Number Of Nipples Research Articles

Observations of Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) supernumerary nipples

A wide variety of nipple locations and configurations exist among pinnipeds. Like all marine mammals, pinnipeds can have supernumerary nipples that form in utero. Supernumerary nipples have been documented in several species of pinnipeds, the only taxonomic group of marine mammals with variation in nipple number. We document multiple observations (n = 4) of female Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) with supernumerary nipples in Erebus Bay, Antarctica, including a female Weddell seal with four nipples that was observed nursing two pups. Intraspecific variation in the number of supernumerary nipples observed included both one and two supernumerary nipples. The majority of the observed supernumerary nipples were nursed on by pups, but lactation was unable to be confirmed. These are the first documented observations of supernumerary nipples in Weddell seals.

Genome-wide association analysis of nine reproduction and morphological traits in three goat breeds from Southern China.

This study aimed to investigate the significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with nine reproduction and morphological traits in three breed populations of Chinese goats. The genome-wide association of nine reproduction and morphological traits (litter size, nipple number, wattle, skin color, coat color, black dorsal line, beard, beard length, and hind leg hair) were analyzed in three Chinese native goat breeds (n = 336) using an Illumina Goat SNP50 Beadchip. A total of 17 genome-wide or chromosome-wide significant SNPs associated with one reproduction trait (litter size) and six morphological traits (wattle, coat color, black dorsal line, beard, beard length, and hind leg hair) were identified in three Chinese native goat breeds, and the candidate genes were annotated. The significant SNPs and corresponding putative candidate genes for each trait are as follows: two SNPs located on chromosomes 6 (CSN3) and 24 (TCF4) for litter size trait; two SNPs located on chromosome 9 (KATNA1) and 1 (UBASH3A) for wattle trait; three SNPs located on chromosome 26 (SORCS3), 24 (DYM), and 20 (PDE4D) for coat color trait; two SNPs located on chromosome 18 (TCF25) and 15 (CLMP) for black dorsal line trait; four SNPs located on chromosome 8, 2 (PAX3), 5 (PIK3C2G), and 28 (PLA2G12B and OIT3) for beard trait; one SNP located on chromosome 18 (KCNG4) for beard length trait; three SNPs located on chromosome 17 (GLRB and GRIA2), 28 (PGBD5), and 4 for hind leg hair trait. In contrast, there were no SNPs identified for nipple number and skin color. The significant SNPs or genes identified in this study provided novel insights into the genetic mechanism underlying important reproduction and morphological traits of three local goat breeds in Southern China as well as further potential applications for breeding goats.

The Analgesic Dipyrone Affects Pregnancy Outcomes and Endocrine-Sensitive Endpoints in Female and Male Offspring Rats.

Dipyrone is an analgesic and antipyretic drug commonly used in many countries. Although generally not recommended during pregnancy, it is known that many women use dipyrone during the gestational period. In this study, we investigated the endocrine and reproductive effects of dipyrone in female and male offspring rats exposed in utero from gestational days 10-21. Pregnant rats were treated with dipyrone at 25, 75, and 225 mg/kg/day via oral gavage. Developmental landmarks-anogenital index (AGI), number of nipples, vaginal opening, first estrus, and preputial separation-were evaluated in the offspring. Reproductive parameters, including estrous cycle regularity, daily sperm production, weight and histopathology of reproductive organs, steroid hormone levels, and gene expression of selected markers of reproductive function were assessed at adulthood. At the highest dose, dipyrone induced a significant increase in postimplantation losses/fetal death and delayed parturition in dams. Offspring exposed in utero to the highest dose also exhibited significant changes in some early life markers of endocrine disruption, in particular increased AGI in females, indicating a proandrogenic effect, and increased rate of retained nipples in males, indicating an antiandrogenic response. No changes were observed in markers of puberty onset or reproductive parameters at adulthood. These results suggest that exposure to therapeutically relevant doses of dipyrone may induce mild endocrine disruptive effects that can be detected in late pregnancy and early life. Such effects may be relevant considering dipyrone use by pregnant women and the possibility of coexposures with other endocrine disruptors.

