end of the nineteenth century. Among them, the Karamaniko breed is still surviving, however endangered. This study was designed in order to (a) determine the phylogenetic status, (b) to evaluate the levels of inbreeding, and (c) to assess the genetic basis of coat color of Karamaniko breed. For these purposes, the mitochondrial cyt b gene was sequenced, the AFLP methodology was applied, and the MC1R was genotyped, respectively, in 72 female sheep from the Karamaniko breed. Four different novel cyt b haplotypes were defined and three MC1R genotypes were scored, whereas inbreeding levels estimated using AFLPs by the means of relatedness coefficient (r) were 0.287, with gene diversity at the levels of 0.105. Phylogenetic analysis indicated an eastern Asian tropical and subtropical origin of the Karamaniko breed, close with breeds originating from central Turkey, or a clustering within western European or Mediterranean sheep, mirroring a recent genetic divergence, with a non-random spread towards the formation of lowland breeds. The MC1R genotypes were all associated with the white coat color, in which selective breeding has probably been based on traditional morphological characters. Finally, levels of inbreeding do not constitute an indication for a particular mating plan to prevent unpleasant phenomena such as inbreeding depression, probably because of the special attention paid by the farmers towards the avoidance of relative recurrent mating.

Genotyping and Whole-Genome Resequencing of Welsh Sheep Breeds Reveal Candidate Genes and Variants for Adaptation to Local Environment and Socioeconomic Traits.

BackgroundAdvances in genetic tools applied to livestock breeding has prompted research into the previously neglected breeds adapted to harsh local environments. One such group is the Welsh mountain sheep breeds, which can be farmed at altitudes of 300 m above sea level but are considered to have a low productive value because of their poor wool quality and small carcass size. This is contrary to the lowland breeds which are more suited to wool and meat production qualities, but do not fare well on upland pasture. Herein, medium-density genotyping data from 317 individuals representing 15 Welsh sheep breeds were used alongside the whole-genome resequencing data of 14 breeds from the same set to scan for the signatures of selection and candidate genetic variants using haplotype- and SNP-based approaches.ResultsHaplotype-based selection scan performed on the genotyping data pointed to a strong selection in the regions of GBA3, PPARGC1A, APOB, and PPP1R16B genes in the upland breeds, and RNF24, PANK2, and MUC15 in the lowland breeds. SNP-based selection scan performed on the resequencing data pointed to the missense mutations under putative selection relating to a local adaptation in the upland breeds with functions such as angiogenesis (VASH1), anti-oxidation (RWDD1), cell stress (HSPA5), membrane transport (ABCA13 and SLC22A7), and insulin signaling (PTPN1 and GIGFY1). By contrast, genes containing candidate missense mutations in the lowland breeds are related to cell cycle (CDK5RAP2), cell adhesion (CDHR3), and coat color (MC1R).ConclusionWe found new variants in genes with potentially functional consequences to the adaptation of local sheep to their environments in Wales. Knowledge of these variations is important for improving the adaptative qualities of UK and world sheep breeds through a marker-assisted selection.

Sezonowe różnice w parametrach jakościowych mleka z tradycyjnego małego gospodarstwa rodzinnego

This research aimed to determine the hygienic quality, physicochemical properties and technological suitability of milk obtained in an extensive, small family farm in western Poland in the spring-summer (grazing) and autumn-winter (indoor) seasons. The farm was operated in the traditional manner where animals spend 7/24 on the pasture in the spring-summer season. The study was performed on forty-eight samples of bulk tank milk collected once a week over one year from 17 cows of the old local Polish black and white lowland breed. Milk was tested for somatic cell count, total bacterial count, basic composition, density, vitamin C content, rennet coagulation time, pH and colour in the CIE L*a*b* system. In the autumn-winter season, a higher somatic cell count, higher protein, fat and lactose levels, longer coagulation time and lower colour parameter a* values were found compared with the spring-summer period. However, no differences as regards the colour parameters L* and b* and vitamin C content were observed between the seasons. Highly significant negative correlations between the colour of the milk and the total bacterial count and somatic cell count were found (P ≤ 0.01). High somatic cells count in studied milk highlights that mastitis and milking hygiene are still a challenging task in small family farms.

