White Geese Research Articles

Transcriptome profiling of the hypothalamus during prelaying and laying periods in Sichuan white geese (Anser cygnoides).

The Sichuan White goose is a Chinese breed well known for the quality of its meat. However, reproductive performance in this goose is not ideal, and little information is available regarding the abundance of transcripts. To better understand the molecular mechanism(s) underpinning prelaying and laying periods in the Sichuan white goose, high-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the transcriptome in the hypothalamus. After sequencing and annotation, 26,921 unigenes were obtained, with 48 transcripts up-regulated in the prelaying period and 180 transcripts up-regulated during the laying period. These transcripts were primarily related to diseases, cancers, signaling molecules and interactions, the nervous system and the immune system. Eight transcripts were selected for further analyses with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The qRT-PCR results were mostly consistent with those from the high-throughput RNA sequencing. Among these transcripts, serine/threonine-protein kinase (AMPK), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) were differentially expressed during the prelaying and laying periods. The results of this study provide a useful resource for future studies examining the hypothalamus in geese.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Wugangtong white goose

Wugangtong white goose is one of the famous native breed in Hunan province of China. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Wugangtong white goose was reported in Hunan Province first, which was determined through PCR-based method. The total length of the mitogenome is 16,741 bp. It contains the typical structure, including 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and 1 non-coding control region (D-loop region) as that of most other vertebrates. The overall composition of the mitogenome was estimated to be 30.22% for A, 22.69% for T, 32.02% for C and 15.06% for G. All the protein initiation codons are ATG, except for COX1, COX2 and ND5 are GTG, ND6 is CTA. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Wugangtong white goose will provide an important data set for the study in genetic mechanism of Wugangtong goose in Hunan province.

Yozgat İli Halk Elinde Yetiştirilen Beyaz ve Alaca Kazların Kesim ve Karkas Özellikleri

The aim of this study is to determine the slaughter and carcass traits of White and Multicolor Geese varieties reared in Yozgat province. 5 female and 5 male geese at six months old age from each variety were slaughtered and their slaughter and carcass traits were presented. Also, phenotypic correlations between carcass traits were calculated. The differences between the slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight, feather, head and foot weights of varieties were found insignificant, while male geese had higher values in terms of these traits. There were no significant differences between varieties and sexes in terms of hot and cold carcass yields and head ratio. Feather and foot ratios were found higher in White geese; whereas, abdominal fat ratio was found higher in Multicolor geese. There were insignificant differences between varieties in terms of carcass part weights, except back weight which was found higher in males. While heart weights of male geese were significantly higher, differences between varieties and sexes in terms of liver and gizzard weight were found insignificant. There were insignificant differences between the carcass parts and edible inner organ ratios of varieties, but breast ratio of females was found higher, while back ratio of males were found higher. Phenotypic correlation coefficients between slaughter weights, carcass weights and hot-cold carcass yields were found significant. Obtained data showed that native geese in the region are suitable for meat production in terms of slaughter and carcass traits.

Determination and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Yanling white goose

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Yanling white goose was reported in Human Province first, which was determined through PCR-based method. The total length of the mitogenome is 16,742 bp. It contains the typical structure, including 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and 1 non-coding control region (D-loop region) as that of most other vertebrates. The overall composition of the mitogenome was estimated to be 30.22% for A, 22.70% for T, 32.02% for C and 15.07% for G. All the protein initiation codons are ATG, except for COX1, COX2 and ND5 are GTG, ND6 is CTA. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Yanling white goose in Human Province provides an important data set for the study in genetic mechanism of poultry.

Molecular cloning and mRNA expression analysis of ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 2 in ovarian follicles of the Sichuan white goose (Anser cygnoides).

The ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 2 (OAZ2) gene is a member of the antizyme gene family. Antizymes play pivotal roles in various cellular pathways, including polyamine anabolism and apoptosis. The molecular structure and expression profile of the OAZ2 in goose ovarian follicles have not been reported. In this study, the OAZ2 cDNA sequence of the Sichuan white goose was cloned (Anser cygnoides), and phylogenetic and structural analyses of the OAZ2 were performed. The expression profiling of OAZ2 mRNA in goose ovarian follicles was examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The sequence analysis showed that the 756 bp OAZ2 sequence contained two overlapping open reading frames (ORF). ORF1 was 99 bp in length, and encoded a 32 aa polypeptide. ORF2 was 477 bp in length, and encoded a 158 aa polypeptide. The frameshift site that initiates the translation of ORF2 was located at nucleotide position 97 in the OAZ2. The analysis of OAZ2 mRNA expression in hierarchical follicles showed that the level of OAZ2 mRNA was higher in the SWF and F2 follicular stages than that in the ovarian stroma (P<0.05). The lowest level of OAZ2 expression was detected in the ovarian stroma. These results suggest that the highly conserved frameshift region plays an important role in sustaining the function of OAZs. Furthermore, the significantly higher level of OAZ2 mRNA in the SWF stage indicates that OAZ2 may be involved in recruiting hierarchical follicles. Our results also suggest that OAZ2 may augment the effects of OAZ1 in follicle development.

Molecular characterisation and expression profiling of the ENO1 gene in the ovarian follicle of the Sichuan white goose

The ENO1 gene encodes a multifunctional enzyme that has been identified as a key component of the glycolytic pathway. Our previous studies demonstrated that ENO1 gene expression was higher in the ovaries of laying geese compared with prelaying geese. However, the molecular characterisation and expression profiling of the ENO1 gene in geese tissues and ovarian follicles remain to be determined. In this study, ENO1 cDNA (1,445 bp long) of the Sichuan white goose was cloned and characterised. The ORF of ENO1 cDNA is 1,305 bp in length and encodes a 434 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 47.27 kDa. ENO1 expression in all of the examined tissues was the highest in spleen and the lowest in breast muscle. High expression of ENO1 appeared in the kidney, liver, adrenal gland, and retina. With increasing follicle growth, ENO1 gene expression began to decrease from the small white follicle to F5, which was followed by a sharp increase in expression in F4 and then a gradual decrease in expression from F3 to F1. Furthermore, in the postovulatory follicles (POF), the levels of ENO1 gene expression decreased gradually from POF1 to POF4. In conclusion, the ENO1 transcript was widely distributed in various tissues of the Sichuan white goose, but ENO1 expression was tissue-specific. Furthermore, the results of the ENO1 expression profiling of ovarian follicles suggest that ENO1 may play an important dual role in the progress of follicular development, where ENO1 acts as a glycolytic enzyme and also mediates apoptosis.

Gene expression profiling of melatonin receptor subtypes in the ovarian hierarchical follicles of the Sichuan white goose

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), an indole hormone, regulates a variety of important central and peripheral actions related to circadian rhythms and reproduction through its specific receptor subtypes (Mel-1a, Mel-1b and Mel-1c). However, the expression profile of melatonin receptor genes (MTNR1A, MTNR1B and MTNR1C) in ovarian hierarchical follicles of geese remains to be clarified. In this study, the expression level of melatonin receptors in small white follicle (SWF), small yellow follicle (SYF), the largest follicle (F1), second largest (F2), third largest (F3), fourth largest (F4), fifth largest (F5), and postovulatory follicle (POF) in the Sichuan white goose were examined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the expression levels of MTNR1A, MTNR1B and MTNR1C initially increased and later decreased. The highest levels of gene expression of these receptor subtypes were observed in F5 or F4 in all examined follicles. Furthermore, the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B mRNA was significantly greater in SYF compared with SWF (P<0.05), but MTNR1C was absent in SWF. The expression of MTNR1A, MTNR1B and MTNR1C mRNA was significantly greater in F5 compared with SYF (P<0.05), and the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1C mRNA was higher in F1 compared with POF (P<0.05). In addition, the oestrogen concentration in SWF, SYF, F4, F3, F2, F1 and POF was measured using ELISA. The oestrogen concentration and melatonin receptor expression both were initially observed to increase and subsequently decrease. The oestrogen concentration in F4 and F3 was highest in all examined samples and was 1318.2pg/g and 1318.1pg/g, respectively. These results suggest that the melatonin receptor may be involved in the activation of the SWF and SYF to allow the SWF and SYF to develop into the subsequent follicles. Furthermore, follicles and the expression of the melatonin receptors may be regulated by the secretion of the oestrogen.