PSIII-11 Effect of Breast cancer metastasis-suppressor 1-like (BRMS1L) genotype on teat number traits in Jeju native pigs (JNP) and Landrace

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the changes of teat number traits of Jeju native pig (JNP) and Landrace varieties according to the breast cancer metastasis-suppressor 1-like (BRMS1L) genotype. The number of teat varies according to the single-base polymorphism with a G or A base 1,087 from the start codon ATG in the exon 1 region of the BRMS1L gene. The total teat number was examined at birth for 28 JNPs and 72 Landraces, and the BRMS1L genotype was analyzed by Pyrosequencing. As a result, the genotyping frequency of JNP was 1 A / A type, 9 A / G type, and 18 G / G type, whereas, on the contrary, Landrace had 70 A / A type, 2 A / C type, and C / C was identified as 0 heads. The total teat number was between the two varieties was 13.32 ± 0.95 and 14.51 ± 1.03, respectively (P < 0.001). According to genotypes in Jeju native pig breeds, the total number of nipples was 15 A / A, 14.0 ± 0.82 A / G, and 12.89 ± 0.74 G / G (P < 0.018). Conversely, Landrace was 14.54 ± 1.02 A / A and 13.5 ± 0.5 A / G. As a result of the above study, the frequency of varieties and genotypes was found to have a significant effect on the difference in nipple count. Based on the results of this study, if the improvement of Jeju native pigs is to be carried out, it is expected that the number of nipples will increase and the mammalian capacity will increase.

Prenatal diclofenac exposure delays pubertal development and induces behavioral changes in rats

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used by the general population and, although generally contraindicated during pregnancy, it is also used by some pregnant women. This study investigated endocrine, reproductive and behavioral effects of diclofenac in male and female offspring rats exposed in utero from gestational days 10–20. Pregnant rats were treated with diclofenac at doses of 0.2, 1 and 5 mg/kg/day via oral gavage. Anogenital distance (AGD), number of nipples, and developmental landmarks of puberty onset - vaginal opening (VO), first estrus (FE) and preputial separation (PPS) – were evaluated in the offspring. At adulthood, behavioral and reproductive parameters were assessed. Male and female rats were tested in the elevated plus maze test to assess locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviors, while male rats were also evaluated in the partner preference test. No significant effects were observed on AGD and number of nipples in both males and females. Diclofenac treatment induced an overall delay in developmental landmarks of puberty onset in male and female offspring, which reached statistical significance for PPS at the lowest diclofenac dose. Prenatal exposure to all tested doses abolished the preference of male rats for an estrous female, suggesting an impairment of brain masculinization. No changes were observed on male or female reproductive parameters at adulthood. Overall, our results indicate that prenatal exposure to therapeutically relevant doses of diclofenac may have an impact in the pubertal development of rats and negatively affect male partner preference behavior.

Evaluation of breeding traits of parental forms of sows and boars using selection indices

Breeding indices represent qualitatively new approach to evaluation of animals. They are the selection scale the animals can be quantitatively differentiated by breeding value with. They are needed also due to the fact that at present, when creating new breeds and types, selection is carried out according to many quantitative traits of various breeding and economic importance. The paper presents results of evaluation of parental forms animals (Y ç L and L ç Y) by reproductive traits, and also breeding value of animals is analyzed based on breeding indices. Complex index of the breeding value of sows of the final parental forms (Y ç L) made 99.3 scores, sows of Landrace breed - 98.7 scores. Growth and development indicators of sows, as well as boars aged 12 months are studied according to fattening traits. The breeding value of pigs was determined according to the following performance indicators: number of nipples, average daily weight gain of animal from birth to 100 kg of body weight, backfat thickness, lean meat level in carcass. Using modern genetic methods, calculations were carried out to evaluate the breeding value of sows by their performance traits, which made it possible to identify the true genetic potential of animals and predict performance traits of their offspring. Acknowledgments. The research was carried out as part of the state scientific and technical program of the State Pedagogical Institute for Scientific Research “Quality and Efficiency of Agroindustrial Production”, subprogram “Livestock and breeding for 2016–2020” on the topic “Methodology for creating highly productive genotypes of pigs of meat productivity using classical breeding techniques in combination with marker selection”.

