bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of dietary magnesium and selenium levels in finishing diets on growth performance and carcass meat quality of feedlot Pelibuey lambs
Authors: Hernandez-Calva L. M. , Ramirez-Bribiesca J. E. , Guerrero-Legarreta I. , Hernandez-Cruz L. , Avendaño-Reyes L. , Dominguez Vara I. , McDowell L. R.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplemental dietary selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) on feedlot lambs. Sixty-four male lambs were randomly distributed to the following treatments: 1) low level of Mg and Se: diet with 0.18% of Mg and 0.1 μg Se/g, 2) with supplementation of magnesium oxide (MgO): diet with 0.32% of Mg and 0.1 μg Se/g, 3) with supplementation of Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3): diet with 0.3 μg Se/g and 0.18 % of Mg, 4) With supplementation of MgO and Na2SeO3: diet with 0.32% of Mg and 0.3 μg Se/g. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the average daily gain and feed conversion but Se supplement with Na2SeO3 (0.3 μg Se/g) enhanced dry matter intake, dressing percentage (P<0.05) and leg muscle weight (P<0.02). The average values of the water retained potential, coordinate L, a, and sensory analysis were different with Se (P<0.05). Magnesium suplemented as inorganic source (0.32% of Mg) enhanced (P<0.05) some characteristics in sensorial meat analysis.
Investigating a complex genotype-phenotype map for the development of methods to predict genetic values based on genome-wide marker data – a simulation study for the livestock perspective
Authors: Melzer N. , Wittenburg D. , Repsilber D.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Phenotypic variation can partly be explained by genetic variation, such as variation in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. Genomic selection methods seek to predict genetic values (breeding values) based on SNP genotypes. To develop and to optimize these methods, simulated data are often used, which follow a rather simple genotype-phenotype map. Is the conventional approach for data simulation in this field an appropriate basis to optimize such methods in view of experimental data? Here, we present an alternative approach, striving to simulate more realistic data based on a genotype-phenotype map which includes a simulated metabolome level. This level was used to simulate genetic values, implicitly including additive and non-additive genetic effects, whereas in a conventional approach additive and dominance effects were explicitly simulated and assembled to genetic values. For both simulation approaches, different scenarios regarding numbers of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and SNPs were analysed using fastBayesB as prediction method. We observed that our alternative map showed a smaller prediction precision (at least 3.75 %) compared to the conventional approach in all investigated scenarios. The observed degree of linearity is at least 94.12 % of the conventional approach or less. Additionally, we present results for different simulated data and experimental data to allow a comparison on a purely conceptual level. Concluding, simulating a more complex genotype-phenotype map including a molecular level, allows to study processing of variation from the genetic to the phenotype level in more detail and may prepare the ground for modern methods of genomic selection.
Association between body and udder morphological traits and dairy performance in Spanish Assaf sheep
Authors: Ángeles Pérez-Cabal M. , Legaz E. , Cervantes I. , de la Fuente L. F. , Martínez R. , Goyache F. , Gutiérrez J. P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The relationship between 17 body and 8 udder measurements and phenotypic dairy performance were studied using information from 280 Spanish Assaf ewes from 2 to 4 years old belonging to 18 flocks. The influence of the environmental area on the dairy traits was assessed by fitting a fixed model including the flock effect and the age effect. A factor analysis was also carried out to determine the lowest number of independent factors that account for most of the variation in the traits. The flock was statistically significant for performance trait and predicted breeding value (PBV) while the age was only significant in 150 days standardized milk yield (MY150) and daily milk yield (DMY). In general, not much association was found between morphological and dairy performance traits. Few body traits showed significant phenotypic correlations; mainly those related to height, diameters, ears and tail, with the latter being the most correlated but unfavourable for DMY and PBV. Among udder conformation, udder depth and length were the most correlated traits to milk production, while deep udders and short teats were related to lower somatic cell counts. The different traits were classified for analyses into six factors relating mainly to: live weight; production and udder traits; cheese production; stature; teats and udder health; and udder dimensions. Trade of animals was concluded to be unreasonably based on morphological or even on performance traits. The participation of breeders in an appropriate breeding scheme based on accurate genetic evaluations is encouraged.
Clinical chemistry of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) yearling hinds reared on grass or papillonaceous pasture paddocks in Hungary
Authors: Szabó A. , Nagy J. , Bokor J. , Fébel H. , Romvári R. , Jónás D. , Mezőszentgyörgyi D. , Horn P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Yearling red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds of identical initial body weight were reared on a monocotyledonous grass (group 1) or on a papillonaceous plant pasture (group 2) for 212 days. At the end of the experiment (when deer were shot) blood was taken from ten animals of each group for serum biochemical analysis. Hinds of group 2 provided higher final body weight (90±3.5 vs. 101±6.6 kg) and higher daily body weight gain (105.7±10.7 vs. 153.8±26.8 g/day). Within serum nitrogenous compounds group 2 provided higher total protein concentrations, while from the lipids only serum triglyceride levels were higher in this group. Serum potassium was in both groups higher than the reference range with a superposed slight hyperkalaemia in group 2. Higher lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were found in group 2 and lower aspartate aminotransferase activity values. Inorganic phosphate concentration showed a significant difference (group 1 provides higher values). Results refer to an expressed venison growth as a result of the rich dietary protein supply of group 2. Findings were evaluated as well with discriminant factor analysis, outlining the relative importance of the single blood biochemical parameters in shaping the inter-group differences.
