Abstract: A total of 678 individuals from 28 European bovine breeds were both phenotyped and analysed at the myostatin locus by the Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) method. Seven new mutations were identified which contribute to the high polymorphism (1 SNP every 100 bp) present in this small gene; twenty haplotypes were described and a genotyping method was set up using the Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay (OLA) method. Some haplotypes appeared to be exclusive to a particular breed; this was the case for 5 in the Charolaise (involving mutation Q204X) and 7 in the Maine-Anjou (involving mutation E226X). The relationships between the different haplotypes were studied, thus allowing to test the earlier hypothesis on the origin of muscular hypertrophy in Europe: muscular hypertrophy (namely nt821(del11)) was mainly spread in different waves from northern Europe milk purpose populations in most breeds; however, other mutations (mostly disruptive) arose in a single breed, were highly selected and have since scarcely evolved to other populations.

Abstract: To evaluate the Weitzman approach for assessing alternative conservation strategies for breed (population) diversity, we used genetic distance measures between 49 African cattle breeds divided into two groups of 26 taurine ( Bos taurus ) and sanga ( Bos taurusBos indicus ) breeds and 23 zebu ( Bos indicus ) and zenga (sangaBos indicus ) breeds. The derived maximum-likelihood trees clearly displayed the geo- graphic distribution and the zebu-taurine admixture of the breeds. We developed a novel scheme to estimate the extinction probability for each breed which considered total population size, change of population size over the last 10 years, distribution of the breed, risk of indiscriminate crossing, organization among farmers, establishment of conservation schemes, political situation of the countries, special traits, sociocultural impor- tance, and reliability of information. This scheme yielded reasonable estimates of extinction probabilities for the analyzed breeds, which were significantly influenced by the population size and its recent change, distri- bution of the breed, organization among farmers, establishment of conservation schemes, and reliability of information. The average extinction probability over all breeds and for each breed group was around 48%. Diversity in the zebu-zenga group was only half the diversity in the taurine-sanga group, mainly because of the lower number of breeds and their genetic origin. For both groups, the expected diversity after 20-50 years was about half the current diversity, and the coefficient of variation was about 20%. Our results suggest that the optimum conservation strategy is to give priority to those breeds with the highest marginal diversity, rather than to the most endangered breeds; thus, Madagascar Zebu and Muturu should be given conserva- tion priority in their respective groups. Our study demonstrates that efficient conservation of genetic diversity with limited funds has to take genetic and nongenetic factors into account. Nongenetic factors are accounted for within our scheme to derive extinction probabilities. Within-breed and within-population diversity are not accounted for. Extending Weitzman's basic approach accordingly could yield an effective methodology for determining conservation strategies under highly varying circumstances and for many species, including wild organisms.

Abstract: 1. A multi-breed experiment was conducted with 25 commercial and traditional lines of laying fowl to determine the extent of between-breed genetic variation for adult body weight, sexual maturity, rate of lay, egg weight and egg composition to 55 weeks of age. The genetic variability for bone strength and eggshell strength was determined at 55 weeks of age and a comparison of commercially selected and traditional breeds was performed. 2. The proportion of the total variation that was associated with breed or line of origin was high (> 0·8) for body weight, sexual maturity and shell colour; moderately high (0·4 to 0·7) for rate of lay, early and late egg weight, weights of egg yolk, albumen and shell at 55 weeks; and low (< 0·4) for egg weight at 42 to 45 weeks, albumen quality and the number of egg inclusions. 3. There were no detectable differences between breed within category (traditional and commercial lines) for rate of lay, and estimates of breed variation for egg weight and egg components were subs...

