MTNR1A gene polymorphisms and reproductive recovery after seasonal anoestrus in different Mediterranean sheep breeds

The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on reproductive performance in ewes of one Italian and two Slovenian dairy sheep breeds (Sarda, Istrian Premenka and Boska, respectively) which were located at different latitudes, and 2) to highlight if the different season of the male placement with females that was utilized in the different breeding systems in Sardinia (Italy) and Slovenia resulted in different effects of these polymorphisms on reproductive functions. Reproductively mature ewes (n = 100) from each breed were utilized to conduct the study. To evaluate the reproductive efficiency, lambing dates and number of lambs born were recorded per ewe; additionally, the duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing (DRPEL), litter size and the fertility rate were determined based on lambing dates. In each breed, there were eight nucleotide variations within the MTNR1A gene exon II, two of which (g.17355358 and g.17355171), respectively, resulted in a valine to isoleucine, and alanine to aspartic acid substitution, in amino acid sequence. The SNPs at position g.17355452 and g.17355458 were determined to have effects on reproductive performance. Genotypes C/C and C/T at g.17355452 in Bovska and Sarda and genotype A/A at g.17355458 in Istrian Pramenka were associated with a greater fertility and a lesser duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing. These findings confirmed that the nucleotide sequences of the MTNR1A gene could affect reproductive functions of Mediterranean sheep.

Polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence the age at first mating in autumn-born ram-lambs and sexual activity of adult rams in spring

The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence the age at first mating in autumn-born ram-lambs and influence the out-of-season sexual activity of adult rams. In experiment 1, 24 Rasa Aragonesa ram-lambs born in September were genotyped for their RsaI and MnlI allelic variants of the MTNR1A gene, and the date of their first mounting with ejaculation after a period of semen collection training was documented. In experiment 2, the reproductive behavior, testicle size, and plasma testosterone concentrations of 18 adult rams (6 rams for each RsaI genotype) were recorded at the beginning (March) and end (May) of the seasonal anestrus. The number of days of training to achieve the first mating with ejaculation in T/T (C/C: 85.17 ± 12.08 C/T: 86.60 ± 18.87; T/T; 26.50 ± 24.50 d; P < 0.05), and G/G ram-lambs (G/G: 51.57 ± 14.99; A/G: 95.58 ± 10.95 d; P < 0.05) was significantly fewer than it was in the other genotypes. Likewise, for the RsaI genotype, 55% of the vulva-sniffing (P < 0.001), 48% of the approaches (P < 0.01), 48% of the mountings (P < 0.05) and 49% total activities (P < 0.001) were performed by T/T rams in March, and 50% of the sexual events in May (P < 0.001). For the Mnll variant, G/G rams performed a significantly (P < 0.001) larger proportion of the vulva-sniffing (41%), approaches (46%) and total activities (40%) in March, and 52% of the vulva-sniffing (P < 0.001), 43%, of the approaches (P < 0.001), 46% of the mountings (P < 0.05), and 47% of the total activities (P < 0.001) in May. Scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and plasma testosterone concentrations did not differ significantly among genotypes. Results confirmed that the polymorphisms of the MTNR1A gene sequence can influence reproductive performance in young and adult rams. Autumn-born ram-lambs that carried the T/T or G/G genotype had an advanced ability to reproduce, and T/T or G/G adult rams exhibited the most intense reproductive behavior. Genotyping might be a useful procedure for identifying the correct and rational use of rams in modern sheep farming.

Reproductive performance in three Slovenian sheep breeds with different alleles for the MTNR1A gene

The aim of the research was to describe the polymorphisms of the MTNR1A gene in three Slovenian sheep breeds, and determine whether these polymorphisms affect reproductive performance. A total of 100 Bovška, 110 Istrian Pramenka, and 108 Jezersko-Solčavska ewes, were used. The rams were placed with the ewes on 10 October (Bovška), and 20 September (Istrian Pramenka). At each farm, the lambing date and number of newborn lambs were recorded to evaluate the fertility rate, number of days from ram placement with ewes to lambing (DRIL), and litter size. The Jezersko-Solčavska rams were maintained with the ewes of the flock throughout the year and data related to lambing during the entire year were recorded. The DNA sequences indicated there were eight nucleotide variations and that in the position g.17355358 was always associated with that in the position g.17355452. For the Bovška breed, there was an association between the G/G genotype in the position g.17355452, and relatively greater fertility (P < 0.05) and a shorter DIRL (P < 0.05). For the Istrian Pramenka breed, the T/T genotype in the position g.17355458 was positively associated with a greater fertility (P < 0.05) and shorter DRIL (P < 0.05). For the Jezersko-Solčavska breed, ewes with the G/G genotype in the position g.17355452 lambed more when there was a decreasing photoperiod whereas the ewes with the A/A genotype lambed more (P < 0.05) during the period when there were increasing photoperiods. The different polymorphisms studied were associated with reproductive performance in the three Slovenian breeds.

