Abstracts volume 53 (2010) 3, 247-376
Haplotype analysis and linkage disequilibrium for DGAT1
Eva M. Strucken, Siham Rahmatalla, Dirk-Jan De Koning and Gudrun A. Brockmann
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 247-255 PDF
This study focused on haplotype effects and linkage disequilibrium (LD) for the K232A locus and the promoter VNTR in the DGAT1 gene. Analyses were carried out in three German Holstein Frisian populations (including 492, 305, and 518 animals) for milk yield, milk fat and protein yield, and milk fat and protein content. We found that effects of the promoter VNTR were not significant and explain only a small amount of the variation of the QTL on BTA14. Haplotype effects were less significant than the K232A locus by itself, but the haplotype containing the A allele of the K232A locus and allele 3 with five repeats of the promoter VNTR showed negative effects on protein content when paternally inherited, whereas the haplotype with the A allele and VNTR allele 2 (with six repeats) increased the protein content. Significant differences between these two haplotypes occurred for protein yield as well, pointing to a linked effect that is picked up by the haplotypes rather than a direct effect of the VNTR. The linkage disequilibrium, estimated by D’, showed values between 0.29 and 0.59 which is unexpectedly low for a distance of ~10 kb. Only a very low correlation between the two loci was observed due to the almost similar frequencies of haplotypes containing the A or K allele of the K232A locus.
Evaluation of the effect of twin births on the perinatal calf mortality and productive performance of Holstein dairy cows
Navid Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 256-265 PDF
Calving records from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran collected from January 1993 to December 2007 and comprising 1163594 Holstein calving events from 2552 herds were used to evaluate reported perinatal calf mortality, 305-d milk yield, 305-d fat yield of milk and 305-d fat percentage of milk in single- and twin-births. A logistic regression model was constructed to analyze calf mortality between singletons and twins. Also statistical analyses of 305-d milk yield, 305-d fat yield of milk and 305-d fat percentage of milk were performed using the general linear models procedure. Greater odds of calf mortality existed for calves born from primiparous cows than from multiparous cows (P<0.001) and for calves born as twins than singletons. The odds of calf mortality increased over years from 4.2% in calving year Y1 (1993-1997) to 5.1% in calving year Y3 (2003-2007) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14; P<0.001). The odds of calf mortality was greater after twin births, with 16.7% of the twin calving events reporting calves as dead compared to 5.2% for singleton births (OR=5.62; P<0.001). For same-sex twin pairs, the odds of calf mortality was greater (P<0.01; OR=1.72) for male than for female twin pairs. Also, twin-calved cows had greater 305-d milk production, fat yield and fat percentage of milk than single-calved cows (P<0.05). In general, development of practical management strategies to cope with the negative effects associated with twinning on dairies is critical, especially if the trend toward increased twinning in the dairy cattle population continues.
Milk yield persistency and its relationship with health problems in Holstein dairy cows supplemented with different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline
Mehrnaz Ardalan, Mehdi Dehghan-Banadaky and Kamran Rezayazdi
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 266-276 PDF
Forty Holstein dairy cows in their first and second lactation were used in a lactation study from 4-week prepartum through 14-week postpartum to investigate the potential effect of feeding different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline on milk yield persistency of Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: 18 g/d of rumen-protected methionine (RPM), 60 g/d of rumen-protected choline (RPC), 18 g/d of RPM + 60 g/d of RPC, or neither supplement (control). The use of polynomial equations revealed that the polynomial coefficients of regression were closer (P<0.05) to zero for RPM+RPC-fed cows than for other cows. Therefore, RPM+RPC-fed cows had a more persistent (P<0.05) early-lactation milk yield than did other cows. Cows fed RPM+RPC had the lowest health problems compared with other groups. The treatments significantly affected actual milk yield (P<0.05), 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) (P<0.01) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) (P<0.01) across lactation weeks. The treatments significantly affected average dry matter intake (DMI) for the first 14 week postpartum (P<0.05). Also, treatments significantly affected lactose percentage of milk across lactation weeks (P<0.01). In general, it was expected that RPM+RPC-fed cows with greater persistency of lactation would be healthier because the incidence of metabolic and reproductive disorders and negative energy balance that originate from the physiological stress of high milk yield would be lower.
