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Zhou A, Ding Y, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Li T, Xiao L. Whole-genome resequencing reveals new mutations in candidate genes for Beichuan-white goat prolificacya. Anim Biotechnol 2024; 35:2258166. [PMID: 37729465 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2258166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the copy number variation in the genomes of two groups of Beichuan-white goat populations with large differences in litter size by FST method, and identified 1739 genes and 485 missense mutations in the genes subject to positive selection. Through functional enrichment, ITGAV, LRP4, CDH23, TPRN, RYR2 and CELSR1 genes, involved in embryonic morphogenesis, were essential for litter size trait, which received intensive attention. In addition, some mutation sites of these genes have been proposed (ITGAV: c.38C > T; TPRN: c.133A > T, c.1192A > G, c.1250A > C; CELSR1: c.7640T > C), whose allele frequencies were significantly changed in the high fecundity goat group. Besides, we found that new mutations at these sites altered the hydrophilicity and 3D structure of the protein. Candidate genes related to litter size in this study and their missense mutation sites were identified. These candidate genes are helpful to understand the genetic mechanism of fecundity in Beichuan white goat, and have important significance for future goat breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Zhou
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Mianyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mianyang, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Mianyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mianyang, P. R. China
| | - Yugang Zhou
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Mianyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mianyang, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Liu
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Mianyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mianyang, P. R. China
| | - Tingjian Li
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Mianyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mianyang, P. R. China
| | - Long Xiao
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Mianyang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mianyang, P. R. China
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Erichsen C, Coombs T, Sargison N, McCoard S, Keady TWJ, Dwyer CM. Improving triplet lamb survival: management practices used by commercial farmers. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1394484. [PMID: 39139607 PMCID: PMC11319296 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1394484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prolificacy has become an important breeding goal in sheep farming to increase farm profitability. With the adoption of improved genetics and management practices leading to increased lambing percentages, the proportion of triplet-born lambs has also increased on farms. However, mortality rates of triplet lambs are higher than for single- and twin-born lambs, and additional management inputs may be needed to support survival. The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect management practices that are considered important for triplet lamb survival by commercial farmers from the United Kingdom (UK), the Ireland (IRE), and New Zealand (NZ). Methods An online survey was developed and disseminated to farmers in each country, focusing on farmer demographics, flock characteristics, management practices and production outcomes. A total of 448 farmers completed the survey, from the UK (n = 168), IRE (n = 218), and NZ (n = 62). Results Respondents had larger flocks, higher scanning and lambing percentages than the country average for the UK and IRE. The mean percentage of triplet litters born within flocks was 9%, and lambs lost between scanning and lambing were 14% for UK, 15% for IRE, and 25% for NZ respondents (P = 0.063). Overall, 60% of all respondents reported to lamb indoors and 40% lambed outdoors, however NZ farmers almost exclusively lambed outdoors, whereas UK and IRE farmers lambed in both systems (P < 0.001). NZ farmers were more likely to rear all triplet lambs with the ewe, whereas UK and IRE farmers were more likely to remove a lamb to rear by another ewe or artificially (P < 0.001). Factors that influenced triplet lamb management practices of respondents in this study were respondent country of origin, flock size, age, and gender. In general, younger respondents (P < 0.001), and female respondents (P < 0.05), were more likely to engage in management activities that were considered to promote better triplet lamb survival, compared to older and male respondents respectively. These practices were associated with better lamb survival reported by respondents but were less likely to be carried out when flock size increased (P < 0.001). Discussion The results of this survey highlight future priorities or communication strategies needed to improve triplet lamb survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Erichsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Tamsin Coombs
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Sargison
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sue McCoard
- AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Tim W. J. Keady
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Ireland
| | - Cathy M. Dwyer
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Guo X, Fang Y, Liang R, Wang X, Zhang J, Dong C, Wang B, Liu Y, Chu M, Zhang X, Zhong R. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals the effects of the FecB mutation on the transcriptome profile in ovine cumulus cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13087. [PMID: 38849498 PMCID: PMC11161497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variations in the ovine ovulation rate, which are associated with the FecB mutation, provide useful models by which to explore the mechanisms regulating the development of mammalian antral follicles. In order to study the effects of the FecB mutation on cumulus cell differentiation, preovulatory follicles were aspirated and cumulus cells were isolated from three FecB genotypes (homozygous, heterozygous and wild type) of Small Tail Han (STH) sheep superstimulated with FSH. Transcriptome information from tens of thousands of cumulus cells was determined with the 10 × Genomics single-cell RNA-seq technology. Under the superovulation treatment, the observed number of preovulatory follicles in the ovaries of FecB carriers was still significantly higher than that in the wild-type (P < 0.05). The expression patterns of cumulus cells differed between FecB carriers and wild-type ewes. The screened cumulus cells could also be further divided into different cell clusters, and the differentiation states and fates of each group of cumulus cells also remained different, which supports the notion that heterogeneity in gene expression is prevalent in single cells. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was significantly enriched in differentially expressed genes among the cell differentiation branch nodes of cumulus cells and among the differentially expressed genes of cumulus cells from the three genotypes. Combined with the important role of oxidative phosphorylation in the maturation of COCs, we suggest that the oxidative phosphorylation pathway of cumulus cells plays a crucial role in the differentiation process of cumulus cells and the mutation effect of the FecB gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Guo
- Jilin Province Feed Processing and Ruminant Precision Breeding Cross Regional Cooperation Technology Innovation Center, Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Grassland Farming, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Chunxiao Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Xiaoshen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Breeding and Biotechnology, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Animal Healthy Farming, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China.