Polymorphism of Selected Regions of Ovar-MHC and the Health Status of the Ovine Mammary Gland

Simple SummaryA common cause of economic losses in sheep breeding is udder diseases (mastitis). The main cause of disease is pathogenic microbes. Their infection adversely affects the quality and quantity of milk and the effects of lamb rearing. Methods of treating this disease so far haven’t brought satisfactory results. Therefore, in this study, an attempt is made to search for natural resistance to udder diseases. The research is carried out on sheep of the Polish Heath and Polish Lowland breeds. Genetic variability of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are analyzed. MHC molecules enable the recognition of the pathogen and activate other cells of the immune system (T and B lymphocytes) to organize the defense. The content of somatic cells (SCC) in milk (as an indicator of udder health) and the percentage of lymphocyte subpopulation are also assessed in the examined sheep. Among the many alleles of the MHC genes (OLADRB1, OLADRB2, OMHC1), two of them, 488 bp (DRB1) and 284 bp (DRB2) in length, were more frequently reported in sheep, which milk contained <200 × 103/mL SCC, while in carriers of the 508 bp (DRB1) and 272 bp alleles (DRB2) SCC level in milk was significantly higher (>200 × 103/mL). The obtained results justify the need for further research aimed at searching for genetic markers related to resistance to mastitis in sheep.Udder diseases (mastitis) are a serious cause of economic losses in sheep breeding as they have a negative impact on lamb rearing and the quality of dairy products. Thus far, progress in treatment and prevention of these diseases has been insufficient—giving ground for searching possibilities of using natural immunity to combat mastitis. This study aims to assess the relationship between the microsatellite polymorphism of selected Ovar-MHC genes and the health status of the mammary gland of sheep. The research is carried out on sheep of the Polish Heath and Polish Lowland breeds. In ovine milk, the SCC and the percentage of the lymphocyte subpopulation are assessed. Based on genomic DNA, molecular analysis of the Ovar-MHC gene fragments (OLADRB1, OLADRB2, OMHC1) polymorphism is performed. Significant differences are found in SCC level and the percentage of lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, CD19) in the milk depending on the alleles of the Ovar-MHC genes. Alleles of 488 bp (DRB1) and 284 bp (DRB2) are found more frequently in sheep, which milk contained <200 × 103/mL SCC, while in carriers of the 508 bp (DRB1) and 272 bp (DRB2) alleles, SCC level in milk is significantly higher (>200 × 103/mL). The obtained results justify the need for further research to better understand the genetic basis of mastitis, and to search for effective molecular markers that can be used in breeding practice.

Functional analysis of the brain natriuretic peptide gene for high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan pigs.

High-altitude adaptation in Tibetan pigs (TP) is associated with positively-selected genes. The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene is critical in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis and energy metabolism. The present study was conducted to identify the function of BNP for high-altitude adaptations in TP. RT-qPCR and western blotting results indicated that BNP expression could be upregulated when the pigs (especially for the Tibetan pigs) were raised to high altitude. In the 5' flanking region, three polymorphic sites, A-1964G, C-1780G, and T-940C were detected, and the genotype distribution of C-1780G was significantly different between the highland (TP) and lowland (Diannan small-eared pig; Yorkshire pig) breeds. The site of C-1780G was in active promoter regions identified using the luciferase reporter gene system, and the fragment with allele G had higher transcriptional activity than that with allele C. The TP population had a higher frequency of allele G than the two lowland breeds. Our results collectively demonstrated that the G allele of C-1780G in the BNP gene may be advantageous for high-altitude adaptation in pigs through upregulating BNP expression. Our findings provide information that helps toward a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying the involvement of the BNP gene in high-altitude adaptation.