Lactational Breast Abcess : A Cross Sectional Evaluation of Features and Clinical Interventions

This is a cross sectional study of 50 cases of breast abscess admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The aim of this study is to find out the pattern of clinical presentation, microbiological study, and treatment modality. To find out the aetiological factors detailed history was taken. Married woman are the major victims of the barest abscess (98% of the study). Women who had home delivery and suffered from puerperal sepsis are more vulnerable. Poor; malnourished, rural women are major victims. Due to lack of health education it prevails mainly in the illiterate women. Coexisting other infection (U77, skin infection etc.) acts as risk factor (50% of the study had other infections). Regarding clinical pattern most of the patient presented with painful swelling in the breast with rednessS. induration with or without fluctuation. A small number presents with spontaneous bursting (8%) and discharging sinus (7%). Regional lymph node involvement was not significant, A significant number of nipples were found cracked (35%of the study).Reganling bacteriological study Staphylococcus aureus was the major organism to be isolated(76%of the study) which showed it sensitivity to Flucloxacillin most In 5 suspected cases biopsy was taken from abscess cavity of which 1 revealed as tubreculous infection.All of the cases were drained under GM. All of the cases were treated post operatively by antibiotics & dressing except 1 case which needed anti tubercular chemotherapy. Only 4 cases needed secondary closure due to delayed healing.

Morfometría del cerdo de traspatio en áreas rurales de México

Para caracterizar a las poblaciones del cerdo Pelón Mexicano (PPM), cerdo Cuino (PCU) y cerdos cruzados (PCI) se analizó información de 241 entrevistas realizadas durante 2013. Las variables analizadas fueron: peso corporal (Peco), longitud de cabeza (Loca), longitud del cuerpo (Locu), circunferencia del pecho (Circu), altura a la cruz (Acruz), ancho de pelvis (Anpe), número de pezones (Nupe), pelo denso o escaso (Cape), presencia o ausencia de colmillos (Colm), hocico corto o largo (Hoc), orejas erguidas o no erguidas (Posio), temperamento tranquilo o inquieto (Tem), índice de proporcionalidad (IP), índice corporal (IC) e índice de peso relativo (IPR). Los datos se analizaron con GLM y GENMOD del SAS. Los modelos estadísticos incluyeron Estado y Población. Población influyó (P<0.05) Peco, Locu, Circu, Acruz, Cape, Colm, Tem IP, IC e IPR. Los coeficientes de variación (CV) mostraron a Peco y Anpe como las características con menor y mayor variación (18.8 y 27.8 %). Para IP, IC e IPR los CV fueron 13.0, 14.6 y 45.8 %.Las medias de cuadrados mínimos para PPM, PCU y PCI fueron 48.06±6.17a, 35.93±3.04b y 61.11±7.42a kg (Peco); 77.81±3.65ab, 69.56±2.02a y 88.52±4.93b cm (Locu); 80.55±3.98ab, 71.72±2.20a y 93.23±5.37b cm (Circu); 56.88±2.45ab, 51.26±1.36a y 60.32±3.31b cm (Acruz); 57±4a, 71±19b y 62±34a% (Cape); 68±31ab, 70±14a y 61±27b% (Colm); 65±30a, 56±12b y 62±3a% (Tem). PPM y PCI fueron similares en morfometría pero diferentes de PCU. La población PCU mostró menor peso, menor talla y temperamento más inquieto. Caracterizar a estas poblaciones es importante para diseñar estrategias para su conservación y uso eficiente.