Management of genetic diversity using gene dropping method based on pedigree information
Authors: Khaldari M. , Javaremi A. N. , Pakdel A. , Yeganeh H. M. , Berg P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Preservation of genetic diversity in populations is an important task to ensure a possible longterm response to selection in animal breeding. The purpose of this study was to consider how pedigree analysis and gene dropping method could be used for management plans in order to maintain genetic variation in a population under selection of Japanese quail. Therefore, the distributions of alleles frequencies originated from founders were estimated on an actual pedigree using gene dropping simulation software. Then, genetic contribution of founders to the current population, components such as the F-statistics and effective population size were estimated. The results show that from 156 founders there are only 64 of them (22 males and 42 females) in the last generation. The average genetic contribution of a founder male and female contributing to the last generation were 1.87 and 1.40 %, respectively. A total of 87 and 95 % of the genome in the last generation were constituted by 34 and 42 founders, respectively. The effective population size decreased as inbreeding increases. The allele frequency averaged over replicates agreed with the genetic contribution. Some useful information regarding the management of genetic diversity such as the probability of allele extinction, the probability of alleles surviving at a critically low frequency and risk of future allele extinction were derived by using these distributions. Results show that pedigree analysis and gene dropping are valuable tools in optimizing decisions to preserve genetic variability.
Pedigree analysis in White Shorthaired goat: First results
Authors: Oravcová M.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Pedigree records of 1 682 animals of the White Shorthaired goat in Slovakia were investigated. The reference population was defined as the animals born from 2008 to 2011 with at least one ancestor known in the second ancestral generation (670 animals kept in eight flocks). The numbers of founders (286), ancestors (256), effective founders (73), effective ancestors (45) and founder genome equivalents (32) were assessed. Fifteen ancestors were needed to explain 50 % of genetic variability. Marginal contributions of the ten most influential ancestors varied between 5.45 % and 2.47 % and accounted for 39.8 % of genetic variability. The mean values of inbreeding and co-ancestry were 0.69 % and 1.55 %, respectively. The effective population size was assessed to consist of 182 and 142 individuals, depending whether it was calculated from the individual increase in inbreeding or the individual increase in co-ancestry. The number of maximum generations traced, fully traced generations and equivalent complete generations traced were 5.62, 1.97 and 3.04, respectively. The first, second and third ancestral generation were 100 %, 83 % and 71 % complete, respectively. The completeness decreased to as low as 35 % and 11 % in the fourth and fifth generation. To be able to keep genetic links across generations in touch, the amount of pedigree information needs to be increased. This is a serious requirement for appropriate monitoring and management of genetic relations within the population.
(Co)variance components and genetic parameters for growth rate and Kleiber ratio in fat-tailed Mehraban sheep
Authors: Ghafouri-Kesbi F.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADGa), weaning to 6 months (ADGb), weaning to 9 months (ADGc), 6 months to 9 months (ADGd) and corresponding Kleiber ratios (KRa, KRb, KRc and KRd) in Mehraban sheep. A derivative-free algorithm combined with a series of six univariate linear animal models was used to estimate phenotypic variance and its direct, maternal and residual components. In addition, bivariate analyses were done to estimate (co)variance components between traits. Estimates of direct heritability (h2) were 0.10, 0.11, 0.16, 0.09, 0.13, 0.13, 0.15 and 0.08 for ADGa, ADGb, ADGc, ADGd, KRa, KRb, KRc and KRd, respectively and indicate that in Mehraban sheep genes contribute very little to the variance of the growth rate and Kleiber ratio. Estimates of maternal heritability (m2) were 0.10, 0.08 and 0.05 for ADGa, KRa and KRb, respectively. Direct additive genetic correlations ranged from −0.32 (KRa-KRd) to 0.99 (ADGb-KRb) and phenotypic correlations ranged from −0.53 (ADGa- ADGd) to 0.99 (ADGa-KRa). Estimates of direct heritability and genetic correlations show that genetic improvement in efficiency of feed utilization through selection programmes is possible, though it would generate a relatively slow genetic progress.
A novel SNP of Lysozyme Gene and Its Association with Mastitis Trait in Chinese Holstein
Authors: Chen R. , Wang Z. , Yang Z. , Mao Y. , Ji D. , Zhu X. , Hamza A. E.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Mastitis is the most frequent and important disease in the dairy industry worldwide, which leads to great economic losses in the dairy industry (Nash et al. 2003). Direct selection for resistance to clinical mastitis may be very difficult and indirect selection has been practiced widely. The recommended measure is to record herd milk somatic cell scores (SCS) based on the positive correlation between clinical mastitis and milk SCS (Rupp et al. 1999).
