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Wang Z, Chen Q, Wang Y, Wang Y, Liu R. Refine localizations of functional variants affecting eggshell color of Lueyang black-boned chicken in the SLCO1B3. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103212. [PMID: 37980747 PMCID: PMC10685018 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103212] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Table eggs with color-uniformity shell are visually attractive for consumers. Lueyang black-boned chicken (LBC) lays colorful eggs, which is undesirable for sale of table eggs, but provides a segregating population for mapping functional variants affecting eggshell color. SLCO1B3 was identified as the causative gene for blue eggs in the Dongxiang and Araucana chickens. The aim of this study is to map functional variants associated with chicken eggshell color in the SLCO1B3. Eggshell color of LBC (n = 383) was measured using the L*a*b color space. SLCO1B3 was resequencing using a subset (n = 30) of 383 samples. Linkage disequilibrium among 139 SNP was analyzed. Association of 16 SNP in the SLCO1B3 and 8 in CPOX, ALAS1, and ABCG2 genes with L*a*b were tested by a polygenic model (LMM) and a polygenic/oligogenic mixed model (BSLMM). Chromatin state annotations were retrieved from the UCSC database. Effect of SLCO1B3 variants distributed in mapping and upstream 1.6-kb regions on promoter activities were analyzed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. One hundred and thirty-nine variants maintained low linkage disequilibrium with 80% of r2 less than 0.226. Fifteen SLCO1B3 variants were significantly associated with a*, of which 1B3_SNP108 was showed the strongest association and the largest effect on a*. In the BSLMM, 1B3_SNP108 alone appeared in the Markov chain Monte Carlo as major variants in 100% of posterior inclusion probability. None of variants in CPOX, ALAS1, and ABCG2 were significantly associated with color indexes except that 2 ALAS1 variants were associated with L*. 1B3_SNP108 distributes in the Intron4 where 6 active enhancers and 1 ATAC island were enriched. However, 1B3_SNP108-containing constructs showed negligible activities in the reporter assay. No significant differences of activities between haplotypes were found for five 5'-deleted promoter constructs. The data recognizes 1B3_SNP108 as a valuable marker for breeding of eggshell color. Functional variants are localized in the region adjacent to the 1B3_SNP108 due to low linkage disequilibrium in the LBC. Our findings extend the role of SLCO1B3 from a causative gene for blue eggs to a major regulator driving continuous variation of LBC eggshell color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhepeng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qiu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yulu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
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Butler MW, Cullen ZE, Garti CM, Howard DE, Corpus BA, McNish BA, Hines JK. Physiologically Relevant Levels of Biliverdin Do Not Significantly Oppose Oxidative Damage in Plasma In Vitro. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:294-303. [PMID: 37418605 DOI: 10.1086/725402] [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] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAntioxidants have important physiological roles in limiting the amount of oxidative damage that an organism experiences. One putative antioxidant is biliverdin, a pigment that is most commonly associated with the blue or green colors of avian eggshells. However, despite claims that biliverdin functions as an antioxidant, neither the typical physiological concentrations of biliverdin in most species nor the ability of biliverdin to oppose oxidative damage at these concentrations has been examined. Therefore, we quantified biliverdin in the plasma of six bird species and found that they circulated levels of biliverdin between 0.02 and 0.5 μM. We then used a pool of plasma from northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) and spiked it with one of seven different concentrations of biliverdin, creating plasma-based solutions ranging from 0.09 to 231 μM biliverdin. We then compared each solution's ability to oppose oxidative damage in response to hydrogen peroxide relative to a control addition of water. We found that hydrogen peroxide consistently induced moderate amounts of oxidative damage (quantified as reactive oxygen metabolites) but that no concentration of biliverdin ameliorated this damage. However, biliverdin and hydrogen peroxide interacted, as the amount of biliverdin in hydrogen peroxide-treated samples was reduced to approximately zero, unless the initial concentration was over 100 μM biliverdin. These preliminary findings based on in vitro work indicate that while biliverdin may have important links to metabolism and immune function, at physiologically relevant concentrations it does not detectably oppose hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in plasma.