The Time of Prenatal Androgen Exposure Affects Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Like Phenotype in Adulthood in Female Rats

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive disorders in women. Previous studies have shown that prenatal exposure of female fetuses to androgen can be considered an important factor in the development of PCOS.Objectives:In the present study we aimed to examine the effects of prenatal exposure of female rat fetuses to previously documented doses of testosterone on different embryonic days on the development of PCOS phenotype in adulthood.Materials and Methods:Pregnant rats were divided into four groups, experimental and control groups. Three mg of free testosterone was administered subcutaneously to experimental group 1 on gestational days 16-19, daily and 20 mg on day 20, to experimental group 2, and the controls received solvent at the same times. Female offspring of these mothers aged between 90-100 days were examined for development and function of the reproductive system. Independent-sample student t test was used to compare the results between the experimental groups and controls.Results:Anogenital distance (P < 0.001) and clitoris length were significantly increased in the offspring of both experimental groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively). Nipples were not formed in the offspring of experimental group 1, whereas in experimental group 2 the number of nipples was unchanged. Vaginal length was significantly decreased in the offspring of experimental group 1 (P < 0.001), whereas in experimental group 2, no significant difference was observed. In the offspring of experimental group 1, hormonal profiles did not differ, but in experimental group 2, levels of testosterone (P < 0.05) and LH (P < 0.01) were significantly increased, but estrogen (P < 0.05) and anti-Mullerian hormone levels (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased. A significant increase in the number of preantral and antral follicles was observed in the ovaries of offspring of experimental group 1 (P < 0.05); whereas there was no such a difference in experimental group 2.Conclusions:The time of prenatal exposure to androgens may have a significant role in the development of PCOS. Increased prenatal androgen levels are associated with hormonal changes and morphological disorders of the reproductive system. Therefore, avoiding exposure to androgen excess during critical periods of fetal development may prevent or reduce adulthood PCOS manifestations caused by prenatal excess androgen.

Introducing a rat model of prenatal androgen‐induced polycystic ovary syndrome in adulthood

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, with a prevalence of 8-12% during the reproductive years. In the present study, using prenatal exposure to a single dose of testosterone during the critical period of fetal development, we aimed to introduce an enhanced rat model that would exhibit both endocrine and ovarian disturbances similar to PCOS, while maintaining normal reproductive system morphology in adulthood. Ten pregnant rats were injected s.c. with 5mg free testosterone on gestational day20, while control rats received only solvent. The development and function of the reproductive system in female offspring were examined in adulthood. Prenatally androgenized offspring had irregular oestrous cycles compared with control animals, and their anogenital and anovaginal distances were increased compared with control rats (P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in the lengths of the vagina and clitoris or the number of nipples between the two groups. Levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone and the luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio were increased in prenatally androgenized offspring compared with control animals (P<0.05). The numbers of preantral and antral follicles in the ovaries of prenatally androgenized offspring were also increased compared with control rats (P=0.07 and P<0.01, respectively). The number of corpora lutea was decreased in prenatally androgenized offspring compared with control rats. Cystic follicles were observed in the ovaries of prenatally androgenized offspring. Prenatal exposure to a single dose of testosterone during the critical period of fetal development could facilitate the development a functional rat model of PCOS in adulthood, with minimal morphological disorders in the reproductive system.

Effects of perinatal ethinyl estradiol exposure in male and female Wistar rats

Perinatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals with estrogenic activity can adversely affect reproductive development, but few studies evaluating estrogen-sensitive endpoints have been performed in Wistar rats. Therefore, time-mated Wistar rats (n=10) were gavaged during gestation and lactation with 0, 5, 15 or 50μg/kg bw/day of ethinyl estradiol.This potent estrogen was found to induce an increased number of nipples and reduced ovary weight in female offspring. Malformations of female genitalia were found in young as well as adult offspring, as an increased AGD was seen at birth and a deeper urethral slit length was seen in adulthood. In prepubertal male offspring, estrogen-regulated gene expression in ventral prostate was increased dose-dependently and a decreased ventral prostate weight was seen at 15μg/kg.Female external sexual characteristics and prostate development were found to be targets for exposure to estrogenic compounds and may be of interest in studies on estrogenic environmental compounds.