Realised response to short-term selection of the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) selected for seven-week body weight
Authors: Zapletal D. , Straková E. , Suchý P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the directed positive selection of the common pheasant for a higher seven-week body weight (BW) relative to their gender on the realised response to the selection and adult (40-week) BW after four generations of selection. The founder population was not selected before for any traits. For the selection in generation one of the experiment, a total of 2 080 pheasant chicks were used to establish a selection line (SL). In the same year, a total of 400 pheasant chicks were randomly selected as a control line (CL). Within the SL, chicks from individual hatches were selected by sex, always based on live BW at the age of 49 days. The targeted selection was carried out for four generations. In all generations it was found a higher seven-week BW in males compared to females (P<0.01). In generations two, three and four, the BW of the SL in both sexes was always higher in comparison with the CL (P<0.01). The genetic improvement of the seven-week BW was 15.0, 6.4 and 10.1 g in generation two, three and four, respectively. In the last generation, the increase in the seven-week BW of the SL compared to the CL was higher in females than in males (8.00 and 6.66 %, respectively). The realised heritability for the seven-week BW was 0.19. The selection at the age of seven weeks also caused an absolute increase in BW of adult pheasants at the age of 40-weeks.
The effects of artificial selection on genetic variation of some immune genes in Gallus gallus
Authors: Zhang T. , Zhao N. , Liu Q.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. To research effects of the artificial selection of Gallus gallus on G. domesticus' nucleotide diversity of immune genes, sequence polymorphisms of G. domesticus (23 genes), G. gallus (23 genes), G. lafayetti (17 genes), and G. sonneratii (17 genes) were obtained from GenBank. The data set included 819 polymorphisms. Immune gene polymorphism and selection efficiency in the data from those four species of Gallus were calculated. By calculating the qw (Watterson's estimator) of each site, an average qw for each species and the minimum number of re-combinations in each species and by estimating the selection efficiency for G. domesticus and G. gallus, neither significant nucleotide diversity nor genetic-diversity-qw- difference was found between G. domesticus and G. gallus. The results indicated that the patterns of genetic diversity in G. domesticus were strongly influenced by recombination and, because Tajima's D has a negative value, recombination was the main mechanism responsible for the immune gene evolution of G. gallus.
Comparison of different skeletal muscles from growing domestic pigs and wild boars
Authors: Lösel D. , Franke A. , Kalbe C.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The domestication process of pigs was associated with substantial morphological and physiological changes. The aim of this study was to comparatively investigate muscle microstructure and biochemical properties of four different skeletal muscles (M. longissimus, M. semitendinosus, M. psoas major, M. rhomboideus) in growing domestic pigs (n=5) and wild boars (n=4). The superiority of domestic pigs in body and muscle growth at three months of age was reflected by a 4-fold body weight and higher absolute weights of heart, liver and muscles. Relative muscle weights of M. psoas major and M. rhomboideus were reduced, whereas a 1.6-fold heavier M. semitendinosus was observed in domestic pigs compared with wild boars. In addition, the muscle cross-sectional area was greater in all muscles of domestic pigs resulting from about 3-fold fibre cross-sectional area, whereas total fibre number remained unchanged. As a consequence of intensified fibre hypertrophy, the fibre area per capillary is higher in all muscles of domestic pigs. Thus, the impaired supply with oxygen and nutrients may be one reason for the shift to the glycolytic muscle metabolism as indicated by a greater proportion of fast-twitch glycolytic fibres at the expense of fast-twitch oxidative fibres. This is also reflected by a higher ratio of lactate dehydrogenase to isocitrate dehydrogenase activity. Our data suggest that the intensified muscle growth was realized by myofibre hypertrophy at unchanged myofibre number in growing domestic pigs. It seems that domestication-induced changes were most pronounced in M. semitendinosus as the exterior ham muscle which may be related to muscle specific selection for lean growth.
Genetic evaluation of the functional productive life in Slovak Simmental cattle
Authors: Strapáková E. , Candrák J. , Strapák P. , Trakovická A.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Genetic evaluation of sires based on length of functional productive life of their daughters was carried out using a Weibull proportional hazard sire-maternal grandsire model. The data consisted of 214634 registered Slovak Simmental cows with censoring of 21.34%. Besides the random sire and maternal grandsire effects, the model included time dependent effects parity × stage of lactation interaction, within-herd standard deviations of milk production, herd × year × season interaction, change of herd size with respect to the previous year, and time independent effect age at first calving. Within-herd, the standard deviations of milk production had the most important influence on functional productive life. The highest risk of culling was found in cows with the lowest milk production class (uncompleted lactation). Risk of culling decreased with an increasing milk production class. Estimated heritability of functional productive life was 0.05 on the original scale. Breeding values of sires expressed as a risk ratio of their daughters were between −0.57 and 0.53.