| | - Rongzhen Zhong
- Jilin Province Feed Processing and Ruminant Precision Breeding Cross Regional Cooperation Technology Innovation Center, Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Grassland Farming, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China.
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Wang H, Zhan J, Jia H, Jiang H, Pan Y, Zhong X, Zhao S, Huo J. Relationship between Rumen Microbial Differences and Phenotype Traits among Hu Sheep and Crossbred Offspring Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1509. [PMID: 38791726 PMCID: PMC11117386 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three-way hybrid sheep and Hu sheep on serum indicators, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and microorganisms in sheep. Healthy and similar birth weights from three groups (Hu, n = 11; Charolais × Australian White × Hu, CAH, n = 11; Charolais × Dorper × Hu, CDH, n = 11) were selected to be fed by the ewes until 45 days of age. Subsequently, they were weaned intensively and underwent short-term fattening for 3 months along with selected male lambs fed intensively. During this period, they were fed and watered ad libitum. Blood and rumen fluid were collected and analyzed for serum indicators and rumen fluid microorganisms, enzyme activity, and VFA, respectively, at the end of the fattening period. Compared with Hu lamb, the offspring of the three-way hybrid lamb showed significant improvements in body weight, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine content. However, there was no significant effect on serum immunity and antioxidant indices. In addition, the rumen fluid volatile fatty acid (VFA) molar concentration and microcrystalline cellulose and lipase content were significantly lower in the three-way hybrid lamb compared to Hu lamb, but β-glucosidase, amylase, pepsin, and VFA molar ratio were not significantly affected. Subsequently, 16S rRNA sequencing diversity analysis revealed that three-way hybrid lamb significantly increased rumen microbial ACE and Chao1 indices compared to Hu lamb. Meanwhile, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Synergistota significantly increased at the phylum level. Correlation analysis showed that Prevotella had the highest proportion, while Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated most closely with others genus. The microbial communities isovaleric acid molar concentration and proportion were strongly correlated. In addition, there were significant differences in correlations between microbial communities and isobutyric acid, butyric acid and valeric acid content, and their molar proportion, but they were not significantly correlated with digestive enzymes. From the functional enrichment analysis, it was found that hybrid progeny were mainly enriched in the pyruvate metabolism, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, carbon metabolism, and quorum sensing pathways. In contrast, the Hu sheep were primarily enriched in the cysteine and methionine, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite pathways. These results suggest that hybridization can play a role in regulating organismal metabolism and improve animal production performance by influencing the structure and characteristics of microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jinshun Zhan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Haobin Jia
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Haoyun Jiang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yue Pan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhong
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Shengguo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
| | - Junhong Huo
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanchang 330200, China; (J.Z.); (H.J.); (H.J.); (Y.P.); (X.Z.)
