Muscle Depth Research Articles

Prediction of lamb carcase C-site fat depth and GR tissue depth using a non-invasive portable microwave system versus body condition scoring

This study compared portable ultra-wide band microwave system (MiS) versus body condition score to predict C-site fat depth, GR tissue depth and eye muscle depth (EMD) in lambs. Experiment 1 assessed MiS and condition score to predict ultrasound measured C-site and EMD (n = 1549). Precision and accuracy was greatest for the MiS measurement with liveweight included in the model, with a C-site predicted RMSEP of 0.58 mm, R2 0.60 and bias of 0.021 mm and an EMD predicted RMSEP of 2.27 mm, R2 0.72 and bias of 0.088 mm. Experiment 2 (n = 900) assessed pre-slaughter MiS scanning and condition scoring to predict carcase GR tissue depth, C-site fat depth and EMD. MiS performed better than condition score for all three carcase trait predictions, regardless of the inclusion of liveweight, with the highest precision and accuracy for GR tissue depth determination with a RMSEP of 3.68 mm, R2 0.63 and bias 0.072 mm.

Across-country genetic evaluation of meat sheep from Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Genetic evaluations in sheep have proven to be an effective way of increasing farm profitability. Much research has previously been conducted on producing within‐country genetic evaluations; however, to date, no across‐country sheep genetic evaluations have been produced between Ireland and the UK. The objective of the present study was to examine the feasibility of an across‐country genetic evaluation of live body weight and carcass composition traits for Texel sheep raised in Ireland and the UK. The benefit of genetic selection based on across‐country genetic evaluations, in comparison with within‐country genetic evaluations, was also quantified. Animal traits included early‐life and postweaning live body weights, and muscle and fat depth ultrasound measurements. Irish and UK data were combined, common animals with progeny with records in both countries were identified and a series of bivariate analyses were performed separately for each trait to produce across‐country genetic evaluations. Fixed effects included contemporary group, age at first lambing of the dam, parity of the dam (Ireland), dam age at lamb's birth (UK), a gender by age of the lamb interaction, a birth type by rearing type of the lamb interaction and country of birth of the lamb. Random effects included the animal additive genetic, dam maternal, litter common environment and residual effect. The model for postweaning weight, muscle depth and fat depth included only the animal additive genetic and litter common environmental random effects. Genetic correlations between the two countries ranged from 0.82 to 0.88 for the various traits. Across‐country breeding values were estimated for all animals and response to selection was predicted using the top 10 and top 20 sires in both within‐ and across‐country analyses for the two countries. Overall, results showed that rates of genetic gain could potentially increase from between 2.59% and 19.63% from selection based on across‐country genetic evaluations compared to within‐country evaluations alone. Across‐country evaluations are feasible and would be of significant benefit to both the Irish and UK sheep industries. In order to realize these potential gains though, there would need to be a switch in emphasis by sheep breeders towards using objective traits as their primary selection criteria.

Sex effects on carcass characteristics, meat quality traits and meat amino acid and fatty acid compositions in a novel Duroc line pig.

In-depth studies of carcass characters and meat quality could provide insight both for breeding improvement and food development in pigs. Breed and gender are two main factors affected the carcass and meat altitude, which plays important roles in pork industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sex effects on carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in a novel Duroc strain pig crossbred from French line, American line and Canadian line pigs. A total of 30 pigs (15surgical-castrated males and 15 females) with similar birthweight (1.8±0.13kg) was used in experiment. During the experiment period, all pigs were fed same commercial diets. Overall, female pigs observed higher (p<0.05) carcass weight, slaughter backfat, loin muscle area, loin muscle depth, carcass yield, pH on 45min, meat histidine and essential amino acid (AA) compositions, and eicosenoic, unsaturation and free fatty acids (FA) compositions compared with meat from castrated males. Whereas, castrated males' meat showed better altitude (p<0.05) on meat lightness, meat moisture content percentage, total umami AA and stearic acid and saturated FA compositions than those from female ones. In conclusion, the results of this study provide evidence on the sex effects on meat quality and carcass parameters in Duroc strain pigs. Furthermore, this study also give a reference on the relationship between sex and carcass and meat characteristics in Durco strain pigs.

