Significant Breed Differences Research Articles

Comparative assessment of climate resilient potential in four poultry genotypes reared in hot-humid tropical environment: a preliminary evaluation.

The general objective of this study is to comparatively assess the climate-resilient potential of four different poultry genotypes-Giriraja (n = 8), Country chicken (n = 8), Naked neck (n = 8), and Kadaknath (n = 8)-reared in a hot-humid tropical environment. Birds from all genotypes had ad libitum access to feed and water and were exposed to identical environmental temperatures in the experimental shed. Diurnal meteorological data were recorded inside and outside the shed daily. Blood biochemical, hormonal, and endocrine variables were monitored monthly until the birds reached 12 weeks of age. Significant variations (P < 0.01) were observed at different intervals in variables, including total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Genotype-specific differences were noted in triglycerides (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01), total protein (P < 0.05), and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Inter-genotype variations (P < 0.05) were also observed in serum cortisol, T3, and T4 levels. Distinct variations (P < 0.05) were also observed during specific intervals, particularly in cortisol and T3 levels. The study of hepatic mRNA expression of HSPs and HSF-1 revealed a significant breed difference (P < 0.05) in the expression pattern of HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSP110, while no difference was observed between genotypes for HSP40 and HSF-1. The study highlights the Naked Neck breed as an exemplar of resilience, showcasing its distinctive ability to maintain homeostasis under heat stress compared to other genotypes. The genetic and physiological insights gained from this investigation offer prospective pathways for aligning sustainable poultry farming with environmental exigencies.

Resilience indicator traits in 3 dairy cattle breeds in Baden-Württemberg

In recent years, research in animal breeding has increasingly focused on the topic of resilience, which is expected to continue in the future due to the need for high-yielding, healthy, and robust animals. In this context, an established approach is the calculation of resilience indicator traits with time series analyses. Examples are the variance and autocorrelation of daily milk yield in dairy cows. We applied this methodology to the German dairy cow population. Data from the 3 breeds (German Holstein, German Fleckvieh, and German Brown Swiss) were obtained, which included 13,949 lactations from 36 farms from the state Baden-Württemberg in Germany working with automatic milking systems. Using the milk yield data, the daily absolute milk yields, deviations between observed and expected daily milk yields, and relative proportions of daily milk yields in relation to lactation performance were calculated. We used the variance and autocorrelation of these data as phenotypes in our statistical analyses. We estimated a heritability of 0.047 for autocorrelation and heritabilities between 0.026 and 0.183 for variance-based indicator traits. Furthermore, significant breed differences could be observed, with a tendency of better resilience in Brown Swiss. The breed differences can be due to both genetic and environmental factors. A high value of a variance-based indicator trait indicates a low resilience. Performance traits were positively correlated with variance-based indicator traits calculated from absolute daily milk yields, but they were negatively correlated with variance-based indicators calculated from relative daily milk yields. Thus, they can be considered as different traits. Although variance-based indicators based on absolute daily milk yields were affected by the performance level, variance-based indicators based on relative daily milk yields were corrected for the performance level and also showed higher heritabilities. Thus, they seem to be more suitable for practical use. Further studies need to be conducted to calculate the correlations between resilience indicators, functional traits, and health traits.

Breed Differences in Serum Testosterone Levels of Male Pigs Are Highly Correlated with Differences in Testicular mRNA Levels of Enzymes and Proteins Involved in Testosterone Biosynthesis Process.

To clarify the causes of breed differences in serum testosterone levels of male pigs, which affect the mRNA expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters in the liver and kidney, we focused on testicular enzymes and proteins involved in testosterone biosynthesis process and comparatively examined their mRNA levels by real time RT-PCR among low serum testosterone-type Landrace pigs and high serum testosterone-type Meishan and Landrace/Meishan-crossbreed (LM and ML) pigs. Testicular mRNA levels of the enzymes (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase) and proteins (low density lipoprotein receptor and scavenger receptor class B member 1) affecting intracellular levels of cholesterol, a precursor of testosterone, were 2-5-fold higher in Meishan, LM and ML pigs than in Landrace pigs. Likewise, the mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, which imports cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and of testosterone biosynthesis enzymes (CYP11A1 and CYP17A1) were over 10-fold and approximately 3-fold higher, respectively, in Meishan, LM and ML pigs than in Landrace pigs. Furthermore, positive correlations between those mRNA levels and serum testosterone levels were observed. Despite large breed differences in testicular mRNA levels described above, no significant breed differences in intratesticular testosterone levels were observed. The present findings strongly suggest that breed differences in serum testosterone levels of male pigs are probably, at least in part, caused by differences in testicular mRNA levels of enzymes and proteins involved in testosterone biosynthesis process and by differences in the levels of testosterone released from testes.