The effect of the calving season on the Wood’s model parameters and characteristics of the lactation curve in Czech Fleckvieh cows
Authors: Kopec T. , Chládek G. , Kučera J. , Falta D. , Hanuš O. , Roubal P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a calving season on the Wood’s model parameters of the lactation curve and its characteristics in Czech Fleckvieh cows.
Isolation, bioinformatic analysis and tissue expression profile of a novel water buffalo gene-MFG-E8
Authors: Wu C. , Liu L. , Huo J. , Li D. , Yuan Y. , Yuan F. , Miao Y.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a milk membrane-associated glycoprotein, which plays a critical role in phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells and mammary gland development, involution and remodeling. In the present study, the complete CDS of water buffalo MFG-E8 was obtained and characterized. The genetic variations of nine water buffalo were investigated. Further, the tissue expression profile was carried out using Quantitative real-time PCR method. The full-length coding region of MFG-E8 from water buffalo tissues consists of 1296 nucleotides, which encodes 431 amino acids with a molecular weight of 47.85 kDa and a pI of 7.02. Bioinformatic prediction indicates that the MFG-E8 protein contains one signal peptide, two repeated EGF-like domains in its N-terminal side and two repeated discoidinlike Factor 5/Factor 8 domains in its amino acids. The sequence homology analysis in Bovidae family revealed that the coding region of water buffalo MFG-E8 had 98.5, 98.3, 93.9, and 88.0 % identity with that of cattle, yak, goat and sheep. There was no polymorphism found in water buffalo, but there existed five nucleotide differences between water buffalo and other bovine species. The phylogenetic tree based on the amino acid sequences of MFG-E8 from thirteen species revealed that buffalo had a closer genetic relationship with the species of Bovidae family. Real-time PCR analysis showed that water buffalo MFG-E8 gene was expressed in various tissues, but at different levels. The expression levels of this gene were higher in the mammary gland than in other tissues, suggesting that the MFG-E8 protein plays a role in mammary gland functions.
The effect of Myrtus communis oil extract on growth performance, serum biochemistry and humoral immune responses in broiler chicks fed diet containing aflatoxin B1
Authors: Saei M. M. , Sadeghi A. A. , Ahmadvand H.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. A study was conducted to investigate the capability of Myrtus communis essential oil (MCE) in counteracting the deleterious effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on growth performance, serum biochemistry and humoral immune responses in broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design, 300 day-old male chicks were assigned to four treatments with five replicates of 15 birds for 42 days. Chickens, up to day 7 of age, were fed the same diet and then, they were fed the experimental diets. The dietary treatments were 1) the negative control (no dietary aflatoxin or MCE), 2) the positive control (diet containing AFB1 at 0.5 mg/kg, without MCE), 3) diet containing AFB1 at 0.5 mg/kg plus 500 mg/kg MCE, and 4) basal diet containing 500 mg/kg MCE, without AFB1. Growth performance was measured from day 7 to 42. Serum biochemical parameters, organ weights on day 42 and the antibody titers against Newcastle and influenza viruses on day 28 of age were determined. Addition of aflatoxin to diet decreased (P<0.05) the weight gain and feed intake and MCE supplementation diminished (P<0.05) the inhibitory effects of AFB1 on the growth performance. Addition of AFB1 to diet of chicks increased the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and decreased the antibody titers against Newcastle and influenza viruses. Addition of MCE to diet alleviated the negative effects of AFB1 on these parameters (P<0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that addition of MCE may reduce the adverse effects of AFB1 on broiler chickens.
Lactation curve of Beetal goats in Pakistan
Authors: Waheed A. , Khan M. S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study was accomplished with the objective to determine parameters of lactation curves in Beetal goats using Wood’s model. Therefore, milk yield data on 127 Beetal goats maintained at five different government farms were recorded from post-kidding to drying off of does. Wood model parameters were estimated using non-linear regression and individual curves were fitted. The characteristics/parameters of lactation curve were computed. The mean initial yield »a«, rate of increase »b« and rate of decline »c« parameters in Wood’s model for Beetal were 1,214.97, 0.3690 and 0.1196, respectively with R2 value of 98.2 %. The value of percent squared bias (PSB) and the persistency were 0.13 and 60.2%, respectively with mean square error value of 38.45. Flock effect was a significant (P<0.01) source of variation for all the lactation curve parameters, PSB and persistency. Parity did not affect significantly any of the parameters. Type of birth significantly influenced parameter »a«, Time to reach peak (TPY) and lactation milk yield (LMY). Sex of kid also did not affect significantly any of the parameters. Age of doe was significant for parameters »a«, »b«, »c«. Quadratic effect of age was non-significant for all parameters and characteristics. Lactation length significantly affected parameter »a«, »b« and LMY.