Abstract: We measured thyroid hormone (T3) levels and energy expenditure of pre-breeding house sparrows Passer domesticus in relation to the timing of breeding and reproductive success. The onset of reproduction was synchronised in two waves, separated by a three-week interval. On an annual basis, early breeders (birds that bred for the first time during the first wave) made significantly more breeding attempts, laid significantly more egg and raised 2.3 times more chicks to fledging than late breeders (birds that bred for the first time during the second wave). By the end of March, about one month before the first egg was laid in the population, plasma titres of testosterone in males and estradiol in females were still low and did not differ between early and late breeders. However, birds that subsequently bred early had higher titres of plasma triiodothyronine (T3) than birds that started to breed late. We show for the first time in a free-living bird population that Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is positively correlated with the plasma titre of T3. Differences in plasma T3 accounted for 48% of the inter-individual variation in BMR. Elevated T3 levels indicate that energy requirements increase prior to breeding. Although early breeding appears to be advantageous in terms of the number of offspring raised on an annual basis, the increased energy requirements prior to breeding are thought to delay the onset of reproduction in those birds that cannot afford the additional energy expenditure early in the season.

Abstract: Chinese indigenous pig breeds are recognized as an invaluable component of the world's pig genetic resources and are divided traditionally into six types. Twenty-six microsatellite markers recommended by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics) were employed to analyze the genetic diversity of 18 Chinese indigenous pig breeds with 1001 individuals representing five types, and three commercial breeds with 184 individuals. The observed heterozygosity, unbiased expected heterozygosity and the observed and effective number of alleles were used to estimate the genetic variation of each indigenous breed. The unbiased expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.700 (Mashen) and 0.876 (Guanling), which implies that there is an abundant genetic variation stored in Chinese indigenous pig breeds. Breed differentiation was shown by fixation indices (FIT, FIS, and FST). The FST per locus varied from 0.019 (S0090) to 0.170 (SW951), and the average FST of all loci was 0.077, which means that most of the genetic variation was kept within breeds and only a little of the genetic variation exists between populations. The Neighbor-Joining tree was constructed based on the Nei DA (1978) distances and one large cluster with all local breeds but the Mashen breed, was obtained. Four smaller sub-clusters were also found, which included two to four breeds each. These results, however, did not completely agree with the traditional type of classification. A Neighbor-Joining dendrogram of individuals was established from the distance of -ln(proportions of shared alleles); 92.14% of the individuals were clustered with their own breeds, which implies that this method is useful for breed demarcation. This extensive research on pig genetic diversity in China indicates that these 18 Chinese indigenous breeds may have one common ancestor, helps us to better understand the relative distinctiveness of pig genetic resources, and will assist in developing a national plan for the conservation and utilization of Chinese indigenous pig breeds.

Abstract: Growth and testicular development between 7 and 15 mo of age were evaluated in bulls produced by mating sires of six breeds (Hereford, Angus, Belgian Blue, Brahman, Boran, and Tuli) to Angus, Hereford, and MARC III (four-breed composite) cows. At 12 mo of age, Angus- and Hereford-sired bulls had the heaviest body weight (P < 0.08 to 0.001), whereas Brahman- and Belgian Blue-sired bulls were intermediate, and Boran- and Tuli-sired bulls weighed the least. Bulls sired by European breeds grew more rapidly after weaning (P < 0.01) than did Brahman-, Boran-, and Tuli-sired bulls, and these differences in growth rate were maintained through 15 mo of age, indicating that offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds (Brahman, Boran, and Tuli) have lower postweaning rates of gain, particularly during winter months, than do offspring of nonheat adapted sire breeds. Testis size was smaller initially (P < 0.01) and remained smaller in offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds through yearling age. By 15 mo of age, testis size was largest (P < 0.06 to 0.001) in Angus-sired bulls and had become similar among Hereford-, Brahman-, Boran- and Belgian Blue-sired bulls but remained smaller (P < 0.02 to 0.001) in Tuli-sired bulls. Thus, offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds had delayed testicular development compared with that of nonheat adapted sire breeds, particularly through yearling age. At puberty, Angus-sired bulls were 23 to 82 d younger (P < 0.05 to 0.001) than all other sire breeds except Hereford, and Brahman-sired bulls were older at puberty (P < 0.05 to 0.001) than were bulls of all other sire breeds except Boran. Testis size at puberty was quite similar among breeds of bulls (scrotal circumference = 27.9 +/- 0.1 cm) despite large breed differences in age, body weight, and hip height. Thus, measurement of yearling testis size was a reliable indicator of age at puberty among widely divergent breeds of bulls. In addition, the lower postweaning rates of gain and the smaller and slower testicular development in offspring of heat-adapted sire breeds should be noted by cattle producers considering use of such breeds in crossbreeding and breed improvement programs.