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Talebi R, Mardi M, Zeinalabedini M, Kazemi Alamouti M, Fabre S, Ghaffari MR. Assessing the performance of Moghani crossbred lambs derived from different mating systems with Texel and Booroola sheep. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301629. [PMID: 38573987 PMCID: PMC10994311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In our ongoing project, which focuses on the introgression of Booroola/FecB gene and the myostatin (MSTN) gene into purebred Moghani sheep, we assessed the performance of second-generation Moghani crossbreds such as second crossbreds (F2) and initial backcross generation (BC1). These crossbreds were generated through different mating systems, including in-breeding, outcrossing, first paternal backcrossing (PBC1), and first maternal backcrossing (MBC1). Notably, F2 strains exhibited lean tail, woolly fleece and a higher percentage of white coat color compared to BC1. The impact of mating systems and birth types on pre-weaning survival rates was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001), with singleton offspring resulting from paternal backcross showing a particularly substantial effect. The F2 crossbred lambs carrying the Booroola gene did not show a statistically significant difference in survivability compared to those carrying the MSTN gene, implying the Booroola prolificacy gene had no significant impact on survival outcomes. However, the occurrence of multiple births had a significant negative impact on lamb survival (P < 0.0001). The PBC1 sheep strains, specifically Texel Tamlet ram strains carrying the MSTN mutation, exhibited superior growth rates compared to others (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the MSTN mutation in the homozygous variant genotype significantly impacts growth rate before weaning compared to other genotypes and pure Moghani sheep (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study objectively underscores the pivotal role of genetic factors, specifically through strategic mating systems like paternal backcrossing, in enhancing desired traits and growth rates in Moghani sheep, thereby contributing valuable insights to the field of sheep breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Talebi
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mardi
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehrshad Zeinalabedini
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehrbano Kazemi Alamouti
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Stéphane Fabre
- GenPhySE, INRAE, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Mohammad Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Kumawat BL, Kumar P, Mahla AS, Kumar A, Kumar A, Singh R, Kumar A. A novel action of insulin sensitizing drug as a potential promotor of preovulatory follicles, ovulation rate and prolificacy in sheep. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:849-863. [PMID: 37957451 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the insulin-sensitizing drug metformin on preovulatory follicle (POF) number, ovulation rate, fetal rate and prolificacy was studied in forty-six cyclic Malpura ewes. After estrus synchronization, the ewes were equally divided into two groups (n = 23). The treatment group (MET) received a daily oral dose of metformin at a rate of 500 mg/animal for approximately 12 weeks, spanning five estrous cycles, as against untreated control (CON). All the ewes were bred to proven rams at the end of treatment. Ovarian ultrasound scans were performed at each estrus and day 9 of each cycle to assess the number and diameter of POFs and corpora lutea (CL), respectively. A comprehensive assessment of circulating hormones including, estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione, and insulin as well as metabolic indicators such as glucose, and lipid profile parameters was performed. At the end of treatment on the day of estrus (E5D0), the treatment showed a stimulatory effect on follicular development with a 53.2% (P < 0.001) increase in the number of POFs. It also increased the ovulation rate by 67.4% (P < 0.01), with a higher proportion (χ2df1 = 10.7, P < 0.001) of ewes in the MET group having multiple ovulations compared to the CON group (82.6 vs. 30.4%). With 1.48 ± 0.12 prolificacy rate in MET ewes, the proportion of ewes giving birth to multiple lambs was 2.9-fold higher than in the CON group. Plasma estradiol, insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in the MET ewes than in the CON. The results of the present study indicate that metformin can increase the number of POF, ovulation rate, fetal rate and prolificacy in ewes, while reducing the plasma estradiol, insulin, glucose and cholesterol in MET ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babu Lal Kumawat
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, 304 501, India
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), Rajasthan, 334 001, India
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Parbhani (MAFSU, Nagpur), Maharashtra, 431 402, India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), Rajasthan, 334 001, India
| | - Ajit Singh Mahla
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, 304 501, India.