Ultrasonographic comparison of the intermediate patellar ligament in warmbloods versus quarter horses.

Striations are present on ultrasonography of the intermediate (middle) patellar ligament in the transverse plane, which can be confused with tears. Comparison to the contralateral limb is often performed to help differentiate anatomic variation from pathologic change. The purposes of this prospective, observational study were to describe the striation patterns in Warmbloods and Quarter Horses, determine if these patterns are bilaterally symmetrical, and compare striation characteristics between Warmbloods and Quarter Horses. The intermediate patellar ligaments of six Warmblood horses and six Quarter horses, free from clinical signs of hindlimb lameness and in full work, were examined ultrasonographically. Striation pattern, striation number, and the transverse-sectional areas for intermediate patellar ligaments were compared between Warmbloods and Quarter horses. Striation patterns were also compared for the left and right limbs of each horse. A significant difference between breeds was identified at the mid-portion of the intermediate patellar ligament when both left and right ligaments were included (P=0.02) and when comparing the right intermediate patellar ligament (P=0.02). There were no other significant breed differences, and a parallel pattern was the most common pattern type. Two-thirds of the horses in this study had bilaterally symmetrical patterns within the distal aspect of their intermediate patellar ligaments, while one-third of the population were asymmetric. These results show that comparison of the contralateral limb during ultrasonography to determine if changes within the distal aspect of the intermediate patellar ligament are normal striations versus tears may lead to misdiagnosis in one-third of horses, regardless of breed. Other signs of pathology on ultrasonography should be used instead.

Comparative assessment of reproductive capacity of boar-sires depending on the breed and season

The article highlights the results of the reproductive capacity of different breeds of boar sires in the farms of eastern, southern, and central regions of Ukraine in dynamics over three years are given. It represented the influence of the year's season on sperm quality by estimating the ejaculate volume, concentration, and motility of sperm of boars-sires of the different breeds and their hybrids. Data were also calculated on the culling of ejaculates of boar sires of various breeds for the years 2019–2021 in the dynamics. In a comparative aspect, the indicators were analyzed by the following genotypes: Large White, Ukrainian Meat, Landrace, Duroc, Yorkshire, and synthetic line Makster. The reproductive capacity of boars was within the limits of the indicators for the elite and first classes. However, specific differences were observed between boars of different breeds, which were constant and took place during the three studied years. The difference in the concentration of sperm in the ejaculates of the Ukrainian Meat breed gradually decreased starting from 2019 and was the smallest in 2021. The highest ejaculate volume was found in boars of the Ukrainian meat breed (310.9 ± 113.2 cm3), and the sperm concentration was the highest in boar sires of the Large White breed (215.7 ± 83.5 million/cm3). On the other side, hybrids of the Large White breed had low indicators compared to other groups of animals (Large White × Yorkshire – 184.2 ± 68.5 million/cm3, Large White × Makster – 189.0 ± 59.7 million/cm3). Sperm motility did not undergo significant breed differences: the average annual indicator of motility was 7.6 ± 0.09 points, and it was the highest in the winter period (8.6 ± 0.11 points), however, for the established variances; the dilution was used 1.65–3.58 times and a high percentage of unusable sperm (15.4–29.4 % of the total amount) was established in a large number of samples. According to the results of the annual analysis of the sperm production of boars, a high degree of culling of ejaculates was established for various reasons (high level of sperm agglutination (52.3–74.0 %), low concentration of germ cells (14.5–29.8 %), presence of foreign impurities (5,8–12.4 %). The highest percentage of culling was in summer (20.3 %). Thus, the obtained results showed the breed and seasonal characteristics of the reproductive capacity of breeding boars.