An association study on imputed whole-genome resequencing from high-throughput sequencing data for body traits in crossbred pigs.

Body traits are important economic factors in the pig industry. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been widely applied using high-density genotype data to detect QTL in pigs. The aim of the present study was to detect the genetic variants significantly associated with body traits in crossbred pigs using the Illumina Porcine SNP50 BeadChip and imputed whole-genome sequence data. A set of seven body traits - body length, body height, chest circumference, cannon bone circumference, leg buttock circumference, back fat thickness and loin muscle depth - were measured. Moderate to high heritabilities were obtained for most traits (from 0.14 to 0.46), and significant genetic and phenotypic correlations among them were observed. GWAS identified 714significantly associated SNPs located at 39 regions on all autosomes for body traits, and a total of seven functionally related candidate genes: PIK3CD, HOXA, PCGF2, CHST11, COL2A1, BMI1 and OSR2. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that candidate genes were enriched in the estrogen signaling pathway, embryonic skeletal system morphogenesis and embryonic skeletal system development. These results aim to uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying body development and marker-assisted selection programs focusing on body traits in pigs.

Dietary net energy levels for growing barrows from 30 to 70 kg

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of dietary net energy (NE) levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of barrows from 30 to 70 kg of body weight (BW). Sixty barrows with initial body weight (IBW) of 31.94 ± 3.54 kg and final body weight (FBW) of 71.98 ± 5.99 kg were allotted to one of five dietary NE levels (2.40, 2.45, 2.50, 2.55, and 2.60 Mcal kg-1), using a completely randomized block design with six replicates and two barrows per replicate. The experimental period was divided into phase I: 30 to 50 kg and phase II: 50 to 70 kg. The variables analyzed were average daily feed intake (ADFI), net energy intake (NEI), digestible lysine intake (LysI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (FC), FBW, digestible lysine conversion:gain (LysI:G), Cost:Gain (C:G), loin eye area (LEA), muscle depth (MD), first backfat layer (BF1), second backfat layer (BF2), total backfat (BFt), lean meat percentage, and carcass bonus index (BI). In phase I, there was a linear increase (P &lt; 0.05) in FBW, ADG, NEI, and LysI with increasing NE levels in the diet. In phase II, increasing dietary NE levels also increased (P &lt; 0.05) FBW, ADG, NEI, LysI, and FC linearly. Overall, there was a linear increase (P &lt; 0.05) in ADG, NEI, LysI, and FC with increasing NE levels in the diet. The other performance variables were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by the NE levels. There was an increase (P &lt; 0.05) in BF2 with increasing NE levels, but the other carcass characteristics were not altered (P &gt; 0.05). We recommended 2.60 Mcal of NE kg-1 in the diet for growing barrows from 30 to 70 kg.

Effect of Corn Type and Form of Supplement on Grazing Steers

Eighty stocker steers were grazed on bromegrass from April to the beginning of November and were provided five different feeds while on grass during the summer. Treatments evaluated included (1) mineral only; (2) free-choice supplementation in the form of liquid feed (MIX30) or (3) block format (Mintrate 40 Red); and hand-fed supplements of 60% corn:40% dried distillers grains at 0.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis offered daily where the corn was either an (4) isoline corn (ISO; parent genetic line) or (5) Enogen feed corn (ENO; includes alpha-amylase gene). Steers were weighed every 28 days while on grass and were carcass quality measured by ultrasound prior to placement in the feedlot. Hand-fed steers had greater gain than self-fed supplemented steers and these steers also had more backfat and tended to have more muscle depth coming off grass than other supplemented steers. Steers that received free-choice mineral or self-fed supplements also had lower gains than steers being hand-fed supplement. Within the first 28 days of the study, the hand-fed steers began weighing more and weighed 125 pounds more than the free-choice supplemented and control steers. On average hand-fed steers had a 0.6 lb/d greater ADG than control steers and those consuming free-choice supplement. Cost of gain was the highest with hand-fed steers at $0.27/pound, but even so profit was greatest with the hand-fed cattle.