Polymorphism of the kappa-casein gene in two Bosnian autochthonous cattle breeds
Muhamed Brka, Aida Hodžić, Norbert Reinsch, Ervin Zečević, Admir Dokso, Radica Djedović, Dunja Rukavina, Lejla Kapur, Mensur Vegara, Mustafa Šabanović and Ivica Ravić
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 277-282 PDF
Buša is an old endangered autochthonous breed of the western Balkan, especially Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania. A related breed is Gatačko, derived from Buša × Tirolean Grey crossbreds. Fifteen purebred Buša cattle and thirteen Gatačko animals were genotyped for polymorphisms at the kappa-casein gene by a Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) essay. The alleles A, B and C were found and the allelic frequencies were 0.46 (A), 0.46 (B) and 0.08 (C) in Buša cattle and 0.58 (A) and 0.42 (B) in Gatačko. Only AA, AB, BB and BC genotypes occurred. Further alleles were not detected and are therefore either absent in both populations or rare. The allele »B« found in this small population will be useful for a sire selection program in the future.
Relationship between milk yield, fertility and amount of disease of Holstein Friesian dairy cows [in German]
Heiko Scholz, Birgit Beyer, Gerhard Anacker and Martin Wähner
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 283-292 PDF
Data of 1841 lactations of 353 Holstein Friesian dairy cows and data according to their reproductive fertility and diseases were analysed over a period of five years in a breeding farm in Thüringen (Germany). As a result the lowest success of first service has been achieved at a lactation (ranged) between 9000 and 11000 kg. The time between calving and the following first service varied according to the first disease in last lactation. With rising milk yield the frequency of diseases and the success of first service tend to decrease. Cows achieving a 305 day milk yield of more than 11000 kg showed with 56% the lowest frequency of diseases. In average 60% of all dairy cows need to be treated once in a lactation. The diseases of highest prevalence are in the field of reproductive fertility and udder health. For heifers a decreased success of first service has been detected if they showed an increased prevalence of illness.
Feed, N and P utilisation of Brown Swiss heifers in comparison with Angus and Simmental suckler cows with their progeny grazing mountain pastures
Hans-Rudolf Wettstein, Beda L. Estermann, Franz Sutter and Michael Kreuzer
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 293-308 PDF
The aim of the present study was to compare intake and nutrient turnover in two major production systems on mountainous pastures, suckler beef production and rearing of heifers. Data from 4 × 6 Angus or Simmental suckler beef cows with Angus sired calves were opposed to those measured in six growing Brown Swiss heifers applying a contrast model. In each of two vegetative seasons (years A and B) animals were kept together on three mountainous pastures, P1 (1000 m a.s.l.), P2 and P3 (both 2000 m a.s.l.), providing either first growth (P1, P2) or re-growth herbage (P3). Intake and herbage digestibility were estimated by the double alkane indicator technique. On average of the two years, the cows together with their progeny weighed 741 kg and the heifers 374 kg. The average daily body weight gain in beef calves (1044 g) was twice of that measured in the heifers (546 g). Body weight of the cows remained quite constant on average. Dry matter intakes were 17.0 and 8.2 kg/d, and 118 and 96 g/kg0.75 body weight in suckler cows with progeny and heifers, respectively. On all pastures, cattle of both categories selected herbage of similar energy and protein content. Digestibilities of organic matter (73-74%) and fibre (NDF, 69%) were similar between categories, though differing among pastures. Nitrogen utilisation was equal in both categories (8% of intake), but varied among pastures (11%, 8% and 5% on P1, P2 and P3, respectively) and years (11% and 6% in years A and B) due to different herbage N contents and intakes. When related to intake, also excretion of faecal and urinary N was equal in both categories. Faecal P losses relative to weight gain were similar in both categories but differed between pastures and years. The results demonstrated unexpectedly similar nutrient use efficiencies and relative N and P losses of the two livestock system options currently common in utilising of mountainous pasture.