Influence of breed on the quality of in vivo produced embryos from Boran and Holstein Friesian cross dairy breed in Ethiopia

The variation of the dairy breed can determine the success of bovine embryo transfer by influencing the quantity and quality of in vivo embryo production. In this experiment, output and quality of in vivo produced embryos using semen of progeny tested Holstein Friesian (HF) sire in Boran and HF*Boran F1 cross cows, and semen from purebred Boran sire in HF*Boran F1 cross and Boran cows were evaluated. Boran (n=18) and HF*Boran cross (n=18) breed donor dams were superovulated using a previously optimized follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) (Pluset®) dose regimen: 650 IU for HF*Boran cross and 250 IU for Boran breeds. Each cow was flushed on Day-7 post insemination and embryos were evaluated for their developmental stages and quality. Superovulatory response rates were 88.9% and 83.3%, respectively, for Boran and HF*Boran with no significant (P&gt;0.05) breed differences. Total recovery rates were relatively lower (56.5%) in Boran compared to in HF*Boran (67.4%). The mean (±SE) embryo flush outputs were 6.5±0.8 for Boran and 6.9±0.7 forHF*Boran with no significant breed difference. Recovery of a transferrable embryo was significantly higher (68.0%; P&lt;0.05) in HF*Boran dam inseminated with HF sire semen. Boran cows yielded a significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) proportion of unfertilized ovum (57.6 %) irrespective of the sire breeds. Comparatively, a higher number of degenerated embryos were produced by HF*Boran cows. This study demonstrated that the presence of breed-related differences in both the quality and quantity of in vivo produced Bovine embryos.

Genetic parameters for noise reactivity in standard poodles

The aim of this study was to increase knowledge on the genetic background of noise reactivity in dogs, with a study on heritability based on owner-collected data on standard poodles’ degree of fear of sudden loud noises and fireworks. Previous studies have shown significant breed differences, and we expected to find significant heritability for noise reactivity. 1148 standard poodles are included in the study. The estimated heritabilities are between 0.09 and 0.16. Reaction to sudden loud noises and fireworks are genetically highly correlated (rg > 0.95).

Multivariate characterization of phenotypic traits of five native cattle populations from Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Abergelle, Arado, Begait, Irob, and Raya are important native cattle populations that are well adapted to the harsh natural conditions in Tigray, Ethiopia. However, little is known about their phenotypic characteristics and inter-population variability. Understanding the phenotypic characteristics is the crucial step in an effort of maintaining genetic diversity and conserving important traits for adaptation. A total of 1650 native matured cattle from the five populations were used to investigate the phenotypic characteristics and variability based on 21 qualitative traits and 21 body measurements using uni- and multivariate, and discriminant analysis. All the qualitative traits and body measurements showed highly significant breed difference except the tail base thickness. Values for most of the body measurements were higher in Begait cattle compared to the other cattle populations. The stepwise discriminant analysis extracted eighteen variables for characterizing the female populations and thirteen variables for the male populations. The pair-wise Mahalanobis distance showed the highest morphological distance between Begait and Irob, and the closest distance between Abergelle and Irob cattle populations. High correct assignment to source population was obtained for both sexes of all breeds except Abergelle and Irob. The discriminant function graph discerned each population with no clear distinction between Abergelle and Irob. These results indicate that the five cattle populations under investigation are clustered into four distinct breeds. However, the present phenotypic characterization should be confirmed with molecular genetic diversity investigation to use as a base in their conservation, breeding, and selection strategies.

Breed and diurnal effects on leptin and glucose concentrations in tropical cattle

The effects of breed and time of day was evaluated on plasma leptin and glucose concentrations in four breeds of cattle. The breeds were Muturu, White Fulani, Ndama and Muturu x White Fulani cross. Animals had ad-libitum access to feed and water. Each animal was weighed daily and bled by jugular venipuncture using Vacutainer kits for three consecutive days. Plasma leptin was determined using the Millipore Multi-species radioimmunoassay and plasma glucose was determined using the Wako Autokit Glucose technique. Plasma leptin was significantly (P&lt;0.0001) dependent on breed. The Muturu breed had the lowest amount of leptin (3.9 ± 1.8 ng/ml) while the White Fulani breed had the highest level (8.5 ± 3.2 ng/ml). There was a significant correlation between bodyweight and leptin. Leptin level was not affected by time of day. Mean plasma glucose ranged from 42.7 to 54.7 mg/dL and was significantly (P = 0.019) dependent on cattle breed. Also, time of day had no effect on plasma glucose concentration. These data indicated that significant breed differences exist in leptin concentrations in tropical cattle. These differences may reflect the disparity in muscularity and adiposity in the breeds.

ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЬ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ГРУДНОЙ КЛЕТКИ С МОРФОМЕТРИЕЙ ТЕЛА И ВНУТРЕННИХ ОРГАНОВ У САМОК НОРОК ХЕДЛУНД (h/h), ПАСТЕЛЬ (b/b), СКАНБЛЕК (N/N, N/n)

The study of morphometric features of the body and the establishment of relationships between them is the basis for the selection of American minks (Neovison vison). In this regard,the study of body parameters and identifying correlations with significant selection indicators are of practical importance. At the same time, such a morphological indicator as chest girth has not practically been studied. After examining the carcasses (after skinning) of female Hedlund minks (h/h), Pastel (b/b), Scanblack (N/N, N/n) (20 animals of each genotype) slaughtered at the age of 7.5 months, the researchers found that their average weight does not have significant differences and ranges from 834.0±21.85 to 891.3±13.33 g. At the same time, the body length of Pastel minks is 40.4±0.38 cm, which is reliably 1.2 cm larger than Headlund and Scanblack. The girth of the chest behind the shoulder blades (OGZL) has significant differences and is 13.5±0.17 cm for Headlunds, 14.7±0.13 cm for Pastels, and 14.2±0.21 cm for Scanblack, as well as chest girth along the last rib (OGPR) which is 17.5±0.16 cm, 19.7±0.20 cm and 18.6±0.29 cm, respectively. According to the formula: Krgk = (OGZL + (OGPR-OGZL) / DG × 10) / OGZL, where DG is the length of the thoracic spine, we found that this indicator does not have significant breed differences and is within 1.21±0.01–1.23±0.01. At the same time, Krgk negatively correlates with body weight and length. In females of all studied genotypes, Krgk was in the range from 1.15 to 1.31, while the more significant the coefficient value, the more pronounced the “triangle” of body expansion. Thus, the researchers deduced the following correspondences – females whose Krgk value is close to 1.15–1.19 belong to the coarse type of constitution, females with intermediate values 1.21–1.24 – to the strong type, accordingly, and 1.27–1.31 – to tender

Seroprevalence of &lt;i&gt;Brucella&lt;/i&gt; infection in small ruminants from two institutional farms and a slaughter slab in Zaria, Nigeria

Brucellosis has continued to become a disease of major economic concern in developing countries. In a study to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, 1036 samples comprising 768 goats from institutional farms (n=384) and a slaughter slab (n=384), and 268 sheep all from institutional farms were used. The sera samples obtained from the animals were subjected to the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (m-RBPT) followed by Serum Agglutination Test with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (SAT-EDTA) for Brucella antibodies detection. Milk samples were collected from lactating sheep and goats and subjected to the Milk Ring Test (MRT) for detection of Brucella antibodies. Results of the study revealed an overall seroprevalence rate of 6.37%, 8.90% and 12.96% for m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA and MRT, respectively. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats showed significant species difference (P &lt; 0.05) for m-RBPT (10.05% vs 5.08%), but insignificant (P &gt; 0.05) species difference for SAT-EDTA (9.33% vs 8.72%) and MRT (15.00% vs 11.76%) respectively. The seroprevalence in males and females showed insignificant sex difference (P &gt; 0.05) for m-RBPT (6.59% vs 6.21%) and SAT-EDTA (7.76% vs 9.66%). On the other hand, the seroprevalence was higher in young (&lt; 1 year old) than adult (&gt; 1 year old) animals for SAT-EDTA (15.32% vs 8.11%). The seroprevalence in Red Sokoto, Sahel and West African Dwarf goats showed significant breed difference (P &lt; 0.05) for m-RBPT (4.59% vs 5.55% vs 8.33%) and SAT-EDTA (6.80% vs 16.67% vs 12.50%). It was concluded that the seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep, Sahel goats and younger animals. To understand the pattern and dynamics of transmission of brucellosis in different groups of animals, there is the need for further studies to identify the Brucella species circulating in small ruminants.&#x0D; Keywords: Antibodies, Brucellosis, m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA, Small ruminants

Fatty Acid Profile of Muscles from Crossbred Angus-Simmental, Wagyu-Simmental, and Chinese Simmental Cattles.