Matrilineal Genetic Structure of Domestic Geese

In contrast to other farm animals, the matrilineal structure of domestic goose has remained an open question. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA control region sequence variation of 245 domestic geese to discern the main matrilineal c omponents and their phylogeneticrelationships. The result of phylogeneticanalysis indic ated the distinct lineage of clade II and the result of network analysis further suggested the major group of Chinese native goose breeds (subclade S) and introgressive goose breeds (subclade G). Except Yili geese, all Chinese domestic goose breeds were clustered in S, whereas clade II were widely distributed in 2 European breeds, Yili geese as well as 3 domesticGraylag geese. The results support that Chinese domesticgoose breeds (except the Yili breed) originated from Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) while European goose breeds originated from Graylag goose (Anser anser). In total, 17 Landoise and 16 White Roman geese were clustered in subclade G together with 1 domestic goose (A. anser, AY112966), which supported the previous finding that European geese originated from Graylag goose (A. anser). But 9 unanticipated samples of two Chinese domestic goose breeds including 7 Lion-head geese and 1 Zhedong White goose in haplotype H9 were also clustered in subclade G as well as 3 Lion-head geese in haplotypes H13, H15 and H16 and 2 Zhedong White geese in haplotypes H18 and H19, which may be caused by the potential gene introgressions between swan goose breeds and graylag breeds with a directional contribution towards graylag geese.

Influence of three starches on properties of salt-soluble protein from Wan-xi White Goose

The influence of corn starch, phosphate starch, potato starch on properties of salt-soluble protein from Wan-xi White goose was researched by response surface methodology. Results showed that selected starches all had complex impacts on the properties of Wan -xi white goose salt-soluble protein, and the optimum formula was obtained: corn starch 1.6%, potato starch 1.6%, and phosphate starch 1.8%. The basic characteristics of salt soluble protein target parameter were forecasted as follows: salt soluble protein concentration was 41.3 mg/ml; the amount of active free sulfhydryl was 0.004μmol/mg and the relative hydr-ophobic value was 32.86, the gel water holding capacity of salt-soluble protein was 40.6%.

Скрещивание – метод повышения воспроизводительных качеств гусей

The aim of our research was to increase the productive and reproductive qualities of geese breeders by crossing the white Hungarian and Kuban rocks. To achieve this aim, we should solve the following problems: to study the economically advantageous features of geese flocks of different genotypes and to calculate the cost-effectiveness of the research results. Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out in the Limited company “Bashkirskaya ptitsa” of Blagovar district of Bashkortostan in 2009-2012 by geese flocks of white Hungarian, Kuban breeds and their crosses. To study the productive and reproductive qualities of geese flocks we formed four groups of 64 head of adult geese of first year at the rate of 3 to 1 gander goose. The first group was equipped with Hungarian white goose breeds, the second - the Kuban , the third - a cross between those, obtained by crossing the white Hungarian geese ganders with Kuban, and the fourth - a cross between the Kuban gander and white Hungarian geese. The research was carried out for 150 days. The process parameters and feeding of geese corresponded to VNITIP recommendations. According to the research, we found that the geese of III trial group (♂Hungarian × ♀ Kuban) outnumbered white peers of Hungarian breed and other groups in egg production by 9.6 and 2.2%, respectively, with 3.9% yielding Kuban. The highest content of carotinoids, vitamin A and B2 were found in the eggs of hybrid geese of III group, which amounted to, respectively, 16.05 mkg/g, 9.31 and 8.73 mkg/g. The highest number of conditional geese of first category had also cross-bred geese of third experimental group (♂Hungarian × ♀ Kuban) - 1,447 heads or 85.7%, which is 4.3, 5.9 and 2.2 % had more than a white Hungarian, Kuban breeds of geese and other crossbred groups. Output. Thus, due to the high egg production, the quality of hatching eggs and day-old chicks, the breeding of hybrid geese, obtained in crosses with a white Hungarian geese with Kuban rocks, yielded additional revenue of 119,751.7 rubles and increase profitability by 11.91% , compared with the parental forms Kuban breed geese.&#x0D;