Melatonin treatment and male replacement every week on the reproductive performance in Sarda sheep breed

The aim of this study was to highlight whether the combination of melatonin treatment and weekly male replacement could influence reproductive performances in Sarda sheep breed. In a preselected farm, on 5th March 2016, 400 lactating ewes were identified, aged 3-5 years, with body condition score (BCS) 2.5-4.0, who lambed between 20th October and 1st December 2015. The 400 chosen animals were subsequently divided into 4 groups with 100 animals in each group (M, MR, C and CR). On 20th March 2016 the animals of Group M and MR (consisting of 100 ewes each) were treated with melatonin implants and on 24th April 2016 five entire rams were introduced into each group. In groups MR and CR, males were replaced each week with other males whereas in groups M and C the introduced males were not replaced. The MR group showed the highest fertility (number of lambed ewes) compared to the other three groups (P < 0.01). Both the melatonin treated groups (M and MR) exhibited an increase in fertility greater than the controls groups C and CR (P < 0.01). However, when the two groups treated with melatonin were compared, the MR group showed a higher fertility than the M group (P < 0.01). The same can be said for the two control groups, of which the CR group showed a greater increase in fertility than the C group (P < 0.01). The mean interval of days from male introduction to lambing was lower in the treated than in the control groups (P < 0.05). The MR group presented the lowest mean interval of days from male introduction to lambing amongst all of the groups (P < 0.05). A similar trend was recorded for group CR when compared to group C (P < 0.05). In the MR and M groups the lambing peak was recorded close to 170 days after the males introduction, whereas the CR group and the C group were reported to be around 180 days and 190 days, respectively. At the 170th day from the male introduction the number of ewes lambed in the MR group was greater than that of the M group (P < 0.05) (60 vs. 42), and more than double of that of the C and CR groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, weekly male replacement improved the reproductive activity and strengthened the effect of the pineal hormone on reproductive efficiency. Therefore male replacement either in untreated animals or in association with the melatonin implants, can be straightforwardly applied to guarantee a more efficient reproduction in sheep breeding.

Influences of melatonin treatment, melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and kisspeptin (KiSS-1) gene polymorphisms on first conception in Sarda ewe lambs

In order to investigate if the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and kisspeptin (KiSS-1) genes influence the reproductive response to melatonin treatment, 510 Sarda ewe lambs were divided into groups C (control) and M; Group M received one melatonin implant (18 mg). After 35 days rams were introduced for 40 days and subsequent lambing dates and number of newborns were recorded. The MTNR1A gene Exon II and KiSS-1 gene Exon I were amplified and genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; C606T and G612A) in MTNR1A and one (G1035A) in KiSS-1 were found. The most frequent genotypes were G/G (63%) and C/C (53%) for MTNR1A and G/G (92%) for KiSS-1. Treated animals showed a higher lambing rate (P < 0.05) and an advanced lambing date (P < 0.05) compared with controls. The three SNPs did not influence the onset of reproductive activity. The majority of the G/G animals of Group M lambed before 190 days after ram introduction (P < 0.05), while in Group C a higher number of G/G animals lambed after this date. Data revealed the positive effect of melatonin treatment on the time of first conception in ewe lambs and highlighted that the G/G genotype of the MTNR1A gene is able to influence the reproductive response to melatonin treatment.