Model of phenotypic determination of the number of nipples in domestic pigs

The hypothesis that the number of nipples in the domestic pig is a complex trait consisting of 10 subtraits, each of which is a separate pair of nipples, is discussed. A test in five representative (over 500 individuals) samples of domestic pigs has confirmed the hypothesis. This result allows the hypothesis to be considered a model of phenotypic determination of the number of nipples in domestic pigs.

Endocrine Traits of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Prenatally Androgenized Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Although hyperandrogenism is an important condition and is considered the possible pathogenesis behind polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), data supporting this is still scarce. We sought to determine whether or not prenatal androgen exposure leads to PCOS and the possible cellular mechanisms involved. To induce prenatal androgen exposure, pregnant rats were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of free testosterone (T) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from embryonic days 16 to 19, and their female offspring were studied as adults. The mRNA expression of the progesterone receptor (PR) in the preoptic area (POA) hypothalamus was higher in the experimental groups than in the control group after ovariectomy and stimulation with estradiol benzoate. The levels of T, P, leutinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol were higher in the experimental groups than in the control groups. The frequency and magnitude of LH secretion was increased in experimental rats as compared with the control group. The anogenital distance of the experimental groups was prolonged and the nipple number was lower than that of the control group. Almost all experimental rats had prolonged or irregular estrous cycles. The experimental groups had fewer corpus luteum and preovulatory follicles and more preantral follicles and antral follicles than the controls. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that excess androgen during the prenatal period may cause PCOS. Additionally, we show that hyperandrogenic interference in the release of preovulatory LH surges is mediated by the suppressive effects of androgens on PR expression in POA-hypothalamic tissue.

Nipple preference and contests in suckling kittens of the domestic cat are unrelated to presumed nipple quality

We studied the development of suckling behavior and weight gain in 11 litters (52 kittens) of free-ranging domestic cats until postnatal day 28 just before the start of weaning. In six of these litters, we also recorded milk intake and contests for access to nipples. Already within 12 hr of birth kittens showed a preference for posterior nipples, and by postnatal day 3 each had developed a preference for particular nipples. In fact, 86% of kittens used one particular nipple most often, and even when the mother changed the side she lay on to nurse. Contests for access to nipples occurred throughout the study period at an average rate of one to two contests per kitten per hour of nursing. Contrary to suggestions in the literature that kittens compete for more productive nipples, we found no relation between kittens' use of particular nipples and their weight gain, milk intake, or involvement in contests during suckling. We suggest that kittens' preference for posterior nipples as well as their establishment of an individual "teat order" might function to optimize the number of nipples remaining productive across lactation, and to reduce energetically costly scrambles and potentially injurious contests among littermates.

Estimates of genetic parameters for kyphosis in two crossbred swine populations1,2

Genetic parameters for degree of kyphosis were estimated from a Duroc-Landrace F(2) population (n = 316) and from a composite population (line C) composed of Duroc, Large White, and 2 sources of Landrace (n = 1,552). Live presentation did not indicate kyphosis in pigs or sows. Degree of kyphosis was measured by scoring the shape of the vertebral column of split carcasses on a scale from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe). Of the animals slaughtered, 75.6 and 68.9% were normal, 11.1 and 23.3% were mild, 11.1 and 6.2% were moderate, and 2.2 and 1.5% were severe in F(2) and line C, respectively. Fixed effects of age, sex, number of ribs, number of lumbar vertebrae, number of nipples, carcass length, and HCW were not significantly associated (P > 0.10) with kyphosis score when using linear models. Estimated heritabilities for kyphosis score were 0.30 and 0.32 in F(2) and line C, respectively, when using an animal model. Estimated genetic correlations between kyphosis score and number of ribs, number of lumbar vertebrae, number of nipples, carcass length, and HCW were 0.05, -0.13, 0.00, 0.05, and 0.03, respectively. Selection to decrease kyphosis should be effective and would not be expected to affect the number of ribs, lumbar vertebrae, nipples, or carcass length. In addition, selection for growth should not affect the incidence of kyphosis.