Potrawy na uczcie Nazydiena (Horatius, Saturae II 8) a "De re coquinaria" Apicjusza

Two issues were raised in the article entitled „Dishes at Nasidien’s feast (Horatius, Saturae II 8) and Apicius’ De re coquinaria”. First, comparison of dishes the description of which Horace included in Saturae II 8 with heir analog­ical recipes for these from Apicius’ De re coquinaria. These comparisons lead to the conclusion that, even in Augustan times, developing the culinary art had its supporters and that the chefs were trying to surprise symposium participants with new ideas, which made them experiment in this area all the time. An example of such efforts, among the others, is the method of making a sauce which was used to put on Nasidien’s moray, or wild pigeons whose croups had been cut off. On the other hand, on the example of De re coquinaria we can observe the evolution of culinary art which attached more and more importance to various kinds of spices used in more and more sophisticated sauces which gave a proper taste to diverse dishes of fish, poultry and game. The other issue, which is still present, is proper understanding and interpretation of these fragments of Horace’s Saturae II 8 where the poet gives us a description of dishes prepared by Nasidien’s chefs. Among the others, attention was drawn to the fact that the notion of faecula Coa (Saturae II. 8. 9) shall not be understood, as assumed before, as dried powdered yeast or wine grounds but rather as a substitute for grape honey described by Isidor (Etymologiae XX 3, 13: „Faecula uva pinguis, decocta usque ad crassitu­dinem mellis, ac refrigata, utilis stomacho”). This understanding of faecula Coa lets us read differently 6-9 verses in Saturae II 8 where the wild boar served by Nasidien was poured over by cheap substitutes, i.e. so called allec sauce (instead of liquamen) and faecula Coa (instead of honey). The Horace’s description, thus, has, in this place an ironic implication. It was also suggested that the 51-53 verses in Saturae II 8, where Nasidien boasts that he was the first one with the idea of boiling eruca sativa (rucola) with inula helenium, should be linked with previous verses which give the description of the sauce used for pouring over moray as eruca sativa boiled with inula helenium did not form a new dish but it was an ingredient of the mentioned sauce. Information about liver of a white goose fed with figs in Saturae II 8, 88 deserves special attention. We cannot find this dish recipe in Apicius’ De re coquinaria. However, we learn from the Plinius’ account that it was Apicius who invented a new method of preparing goose liver (Plinius, Historia naturalis VIII 209: Adhibetur et ars iecori feminarium sicut anserum, inventum M. Apici, fico arida saginatis ac satie necatis repente mulsi potu dato). This method involved feeding those birds with figs before they were killed. This way ensured that goose liver had a right taste and later wine with honey was add­ed to it. However, according to Horace’s information, which cannot be shaken, the custom of feeding geese with figs had been known before Apicius. As, on the basis of preserved records on Apicius’ life, it is difficult to confirm that he lived in Horace’s times it seems necessary to correct the account of Pilnius and to interpret it in the way that the innovation of Apicius involved only serving liver with some wine with honey (muslum), not feeding geese with figs as this practice had been done much earlier.