Abstract: The South African Dorper is an important terminal meat sire breed in Africa that was recently imported into the United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Dorper as a terminal meat sire breed for U.S. production. Semen from purebred Dorper sires was used to artificially inseminate Columbia ewes to produce F1 crossbred lambs. Growth and carcass characteristics of F1 Dorper-Columbia lambs (n = 165), F1 Suffolk-Columbia (n = 89), and purebred Columbia lambs (n = 207) were compared based on subsets of the total number of animals. The F1 Dorper lambs grew significantly slower (313 g x d(-1)) and weighed less (29.8 kg) than F1 Suffolk- (357 g x d(-1), 33.5 kg) and Columbia-sired lambs (328 g x d(-1), 31 kg) at 77 d of age. However, at a weaning age of 118 d weaning weight and ADG did not differ (P > 0.20) among sire breed groups. Postweaning growth of F1 Dorper(239 g xd(-1)) wether lambs did not differ from that of purebred Columbia wethers (230 g x d(-1)) but was less than that of F1 Suffolk lambs (259 g x d(-1); P= 0.09). Feed efficiency did not differ among breed types. Breed types had similar dressing percentages (53%), shoulder fat depth (2.8 mm), body wall thickness (3 cm), leg conformation score (Choice), Yield grade (2.4), and Quality grade (Choice). Weight of wholesale shoulders and racks made up approximately 38% of the carcass weight in the Columbia and F1 Suffolk-Columbia type but only 33% in the F1 Dorper-Columbia lambs. However, the more expensive wholesale loins from F1 Dorpers were heavier (P 0.10). Chemical composition of the carcass did not differ significantly between breed types with a mean composition of 52% moisture, 30% lipid (ether extract), 17% protein, and 0.76% ash. Warner-Bratzler shear force values were less (P < 0.05) and sensory panel ratings for tenderness were significantly more favorable for lamb chops from Dorper sired lambs. Dorper rams can be used as terminal meat sires to produce lambs whose growth rate to 118 d of weaning age, postweaning ADG and feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics are similar to that of Suffolk crossbred lambs and purebred Columbia lambs but with a slight improvement in tenderness.

Abstract: Summary The genetic structure and relationships among 18 local Southwest European beef cattle breeds (10 from Spain, five from Portugal and three from France) have been inferred from 16 DNA microsatellite loci, by using F-statistics, for conservation purposes. Level of apparent breed differentiation is considerable and multilocus FST values indicate that around 6.8% of the total genetic variation could be explained by breed differences and the remaining 93.2% by differences among individuals. For countries of origin, the French breeds were those that showed a higher genetic uniformity. All breeds, except the

Abstract: Measurements of meat texture (Warner-Bratzler shear force, WBSF), compression stress at 20% (S20) and 80% (S80) of initial sample thickness, sarcomere length, pH, and sensory tenderness score were determined on the longissimus muscle from lambs from 22 diverse European lamb types from 6 countries Carcasses chilled to minimise cold shortening The types ranged from 1-month-old milk-fed lambs to 1-year-old heavy wether lambs reared on the transhumance system (extensive system based on moving animals from valleys to high mountains in search of seasonal resources) Overall, it seems that breed was more important in influencing meat toughness than age or gender Within breed, there was some evidence of an age effect (the older the animal the tougher the meat), and nutritional handling was, in some cases, significant The lowest WBSF values were for meat from 16-kg carcasses of pasture-fed animals of the Icelandic breed (average 17 kg) and the highest were for meat from 19–20 kg carcasses of the Bergamasca breed (average 41 kg) The two youngest types had the highest values for S20 (105 and 118 N/cm2), the compression value related to myofibrillar component There was a very good agreement between panels from the different countries in the ranking of tenderness; meat from the Icelandic breed was the most tender and that from the Bergamasca breed the least, in concurrence with the WBSF results, with a significant relationship between tenderness and WBSF values in all the lamb types studied