Insights into hypoxic adaptation in Tibetan chicken embryos from comparative proteomics

Tibetan chicken, an indigenous breed, is highly adapted to the extreme environment of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. It serves as a model organism to identify genetic differences between hypoxia-adapted and lowland breeds. However, the mechanisms underlying hypoxia adaptation are yet unclear. This study aimed to identify differently abundant proteins (DAPs) and elucidate the mechanisms involved in hypoxic adaptation in the Tibetan chicken. In this study, we obtained proteome data for the embryonic heart tissues of Tibetan and Chahua chickens incubated under hypoxia (TCH and CHH) and normoxia (TCN and CHN) using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology. We identified 4210 proteins from 53,352 unique peptides in the heart tissue of chicken embryos. Pairwise TCH vs. CHH, TCH vs. TCN, CHH vs. CHN, and TCN vs. CHN comparisons revealed 118, 176, 103, and 162 differently abundant proteins, respectively. Several key proteins (EGLN1, MAP2K2, MYLK, QARS, NOTCH2, and MYH7) and pathways (glutathione metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction) were identified and considered important candidates for high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan chicken. This study provides novel insights into the chicken embryonic heart tissue and furthers the current understanding of the mechanisms of survival among animals in high-altitude environments.

Influence of diet supplementation with a coccidiostatic product containing ether oils of Origanum vulgare and Citrus spp. on the slaughter value of lambs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of preventive activities involving the use of a coccidiostatic product containing Origanum vulgare and Citrus spp. extracts on the slaughter value of lambs from a confined management system. The study material was a group of 222 mother ewes and 276 lambs of the Polish Lowland breed. During the whole experiment the animals were kept in a confined management system, indoors, with uniform environmental conditions. On the basis of the parasitological analysis the flock was divided into three groups similar in both the intensity and the extensity of parasitic infections: Group 1: a control group, whose diet was not supplemented (74 mother ewes, 87 lambs); Group 2: diet supplemented with OILIS SD, a product with coccidiostatic effect, from the third month of pregnancy to lambing the lambs were fed like the control group (73 mother ewes, 105 lambs); Group 3: diet supplemented with OILIS SD, a product with coccidiostatic effect, from the third month of pregnancy to lambing, the lambs receiving feed with OILIS SD starting from the 14th day of life (75 mother ewes, 84 lambs). Out of 276 lambs included in the experiment, 18 rams and 18 ewes representing all the observed groups were chosen for slaughter. The lambs were slaughtered around day 100 of their life (± 6 days). The observations showed that the animals from Group 3, in which the feed of both mother ewes and lambs was supplemented with a coccidiostatic product, were characterized by a higher slaughter weight: 30.80 kg, in comparison to 27.80 kg in Group 1 and 26.90 kg in Group 2, which has been confirmed as statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). This corresponded to the achieved carcass weight. The highest average hot carcass weight (13.36 kg) was noted in Group 3, while the parameters for Group 1 (11.88 kg) and Group 2 (11.28 kg) were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05). The conducted post-slaughter analysis clearly showed that the coccidiosis prevention measure consisting in a product containing the ether oils of Origanum vulgare (Lamiacea) and Citrus spp. (Citraceae) has a beneficial influence on the slaughter value of lambs, and results both in a higher carcass weight and the weights of specific cuts and tissues..

Influence of dietary supplementation with a formulation containing essential oils from Origanum vulgare and Citrus spp. as a means of prevention against invasions of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep

The aim of the study was to determine the efficiency of a formulation containing essential oils from Origanum vulgare (Lamiacea) and Citrus spp. (Citraceae) in limiting the prevalence and intensity of parasitic invasions in ewes kept in an indoor management system. The study material was a group of 222 mother ewes of Polish Lowland breed. During the entire experiment, the animals were kept in an indoor management system with uniform environmental conditions. On the basis of the parasitologic analysis, the flock was divided into three groups. All groups were uniform from the perspective of genetic traits, age and environmental conditions. The differentiating factor was the addition of a preparation containing essential oils from Origanum vulgare and Citrus spp. in the dose of 4 kg/ton of feed. Group 1 – control group, non-supplemented diet (74 mother ewes); Group 2 – supplemented diet from third month of pregnancy to lambing (73 mother ewes); Group 3 – supplemented diet from third month of pregnancy to weaning (75 mother ewes). The experiment involved parasitologic tests aimed at the determination of prevalence and intensity of invasions of gastrointestinal parasites in mother ewes. The study material was faeces collected from the rectum of mother ewes before the start of the experiment and on day 2, 28, 42, 56 and 70 after lambing. On the basis of the observations, it was shown that continuous use of the preparation during the whole experimental period had a beneficial impact on reducing the prevalence of invasions of Eimeria spp. and Capillaria. However, it must be stressed that both the prevalence and the intensity of parasitic invasions in the studied flock was relatively low, and so the use of such a preventive method was feasible.

Effect of egg composition and oxidoreductase on adaptation of Tibetan chicken to high altitude

Tibetan chickens have good adaptation to hypoxic conditions, which can be reflected by higher hatchability than lowland breeds when incubated at high altitude. The objective of this trial was to study changes in egg composition and metabolism with regards the adaptation of Tibetan chickens to high altitude. We measured the dry weight of chicken embryos, egg yolk, and egg albumen, and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) in breast muscle, heart, and liver from embryos of Tibetan chicken and Dwarf chicken (lowland breed) incubated at high (2,900 m) and low (100 m) altitude. We found that growth of chicken embryos was restricted at high altitude, especially for Dwarf chicken embryos. In Tibetan chicken, the egg weight was lighter, but the dry weight of egg yolk was heavier than that of Dwarf chicken. The LDH activities of the three tissues from the high altitude groups were respectively higher than those of the lowland groups from d 15 to hatching, except for breast muscle of Tibetan chicken embryos on d 15. In addition, under the high altitude environment, the heart tissue from Tibetan chicken had lower LDH activity than that from Dwarf chicken at d 15 and 18. The lactic acid content of blood from Tibetan chicken embryos was lower than that of Dwarf chicken at d 12 and 15 of incubation at high altitude. There was no difference in SDH activity in the three tissues between the high altitude groups and the lowland groups except in three tissues of hatchlings and at d 15 of incubation in breast muscle, nor between the two breeds at high altitude except in the heart of hatchlings. Consequently, the adaptation of Tibetan chicken to high altitude may be associated with higher quantities of yolk in the egg and a low metabolic oxygen demand in tissue, which illuminate the reasons that the Tibetan chicken have higher hatchability with lower oxygen transport ability.

Genome-wide analysis reveals adaptation to high altitudes in Tibetan sheep

Tibetan sheep have lived on the Tibetan Plateau for thousands of years; however, the process and consequences of adaptation to this extreme environment have not been elucidated for important livestock such as sheep. Here, seven sheep breeds, representing both highland and lowland breeds from different areas of China, were genotyped for a genome-wide collection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The FST and XP-EHH approaches were used to identify regions harbouring local positive selection between these highland and lowland breeds, and 236 genes were identified. We detected selection events spanning genes involved in angiogenesis, energy production and erythropoiesis. In particular, several candidate genes were associated with high-altitude hypoxia, including EPAS1, CRYAA, LONP1, NF1, DPP4, SOD1, PPARG and SOCS2. EPAS1 plays a crucial role in hypoxia adaption; therefore, we investigated the exon sequences of EPAS1 and identified 12 mutations. Analysis of the relationship between blood-related phenotypes and EPAS1 genotypes in additional highland sheep revealed that a homozygous mutation at a relatively conserved site in the EPAS1 3′ untranslated region was associated with increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume. Taken together, our results provide evidence of the genetic diversity of highland sheep and indicate potential high-altitude hypoxia adaptation mechanisms, including the role of EPAS1 in adaptation.

Exome sequencing reveals genetic differentiation due to high-altitude adaptation in the Tibetan cashmere goat (Capra hircus).