Qualitative indicators of the longest back muscle of bulls of different genotypes

The article presents the results of determining morphometric indicators, biological usefulness, physico-chemical properties and technological features of the longest back muscle of Red steppe (group I), Simmental (group II) and Kazakh white-headed (group III) breeds under intensive cultivation. The obtained data were processed by the method of variation statistics according to N.A. Plokhinsky with the determination of the reliability of the indicators using the Student's criterion. It was found that Kazakh white–headed bulls surpassed their peers of the Red steppe and Simmental breeds in depth of the longest back muscle by 11 mm (22.45%) and 8 mm (15.38%), respectively, in width – by 7 mm (8.24%) and 4 mm (4.55%), the cross-sectional area - by 13.63 cm2 (33.53%) and 10.47 cm2 (23.90%). The muscle tissue of Kazakh white-headed bulls was distinguished by a higher biological value. At the same time, the content of the essential amino acid tryptophan in their muscle tissue was 360.35 mg%, the value of the protein quality index was 5.97 units. In the Red Steppe and Simmental bull calves, the value of the analyzed indicators was at the level of 350.02 mg%, 352.40 mg% and 5.62 units and 5.70 units. The advantage of meat products of Kazakh white-headed bulls in terms of moisture capacity was noted. At the same time, the muscle tissue of the red steppe bulls was characterized by a darker color

Association of SNPs in AKIRIN2, TTN, EDG1 and MYBPC1 Genes with Growth and Carcass Traits in Qinchuan Cattle

Abstract Growth and carcass traits are the main breeding objectives in beef cattle. The aim of this study was to confirm genetic effects of the c.*188G&gt;A SNP of AKIRIN2, the g.231054C&gt;T SNP of TTN, the g.1471620G&gt;T SNP of EDG1 and the g.70014208A&gt;G SNP of MYBPC1 on growth and carcass traits in Chinese Qinchuan (QC) cattle, as well as to compare the frequencies of the well-characterized alleles of these SNPs among six Chinese cattle populations, three Japanese cattle populations, two European cattle populations and one Korean cattle population. In this study, a total of 665 cattle samples were genotyped using MassARRAY and PCR-RFLP. Association analysis explored effects of four SNPs on growth and carcass traits including body length, wither height, hip height, hip width, rump length, chest depth, chest circumference, back fat thickness, ultrasound longissimus muscle area and ultrasound longissimus muscle depth in QC (P&lt;0.05 to P&lt;0.001). The well-characterized A (c.*188G&gt;A), T (g.231054C&gt;T) and T (g.1471620G&gt;T) alleles in Japanese Black cattle were significantly higher than Chinese cattle breeds; on the contrary, the G allele (g.70014208A&gt;G) was markedly higher in Chinese cattle breeds than other cattle breeds. These results suggest that the four SNPs might be useful as a molecular marker for growth-related traits in Chinese QC cattle.

Phenotypic and genetic associations between feeding behavior and carcass merit in crossbred growing cattle.