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A new molecular mechanism supports that blue-greenish egg color evolved independently across chicken breeds. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102223. [PMID: 36283143 PMCID: PMC9597111 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken blue-greenish coloration (BGC) was known as a classic Mendel trait caused by a retrovirus (EAV-HP) insertion in the SLCO1B3 gene. Lueyang black-boned chicken (LBC) BGC is light and varies continuously, implying that LBC BGC may be controlled by a new molecular mechanism. The aim of this study was to provide an insight into the molecular basis of LBC BGC. The EAV-HP was detected in the BGC (n = 105) and non-BGC LBC (n = 474) using a PCR-based method. The association of SLCO1B3 expression in shell glands and sequence variants in a 1.6-kb region upstream from the transcription start site of SLCO1B3 with eggshell color and biliverdin (pigment for BGC) concentration was studied. Promoter activities of haplotypes in the 1.6-kb region were analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. This study did not found the EAV-HP in BGC and Non-BGC LBC, but detected a strong positive correlation between levels of SLCO1B3 expression in shell glands and biliverdin concentrations. A total of 31 SNP were found in the 1.6-kb region. Twenty-two of 31 SNP formed 42 types of haplotypes in the re-sequenced samples (n = 94). Haplotype 4 was present in higher frequency in the BGC (52%) than Non-BGC (3%). Haplotype 13 was significantly associated with Non-BGC (Non-BGC vs. BGC = 26% vs. 6%). In line with the above associations, Haplotype 4 showed higher (P < 0.05) levels of SLCO1B3 expression in shell glands, biliverdin concentration, and promoter activity than Haplotype 13. This study confirms that LBC BGC is not caused by the EAV-HP, but remains to be associated with the change of SLCO1B3 expression. Haplotype 4 accounts to some extents for the molecular basis of LBC BGC. The new molecular mechanism supports LBC BGC independently evolved.
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Liu H, Hu J, Guo Z, Fan W, Xu Y, Liang S, Liu D, Zhang Y, Xie M, Tang J, Huang W, Zhang Q, Xi Y, Li Y, Wang L, Ma S, Jiang Y, Feng Y, Wu Y, Cao J, Zhou Z, Hou S. A single nucleotide polymorphism variant located in the cis-regulatory region of the ABCG2 gene is associated with mallard egg colour. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:1477-1491. [PMID: 33372351 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Avian egg coloration is shaped by natural selection, but its genetic basis remains unclear. Here, we used genome-wide association analysis and identity by descent to finely map green egg colour to a 179-kb region of Chr4 based on the resequencing of 352 ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) from a segregating population resulting from the mating of Pekin ducks (white-shelled eggs) and mallards (green-shelled eggs). We further narrowed the candidate region to a 30-kb interval by comparing genome divergence in seven indigenous duck populations. Among the genes located in the finely mapped region, only one transcript of the ABCG2 gene (XM_013093252.2) exhibited higher uterine expression in green-shelled individuals than in white-shelled individuals, as supported by transcriptome data from four populations. ABCG2 has been reported to encode a protein that functions as a membrane transporter for biliverdin. Sanger sequencing of the whole 30-kb candidate region (Chr4: 47.41-47.44 Mb) and a plasmid reporter assay helped to identify a single nucleotide polymorphism (Chr4: 47,418,074 G>A) located in a conserved predicted promoter region whose variation may alter ABCG2 transcription activity. We provide a useful molecular marker for duck breeding and contribute data to the research on ecological evolution based on egg colour patterns among birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehe Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanbao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaxi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Suyun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dapeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xi
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanying Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengchao Ma
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junting Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengkui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuisheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhu Y, Yin L, Ge J, Wu X, Peng Y, Zhang T, Jiang M. Astaxanthin supplementation enriches productive performance, physiological and immunological responses in laying hens. Anim Biosci 2020; 34:443-448. [PMID: 33332949 PMCID: PMC7961203 DOI: 10.5713/ab.20.0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Astaxanthin is a natural super antioxidant. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of astaxanthin rich Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) supplementation in diets on laying production performance, egg quality, antioxidant defenses and immune defenses in laying hens. Methods A total of five hundred and twelve 60-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens (2,243±12 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each including 4 replicates with 32 birds per replicate. Astaxanthin rich PR was added to corn-soybean meal diets to produce experimental diets containing 0 (Control), 800 mg/kg, 1,200 mg/kg, and 1,600 mg/kg PR, respectively. The astaxanthin content in the diet was 0.96 mg/kg, 1.44 mg/kg and 1.92 mg/kg respectively. Results Results showed that dietary PR supplementation tended to increase daily feed intake (p = 0.0512). There was no effect of astaxanthin rich PR on Haugh units, albumen height, egg shape index, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness at weeks 6 (p>0.05). However, egg yolk color was significantly improved (p<0.05). In addition, astaxanthin rich PR supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity (p<0.05), increased serum immunoglobulin G content (p<0.05), and reduced malondialdehyde content (p<0.05) in laying hens. Conclusion In conclusion, astaxanthin rich PR can improve the color of egg yolk, enhance the antioxidant defenses, and regulate the immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhao Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health of the Anhui Province, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