Myf5 gene polymorphisms and production performance traits in Songliao white geese

To explore the relationship between Myf5 gene polymorphisms and production performance traits in Songliao white geese, we used the chicken Myf5 sequence to design primers and amplified part of the exon 1 sequence of the Songliao white goose Myf5 gene. Results of single-strand conformation polymorphism polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed polymorphisms of the amplified fragment, including three genotypes (AA, AB, and BB). Three varieties were dominated by allele A and were mainly expressed in AA genotypes. We also identified that the Myf5 gene has one single nucleotide change (A→G) on exon 1 at locus 1344, and another (G→C) at locus 1410. Analysis of variance showed significant differences between genotypes before slaughter in live weight, carcass weight, eviscerated weight, leg muscle weight, weight of the wings, and slaughter rate. There were no significant differences with respect to other growth and carcass traits evaluated.

Tissue and ontogenic expression profiles of FATP1 and FATP4 genes in goose

Fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) are a family of proteins involved in fatty acid uptake and activation. The tissues and ontogenic expression profiles of the critical genes participating in fatty acid metabolism have little been systematically investigated in goose. To gain insight into the gene-regulation processes in goose fatty acid metabolism, we detected the expression profiles of FATP1 and FATP4 transcripts in goose tissues using the quantitative real-time PCR method in two goose breeds: Zhejiang white goose and Landes goose. The results show that FATP1 and FATP4 genes were ubiquitously expressed in all seven studied geese tissues. Both genes exhibited tissue-specific expression pattern in mRNA level with the highest expression level in leg muscle and the lowest in abdominal fat. The liver and heart were also two important tissues for both of genes expression. The growth points at 35 and 56 days were important points for both of genes expression. In addition, for the two breeds, both genes showed Zhejiang white goose had higher expression than Landes goose. It can be speculated that the expression of FATP1 and FATP4 genes may have breed-specific. The results could serve as a primary reference for the expression profile of goose fatty acid metabolism. Key words : Expression pattern, FATP1, FATP4, Landes goose, Zhejiang white goose.

Expression of IFN-γ, IL-1α, NGF-β and TNF-α during the development of cerebellar cortex of Western Anhui white goose

The strep avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (SABC) immunohistochemical methods were applied to investigate the localization and semi-quantitative distribution of IFN-γ, IL-1α, NGF-β and TNF-α-immunoreactive cells in the cerebellar cortex of Western Anhui white goose at embryonic day 13, 19, 24, 28 (E13, E19, E24, E28) and postnatal day 7, 15 (P7, P15). The possible roles of IFN-γ,IL-1α,NGF-β and TNF-α in the development of cerebellar cortex were discussed. The results indicated that in the external granular layer, there were IFN-γ and TNF-α positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28, P7, IL-1α positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28 and NGF-β positive cells at E13, E19 , E24. The expression levels of these four cytokines all reached peaks at E19 of the six tested periods in this study. In the Purkinje cell layer, there were IFN-γ, IL-1α and TNF-α positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28, P7, P15 and NGF-β positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28, P7. In the internal granular layer, there were IFN-γ positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28, P7, P15, IL-1α and TNF-α positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28, P7 and NGF-β positive cells at E13, E19, E24, E28. These results showed that E19 might be the "critical stage"in the cerebellar cortex development of Western Anhui white goose. IFN-γ, IL-1α and TNF-α might be synthesized by cerebellar cortex itself, and NGF-β could be transported from regions which project to Purkinje cells. IFN-γ may interfer the transfer of granular cells, and NGF-β may have neurotrophic functions that are beneficial to the growth and development of Purkinje cells.