Abstract: Four cattle breeds (Gyr, Nellore, Guzerat and Holstein) were analyzed by amplification of genomic DNA using microsatellite loci to evaluate the genetic diversity within and among them. DNA samples of 18 animals from each breed were collected to access the genetic content of them. Allele frequencies were calculated and used to generate a Nei's genetic distance matrix what was used to build a dendrogram following UPGMA clustering. As expected, Holstein breed was the most distinct from the other breeds: 1.15 in relation to Gyr, 1.12 in relation to Nellore and 0.94 in relation to Guzerat. The closest genetic distance was 0.25 between Guzerat and Nellore. A total of 64 alleles in all four breeds were detected using nine microsatellite primers. Each breed showed 53% of the total number of alleles. The average number of alleles per locus was 7.11 ± 3.21. The most informative locus was BMS1237 with 53% of observed heterozygosity and the least informative locus was BMS3004 with 12% only. The average heterozygosity detected for the nine loci were 35% and the expected value for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was 53%. This low heterozygosity suggests a high endogamy level among the animals sampled within each breed.

Abstract: This study was designed to test whether an acute improvement in diet would increase gonadotrophin secretion and testicular growth in strongly photoperiod-responsive Suffolk rams and weakly photoperiod-responsive Merino rams in both the breeding (February-March) and the non-breeding (July-August) seasons. Mature rams (n = 5 or 6) of these breeds were fed a maintenance diet (0.9 kg chaff + 100 g lupin grain) or the same diet sup- plemented with 1.5 kg lupin grain for 42 days in each season. Lupin grain is a rich source of both energy and protein. Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured in plasma from blood sampled every 20 min for 24 h on Days −1, 12 and 35 relative to the change in feeding. In rams sup- plemented with lupins, body mass increased in both breeds in both seasons ( P< 0.001). Scrotal circumference and LH pulse frequency increased with lupin supplementation in both seasons ( P< 0.003) in Merinos, but only during the breeding season ( P< 0.003) in Suffolks. Plasma FSH concentrations were affected by diet only dur- ing the breeding season, being elevated on Day 12 in lupin-supplemented rams of both breeds ( P< 0.05). It was concluded that Merino rams exhibit reproductive responses to improved nutrition irrespective of time of the year, whereas Suffolk rams respond to nutrition only when the hypothalamic reproductive centres are not inhibited by photoperiod. Thus, Suffolks do respond to nutrition, just as Merinos do, but only when photoperiod allows. This difference between breeds appears to be a result of differences in the neuroendocrine pathways that control pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion.