Characterization of the aldo-keto reductase 1C gene cluster on pig chromosome 10: possible associations with reproductive traits

BackgroundThe rate of pubertal development and weaning to estrus interval are correlated and affect reproductive efficiency of swine. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for age of puberty, nipple number and ovulation rate have been identified in Meishan crosses on pig chromosome 10q (SSC10) near the telomere, which is homologous to human chromosome 10p15 and contains an aldo-keto reductase (AKR) gene cluster with at least six family members. AKRs are tissue-specific hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases that interconvert weak steroid hormones to their more potent counterparts and regulate processes involved in development, homeostasis and reproduction. Because of their location in the swine genome and their implication in reproductive physiology, this gene cluster was characterized and evaluated for effects on reproductive traits in swine.ResultsScreening the porcine CHORI-242 BAC library with a full-length AKR1C4 cDNA identified 7 positive clones and sample sequencing of 5 BAC clones revealed 5 distinct AKR1C genes (AKR1CL2 and AKR1C1 through 4), which mapped to 126–128 cM on SSC10. Using the IMpRH7000rad and IMNpRH212000rad radiation hybrid panels, these 5 genes mapped between microsatellite markers SWR67 and SW2067. Comparison of sequence data with the porcine BAC fingerprint map show that the cluster of genes resides in a 300 kb region. Twelve SNPs were genotyped in gilts observed for age at first estrus and ovulation rate from the F8 and F10 generations of one-quarter Meishan descendants of the USMARC resource population. Age at puberty, nipple number and ovulation rate data were analyzed for association with genotypes by MTDFREML using an animal model. One SNP, a phenylalanine to isoleucine substitution in AKR1C2, was associated with age of puberty (p = 0.07) and possibly ovulation rate (p = 0.102). Two SNP in AKR1C4 were significantly associated with nipple number (p ≤ 0.03) and another possibly associated with age at puberty (p = 0.09).ConclusionAKR1C genotypes were associated with nipple number as well as possible effects on age at puberty and ovulation rate. The estimated effects of AKR1C genotypes on these traits suggest that the SNPs are in incomplete linkage disequilibrium with the causal mutations that affect reproductive traits in swine. Further investigations are necessary to identify these mutations and understand how these AKR1C genes affect these important reproductive traits.The nucleotide sequence data reported have been submitted to GenBank and assigned accession numbers [GenBank:DQ474064–DQ474068, GenBank:DQ494488–DQ494490 and GenBank:DQ487182–DQ487184].

The species of Dasycercus Peters, 1875 (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae)

Woolley, P.A. 2005. The species of Dasycercus Peters, 1875 (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 62(2): 213–221. Two species of Dasycercus (mulgaras) are recognised. They can be distinguished by the form of the tail, the number of upper premolar teeth in each jaw and, in the female, by the number of nipples in the pouch. Dasycercus blythi has a non-crested tail, two upper premolars (and a diastema between P 2 and M 1 ) and six nipples; D. cristicauda has a crested tail, three upper premolars (the third very small and sometimes present on one side only) and eight nipples. Both species have a wide geographic range in the arid zone of Australia, and overlapping distributions. The identity of specimens previously referred to D. cristicauda in the W. B. Spencer collection of Museum Victoria has been reassessed and both species found to be represented.