| | - Ashok Kumar
- ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Arid Region Campus, Bikaner, Rajasthan, 334 006, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), Rajasthan, 334 001, India
| | - Raghvendar Singh
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, 304 501, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, 304 501, India
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Helal M, Sameh J, Gharib S, Merghany RM, Bozhilova-Sakova M, Ragab M. Candidate genes associated with reproductive traits in rabbits. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:94. [PMID: 38441694 PMCID: PMC10914644 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03938-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In the era of scientific advances and genetic progress, opportunities in the livestock sector are constantly growing. The application of molecular-based methods and approaches in farm animal breeding would accelerate and improve the expected results. The current work aims to comprehensively review the most important causative mutations in candidate genes that affect prolificacy traits in rabbits. Rabbits are a source of excellent-tasting meat that is high in protein and low in fat. Their early maturity and intensive growth are highly valued all over the world. However, improving reproductive traits and prolificacy in rabbits could be very tricky with traditional selection. Therefore, traditional breeding programs need new methods based on contemporary discoveries in molecular biology and genetics because of the complexity of the selection process. The study and implementation of genetic markers related to production in rabbits will help to create populations with specific productive traits that will produce the desired results in an extremely short time. Many studies worldwide showed an association between different genes and productive traits in rabbits. The study of these polymorphisms and their effects could be useful for molecular-oriented breeding, particularly marker-assisted selection programs in rabbit breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Helal
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Jana Sameh
- Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Sama Gharib
- Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Rana M Merghany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, National Research Centre, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Ragab
- Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Department, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, 28040, Spain
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Vargas Jurado N, Notter DR, Taylor JB, Brown DJ, Mousel MR, Lewis RM. Combined purebred and crossbred genetic evaluation of Columbia, Suffolk, and crossbred lamb birth and weaning weights: systematic effects and heterogeneous variances. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skad410. [PMID: 38085934 PMCID: PMC10808014 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the benefits of crossbreeding on animal performance, genetic evaluation of sheep in the U.S. does not directly incorporate records from crossbred lambs. Crossbred animals may be raised in different environments as compared to purebreds. Systemic factors such as age of dam and birth and rearing type may, therefore, affect purebred and crossbred performance differently. Furthermore, crossbred performance may benefit from heterozygosity, and genetic and environmental variances may be heterogeneous in different breeds and their crosses. Such issues must be accounted for in a combined (purebred and crossbred) genetic evaluation. The objectives of this study were to i) determine the effect of dam age and birth type on birth weight, and dam age and birth-rearing type on weaning weight, in purebred and crossbred lambs, ii) test for heterogeneous genetic and environmental variances in those weights, and iii) assess the impact of including weights on crossbred progeny on sire estimated breeding values (EBV). Performance records were available on purebred Columbia and Suffolk lambs. Crossbred information was available on lambs sired by Suffolk, Columbia or Texel rams mated to Columbia, Suffolk, or crossbred ewes. A multiple-trait animal model was fitted in which weights from Columbia, Suffolk, or crossbred lambs were considered different traits. At birth, there were 4,160, 2,356, and 5,273 Columbia, Suffolk, and crossbred records, respectively, with means (SD) of 5.14 (1.04), 5.32 (1.14), and 5.43 (1.23) kg, respectively. At weaning, on average at 122 (12) d, there were 2,557, 980, and 3,876 Columbia, Suffolk, and crossbred records, respectively, with corresponding means of 39.8 (7.2), 40.3 (7.9), and 39.6 (8.0) kg. Dam age had a large positive effect on birth and weaning weight in pure and crossbred lambs. At birth, however, the predicted effect was larger in crossbred and Suffolk lambs. While an increase in a number of lambs born and reared had a strong and negative influence on birth and weaning weight, the size of the effect did not differ across-breed types. Environmental variances were similar at birth and weaning, but additive variances differed among breed types for both weights. Combining purebred and crossbred information in the evaluation not only improved predictions of genetic merit in purebred sires but also allowed for direct comparisons of sires of different breeds. Breeders thus can benefit from an additional tool for making selection decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David R Notter
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Joshua B Taylor
- USDA, ARS, Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research Unit, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID 83423, USA
| | - Daniel J Brown
- AGBU, a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, 2351 Armidale, Australia
| | - Michelle R Mousel
- USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Ronald M Lewis
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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Akat O, Cam MA. Production, reproduction, and some adaptation characteristics of Romanov sheep raised under humid temperate climate. Anim Sci J 2024; 95:e13984. [PMID: 39105685 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the fertility and growth traits, viability, and body measurements of the Romanov sheep under breeder conditions in the humid region of Turkey. The animal material of the research consisted of sheep imported from Ukraine in 2019. In the study, there are two farms with 31 and 44 ewes in the first year and three farms with 45, 34, and 32 ewes in the second year. The reproductive performances of 186 sheep and lambs in three different farms were examined, and nine rams, one ram per 20 sheep, were used for mating. Two-year (2020 and 2021) data on the reproductive performance of pure Romanov ewes, survivability in ewes and lambs, and development characteristics in lambs were used in the present study. The conceived rate (88.17%), fecundity at birth (1.42) and at weaning (1.29), litter size at birth (1.76) and weaning (1.56), single (50.98%), twin (41.83%), and triplet birth rate (6.54%), and abortion rate (6.71%) were determined for 2 years average. Birth and weaning weights of lambs were affected by sex and birth type (p < 0.01). The Romanov sheep and their lambs did not satisfy the breeder regarding reproductive performance and lamb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orhan Akat