This study assessed breed differences in fatty acid composition and meat quality of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and semitendinosus (SE) of Angus× Chinese Simmental (AS), Wagyu×Chinese Simmental (WS), and Chinese Simmental (CS). CS (n=9), AS (n=9) and WS (n=9) were randomly selected from a herd of 80 bulls which were fed and managed under similar conditions. Fatty acid profile and meat quality parameters were analyzed in duplicate. Significant breed difference was observed in fatty acid and meat quality profiles. AS exhibited significantly (p<0.05) lower C16:0 and higher C18:1n9c compared with CS. AS breed also had a tendency (p<0.10) to lower total saturated fatty acid (SFA), improve C18:3n3 and total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compared with CS. Crossbreed of AS and WS had significantly (p<0.05) improved the lightness, redness, and yellowness of muscles, and lowered cooking loss, pressing loss, and shear force compared with CS. These results indicated that fatty acid composition and meat quality generally differed among breeds, although the differences were not always similar in different tissues. Fatty acid composition, meat color, water holding capacity, and tenderness favored AS over CS. Thus, Angus cattle might be used to improve fatty acid and meat quality profiles of CS, and AS might contain better nutritive value, organoleptic properties, and flavor, and could be potentially developed as an ideal commercial crossbreed.

Omega-3 Long-Chain Fatty Acids in the Heart, Kidney, Liver and Plasma Metabolite Profiles of Australian Prime Lambs Supplemented with Pelleted Canola and Flaxseed Oils.

The objective of the study was to ascertain whether human health beneficial omega–3 long-chain (≥C20) polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) content in heart, kidney and liver can be enhanced by supplementing prime lambs with graded levels of canola and flaxseed oil. Health status of the lambs, as a consequence of the supplementation, was also investigated by examining their plasma metabolites. Sixty purebred and first-cross lambs were allocated to one of five treatments of lucerne hay basal diet supplemented with isocaloric and isonitrogenous wheat-based pellets without oil inclusion (Control) or graded levels of canola oil at 2.5% (2.5C), 5% (5C), flaxseed oil at 2.5% (2.5F) and 5% (5F) in a completely randomised design. Pre-slaughter blood, post-slaughter kidney, liver and heart samples were analysed for plasma metabolite and fatty acid profiles. Summations of docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and total n-3 LC-PUFA were enhanced in the liver and kidney of 5F supplemented lambs with a marked decrease in n-6/n-3 ratio and significant breed differences detected. There were generally no deleterious impacts on animal health status. A combination of 5% oil supplementation and lamb genetics is an effective and strategic management tool for enhancing n-3 LC-PUFA contents of heart, kidney and liver without compromising lamb health.

Abundance of beige and brown adipocyte markers in different adipose depots of cattle at 26 months of age

Activity of brown and beige adipocytes could contribute to breed differences in fat deposition. Therefore, we compared the abundance of markers for adipocyte types in steers from three cattle breeds differing in fat deposition (Japanese Black, Holstein, Charolais). Markers for white (leptin (LEP)), beige (transmembrane protein 26 (TMEM26), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)), and brown adipocytes (Zic family member 1 (ZIC1), UCP1) were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR in subcutaneous fat (SCF), intramuscular fat (IMF), intermuscular fat (IRMF), perirenal fat (PF) and visceral fat (VF). LEP messenger RNA (mRNA) was less abundant in VF compared with other depots (P&lt;0.05). TMEM26 was weakly but evenly expressed in all depots in all animals, whereas UCP1 mRNA showed higher individual variation in some depots. ZIC1 was not detectable in VF and PF but abundant in SCF, IMF and even more abundant in IRMF (P&lt;0.05). No significant breed differences were detected. Using antibodies against UCP1, TMEM26 and ZIC1, we demonstrated that fat depots of 26-month-old cattle still comprise different adipocyte types. However, our results did not support the hypothesis that higher energy expenditure associated with higher abundance or activity of beige or brown adipocytes contributed to differences in fat deposition.

Mn-SOD and Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA expression in relation to physiological indices of Sahiwal and Karan-Fries Heifers under different temperature humidity indices

The present study was carried out during October 2007 to July 2008 in five different combinations of maximum temperature (Tmax) / minimum temperature (Tmin) viz. P1: &lt;20oC/&lt;10oC; P2: &gt;20oC/&lt;10oC, P3: &gt;30oC/&lt;15oC; P4: &gt;35oC/&lt;20oC and P5: &gt;35oC/&gt;20oC. The study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of superoxide dismutase enzymes viz. Mn-SOD mRNA and Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA in relation to physiological responses of Sahiwal and Karan-Fries cattle. Physiological indices revealed no significant breed differences indicating similar levels of heat adaptability. During P1, expression of Mn-SOD was higher in KF than in Sahiwal while during P5, expression of Cu,Zn-SOD was higher in KF than in Sahiwal (p&lt;0.05). Mn-SOD expression in Sahiwal increased with cold stress while Cu,Zn-SOD expression in KF increased with hot stress (p&lt;0.05).