Incidence of splayleg pigs in Nebraska litter size selection lines1

Genetic parameters for the splayleg (SL) condition were estimated from 37,673 records of pigs from six lines derived from a Large White-Land-race base population. Random selection for 22 generations was practiced in Lines C1 and C2. Line C2 was derived from C1 at Generation 8. Selection lines were as follows: 1) Line I, selected 11 generations for an index of ovulation rate and embryonic survival followed by 11 generations of selection for litter size; 2) Line IOL, derived from Line I at Generation 8 and which underwent eight generations of two-stage selection for ovulation rate and number of fully formed pigs per litter followed by four generations of litter size selection; 3) Line COL, derived from Line C1 at Generation 8 and selected eight generations in two stages for ovulation rate and number of fully formed pigs followed by four generations of litter size selection; and 4) Line T, selected 12 generations for increased testis size. From logistic models, it was found that boars were 224% more likely to have SL than gilts (P < 0.01). Decreases in birth weight, dam age at puberty, dam nipple number, and dam embryonic survival, and increases in dam litter size and inbreeding increased the odds of SL (P < 0.05). Direct and maternal heritabilities of SL were 0.07 and 0.16, respectively, and the correlation between direct and maternal effects was -0.24. Correlations between direct genetic effects for SL and number born alive, nipple number, birth weight, age at puberty, and embryonic survival were -0.19, -0.36, 0.23, -0.19, and -0.32, respectively. Except for the correlation of 0.32 between maternal effects for SL and direct effects for number of live pigs, correlations of SL maternal genetic effects with direct genetic effects of other traits were less than 0.11. Annual direct genetic trends (%) for SL in I, IOL, COL, T, C1, and C2 were -0.003 +/- 0.003, 0.121 +/- 0.012, -0.273 +/-0.009, 0.243 +/-0.014, -0.274 +/-0.004, and 0.086 +/-0.008, respectively; annual maternal genetic trends (%) were 0.106 +/-0.004, 0.508 +/-0.019, 0.383 +/-0.015, 0.527 +/-0.024, 0.188 +/-0.005, and 0.113 +/-0.012, respectively. Annual genetic maternal trend in Line I after Generation 12 was 0.339 +/-0.014. Maternal breeding value for SL is expected to increase as a correlated response to selection for increased litter size and increased size of testes.

Steroidogenesis in fetal male rats is reduced by DEHP and DINP, but endocrine effects of DEHP are not modulated by DEHA in fetal, prepubertal and adult male rats

The plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) exhibits antiandrogenic effects in perinatally exposed male rats. Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) are currently being evaluated as potential substitutes for DEHP, but similarities in structure and metabolism of DEHP with DEHA and DINP have led to the hypothesis that similarities in action may also exist. Pregnant Wistar rats were gavaged during gestation and lactation with vehicle, DEHP (300 or 750 mg/kg bodyweight per day), DINP (750 mg/kg bodyweight per day), DEHP (750 mg/kg bodyweight per day) in combination with DEHA (400 mg/kg bodyweight per day), or DEHP (300 mg/kg bodyweight per day) in combination with DINP (750 mg/kg bodyweight per day). DINP and DEHP were both shown to reduce testicular testosterone production ex vivo and testosterone levels in testes and plasma of male fetuses at gestation day 21, indicating a similar mechanism of action for DINP and DEHP. Additionally, plasma LH levels in male fetuses were elevated. Neonatal anogenital distance was reduced and the number of nipples at postnatal day 13 increased in DEHP-exposed male offspring. Serum inhibin B levels were significantly reduced in DEHP-exposed prepubertal male offspring, and in a few adult males. No modulating effects of DEHA on the endocrine effects of DEHP were detected, but a tendency towards an accumulating effect of DEHP and DINP in combination on suppression of testosterone synthesis was seen.

Morphological variation within Antechinus agilis and Antechinus stuartii (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)

A study of morphological variation within and between Antechinus stuartii and A. agilis was undertaken to assess whether previously described diagnostic features of these taxa apply across their ranges. This also allowed resolution of the identity of Antechinus populations from southern New South Wales and Victoria, and identification of areas of sympatry between these two taxa. Morphological variation within both of these taxa was also quantified. Both species are extremely variable in size, and the characters used to diagnose the taxa do not appear to be consistent across the species' ranges. It was confirmed that all populations studied within Victoria are A. agilis. In addition to Kioloa on the south coast of New South Wales, another area of sympatry was identified in the Newnes Plateau, west of Sydney. There is some latitudinal and altitudinal variation in morphology and nipple number, which may be related to the seasonal availability of resources between different geographical areas.