Abstract: Rupture of the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) remains the most common orthopedic problem seen in veterinary practice around the world. But has it changed? Are we seeing a different population of dogs in terms of age, size, and breed, or is it unchanged? Seven years ago, the demographics of the canine CCL patient in our practice were reviewed (1). The time has come to survey the situation again. The original study looked at 165 CCL surgeries on 124 dogs from December 1983 to December 1994. This analysis includes 153 ruptures of the CCL in 124 dogs treated from January 1997 to September 2002. The original survey identified a significant majority of females (65% female versus 35% male), which was not seen in the latest group (53% females versus 47% males). It is interesting to note that published surveys consistently describe more females than males with ruptures of the CCL; in some cases, only a bare majority of females, but in others, a split of up to 2/3:1/3 female:male (2,3,4,5). One of the major issues in cruciate disease in the last 2 decades has been a shift to large breed dogs. In our first survey, 65% of patients were small breed dogs, while 35% were large breed dogs. In the first 8 y of the previous survey (1983–1990), large breeds made up only 22% of cases, but from 1991 to 1994, the numbers increased to 48%. From 1997 to 2002, the trend continued, with 61% of patients being classified as large breed and 39% as small breed. In both surveys, the definition of large versus small breed was based on a cut-off point of approximately 15 kg. Some obese animals > 15 kg were classified as small breed. In the latest survey, Labradors and Labrador crossbreds comprised 21.6% of all CCL patients; poodles and poodle crossbreds, 9%; bichon frises, 8.5%; and German shepherds and shepherd crosses, 7.8%. Rottweilers and golden retrievers have been cited as breeds in which CCL disease is common. In our survey, they made up 4% and 4.6% of all CCL patients, respectively. The mean age of all CCL patients from 1983 to 1994 was 7.7 y, with small breed dogs averaging 8.7 y and large breed dogs averaging 5.8 y. In the latest survey, the spread in age was less; small breed dogs averaged 8 y, large breeds averaged 7 y, giving an overall mean of 7.3 y. The median age was 7 y and the range was 9 mo to 15 y. The theme of many recent publications has been that CCL disease is becoming a condition of young, large breed dogs (4,6). While our latest survey identifies a clear trend towards large breed dogs and while we have seen CCL rupture in large breed dogs as young as 9 mo of age, the average age clearly falls in the geriatric definition for large breed dogs. The weight range for all patients in the latest survey was 3.6 to 57 kg, with a mean of 24 kg. The mean weight of the small breed dogs was 10.5 kg, while for large breed dogs it was 32.3 kg. From 1983 to 1994, 30% of all dogs surgically treated for CCL rupture subsequently sustained the same injury in the contralateral leg. Results from the latest survey were not significantly different, with 27% tearing the contralateral CCL: This percentage may well be understated, because undoubtedly some of the dogs will go on to rupture the other CCL after the end of the survey period. These figures are similar to those reported elsewhere (2,5) and warrant the advice to clients that their dog has a 1 in 3 chance of rupturing the contralateral CCL. Forty-eight per cent of dogs in the latest survey had damage to their medial meniscus at the time of exploratory arthrotomy. This compares with only 15% of dogs in the initial survey. In both surveys, there was no significant difference between large and small breed dogs in the occurrence of meniscal damage. The increased occurrence of meniscal damage in dogs seen in the last 5 y may be due, in part, to better visualization and recognition of meniscal lesions by the author. The use of a 6-mm Hohmann retractor to lever the proximal extremity of the tibia cranially is a technique that has allowed better visualization of the medial meniscus. The 48% rate of meniscal damage is in close agreement with the results of many surveys (3,5,7,8). Twenty (13%) of the patients seen from 1997 to 2002 had partial cruciate ligament tears at the time of surgery. These partial tears invariably involve the craniomedial bundle of the CCL and require the same surgical treatment as a complete rupture of the CCL. It is doubtful that partial tears are more common than they have been in the past, but there is a change in the way they are regarded. Previously, many surgeons would adopt a conservative approach, particularly if the stifle joint was stable. Now, it is increasingly being realized that such a conservative approach leads to rupture of the CCL and degenerative joint disease (9). More partial tears are going to surgery sooner. As to outcomes, the owners of 23% of the large breed and 7% of the small breed dogs described some degree of lameness more than 2 mo after surgery. In the original survey, 30% of large breed owners and 11% of small breed owners reported lameness in their dogs more than 2 mo after surgery. All dogs in both surveys had been treated surgically by the author using extracapsular repair techniques. These results need to be viewed with some caution. First, the numbers are almost certainly artificially low, since the criterion for inclusion was a notation in the medical record describing lameness in the operated leg more than 2 mo after surgery. This criterion obviously misses owners who did not mention mild lamenesses on subsequent visits, omits cases where the veterinarian did not make note of lameness in the record, and omits those dogs, especially those that were referred, that were not examined again. There is also no attempt in these numbers to quantitate the severity, frequency, or duration of the lameness. All that can be concluded with certainty from both surveys is that some degree of postoperative lameness is not an unusual finding and that it is more common in large breed dogs. If there is such a thing as a typical CCL patient in our practice, it would seem to be a 7-year-old, spayed female Labrador weighing 32 kg. She would have an even chance of having meniscal damage at the time of surgery and would have a 1 in 3 chance of subsequently suffering the same injury in the contralateral leg. Her owner should also be warned that she may experience occasional stiffness or lameness in the operated on leg in the future. These parameters will be examined after another 150 cases to gauge the full effect of the postoperative rehabilitation that we have been practising for the last 18 mo, as well as the effects of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, which we are starting to use.