In growing cattle, the phenotypic and genetic relationships between feeding behavior and both live animal ultrasound measures and subsequent carcass merit are generally poorly characterized. The objective of the current study was to quantify the phenotypic and genetic associations between a plethora of feeding behavior traits with both pre-slaughter ultrasound traits and post-slaughter carcass credentials in crossbred Bos taurus cattle. Carcass data were available on 3,146 young bulls, steers, and heifers, of which 2,795 and 2,445 also had records for pre-slaughter ultrasound muscle depth and intramuscular fat percentage, respectively; a total of 1,548 steers and heifers had information on all of the feeding behavior, ultrasound, and carcass traits. Young bulls were fed concentrates, while steers and heifers were fed a total mixed ration. Feeding behavior traits were defined based on individual feed events or meal events (i.e., individual feed events grouped into meals). Animal linear mixed models were used to estimate (co)variance components. Phenotypic correlations between feeding behavior and both ultrasound and carcass traits were generally weak and not different from zero, although there were phenotypic correlations of 0.40, 0.26, and 0.37 between carcass weight and feeding rate, energy intake per feed event, and energy intake per meal, respectively. Genetically, cattle that had heavier carcass weights, better carcass conformation, or a higher dressing percentage fed for a shorter time per day (genetic correlations [±SE] of -0.46 ± 0.12, -0.39 ± 0.11, and -0.50 ± 0.10, respectively). Genetic correlations of 0.43 ± 0.12 and 0.68 ± 0.13 were estimated between dressing difference (i.e., differential between live weight pre-slaughter and carcass weight) and energy intake per feed event and energy intake per meal, respectively. Neither intramuscular fat percentage measured on live animals nor carcass fat score (i.e., a measure of subcutaneous fat cover of the carcass) was genetically associated with any of the feeding behavior traits. The genetic associations between some feeding behavior traits and both ultrasound and carcass traits herein suggested that indirect responses in the feeding behavior of growing cattle from selection for improved carcass merit would be expected. Such changes in feeding behavior patterns in cattle may be reduced by measuring and including feeding behavior in a multiple-trait selection index alongside carcass traits.

Definition of Environmental Variables and Critical Periods to Evaluate Heat Tolerance in Large White Pigs Based on Single-Step Genomic Reaction Norms.

Properly quantifying environmental heat stress (HS) is still a major challenge in livestock breeding programs, especially as adverse climatic events become more common. The definition of critical periods and climatic variables to be used as the environmental gradient is a key step for genetically evaluating heat tolerance (HTol). Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to define the best critical periods and environmental variables (ENV) to evaluate HT and estimate variance components for HT in Large White pigs. The traits included in this study were ultrasound backfat thickness (BFT), ultrasound muscle depth (MDP), piglet weaning weight (WW), off-test weight (OTW), interval between farrowing (IBF), total number of piglets born (TNB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), number of piglets born dead (NBD), number of piglets weaned (WN), and weaning to estrus interval (IWE). Seven climatic variables based on public weather station data were compared based on three criteria, including the following: (1) strongest G×E estimate as measured by the slope term, (2) ENV yielding the highest theoretical accuracy of the genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV), and (3) variable yielding the highest distribution of GEBV per ENV. Relative humidity (for BFT, MDP, NBD, WN, and WW) and maximum temperature (for OTW, TNB, NBA, IBF, and IWE) are the recommended ENV based on the analyzed criteria. The acute HS (average of 30 days before the measurement date) is the critical period recommended for OTW, BFT, and MDP in the studied population. For WN, WW, IBF, and IWE, a period ranging from 34 days prior to farrowing up to weaning is recommended. For TNB, NBA, and NBD, the critical period from 20 days prior to breeding up to 30 days into gestation is recommended. The genetic correlation values indicate that the traits were largely (WN, WW, IBF, and IWE), moderately (OTW, TNB, and NBA), or weakly (MDP, BFT, and NBD) affected by G×E interactions. This study provides relevant recommendations of critical periods and climatic gradients for several traits in order to evaluate HS in Large White pigs. These observations demonstrate that HT in Large White pigs is heritable, and genetic progress can be achieved through genetic and genomic selection.

Evaluation of piglet birth weight on growth performance and qualitative and quantitative characteristics of carcasses of immunocastrated pigs

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effect of birth weight on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of immunocastrated male pigs. Seventy-two boars were assigned to three birth weight categories (BiW): light BiW pigs (LP: 0.98±0.083 kg BW; n = 24), normal BiW pigs (NP: 1.42±0.067 kg BW; n = 24), and heavy BiW pigs (HP: 1.85±0.096 kg BW; n = 24). For treatment design, we considered a weight range of two standard deviations (SD) in relation to the average population body weight (from 0.785 to 2.155 kg BW−1). The animals were housed in six pens with 12 animals per pen, with ad libitum access to water and feed throughout the study. In the growing and finishing phases, pigs were immunocastrated with two doses of vaccine at 112 and 161 days of age. The three BiW categories were different up to departure from the nursery (70 days). After this period, there was no difference between NP and HP in terms of BiW. Measurements showed that a low BiW reduced the loin eye area (9.4%), longissimus thoracis muscle depth (7.6%), and meat:fat ratio (21.6%). Backfat thickness (21.5%) and fat area (11.8%) were higher in LP as compared with the NP and HP categories. Light BiW pigs presented a lower weight steak (7.0%) and belly + rib (8.6%) compared with NP and HP, but did not differ within the LP group. Light BiW pigs required a greater lodging time (14 days), generating higher accumulated feed intake to reach the same slaughter BiW as the other categories. Growth performance and carcass characteristics are influenced by the birth weight (BiW) category. Light BiW pigs require more time and feed intake to reach the same slaughter weight. Birth weight has positive effects on meat quality and weight of commercial cuts.