Empirical comparison of association and admixture
mapping for body weight using F2 mice data set
Authors: Karacaören Burak
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Recent advances in molecular genetics have provided hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to detect mutations in genes related with complex traits. Undetected shared ancestry within samples of individuals could lead to the detection of false genomic signals in association mapping. Pedigree-based relationship matrices or genomic relationship matrices could be used in a mixed model to predict and correct for genetic stratifications. Genotypic information of founder populations could also be used to explore patterns of inheritance for complex traits by admixture mapping. An F2 population was created using M16 and ICR mouse lines for studying body weight at 8 weeks of age. Genotypes were collected for 1813 SNPs for each animal, including the founders. Bayesian residuals were used for population stratification in the admixture model. Association and admixture mapping detected similar genomic signals from chromosome 10. Our results provide empirical proof that gene flow from ancestral populations could be traced by admixture mapping with founder genotypes.
Polymorphism in the promoter of TLR4
gene by PCR-RFLP and its association with
somatic cell score in Chinese Holstein
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Zhang Huilin , Wang Hongliang , Chen Ling , Wang Lijun , Liu Xiaolin , Song Ailong , Ru Caixia
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the polymorphism in the promoter of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on mastitis and milk production traits. Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) G-1539A before 5’-upstream region and G+265C in the 5’-UTR of TLR4 gene were detected, and genetic association analysis was applied on 421 Chinese Holstein cows. The statistical analysis indicated that two SNPs was significantly associated with 305 Days milk yield (P<0.05) and somatic cell score (SCS) respectively (P<0.01). Our results provide evidence that polymorphisms in the promoter of TLR4 are associated with milk production traits and SCS, and may be used as a possible candidate for marker-assisted selection and management in Holstein cattle breeding program.
Fatty acid composition and sensory analysis in Boer kids meat
Authors: Cividini Angela , Kaić Ana , Kompan Dragomir , Potočnik Klemen
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study was undertaken to characterize the fatty acid profile and sensory properties of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of Boer kids as affected by sex (17 male, 15 female) and slaughter weight (pre-weaned 20 kg, post-weaned 30 kg). Regarding sex differences, higher percentage amounts of lauric, myristic, pentadecanoic, linolenic and docosapentaenoic acids were found in LD muscle of male compared to female kids, whereas greater amounts of oleic acid were detected in LD muscle of female kids. Also, LD of male kids contained higher percentage amounts of saturated (SFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) while higher amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were detected in LD of female kids. Regarding slaughter weight, percentage amounts of lauric, myristic, margaric, pentadecanoic, linolenic, linoleic, arachidonic and docosapentaenoic acids significantly decreased with age (P≤0.001), while percentage amounts of heptadecenoic and oleic acids significantly increased (P≤0.001). LD muscle from lighter kids contained higher percentage amounts of SFA and PUFA, while heavier kids had higher percentage amounts of MUFA and n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio. Except meat colour, sensory traits (marbling, off-odour, flavour, juiciness and tenderness) were neither significantly affected by sex nor slaughter age.
A behavioural study of the Greek »Thrakian« sheep breed grazing on the rangelands of Rhodope, Greece
Authors: Karasabbidis Konstantinos , Yiakoulaki Maria , Papazafeiriou Agapi , Mountousis Ioannis , Papanikolaou Konstantinos
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The Greek Thrakian sheep breed is under extinction and information about their grazing behaviour is important to both welfare and performances. The grazing behaviour of the Thrakian sheep breed was investigated in the mountainous rangelands of North-Eastern Thrace, Greece from April to October 2012. Direct observations were carried out on six female sheep for two consecutive days at each month and the time spent on grazing, resting and rumination was recorded. Also, the daily distance travel by sheep flock was recorded with a handheld Global Positioning System. Sheep travelled on average 4.5 km/day and they walked their shortest distances during the summer months (July and August). Sheep spent 324.3 min/day (64.2 % of their grazing activities) on feeding while they devoted less time (P<0.05) to resting and ruminating (134.4 and 46.4 min/day, respectively). The higher values of resting and ruminating were recorded during summer (163.2 min/day and 54.2 min/day, respectively). Time spent on grazing by sheep had significant (P<0.05) negative relationship to air temperature (r=−0 .966) while the resting and ruminating time had a positive one (r=0.935; P<0.01 and r=0.815; P<0.05, respectively).
Milk of Polish Red and White cows as a source of nutritionally valuable fatty acids
Authors: Adamska Agata , Rutkowska Jarosława , Tabaszewska Małgorzata , Białek1 Małgorzata
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Local bovine breeds are usually more resistant to diseases and better adapted to environmental and nutritional conditions than the imported ones. The aim of this study was to assess the content of individual health-related fatty acids in milk of Polish Red and White breed regarding the composition of forages. One herd of cows (n=15) were fed seasonally using locally produced forages: grazed grass, containing high amounts (55 g·100 g-1 fatty acid on average) of polyunsaturated fatty acid, and preserved forages, rich in saturated fatty acid (30 g·100 g-1 fatty acid on average). The content of butyric acid in milk averaged 4.21 g·100 g-1 fatty acid regardless of season and was higher compared to that reported for other breeds. Milk from the summer season had high content (14.67 g·100 g-1 fatty acid) of total short-chain saturated fatty acid (C4:0-C12:0), that from non-pasture season (winter) had high content of odd- and branched chain fatty acids (6.28 g·100 g-1 fatty acid). Milk fat of studied cows had relatively lower content of nutritionally controversial myristic C14:0 and palmitic C16:0 acids as comparing to milk in other breeds and proved an excellent source of vaccenic acid trans-11 C18:1 and conjugated linoleic acids cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, especially during the grazing season.