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate Education Institute, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Cam
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
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Talebi R, Ghaffari MR, Fabre S, Mardi M, Kazemi Alamouti M. Comparison of the growth performance between pure Moghani sheep and crosses with Texel or Booroola sheep carrying major genes contributing to muscularity and prolificacy. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3495-3506. [PMID: 36633454 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2165933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare growth performance between Moghani sheep and crossbred lambs resulting from crossbreeding between Moghani pure breed ewes and the lines of rams e.g., Texel Tamlet, Texel Dalzell, Booroola Merino, and Booroola Romney. The first visible phenotypic characteristic was the presence of lean tail in all F1 crossbred lambs, whereas Moghani pure sheep is a well-known large fat-tailed breed. Moreover, the first generation of backcross (BC1) lambs from mating four types of F1 crossbred rams with Moghani pure ewes revealed lean-tailed to short fat-tailed. Comparative results showed that the F1 crossbred lambs had significantly (p < 0.0001) greater birth weight (BW) than the Moghani pure breed lambs. Despite no significant differences observed between Moghani pure breed sheep and its F1 crossbred lambs for body weight at pre-weaning, but F1 crossbred lambs achieved significantly (p < 0.0001) greater body weight after weaning compared to Moghani sheep. The growth performance of BC1 lambs was outperformed than F1 crossbred and Moghani sheep. These results encourage the continuation of the Moghani sheep crossbreeding programs to improve overall lamb growth, particularly post-weaning and to benefit from a better reproductive efficiency by elimination or reduction of the fat tail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Talebi
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Stéphane Fabre
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Mohsen Mardi
- Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehrbano Kazemi Alamouti
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Oster N, Szewczuk MA, Zych S, Stankiewicz T, Błaszczyk B, Wieczorek-Dąbrowska M. Association between Polymorphism in the Janus Kinase 2 ( JAK2) Gene and Selected Performance Traits in Cattle and Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2470. [PMID: 37570280 PMCID: PMC10416845 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) tyrosine kinase is an essential component of signal transduction of the class II cytokine receptors, including the growth hormone receptor. Therefore, it may play a crucial role in the signaling pathway of the somatotropic axis, which influences growth, development, and reproductive traits in ruminants. For this purpose, for three breeds of cattle (Hereford, Angus, and Limousin; a total of 781 individuals), two polymorphic sites located in exon 16 (rs210148032; p.Ile704Val, within pseudokinase (JH2)) and exon 23 (silent mutation rs211067160, within JH1 kinase domain) were analyzed. For two breeds of sheep (Pomeranian and Suffolk; 333 individuals in total), two polymorphic sites in exon 6 (rs160146162 and rs160146160; encoding the FERM domain) and one polymorphic site in exon 24 of the JAK2 gene (rs160146116; JH1 kinase domain) were genotyped. In our study, the associations examined for cattle were inconclusive. However, Hereford and Limousin cattle with genotypes AA (e16/RsaI) and AA (e23/HaeIII) tended to have the highest body weight and better daily gains (p ≤ 0.05). No clear tendency was observed in the selected reproductive traits. In the case of sheep, regardless of breed, individuals with the AA (e6/EarI), GG (e6/seq), and AA (e24/Hpy188III) genotypes had the highest body weights and daily gains in the study periods (p ≤ 0.01). The same individuals in the Pomeranian breed also had better fertility and lamb survival (p ≤ 0.01). To the best of our knowledge, these are the first association studies for all these polymorphic sites. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the JAK2 gene can serve as genetic markers for growth and selected reproductive traits in ruminants given that they are further investigated in subsequent populations and analyzed using haplotype and/or combined genotype systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Oster
- Department of Monogastric Animal Science, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pommeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Anna Szewczuk
- Department of Monogastric Animal Science, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pommeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Sławomir Zych
- Laboratory of Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Stankiewicz
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (T.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Barbara Błaszczyk
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 29 Klemensa Janickiego, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (T.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Marta Wieczorek-Dąbrowska
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Kraków, Experimental Department, Kołbacz, 1 Warcisława Street, 74-106 Stare Czarnowo, Poland
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12
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Hernández-Delgado P, Felix-Portillo M, Martínez-Quintana JA. ADAMTS Proteases: Importance in Animal Reproduction. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1181. [PMID: 37372361 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many reproductive physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, require the synthesis, remodeling, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family genes code for key metalloproteinases in the remodeling process of different ECM. Several genes of this family encode for proteins with important functions in reproductive processes; in particular, ADAMTS1, 4, 5 and 9 are genes that are differentially expressed in cell types and the physiological stages of reproductive tissues. ADAMTS enzymes degrade proteoglycans in the ECM of the follicles so that the oocytes can be released and regulate follicle development during folliculogenesis, favoring the action of essential growth factors, such as FGF-2, FGF-7 and GDF-9. The transcriptional regulation of ADAMTS1 and 9 in preovulatory follicles occurs because of the gonadotropin surge in preovulatory follicles, via the progesterone/progesterone receptor complex. In addition, in the case of ADAMTS1, pathways involving protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) might contribute to ECM regulation. Different Omic studies indicate the importance of genes of the ADAMTS family from a reproductive aspect. ADAMTS genes could serve as biomarkers for genetic improvement and contribute to enhance fertility and animal reproduction; however, more research related to these genes, the synthesis of proteins encoded by these genes, and regulation in farm animals is needed.