Melatonin treatment in spring and reproductive recovery in sheep with different body condition score and age

With the aim to evaluate the effect of melatonin treatment on the advanced reproductive recovery in sheep with different body condition score (BCS) and age, 800 ewes were selected from two farms. These ewes (3-6 years old, multiparous and with BCS 2.5-4.0) were subdivided into two Groups (200 M and 200 C), balanced on their BCS and age. On 20 March, Group M was treated with one melatonin implant (18 mg). Group C was untreated. Males were introduced to the groups 35 days after treatment. Gestation was diagnosed between day 45 and 90 after mating by transabdominal ultrasonography. From day 150 to 190 after rams introduction, lambing date and newborns' number were recorded. The average time in days between male introduction and lambing resulted shorter in treated than in control ewes (166.4 ± 0.48 vs. 172.5 ± 0.50) (P < 0.05). At day 160 and 170 from ram introduction the fertility rate was higher in Group M than in C (P < 0.05). The overall fertility at day 190 from rams introduction showed no differences between Group M and C (337 and 339, respectively). At day 170 from male introduction the number of the 5-6 years-old lambed ewes were 2-fold higher than the youngers (P < 0.05). The animals with a BCS 3.5-4.0 had a faster response to male effect, and a shorter mean distance in days from rams introduction to lambing, compared to those scored 2.5-3.0 (166.1 ± 0.48 vs. 174.8 ± 0.51) (P < 0.05). We concluded that the ewes with BCS 3.5-4.0 and aged 5-6 years showed a better response to melatonin treatment in spring.

Sequence polymorphisms at the growth hormone GH1/GH2-N and GH2-Z gene copies and their relationship with dairy traits in domestic sheep (Ovis aries)

The purpose was to analyze the growth hormone GH1/GH2-N and GH2-Z gene copies and to assess their possible association with milk traits in Sarda sheep. Two hundred multiparous lactating ewes were monitored. The two gene copies were amplified separately and each was used as template for a nested PCR, to investigate single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) of the 5'UTR, exon-1, exon-5 and 3'UTR DNA regions. SSCP analysis revealed marked differences in the number of polymorphic patterns between the two genes. Sequencing revealed five nucleotide changes at the GH1/GH2-N gene. Five nucleotide changes occurred at the GH2-Z gene: one was located in exon-5 (c.556G > A) and resulted in a putative amino acid substitution G186S. All the nucleotide changes were copy-specific, except c.*30delT, which was common to both GH1/GH2-N and GH2-Z. Variability in the promoter regions of each gene might have consequences on the expression level, due to the involvement in potential transcription factor binding sites. Both gene copies influenced milk yield. A correlation with milk protein and casein content was also evidenced. These results may have implications that make them useful for future breeding strategies in dairy sheep breeding.

Association between melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene polymorphism and the reproductive performance of Mediterranean Italian buffaloes

A melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene polymorphism in adult buffaloes has been reported to affect reproductive seasonality. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to assess whether this polymorphism can affect age at first conception and the interval between first and second calving in Mediterranean Italian buffaloes. The allelic frequency of the C and T alleles was 0.44 and 0.56, respectively, whereas the genotypic frequency was 26% for C/C, 40% for C/T and 34% for T/T. The average age at first mating was approximately 20 months, whereas that at calving was approximately 32 months. The largest number of calvings of primiparous buffaloes was recorded between June and October. No associations between genotype, first mating and subsequent calving date were found. The duration from first to second calving was longer in buffaloes with the C/C genotype compared with those with the T/T and C/T genotypes (P<0.01). The period of calving for buffaloes with the C/C genotype was mainly from July to September, whereas that for buffaloes with the T/T genotype was largely from March to May. The MTNR1A gene had no effect on the age of first conception in Mediterranean Italian buffaloes. Rather, the association between the T/T genotype and reproductive activity during days with a long photoperiod indicates that this polymorphism may be considered a genetic marker to identify buffaloes that are able to reproduce out of the breeding season.

Relationship between milk urea, blood plasma urea and body condition score in primiparous browsing goats with different milk yield level

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among milk urea, blood plasma urea, milk yield and body condition score (BCS) in primiparous goats fed at pasture. Ninety goats of Sarda breed were used and, on the basis of their yield level, divided in three groups of 30 animals each, low (LY), intermediate (IY) and high milk yield (HY). Daily milk yield, milk protein content, milk urea, plasma total protein and albumin, plasma urea and BCS were measured at monthly intervals from 45 days in milking (45 DIM) to 165 DIM. Milk yield level affected protein concentration of milk and plasma, whereas albumin showed no variation. Plasma and milk urea showed a high correlation (P<0.001) despite of the yield level; plasma urea was always lower than milk urea. BCS decreased on 75 DIM and again after 135 DIM, and it was not affected by the milk yield level. Because milk urea and plasma urea were closely correlated and not influenced by the yield level, the study pointed out that measurement of milk urea could be utilized to evaluate urea metabolism also for browsing goats.