Sister chromatid exchange analysis in cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Szeleszczuk Olga , Kuchta-Gładysz Marta , Wójcik Ewa , Otwinowska-Mindur Agnieszka , Wojnar Tomasz , Godynia Beata , Niedbała Piotr
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is one of the cytogenetic methods which diagnoses damage to chromosomes and allows evaluation of the mutagenic influence of a given factor on a cell’s DNA. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the level of spontaneous and inductive SCE in the domestic cat. The research was carried out on 23 domestic cats Felis catus. Chromosome preparations were prepared from lymphocytes of peripheral blood after 72 h of in vitro breeding with the addition of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in five different concentrations: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 μg/ml. Chromosomes were stained by means of the fluorescence plus Giemsa (FPG) technique in order to carry out microscopic analysis. It was stated that the level of spontaneous SCE in the domestic cat occurs at a concentration 0.5 μg/ml on the basis of research previously carried out. Higher concentrations of this substance have a genotoxic action and damage DNA of chromosomes and induct additional SCEs in chromosomes of this species. Moreover, it was stated that the number of SCEs is higher in males than females. Our research also proved that the number of exchanges increases along with age in cats of both sexes.
Haematological and biochemical parameters in the
blood of an indigenous Croatian breed – Istrian cattle
Authors: Bedenicki Martina , Potocnjak Dalibor , Harapin Ivica , Radisic Berislav , Samardzija Marko , Kreszinger Mario , Zubcic Damir , Djuricic Drazen , Bedrica Ljiljana
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Haematological and biochemical parameters were examined in the blood of 87 cows, bulls and oxen of the indigenous Croatian breed, Istrian cattle. The sample represents 11.93 % of the total adult population. This breed is classified as highly endangered. The age of tested animals was between 2 and 17 years. Cattle were divided into three groups, animals aged 2 to 6 years (n=19), 7 to 10 years (n=37), and older than 10 years (n=31). Animals were kept in the area of Istria County, mostly in stables though occasionally at pasture. The cows were milked twice daily and gave an average of 1 000 litres of milk per year. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume were determined. Differential analysis was performed by counting blood cells in the blood smear after Pappenheim staining. Biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were determined. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase was determined by spectrophotometry. These biochemical and haematological parameters of this Istrian breed were within the physiological range, while slight deviations were observed for certain parameters. The greatest deviation from the physiological range was shown in the concentrations of urea and creatinine. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic profile and haematological indicators for estimating the physiological status of these endangered cattle in Istria, for further investigation and for diagnostic purposes.
Effect of dietary Lippia citriodora extract on
productive performance and meat quality
parameters in hares (Lepus europaeus Pall.)
Authors: Vizzarri Francesco , Nardoia Maria , Palazzo Marisa
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Three different dietary doses of Lippia citriodora natural extract were tested in order to verify their effect on productive performance and the meat quality of intensively-reared hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.). The 240 day-trial was conducted on 20 male hares, divided into 4 homogeneous groups of 5 animals each. A control group received a basal diet without any supplementation, and the other three experimental groups received a natural extract of Lippia citriodora, titrated in verbascoside, in the following amounts: 1 g, 1.5 g and 2 g of natural extract/kg feed in the low (LNE), medium (MNE), and high natural extract (HNE) groups, respectively. Natural extract enhanced the quality of the meat: there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in saturated fatty acids and a significant increase (P<0.05) in mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The oxidative stability of the meat improved, thus highlighting a possible link between the decrease (P<0.05) in TBARS values and an increase (P<0.05) in lipid vitamin content. The cholesterol content of the meat decreased markedly (P<0.01) after the dietary verbascoside treatment, thus improving the health benefits of the meat. These results clearly show the important role of Lippia citriodora extract, titrated in verbascoside, in improving the quality of the meat of intensively-reared hares. In addition the present paper underlines how the use of natural antioxidant in the animal feeding system may provide healthier and low-oxidized products to the final consumer.
The economics of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
breeding, rearing and direct marketing
Authors: Sweers Weert , Möhring Thomas , Müller1 Jürgen
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyse the economic feasibility of water buffalo rearing under rough wet grassland conditions in Germany. Our analysis was based mainly on data from one of Germany's largest water buffalo herds, which was kept by the landscape preservation farm »Gut Darß«. To check a variety of cost-benefit constellations, we conducted a Monte Carlo simulation. The overall rearing costs per cow totalled 1 039 € a-1. The direct marketing yields per bull ranged from 3 797 € to 5 298 €. The costs of direct marketing were not generally taken into account because of the high degree of variation and specificity of this position. Reproductive performance, e. g. calf-to-calf interval, was found to have the highest impact on overall economic performance. Our results suggest that water buffalo rearing in Germany has the potential to be economically feasible, at least if direct marketing. Additionally, we conclude that reproductive performance has a major impact on the feasibility of the production system which, in turn, has consequences for breeding concepts.