| | - Long Yin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health of the Anhui Province, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
| | - Jinshan Ge
- Shandong Zhongcheng feed Technology Co., Ltd, Feicheng, 271600, China
| | - Xuezhuang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health of the Anhui Province, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
| | - Yuhan Peng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health of the Anhui Province, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health of the Anhui Province, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
| | - Meihong Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health of the Anhui Province, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Bengbu 233100, China
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Christensen TK, Balsby TJS. Condition dependent strategies of egg size variation in the Common Eider Somateria mollissima. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226532. [PMID: 32716933 PMCID: PMC7384649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We analysed intraclutch egg-size variation over the laying sequence in relation to clutch size, and the relation between clutch size and female body condition, in the Common Eider Somateria mollissima during an 8-year period. The aim was to assess if eiders adjusted egg size within the laying sequence depending on clutch sizes in response to body condition, as such an adjustment could have adaptive implications on reproductive success through a size advantage for the hatchlings. The analyses were performed on a population level; and then at the individual level using data from recaptured females that changed clutch size between years. Based on 1,099 clutches from 812 individual females, population clutch size averaged 4.13 eggs (range: 1–6), with 4- and 5-egg clutchesconstituting c.70% of all clutches, taking turns in being the most represented clutch size. Clutch size was positively related to female pre-laying body condition at both the population and individual levels. Egg size varied significantly within and between clutch sizes and changes were significantly related to the laying sequence. First eggs were significantly larger in 4-egg clutches and second eggs marginally smaller than in 5-egg clutches, a pattern also found among individual females changing clutch size between years. The relationship between female pre-laying body condition and clutch size, and the intraclutch egg-size pattern indicate that both clutch size and egg size are actively adapted to the pre-breeding body condition of the female. As egg size potentially optimise reproductive success through a size advantage in hatchlings, the observed pattern of intraclutch egg-size variation suggests that female eiders possesses a finely tuned conditional dependent mechanism that may optimize reproductive output in years were females are in suboptimal body condition for breeding.
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Morales J. Eggshell Biliverdin as an Antioxidant Maternal Effect. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000010. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Morales
- National Museum of Natural SciencesSpanish National Research Council (CSIC) c/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 Madrid 28006 Spain
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Javůrková VG, Pokorná M, Mikšík I, Tůmová E. Concentration of egg white antimicrobial and immunomodulatory proteins is related to eggshell pigmentation across traditional chicken breeds. Poult Sci 2019; 98:6931-6941. [PMID: 31420680 PMCID: PMC8913977 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Gvoždíková Javůrková
- Department of Animal Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Corresponding author
| | - Monika Pokorná
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Tůmová
- Department of Animal Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Hoi H, Darolová A, Krištofík J, Poláček M, Majtán J, Zeman M, Okuliarová M, Turčoková L, Knauer F. Covariation between eggshell colouration and eggshell bacteria abundance and egg characteristics in blackbirds. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2019.1575910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Hoi
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alžbeta Darolová
- Department of Animal Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Krištofík
- Department of Animal Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Poláček
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Juraj Majtán
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Zeman
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Okuliarová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Turčoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Felix Knauer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
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Lee AR, Niu KM, Lee WD, Kothari D, Kim SK. Comparison of the Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum, and Fermented and Non-Fermented Artemisia Annua on the Performance, Egg Quality, Serum Cholesterol, and Eggyolk-Oxidative Stability During Storage in Laying Hens. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2018-0903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AR Lee
- Konkuk University, Republic of Korea
| | - KM Niu
- Konkuk University, Republic of Korea
| | - WD Lee
- Konkuk University, Republic of Korea
| | - D Kothari
- Konkuk University, Republic of Korea
| | - SK Kim
- Konkuk University, Republic of Korea