BackgroundThe Tibetan cashmere goat (Capra hircus), one of the most ancient breeds in China, has historically been a critical source of meat and cashmere production for local farmers. To adapt to the high-altitude area, extremely harsh climate, and hypoxic environment that the Tibetan cashmere goat lives in, this goat has developed distinct phenotypic traits compared to lowland breeds. However, the genetic components underlying this phenotypic adaptation remain largely unknown.ResultsWe obtained 118,700 autosomal SNPs through exome sequencing of 330 cashmere goats located at a wide geographic range, including the Tibetan Plateau and low-altitude regions in China. The great majority of SNPs showed low genetic differentiation among populations; however, approximately 2-3 % of the loci showed more genetic differentiation than expected under a selectively neutral model. Together with a combined analysis of high- and low-altitude breeds, we revealed 339 genes potentially under high-altitude selection. Genes associated with cardiovascular system development were significantly enriched in our study. Among these genes, the most evident one was endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1), which has been previously reported to be involved in complex oxygen sensing and significantly associated with high-altitude adaptation of human, dog, and grey wolf. The missense mutation Q579L that we identified in EPAS1, which occurs next to the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) domain, was exclusively enriched in the high-altitude populations.ConclusionsOur study provides insights concerning the population variation in six different cashmere goat populations in China. The variants in cardiovascular system-related genes may explain the observed phenotypic adaptation of the Tibetan cashmere goat.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2449-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

High-altitude adaptation of Tibetan chicken from MT-COI and ATP-6 perspective

The problem of hypoxia adaptation in high altitudes is an unsolved brainteaser in the field of life sciences. As one of the best chicken breeds with adaptability to highland environment, the Tibetan chicken, is genetically different from lowland chicken breeds. In order to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of hypoxic adaptability in high altitude, in the present study, we focused on the MT-COI together with ATP-6 gene to explore the regulatory mechanisms for hypoxia adaptability in Tibet chicken. Here, we sequenced MT-COI of 29 Tibetan chickens and 30 Chinese domestic chickens and ATP-6 gene of 28 Tibetan chickens and 29 Chinese domestic chickens. In MT-COI gene, 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected though none of these was a missense mutation, confirming the fact that MT-COI gene is a largely conservative sequence. In ATP-6 gene, 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and we found a missense mutation (m.9441G > A) in the ATP-6 gene of Tibetan chicken resulting in an amino acid substitution. Due to the critical role of ATP-6 gene in the proton translocation and energy metabolism, we speculated the possibility of this mutation playing an important role in easier energy conversion and metabolism in Tibetan chickens than Chinese domestic chickens so as to better adapt to the harsh environment of the high-altitude areas. The Median-joining profile also suggested that haplotype Ha2 has the ancestral position to the other haplotypes and has significant relationship with high-altitude adaptation in ATP-6 gene. Therefore, we considered that the polymorphism (m.9441G > A) in the ATP-6 gene may affect the specific functions of ATP-6 enzyme relating to high-altitude adaptation of Tibetan chicken and MT-COI gene is a largely conservative sequence.

Změny aminokyselinového spektra kravského mleziva v průběhu prvních 72 hodin po porodu

Changes in amino acid spectrum of colostrum within the period of 2 to 72 hours post partum were studied in dairy cows of the Czech Red Pied cattle with a genetic admixture of Black Pied Lowland breed (n = 10). Five of them were on the 1st lactation and 5 on the 2nd and/or higher lactations. Within the study period, the contents of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and essential amino acids (EAA) decreased by 22.8–63.2% and 27.3–65.2%, resp., in dairy cows on the 1st lactation while in those on the 2nd and following lactations the corresponding values were 22.0–63.7% and 24.9–71.7%, respectively. The dependence of the course of changes in the AA spectrum of cow’s colostrum on the time interval elapsing after the parturition could be characterised by a regression equation y = b0 + b1/x + b2/x2.

Population history and genomic signatures for high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan pigs.