Generalized procrustes analysis (GPA) as a tool to discriminate among sheep breeds
Authors: Alcalde María Jesús , Moreno-Indias Isabel , Horcada Alberto , Molina Antonio , Juárez Manuel
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Forty male lambs of five Southern Spanish breeds were used to study the effects of the breed in their sensorial characteristics. The used breeds were: Segureña, Spanish Merino, Grazalema Merino, Churra Lebrijana and Montesina breeds. Milk lambs were slaughtered at 12 kg of live weight. A descriptive sensory evaluation was developed using the longissimus lumborum from each animal by a panel of 12 experts and a Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) was used to discriminate among them. Generalized Procrustes Analysis clearly differentiated Churra Lebrijana of out the rest breeds. Churra Lebrijana was defined as more tender, juicier and with less lamb odour than the rest of the Southern Spanish lamb breeds. Thus, GPA is able to discriminate among breeds.
A second look at leptin and adiponectin actions on the growth of primary porcine myoblasts under serum-free conditions
Authors: Will Katja , Kuzinski Judith , Palin Marie-France , Hildebrandt Jan-Peter , Rehfeldt Charlotte
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Cross-talk between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle may be mediated in part by adipokines. This study was conducted to elucidate further aspects of a possible role of recombinant adiponectin and leptin in the in vitro growth of primary porcine skeletal muscle cells cultured in energetically balanced, growth factor-supplemented, serum-free medium (GF-SFM). Therefore, the effects of these adipokines on cell number (DNA content), DNA synthesis rate, cell death and on key intracellular signalling molecules were investigated. Short-term adiponectin and leptin treatment decreased DNA synthesis, measured as [3H]-thymidine incorporation, as early as after 4-h exposure (P<0.01), without alterations in DNA content. Both adipokines attenuated the rate of cell death in terms of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture medium after 48-h treatment (P<0.05). The specific activation of p44/42 MAP kinase (MAPK) was reduced (P<0.05) after 15-min incubation with either adipokine. In conclusion, the early decreases in DNA synthesis of primary porcine myoblasts cultured in GF-SFM in response to adiponectin or leptin are related to p44/42 MAPK signalling and adipokine treatment does not impair cell viability.
Effect of feed form, pellet diameter and enzymes supplementation on carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood plasma constituents and stress indicators of broilers
Authors: Attia Youssef A. , El-Tahawy Walid S. , Abd El-Hamid Abd El-Hamid E. , Nizza Antonino , Al-Harthi Mohammed A. , El-Kelway Mahmoud I. , Bovera Fulvia
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Four hundred-twenty broilers were used in a factorial design (4×3) in which four feed forms (mash vs. pellet diet with diameter of 2 mm, 3 mm and 3.5 mm, respectively) and three enzymes treatments (unsupplemented, phytase, phytase+multi-enzyme) were used. Each treatment was replicated five times (7 broiler/replicate). Feed form had no effects on most of carcass traits and physical characteristics of meat, but pellet diets decreased the relative weight of gizzard and caecum length. Feeding 3.5 mm pellet diets increased abdominal fat compared to that of broilers fed mash diets. Pellet with 3 mm diameter increased and decreased respectively meat fat and moisture. Pellets with 3.5 mm diameter increased meat ash compared to broilers fed mash diet. Levels of plasma glucose and alanine aminotransferase of broilers fed 2 mm pellet, cholesterol of broilers fed 3 mm pellet and albumin/globulin ratio, monocytes and red blood cells of broilers fed 3.5 mm pellet were significantly higher than those of broilers fed mash diet. Haemoglobin, phagocytic activity, heterophils and heterophils/lymphocyte ratio were higher in groups fed mash diets and 2 mm pellet. Packed cell volume and phagocytic index were the highest in group fed mash diets. Phytase or multi-enzyme+phytase increased carcass yield, total edible parts and decreased inedible parts compared to broilers fed diet without enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementations significantly and similarly increased plasma glucose, total protein, triglycerides, red blood cells and phagocytic activity and decreased phagocytic index in comparison to the control group. However, phytase alone decreased cholesterol and increased monocytes by contrast with the control group. Multi-enzymes+phytase induced greater effect on white blood cells than phytase alone.
Impact of chlorine dioxide as water acidifying agent on the performance, ileal microflora and intestinal histology in quails
Authors: Sultan Asad , Ullah Irshad , Khan Sarzamin , Khan Rifat Ullah , ul Hassan Zahoor
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The present study was planned to investigate the effect of different levels of chlorine dioxide on the performance, gut microbiota and intestinal histology of quails. For this purpose, 300 day-old healthy quail chicks were randomly placed in 20 specially designed pens (15 birds/pen) with water troughs containing chlorine dioxide at the level of 0.00 (DW-0.00), 0.3 (DW-0.3), 0.4 (DW-0.4) and 0.5 ppm (DW-0.5) in replicated fashion (5 replicate/treatment) for 28 days. Weight gain, feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage increased significantly (P<0.05) in DW-0.5 group. Similarly, liver, gizzard and heart weight increased significantly in treated groups linearly with increasing levels of treatment at day 21 and 28. The results showed that population of Salmonella and E. coli decreased linearly at day 21 and 28 of age. Villus height and goblet cells at day 21 and 28 were significantly higher in DW-0.5 group. The results of the present study suggested that the treatment of chlorine dioxide linearly increased the performance and gut morphology and decreased microbial population in quails.