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Resolving tradeoffs among crypsis, escape behavior, and microhabitat use in sexually dichromatic species. Oecologia 2018; 189:91-104. [PMID: 30430233 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Variation in color pattern between populations of cryptic animals is common and typically attributed to selection pressures from visual predators combined with variation in substrate composition. However, little is known about how cryptic color pattern relates to varied rates of predation, and few studies simultaneously analyze patterns of escape behavior and microhabitat use along with variation in color pattern, even though these traits evolve in tandem. Here, we use a combination of calibrated photographs and spectrometry to examine the influence of spatial heterogeneity in rates of predation on dorsal brightness in the Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi), a cryptic and sexually dimorphic species. Simultaneously, we analyze patterns of escape behavior and microhabitat use measured in the field. The results of this study indicate that populations inhabiting environments of increased predation have less color variation and more closely match the color of local substrate than populations sampled in environments of relaxed predation. Populations exposed to increased predation also show more pronounced escape behavior and are more selective in their use of microhabitat. Interestingly, geographic variation of dorsal brightness, escape behavior, and microhabitat use were greater for females than for males. Our results not only provide empirical evidence for theories of adaptive coloration, but suggest that sexual dichromatism can be maintained by selection pressures related to predation.
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Kitowski I, Jakubas D, Indykiewicz P, Wiącek D. Factors Affecting Element Concentrations in Eggshells of Three Sympatrically Nesting Waterbirds in Northern Poland. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:318-329. [PMID: 29170796 PMCID: PMC5807457 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Avian eggshells are convenient samples in biomonitoring studies, because they are easily accessible, especially from colonially or semicolonially breeding birds. In the present study, concentrations of 17 elements, including heavy metals and essential elements in post-hatch eggshells, were compared among three species of waterbirds of differing strategies for gaining reserves for egg production and diet: mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (ML, a capital breeder, mainly herbivorous), common tern, Sterna hirundo (CT, an income breeder, piscivorous) and black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (BHG, mixed strategy, omnivorous) and breeding sympatrically in three sites in North Poland. Analyses revealed that Fe, Zn, and Cu levels differed the most in the studied species, which may be explained by various contributions of fish, aquatic plants, and soil invertebrates in their diets. Generally, the studied species' eggshells accumulated amounts of elements comparable to those reported for other waterbirds without putting the growth and development of the embryo at risk. The only exception was very high levels of Cr in ML and CT, which may be explained by their foraging on aquatic organisms in waterbodies polluted by this element. Intersite differences in eggshell concentrations of Ni, Sr, Hg and Cr in CT (an income breeder) may be explained by the influence of local pollution sources (small factories, polluted river).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacy Kitowski
- State School of Higher Education in Chełm, Pocztowa 54, 22-100, Chełm, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jakubas
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Indykiewicz
- Department of Biology and Animal Environment, University of Sciences and Technology, Kordeckiego 20, 85-225, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Wiącek
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290, Lublin, Poland
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Hargitai R, Boross N, Hámori S, Neuberger E, Nyiri Z. Eggshell Biliverdin and Protoporphyrin Pigments in a Songbird: Are They Derived from Erythrocytes, Blood Plasma, or the Shell Gland? Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:613-626. [DOI: 10.1086/694297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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14
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Wang Z, Meng G, Bai Y, Liu R, Du Y, Su L. Comparative transcriptome analysis provides clues to molecular mechanisms underlying blue-green eggshell color in the Jinding duck (Anas platyrhynchos). BMC Genomics 2017; 18:725. [PMID: 28899357 PMCID: PMC5596863 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In birds, blue-green eggshell color (BGEC) is caused by biliverdin, a bile pigment derived from the degradation of heme and secreted in the eggshell by the shell gland. Functionally, BGEC might promote the paternal investment of males in the nest and eggs. However, little is known about its formation mechanisms. Jinding ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are an ideal breed for research into the mechanisms, in which major birds lay BGEC eggs with minor individuals laying white eggs. Using this breed, this study aimed to provide insight into the mechanisms via comparative transcriptome analysis. RESULTS Blue-shelled ducks (BSD) and white-shelled ducks (WSD) were selected from two populations, forming 4 groups (3 ducks/group): BSD1 and WSD1 from population 1 and BSD2 and WSD2 from population 2. Twelve libraries from shell glands were sequenced using the Illumina RNA-seq platform, generating an average of 41 million clean reads per library, of which 55.9% were mapped to the duck reference genome and assembled into 31,542 transcripts. Expression levels of 11,698 genes were successfully compared between all pairs of 4 groups. Of these, 464 candidate genes were differentially expressed between cross-phenotype groups, but not for between same-phenotype groups. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation showed that 390 candidate genes were annotated with 2234 GO terms. No candidate genes were directly involved in biosynthesis or transport of biliverdin. However, the integral components of membrane, metal ion transport, cholesterol biosynthesis, signal transduction, skeletal system development, and chemotaxis were significantly (P < 0.05) overrepresented by candidate genes. CONCLUSIONS This study identified 464 candidate genes associated with duck BGEC, providing valuable information for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this trait. Given the involvement of membrane cholesterol contents, ions and ATP levels in modulating the transport activity of bile pigment transporters, the data suggest a potential association between duck BGEC and the transport activity of the related transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhepeng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No.22, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Guohua Meng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No.22, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yun Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No.22, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No.22, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yu Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No.22, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lihong Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road No.22, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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15
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Poláček M, Bartíková M, Hoi H. Intraclutch eggshell colour variation in birds: are females able to identify their eggs individually? PeerJ 2017; 5:e3707. [PMID: 28875071 PMCID: PMC5581944 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One possibility suggested regarding female post-mating strategies is differential allocation into offspring investment. Female birds produce not only the largest, but also most colourful eggs of all oviparous taxa. Larger eggs provide space for bigger embryos, or more nutrition for their development, but the question why eggs are more colourful and why there is variation in eggshell colouration remains. In this context, the focus of interest has been to explain inter-clutch variation but in many bird species, eggshell colouration also varies within a clutch. Surprisingly, less attention has been paid to this phenomenon. Therefore, we propose the "female egg recognition" hypothesis, suggesting that mothers use colour characteristics to interpret egg attributes and allocate further investment into each egg accordingly. To evaluate the feasibility of the hypothesis, we tested several underlying predictions and examined their suitability using a dataset from our tree sparrow (Passer montanus) study. We predict (i) substantial within-clutch variation in eggshell colouration which, (ii) should be related to laying sequence, (iii) reflect egg quality and, (iv) should stimulate a female response. METHODS Eggshell coloration data were obtained via digital photography under standardized conditions, taken after clutch completion. Lightness (L*), representing the achromatic properties of an egg has been chosen as the most important predictor in dark cavities and was related to egg quality and position in the nest. RESULTS In our tree sparrows, first and mainly last eggs were less pigmented, providing information about laying order. Egg volume, which predicts chick quality, positively correlates with eggshell coloration. Finally, we could show that female tree sparrows placed darker, but not bigger, eggs into more central incubation positions. DISCUSSION All basic prerequisites for the "female egg recognition" hypothesis are fulfilled. In this context practicability and feasibility of the hypothesis and alternative explanations are discussed. However future work is necessary to determine a direct effect on offspring condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Poláček
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Bartíková
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Hoi
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Hargitai R, Boross N, Nyiri Z, Eke Z. Biliverdin- and protoporphyrin-based eggshell pigmentation in relation to antioxidant supplementation, female characteristics and egg traits in the canary (Serinus canaria). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2214-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Body mass and immune function, but not bill coloration, predict dominance in female mallards. Behav Processes 2016; 131:59-67. [PMID: 27561967 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Competition over indivisible resources is common and often costly. Therefore, selection should favor strategies, including efficient communication, that minimize unnecessary costs associated with such competition. For example, signaling enables competitors to avoid engaging in costly asymmetrical contests. Recently, bill coloration has been identified as an information-rich signal used by some birds to mediate aggressive interactions and we evaluated this possibility in female mallards Anas platyrhynchos. Specifically, we conducted two rounds of competitive interactions among groups of unfamiliar adult female ducks. By recording all aggressive behaviors exhibited by each individual, as well as the identity of attack recipients, we were able to assign dominance scores and evaluate links between numerous physiological, morphological, and experimental variables that we predicted would influence contest outcome and dominance. Contrary to our predictions, dominance was not linked to any aspect of bill coloration, access to dietary carotenoids during development, two of three measures of immune function, or ovarian follicle maturation. Instead, heavier birds were more dominant, as were those with reduced immune system responses to an experimentally administered external immunostimulant, phytohemagglutinin. These results suggest that visual signals are less useful during the establishment of dominance hierarchies within multi-individual scramble competitions, and that immune function is correlated with contest strategies in competitions for access to limited resources.