The genetic variability of Hungarian Tsigai sheep
Szilvia Kusza, István Nagy, Tímea Németh, András Molnár, András Jávor and Sándor Kukovics
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 309-317 PDF
Microsatellite analysis was used to estimate the genetic origin, differences, relationship within 10 Hungarian Tsigai populations. The number of alleles was 262 at the 16 examined locus. Fifteen population specific alleles were detected. The mean number of alleles detected per locus ranged from 4.3 (OarAE119) to 11.9 (MAF70). Genetic distance values were calculated from Nei’s minimum genetic distance (DA) formula. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using UPGMA algorithm. The results indicated that the genetic difference was negligible between the following populations pair-wise: two Hungarian indigenous populations (Kardoskút1-IN and Kardoskút2-IN); the Hungarian indigenous population Soltszentimre-IN and the Milking Tsigai population Akasztó-ZO; the Hungarian indigenous population Csanádpalota-IN and the transitional type population Makó-Rákos-TR. Microsatellite genotyping prooved to be efficient tool for examing the genetic relationships among Hungarian Tsigai populations.
Slaughter and carcass characteristics of Gokceada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen suckling kids
Mustafa Özcan, Alper Yilmaz, Bülent Ekiz, Cemil Tölü and Türker Savaş
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 318-327 PDF
Aim of the study was to investigate comparatively the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Gokceada, Maltese and Turkish Saanen suckling kids. Eight suckling male kids at 80-90 days of age from each genotype were used in the study. The kids were collected from dairy goat farms and slaughtered after lairage of an overnight period. Although the kids were at similar age and sex, the slaughter weight and chilled carcass weight of indigenous Gokceada kids were lower than those of Maltese and Turkish Saanen kids (P<0.001). Chilled dressing percentage calculated according to empty body weight was 48.97% in Gokceada, 51.32% in Maltese and 52.35% in Turkish Saanen kids (P<0.001). There were not statistically significant differences among the breeds in terms of neck, shoulder, ribs and long leg percentages, musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) section area and back fat thickness (P>0.05). While there were significant differences between breeds in terms of muscle, bone and fat weights in half carcass on the side of Turkish Saanen and Maltese kids, the differences between the genotypes were not significant for percentages of muscle, bone and fat. The carcass structure of suckling kids was small and meat production was low, however, they had very little fat in the carcass. It was concluded that Maltese and Turkish Saanen kids were favourable than Gokceada kids in terms of suckling kid meat production.
Tracking possibilities in the poultry sector – a review
Ágnes Tóth, Katalin Kovácsné Gaál, Zsolt Turcsán, Noémi Ásványi-Molnár, Balázs Ásványi, Jenő Szigeti and Hedvig Fébel
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 328-336 PDF
In accordance with the regulations, the Cross Compliance law in Hungary is estimated to be put into practice from 2009, with which the tracking, registration and marking of animals, furthermore the food safety will receive a more elaborated role. That is why we provide a full-scale review of traceability opportunities of the poultry sector. The Poultry Information System (PIS) could create a more perspicuous poultry sector, however, its extremely high need of administration is an obligation hard to put up with for the breeders. The means of bird marking, such as the use of leg bands, wing tags, nasal markers, and the individual marking with transponders, based on radio-frequency identification were developed in order to overcome the growing need of complying the rules of food safety. The most up to date mean of marking in the poultry sector is the RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology.