Abstract: The promoter region and the beginning of the coding region of the hsp70 stress gene were analysed in broiler chickens of a commercial breed (Hubbard-Pettersen), a breed selected for weight gain (PP1) and a non-selected breed (naked-neck Label Rouge). The naked neck gene (Naked neck, Na), which reduces feathering in birds and is thus related to heat resistance, was present in both PP1 and Label Rouge breeds. Genomic DNA was restricted with PstI and Southern blotting analysis of the samples revealed the absence of polymorphic sites for that enzyme in the promoter region and beginning of the coding region of the hsp70 gene of studied birds. PCR-SSCP analysis of these regions, however, indicated the presence of polymorphisms in the beginning of the coding region and the sequencing of the PCR products confirmed and identified two polymorphic sites in this region: a transition A ® G in position +258 and a transversion C ® G in position +276. Both mutations were considered to be silent, since they did not modify the aminoacid sequence of the protein Hsp70. The promoter region of the hsp70 gene was identical in all studied birds, indicating that the regulation pattern of this gene must be the same in all birds at the promoter region. Three different alleles (hsp70-1, hsp70-2 and hsp70-3) were identified for the hsp70 gene from the observed mutations. The allele hsp70-3 was detected in only two breeds, Hubbard-Pettersen and PP1, but at a low frequency (0,016 and 0,006, respectively).

Abstract: . Eight beef cattle breeds, Angus (A), Blonde d' Aquitaine (BA), Charolais (C), Czech Pied (CP), Hereford (H), Limousin (L), Piemontese (P) and Simmental (S), were analysed for the following calf traits: birth weight (BW), 210- and 365-day weight ( 210W, 365W) and average daily gains from birth to 210 days (ADG1), from 210 to 365 days (ADG2) and from birth to 365 days (ADG3). Phenotypic parameters were estimated by linear model procedures including the fixed effects of year of birth (1992–1998), herd, sex (male, female), calf number (single, twin), parity and random sire effects. Literature values of heritability estimates were used to derive genetic standard deviations and genetic range for comparison of genetic variation within and between breeds. The means of Blonde d' Aquitaine were highest for all growth traits except for BW, followed by Charolais and Simmental, then Angus, Czech Pied and Limousin with intermediate values and Piemontese and Hereford with lowest growth except for BW in Piemontese and ADG1 in Hereford. Blonde d' Aquitaine also showed high standard deviations for most growth traits except for BW, whereas for Limousin and Piemontese low standard deviations were estimated and for other breeds no consistent pattern was observed. Coefficients of variation were generally high for Hereford and low for Angus. Hypothetical frequency curves were used for comparison of genetic variation within breeds and between breeds. Comparison of extreme and average breeds showed ranges of genetic levels between 79 and 154 % of the average breed level thus indicating the large overall genetic variation for growth traits in beef cattle. Between-breed selection with immediate impact, but steady erosion by time, as well as within-breed selection with slow but steady increase and renewed variation should both be applied for optimal exploitation of genetic resources in the beef industry.

Abstract: Sheep rearing is a traditional occupation of about 85 000 shepherd families on the Deccan plateau in the Maharashtra State of India. They rear Deccani (D) sheep which usually bear only single lambs. Prolificacy is an important trait for the efficiency of meat producing sheep. It was decided to evaluate and utilize Indian sheep genetic resources with a view to improving the efficiency of sheep production on the Deccan plateau. A crossbreeding experiment was conducted over 4 years, using rams of the D, Bannur (B) and Garole (G) breeds and D and B ewes with the aim of developing recommendations for the appropriate breed combination of a likely composite. It was found that crossing with G reduces live weight and growth rates significantly compared with D but lambs sired by G rams were more resistant to naturally acquired gastro-intestinal nematode infections and to artificial challenge with Haemonchus contortus than those sired by D or B rams. The G breed, being from a humid environment is, however, not adapted to the semi-arid Deccan plateau. The higher productivity (in terms of weight of lamb weaned) of twin-bearing ewes compared with those bearing singles was evident even in extensive rearing conditions. The finding of increased resistance to gastro-intestinal nematodes in the G breed, which also carries a major gene for prolificacy, highlights the potential for inclusion of G in a composite breed. Negative effects on growth and survival from inclusion of the Garole need to be carefully managed.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

Abstract: This study was the first to analyze the polymorphic characteristics of a wide range of genetic markers in three Lithuanian horse breeds. Genetic variation at seven red blood cell alloantigen (blood group) loci, 10 biochemical genetic loci and 16 microsatellites was examinated in 31 Zemaitukai, 30 large-type Zemaitukai and 24 Lithuanian Heavy Draught horse and compared to that of other domestic horse breeds. Genetic variability of the Zemaitukai breeds based upon blood groups and biochemical loci was higher than average for domestic horse breeds. For microsatellite loci, the variability of the large-type Zemaitukai and the Heavy Draught breeds also was high compared to the mean variation for domestic breeds; however, for the Zemaitukai breed, variation levels were very near the average for horses.