Analysis of Facial Muscle Depths to Guide Botulinum Toxin Therapy of the Periocular Region

Purpose: Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are used in cosmetic surgery to efface facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscle by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction located at the posterior muscle surface causing local muscle paralysis. The purpose of this study is to provide anatomic knowledge of muscle belly depths of the frontalis, corrugator supercilii, procerus, and orbicularis oculi muscles in an attempt to improve the efficacy of BTX treatment of glabellar, forehead, and lateral eyelid rhytides. Methods: Six-millimeter punch biopsies were obtained from 7 fresh cadavers. Biopsies were taken from the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi muscles at the sites of routine BTX injection. Specimens were fixed in formalin, and representative H&amp;E-stained sections were used to measure muscle surface depths by light microscopy equipped with digital camera that includes a digital micrometer. One-way analysis of variance test analyses were used to identify statistical differences between measured muscle depths. Results: The measured anterior muscle depth of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi was found to be 4.2 ± 0.6, 3.9 ± 0.6, 2.9 ± 0.4, and 2.3 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The anterior muscle surface of the corrugator supercilii and frontalis was found to be deeper than that of the procerus and orbicularis oculi ( P &lt; .001). The posterior surface depth of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi was found to be 6.6 ± 0.8, 5.1 ± 0.7, 4.9 ± 0.7, and 3.8 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The posterior surface depth of the corrugator supercilii was found to be significantly deeper than that of the frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi ( P &lt; .001); the posterior surface depth of the frontalis and procerus was deeper than that of the orbicularis oculi ( P &lt; .001). The muscle belly width of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi measured 2.5 ± 0.9, 1.1 ± 0.4, 2.0 ± 0.6, and 1.5 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. The corrugator supercilii was found to be thicker than the frontalis and orbicularis oculi, while the procerus was found to be thicker than the frontalis ( P &lt; .001). Conclusion: The findings above demonstrate statistical differences in the posterior muscle surface depth of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi which can be used clinically to improve BTX injection efficacy when used to efface facial rhytides.

Haplotype genomic prediction of phenotypic values based on chromosome distance and gene boundaries using low-coverage sequencing in Duroc pigs

BackgroundGenomic selection using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers has been widely used for genetic improvement of livestock, but most current methods of genomic selection are based on SNP models. In this study, we investigated the prediction accuracies of haplotype models based on fixed chromosome distances and gene boundaries compared to those of SNP models for genomic prediction of phenotypic values. We also examined the reasons for the successes and failures of haplotype genomic prediction.MethodsWe analyzed a swine population of 3195 Duroc boars with records on eight traits: body judging score (BJS), teat number (TN), age (AGW), loin muscle area (LMA), loin muscle depth (LMD) and back fat thickness (BF) at 100 kg live weight, and average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) from 30 to100 kg live weight. Ten-fold validation was used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of each SNP model and each multi-allelic haplotype model based on 488,124 autosomal SNPs from low-coverage sequencing. Haplotype blocks were defined using fixed chromosome distances or gene boundaries.ResultsCompared to the best SNP model, the accuracy of predicting phenotypic values using a haplotype model was greater by 7.4% for BJS, 7.1% for AGW, 6.6% for ADG, 4.9% for FCR, 2.7% for LMA, 1.9% for LMD, 1.4% for BF, and 0.3% for TN. The use of gene-based haplotype blocks resulted in the best prediction accuracy for LMA, LMD, and TN. Compared to estimates of SNP additive heritability, estimates of haplotype epistasis heritability were strongly correlated with the increase in prediction accuracy by haplotype models. The increase in prediction accuracy was largest for BJS, AGW, ADG, and FCR, which also had the largest estimates of haplotype epistasis heritability, 24.4% for BJS, 14.3% for AGW, 14.5% for ADG, and 17.7% for FCR. SNP and haplotype heritability profiles across the genome identified several genes with large genetic contributions to phenotypes: NUDT3 for LMA, LMD and BF, VRTN for TN, COL5A2 for BJS, BSND for ADG, and CARTPT for FCR.ConclusionsHaplotype prediction models improved the accuracy for genomic prediction of phenotypes in Duroc pigs. For some traits, the best prediction accuracy was obtained with haplotypes defined using gene regions, which provides evidence that functional genomic information can improve the accuracy of haplotype genomic prediction for certain traits.