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13
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Mialon MM, Nowak R, Falourd P, Marcon D, Lardy R, Boivin X. Are early-life lambs’ characteristics and behavioural reactivity related to later survival and growth performance during artificial feeding? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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14
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Tsartsianidou V, Pavlidis A, Tosiou E, Arsenos G, Banos G, Triantafyllidis A. Novel genomic markers and genes related to reproduction in prolific Chios dairy sheep: a genome-wide association study. Animal 2023; 17:100723. [PMID: 36801549 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic architecture of sheep reproduction is increasingly gaining scientific interest due to the major impact on sheep production systems. In the present study, we conducted pedigree-based analyses and genome-wide association studies using the Illumina Ovine SNP50K BeadChip to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying the reproduction of the highly prolific Chios dairy sheep. First lambing age, total prolificacy and maternal lamb survival were selected as representative reproductive traits and estimated as significantly heritable (h2 = 0.07-0.21) with no evident genetic antagonism among traits. We identified novel genome-wide and suggestive significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 2 and 12 associated with age at first lambing. The new variants detected on chromosome 2 span a region of 357.79 kb with high pairwise linkage disequilibrium estimates (r2 = 0.8-0.9). Functional annotation analysis revealed candidate genes, such as the collagen-type genes and the Myostatin gene, that participate in osteogenesis, myogenesis, skeletal and muscle mass development resembling the functionality of major genes affecting the ovulation rate and prolificacy. Additional functional enrichment analysis associated the collagen-type genes with multiple uterine-related disfunctions, such as cervical insufficiency, uterine prolapse and abnormalities of the uterine cervix. Several genes (e.g., KAZN, PRDM2, PDPN, LRRC28) localised close to the SNP marker on chromosome 12 were grouped in annotation enrichment clusters majorly involved in developmental and biosynthetic pathways, apoptosis, and nucleic acid-templated transcription. Our findings may further contribute to unravel the genomic regions that are important for sheep reproduction and could be incorporated into future selective breeding programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tsartsianidou
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Genomics and Epigenomics Translational Research (GENeTres), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - A Pavlidis
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Tosiou
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Arsenos
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Banos
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - A Triantafyllidis
- Department of Genetics, Development & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Genomics and Epigenomics Translational Research (GENeTres), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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15
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Sánchez-Ramos R, Trujano-Chavez MZ, Gallegos-Sánchez J, Becerril-Pérez CM, Cadena-Villegas S, Cortez-Romero C. Detection of Candidate Genes Associated with Fecundity through Genome-Wide Selection Signatures of Katahdin Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020272. [PMID: 36670812 PMCID: PMC9854690 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the strategies to genetically improve reproductive traits, despite their low inheritability, has been the identification of candidate genes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to detect candidate genes associated with fecundity through the fixation index (FST) and runs of homozygosity (ROH) of selection signatures in Katahdin ewes. Productive and reproductive records from three years were used and the genotypes (OvineSNP50K) of 48 Katahdin ewes. Two groups of ewes were identified to carry out the genetic comparison: with high fecundity (1.3 ± 0.03) and with low fecundity (1.1 ± 0.06). This study shows for the first time evidence of the influence of the CNOT11, GLUD1, GRID1, MAPK8, and CCL28 genes in the fecundity of Katahdin ewes; in addition, new candidate genes were detected for fecundity that were not reported previously in ewes but that were detected for other species: ANK2 (sow), ARHGAP22 (cow and buffalo cow), GHITM (cow), HERC6 (cow), DPF2 (cow), and TRNAC-GCA (buffalo cow, bull). These new candidate genes in ewes seem to have a high expression in reproduction. Therefore, future studies are needed focused on describing the physiological basis of changes in the reproductive behavior influenced by these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyna Sánchez-Ramos