Chromosomal localisation and genetic variation of the SLC11A1 gene in goats (Capra hircus)

The solute carrier family 11 member A1 (SLC11A1) gene is associated with resistance to infectious diseases. Chromosomal localisation, genomic regions corresponding to functional domains and the genetic variability of microsatellites in the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of this gene were investigated in 427 goats (Capra hircus) of six breeds. Using dual colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation, SLC11A1 was localised to goat chromosome 2. Single strand conformation polymorphism was used to screen for polymorphisms in SLC11A1 exons 2, 10 and 15. There was no variation among goat breeds in the sarcoma homology 3 (SH3) binding motif, the protein kinase C phosphorylation site or the two N-linked glycosylation sites. Exon 15 exhibited variability due to the presence of two polymorphic microsatellites. Genotyping of the upstream guanine-thymine repeat (GTn) at 3'-UTR revealed eight alleles (GT11, GT12, GT14-GT19) in goats, whereas GT13 (present in cattle) was absent. Most goats carried the GT16 allele and no allele was found to be exclusive to only one breed. The coefficient of genetic differentiation value (G(ST)) was 0.084. This microsatellite appears to be an informative DNA marker for genetic linkage analysis in goats.

Effect of genotype at the MTNR1A locus and melatonin treatment on first conception in Sarda ewe lambs

A sample of 423 Sarda ewe lambs from three different farms was used to evaluate the effect of one or two melatonin implants on the time of first conception. On each farm, 141 animals were divided into three groups. On June 30 these animals received either no treatment (Group C), 18 mg melatonin (Group M1, one implant), or 18 + 18 mg melatonin (Group M2, two implants). Thirty-five days after treatment, rams were introduced in the ewe lambs flock and subsequently removed after 40 days. Lambing dates were recorded between 150 and 190 days from the first day of male introduction. Genotyping and sequencing of the MT1 exon 2 were carried out to analyze the structure and the possible influence of the MT1 receptor gene on reproductive response to melatonin treatment. Melatonin-treated animals had a higher rate of pregnancy (P < 0.05) and lambed earlier (P < 0.05) compared with untreated animals. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were found in exon II of MT1 gene at positions C606T and G612A leading to genotypes C/C, C/T or T/T and +/+, +/- and -/-, respectively. Melatonin-treated animals of +/+ genotype showed a higher number of pregnancies (P < 0.05) and lambed earlier (P < 0.05) compared to untreated animals of the same genotype. Melatonin treatment did not affect reproductive activity in any other genotype analyzed. No correlation between genotype and the time of first conception was found in untreated animals. Concluding data revealed the positive effect of melatonin treatment on the time of first conception in ewe lambs and highlighted that +/+ genotype is able to influence reproductive response to melatonin treatment.

Polymorphism of the melatonin receptor MT1 gene and its relationship with seasonal reproductive activity in the Sarda sheep breed

The aim was to study the polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A) and its relationship with seasonal reproduction in the Sarda sheep breed. Four-thousand multiparous ewes reared under natural photoperiod were randomly chosen. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR for the amplification of the main part of exon II of the ovine MTNR1A gene (GenBank U14109). PCR products were subjected to restriction enzymes MnlI and RsaI and placed into +/+, +/- or -/- group for MnlI and C/C, C/T or T/T group for RsaI. Samples were cloned and sequenced. The sequences were aligned with the U14109 sequence of GenBank. Data were subjected to allelic frequency analysis and to the chi(2) test in order to evaluate the link between genotype and reproductive activity. After MnlI digestion, allelic frequency was 0.78 for allele +and 0.22 for allele -; genotype frequency of the +/+ homozygote was 68%, 20.5% for +/- and 11.5% for -/-. After RsaI, allelic frequency was 0.66 for allele C and 0.34 for allele T; genotype frequency of the C/C homozygote was 53.5%, 26% for C/T and 20.5% for T/T. The population was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium both for the MnlI and RsaI. Lambing frequency of +/+ genotype ewes was higher in the period September-December while for -/- genotype in January-April (P<0.01). Lambing of C/C genotype ewes showed a higher frequency in September-December while for T/T genotype in January-April (P<0.01). Results confirmed that the polymorphism of the MTNR1A locus was also present in the Sarda with a higher incidence of the +/+ and C/C genotypes. The animals that carried one of these two gene isoforms showed a not seasonal reproductive activity with the lambing period in September-December.