Does fat-tail docking and Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation affect feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs?

The present study aimed to examine the implementation of either fat-tail docking and/or Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics and selected blood metabolites of fat-tailed Afshari lambs. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, 32 male lambs (41.0 ± 5.8 kg, 180 days of age) were allocated to two experimental groups consisting of 16 intact and 16 fat-tail docked lambs. Within each group, lambs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups for 28 days as follows: G1; intact lambs with no ZH supplementation, G2; intact lambs with 10 mg ZH/day, G3; fat-tail docked with no ZH supplementation and G4; fat-tail docked with 10 mg ZH/day. ZH supplementation or fat tail docking did not change total body weight gain (P > 0.10). Dry matter intake was significantly increased by fat-tail docking (P < 0.01), but it was not affected by ZH supplementation. Fat-tail docking did not influence feed efficiency, while ZH improved feed efficiency only in intact lams with no significant effect on docked lambs (P = 0.05). ZH tended to decrease backfat thickness (P = 0.06) and tended to increase longissimus dorsi muscle depth only in intact lambs (P = 0.08). ZH supplementation, fat tail docking, or ZH × fat-tail docking interactions did not affect whole carcass weights and lengths (P > 0.10). Fat-tail docking resulted in a nearly 2-fold increase in fat thickness covering longissimus dorsi muscle in docked lambs with no ZH supplementation; however, ZH supplementation prevented this increase in longissimus dorsi muscle fat thickness (P = 0.03). In summary, fat-tail docking did not notably affect feedlot performance and carcass characteristics; however, it increased dry matter intake and subcutaneous fat thickness as well as visceral organs weights and visceral fat deposits. ZH supplementation did not influence feedlot performance but significantly improved carcass characteristics, as indicated by lower fat and higher muscle and protein content of carcass both in docked and intact lambs.

Genomic Analyses Revealed the Genetic Difference and Potential Selection Genes of Growth Traits in Two Duroc Lines.

Duroc pigs are famous for their high growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and lean meat percentage. Given that they have been subjected to artificial selection and breeding in multiple countries, various lines with obvious differences in production performance have formed. In this study, we genotyped 3,770 American Duroc (AD) pigs and 2,098 Canadian Duroc (CD) pigs using the GeneSeek Porcine SNP50 Beadchip to dissect the genetic differences and potential selection genes of growth traits in these two Duroc pig lines. Population structure detection showed that there were significant genetic differences between the two Duroc pig lines. Hence, we performed FST and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) analyses between the two lines. As a result, we identified 38 annotated genes that were significantly enriched in the gland development pathway in the AD line, and 61 annotated genes that were significantly enriched in the immune-related pathway in the CD line. For three growth traits including backfat thickness (BFT), loin muscle depth (LMD), and loin muscle area (LMA), we then performed selection signature detection at 5 and 10% levels within the line and identified different selected regions and a series of candidate genes that are involved in lipid metabolism and skeletal muscle development or repair, such as IRX3, EBF2, WNT10B, TLR2, PITX3, and SGCD. The differences in selected regions and genes between the two lines may be the cause of the differences in growth traits. Our study suggests significant genetic differences between the AD and CD lines, which provide a theoretical basis for selecting different Duroc lines as sires for different needs.