Hematological and productive Performance of male and female of three native geese in Kurdistan region of Iraq

This study was conducted to determine the live weight, carcass weight, blood characterization and the effects of feather colours and sex on these traits of three native geese in Kurdistan/Iraq. A total of 36 geese of the three feather colours (12 geese for each) which were 10-11 months of age were used. Results revealed that mean live weight, warm, cold carcass weights and cold dressing percentage were 2950, 2206, 2180 g and 73.87% respectively. The overall means of Hemoglobin (HB), Packed cell volume (PCV), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Heterophil (H), Lymphocyte (L), Monocyte (M), Eosinophil(E), Basophile (B) and H/L ratio were 15.41gm/100cm³, 46.27%, 1.89 ml/h, 40.56%, 55.44%, 1.78%, 1.72%, 0.5% and 0.73 respectively. Significant differences were found among Gray, White and Piebald geese strains in live weight, carcasses components and blood traits. Live weight (3091.66 g), cold carcass weight (2248.00 g), legs (514.166 g), wings (385.83 g), neck (386.67 g) and heart (27.5 g) weight were highest in White geese while higher cold dressing percentage (75.40 %), breast (622.50 g), back (228.33 g), gizzard (88.33 g), liver (49.167 g) and total giblets weight (160 g) were highest in Gray geese. Results also revealed that significant difference among strains in Lymphocyte, Monocyte and H/L ratio with highest value 56.67% in White geese, 2.17% and 0.77 in Gray geese, respectively. Males geese surpass females significantly in live weight, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight as well as most carcasses components and blood traits. Significant correlation coefficients were found between live weight, warm and cold carcass weight and primary carcass components. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicated that meat yield was good of the native Kurdish geese and that strains influenced live weight, carcass and blood traits and this study is the first paper on native geese in Kurdistan/Iraq; therefore, the data obtained can be used for the identification of native geese in this region.

Two maternal origins of Chinese domestic goose

China is particularly rich in goose genetic resources. Systematic study of the genetic diversity and origin of Chinese domestic geese will provide an important scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of these resources and for human history. The 521-bp control region (D-loop) of mitochondrial DNA from 26 goose breeds and 6 Landaise geese were sequenced. The results showed that the average haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of Chinese domestic geese were 0.1384 and 0.00029, respectively. Shared haplotype analysis and systematic evolution analysis revealed that Chinese domestic geese had 2 maternal origins. The Yili goose breed originated from the Greylag goose (Anser anser), and the other 25 domestic goose breeds originated from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides). An interesting finding was that 1 Linxian white goose and 1 Wanxi white goose shared the same H4 haplotype with the Rhine goose and the Landaise goose, which originated from the Greylag goose (A. anser). Further research on this finding is planned.

Refractive index and dispersion of butterfly chitin and bird keratin measured by polarizing interference microscopy

Using Jamin-Lebedeff interference microscopy, we measured the wavelength dependence of the refractive index of butterfly wing scales and bird feathers. The refractive index values of the glass scales of the butterfly Graphium sarpedon are, at wavelengths 400, 500 and 600 nm, 1.572, 1.552 and 1.541, and those of the feather barbules of the white goose Anas anas domestica are 1.569, 1.556 and 1.548, respectively. The dispersion spectra of the chitin in the butterfly scales and the keratin in the bird barbules are well described by the Cauchy equation n(λ) = A + B/λ(2), with A = 1.517 and B = 8.80·10(3) nm(2) for the butterfly chitin and A = 1.532 and B = 5.89·10(3) nm(2) for the bird keratin.

The White Goose of Banat, a Population which Should Have Long Been Declared a Breed