Abstract: Contents Evaluation of testicular measurements and daily sperm output (DSO) yields valuable information for predicting the reproductive capacity of stallions. The present study evaluated testicular measurements (height, length, width and circumference) and DSO of eight Tori and eight Estonian breed stallions. One ejaculate of semen was collected daily for 10 subsequent days from each stallion. The gel-free volume of semen was measured with a graduated glass cylinder and the sperm concentration was assessed with a Chorjajev chamber. The volume of gel-free fraction was multiplied by the sperm concentration to give the total number of spermatozoa (TSN). The DSO was calculated as mean TSN of collection on days 8-10 in Tori breed stallions and on days 4-10 in Estonian breed stallions. The DSO of Tori breed stallions was 12.9 x 10 9 spermatozoa and of Estonian breed stallions 4.5 x 10 9 spermatozoa (p < 0.001). Testicular measurements (in cm) 1 day after the last semen collection were as follows: left testis - height 7.3, length 10.4 and width 7.3 in Tori breed stallions, and 5.9, 8.1 and 5.9, respectively, in Estonian breed stallions; right testis - height 7.4, length 10.6 and width 7.4 in Tori breed stallions, and 5.5, 7.4 and 5.3, respectively, in Estonian breed stallions. All these testicular measurements were significantly smaller in Estonian than in Tori breed stallions (p < 0.001). Testicular circumference was 45.4 and 35.4 cm in Tori and Estonian breed stallions, respectively (p < 0.001). The testicular circumference was correlated with DSO in both Estonian (p < 0.05) and Tori breed stallions (p = 0.071). The results give us valuable information on the reproductive capacity of Tori and Estonian breed stallions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for identifying breed, or line and breed, or line composition of a bovine subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for identifying breed or breed combinations for Angus, Holstein, Limousin, Brahman, Hereford, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais and Beefmaster breeds. These patterns can be utilized to manage animals in a feedlot to obtain optimum performance based on known characteristics of specific breeds and identify animals for breeding in selection programs. In another aspect, these patterns can be used to ensure labeling on breed specific branded products.

Abstract: Metabolic and hormonal blood profiles under the influence of cold stress potentiated by a 20-minute cold water shower were studied in 2- to 3-day old lambs of Merinolandschaf (Group I, n = 8) and Romney Marsh (Group II, n = 11) breeds. e metabolic profile included parameters such as total proteins (TP), urea, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triacylglycerols (TGL). e concentrations of NEFA and TGL were found to increase significantly ( P < 0.05) in lambs of Merinolandschaf breed following the potentiated cold stress. Compar- ing the breeds subjected to the potentiated cold stress, there were no significant differences in the metabolic profile. e hormonal profile was evaluated using cortisol, triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and thyroxine (T 4 ). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in both cortisol and T 3, T 4 levels was observed in lambs of both breeds following the potentiated cold stress. Comparing the breeds subjected to the potentiated cold stress, the level of cortisol was significantly higher in the Romney Marsh breed (P < 0.05), while, on the other hand, the levels of T 3 and T 4 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in lambs of Merinolandschaf breed. e stronger adrenocortical response of Romney Marsh breed was probably due to higher sensitivity of lambs to emotional components of stress evidenced by more intensive changes of behaviour. e weaker thyroidal response of lambs of Romney Marsh breed as compared to the Merinolandschaf ones could also be associated with a higher level of physical thermoregulation (i.e. better thermo-isolation qualities of their fleece). e activation of the thyrotropic axis together with shivering thermogenesis resulted in a significant increase in the rectal temperature in lambs of both breeds immediately after the potentiation of cold stress.