Muscle cellular characteristics of male kids from Turkish indigenous goat breeds

• The cellular and metric characteristics exhibited differences across breeds. • Honamli and Angora breeds have a far better capacity for protein synthesis. • Honamli breed could be more suitable for long term fattening practices. • Angora breed could be more suitable for short term fattening practices. Indices of the transcriptional and translational capacity of muscle cells are directly related to growth in various livestock species. The main aim of this study was, therefore, to determine cellular characteristics and their relationship with metric measurements and muscle fibers number in longissimus-dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) skeletal muscles from male kids born to Angora, Hair, Honamli and Kilis breeds. Kilis kids had significant lower (except for Hair kids) muscle cross-sectional area (MSCA) in LD and ST muscles (p<0.05). Also depth and length (except for Angora kids) of ST muscle were significantly lower (p<0.05) in Kilis kids. Honamli kids had a significant higher (p<0.05) concentrations of DNA and RNA in both muscles, while Kilis kids had a significant lower (p<0.05) total protein in ST muscle. Protein:DNA and protein:RNA ratios of Angora kids in both muscles were significantly higher compared to other breeds (p<0.05). There were positive correlations between muscle depth (MD) and protein, MSCA and DNA, MSCA and RNA, MSCA and protein (p<0.05) in LD muscle. Similarly, positive correlations between MD and protein, muscle length (ML) and RNA, ML and protein, MSCA and protein (p<0.05) were observed in ST muscle. In conclusion, Turkish indigenous goat breeds have different transcriptional and translational capacity and these differences may be used to select more efficient breeds for fattening practices.

Development of a routine genetic evaluation and a total merit index for sheep breeds with focus on meat production

• A routine genetic evaluation was developed for sheep with focus on meat production. • Breeding values for individual traits, a Meat and a Fitness index as well as a Total merit index are calculated weekly. • Traits are weighted in a way so that the theoretical selection response is positive for all traits. The introduction of a routine genetic evaluation for specialized meat sheep (Blackheaded meat, Suffolk, Texel, Ile de France, Dorper, and Berrichon du Cher) and land sheep with focus on meat production (Merinoland) is described. Even though performance recording has existed for several production and fitness related traits and years, breeding values have not been officially available for sheep in Austria until 2017. Meat performance traits, recorded for purebred animals of both sexes, include average daily gain, fat depth and eye muscle depth. Historic computer tomography performance recording results serve as auxiliary traits. Regarding functional traits, lambing interval, number of lambs born and number of lambs born alive are considered. The routine genetic evaluation is carried out twice a year, at the beginning of January and at the end of June. Additionally, breeding values and reliabilities are calculated at weekly intervals but only uploaded if the change in reliability exceeds 5%-points or a new individual performance recording result is available. All estimated breeding values are standardised to relative breeding values with a mean of 100 (rolling base including rams aged 5–15 years), and a genetic standard deviation of 12, higher values are favourable. Apart from breeding values for individual traits, subindices for meat and fitness traits as well as a Total merit index (TMI) are calculated. For the calculation of the Meat index, the relative weights (in %) for average daily gain (direct) : muscle depth : fat depth are 36 : 62 : 2 for Merinoland and 44 : 52 : 4 for meat sheep. For fat depth, the breeding values are transformed to an intermediate optimum in the index calculation. In the Fitness index, the relative weights (in %) for lambing interval : lambs born maternal : lambs born paternal: lambs born alive maternal : lambs born alive paternal are 35.0 : 33.3 : 8.3 : 18.3 : 5.0 (Merinoland) and 20.0 : 49.0 : 17.0 : 10.0 : 4.0 (Meat sheep). Including the trait average daily gain maternal in the meat complex, the relative weights (in %) of Meat : Fitness are 40 : 60 and 60 : 40 in Merinoland and Meat sheep, respectively. The TMI was defined in a way so that the calculated selection response is positive for all single traits in order to avoid an unfavourable development. Thus, it serves as a starting point for a breeding objective that is both, economically feasible and sustainable in the long-term. Further traits that may be considered in a future TMI are e.g. longevity and selected conformation traits.