Influence of testosterone on the docility of German Simmental and Charolais heifers during behavior tests

In beef cows, docility is important for animal welfare reasons, the farmer's and veterinarian's safety as well as for economic reasons. The hormone testosterone is often mentioned in the context with aggressions and docility. The present study tested the hypothesis that higher testosterone levels in beef cows are associated with more aggressive behavior and lower docility during behavior tests. German Simmental (beef) (n=21) and Charolais heifers (n=20) were subjected with one repetition to a chute test as well as a separation and restraint test. Heart rate, thermal images of the eye, saliva cortisol as well as saliva testosterone were collected along with behavioral parameters during the tests. For all physiological and most of the behavioral parameters significant breed differences were detected. Charolais heifers (0.10±0.01ng/ml saliva) had considerably higher testosterone levels compared with Simmental heifers (0.04±0.01ng/ml; P=0.0001). Interestingly, the Charolais heifers expressed a higher docility, so across breeds higher levels of testosterone are associated with higher docility. However, all the parameters presumably linked to stress (heart rate, eye temperature, cortisol levels) generally showed stronger correlations to behavior traits than testosterone (e.g., trait “time in corner” — testosterone: r=0.25 vs. cortisol: r=−0.43 (Fisher's r-to-z: P=0.0985); eye temperature: r=−0.65; (P=0.0005); heart rate: r=−0.60 (P=0.003)). Eye temperature correlated with both heart rate (r=0.68) and cortisol levels (r=0.62; both P<0.0001). Therefore, eye temperature more so than testosterone appears to be a suitable indicator of stress, and as such also an, albeit incomplete, indicator of docility in cattle.

Absolute quantification and modulation of cytochrome P450 3A isoforms in cattle liver

In humans and laboratory animals, knowledge about cytochrome P450 (CYP) regulation and function is detailed and very extensive. However, CYPs have still been incompletely characterized in veterinary species so far. In this study, mRNA levels of three CYP3A enzymes (CYP3A28, CYP3A38 and CYP3A48) were measured in cattle liver by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) assays and an absolute quantification approach. In particular, the possible presence of breed-differences in CYP3A expression was investigated in five different meat cattle breeds (Charolais, CH; Piedmontese, PM; Blonde d'Aquitaine, BA; Marchigiana, MA; Valdostana, VALD) and the potential transcriptional effect of the prototypical inducer phenobarbital (PB) upon the CYP3A isoforms was evaluated.Cytochrome P450 3A38 showed the highest amounts of gene copy numbers, followed by CYP3A48 and CYP3A28. Significant breed-differences in CYP3A gene abundances were found, and PB significantly up-regulated all the CYP3A isoforms. The data provide new information about CYP3A expression in cattle, particularly the heterogeneity in the pattern of expression of distinct hepatic CYP3As (CYP3A38 > 3A48 >> 3A28), the significant effect of breed, and their common up-regulation following the exposure to PB, although with different orders of magnitude.

Breed-specific expression of GR exon 1 mRNA variants and profile of GR promoter CpG methylation in the hippocampus of newborn piglets

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) transcription is driven by alternative promoters to produce different exon 1 mRNA variants. CpG methylation on GR promoters profoundly affects GR transcription. GR in hippocampus is critical for energy homeostasis and stress responses, yet it remains unclear whether hippocampal expression of GR exon 1 mRNA variants and the methylation status of GR promoters differ between Large White (LW) and Erhualian (EHL) pigs showing distinct metabolic and stress-coping characteristics. EHL pigs had higher hippocampus weight relative to BW (P<0.01), which was associated with higher serum cortisol level compared with LW pigs. Hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (P<0.05) was significantly higher, while Bax, a pro-apoptotic gene, was significantly lower in EHL pigs (P<0.05). Hippocampal expression of total GR did not differ between breeds, yet GR exon 1 to 11 mRNA was significantly higher (P<0.01) in EHL pigs, which was associated with a trend of increase (P=0.057) in GR protein content. No significant breed difference was detected for the methylation status across the whole region of the proximal GR promoter, while CpG334 and CpG266.267 were differentially methylated, in a reversed manner, between breeds. The methylation status of CpGs 248, 259, 260, 268 and 271 was negatively correlated (P<0.05) with GR exon 1 to 11 mRNA abundance. Our results provide fundamental information on the breed-specific characteristics of GR and its mRNA variants expression and the status of DNA methylation on the proximal GR promoter in the pig hippocampus.