Keeping geese is a tradition in Banat, one which takes advantage of the animal to its fullest: meat, organs, feathers, down, blood, etc. Up until 20 years ago, Romania was one of the main exporters of goose meat in Europe. In 2010 the export was dominated by Poland, Hungary and Lithuania due to the fact that they have manages to select certain breeds and hybrids of goose which have especially qualitative meat, by using a new technology. The meat thus obtained differs in taste from the original one and it is highly appreciated in Germany and Austria where the goose import was 98% done from these three countries. Research was conducted between 2005 and 2010 in Vinga, Bodo, Bethausen, Nevrincea, Cutina, Beba Veche, Dudestii Vechi and Teremia Mare, all of these being from Banat. Measurements and exterior evaluations have been made and questionnaires were given to breeders who filled them in. The White goose of Banat represents a uniform population in terms of morphological features. They have white thick feathers, and the down underneath is of an excellent quality. The feet and the beak are orange. Their phenotype is similar to the Italian White goose and the Hungarian White goose. The exact number of the geese kept in Banat and in Romania in general is not known, but widely approximated. Their number tends to decrease mainly because of the dangers that going out on pastures pose, such as stray dogs and even people. The only ones who have done a selection of this population are their owners, while the specialized institutions tend to completely ignore this species. The average body weight of the ganger is of 5,5 kg and of 4.5 kg in the case of the female goose. Their rate when sacrificed is of 65–67 %. The annual egg production is of 20-35 eggs, which have a hard shell and a weight of approximately 153-160 g. Fertility is of 63-70% and the hatching of 35-58%. They are docile birds, resistant to diseases, easily fattened in order to obtain foie gras and easily handled on a pasture. Due to its qualities, the White goose of Banat has participated together with other breeds in crossbreeding the Benkovski White goose in Benkovski, Bulgaria. The White goose of Banat can be raised using new technology, different from the ones applied so far, which is used in Europe to obtain qualitative tasteful meat. Such efforts are being undertaken in a breeder near Timisoara where new hybrids are researched to be used with the new technology. REFERENCES

High mutation rate in prolactin intron 2 regulates egg-laying performance in Wanjiang white goose

As the progeny of the two-line hybridisation of the Wanxi Goose and Sichuan Goose, Wanjiang white goose's fertility is unstable. To improve reproduction and select molecular marker associated with egg performance of Wanjiang white goose, PCR-SSCP was applied to detect SNPs in PRL intron 2. Five genotypes were found: AA, AB, BC, CC and DD genotypes. More than 30 SNPs were found in the PCR products Statistical results show that the polymorphism of the five genotypes is significantly related to the egg productivity. The differences of egg-laying level between BC and AA, AB, CC, DD genotypes are extremely significant (p<0.01). AA and AB genotypic geese yield more eggs than BC and DD genotypes. It could be used as a molecular marker for selecting high-productivity geese.

Mutations in the exon 10 of prolactin receptor gene change the egg production performance in Wanjiang white goose

To select the molecular genetic markers related to egg performance of Wanjiang white goose, prolactin receptor gene (PRLR) was adopted to be a candidate gene in our study. Five pairs of primers (P1-P5) were designed to detect the SNPs of PRLR gene by PCR-SSCP method. The results revealed that polymorphisms were discovered in the PCR products amplified with P4 primers in PRLR exon 10, three genotypes were found: AA, AB and AC. The sequence of AB genotype is the same as original sequence (DQ660982) in NCBI. There are five mutations in AA genotype: C→A at 840 bp, C→T at 862 bp, T→C at 875 bp, T→A at 963 bp, A→T at 989 bp, resulting in amino acid mutations: His→Asn, Thr→Ile, Asn→Lys, Thr→Ser, and synonymous mutation at 875 bp. Sequencing revealed five mutations in AC genotype: G→T at 816 bp, A→T at 861 bp, C→T at 862 bp, T→C at 875 bp, A→G at 948 bp, causing amino acid mutations of Val→Phe, Thr→Phe, synonymous mutations at 875 and 963 bp. Besides, there are an N-glycosylation site (NQSR), three casein kinase II phosphorylation sites including SIIE, SKTE, and SLMD in AA genotype; three casein kinase II phosphorylation sites including SIIE, SKTE, and TLMD in AB genotype; three casein kinase II phosphorylation sites including SIFE, SKTE, and TLMD in AC genotype. The annual egg yielding of AB genotype geese are significantly more than those of AA and AC genotype geese on the average (P<0.05). It is suggested for the first time that PRLR is a promising candidate gene that can affect egg performance in Wanjiang white goose.