BackgroundThe Tibetan pig is one of domestic animals indigenous to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Several geographically isolated pig populations are distributed throughout the Plateau. It remained an open question if these populations have experienced different demographic histories and have evolved independent adaptive loci for the harsh environment of the Plateau. To address these questions, we herein investigated ~ 40,000 genetic variants across the pig genome in a broad panel of 678 individuals from 5 Tibetan geographic populations and 34 lowland breeds.ResultsUsing a series of population genetic analyses, we show that Tibetan pig populations have marked genetic differentiations. Tibetan pigs appear to be 3 independent populations corresponding to the Tibetan, Gansu and Sichuan & Yunnan locations. Each population is more genetically similar to its geographic neighbors than to any of the other Tibetan populations. By applying a locus-specific branch length test, we identified both population-specific and -shared candidate genes under selection in Tibetan pigs. These genes, such as PLA2G12A, RGCC, C9ORF3, GRIN2B, GRID1 and EPAS1, are involved in high-altitude physiology including angiogenesis, pulmonary hypertension, oxygen intake, defense response and erythropoiesis. A majority of these genes have not been implicated in previous studies of highlanders and high-altitude animals.ConclusionTibetan pig populations have experienced substantial genetic differentiation. Historically, Tibetan pigs likely had admixture with neighboring lowland breeds. During the long history of colonization in the Plateau, Tibetan pigs have developed a complex biological adaptation mechanism that could be different from that of Tibetans and other animals. Different Tibetan pig populations appear to have both distinct and convergent adaptive loci for the harsh environment of the Plateau.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-834) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The effect of chronic respiratory diseases in calves on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic respiratory diseases in calves on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern. Twenty five calves of the Slovak Spotted breed, Low-land Black Spotted breed, and their crossbreeds with clinical symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases were included into this study. Blood serum was analyzed for the total serum protein concentrations, and the relative and absolute values of serum protein fractions. The results obtained in sick animals were compared with those in 29 clinically healthy calves of the same age and breed. In the calves suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, we found significantly (P&lt; 0.001) higher total serum protein concentrations than in healthy calves. In sick calves a marked shift in the concentrations of the most of protein fractions was observed, with significantly higher values of α1-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins (P&lt; 0.001,P&lt; 0.05,P&lt; 0.001, andP&lt; 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, the concentrations of albumin in the calves with respiratory diseases were significantly (P&lt; 0.001) lower than those measured in healthy ones. The presented results indicate a marked effect of chronic respiratory diseases in calves on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern, with a shift in the albumin and globulin concentrations, which could be useful for clinicians for better evaluation of the pathological changes in affected animals.

Content of macro- and microelements in meat of male kids and ram lambs in relation to their slaughter age

The aim of the experiment was to determine the content of some chemical elements in meat tissue in kids of the White Improved breed and in rams of the Polish Lowland breed. After weaning (60 days of life), the animals were fed all-mash CJ and meadow hay. The mixtures were produced from components originating from the Polish region called Podlasie. At the age of 1 month, all kids and rams were castrated using the blood method. They were slaughtered at the age of 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of life. Samples to analyse the chemical elements were taken from longissimus dorsi muscles. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Fe and Mg were determined. Generally, more Pb in meat tissue of kids than rams was found, and a significant difference (p=0.01) for the slaughter on the 120 th day of life was proven. However, the content of Cd was larger (p=0.05 for 90, 120 and 150 days) in ram tissues (0.003-0.014 mg kg–1) than in kids. It should be noticed that both in kid and ram meat tissues, the norms for Pb and Cd content, established by the Minister of Health and the European Committee, were not exceeded, which makes the meat suitable for consumers. The meat tissue of kids was richer in iron and poorer in zinc and copper than that of lambs, and the level of these elements decreased with the slaughter age. It was also observed that the iron content in meat tissue on the 180-day slaughter of animals was less than 17 mg kg–1. More copper in meat tissue of rams and zinc in kids slaughtered at the age of 150 and 180 days were found. To sum up, intensive feeding applied to fatten kids and lambs did not affect the accumulation of chemical elements in meat, and especially that of heavy metals.