Effect of feed form, pellet diameter and enzymes supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler during days 21-37 of age
Authors: Attia Youssef A. , El-Tahawy Walid S. , Abd El-Hamid Abd El-Hamid E. , Nizza Antonino , Bovera Fulvia , Al-Harthi Mohammed A. , El-Kelway Mahmoud I.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. A total of 420 21-day-old broilers were wing banded and randomly distributed among 60 cages of 7 birds per cage during days 21-37 of age. A factorial design (4×3) was used in which there were four feed forms (mash vs. pellet diet with diameter 2-2 mm, 2-3 mm and 3-3.5 mm, respectively) and three enzyme treatments (unsupplemented, phytase, phytase plus multi-enzyme). Each treatment was replicated 5 times with 7 broilers per replicate. Body weight gain of broilers fed 2-3 mm-diet was significantly greater than that of those fed mash diet and 2-2 mm or 3-3.5 mm pellet-diet. Feed conversion ratio was the best in broilers fed 2-3 mm and 3-3.5 mm pellet-diets. However, feed intake was significantly lower in broilers fed pellet-diets than that of those fed the mash diet. The production index and economic efficiency were significantly higher in groups fed 2-3 mm pellet diameter compared to those fed 2-2 mm and 3-3.5 mm pellet diets. Digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and crude ash were significantly and similarly greater in groups fed pellet diets in comparison with those fed mash diet. Enzyme supplementations significantly and similarly increased growth and production index whereas improved feed conversion ratio and economic efficiency than the control group and this concurred with greater digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and crude ash. However, multi-enzymes plus phytase induced greater effect on the production and economic traits than phytase alone showing synergetic effects. Pellet diet at 2-3 mm supplemented with multi-enzyme plus phytase resulted in the highest performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers during day 20-37 d of age.
Enhancing discovery in spatial data infrastructures using a search engine
Authors: Corti Paolo , Kralidis Athanasios Tom , Lewis Benjamin
Published: May 2018

A spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is a framework of geospatial data, metadata, users and tools intended to provide an efficient and flexible way to use spatial information. One of the key software components of an SDI is the catalogue service which is needed to discover, query and manage the metadata. Catalogue services in an SDI are typically based on the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Catalogue Service for the Web (CSW) standard which defines common interfaces for accessing the metadata information. A search engine is a software system capable of supporting fast and reliable search, which may use ‘any means necessary’ to get users to the resources they need quickly and efficiently. These techniques may include full text search, natural language processing, weighted results, fuzzy tolerance results, faceting, hit highlighting, recommendations and many others. In this paper we present an example of a search engine being added to an SDI to improve search against large collections of geospatial datasets. The Centre for Geographic Analysis (CGA) at Harvard University re-engineered the search component of its public domain SDI (Harvard WorldMap) which is based on the GeoNode platform. A search engine was added to the SDI stack to enhance the CSW catalogue discovery abilities. It is now possible to discover spatial datasets from metadata by using the standard search operations of the catalogue and to take advantage of the new abilities of the search engine, to return relevant and reliable content to SDI users.
ClusterEnG: an interactive educational web resource for clustering and visualizing high-dimensional data
Authors: Manjunath Mohith , Zhang Yi , Kim Yeonsung , Yeo Steve H. , Sobh Omar , Russell Nathan , Followell Christian , Bushell Colleen , Ravaioli Umberto , Song Jun S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Clustering is one of the most common techniques in data analysis and seeks to group together data points that are similar in some measure. Although there are many computer programs available for performing clustering, a single web resource that provides several state-of-the-art clustering methods, interactive visualizations and evaluation of clustering results is lacking.

Methods

ClusterEnG (acronym for Clustering Engine for Genomics) provides a web interface for clustering data and interactive visualizations including 3D views, data selection and zoom features. Eighteen clustering validation measures are also presented to aid the user in selecting a suitable algorithm for their dataset. ClusterEnG also aims at educating the user about the similarities and differences between various clustering algorithms and provides tutorials that demonstrate potential pitfalls of each algorithm.

Conclusions

The web resource will be particularly useful to scientists who are not conversant with computing but want to understand the structure of their data in an intuitive manner. The validation measures facilitate the process of choosing a suitable clustering algorithm among the available options. ClusterEnG is part of a bigger project called KnowEnG (Knowledge Engine for Genomics) and is available at http://education.knoweng.org/clustereng.