Productive performance and meat quality of Mouflon×Sarda and Sarda×Sarda suckling lambs

The objective of this study was to compare slaughtering performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in lambs of two different genotypes. Sixteen crossbred Mouflon×Sarda (M×S) and sixteen pure Sarda breed (S×S) suckling lambs were analysed. Chemical and fatty acid composition were determined on semitendinosus and longissimus dorsi muscles and perirenal and pelvic fats. Dressing percentage was higher (P<0.01) in M×S group and after histological dissection M×S carcasses had more muscle tissue (P<0.01) and less separable fat (P<0.05). Muscles of M×S had less cholesterol than the S×S lambs (P<0.01). Polyunsaturated/saturated and n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratios of the intramuscular lipids were optimal in both groups. Indexes of atherogenicity and of thrombogenicity in muscles varied between 0.9 and 1.1. The results indicated several good qualities in both the genotypes, but M×S lambs have some traits which could provide a higher market price.

Relationship between MTNR1A melatonin receptor gene polymorphism and seasonal reproduction in different goat breeds

The reproductive activity of goats bred in temperate latitude follows a seasonal pattern, influenced by annual variation in day length. Daily variation in pineal melatonin secretion is the neuroendocrine signal recognized by animals through the link between this hormone and melatonin receptor 1a (MTNR1A). A total of 345 goats of different breeds (225 Sarda, 30 Saanen, 30 Chamois Coloured, 30 Maltese and 30 Nubian) with a kidding period in October-December or January-March were analysed to verify if a link exists between the structure of the receptor gene and reproductive activity. The main part of exon II of MTNR1A gene was amplified by PCR and then digested with MnlI and RsaI to prove the presence of restriction sites. Sequencing of 20 cloned samples and 20 purified samples permitted comparison with previously published sequences. No polymorphism was found using MnlI enzyme, as all 345 samples showed the cleavage site in position 605 and all the goats were MM genotype. However, using RsaI enzyme, some Sarda goats, showed a polymorphic site in position 53. Nine Sarda goats were R/r genotype, lacking this cleavage site only in one allele, while the other animals, both Sarda and the other breeds, presented the cleavage site in both the alleles and were thus R/R genotype. No r/r genotype was found in any of the breeds. In Sarda goats the allelic frequency was 0.98 for R allele and 0.02 for r allele; genotypic frequency was 96.00% for R/R genotype and 4.00% for R/r genotype. A strong link emerged from statistical analysis (P<0.001) between R/r genotype and reproductive activity, which was strongly influenced by photoperiod. Sequencing indicated six nucleotide changes that did not induce any amino acid change. Data showed that polymorphism was present and that it influences reproductive activity only in the Sarda breed.

[Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin on the secretion and composition of milk in Sardinian ewes]

To verify the effect on the milk yield, 5 Sardinian ewes at 45 days from lambing were given two subcutaneous administrations, in a sustained-release vehicle, of recombinant bST in the dose of 3 mg/Kg of live weight, at 28 day intervals. Other 5 ewes of the same age, weight, distance from lambing and milk yield, were kept untreated. The observations lasted 56 days. The individual milk yield was recorded daily while both the milk (dry matter, ash, fat and protein) and some blood parameters (glucose, triglycerides, albumin, total protein, urea nitrogen, phospholipids, total and HDL cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) were checked weekly for each subject, by standard analytical methodology. The rbST significantly influenced the milk yield (+9.75% for the treated group) as already found in cows. The milk composition and the checked blood parameters were unaffected by the treatment.

[Hematologic parameters of the white donkeys of Asinara]

In 14 albino donkeys (6 males and 8 females) aged 1-12 years, about 25% of the whole population, 30 blood parameters were determined, with automatic equipment, monthly, for 4 months. No significant differences between sexes or compared with other donkey breeds were found, in spite of the particular characteristics of the population and of their environment.