- Recursos Genéticos y Productividad-Ganadería, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Carretera Federal México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Texcoco 56264, Mexico
| | | | - Jaime Gallegos-Sánchez
- Recursos Genéticos y Productividad-Ganadería, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Carretera Federal México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Texcoco 56264, Mexico
| | - Carlos Miguel Becerril-Pérez
- Recursos Genéticos y Productividad-Ganadería, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Carretera Federal México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Texcoco 56264, Mexico
- Agroecosistemas Tropicales, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Veracruz, Carretera Xalapa-Veracruz Km. 88.5, Manlio Favio Altamirano, Veracruz 91690, Mexico
| | - Said Cadena-Villegas
- Producción Agroalimentaria en Trópico, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Tabasco, Periférico Carlos A. Molina, Ranchería Rio Seco y Montaña, Heroica Cárdenas 86500, Mexico
| | - César Cortez-Romero
- Recursos Genéticos y Productividad-Ganadería, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Carretera Federal México-Texcoco Km. 36.5, Texcoco 56264, Mexico
- Innovación en Manejo de Recursos Naturales, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus San Luis Potosí, Agustín de Iturbide No. 73, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí 78622, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5959-520-200 (ext. 4000)
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Patterns of Reproductive Management in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243455. [PMID: 36552375 PMCID: PMC9774088 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports findings regarding patterns of reproductive management in 325 sheep flocks and 119 goat herds throughout Greece. The objectives were to describe the patterns of reproductive management in sheep and goat farms, to highlight factors that were associated with these management patterns and the clinical application of the various reproductive management approaches in the farms and to establish potential associations with production outcomes. The median months of the start of the mating period for adult sheep and goats were May and June, respectively and for ewe lambs and replacement goats these were August and September, respectively. The median duration of the mating period was 2 months for adults and 1 month for replacements. The median ratio of female to male animals was 22:1 and 25:1 in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Control of reproduction was applied in 33.2% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively, mostly by intravaginal progestagen sponges and less often by melatonin implants; multivariable analysis indicated five (availability of milking parlour, number of ewes in a farm, number of daily milkings, daily period spent by farmers at the farm, farming tradition in the family) and two (number of daily milkings, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis ultrasonographically was performed in 36.6% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively; multivariable analysis indicated as significant three (management system applied in farms, age of farmer, farming tradition in the family) and two (management system applied in farms, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. The control of reproduction and pregnancy diagnosis were associated with a higher number of vaccinations during pregnancy: 2.6 and 2.7, respectively, versus 2.2 and 2.1 in farms where they were not performed. The average per farm number of lambs/kids born per female animal was 1.33 ± 0.01 and 1.30 ± 0.02 for sheep and goat farms, respectively; five (control of reproduction, location of the farm, presence of working staff, collaboration with veterinary practice, breed of ewes) and two (control of reproduction, breed of female goats) predictors were identified in sheep and goat farms, respectively, for high numbers of lambs/kids. Lambs/kids were taken away from their dams at the age of 50 and 65 days, respectively. The average culling age (females, males) was 5.9 and 4.4 years and 6.9 and 4.9 years for sheep and goats, respectively. Farmers sourced animals to be used as replacements for those removed from the farm, mostly from the animals in their own farms, considering criteria related to milk production. Finally, the application of the control of reproduction was associated with increased milk production and the number of newborns, whilst an inverse correlation between the culling age of animals and milk production was seen.