Effect of increasing concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) in diet on health and performance of laying hens of different genetic background

A 12-laying months experiment with laying hens of two different genetic backgrounds was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding of DON contaminated wheat on performance, egg components and health of the hens and the effect of the breed of the laying hens on the sensitivity towards DON. A total of 216, 23 weeks old laying hens (108 Lohmann Brown, LB, and Lohmann Selected Leghorn, LSL, respectively) were assigned to the feeding trial with increasing concentrations of DON (0, 3.4, 9.9 mg/kg) resulting in 6 experimental groups of 36 hens each. All birds were caged individually and had free access to feed and water. Eggs were collected three times during the experience for the evaluation of egg quality. At the end of the experiment 20 laying hens per group were slaughtered. Blood was collected for haematology. Liver, spleen, heart, breast muscle, glandular stomach and gizzard were dissected, emptied (glandular stomach and gizzard), and weighed. Tissues for histological examination were collected directly after slaughtering. Significant adverse effect of DON was noticed on the laying intensity, body weight and weight gain of the laying hens; laying intensity was significantly decreased due to the presence of DON in the diet in the second laying period while laying intensity of the LSL hens was significantly higher than the LB hens. Moreover, a decrease in life body weight and lower weight gain ratio was detected in the LB hens fed 9.9 mg/kg DON, while the LSL hens were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment. The relative weight of breast muscle of the LB hens fed 9.9 mg/kg DON was significantly lower than that of other LB groups, while the relative weight of liver was significantly higher. on the other hand, breast muscle and liver relative weights of the LSL hens were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment. Haematocrit and concentrations of white blood cells were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment while significant breed differences were observed. Moreover, DON contaminated wheat resulted in reduction in the eggshell proportion of the eggs of the LB hens fed 9.9 mg DON/kg diet at the 40 th and 60 th week of life while LSL eggs were not significantly affected. Overall, it can be concluded that the performance and health of the laying hens was adversely affected by the presence of DON in hen’s diet at the highest level (9.9 mg/kg) but to a different extent and depending on the breed of the laying hens.

Differences in milk fat composition predicted by mid-infrared spectrometry among dairy cattle breeds in the Netherlands

The aim of this study was to estimate breed differences in milk fatty acid (FA) profile among 5 dairy cattle breeds present in the Netherlands: Holstein-Friesian (HF), Meuse-Rhine-Yssel (MRY), Dutch Friesian (DF), Groningen White Headed (GWH), and Jersey (JER). For this purpose, total fat percentage and detailed FA contents in milk (14 individual FA and 14 groups of FA) predicted from mid-infrared spectra were used. Mid-infrared spectrometry profiles were collected during regular milk recording from a range of herds with different combinations of breeds, including both purebred and crossbred cows. The data set used for the analyses contained 41,404 records from a total of 24,445 cows. In total 7,626 cows were crossbreds belonging to the breeds HF, MRY, DF, GWH, and JER; 1,769 purebreds (≥87.5%) belonging to the breeds MRY, DF, GWH, and JER; and the other 15,050 cows were HF. Breed effects were estimated using a single-trait animal model. The content in milk of short-chain FA C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0 was higher for JER and the content in milk of C16:0 was lower for GWH compared with the other breeds; when adjusting for breed differences in fat percentage, however, not all breed differences were significant. Breed differences were also found for cis-9 C14:1, cis-9 C16:1, C18:0, and a number of C18 unsaturated FA. In general, differences in fat composition in milk between HF, MRY, and DF were not significant. Jerseys tended to produce more saturated FA, whereas GWH tended to produce relatively less saturated FA. After adjusting for differences in fat percentage, breed differences in detailed fat composition disappeared or became smaller for several short- and medium-chain FA, whereas for several long-chain unsaturated FA, more significant breed differences were found. This indicates that short- and medium-chain FA are for all breeds more related to total fat percentage than long-chain FA. In conclusion, between breed differences were found in detailed FA composition and content of individual FA. Especially, for FA produced through de novo synthesis (short-chain FA, C12:0, C14:0, and partly C16:0) differences were found for JER and GWH, compared with the breeds HF, MRY, and DF.