Phenotypic characterization of chicken inbred lines that differ extremely in growth, body composition and egg production traits
Zemelak Goraga, Mostafa Nassar, Gerd-Peter Schramm and Gudrun A. Brockmann
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 337-349 PDF
The development of phenotypically and genetically divergent inbred chicken lines as simplified genetic models facilitates the identification of genes and contributes to the elucidation of gene functions. In this study, we characterized a New Hampshire (NH) population with its partial inbred derivative, New Hampshire inbred (NHI), and a White Leghorn inbred line (WL77). Both NHI and WL77 lines were inbred after selection for high meat yield or low egg weight, respectively. The inbreeding levels in NHI and WL77 are about 86% and 100%, respectively. Animals of the NHI line grew twice as fast, were about two times as heavy at 20 weeks, and deposited 9.3 times as much fat as WL77. NHI females reached sexual maturity, indicated by age at first egg, earlier, had a 35% higher egg production ratio, and their eggs were on average 6 g heavier compared to WL77 females. The NHI and WL77 lines were extremely different for most traits, which makes them suitable for cross-bred experiments to map quantitative trait loci and identify genes contributing to the observed differences.
Effects of probiotic and phytogenic products on performance, gut morphology and cecal microflora of broiler chickens
Lidija Perić, Niko Milošević, Dragan Žikić, Siniša Bjedov, Dragoljub Cvetković, Siniša Markov, Michaela Mohnl and Tobias Steiner
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 350-359 PDF
The trial involved 684 Cobb 500 broiler chicks in order to investigate the effects of probiotics and phytogenic additives on performance, gut morphology and cecal microbial concentrations. Birds were assigned to three treatments: control feed, treatment with addition of probiotics in feed and water and treatment with addition of phytogenic blend in feed. The results showed a significant improvement (P<0.01) in body weight gain and a numerical, but non significant (P>0.05) improvement in feed conversion ratio by adding both probiotics and phytogenics in feed. There were no statistically significant differences among treatments regarding total aerobes, anaerobes, lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, enterococci, and Escherichia coli populations (P>0.05) in cecum of broilers. The gut morphology examination showed that probiotics had beneficial effect on jejunum morphology causing a significant (P<0.005) increase in villus height and villus surface area compared to other two groups. On the other hand, phytogenic additive had no effect (P>0.05) on villus height or villus surface area, but reduced the villus/crypt ratio (P<0.05), which may indicate that the improved production results in the group with added phytogenics are not directly connected with changes in gut integrity, but with other physiological mechanisms.
Growth rate of body weight and measurements in pheasants reared up to the 24th week of life (Short Communication)
Joanna Kuźniacka and Marek Adamski
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 360-367 PDF
The aim of the present research was to evaluate the growth rate of the weight and body measurements of pheasants reared up to the 24th week of life, fed with all-mash mixtures. In the 3rd, 8th, 12th , 16th, 20th and 24th week of life the birds were weighed individually and their body measurements were measured based on which the growth rate indices of the traits researched were calculated. It was found that the body weight of pheasants of both sexes was increasing with the bird age, however there were noted no significant differences of that trait between the 16th and the 20th and the 20th and the 24th week of rearing. As for all the evaluation dates, except or the 3rd week of rearing, sexual dimorphism of the body weight was clearly seen, which was significant (P≤0.05). Similarly as the weight, also the pheasant body measurements were increasing on successive rearing dates. Between the 20th and the 24th week of rearing no significant differences were recorded in most of the traits evaluated. Sexual dimorphism concerning the body measurements was found in birds starting from the 12th or the 16th week of life. The highest growth rate of the body weight and measurements was observed in pheasants up to the 8th week of rearing. The growth rate of all the body measurements was decreasing after the 16th week of rearing, which shows that the pheasant growth was completed.
Six novel coding SNPs of the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene and their associations with growth traits in bovine (Brief Report)
Yongzhen Huang, Enping Zhang, Zhuanjian Li, Jing Wang, Yongtao Huai, Liang Ma, Fuying Chen, Xianyong Lan, Chuzhao Lei, Juqiang Wang, Xingtang Fang and Hong Chen
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 368-371 PDF
Structural Features of the 5’ flanking region of the Yak (Bos grunniens) growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene (Brief Report)
Zhijie Ma, Jintao Xu, Jincheng Zhong, Quanlin Dou, Yonggang Sun and Yun Ma
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 372-376 PDF