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17
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Talebi R, Ghaffari MR, Zeinalabedini M, Abdoli R, Mardi M. Genetic basis of muscle‐related traits in sheep: A review. Anim Genet 2022; 53:723-739. [DOI: 10.1111/age.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Talebi
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture Bu‐Ali Sina University Hamedan Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
| | - Mehrshad Zeinalabedini
- Department of Systems and Synthetic Biology Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
| | - Ramin Abdoli
- Iran Silk Research Center Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Gilan Iran
| | - Mohsen Mardi
- Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute of Iran Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) Karaj Iran
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18
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Dehghanian Reyhan V, Sadeghi M, Miraei-Ashtiani SR, Ghafouri F, Kastelic JP, Barkema HW. Integrated transcriptome and regulatory network analyses identify candidate genes and pathways modulating ewe fertility. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Tao L, Wang X, Zhong Y, Liu Q, Xia Q, Chen S, He X, Di R, Chu M. Combined approaches identify known and novel genes associated with sheep litter size and non-seasonal breeding. Anim Genet 2021; 52:857-867. [PMID: 34494299 DOI: 10.1111/age.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Improvement of ewe reproduction is considerable by appropriately increasing litter size and sustaining non-seasonal breeding. However, their genetic makeups have not been entirely elucidated. Genome-wide analyses of 821 individuals were performed by combining three genomic approaches (genome-wide association study, XP-nSL, and runs of homozygosity). Consequently, 35 candidate genes including three domestication genes (TSHR, GTF2A1, and KITLG) were identified. Other than the FecB mutation at BMPR1B, we described a significant association of a missense mutation rs406686139 at seasonal lambing-associated TSHR gene with litter size. Some promising novel genes may be relevant for sheep reproduction by multitude biological processes, such as FETUB functioning in fertilization, HNRNPA1 in oogenesis, DCUN1D1 in spermatogenesis, and HRG in fertility outcome. The present study suggests that improvement of ewe reproduction is attributed to selective breeding, and casts light on the genetic basis and improvement of sheep reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yingjie Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Si Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
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20
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Simões J, Abecia JA, Cannas A, Delgadillo JA, Lacasta D, Voigt K, Chemineau P. Review: Managing sheep and goats for sustainable high yield production. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100293. [PMID: 34294548 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the most relevant aspects of nutritional, reproductive and health management, the three pillars of flock efficiency, production and sustainability regarding the intensification of production in sheep and goats. In small ruminants, reproductive management is dependent on seasonality, which in turn depends on breed and latitude. Nutrition represents the major cost for flocks and greatly affects their health, the quality of their products and their environmental impact. High-yielding sheep and goats have very high requirements and dietary intake, requiring nutrient-dense diets and sophisticated nutritional management that should always consider the strong interrelationships among nutrition, immunity, health, reproduction, housing and farm management. The reproductive pattern is to a great extent assisted by out-of-season breeding, facilitating genetic improvement schemes, and more recently by advanced reproductive technologies. Heath management aims to control or eradicate economic and zoonotic diseases, ensuring animal health and welfare, food safety and low ecosystem and environmental impacts in relation to chemical residues and pathogen circulation. In highly producing systems, nutrition, genetic and hazard factors assume a complex interrelationship. Genomic and management improvement research and technological innovation are the keys to sustain sheep and goat production in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simões
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - J A Abecia
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragon (IUCA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - A Cannas
- Dipartimento di Agraria, sezione di Scienze zootecniche, Università di Sassari, viale Italia 39, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - J A Delgadillo
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Caprina (CIRCA), Programa de Posgrado en Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Periférico Raúl López Sánchez y Carretera a Santa Fe, 27054 Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - D Lacasta
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza - Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - K Voigt
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Sonnenstr. 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - P Chemineau
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE), Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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21
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Das A, Shaha M, Gupta MD, Dutta A, Miazi OF. Polymorphism of fecundity genes (BMP15 and GDF9) and their association with litter size in Bangladeshi prolific Black Bengal goat. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:230. [PMID: 33772358 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Goat farming in Bangladesh is primarily centred on indigenous Black Bengal goat, a highly prolific breed. Searching for genetic markers associated with prolificacy in this breed is vital for the country's goat breeding industry. However, there are no reports on polymorphisms associated with the fertility of Bangladeshi Black Bengal goats. This study investigated two major fecundity genes-bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) to detect any possible mutations in these two genes associated with litter size in Black Bengal goats. Blood samples were collected from 40 raised goats in Hathazari Government Goat Farm, Bangladesh. Genomic DNA was extracted; PCR amplification was performed; and sequencing of PCR products was performed to detect polymorphism loci in the target genes. Five SNPs viz. C735A, C743A, G754T, C781A and C808G were detected in exon 2 of BMP15 gene. A SNP (T1173A) was detected in GDF9 exon 2. Association results show that SNPs at the 735, 754 and 781 nucleotide positions of BMP15 exon 2 had a significant association with litter size in Black Bengal goat. The effect of parity was also highly significant (P < 0.001) on litter size. For the first time, this study explored SNP loci in fecundity genes in Bangladeshi prolific Black Bengal goats. Further studies with many genetically unrelated animals for assessing the association of these loci and others in the fecundity genes with litter size may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Das
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh.
| | - Mishuk Shaha
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Mukta Das Gupta
- Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Avijit Dutta
- Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Omar Faruk Miazi
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
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Alon T, Matas D, Koren L, Gootwine E. Higher cortisol and testosterone levels in sheep with larger litter sizes. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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