Influence of Maternal Carbohydrate Source (Concentrate-Based vs. Forage-Based) on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Progeny.

The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of maternal prepartum dietary carbohydrate source on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of offspring. Angus-based cows were assigned to either a concentrate-based diet or forage-based diet during mid- and late-gestation. A subset of calves was selected for evaluation of progeny performance. Dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed (G:F), and ultrasound measurements (muscle depth, back fat thickness, and intramuscular fat) were assessed during the feeding period. Carcass measurements were recorded, and striploins were collected for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), trained sensory panel, crude fat determination and fatty acid profile. Maternal dietary treatment did not influence (p > 0.05) offspring BW, DMI, ultrasound measurements, percent moisture, crude fat, WBSF, or consumer sensory responses. The forage treatment tended to have decreased (p = 0.06) 12th rib backfat compared to the concentrate treatment and tended to have lower (p = 0.08) yield grades. The concentrate treatment had increased (p < 0.05) a* and b* values compared to the forage treatment. These data suggest variation in maternal diets applied in this study during mid- and late-gestation has limited influence on progeny performance.

Genome-wide association studies of preweaning growth and in vivo carcass composition traits in Esme sheep.

Sheep are considered as a major contributor of global food security. Moreover, sheep preweaning growth traits as well as in vivo carcass composition traits such as ultrasonic measurements of Longissimus dorsi muscle depth (UMD) and back-fat thickness (UFD) are crucially important indicators of meat yield and hot carcass composition. Despite their relative importance for productivity and profitability of a sheep production system, detected QTL for these traits are quite scarce. Therefore, we implemented GWAS for these traits using animal mixed model-based association approach provided by GenABEL in Esme sheep. Three genome-wide and 14 individual chromosome-wide associated SNPs were discovered. As a result, ESRP1, LOC105613082, ZNF641, DUSP5, TEAD1, SMOX, PTPRT, RALYL, POM121C, PHIP, LOC101106051, ZIM3, PEG3, TRPC7, FBXL4, LOC105610397, LOC105616489 and DNAAF2 were suggested as candidates. Some of the discovered genes and involved pathways were already annotated to contribute growth and development in various species including human, mice and cattle. All in all, the results of this study are expected to strongly contribute to shed a light on the underlying molecular mechanisms behind growth and carcass composition traits, with potential implications on studies aiming faster genetic improvement, targeted low-resolution SNP panel designs and genome-editing studies.

Krüppel-like factor 5-induced overexpression of long non-coding RNA DANCR promotes the progression of cervical cancer via repressing microRNA-145-3p to target ZEB1

ABSTRACT Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) participates in the development of diverse cancers. Nevertheless, the impact of DANCR on cervical cancer (CC) remains largely unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of DANCR sponging microRNA-145-3p (miR-145-3p) on CC. Expression of KLF5, DANCR, miR-145-3p, and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in CC and adjacent normal tissues was determined. Human CC cell lines were, respectively, treated with silenced DANCR or miR145-3p mimic/inhibitor. Then, the viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of CC cells were measured. The cell growth in vivo was observed as well. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to analyze the binding of KLF5 and DANCR promoter. Interaction among DANCR, miR-145-3p, and ZEB1 was assessed. KLF5, DANCR, and ZEB1 were upregulated but miR-145-3p was downregulated in CC tissues. KLF5 activated DANCR expression and the high DANCR expression was related to tumor staging, infiltrating muscle depth and lymphatic metastasis of CC patients. Reduced DANCR or elevated miR-145-3p repressed malignant behaviors of CC cells. The tumor diameter and weight were also repressed by DANCR silencing or miR-145-3p elevation. The effect of DANCR knockdown on CC cells could be reversed by miR-145-3p inhibitor. MiR-145-3p was targeted by DANCR and ZEB1 was targeted by miR-145-3p. KLF5-induced overexpression of DANCR promotes CC progression via suppressing miR-145-3p to target ZEB1. This study may provide potential targets for CC treatment.