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18
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Abstract
Although egg color is generally consistent within individual birds and robust to environmental variation, recent evidence suggests a degree of susceptibility to environmental perturbation or modulation of egg color. Most of this variation manifests via the physiology of the laying female, but some direct impacts of the environment on laid eggs have also been discovered. Here we test whether light changes bird egg color and we quantify its effect, by subjecting variable blue-green eggs of Rüppell's weaver (Ploceus galbula) to a broad-spectrum light source under laboratory conditions, and measuring egg reflectance every few hours. Eggshells gradually decreased in reflectance across the entire measured wavelength spectrum of 250-800 nm. Reflectance peaks were disproportionately affected, such that the height decreased of both the blue-green peak and the smaller UV peak typical of blue-green eggs. The reflectance of lighter eggs was affected slightly more than that of darker eggs. These changes are similar to previous results for changes over long periods of time in darkness, suggesting that light might hasten the same process of pigment degradation that proceeds even without light. Comparison between the experimental light source and both sunlight and typical artificial lighting situations raises the possibility that significant color change might occur during incubation in some birds, but indicates that eggshell illumination in museums for short periods of study is unlikely to affect their color to a detectable extent. Additional research should be performed on eggs of other species and in other light environments, with an eye to an eventual generalized model of the effect of light on eggshell color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Y. Navarro
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, New York, United States of America
| | - David C. Lahti
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, New York, United States of America
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Duval C, Zimmer C, Mikšík I, Cassey P, Spencer KA. Early life stress shapes female reproductive strategy through eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:146-53. [PMID: 25169834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Physiological constraints on colouration have been widely reported; especially in birds, which trade-off antioxidant responses against colourful costly signals. One female extended phenotypic trait, which might also highlight important physiological trade-offs, is the pigmentation of their eggshells. In ground-nesting species, producing eggs that are visually undetectable by predators is the best camouflage strategy. However, the condition-dependence of eggshell pigmentation, and the pigments role in oxidative stress, may constrain females to trade-off between their antioxidant capacity and maximising the camouflage of their eggs when they deposit eggshell pigments. Developmental stress is one factor that influences female antioxidant capacity, and could lead to variations in eggshell pigmentation that might have crucial consequences on individual fitness if egg crypsis is compromised especially under stressful conditions. We investigated the interaction between developmental and breeding conditions with respect to eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail. We studied 30 females that bred under both control and stressful conditions, and were exposed to pre- and/or post-natal stress, or neither. Pre- and post-natal stress independently influenced eggshell pigmentation strategies under stressful breeding conditions. Under stressful reproduction, eggshell protoporphyrin concentration and maculation were affected by pre-natal stress, whereas eggshell reflectance and biliverdin concentration were influenced by post-natal stress. These changes may reflect potential adaptive strategies shaped by developmental stress, but additional data on the benefit of egg crypsis in quail, combined with studies on the role of both pigments on chick survival, will help to clarify whether early life stress can enhance fitness through eggshell pigmentation when developmental and reproductive environments match.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Duval
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife KY169JP, United Kingdom.
| | - Cédric Zimmer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife KY169JP, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace SA 5005, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Karen A Spencer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife KY169JP, United Kingdom
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